Homemade Dog Food For Huskies: Recipes, Nutrition & Tips

This is the ultimate guide to homemade dog food for Huskies.

Cooking for your Siberian Husky may sound easy and simple but ensuring this high energy, high metabolism breed gets all the necessary nutrients through home-cooked meals is a bit more challenging than you may think.

We share tips on how to make homemade dog food for huskies, including the risks, benefits, breed-specific nutritional advice, and our favorite recipes for Husks. Let’s get started!

Benefits of Husky Homemade Dog Food

World-renowned veterinarian Dr. Martin Goldstein, DVM, says that  “you can boost your pet’s health profoundly by [changing] his diet from commercial-brand fare to something you may never have imagined giving him – real food. The fresh food you buy at the market for yourself is the food you should give your pet, too.”

Two board-certified veterinary nutritionists and diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, Jennifer A. Larsen, DVM, MS, Ph.D., and Joe Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., state switching your dog’s diet to homemade meals can help with:

• Diet management
• Appeasing picky dog eaters
• Combatting food intolerance and allergy issues
• Avoid concern over food recalls
• Bond-building

Furthermore, a homemade dog diet is generally the healthiest alternative for dogs. It’s free of additives or preservatives, unlike regular kibble. These components in home-cooked meals promote healthier digestion and can prevent many conditions associated with a poor diet, such as obesity, poor skin, and coat condition, pancreatitis, diabetes, and reduced immunity.

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Why Feed Homemade Dog Food To Your Husky?

Huskies are prone to developing food allergies. The reaction to those allergens often appears as skin allergies, which can result in frequent or obsessive itching, biting, or scratching in affected areas leading to hot spots open wounds. If the situation goes untreated, secondary infections can occur.

Unfortunately, commercial dog kibble can contribute to food-related allergies in Huskies due to the added fillers, toxic preservatives, and other common dog food allergens such as chicken, beef, grains kibble manufacturers include in their formulas. A Husky with food intolerances will often have skin inflammations along with digestive disorders.

Something even more concerning, entirely related to balanced nutrition in Huskies, is that The Siberian Husky is prone to zinc deficiencies that can cause hair loss, itching, and lesions on the face, footpads, and genitals¹. However, an adequate nutrition plan and/or supplementation can prevent and, in most cases, heal this condition.

In fact, Huskies are genetically and environmentally predisposed to develop “Collie nose”². This is a congenital condition typically seen in Border Collies, but it also affects some Siberian Huskies. This autoimmune disease is related to zinc deficiency and sun exposure which causes the skin on the Husky’s nose to change color and look sunburnt.

Feeding a high-quality dog food is essential for the Siberian’s healthy skin and coat says the AKC.

If your husky continually scratches at their ears, legs, paws, or belly area, then food allergies may be the culprit.

How Can A Homemade Diet Help With All of This In Huskies?

Homemade dog food helps your Husky avoid those artificial preservatives, salts, meat meals, and other questionable ingredients even the best quality dog foods have. These ingredients can exacerbate existing health conditions and/or trigger allergies Huskies.

When you prepare your Husky meals, you have more control over the ingredients, and you can eliminate any trace of allergens. Cooking for your husky is the only way to ensure that all the ingredients are safe for your pet. If you don’t know what foods your Husky is allergic to, we highly suggest doing an At-Home Dog Allergy Test before selecting the ingredients for his next meal.

Husky’s zinc deficiencies are usually inherited, but sometimes your vet will diagnose it. Whatever the reason is, home-cooked meals allow you to control the amount of zinc provided to your pet with each meal. This is important because zinc deficiencies in Huskies can also result from too little or too much zinc while your dog is still growing. You should do this only under the guidance of a veterinarian. 

Homemade dog diets are much easier to digest than traditional dog food³. Easier to digest food means more efficient nutrient absorption, which can help resolve nutrient imbalances that could damage the skin and coat in Huskies. And because nutrient content is more efficiently used when feeding fresh dog food, minerals, vitamins, amino acids act quicker in decreasing inflammatory responses caused by allergens.

