Information on Husky Nutrition
Siberian huskies, whether kept as a companion animal or a working dog, have specialized dietary needs. This northern breed needs nutrition that takes into account its energy use, metabolism and specific joint and coat needs. The food you use and your feeding schedule will depend upon your preferences and the success you see with your dog.
PROTEIN, PROTIEN, and PROTIEN
Siberian Huskies, unlike other breeds of similar size, have a highly efficient metabolism evolved from centuries of living in harsh arctic conditions. They only need a minimum amount of food – adult Siberian Huskies need only be fed once a day, and then only as much as they require to sustain them for that day. A working dog would need more than an inactive one.
Today's high energy, low bulk dry foods make it very easy to feed a healthy diet. Do not overfeed them – excess weight is very hard to trim off and a leaner dog finds it easier to cope with our summer heat than an overweight one. Whilst we don't recommend any particular brand of dog food, we would suggest that a good quality dry food be used together with some red meat. They also like carrots raw or cooked, fruit, and fish ie. tuna and the like. Siberian Huskies need a balanced diet and high in protein. Some dog foods do not meet the dietary needs of a husky. Look at the Ingredient list and the guaranteed analysis of your dog food. A recognizable protein source (chicken, turkey, lamb) should be the first ingredient listed. Avoid any food that contains corn products as the first ingredient (usually your low end foods). The guaranteed analysis should list crude protein of at least 26% in dry foods.
Overall the food you choose is going to be a balance of your choice to feed the best food vs what can feasibly fit in your budget. You can additionally supplement you dry food with additional meat products. For example Our Sibes receive a mix of whole boneless chicken, potatoes, carrots, apples, sweet potatoes we cook up weekly to supplement their dry food.
Avoid feeding your dog table scraps, unless of course it is meat or vegetables. At no time should your dog have a cooked bone to chew. This could splinter in your dog's throat – huge vet bills will be incurred and possibly the risk of death. Raw chicken necks, raw shank bones and raw sheep neck bones are ideal for your husky to chew on and to help prevent the build up of tartar on the teeth.
You must have fresh clean water available to your Siberian Husky at all times.
- Nice article on Ehow regarding Siberian Husky Nutrition
- Article on foods to avoid feeding your dog at PetEducation.com
FDA Information on Pet Food Labels
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