The Siberian Husky is one of the most energetic dogs on the planet, and because of that he needs food that is both high in quality and high in energy, more so than the average canine. So for this reason, it is important to get his nutrition right!
We have conducted in-depth research of this breed’s nutritional needs and summarized everything you need to know in this guide. So, whether you already own one of these gorgeous guys and he simply needs a change in diet, or you are about to welcome one into your life, if you pick one of our recommendations you know that your Siberian Husky is going to get high-quality dog food.
We will talk you through what nutrients and calories the Husky will need in each of his life stages, as well as our 5 favorite recommendations for the puppy, adult and senior stages of his life. And if he ever finds himself overweight and he needs a weight management diet, then we have recommendations for that too!
Our recommendations are only high-quality natural dry dog kibble, because we, as well as many canine nutritionists, feel that this is the best food for your canine. In addition to this, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) have issued certain expectations for dog food regarding the nutritional content, and all reputable pet food manufacturers must follow these nutritional guidelines. The recommendations you will find in this guide all adhere to these recommendations, so you can be sure that your Siberian Husky will be getting the best nutrition possible.
At a Glance: Our Favorite Foods For Huskies
Best For Puppies
Nutro Natural Choice Puppy
Best For Adults
The Farmer’s Dog
Best For Seniors
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed
Note: Clicking the above links take you to Amazon.com, Chewy.com, or each company’s website, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Siberian Husky Puppy Nutrients
Siberian Husky puppies have a lot of growing in order to reach their typical weight of 35 to 60 pounds, and therefore they need high-quality kibble that is going to be slightly higher in fat content and calories to give them that extra growing power. Therefore, it is important to feed puppy formula, as it includes all of the specific nutrients and fat content that a puppy needs. Ideally, you should feed him kibble that provides him with a fat content of at least 24%.
Avoid ‘all life stage’ food, as senior dogs have different nutritional needs compared to a puppy, and it is likely that if you feed your puppy this then he will not receive the nutrients he needs for the most important developmental stage of his life. Because the Siberian Husky puppy is going to be seriously energetic and playful it is advised to feed him kibble that is aimed at medium to large breeds who have high energy levels. Giant Breeds like mastiffs will need a different food selection.
Be sure to follow the package instructions regarding his meal size and weight, and he should be fed his recommended food across 3 meals per day to keep his energy and sugar levels consistent throughout the day.
Adult Husky Nutrient Needs
When your pup reaches 10 to 12 months, he should be transitioned to adult food (see transitional chart below), and he should now be fed two meals a day rather than three meals. Huskies are notoriously picky eaters, so make sure to keep that in mind when picking a kibble.
Siberian Huskies are one of the most energetic dogs around, so their diet should be rich in good quality protein that not only fuels their high energy levels, but also maintains their lean muscle mass. He should be fed high-quality kibble that is specifically designed for large breeds, as this will also ensure that it has the optimal balance of ingredients required for a large breed.
High-quality kibble that contains at least 22% protein should be the minimum level that you aim for in a kibble. His calorie intake will depend on his size and activity levels. The Siberian Husky is known to need fewer calories and have different nutritional requirements compared to other high energy dogs, with the average Husky needing 860 to 1,290 calories per day. This is despite being seriously active.
Of course, there is not ‘one size fits all’ rule. But, you will notice if your canine is not getting enough calories, for he will tire quicker than the average Husky or will beg for food. If you own a Husky mix like a Goberian, or a Huskydoodle, you’ll most likely be able to use the same food you would if you own a purebred.
Senior Husky Nutrient Needs
From the age of around 7 years, your Siberian Husky will be considered a senior, but of course all dogs are different so it may be slightly before or a year or so after that he should be fed senior food, and this is entirely dependent on his activity levels and overall health. If you are not too sure, or if you have any queries about what time to transition him to senior food, then speak to your Veterinarian who will be better placed to provide you with specific and tailored advice.
As dogs age, just like humans, they become less active and so it is important to feed him food that contains less calories, otherwise he will quickly pile on the pounds and his slowing metabolism will not be able to process the extra and unnecessary fuel. In addition to this, he should also be given food that contains less fat as senior dogs find fat harder to digest.
