Best Dog Food for a Husky

It can be tough to decide what the best food is for your husky. You want to make sure you are getting quality ingredients and a food that will meet all of their needs, but there are so many choices out there!

There's a lot of junk out there, and if you're not careful, you could end up feeding your husky something that isn't good for them. Make sure you do your research before making a decision to ensure they have all the protein and nutrients needed to thrive.

This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing the best dog food for huskies, from what to look for in a quality food to personal reviews from my husky Nitotem (Cree word for 'my buddy'), who has tried all of the foods on the list.

First a quick note: this website is reader-supported. I spend a lot of time personally evaluating, testing and reviewing each product on this list along with the help of my wolf-dog companion. When you buy through links on our site, I may earn an affiliate commission. This helps keep him fed and happy as well.

9 Best Dog Foods for Huskies

 

1. Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Nature's Evolutionary Diet with Chicken

I noticed Blue Buffalo's new Nature's Evolutionary Diet product lineup last year and decided to try it for Nitotem (my husky). What I really appreciate is that meat is the star ingredient in this product. You'll find chicken as the first three ingredients.

Unlike many conventional dog foods that use corn, wheat, or soy as fillers, this one is packed with wholesome whole grains that provide those much-needed carbohydrates for energy.

I've found that these grains provide a well-balanced source of energy, without the common digestive problems often associated with less premium, grain-based foods.

In terms of the results, since making the switch, I noticed a significant improvement in Nitotem's energy levels and overall well-being. His coat, for instance, is shinier then before and feels softer to the touch.

Apart from that, the high protein content seems to keep him satiated for longer periods, making this an excellent choice for maintaining a healthy weight. As I'm sure you know, huskies are crazy for food. So anything that slows down his appetite is a welcome sign.

Key Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, dried chicken, oatmeal, barley.

Yes, it might be a little pricier as compared to other brands out there, but considering the premium ingredients and the visible improvements, I believe it's worth every penny.

If you're a dog owner looking for a dependable, well-rounded chicken-based kibble, I'd highly recommend it.

2. Best Topper For Huskies: Bluebird Provisions Grass Fed Beef Bone Broth

Having incorporated the bone broth into my dog's diet, I can confidently say it helps him eat more. One of my dogs, Atlas, is the pickiest eater in the world. He stares at his food, then stares at me in disappointment.

Once I started giving him this beef bone broth as a meal topper, things changed. The roundness of the flavor really does it for him. Now he devours his meals with reckless abandon.

The best part is that you only need about 1 tsp per meal. The 7 oz pouch goes a long way and is great value.

I appreciate the fact that the broth is made from 100% grass-fed beef bones - it's not only delicious but also a great source of muscle building protein and joint building collagen.

It is 94% protein with no nasty filler ingredients. The brand has substantiated their commitment to quality by sourcing from non-gmo farms, ensuring that they are free from antibiotics, hormones and GMOs.

I noticed a significant improvement in Atlas's digestion and joint health after a couple of weeks. He isn't as creaky in the mornings anymore and has more zest for life.

Buy from Bluebird Provisions or...

3. Best Wet Food for Huskies: Purina ONE True Instinct Real Beef and Bison

As far as beef based wet dog food goes, Purina One is the best and it is not even close. There's no animal by-products, no fillers, wheat, corn or soy.

The combination of beef and bison not only offers variety to a primarily meat-based diet but also provides an optimal protein source. It's comforting knowing that low-grade meat isn't being served to my boys.

Key Ingredients: Beef, chicken, beef and chicken broth, liver, pork lungs.

These are all meat based ingredients with no junk!

The high protein content has noticeably enhanced my dog's energy levels and overall health - a significant plus being a data-driven dog parent!

This has to be the most palatable wet dog food on the market because I haven't seen my dogs go crazier for anything else since they found salmon carcasses on a riverbed during a hike.

Purina is made in the USA and comes at a better price than a lot of the competition. Give it a tray as a complement to your existing food and see for yourself.

4. Best Food For Husky Puppy: Victor Grain Free Active Dog and Puppy Food

I was surprised at how well my husky did with Victor Grain Free Active food, but only because I had not heard of the brand until I did some research.

