From Puppies to Adults How Ava Dog Food Meets Every Canine s Needs
Best Dog Food For Siberian Huskies: Puppies, Adults, Seniors & Sensitive Stomachs
Siberian Huskies are intelligent, friendly, playful dogs that make excellent family members as long as you keep them active. Bred as working canines with exceptional endurance, Huskies are one of the most high-energy dog breeds in the world. And this makes meeting their dietary needs extremely important.
As with all dogs, Huskies have different nutritional requirements at various life stages. Weve done extensive research to give you our top dog food picks for Husky puppies, adults, and senior pups, as well as special dietary considerations for this amazingly unique breed.
At A Glance: Best Dog Food For Huskies
Note:All of the dog foods weve included in our reviews meet or exceed Association of American Feed Control Officials(AAFCO) nutritional guidelines, are made in the U.S., and contain no by-products, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Nutritional Needs For Siberian Huskies
Despite their appearance, Siberian Huskies (also affectionately called Sibes) are considered a medium-sized breed. (All that thick fur makes them look larger than they are.) Full-grown Huskies can reach up to 60 pounds, but some only weigh in at 35 pounds. Still, theyre extremely active, muscular dogs who require a diet rich in high-quality animal protein, fat, and complex carbohydratesto maintain muscle mass and provide them plenty of energy.
Active Huskies thrive on high-protein dog food with moderate to high levels of fat. They also do best with low to moderate levels of healthy carbs, like brown rice and sweet potatoes, and average calorie content. Huskies bodies are naturally programmed to burn calories efficiently and eat until they feel nutritionally satiated. This makes a high-quality diet without fillers, unnecessary carbs, artificial ingredients, and other empty calories even more important for Huskies. Otherwise, they can gain weight fairly easily on a low-quality diet.
Tip: Since the Husky body is so efficient, they usually dont require as many calories as other similar-sized breeds. When following a dog foods feeding chart, many Sibe experts advise feeding them on the lower end of the recommended range for your pups weight.
Like all dogs, Huskies also need a diet packed with canine-specific vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep their immune system strong. While this breed isnt plagued with a host of hereditary health problems, some do exist. But a high-quality, well-balanced food can help lower the risks and symptoms of common issues, including hip dysplasia, arthritis, a variety of eye conditions, and digestive problems.
Eye Health
Huskies are particularly prone to developing cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, and other eye problems. A high-quality diet typically contains many of the nutrients necessary for maintaining eye health and lowering the risks and symptoms of eye conditions.
These include omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, vitamin A, taurine, and antioxidants. Youll also want to look for the inclusion of the best whole foods for eye health, including carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, tomatoes, spinach, kale, broccoli, blueberries, cold-water fish, and eggs.
Zinc-Responsive Dermatitis
This breed is prone to a skin infection called zinc-responsive dermatitis. This usually occurs because Huskies bodies have difficulty absorbing zinc (even if their diet contains adequate amounts for most dogs). However, its even more prevalent if they dont get enough zinc in their diet. All AAFCO-compliant dog food includes a minimum of 120 mg/kg zinc as an essential mineral.
Signs include scabs and hair loss, especially around the ears, eyes, and muzzle. A diet high in omega fatty acids can help ease the effects of this skin infection if it arises (in addition to keeping your pups skin and coat healthy).When this infection flares up, your vet may recommend adding a zinc supplement to your dogs diet to clear up the symptoms.
Digestive Issues
Unfortunately, this breed is known for having a sensitive stomach, which can make finding an ideal diet challenging. Chicken, beef, dairy products, and wheat are the most common culprits of food intolerances in dogs, but preservatives, fillers, and other low-quality ingredients can also create digestive problems.
Weve included some limited-ingredient formulas in our reviews that may be good options if your Husky has a fragile tummy. We also review food specifically crafted for pups with sensitive stomachs.
Beyond Basic Ingredients
All dog food should include protein, carbs, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. But many of the most nutritious premium dog foods are fortified with additional ingredients that have major health benefits for your furry friend. Here are a few youll want to look for and how they support your pups health. For your convenience, weve listed these premium ingredients in our reviews.
- Fruits & vegetables: excellent natural sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support immune health
- Fish oil and/or flaxseed (omega-3 and 6 fatty acids): brain and eye development, skin and coat health, joint and immune support
- Glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate (often from chicken meal*): maintains healthy joints
- Prebiotics & probiotics: support digestion and a healthy level of good gut bacteria
- Taurine: supports cardiovascular, eye, and brain health, immune system function, and benefits many other body functions
- L-carnitine: an amino acid derivative that helps the metabolism of fats (particularly beneficial for older, less active dogs)
- Organ meats: excellent source of premium quality protein and fat as well as vitamins A, B, D, and E, copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc
- Chia seeds: rich in plant protein, fiber, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus
*A note about meat meal: Quality pet food brands often use meat meal in their recipes, which can be a very healthy source of protein for your pup (as long as the meat is named, e.g., chicken meal, lamb meal, etc.). A meal can be made from the meat, tissue, organ meat, bone, stomach, and intestines of the named animal. But meal doesnt include by-products like hair, feathers, beaks, heads, blood, hooves, hide trimmings, etc.