All senior dogs need food that contains Omega-3 fatty acids, Glucosamine and Chondroitin, as they all help to support his aging bones and joints, as well as superfoods and antioxidants to heighten his weaker immune system.
Best Food For Husky Puppies
Not only have we chosen high-quality kibbles that are made from natural ingredients, but we have chosen them because of their overall nutritional content as guided by the AAFCO. They are also amongst the highest rated products by dog lovers across the world, so you know that they are tried and tested products that are from reputable brands.
Siberian Husky puppies have different nutritional requirements than adults or seniors. You’ll want to make sure you have a nutrient-dense food that’s specifically made for puppies. These foods are typically higher in calories and loaded with other nutrients to stimulate growth in your pup that’s under 1 year old.
| Protein | |||||
| Fats | |||||
| Fiber | |||||
| Moisture | |||||
| Kcal/Cup |
Nutro Natural Choice Puppy
- Real, high-quality chicken is the ingredient.
- Made with non-GMO ingredients.
- No chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy.
- Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA supports brain and eye development.
- Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin.
- Formulated to support healthy joints.
- Supports healthy immunity with essential antioxidants.
- Made in the USA.
This recipe is made from wholesome natural ingredients, with rich chicken protein being the first ingredient that supports muscle growth for your energetic Husky. It also lists natural and wholesome carbohydrates such as brown rice and sweet potatoes, to provide him with the energy that he needs to grow. It has no added preservatives, colors or additives, except for added nutrients and minerals specifically for your puppy’s healthy growth.
We love that the first two ingredients are chicken and chicken meal, which are a natural source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin for strong and healthy bones.
Diamond Naturals Puppy
- Top pick for puppies.
- No corn, wheat, filler or artificial flavors.
- DHA for brain and vision health.
- Omega fatty acids for skin and coat.
- Powerful antioxidants for immune health.
- 342 Calories per cup.
- 27% Protein, 15% Fat, 3% Fiber.
This recipe is full of antioxidants such pumpkins, blueberries, oranges, dried kelp, coconut, spinach, carrots, papaya which will all provide him with all the nutrients that he needs. It also lists fish oil, flaxseed, Taurine and Biotin which will nourish your dog’s skin and coat. It also contains a source of live and naturally occurring microorganisms which will aid his digestive system, especially for those with a sensitive stomach.
We love that the first ingredient in this recipe is Lamb, which is great for those puppies who are fussy and are not a fan of the most popular chicken flavors.
Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy
- Grain-free formula.
- Award-winning Blue Buffalo brand.
- Rich in omega fatty acids.
- Sweet potatoes for carbs & digestion.
- Antioxidant-rich.
- 411 Calories per cup.
- 35% Protein, 14% Fat, 6% Fiber.
Blue Buffalo list deboned chicken and chicken meal as their first 2 ingredients, which are both a great source of rich protein to aid his cognitive and physical growth. The ingredients also list Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which supports healthy brain development and eye health, which is great for the Siberian Husky and his predisposed eye conditions, as well as Fish Meal which is full of Omega 3 fatty acids. It is 100% grain free which is suited to puppies with a sensitive stomach. It also includes Blue Buffalo’s ‘Lifesource Bits’ that are packed with extra antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that support your puppy’s developing immune system and oxidative balance.
We love that this recipe offers the highest amount of protein, fat and calorie content for your growing Husky puppy.
Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food
- Contains glucosamine for joint health.
- Antioxidants for immune system development.
- No artificial colors or flavors.
- Chicken and oats are primary ingredients.
- Made in the United States.
- 394 Calories per cup.
- 24% Protein, 11% Fat, 3% Fiber.
This recipe contains DHA from fish oil that provides your pup with the ingredients that he needs for healthy eye and brain development, as well as nourishing a healthy coat. It is also specifically aimed at large breed puppies such as the Siberian Husky, so not only does it have optimal levels of calcium for healthy bone development and strong teeth, but it has the required fat and calorie content that helps him to grow and maintain lean muscle mass.
We love that Veterinarians in America have voted this recipe as the number one kibble for canines, so if they say it is good then you know that it must be. They are often compared with Royal Canin due to their breed specifics, and multiple other brands.