Unlike commercial dry kibble, homemade food is made with crucial antioxidants and correctly preserved proteins and fats to support your Husky’s health. Homemade dog food also excels at palatability, bioavailability, and freshness, all of which contribute to better absorption of nutrients and greater perception of taste, smell, and texture for Huskies.

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Husky Homemade Dog Food Risks

There are a few drawbacks to cooking homemade dog food you need to understand so you avoid them. These include:

• Using inadequate or dangerous recipes
• Not preparing a balanced meal
• Using unsafe or harmful ingredients
• Not understanding the impact of food and dietary changes
• Not understanding the nutritional needs of your Husky

A study by the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary revealed that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients. Further research published in The Journal of Nutritional Science concluded 48% of dog homemade diets had an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities and that 71.3 % of dog owners didn’t know how much food to serve per meal. 

Before getting out the apron, check with a veterinary nutritionist to guide you on your Husky needs. Your vet can provide you with trusted recipes or recommend a homemade dog food delivery service. This will ensure malnutrition doesn’t happen.

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Husky Nutritional Guidelines to Follow

When cooking for your Husky (or any dog), you’ll need to consider your pet’s health conditions, activity level, size, and weight.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO), (the entity regulating dog food nutritional value in commercial dog food) recommends that all dog meals need to include these six essential nutrients.

Nutrient	Food	Description
Protein	Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggs	Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more.
Carbohydrates	Oats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheat	Source of energy for dogs and supplies glucose needed by the brain, nervous system and other critical organs for normal function.
Fat	From meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among others	Responsible for providing quality energy. Necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and body tissues
Minerals	Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc.	Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production.
Water	Water	Hydration is critical in dogs. A dog that loses too much water (10% to 15% of the water in his body) can get very sick and even die. Ensure they have water available throughout the day.
Vitamins	A, B, C, D, E, and K	Keeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function.

For working (highly active) Siberian Huskies, the American Kennel Club says you need to adjust the level of protein in the food based on the level of activity. “In the summer months, a lower protein level may be appropriate, around 20%, while a dog working in harness in wintertime may need 32% protein. Monitor each individual Siberian, and adjust the amount and type of food as required.” There is no need to alter protein intake for the average stay-at-home Husky⁴.

It’s common for homemade dog food to lack one or more of these nutrients. You can fix this is by using a multivitamin supplement like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews. Fatty acids and minerals are essential to keep your Husky’s beautiful double coat full and healthy. They also help strengthen his immune system and fight allergic reactions. Including Zinc is vital in Husky diets.

Consult with your veterinarian; he or she can help you create an individualized diet for your Husky. For further help in cooking for your Siberian Husky, check out Home Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D. He’s an expert in veterinary medicine, and pet nutritionists consider this book the bible of dog nutrition.

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Healthy Dietary Changes In Huskies

Here are some dietary changes to help you to manage some health conditions in Huskies through diet.

Condition	Dietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color Changes	Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI Signs	Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine such as dairy or fermented vegetables and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial
Chronic Itching and Dermatitis	Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6 and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial
Dull Coat and Scaling	Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try a food that has added zinc
Dandruff and Crustiness	Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels

To minimize and prevent such skin problems in Huskies, adding a couple of squirts of dog-specific fish oil may provide relief and nourishment to affected areas.

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Siberian Husky Calorie Requirements

Most Huskies need to eat between 1075 and 1334 calories a day, but this will vary depending on their weight. If you include treats in your dog’s diet, follow the 10% rule. So, food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats 10%.

Let’s say your Husky weighs 55 lbs. Then, he would need 1248 calories per day. If you feed him treats, then that’s 1123 calories in food (90%) and 125 in treats (10%). Usually, full-grown dogs eat 2 meals per day, so split 1123 calories into two meals of 561 calories each. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs for your pet.

While this is ideal for the average Siberian Husky, highly active Huskies need to increase their food/calorie intake by 10% for every hour of hard work, huskies are very efficient at converting calories to energy, and as their activity level increases (or decreases), so does their caloric need.

Pregnant Huskies can need up to 2 to 4 times the amount of food they would normally have as the mother’s energy and nutrient requirements increase after delivery and during lactation. Be sure to speak with your vet about proper calorie intake.

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Homemade Dog Food For Husky Puppies

A Husky puppy and an adult Husky have different nutritional needs.