If you're looking for a higher protein and fat option then this is it. There's 33% protein and 16% fat, which is in line with the meat centric diets that huskies evolved on. The beauty of high protein is that is keeps them satiated and full longer than carb heavy kibbles.

There's also omega 3 fats for fighting inflammation and giving them that shiny coat.

Key Ingredients: Beef meal, peas, sweet potato, chicken fat, menhaden fish meal.

With Victor, I noticed improvements in Nitotem's coat, itchiness and energy levels. He's sensitive to a lot of ingredients due to him being sick before I rescued him.

The grain free and limited ingredients seem to work well with his delicate system. It's hard for me to tell whether the probiotics are helping his gut or if it is the limited ingredients. Either way, I am thrilled to have Victor as a high protein option.

5. Taste of the Wild Dry Pacific Stream with Salmon

My experience with Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is nothing short of impressive.

As a husky owner, I'm always on the lookout for high-quality, nutritious, and tasty options for my pet and this product ticks all those boxes.

Its main protein source is fish, with salmon and ocean fish meal as the first two ingredients followed by sweet potatoes, potatoes and peas.

The protein and carb sources have been a game-changer for my active husky with a sensitive stomach. He absolutely savors the smoky salmon flavor and has endless energy from its high protein content and additional vitamins and minerals derived from superfoods.

Also, as its grain-free, it perfectly caters to his food sensitivities. Although the price may be steep for some pet owners, the advantages it offers in terms of nutrition and taste make it worth every penny.

Nitotem's overall health and vibrant energy speak for itself. You'll be glad if you choose Taste of The Wild.

6. Open Farm Grass Fed Beef and Ancient Grains

I've used Open Farm Grass Fed Beef and Ancient Grains for two of my dogs over a few months now. What strikes me the most is the premium quality of this product.

It's brimming with humanely raised grass-fed beef, which, as data shows, is higher in omega 3s that grain fed beef (1). Omega 3s are incredibly important for coat health, brain development, joint health and reducing inflammation.

My dogs just can't seem to get enough of it! I also appreciate the fact that the recipe includes organic, non-GMO fruits and veggies – from pumpkin seeds to coconut oil.

These ingredients are essential for providing dietary fiber and enriching the meals with valuable vitamins. The addition of ancient grains, such as quinoa and chia seeds, further solidifies my trust in the nutritional balance of this product, with each serving enriching your dog's diet with ample fiber, protein and Omega-3 fatty acids.

But above all, the fact that these ingredients come from humanely raised animals with 100% ingredient transparency is amazing. They source from USA farms and make in the USA.

When it comes to ingredient quality, you can't do any better than Open Farm.

7. Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal and Rice Formula

Diamond Naturals is made from high-quality protein from pasture-raised lamb and real fruits and vegetables, which offers great variety from the usual chicken kibbles.

One of the things I love about this dog food is that it's not just about meat, it's also filled with vitamins and minerals from superfoods like kale, blueberries, and coconut, which contributes to the overall health of your dog.

When I tested Diamond Naturals, both of my dogs loved the taste of lamb and had no digestive issues transitioning.

Key Ingredients: Lamb meal, white rice, barley, sorghum, eggs

There's no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives are used, making it a natural lamb-based option with grains. I also appreciate that Diamond is not just focused on feeding but also on the overall health and well-being of dogs, taking into account things like skin and coat health and weight management.

This formula incorporates a proprietary probiotic strain for gut health and digestion. If your husky has digestive issues and does not do well on chicken or beef, why not give lamb a try?

8. Merrick Grain Free Wet Dog Food Real Chicken Recipe

The key things you need to look out for in wet dog foods are protein and fat content. Many of them are low in protein with 2-5%, this is bogus and not what huskies need for their active lifestyle.

I always aim for 7-9% protein in a wet food. Merrick really hits the mark here with 9% protein in a formula that is made with 96% animal sourced ingredients.

Key Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg

I also like that there is chicken liver as these are nature's multivitamins!

I started adding Merrick to Atlas's dishes to get him more excited at mealtimes. He is a bit on the picky side, so we always need to spice things up for him. He loves the chicken taste!