Eukanuba Puppy Formula
- Balanced formula for large dogs.
- Chicken is the first ingredient.
- Natural fiber for digestion.
- Prebiotics for gut health.
- DHA for brain development.
- 357 Calories per cup.
- 26% Protein, 14% Fat, 3.7% Fiber.
It has an optimal calcium and phosphorus levels to help support bone growth, whilst considering the needs of large breed puppies that are prone to Hip Dysplasia, which is really important for the Siberian Husky. The ingredients include DHA which is clinically proven to assist with brain development, as well as Vitamin E that helps to develop his immune system and eye health.
We love that this recipe is specifically designed for large breed puppies and has optimized fat and carbohydrate levels to fuel a highly energetic puppy, which is exactly what this breed is.
Best Foods For Adult Huskies
Our AAFCO compliant recommendations for adult Siberian Huskies are based on natural dry food ingredients, which offer the best overall nutritional content that is available on the market. There are a wide variety of different types of food on the market, but let’s compare some details.
Adult Huskies have more in common with other active breeds, although they do need fewer calories than many of them. As your pup ages, you’ll need to ensure that you watch your dog’s weight as even though Huskies are energetic, they can gain weight as they get older if you aren’t careful. This breed is not known for grazing, but similar to a Labrador Retriever, will eat large amounts of food in one sitting, if not monitored. Let’s look at our five favorites in a little more detail below.
| Protein | |||||
| Fats | |||||
| Fiber | |||||
| Moisture | |||||
| Kcal/Cup |
The Farmer's Dog
- Cooked fresh, flash-frozen, and shipped to you.
- Personalized meal plans.
- 4 healthy, vet-designed options: beef, chicken, turkey, or pork.
- Made with human-grade ingredients (no fillers or preservatives).
- Manufactured in the United States.
- Calories and nutritional values vary based on recipe.
The Farmer’s Dog packs a lot of fresh, real meats and produce into every bite of its home-delivered, customized meal plan for your Husky. All the ingredients are human-grade, so you really know that you are providing the very best for your furry companion.
Each of the four meat-first recipes (Turkey, Beef, Chicken, and Pork) is supplemented with amino acids for strong muscles and plenty of omega fatty acids to maintain a healthy coat, skin, and eyes. And since it is delivered straight to your door, you never have to worry about carrying a heavy bag of kibble home from the store!
We love that The Farmer’s Dog customizes every meal plan to your Husky’s unique dietary needs, making sure your energetic hound has the optimal amount of calories to keep him energized throughout the day without packing on the pounds.
Taste of the Wild
- Made with a variety of tasty prairie meats.
- Uses gut-friendly probiotics for gut health.
- Enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Made in the USA.
- Uses sweet potatoes, peas, and protein.
This recipe is highly digestible with its guaranteed 80 million active cultures of probiotics per pound of kibble, as well as being grain free for those with sensitive stomachs. This recipe offers an optimal blend of amino acids which are great for his muscle mass and heart, as well as Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for his skin and coat. It is full of superfoods that provide all the vitamins and minerals that he needs for his overall wellbeing and health.
We love that your dog’s protein needs will be met with this recipe, as Buffalo, Chicken meal and Lamb meal are the first three ingredients listed.
Blue Buffalo Adult Large Breed
- Glucosamine boost for joint health.
- Omega acids for skin and coat health.
- High-quality protein from real chicken.
- Grain-free formula.
- Promotes lean muscle development.
- 377 Calories per cup.
- 32% Protein, 13% Fat, 7% Fiber.
This recipe not only supports the unique needs of a large breed dog such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin ingredients for joint health, as well as rich protein for his energy needs and muscle mass, but it also contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for his eye health and skin. This recipe never contains any nasty ingredients such as preservatives or additives, but only natural ingredients that are grain free, so it is also good for those dogs with sensitive stomachs.
We love that this recipe includes their exclusive ‘Lifesource bits’ which are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system and a healthy oxidative balance.
Wellness Core Large Breed Formula
- Grain-free formula.
- Chicken is the first ingredient.
