Last Updated on April 24, 2023
Looking for the best dog food for your Siberian Husky? You are in the right place!
We believe that every dog breed has different dietary needs, and their diet contributes to their overall health and happiness.
As a responsible Husky owner, you have good reasons to know more about nutritious meals for your pet’s optimal health.
Keeping the dog’s age in mind, here’s our unbiased analysis and review of the best dog food brands for Siberian Huskies.
Quick Navigation
- 1 Top 5 best dog food for Siberian Husky
- 2 Top dog food brands for Siberian Huskies by stage
- 3 How to pick the best dog food for Siberian Husky
- 4 What kind of diet is best for a Siberian Husky?
- 5 Siberian Husky feeding chart
- 6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 7 The best dog treats for Siberian Huskies
- 8 What’s the best dog food for Siberian Huskies for you?
- 9 Reference
Top 5 best dog food for Siberian Husky
| Dog Food Recipes | Our Rating | |
| Best Overall | Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
|
5 |
|
Best for Siberian Husky puppies |
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
|
5 |
|
Best for Adult Siberian Huskies |
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Dry Dog Food
|
5 |
| Best for Senior Siberian Huskies | ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
|
5 |
| Best Budget Food for Siberian Huskies | ZiwiPeak Beef Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food
|
4.5 |
Top dog food brands for Siberian Huskies by stage
Huskies can be picky eaters due to the eating tendencies they’ve inherited from their ancestors, who preferred prey meat and berries.
That said, consider your dog’s age, weight, and health when choosing the best dog food for Huskies or when planning to make any changes to their current diet.
Thriving off protein and fat, a Siberian Husky should maintain a diet that includes quality sources of meat, vegetables, and fruit.
Whether your Siberian Husky is a puppy, adult, or senior, read our review of the best dog food brands below.
But did you know that this purebred can also behave during mealtime? Check out this video of Siberian Huskies having their food served by their owner.
Best puppy foods for Siberian Huskies
Siberian Husky puppies need dog food with high-protein content, minerals, omega fatty acids, and other ingredients that promote healthy growth for their body, brain, and immune system.
Read on to find out which food brands and recipes you can consider for your Siberian Husky puppy.
1. Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Debonded Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes
Type: Dry
Give your Husky puppy balanced and complete nutrition with this thoughtfully crafted dog food for all breed sizes.
It has omega fatty acids to promote and maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin, and natural ingredients filled with healthy fat, minerals, vitamins, fiber, and DHA.
Pros:
- The first ingredient is real deboned chicken
- With glucosamine and chondroitin for maintaining healthy joints and hips
- 76% of protein from animal sources and free from grains
Cons:
- Some dogs had allergies while on this diet, as per the reviews
- A few pet parents said their pets didn’t want to eat this formula
2. Orijen Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Flounder
Type: Dry
If you’re looking for biologically appropriate dog food with higher protein content, this one from Orijen must be it.
Packed with 85% animal ingredients, like cage-free eggs, wild-caught fish, and free-run turkey or chicken, your fido will get meals naturally rich in essential nutrients.
Pros:
- Free of gluten and grains
- Formulated with helpful bifidobacterium for healthy digestive system
- Made with quality ingredients, with the first five being raw or fresh
Cons:
- Some puppies do not like the taste
- A few owners reported that their dog got digestive problems, like diarrhea
3. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes
Type: Dry
This grain-free formula delivers highly digestible energy for your growing puppy’s nutritional needs with real salmon and salmon oil.
It also has natural antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and dried chicory root help with healthy digestion.
Amino acids bonded to minerals are easily absorbed. Made in the USA to AAFCO standards, this recipe from Taste of the Wild gives balanced nutrition with a fishy taste.
Pros:
- Infused with antioxidants from fruits and veggies for overall health
- Has omega fatty acids for luscious skin and coat
- Has probiotics for a healthy tummy
Cons:
- Reported to make some dogs smell bad, while others had a rash
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein
Type: Dry
This puppy-specific recipe has nutritious ingredients that support brain and eye development, healthy muscle growth, strong bones, healthy skin, and immune system health.
