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Feeding
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How long should I feed puppy food?
Some research indicates that feeding puppy food for too long can increase the incidence of hip dysplasia (and other orthopedic problems) in dogs that are susceptible to it (fast growing breeds). Some breeders start feeding adult food very soon. Even though the Siberian is not fully mature until 18 months, most people gradually switch to adult dog food at the 8-10 month time frame. Again, this is something to discuss with your breeder and veterinarian.
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How much should I feed my Siberian Husky?
When you pick up your new puppy, your breeder should tell you what the puppy's diet has been to date, as well as recommendation as to the best food and feeding frequency
in the future, both for while the dog is still a puppy as well as when the dog is an adult. You should try and follow the puppy's diet at the time you collect him from the breeder as best you can, until the puppy is settled in to its new environment. Then you can gradually change the diet to suit your preferences. Remember that sudden changes in diet can severely disrupt the puppy's digestive system and cause gastric distress.
The Siberian requires a relatively small amount of food for his size. This trait may be traced to the origins of the breed, as the Chukchi's developed their dogs to pull a light load at a fast pace over great distances in low temperatures on the smallest possible intake of food. Therefore, excess caloric intake can make your Husky, well, "husky"!
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What brand of food should I feed my Siberian Husky?
As for the type and "brand" of dog food, basically any reputable dog food manufacturer provides a dog food that is sufficient to keep a dog healthy. However, the premium brands of dog food have the advantage that one can feed the dog less and still get very good nourishment. In addition, stool size and amount is generally less with the premium dog
foods. Keep in mind that feeding dogs is partly art, and partly science. The dog food manufacturers have done the science part. The rest is up to you. Some people feed their dogs a mix of canned and dry food twice a day. Others feed only dry and allow free feeding, and so on. Be sure and pick a frequency of feeding, brand, and type of food
to suit your dogs needs. For working Siberians, a "performance" formula is in order. For Siberians that go for walks and hikes, a "maintenance" formula is usually best. Consult your breeder and veterinarian for advice.
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My Siberian Husky inhales his/her food, occassionally choking. What can I do about it?
Most Siberian Huskies eat with vigor. This is a good thing, as likely you'll never have to deal with a picky eater. However, what you describe is potentially dangerous, and obviously upsetting to you. I have found two methods work best for this situation. 1 - Add a small amount of water to the dog's dry kibble or 2 - place a non-edible object in their dish (i.e.: a stone bigger than the size of your fist. The first makes them slow down in order to drink the "juice" that is made from their food, the latter forces them to "eat around" the object. Both have worked well, but I find adding water to be a sufficient deterant for an aggressive eater.
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