Best Food For Husky Puppies
According to AAFCO guidelines, puppy food should include a minimum of 22% protein and a minimum of 8% fat, regardless of breed.But Husky puppies are extremely active, so they usually benefit from higher protein and fat content than these minimums. You can give your Sibe puppy a formula geared toward medium or large breeds. Youll also need to keep your Husky on puppy food until hes nearly fully grown, around 12-14 months.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Food Review (Grain-Inclusive)
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
Give your little furball a healthy start with this Blue Buffalo premium puppy food. This high-protein formula features real chicken as the first ingredient (a sign of high-quality food) and complex carbohydrates from wholesome grains to give your puppy powerhouse plenty of fuel.
It also includes Blue Buffalos antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, and cranberries. All ingredients provide your puppy excellent nutrition for his growing bones and muscles and brain, eye, organ, etc., development.
- First 5 ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, dried chicken, oatmeal, and barley
- Formula highlights: high-protein, omega fatty acids, DHA & ARA (from fish oil & flaxseed), taurine, glucosamine, prebiotics, and probiotics
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 36% (min); crude fat 16% (min); crude fiber 5% (max)
- Calories: 433 kcal/cup
Price
Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Food Review (Grain-Free)
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
Taste of the Wilds High Prairie puppy formula is a fantastic choice if your puppy has already started showing signs of food sensitivities. Its crafted with novel proteins such as water buffalo, roasted bison, and roasted venison with no corn, wheat, or soy. Instead of grains, this food contains sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, peas, and other complex carbs. Other noteworthy whole ingredients, like tomatoes, blueberries, and raspberries give this recipe a natural multi-vitamin boost for your energetic Sibe baby.
- First 5 ingredients: water buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, and garbanzo beans
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids, DHA (from salmon oil & flaxseed), taurine, prebiotics, and probiotics
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 28% (min); crude fat 17% (min); crude fiber 5% (max)
- Calories: 415 kcal/cup
Price
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Review (Grain-Inclusive)
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
If youre looking forhigh-quality but budget-friendly puppy food, we highly recommend this Diamond Naturals recipe. Featuring pasture-raised lamb as the first ingredient and easy-to-digest wholesome grains (no wheat, corn, or soy), this is another formula thats a great option for sensitive stomachs.Its packed with a wealth of nutritious ingredients for your growing puppys whole-body health and development, including spinach, kale, carrots, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, coconut, and more.
- First 5 ingredients: lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and grain sorghum
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids & DHA (from salmon oil & flaxseed), chia seeds, taurine, prebiotics, probiotics, and L-carnitine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 27% (min); crude fat 15% (min); crude fiber 3.5% (max)
- Calories: 414 kcal/cup
Price
Now Fresh Puppy Recipe Review (Grain-Free)
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
Although on the pricey side, this Now Fresh puppy food is entirely free of any chicken products, which can be hard to find. (Chicken is a common cause of food sensitivities.) Crafted for easy digestion, this gluten and grain-free formulas protein sources are de-boned turkey, salmon, and duck. And it includes tummy-friendly carbs, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, lentils, and peas.
What else makes this food worth the added cost? Its packed with over a dozen superfood fruits and veggies, such as carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries, papayas, and bananas, just to name a few. And Now Fresh cooks all fresh, whole ingredients only once at a low temperature to preserve nutrients and flavor.
- First 5 ingredients: de-boned turkey, peas, potatoes, whole dried egg, and potato flour
- Formula highlights: no chicken products, omega fatty acids, DHA & EPA (from salmon & flaxseed), taurine, prebiotics, and probiotics
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 28% (min); crude fat 18% (min); crude fiber 3.5% (max)
- Calories: 414 kcal/cup
Price
Best Adult Dog Food For Huskies
Sibes shouldslowly transition to adult food around 12 to 14 months of ageonce theyve finished most of their growth. AAFCO guidelines recommend a minimum of 18% protein and a minimum of 5% fat for all adult dogs, regardless of size or breed. However, higher protein and fat levels help fuel Huskies high-energy levels and keep their muscle mass healthy.