It contains no by-products, preservatives, or artificial flavors and has a great list of ingredients for one of the most affordable prices on the market. The protein and fat levels, however, are not as high as other brands.
Pros:
- Grain-free option for all breed sizes
- Formulated with antioxidants and essential vitamins for a healthy immune system
- Made with Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits
Cons:
- Some owners said that their dogs experienced diarrhea after transitioning to this diet
Best dog food for Siberian Husky adults
A Siberian Husky doesn’t usually consume large portions of food. But these are suitable foods for a dog that consumes smaller meals while keeping them energized to stay active.
1. Orijen Original Adult Dog Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Flounder
Type: Dry
If you and your dog are a fan of Orijen and are planning to switch to adult food, you can go with this.
The kibbles are coated with freeze-dried liver, and it’s a high-protein diet. 85% of this recipe comprises meat ingredients that are naturally rich in minerals, vitamins, and protein.
Pros:
- Omega fatty acids for healthy heart, skin, and immunity
- Grain- and gluten-free
- Suitable for large to small breeds
Cons:
- The kibble can be too big and too hard for small dogs
- Can cause on and off digestive issues, according to some reports
2. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes
Type: Dry
Looking for a dog food without any poultry? Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream recipe has your back, and it’s for all breed sizes!
It has amino acids for better absorption of nutrients, natural antioxidants, and novel proteins.
Pros:
- No fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- With powerful antioxidants for overall health
- Chicken-free option for Siberian Huskies with allergies or food sensitivities
Cons:
- Can cause softer and smellier poops in some dogs, as some pet owners claim
3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal
Type: Dry
With chicken and turkey as its animal protein sources, this formula is crafted to be a grain-free and balanced diet.
It encourages muscle tone and lean body mass, promotes whole-body health, and support healthy skin and coat.
Pros:
- Made without any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, fillers, wheat-gluten, soy, corn, or meat by-products
- Fortified with taurine, probiotics, omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, glucosamine, and antioxidants
- High-protein diet with a classic flavor minus the grains
Cons:
- According to reviews, this formula can cause gassy stomach and burping
4. Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal
Type: Dry
Crafted with premium quality proteins, this formula for all breed sizes offers complete and balanced nutrition without the grains.
It contains 100% fresh salmon, duck, trout, turkey, chicken, and herring meals. Plus, it’s suitable for senior dogs.
Pros:
- Omega fatty acids for healthy immunity against canine cancer
- Includes prebiotics for proper digestive functions
- No by-product meals, wheat, corn, soy, added growth hormones, and preservatives
Cons:
- Other pet parents didn’t like having the plant-based ingredients
- Some dogs aren’t a fan of this recipe
5. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Lamb, Oatmeal, Barley
Type: Dry
If you’re Siberian Husky requires a weight control dry dog food that’s suitable for his sensitive digestive system, try this.
Its protein source has lamb, which is easier to digest, and it’s also fortified with natural prebiotic fiber for immune and digestive support.
It also has zinc, vitamin A, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for your pet’s joints, coat, and skin.
Pros:
- Includes glucosamine for healthy cartilage
- Contains ingredients that are easy to digest
- An adult dog food suitable for all breed sizes
Cons:
- A few dogs who were on this diet gets gassy, while other canines wouldn’t even take a bite
- Some kibble bags were reported to be crumbly and dusty
6. ZiwiPeak Beef Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Kidney
Type: Air-Dried, Dehydrated
For a limited-ingredient diet, this pea-free and grain-free recipe from Ziwi is only sourced from grass-fed and free-range beef from New Zealand farms.
It’s also suitable for all breed sizes who want a natural formula without any GMO.
Pros:
- High in protein and taurine that gives your dog energy and promotes heart health
- No preservatives, rendered meals, glycerine, sugars, fillers, wheat, potatoes, soy, corn, grains, legumes, or peas
- The kibbles underwent air-drying that naturally eliminate, preserve and protect the nutrients from pathogenic bacteria
Cons:
- Some owners complained about the dog food being too dry and brittle
Best dog food for Siberian Husky seniors
As your Siberian Husky ages and becomes less active, a change in diet is required to accommodate a slowing metabolism. Choose from the list below for great senior-specific dog foods.