- Larger kibble size for big dogs.
- Probioitics for gut health.
- No corn, soy, wheat, or wheat-gluten ingredients.
- 342 Calories per cup.
- 34% Protein, 12% Fat, 6% Fiber.
This recipe only includes natural ingredients, and it does not include any wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. It also only includes rich-proteins such as chicken and turkey, which means that it has the Glucosamine and Chondroitin levels that large dog breeds need for their bone and joint health. It also has the probiotics that he needs for a healthy gut and digestive system.
We love that this recipe is 100% grain free for those Siberian Huskies with a sensitive stomach.
Orijen Original Recipe
- 85%* premium animal ingredients
- First 5 ingredients always fresh or raw animal sources
- Our Fresh Regional Ingredients are supplied by people we know and trust
This premium recipe is packed full of high-quality proteins that deliver all the amino acids and building blocks Siberian Huskies need for lean muscles and maintenance. It follows a whole prey diet, in that the entire edible animal carcass is used, including organs, blood and bones, which are a fantastic source of glucosamine for his joints.
We love that this premium recipe is 85% protein from chicken, turkey, eggs and 3 kinds of wild-caught fish, which is great for the energetic and muscular Husky.
Best Food For Senior Huskies
Senior Siberian Huskies should be monitored closely and have split feedings if at all possible. With age their metabolism starts to slow down and dogs can start gaining weight. This is an even bigger problem for older Huskies whose bodies may not function as well as they once did in their youth.
There are several foods listed below targeted directly at Huskies, and will help provide the nutrients they need without your pup getting overweight. It’s still recommended you split feed your pup, once in the morning and once at night. Let’s take a look at our favorites in a little bit more detail below.
| Protein | |||||
| Fats | |||||
| Fiber | |||||
| Moisture | |||||
| Kcal/Cup |
Purina Pro Large Breed
- Specialized Nutrition for Large and Giant Breed Dogs
- Glucosamine and EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, for joint health and mobility
- High in protein to promote muscle condition when combined with proper exercise
- 26% Protein and 12% Fat
- Chicken or Salmon is the first ingredient
Chicken is the first ingredient which supplies him with all the protein he needs, and provides him with real meaty taste. This recipe has the highest moisture content, which senior dog appreciate as they find it much easier to crunch.
With a blend of vitamins and omega fatty acids, his coat and immune system are protected, and natural probiotic fiber such as wheat bran help to support a healthy digestive system.
We love that this recipe is designed specifically for bigger breeds and their slowing mobility.
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Senior Limited Ingredient
- Made with only 9 real food ingredients.
- Grain-free and made without corn, wheat or soy.
- Contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
- Fortified with Canidae’s HealthPLUS probiotics, antioxidants and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
- Manufactured in United States.
Canidae Pure is made from the best natural ingredients tailored to the needs of a senior dog. It is full of probiotics added to every bite which aids his slowing digestion, as well as being full of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support his skin and hair. Aside from the 9 key ingredients, the ingredient list is topped up with a lot of extra added vitamins and minerals that increase his immune system and tolerance against illnesses.
We love that this recipe is made from just 9 ingredients, so you know that these specially selected ingredients are essential to your senior’s diet, with nothing included that he does not need.
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Senior Formula
- Chicken––a high-quality protein source––as the very first ingredient.
- Made with non-GMO ingredients, no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy.
- Formulated with essential antioxidants.
- Contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints.
- Great for large breed senior dogs 6 years and older.
This recipe is full of added Glucosamine and Chondroitin which supports his aging bones and joints, as well as other key antioxidants such as dried carrots, blueberries and apples to help support his weakening immune system. It is made from real chicken that is listed as the first ingredient, but it has fewer calories which makes it a great option for those dogs who are slowing down and have less energy to burn off. This is one of our favorite senior foods for most dog breeds.
We love that this recipe is specifically designed for large breeds, so you can be sure that your canine gets everything he needs from this recipe.
Nulo Senior Dry Dog Food
- Grain-free recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy, white potatoes, tapioca, artificial colors, flavorings, or preservatives.
- Proprietary formula 80% animal-based protein for more amino acids and better flavor using fewer carbs and low glycemic ingredients.