The Farmers Dog Review (Grain-Free)
Visit Website
Want to give your Sibe some of the healthiest dog food possible? Look no further than The Farmers Dog, which offersfresh, human-grade meals using whole-food animal protein, vegetables, and fruits. Every recipe includes limited ingredients fortified with an ideal blend of vitamins and minerals for your pups optimal health. Another major benefit for you and your dog is that they pre-portion and personalize all recipes.All you have to do is fill out a brief survey, which includes your dogs age, breed, current weight, body shape, and whether he has any health conditions.
They offer grain-free beef, chicken, pork, and turkey recipes developed by board-certified American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) nutritionists and flash-frozen to preserve nutrients and freshness.Although The Farmers Dog requires a subscription, you can cancel anytime. Each recipe includes different ingredients, but heres their turkey formula.
- First 5 ingredients: USDA turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, and spinach
- Formula highlights: human-grade & whole-food ingredients, fish oil, and taurine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 38% (min); crude fat 26% (min); crude fiber 2% (max)
- Calories: not available
Price
Our readers have access to50% off your first box.No code is needed;just usethis link,and the discount will be applied! You can also visit ourdedicated The Farmers Dog coupons page.
- Starting at $2/day for small dogs, butvariesbased on each dogs weight, age, and other factors (e.g., $51.74/week for mixed-breed male, one-year-old, 38 pounds, healthy size, neutered, no health problems, or allergies)
Full Review Of The Farmers Dog
Open Farm RawMix Wild Ocean Ancient Grains Review
Visit Website
Open Farm is one of ourtop-choice brands due to its superior ethical and sustainable practices(on top of quality food ingredients).This high-protein RawMix formula is an excellent option for Huskies, especially those with tummy troubles. It features kibble coated with bone-broth and freeze-dried raw fish mixed with freeze-dried fish chunks for a major protein and flavor boost. Easy-to-digest wholesome grains and a wealth of superfood fruits and veggies, many of which are organic and fantastic for eye health, also support your pups whole-body health.
All of Open Farms pet food is formulated by a team of animal nutrition experts and made in a facility thats regularly audited by the USDA, the FDA, and AIB International toensure strict food safety practices. And every batch of their food istested by an independent third-party lab. While their puppy and dog food is pricey, we think their many formulas are among your best choices for commercial kibble.
- First 5 ingredients: ocean whitefish, menhaden fish meal, barley, brown rice, and herring meal
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids & DHA (from real fish, salmon oil & flaxseed), glucosamine, and taurine, and natural prebiotic (dried chicory root)
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 31% (min); crude fat 14% (min); crude fiber 4.5% (max)
- Calories: 4,016 Kcals/kg
Price
You can save 5% off every order if you sign up for auto-shipping with Open Farm.
- Starting at:$26.99 (3.5-lb bag)
Full Review Of Open Farm
Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Medium & Maxi Adult
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
This gluten-free and non-GMO adult dog food features 60% quality animal ingredients (lamb and herring) and limited carbs (20%) from organic spelt and organic oats. The remaining content is dried vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, blueberries, spinach, oranges, beet pulp, and more.
Farmina also uses a special food-preparation process that coats the kibble with food vitamins after cooking so theyre as fresh and nutritious as possible. Its an excellent recipe for immune, eye, brain, joint, skin, and coat health as well as for easy digestion.
- First 5 ingredients: lamb, dehydrated lamb, whole spelt, whole oats, and dried whole eggs
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids, DHA & EPA (from real fish & fish oil), taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and L-carnitine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 28% (min); crude fat 18% (min); crude fiber 2.9% (max)
- Calories: 394 kcal/cup
Price
ACANA Wild Atlantic Review (Grain-Free)
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
If youre looking for a grain-free fish recipe thats also entirely chicken-free, ACANAs Wild Atlantic freeze-dried coated formula is a fantastic nutrient-dense option crafted for sensitive stomachs. This protein-packed food boasts real fish as the first five ingredients and includes healthy complex carbs such as chickpeas, lentils, pinto beans, and peas. Its also full of nutritious, high-fiber fresh veggies and fruits, including whole pumpkin, collard greens, carrots, butternut squash, apples, and pears.
- First 5 ingredients: whole mackerel, whole herring, whole redfish, silver hake, and mackerel meal
- Formula highlights: no chicken products, omega fatty acids, DHA & EPA (from real fish and fish oil), glucosamine, prebiotics, and probiotics
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 33% (min); crude fat 17% (min); crude fiber 6% (max)
- Calories: 392 kcal/cup
Price
Best Senior Dog Food For Huskies
Siberian Huskies are considered seniors around seven or eight years old. But when to switch to a senior dog food depends on your pups activity level and overall health. Generally, its a good idea to make the transition once a Sibe slows down, but check with your vet to make sure its the right time for your furry friends specific situation.
