Huskies are a beautiful, active breed of dog, but like all purebred dogs, they can develop specific health problems. Starting them off on the right quality and volume of puppy food can help maintain optimum health throughout their lifetime.

Huskies are somewhat unusual dogs because they are a breed that does not over-indulge in food. This, along with high metabolism and lean, lanky build, makes it essential to establish appropriate feeding times and volumes.

How Much Should You Feed a Husky Puppy

There are different types of Huskies, and each type has distinct dietary needs. Anticipated adult weight for different types of Huskies is discussed below. It’s important to keep in mind that this article’s advice is intended as a general guideline. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the dietary needs for your specific dogs.

The anticipated growth weight and adult weight of your type of Husky should be taken into consideration when determining how much to feed your puppy. A Siberian Husky is expected to achieve an adult weight between 40 and 60 pounds when fully grown. An Alaskan Husky, sometimes called an American Husky, is expected to achieve an adult weight between 35 and 60 pounds. A miniature Husky is anticipated to achieve an adult weight of approximately 35 pounds. The miniature Husky is considered a breed aberration by the AKC because it cannot be a working sled dog due to its small size. However, these Huskies are growing in popularity among dog lovers who want a Husky, but their living situation cannot accommodate a larger dog. 

Birth to Four Weeks

From birth to three weeks, all Husky puppies need to be with their mother. Puppies this young need to be nursed frequently. At two to three weeks, the puppies’ eyes will be open, but they will not yet be active. If a puppy isn’t gaining weight while nursing or seems to be underweight, a consultation with your veterinarian is recommended. Your veterinarian can help determine if supplementation with puppy formula is needed.

At four weeks, Husky puppies can be introduced to a mixture of puppy food and water, but nursing should still be their primary source of nutrition. To see if the puppies are ready for solid food, try a small amount first. At this time, the food should be mixed to about ¼ puppy food and ¾ water. To keep this easy, you can start by mixing one cup of food and watch to see which puppies are interested. 

Five to Seven Weeks

Five-week-old Husky puppies are not ready to be weaned, but the mixture of puppy food and water can be offered several times a day now. After about 20 minutes, if the puppies are still not interested, the food should be taken away. The nature of a Husky’s nutritional needs and high metabolism requires a feeding schedule through their life. Offering the mixture of puppy food and water at regular times and removing uneaten food after 20 minutes will acclimate the puppies to a feeding schedule when they are ready.

Puppies this small will not eat much, but their mother will be spending less time with them, readying the litter to be weaned. At six weeks, Husky puppies should be active and interested in the mixture of puppy-food and water. Once the puppies are eating the food regularly, the amount of water can be decreased gradually. Remember that Husky puppies will not eat a lot in one sitting. Although the uneaten food should be removed after 20 minutes, husky puppies can otherwise be allowed to decide when they are full. Unlike many other dog breeds, Huskies do not continue to eat after they have satisfied their hunger.

By seven weeks, the Husky puppies’ activity level will increase even more, and they will show signs of curiosity. At this stage, you should offer food three or even four times a day. The mother is now weaning her pups, and her milk should no longer be a large part of a Husky puppy’s diet. 

Eight to Twelve Weeks

At eight weeks, a Husky puppy, like most other dogs, is ready to go home with their new family. After you bring your Husky puppy home, offer them food three to four times a day, remembering that your puppy will not eat if they’re not hungry. A Siberian Husky puppy will need about two cups of food spread out over three meals at this age. An Alaskan Husky puppy may need less food, and a miniature Husky even less. A well-puppy visit with your veterinarian should be scheduled as soon as possible. This will provide a general health check, continue your puppy’s course vaccinations, and provide you with feeding advice. It is okay to request feeding advice specific to your Husky pup.

Your new puppy is now completely dependent on you for food. You must offer them food at least three times per day. Gradually introduce your Husky pup to the puppy food you plan to feed them if it is not the same food they were previously eating. Abrupt changes in diet can be difficult on your puppy’s digestive system.

From nine to twelve weeks, your Husky still needs to eat at least three times, and maybe four times a day. Feed your puppy in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and adjust the volume of food as needed. If you were feeding your new furry companion two cups of food a day, plan to feed them about 2 ½ cups a day at nine weeks, 3 cups a day at ten weeks, and so on, adjusting for advice and guidance provided by your veterinarian.

To establish a feeding schedule, feed your puppy at the same time for each feeding session, and take the uneaten food away after 20 minutes. Continue feeding your puppy three times a day at the same times each day. Huskies are very active and grow quickly during this time. Be prepared to increase the volume of food each week by at least ¼ of the previous amount, or as needed. 

Three to Twelve Months

You Husky’s growth will slow between six and 12 months, but they are still a puppy. They may not be fully physically mature until they’re three years old. Plan to keep feeding them three times a day until they’re at least one year old. As always, make appropriate increases in quantity food as needed for growth rates and energy levels, and as recommended by your veterinarian. 

Other Considerations

Zinc deficiency is a common problem for Siberian Huskies, though it has been reported less frequently for other types of Huskies. Skin problems are often a sign of this deficiency. However, supplementing with zinc without your veterinarian’s involvement is not recommended. Consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned that your dog may have a zinc deficiency.

Remember, Husky is a naturally lean and lanky breed. If you feel your dog is underweight, consult with your veterinarian and adjust the volume of food offered and frequency of feedings accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The lifelong health of your Husky can be improved by providing high-quality puppy food three times per day in the early stages of their development, and high-quality dog food two to three times per day throughout their life.

Because Huskies take longer to mature than many other dog breeds, they may need to eat puppy food for more than one year. High-quality puppy food will support the nutritional needs of your puppy’s growing brain and developing body. Your veterinarian can provide more specific advice for when to transition your Husky to adult dog food.