Homemade Dog Food For Huskies: Recipes, Nutrition & Tips
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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!
Husky Homemade Dog Food Benefits
World-renowned veterinarian Dr. Martin Goldstein, DVM, says, “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:
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.
Food And Husky Health: Why Feed Homemade?
Huskies are prone to developing food allergies. The reaction to those allergens often appears as skin allergies, resulting in frequent or obsessive itching, biting, or scratching in affected areas leading to hot spots and 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 genitals.[1] However, an adequate nutrition plan and supplementation can prevent and, in most cases, heal this condition. In fact, Huskies are genetically and environmentally predisposed to develop a “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.
The AKC says feeding high-quality dog food is essential for Siberian Husky’s healthy skin and coat. If your husky continually scratch at its ears, legs, paws, or belly area, then food allergies may be the culprit.
Other common health problems include eye problems, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and
How Can A Homemade Diet Help Huskies Health Issues?
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:
Research by the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary and two studies published in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine and The Journal of Nutritional Science found that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients, and other recipes used dangerously high levels of some nutrients.[8][9][10]
Here are the findings:
It’s vital to understand that dogs’ nutritional requirements are unique. We recommend consulting a veterinary nutritionist who can address your Husky’s dietary requirements and help you make nutritionally balanced recipes or recommend a homemade food service for convenience.
Husky Nutritional Guidelines to Follow
When cooking for your Husky (or any dog), you must 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 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 protein level in the food based on the activity level. “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.” The average stay-at-home Husky does not need to alter protein intake [11].
It’s common for homemade dog food to lack one or more of these nutrients. You can fix this 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.
If you need more advice on Husky nutrition, an excellent resource is Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D., a long-time expert in veterinary medicine. This book it’s considered by many pet nutritionists to be the Bible of healthy homemade dog nutrition.
Recommended Supplements For Husky
Here are the top recommended supplements for Husky based on their main health susceptibility issues.
Always consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
Healthy Dietary Changes In Huskies
Here are some dietary changes to help you to manage some health conditions 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 |
Siberian Husky Calorie Requirements
The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight.
An adult Husky usually weighs between 44 and 60 pounds, meaning most Husky need between 927 and 1167 calories daily.
Make sure you follow the 10% rule when feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%.
You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.
Pregnant or lactating Husky may need up to 2 to 4 times the amount of food they normally need as the mother’s energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation. Be sure to talk to your vet.
Homemade Dog Food For Husky Puppies
A Husky puppy’s diet is different from an adult Husky’s.
Compared to adult dogs, puppies need higher protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus levels. Too few (or too many) of these nutrients can cause deficiencies, stunted growth, or lifelong complications.
According to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN), puppies need about twice as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult dog of the same breed.
Most people worry that their puppy requires more food and calorie daily because they are rapidly growing. This isn’t necessarily the truth. Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM, a veterinary nutritionist at Nom Nom, advises that to promote normal growth, most puppies need about the same number of calories and the same type of food from 4 months to 12 months of age.
Husky puppies should eat 3 to 4 times a day. When your puppy is a bit older (6 – 12 months), you can switch to 2 to 3 meals daily at scheduled intervals.
For proper growth and development, it is not advised to skip meals while your puppy is growing and developing. As our nutritional guidelines previously outlined, a puppy’s diet must include a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, water, and vitamins.
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 is needed, just use this link, and the discount will be applied!
Husky Homemade Food Tips
Before sharing our favorite Husky homemade food recipes, remember these recommendations when preparing your dog’s next meal.
How To Cook Homemade Food For Huskies
Never made food for your Husky before? This video will get you started.
Best Husky Homemade Dog Food Recipes
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 special treat recipe for your Husky that is tasty and packed with remarkable health benefits. This recipe has our favorite secret ingredient, dog CBD oil. CBD oil can help with seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, wellness and other health problems.
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.
- CBD-Infused Dog Treats Treats
- Turkey, Rice & Veggie Mix
- Fresh Veggie Mix
- Macaroni, Quinoa Turkey Recipe
- Turkey & Vegetable Dinner
CBD-Infused Dog Treats
If you want to help your dog thrive, this super tasty and healthy, organic CBD-infused treat will delight your pup. Just be sure to check with your vet before giving your dog CBD to make sure it is safe for your pup and that you are giving the proper amount.
You can also purchase already-made CBD dog treats so your pup can experience CBD’s benefits without the cooking.
Ingredients
Total: Makes 24 treats
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
- Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
- 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.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl; mix completely. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
- 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.
- 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
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
Directions
- Place the water, ground turkey, rice, and rosemary into a large Dutch oven.
- Stir until the ground turkey is broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Recipe from: Allrecipes
Macaroni, Quinoa Turkey Recipe
This simple recipe is a much healthier option than that kibble stuff. Filled with quinoa, rice, carrots, apple (no seeds), zucchini and more wholesome ingredients will keep your Husky coming back for more.
Ingredients
Directions
- Bring 1 cup of whole grain to boiling in a pot of water. I overcook it so that it’s soft and easily digestible. Drain.
- While that’s boiling, shred/chop the veggies.
- Cook ground turkey with olive oil and drain excess juices.
- Mix everything! No need to cook the veggies. The cooked turkey and whole grain will warm them up a bit.
- Store in Tupperware or ziplock bags and freeze! It makes enough for around two weeks of meals (Fira weighs 14 lbs).
Recipe from: WhereSTheFrenchie
Wholesome Ground Sirloin Veggie
Make this 30-Minute 5-Ingredient vegetable and ground sirloin veggie mix for Fido. This nutritious recipe contains fresh vegetables and grass-fed ground sirloin. This is the perfect meal for Huskies who love meat and need a low-carb, nutritious meal. The eggs and herbs give an added boost of vitamins and nutrients
Ingredients
Directions
- Start with cooking the eggs
- While the rice is cooking, you can brown the sirloin and get all the fresh ingredients together.
- Combine all ingredients in a large container and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Store in the refrigerator in-between feedings.
Recipe from: This Messisours
For even more Husky homemade food recipes and cooking options, check out Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.
Best Homemade Dog Food Cooking Practices
Here are some general guidelines to follow when cooking for Huskies.
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.
What Foods Should Your Husky Never Eat?
Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients dogs need to avoid.
Here is the complete list of toxic ingredients your Husky should never eat. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.
Husky Raw Diet (BARF)
Raw dog food is meant to mimic dogs’ diet in the wild millions of years ago. Raw dog foods, organs, muscles, whole or ground bones, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are usually included. Several raw dog foods are available, including homemade raw dog food and store-bought (frozen, freeze-dried, and dehydrated).
Cooking a homemade raw diet needs to be approached carefully and under expert guidance as there is more risk of contamination and nutritional imbalance. Raw dog diets are gaining popularity because of their fantastic health benefits for teeth, coats, digestion, and allergies. Read our raw dog food diet article to learn more about the benefits and risks, and get the best raw food diet for your Husky.
Should You Feed Homemade Food to Husky? Alternatives
So, what is the best dog food for huskies?
Freshly cooked meals are better than traditional kibble in nutritional value and health for your pet. We recommend homemade meals as long as they fulfill the dietary 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.