The best part is watching him devour his meals with such enthusiasm as he licks his lips when he's done.

One of the reasons I decided to try Merrick was due to its grain-free composition, as Atlas tends to have a sensitive stomach.

Seeing the real pieces of vegetables and fruits in the food mix reaffirms to me that no artificial preservatives or fillers are present. Moreover, the food has been formulated to provide a balanced diet for all life stages, which gives me confidence that my dog is ingesting all the necessary nutrients he needs.

9. GO! SOLUTIONS Skin + Coat Care - Dry Dog Food

As a long-time dog owner, I've been through numerous dog food brands, trying to find that perfect balance between my two dog's nutritional needs and their finicky appetite.

Both of my dogs have sensitive digestive systems. Atlas goes poo 5 times a day and Nitotem itches himself to sores. Ideally, my wife and I wanted to find a kibble that worked well for both of them for convenience sake. Who wants to buy 5 different brands right?

I figured out that salmon seemed to do well for both of them as well as grains but otherwise limited ingredients.

When I stumbled upon GO!, I was initially skeptical. However, after feeding it to both dogs for the past couple of years, I am genuinely impressed.

This product has truly lived up to its promises and the difference in my dog's skin and coat condition has been quite remarkable.

Atlas now goes poo just 2-3 times per day and Nitotem is no longer itchy. Both of their coats are glossy and shiny.

Key Ingredients: Salmon Meal, oatmeal, potatoes, whole oats, de-boned salmon

One feature I appreciate is that it's loaded with premium-quality salmon as its primary ingredient. With the additional nutrients like omega 3, antioxidants and probiotics, I also noticed a significant boost in both canine's overall energy and disposition.

If you want a kibble you can trust for years, give GO! a try.

9. Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Chicken Recipe

The first thing that struck me with Hill's Science was the simplicity and quality of the ingredients, with chicken being the main protein source.

I loved the fact that it was not just about resolving the sensitivity issues, but also about promoting my husky's skin health.

I found it reassuring that artificial colors, preservatives or flavors were nowhere to be found, and only high-quality ingredients are listed.

As for results, Atlas's sensitive stomach issues are much better and his skin cleared up as well a few months after we made the switch.

Key Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, yellow peas, barley, brown rice.

I appreciate that Hill's Science adds extra vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, which are excellent for promoting a shiny coat and healthy skin. Vitamin E in particular is a powerful antioxidant which his great for reducing inflammation.

If your husky or any northern breed ever has some food sensitivities or digestive issues, I would give this a try. They do have it in a few different flavors if your dog is sensitive to chicken.

The point is the formula and limited ingredients, not necessarily the protein source.

Diet and Nutritional Needs for Siberian Huskies

Huskies have unique diet and nutritional needs with specific focus on protein, fat, omega 3s, allergies, carbs, vitamin and mineral needs.

Let's get into each of these below.

1. Protein Content

Huskies, given their energetic nature and active lifestyle, require a high-protein diet to sustain their lean muscle mass and energy levels.

Research on endurance huskies determined that these dogs need between 24 and 32 percent protein to maintain a healthy red blood cell volume.

Reliable sources for these proteins could range from whole meat, primary fish and other grassland animals. Therefore, it is imperative to consider that two sources of animal protein should feature in the first three ingredients of a Husky's food.

While the AAFCO mandates a minimum protein content of 18%, huskies need more than this.

2. Fat Content

Huskies are incredible fat burners and need higher fat diets to sustain their energy demands. While the AAFCO requires a minimum of 8%, I like to see at least 12% fat in a diet.

This is important because the fat aids in supporting their active lifestyle and replenishing the extensive caloric expenditure, particularly for those doing lots of walking, running, hiking, etc.

Working huskies will need more while at home dogs need less. These fats also contribute to a healthy skin and coat.

3. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fats are incredibly important to huskies because they help to reduce inflammation, build strong joints to withstand all the impact, help with brain development and eye health.

Salmon based foods are always going to have higher omega 3s than other protein sources, but many pet food brands add extra omega 3s to make up for this. Some brands even list the percentage on the guaranteed analysis.

