Are you currently searching for a food to help your husky build muscle and gain weight? With so many different dog foods on the market, selecting the right one can be a challenge.
To choose the best dog food for your husky, there are several important factors you will need to consider.
This includes your husky’s age, how active he is, and any health problems he may be experiencing. This will help you to identify your dog’s unique nutritional needs.
Still unsure of where to start? Here are 5 great food choices to help huskies gain weight and how to know if they are right for your dog.
Nutritional Needs of Huskies
Huskies are a high-energy working breed. For this reason, they need a food that will provide the fuel to keep up with their active lifestyle.
Foods with high-quality animal protein sources are the best option.
Check the ingredients list on any food that you are considering. The first and primary ingredient should be an animal protein like chicken, lamb, or fish.
Ideally, these should be real meat sources and not meat “meal” or meat by-products.
The husky breed is largely a healthy breed, meaning that there are fewer common health issues. But, there are still some conditions that your dog is more likely to experience.
One of the big concerns is the possibility of hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the dog’s hip joint doesn’t work as it should.
Hip dysplasia can cause lameness, difficulty getting up, and significant joint pain.
While there is no food that will prevent the problem, you can address the symptoms. One effective solution is to offer foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those with salmon or chia seeds.
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties to help lessen the discomfort. They also work to lubricate the joints, making movement easier.
Huskies are also prone to eye-related problems. This includes cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal dystrophy, and uveodermatologic syndrome.
You can help to improve your dog’s eye health with a nutrient-rich diet.
Some healthy food choices that can support healthy vision include:
- Pumpkin
- Sweet Potatoes
- Kale
- Carrots
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
Foods that are high in DHA, a common omega-3 fatty acid, can improve the health of the retina. This is due to the high level of DHA naturally present.
What Kind of Dog Food Can Help A Husky Gain Weight Healthily?
The best foods to help your husky gain weight will be high-quality and nutrient-dense.
This will boost your dog’s daily calorie intake to support his active lifestyle. It will also supply the fat content, healthy carbohydrates, fiber, and protein that your dog needs.
One way to do this is to feed a high-protein food. These foods are usually meat-heavy.
They are available as dry kibble, canned food, freeze-dried food, or fresh food. The key is to find the option that your dog enjoys most, even if he is a picky eater.
Another healthy option for encouraging weight gain is to add pumpkin or sweet potato to their food. This will add fat and fiber to help put on weight naturally.
Best Dog Foods for Huskies to Gain Weight
Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20 Turkey, Duck & Quail Formula
Best Overall Dog Food for Huskies to Gain Weight
Product Details
- Formulated with 30% protein and 20% fat
- Contains glucosamine, EPA, and Omega-3 fatty acids
- Made with amino acids to support lean muscle
Who Should Buy This Food
With high protein levels and quality nutrition, this food will support the active lifestyle of most huskies.
It contains the nutrition needed to support the growth and maintenance of lean muscle. This food is also associated with a healthy metabolism and improved joint health.
Our Rating
5 stars out of 5
Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Wild Game Recipe with Freeze-Dried Lamb
Best High Protein Dog Food for Huskies
Product Details
- Prepared with pure protein and natural enzymes
- Features omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine
- Includes meaty, freeze-dried bites to entice even picky eaters
Who Should Buy This Food
Packed with bites of freeze-dried foods this is a great option for reluctant eaters. The enticing scent and savory flavor will keep them coming back for more.
It offers natural nutrients to support the development of muscle tone in your husky.
Our Rating
5 stars out of 5
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Venison Formula
Best Wet Dog Food to Gain Weight
Product Details
- Balanced formula for all life stages
- Rich in vitamins A, B6, and B12
- Unique blend for maximum nutrient absorption
Who Should Buy This Food
If your dog would prefer a softer, easier-to-chew food, wet food is ideal. This is a common choice for senior dogs and those with dental problems.
This specific food is designed for improved digestion and a strong immune system.
Our Rating
4 stars out of 5
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Sensitive Stomach with Probiotics Lamb & Oat Meal Formula
Best Dog Food for Huskies with Sensitive Stomachs
Product Details
- High protein formula with real lamb
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics
- Includes sunflower oil, rich in omega-6 fatty acids
Who Should Buy This Food
Dogs that suffer from gastrointestinal problems can enjoy this food.
Made with oat meal, it’s easily digestible and easy on your dog’s stomach. At the same time, it’s packed with nutrition to support your husky’s needs.
Our Rating
5 stars out of 5
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Best Dog Food for Husky Puppies
Product Details
- Calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins for growing puppies
- Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- High-quality protein for healthy muscle growth
Who Should Buy This Food
Growing puppies have unique nutritional needs. That is where a quality puppy food like this one really shines.