1. Orijen Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Atlantic Flounder
Type: Dry, Freeze-Dried
This recipe supports weight maintenance with a biologically appropriate diet filled with natural ingredients.
It contains 85% animal ingredients, so with a high-protein content of 38% and a comparably low 14% fat content, this is an ideal meal for senior Siberian Huskies.
Pros:
- Grain- and gluten-free formula for older dogs who needs help maintaining a healthy weight
- Coated with freeze-dried liver that makes the kibble tastier
- Has fruits and vegetables for essential vitamins and nutrients
Cons:
- Has high amount of legumes that can cause arthritis
- Reported to have a strong fish smell
2. Instinct Raw Boost Senior Recipe With Chicken
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken, Tapioca
Type: Dry, Freeze-Dried
For senior dogs who still need a high-protein content diet, try Nature’s Variety freeze-dried chicken recipe. It promotes eye and brain health with its natural DHA and strong, lean muscles.
Pros:
- Guaranteed levels of phosphorus and calcium for strong bones and teeth
- Has L-Carnitine to support healthy metabolism
- Supports joints and hips with naturally occurring chondroitin and glucosamine
Cons:
- A few owners said their dogs got sick after eating this diet, while others had diarrhea
How to pick the best dog food for Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are one of the dog breeds who tend to have food sensitivities, and choosing a proper diet for them is vital while keeping their life stage in mind.
It’s easy to say “look for a high-quality diet,” but what does that mean exactly?
What kind of diet is best for a Siberian Husky?
Each dog is different, so what’s best for one pet may not work for another. So your Husky’s diet should be based on her age, body weight, activity level or metabolism, and existing health conditions.
When choosing pet food, every owner should know their dog’s dietary or nutritional requirements, so they know what to check on the packaging’s label.
The first ingredient should always be meat protein. Look for 2 or 3 meat proteins like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb.
But did you know that there’s also plant protein? It can come from potatoes, peas, beans, and other greens. Still, your dog’s food is best to have minimal plant content with a healthy concentration of meat.
Calcium and phosphorus help ward off bone diseases such as arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Arthritis is common in older Siberian huskies, so select dog foods fortified with joint-health-improving supplements, such as chondroitin or glucosamine.
Omega-3 fatty acids help keep a Siberian Husky’s skin and coat healthy. Pet parents should also look for recipes with DHA, which supports brain and eye development in Siberian Husky puppies.
Chicken fat, canola oil, and flaxseed are all healthy fats that can increase calorie intake and additional health benefits.
As a powerful antioxidant, adding Vitamin E to their diet can help keep their beautiful coat and Siberian Husky colors healthy.
To keep your dog’s blood sugar steady, his diet should be low in carbs. A low-glycemic form of carbs, such as sweet potatoes, is a good alternative.
Siberian Huskies tend to skip meals, so if you can, feed them calorie-dense dog food with naturally occurring nutrients to be sure that they are getting the nourishment they need.
Huskies are usually lactose or gluten-intolerant, so you may need to avoid dairy products, including milk, skim milk powder, and whey.
Too much calcium in your dog’s diet or lack thereof can lead to serious orthopedic problems, like painful bone spurs.
Since Huskies have a reputation for being fussy eaters, they need to absorb every bit of nutrient in their food.
Recipes that contain live gut-friendly microorganisms can encourage a healthier digestive system for your pooch. It also allows for more effective absorption of nutrients.
These probiotics can also boost the functioning of the immune system.
Senior Huskies frequently develop high blood pressure, so it is wise to limit the amount of saturated fats in their diet.
What should I not feed my Siberian Husky?
Here are eight of the most controversial ingredients found in many popular dog foods and the possible health dangers to which each may be linked:
| Name | Use | Potential to cause |
| BHA | Preservative | Cancer |
| BHT | Preservative | Cancer |
| TBHQ | Preservative | Cancer |
| Menadione | Synthetic vitamin | Hemolytic anemia |
| Ethoxyquin | Preservative | Liver pigmentation |
| Artificial dyes | Colorant | Cancer |
| Propylene glycol | Moisturizer | Heinz body anemia |
| Generic ‘Meat’ | Unknown source | Food allergies |
Are grain-free diet options preferable for Siberian Huskies?