Typically, Husky puppies should eat 3 or 4 times a day compared to 2 times a day for adults.

You need to feed your Husky puppy three times a day at scheduled intervals until he is 6 months old. If your Husky weighs 16 pounds, it will require 497 calories per day. Then, you would do 3 homemade meals of 157 calories each.

It’s important to never skip a meal and make sure your puppy’s diet is comprised of a proper balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, water, and vitamins, as outlined in our nutritional guidelines earlier. Following these guidelines will encourage proper growth and development.

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Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service

If cooking nutritionally balanced meals for your Husky sounds like a lot of work but you want your pup to experience the benefits of homemade meals, consider a homemade dog food delivery service like The Farmer’s Dog.

With The Farmer’s Dog, you can have natural, fresh dog food sent right to your house. All their recipes are developed by board-certified American College of Veterinary Nutrition experts who adhere to AAFCO nutritional guidelines.

Their meal plans are grain-free and personalized to your dog’s unique qualities, dietary needs, goals, breed, and lifestyle.

We’re big fans and customers ourselves! Everything is made from real, human-grade ingredients (meats, veggies, etc.) Plus, the meals are delivered to your doorstep within days of cooking and never deep-frozen or stored on a shelf for months. This ensures your Husky gets the most nutritional value.

They do all the cooking for you, so you never have to worry about using the wrong ingredients, proper nutrition guidelines, portion sizes, and more.

In our experience, it’s a huge time-saver, and you can spend time on more important things like walking or training. You also avoid the hassle of planning, shopping, and cooking. We think it’s worth the cost after adding up the prices of all the ingredients you’ll need to cook a recipe.

Our readers have access to 50% off your first box. No code needed, just use this link and the discount will be applied!

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Husky Homemade Food Tips

Before sharing our favorite Husky homemade food recipes, keep these recommendations in mind when preparing your dog’s next meal.

1. Set a consistent feeding schedule.
2. Feed your Husky two times a day (puppies under 5 months, 3 times a day. Check with your veterinarian).
3. Meal prep weekly or monthly.
4. Measure and control portion sizes depending on your dog’s calorie needs.
5. Keep meals frozen for 2 to 3 months or refrigerated for about 5 days.
6. Make a new batch when the food supply is getting low.
7. If you want to feed different recipes, you can make multiple batches and color code by ingredients, rotating out the different meals.
8. Prepare the food in bulk and portion it into containers (one container per meal makes it extra-easy).
9. Increase portions appropriately as your puppy grows.
10. Monitor weight to make sure you are feeding the proper amount of calories.

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Cooking Homemade Dog Food For Huskies

Never made food for your Husky before? This video will get you started.

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Homemade Dog Food Recipes For Huskies

We’ve written up some of our favorite, best homemade dog food recipes for Huskies. To jump to a recipe you’re interested in, click on the link below. 

We’ve also added a treat recipe for Huskies that is not only sweet, but it provides amazing health benefits. You’d be amazed at what this recipe can do for the health and wellness of your pup. And no, we are not bluffing! It has our favorite secret ingredient, CBD.

Note: Please consult with your pet’s veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your dog’s diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and the health of your dog. A common recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.

Turkey, Rice & Veggie Mix | Fresh Veggie Mix | Macaroni, Quinoa Turkey Recipe | Turkey & Vegetable Dinner | CBD-Infused Dog Treats

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Turkey, Rice And Veggie Mix

With a good balance of lean animal protein, healthy carbs, and veggies, it yields 12 cups of dog food and can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Your Husky is sure to love this veggie mix recipe.

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 cups uncooked brown rice
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 (16 ounces) package frozen broccoli, carrots and cauliflower

Directions

1. Place the water, ground turkey, rice, and rosemary into a large Dutch oven.
2. Stir until the ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Add the frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and cool.
7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Recipe from: Allrecipes

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Macaroni, Quinoa Turkey Recipe

Ingredients

3 lbs ground turkey (or any protein)
1 cup uncooked millet (or any other whole grain: quinoa, rice, pasta)
1 tbs olive oil
1 carrot, shredded
1 zucchini, shredded
1 squash, shredded
1 apple, chopped
1 tbsp calcium powder
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes or coconut oil
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)

Directions

1. Bring 1 cup of whole-grain to boil in a pot of water. I overcook it so that it’s soft and easily digestible. Drain.
2. While that’s boiling, shred/chop the veggies.
3. Cook ground turkey with olive oil and drain excess juices.
4. Mix everything together! No need to cook the veggies. The cooked turkey and whole grain will warm them up a bit.
5. Store in Tupperware or ziplock bags and freeze! Makes enough for around 2 weeks of meals (Fira weighs 14 lbs).