Protein-rich and packed with key nutrients, it will help your husky puppy group up healthy and strong.
Our Rating
4 stars out of 5
Buying Guide
Why Is My Husky Getting Skinny?
Younger huskies naturally have a slender build. They are still growing into their bodies and will often fill out as they age.
But even then, the husky’s build is lean and athletic.
While you may see huskies that look large or chunky, this is often just their thick coat. Although, like all breeds, there are also overweight dogs among us.
There are a few reasons why huskies may start to lose weight or appear too skinny.
Huskies have a reputation for being overly dramatic and their choice in food is no different. These picky eaters may wake up one morning and turn their noses up at the sight of what was once their favorite food.
To help with this, you can try introducing tasty food toppers.
These nutritious additions to their food change the flavor to offer some variety. They also usually have a strong and enticing smell to encourage picky eaters.
Another reason for huskies being underweight is that they simply aren’t eating enough.
As an active and high-energy breed, most huskies have a higher caloric need. Offering a higher protein food or higher fat food can help your dog gain weight.
If you have tried all the solutions listed above and your dog is still losing weight, call your veterinarian.
This could be a sign that your dog is experiencing underlying health problems. If that is the case, you will need to address the health issues first.
Will Eggs Make My Husky Gain Weight?
Yes, eggs are a healthy addition to your dog’s diet and can help to support weight gain.
They are packed with protein and healthy fats.
While you will see many people suggesting raw eggs, it is recommended to cook them before feeding. This will help to address a couple of key concerns about raw eggs.
Eggs that are contaminated by salmonella can make both you and your dog very sick. Cooking the egg will kill off the bacteria responsible for the infection.
Feeding your dog raw eggs can also lead to biotin deficiency. This is due to the enzyme avidin found in the egg whites.
Avidin prevents your dog’s body from absorbing biotin, an important vitamin.
While biotin deficiencies are rare, they do happen. But, cooking the egg deactivates the biotin, eliminating the problem.
When is Weight Gain for A Husky Healthy Vs Unhealthy?
If you plan on helping your dog gain weight, it is recommended that you do so under veterinary supervision.
By working with your veterinarian, you can make sure that there are no health concerns along the way. They can also offer suggestions for encouraging healthy weight gain.
Make sure that you have a clear idea of what would constitute a healthy weight for your dog. Huskies are naturally lean and should have a defined waist.
It is at that point that you should shift to focusing on weight maintenance instead of weight gain.
Gaining too much weight could cause your dog to become overweight or obese. This may lead to a variety of other health complications.
Problems associated with obesity include:
- Canine Diabetes
- Heart Disease
- Hypertension
- Osteoarthritis
- Respiratory Disorders
- Renal Dysfunction
- Increased Risk of Some Cancers
If allowed to continue, obesity can cause a loss of quality in terms of your dog’s lifestyle. It can also lead to a shortened life expectancy.
Will Too Much Exercise Prevent My Husky from Gaining Weight?
We often associate physical activity and exercise with weight loss. But, exercise will also play an important role in your husky’s weight gain.
This is due to the type of weight gain you are trying to achieve.
In making these changes to your husky’s diet, the goal is to gain lean, healthy muscle, not excess fat.
A healthy plan for weight gain includes a balance of high-quality nutrition and activity.
Some great ways to exercise your husky and build muscle include:
- Walking
- Running
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Agility Training
- Skijoring
- Mushing/Sled Dog Training
Many of these options will not only offer exercise, but also a chance to strengthen your bond. By working together, you will develop a closer relationship.
How Do I Switch My Husky to A New Food?
If you need to change your dog’s food, it should be a careful transition. It is recommended that this is done over a period of a week.
Day One: 75% original food, 25% new food
Day Three: 50% each of the original food and new food
Day Five: 25% original food, 75% new food
Day Seven: 100% new food
This will allow your dog’s system to adjust to the new food.
Take your time with this process. Watch for signs that your dog may not be feeling well with each change.
If you do notice problems, slow the transition down even further.
Changing too quickly can trigger gastrointestinal problems including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This may also lead to a loss of appetite, causing further weight loss.
Conclusion: Best Dog Food for Huskies to Gain Weight
There are many great high-quality dog food options to support your husky’s weight gain.
Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Wild Game Recipe with Freeze-Dried Lamb is a great option. It’s high in protein and enticing for picky eaters.
For those dogs that prefer wet food, Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Venison is also a solid choice.
But, the best food on our list is the Purina Pro Plan Sport Performance 30/20 Turkey, Duck & Quail Formula.
With an effective balance of protein and fats, it supports healthy weight gain and the development of lean muscle. At the same time, it includes the nutrition needed to care for your active dog’s joint health.
This premium food will support all your husky’s nutritional needs.