Because senior dogs arent as active, they require fewer calories and fat content so they wont gain weight. They also benefit from omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin to help aging joints as well as plenty of antioxidants and other nutrients to boost their weakening immune systems.
Nulo Freestyle Senior Review (Grain-Free)
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
Nulo Freestyles Senior formula is lower in fat than many regular adult dog foods, but its still high in animal protein to support your Huskies energy and muscle mass, particularly if hes still fairly active. This grain-free recipe, featuringdeboned trout as the first ingredient,is an excellent option if your pup has a sensitive stomach.
Its chock full of easy-to-digest legumes, fruits, and vegetables, including lentils, tomatoes, carrots, blueberries, and apples. This formula also provides special ingredients that aging pups need for immune, metabolic, digestive, and joint health.
- First 5 ingredients: deboned trout, turkey meal, salmon meal, yellow peas, and sweet potato
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids (from real fish), glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, probiotics, and L-carnitine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 30% (min); crude fat 12% (min); crude fiber 5% (max)
- Calories: 396 kcal/cup
Price
Full Nulo Review
Diamond Naturals Senior Review (Grain-Inclusive)
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
A super healthy and affordable formula from Diamond Naturals, this senior dog food is ideal for Huskies who have slowed down a bit in their golden years. It features fewer calories and less fat but still plenty of protein. Made with real,cage-free chicken, easy-to-digest whole grains, and plenty of antioxidant-rich real fruits and vegetables (which are ideal for eye health), you can feel good about giving your Sibe a premium diet while saving some money.
- First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and ground white rice
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids (from flaxseed), chia seeds, taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, probiotics, and L-carnitine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 25% (min); crude fat 11% (min); crude fiber 3% (max)
- Calories: 347 kcal/cup
Price
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Large Breed Review (Grain-Inclusive)
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
Another reasonably-priced premium dog food, this Blue Buffalo recipe is formulated for the nutritional needs of older dogs who arent nearly as active as they used to be. It contains fewer calories, and less fat and protein content than our other top picks here, making it afantastic weight-management food for less-active Huskies.
Real chicken, wholesome grains, fruits, veggies, Blue Buffalos LifeSource Bits, and other special ingredients provide your pup with the optimal nutrition to help maintain eye health,fight off diseases, and support his mobilityas his body ages.
- First 5 ingredients:deboned chicken, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, and chicken meal
- Formula highlights:omega fatty acids (from fish oil and flaxseed), taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, probiotics, and L-carnitine
- Guaranteed analysis:crude protein 18% (min); crude fat 10% (min); crude fiber 7% (max)
- Calories:342 kcal/cup
Price
Best Dog Food For Huskies With Sensitive Stomachs
Sibes are notorious for having sensitive stomachs and digestive issues. If your furry friend suffers from tummy problems, heres a top-rated dog food that may help. And see our article on the best dog food for sensitive stomachs. You may also want togive your pup a dailyprobiotic supplement formulated for dogs,which can help with gut problems.
If you suspect your Husky has a food intolerance or allergy, you may want to consider anat-home dog allergy testto uncover the source of his stomach problems. You send a saliva or hair sample to the companys lab and get results within a few weeks. You can thenshare these results with your vet to help further narrow down possible causes.
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Review (Grain-Inclusive)
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
This easy-to-digest dog food comeshighly recommended by many veterinarians(and satisfied pup owners).It contains real animal protein as the first ingredient and tummy-friendly grains, such as oatmeal, barley, and rice. With no corn, wheat, soy,or artificial ingredients and included probiotics for gut health, this formula could be the ideal solution if youve tried many different foods without success.
Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach also comes insmall and large breed formulas, as well as canned wet food if thats what your pup prefers. Regular adult dog food is available in salmon, lamb, and turkey. Heres the breakdown for their adult salmon and rice recipe, which gets the best customer reviews from this line.
- First 5 ingredients: salmon, barley, rice, oatmeal, and canola meal
- Formula highlights: omega fatty acids (from real salmon and fish oil), glucosamine, prebiotics, and probiotics
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 26% (min); crude fat 16% (min); crude fiber 4% (max)
- Calories: 467 kcal/cup
Price
Should I Consider A Hip & Joint Supplement?
Since Siberian Huskies are at a higher risk for developing hip dysplasia and arthritis, you may want to consider adding a daily joint supplement to your furry friends diet. Thebest dog joint supplementsmay help reduce the symptoms and severity of these inherited health problems. As with all supplements, you should first get your vets approval.
Tagged With: Comparison, Food Delivery