So, how much do they need? I like to look for at least 0.75% omega 3 fats.

4. Activity Level

How active is your husky? Are they a working sled dog or just going for walks? This will help you determine how much or little to feed them and also how high you need to go in terms of protein, amino acids and fat.

5. Food Allergies

Like all dogs, some huskies can be allergic to certain things. My husky Nitotem, is allergic to many animal based proteins along with corn and soy. This is why we generally stick to salmon based meals for him.

It takes some trial and error to figure out what your dog may be sensitive to. If in doubt, you can always check with your vet to get them tested for certain things. There are also at-home allergy test kits you can get too.

I used the 5Strands at home pet tolerance test. It was super convenient to get everything mailed to our home and not have to spend lots of money at the vet.

6. Carbohydrate Needs

I'm guessing you already know that huskies are incredibly active and need lots of calories. But they do also need carbs to the tune of around 30% of their overall diet.

You don't really need to overthink it, but complex carbohydrates are a good choice because they take longer to break down and convert into energy and generally have more vitamins and minerals than simple carbs (white rice).

7. Vitamin and Mineral Needs

A husky's diet should be rich in specific vitamins and minerals to promote optimal health and support their active lifestyle. Some vitamins to look for include the following:

• Vitamin A, found naturally in some ingredients such as berries, is important for maintaining healthy eyesight, skin, and immune system.
• Vitamin B12 plays a key role in brain function and creating new red blood cells.
• Vitamin D aids in regulating calcium and phosphorus levels, which is crucial for bone health. Huskies require these vitamins to keep their eyesight sharp, their minds alert, and their bones strong for as long as possible.

When it comes to minerals, huskies need the following in their food:

1. Calcium, found abundantly in milk products and fish meal, is necessary for strong bones and teeth
2. Iron, acquired mostly from meat, ensures efficient oxygen transport to tissues and organs.
3. Zinc, found in proteins, contributes to a strong immune system and metabolism.
4. Phosphorus, present in proteins, works in combination with calcium to maintain bone health.

You also want to look for omega 3 fatty acids for brain development, that shiny coat and to reduce inflammation around joints when they are running around.

Curious about keeping your dog hydrated? Read my guide to hydration for dogs to learn more.

Dog Food Ingredients to AVOID for your Husky

Some common ingredients you need to avoid in pet food for your husk are BHA and BHT, ethoxyquin, propylene glycol, artificial colors, flavors, corn, wheat, soy, meat by-products and rendered animal fats.

I'll quickly explain each. But don't worry, none of the brands on my list above have these things in them.

1. BHA and BHT

BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) are chemicas that are commonly used in pet food as preservatives to prevent fats and oils from going rancid and to preserve their color, odor and taste.

They have significant connections to serious conditions like cancer, thyroid problems and liver toxicity.

2. Ethoxyquin

Ethoxyquin is a synthetic preservative used in many popular pet foods to extend shelf life and prevent ingredients from spoiling. It is often controversial due to its potential health effects on pets, specifically linked to liver pigmentation.

3. Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a synthetic food additive that is used widely in the pet food industry, primarily as a moisturizer to help prevent food from drying out and to maintain texture.

Despite having been approved by the FDA for use in dog food, it's not without its controversies. It has been found to potentially lead to Heinz body anemia in dogs - a condition where the dog's body attacks its own red blood cells.

4. Artificial Colors and Flavors

Artificial colors and flavors in pet food are synthetic additives used to enhance the visual appearance and taste of the food. Unfortunately, these additives can have harmful health effects on pets.

Artificial colors, such as Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Blue 2, are often added to make the food visually appealing, but they have been linked to allergies and cancer.

5. Corn, Wheat, and Soy

Corn, wheat and soy are things that some dogs are sensitive to and some are not. This is a tricky one that you will need to test yourself to see if your canine is sensitive to or not.

6. Meat By-Products

Meat by-products in pet food refer to the non-rendered, clean parts, other than meat that is made from slaughtered animals. These facilities try to use the whole animal (which is great).

They can include organs such as livers, kidneys, brains, and lungs, as well as bone, blood and stomach contents. While these ingredients may initially seem objectionable, they can often provide pets with nutrients that lean meat alone cannot.