Grain-free dog food is not always the first choice when feeding canines, including the Siberian Husky. But there’s nothing wrong if you and your dog prefer it.
Whole grains like oats, barley, lentils, and brown rice are not harmful to Siberian Huskies.
But dogs, as carnivores, have little support in their digestive system for breaking down these grains, which can cause inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, and allergies.
One of the many benefits of a grain-free diet is that it can eliminate allergic reactions in canines such as vomiting, constipation, loose stool, frequent infections, and itching and licking of the skin.
If your pooch is prone to these symptoms, it’s better to consult your vet first to rule out any possible health disease before switching to a new formula.
Grain-free diets are usually more expensive. Others consider grains as “fillers” because they offer little nutritional value while increasing food consumption.
For reference, Honest Kitchen, Nutro Max, Taste of the Wild, and Wellness all offer great grain-free dog foods.
Choosing the best dog food for Huskies with health problems
Huskies are generally healthy, but they’re susceptible to some health issues, most commonly related to their eyes and hips.
Some of the eye problems this dog breed can suffer from are Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Corneal dystrophy, glaucoma, cataracts, and renal atrophy. In worse cases, a Siberian Husky can become blind.
Coldwater fish like salmon and sardines are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential in the health of eye cells for Huskies.
A diet containing antioxidants naturally occurring in blueberries and spinach helps Huskies’ eyes stay healthy.
Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, which protects the retina from free radical damage.
Adding eggs to your Husky diet can protect and maintain healthy eye cells. They contain lutein, zeaxanthin, and sulfur compounds that are particularly good to protect the eyes.
Hip dysplasia can be a problem for some Huskies, but large breed dogs like German Shepherds most often experience it. Prevent extra strain on your dog’s joints by maintaining healthy body weight.
You can also choose the best dog foods for Siberian Husky that contain chondroitin and glucosamine.
There’s also hypothyroidism, which causes skin problems and weight gain, so avoid large amounts of saturated fats. Then zinc responsive dermatosis happens due to zinc deficiency.
Best dog food for Sensitive Stomachs
There are specific lines of recipes made for canines who often deal with tummy problems and food sensitivities. This one may help decrease the risk of digestive issues.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal
Type: Dry
Specifically made for all breed sizes needing a diet for sensitive digestion, this formula from Hill’s for adult Huskies might be it.
Not only recommended by vets, but it’s also suitable for canines who suffer from skin allergies. With its abundant source of omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, it promotes a lustrous coat and healthy skin.
Pros:
- With beet pulp, a nourishing probiotic fiber for healthy digestion
- Crafted with natural ingredients, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins
- Made especially for dogs with sensitive stomach and skin
Cons:
- Some dogs don’t like this recipe and won’t eat it, while one owner said her fido gained weight
Should you give your Siberian Husky dry kibbles, wet food, raw diet, or homemade?
Although feeding your Husky commercial dry or wet food is less expensive, many dog owners have switched to or included raw food diets.
Its cost, however, differs depending on the ingredients used and the preparation.
It’s best to know the pros and cons of all types of dog food.
Dry dog food is cost-effective, easier to store, and reduces risks of bacteria, while canned food seems more palatable yet pricier. So it’s all about preference and what diet you can stick with for your dog.
Fruits and vegetables your Siberian Husky can and cannot eat
Fruits and veggies contain a lot of beneficial nutrients and minerals for dogs, but not everything. Here’s a list of human foods your pet can and can’t eat:
Yes, they can eat these!
- Apples
- Cranberries
- Cantaloupe
- Mango
- Cucumbers
- Pears
- Peaches
- Oranges
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Brussels Sprouts
- Celery
- Peas
- Spinach
No, they can’t eat these!
- Avocado
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Tomatoes
- Asparagus
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Macadamia nuts
- Garlic
Chocolate is also harmful as it contains theobromine, a known cardiac stimulant. Avoid feeding your dog anything containing large amounts of sugar or salt.