Recipe from: WhereSTheFrenchie

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Wholesome Ground Sirloin Veggie

Ingredients

• 6 cups cooked organic brown rice
• 2 pounds ground lean beef, cooked through, fat drained
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced small
• 3 carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
• 1/4–1/2 cup minced fresh parsley or 1/4 cup dried herbs
• 3 tablespoons of olive or safflower oil

Directions

1. Start with cooking the eggs
2. While the rice is cooking, you can brown the sirloin and get all of the fresh ingredients together.
3. Combine all of the ingredients in a large container and stir to combine thoroughly.
4. Store in the refrigerator in-between feedings.

Recipe from: This Messisours

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CBD-Infused Dog Treats

You can also purchase already made CBD dog treats so you pup can experience better thanks to the benefits of CBD.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 apple, cored and grated
• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup olive or coconut oil
• 1/2 cup water
• dash of sea salt
• 120 mg CBD oil

Total: Makes 24 treats

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
2. Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, oats, and coconut sugar together. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Then, add coconut oil, water, and grated apples and carrots.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl; mix completely. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
5. Using a Tbsp measuring spoon, portion out the dog biscuits and press into the dog treat baking pan. Bake 32-37 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden-brown on the outside.
6. Store in an air-tight container.

Notes

The number of dog treats will vary depending on the size of the mold you use. Try to make each dog treat have 2-5 mg of CBD.

Recipe from: Truth Theory

For even more Husky homemade food recipes and cooking options, be sure to check out Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.

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Best Homemade Dog Food Cooking Practices

Here are some general guidelines to follow when cooking for Huskies.

• Never use unsafe or toxic ingredients for dogs.
• Cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria.
• Cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier to digest
• Research every ingredient before using it for safety
• Follow recipes as instructed.
• Add supplements to their diet if needed.
• Run any questions by a vet nutritionist

What Foods Should Your Husky Never Eat?

You’ve likely come across this essential list before, but it’s always good to have it on hand as a reminder, especially if you’re cooking dog food from scratch. The principal toxic foods include:

• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Onions and garlic
• Avocados
• Coffee, tea, and other caffeine
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Raw bread dough
• Alcohol

For a more extensive list, check out this handy list you should have on your refrigerator.

What About Raw Diet (BARF)?

Raw diet for dogs, also known as “BARF” (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), has gained a lot of popularity among dog owners over the last few years. Raw dog food consists of feeding your dog raw meats, grains, and veggies just as his canine ancestors ate millions of years ago.

Cooking a homemade raw diet needs to be approached carefully and under expert guidance as there is more risk of contamination and nutritional imbalance. 

If you want to learn more about the benefits and risks, get the best commercial raw food diet for your Husky, read our raw dog food diets article.

Monitor Weight And Health

We recommend monitoring your dog’s weight and health closely when switching to a new diet, especially a homemade diet since there is more margin for error, nutritionally speaking.

Symptoms of a poor diet may include excessive weight gain or loss, lack of energy, skin or coat disorders, allergies, malnutrition, or obesity. If you notice these problems, you need to stop feeding your Husky this food, revise your dog’s diet and consult with a vet.

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Other Food Alternatives

So, what is the best dog food for huskies?

Freshly cooked meals are definitely better than traditional kibble in nutritional value and health for your pet. We recommend homemade meals as long as they fulfill the nutritional needs of your Husky.

Is your Husky prone to food allergies, GI problems, or any food-related health issues? You may want to consider vegan dog food. Vegan dog food is becoming one of the most popular diets for dogs with food sensitivities and other health issues.

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Sources & References: [1] & [2] Nom Nom [3] Illinois University, [4] AKC

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