The issue is that the term "meat by-products" can be problematic, as the type and quality of these ingredients can vary widely between different producers. If you are using a liver then why not label is as 'liver' like many other brands do?

It tells me they are hiding something and best to avoid.

7. Rendered Animal Fats

Rendered animal fats in pet food are usually made from animal or chicken fat that has been cooked at high temperatures. This process can create toxins and carcinogens which may pose health risks to your pet.

Types of Dog Food for Huskies

The main types of pet food your will find for huskies are dry food (kibble), raw food and wet food. I'll quickly explain each below.

1. Dry Food refers to kibble but you also see dehydrated options like bone broth popping up, which are also considered dry.
2. Raw Food is food that is raw and needs to be stored in the fridge or freezer. While this is not all that convenient, it is the the closest thing you will get to their evolutionary diet.
3. Wet Food is anything that comes with wet ingredients. These are usually canned or in plastic dishes that need to be refrigerated after opening. Many of the wet products you see have meat and broth along with vegetables. These make for great toppers or complements to kibbles.

My Criteria for Choosing Husky Dog Food

My criteria for selecting the best husky dog food brands includes looking the quality of ingredients, USA made, cost and testing with my husky Nitotem.

Quality of Ingredients

Quality of ingredients comes down to what is in it and what is not in it. I like to see a few things:

1. Animal protein as the first and second ingredients (ex chicken, beef, lamb, salmon ,etc)
2. Omega 3 sources like fish oil
3. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
4. No animal by-products
5. No corn or soy

Made in the USA or Not

Made and sourced in the USA gives you a basic level of trust that the product passes some basic quality assurance tests because of the laws we have here. My general rule of thumb is that you can also trust products that are sourced and made in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Western Europe.

That being said, brands play tricks to skirt around this. You'll see many of them preach that they are made in the USA with 'the world's finest ingredients.' That is translation for 'packaged in the USA, but we import ingredients from Asia.'

I have nothing against Asian sourced ingredients, I just know that they do not undergo the same rigorous quality testing that the other countries listed above do.

Cost

Cost always comes into the equation because... we don't have unlimited budgets to spend on our beloved pooch friends. I did my best to list a few different options for different budgets on the list.

It is always a good idea to buy in bulk and use the 'subscribe and save' option to save an extra 10% on your recurring orders.

Testing on My Husky: Nitotem

The most important measure I use that other product reviews do not is that I actually have a husky named Nitotem. He is a beautiful rescue from a First Nations reserve in Northern Saskatchewan (Canada).

He was found by a lovely women but he was in rough shape. He was in a dumpster with severe lacerations to his ear and neck and also had parvovirus. He should not be alive but she rescued him and nursed him back to life.

Because of his struggles, he is incredibly sensitive to certain ingredient and his system does not agree with most dog food options. For this reason, only the highest quality foods pass the Nitotem test.

If something has garbage ingredients in it, we'll both know because he will get itchy after a few days.

How much food should a Husky puppy eat?

A Husky puppy's food requirement varies as they grow and is also influenced by their activity level. Here are some general guidelines based on age:

 

Are there any supplements that can benefit a Husky's diet?

Huskies can benefit from the following supplements: omega 3 fats, bone broth, glucosamine and chondroitin.

1. Omega 3s are fantastic for brain health, coat health and reducing inflammation. These are often added to some dog foods but you can also just give your dog high quality fish oil pills too.
2. Bone broth helps with digestion, gut health and building strong joints and tendons. The best one for dogs is a grass fed beef bone broth from Bluebird Provisions. It can be used as a meal topper to entice pick eaters.
3. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are potent anti inflammatories that help build and maintain strong joints. You see if fortified ins some dog foods, but you can also buy it in pill form.

Closing Thoughts

There are a lot of great dog food options for Huskies out there. If your dog can handle chicken, then go for the Blue Buffalo Evolutionary Diet. But if they do not, then consider a salmon or beef based option.

And if you are looking for extra protein or a meal topper, then try the dog bone broth from Bluebird Provisions.

Sources

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35028571/

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