Meanwhile, fat trimmings contain high concentrations of unhealthy fats and can predispose your dog to the development of pancreatitis.
Cooked bones are a no-no, as they pose a risk of injuring the lining of your huskies stomach or intestines.
A homemade recipe you can try for your Siberian Husky
Here’s an easy crockpot recipe you can try for your pooch. This one contains 41% protein, 14% fiber, and 10% carbohydrates made with ground beef.
Ingredients:
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup peas, frozen or canned
1 1/2 cups carrots, chopped
1 1/2 cups butternut squash, chopped
1 1/2 cups brown rice
2 1/2 pounds ground beef
Directions:
- Stir all ingredients in a slow cooker with 4 cups of water.
- Cook on low heat for about 5 to 6 hours or 2 to 3 hours on high heat. Stir as needed.
- Let cool.
Siberian Husky feeding chart
Growing Siberian Husky puppies need more food than adults to help with the growth of muscles.
Portion control is essential for Siberian Huskies as they prefer to consume small meals. Foods that contain more calories in a single serving suit a Husky’s feeding habits.
Siberian Huskies have an efficient metabolism. A small amount of food can last them a long time. Depending on your dog’s activity levels, a typical Husky will eat 2 ½ cups of food a day.
You can maintain your dog’s weight by increasing food intake following active periods and decreasing during sedentary periods.
Husky puppies eat according to body weight. Senior Huskies are likely to be less active and will, on average, need 1000 calories per day.
The typical Adult Husky requires 1200 calories. Adult huskies can require up to 1700 calories per day when active or serving as a working dog.
Try to split up your dog’s meals across the day to encourage an efficient metabolism. If it is possible, try to feed your Husky three times daily.
Also Read: Siberian Husky Growth and Weight Chart
Transition: How to switch from puppy to adult dog food?
When transitioning between dog foods, most Husky owners begin switching their diet when their puppy has achieved about 90% of her adult growth.
Combine the puppy food with adult food and gradually increase the adult food over 3-7 days.
You can watch this video on how to switch dog food:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Siberian Huskies need supplements?
If living on a biologically appropriate diet, a Husky should not require additional supplements.
Naturally occurring supplements found in fresh foods are ideal for your Siberian Husky. Cartilage and omega oils found in animal products are essential for healthy skin and joints.
Do older Huskies need more protein or less?
Older Huskies require diets with higher levels of protein. It helps with the replacement of wasting muscle mass. Consider a senior-specific dog food with high protein content and a lower amount of calories.
Is it normal for Huskies to not eat?
When it comes to food, Siberian Huskies have a good memory. So if a specific recipe makes them sick or has been in their bowl for too long, they won’t eat it again. Plus, they can easily get bored from that recipe.
If you want to ensure that your Husky gets her calorie intake from a certain diet, go for a more creative approach. Add warm water to activate food scent particles, or add raw fat like peanut oil to entice her.
Just put a little, though, because fats are high in calories.
Dogs also tend to eat more after being active, so it’s normal if your Siberian dog skips a meal on lazy days.
The best dog treats for Siberian Huskies
Treats are used as motivators or rewards during training, but it’s best to ensure that they’re made of natural ingredients.
Choose a dog snack that’s a good protein source with low-fat content. Skip those packages with fat and sugar.
Consider rewarding your dog with Wellness soft puppy bites or American Journey’s training bits. Coconut, peanuts, cashews, and small amounts of honey can be healthy treats, too.
What’s the best dog food for Siberian Huskies for you?
Finding quality dog food for your Siberian Husky is a must if you want them to live an active and healthy life. Look for a protein-rich diet with the correct amount of fat and vitamins.
On its own, high-quality dog food will support any health concerns and keep your dog’s coat shiny.
As we mentioned, it should all depend on what your dog needs, her preference, and what works for you since you’re the one who’ll be purchasing it for your pet.
We recommend talking to your vet before choosing a new dog food. Let us know in the comments below which is the best dog food for Siberian Husky dogs made your top pick.
Reference
- https://cvm.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/BARD-flyer-Final.pdf
- https://petfood.aafco.org/Ingredients-Making-Pet-Food
Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.
When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.