- May reduce food sensitivities or allergies.
- Joint support for dogs with glucosamine and chondroitin.
- Anti-inflammatory properties promote joint flexibility and pain relief.
- Patented bc30 probiotic supports healthy gut flora, aids in food digestion and metabolism regulation.
- Promotes healthy weight and stamina with l-carnitine.
- Made in the USA.
This kibble is made with superior ingredients that resembles his canine ancestor’s diet. It is also packed with extra nutrients and a unique blend of BC30 probiotics, which are believed to be 100 times stronger than other leading strains, which is not only great for his gut and aging metabolism regulation, but his overall resilience. It has lower glycemic ingredients and fewer carbohydrates, without losing any of the flavor or nutrients. It is full of fish and natural oils which are great for his bones, joints and skin.
We love that this recipe is grain free for those older Siberian Huskies with a sensitive stomach.
Food For Overweight Huskies
If your dog is overweight then it is important to feed him a diet that has a lesser fat content and lower calorie count, while still ensuring that he gets the protein he needs to maintain a healthy and lean body, which is particularly important for the active Siberian Husky.
If your dog is older, you’ll also want to make sure you give your pup supplements to help assist in relieving any type of joint or muscle pain as they age. While dogs can’t tell us when they don’t feel well, extra weight can cause strain on your pup’s other parts, so it’s important to keep the weight in check. Below are a couple of great options if your canine needs to shed a few extra pounds.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Light
- Contains 18% fewer calories than the Adult Large formula to help transform fat into energy.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin work together to maintain healthy joints and cartilage.
- Antioxidant and vitamin E and C.
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Made in the USA.
This recipe is designed particularly for large breeds with almost 20% lesser calories compared to their standard recipe for adults. It includes rich protein and higher natural fiber content that will keep him feeling fuller for longer so that he isn’t always on the hunt for the next snack. It is full of important omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to keep his joints and heart healthy, without adding to the fat content.
Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight
- Made with raw & freeze-dried ingredients.
- Higher protein kibble for muscle retention.
- Grain-free formula.
- Lower calories for weight management.
- Made in the United States.
- 368 Calories per cup.
- 32% Protein, 15% Fat, 7.5% Fiber.
Instinct Raw have created their weight management formula with particular fibers that keep him feeling full, whilst fat-burning ingredients such as L-carnitine help to maintain a healthy metabolism. In addition to this, the recipe is also 100% grain free which is great for those dogs with a sensitive stomach. It also has freeze dried raw bits which mean that nutrients aren’t lost during the drying process, while providing extra flavor to keep him interested, so he probably won’t realize he is on a diet!
Never Feed Your Husky These
You should never allow your Siberian Husky to eat the following in any form or amount:
- Alcohol – this should go without saying, but this can have an effect on your pup’s brain & liver.
- Grapes and Raisins – both can cause kidney damage in dogs.
- Chocolate – contains theobromine which is toxic in larger quantities.
- Candy and Gum – contain artificial sweeteners which are not recommended.
- Onions and Garlic – this can cause iron deficiencies in your dog.
- Tomatoes – these can increase blood pressure and give your pup heart palpitations.
- Avocado – contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
- Caffeinated Drinks – should go without saying, but your dog doesn’t need either.
Final Thoughts
The Siberian Husky is an energetic dog that needs lots of toys and the right amount of nutrition. While this breed doesn’t need the highest amount of calories thanks to his impressive stamina, he does need high-quality kibble that is going to fuel him with powerful ingredients and nutrients. It is important to stick to age-appropriate food as it all has different nutritional content that will allow him to develop and be the healthiest that he can be at whatever age he is. Looking for a budget-friendly alternative? You might also consider Wag’s Grain-Free: Meat & Lentils. Amazon’s brand of dog food offers a quality product at a competitive price.
Nutrition is one of the easiest ways to keep your dog in great shape, as well as reduce the number of visits to the Vet. So, spending slightly more on food might save you money on future Vet bills, but it will also make your Siberian Husky super healthy and happy. So stick to our recommendations, and neither you nor your beloved pooch will be disappointed.
