Siberian Huskies and Superfoods
Since Siberian Huskies are extremely energetic, agile, athletic and active, they need a nutrient-rich diet to stay both healthy and happy. Enter superfoods whose benefits include boosting their energy levels, improving their digestion, strengthening their immune systems, supporting their joints and enhancing their coats.
Chock-o-block full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, these superfoods include:
Salmon: rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fresh salmon supports skin, coat health and reduces inflammation. Serve your Husky cooked, boneless salmon as a topper for his kibble or mix it directly into his meals. Never serve him raw or seasoned salmon and remember to remove every bone.
Blueberries: packed with antioxidants, fiber and vitamins C and K, blueberries help fight free radicals and boost immunity. Offer your Husky a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries as a snack or as a training treat.
Pumpkin: high in fiber and beta-carotene, pumpkin supports digestion and helps with constipation or diarrhea. Use plain, canned pumpkin (never use pie filling) as a food topper or mix it into your Husky’s regular meals.
Sweet potatoes: rich in vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants, sweet potatoes promote digestive health and increase energy. Steam, boil or bake sweet potatoes and serve them either diced or mashed to your Husky.
Spinach: rich in iron, calcium and antioxidants, spinach supports healthy bones and muscles. Lightly steam the spinach and mix it into your Husky’s food – always in moderation since spinach contains oxalates, which may interfere with the absorption of calcium.
Carrots: an excellent source of beta-carotene, fiber and vitamins A and K, carrots support eye health and assist in dental hygiene. Offer your Husky raw carrots as crunchy snacks or lightly steam them for easier digestion.
Eggs: high in protein, amino acids and vitamins, eggs promote muscle growth, coat health and strong nails. Serve your Husky boiled or scrambled eggs without seasoning. Never use raw eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.
Chia seeds: rich in omega-3s, antioxidants and fiber, chia seeds promote digestion, energy and heart health. After first soaking the chia seeds in water, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of them over your Husky’s regular food.
Coconut oil: as a source of medium-chain triglycerides, coconut oil improves brain function, coat health and digestion. Add 1 teaspoon to your Husky’s meals or use it as a topper, introducing it slowly to avoid upsetting his stomach.
Apples: high in fiber and vitamin C, apples support digestion and immune health. After carefully removing the core and every seed, serve apple to your Husky either as slices or small chunks.
Greek yogurt: packed with probiotics, Greek yogurt excels at supporting gut health and improving digestion. After ensuring that your Husky can tolerate dairy products, offer him plain, unsweetened yogurt as a snack or as a food topper.
Kale: rich in vitamins A, C and K, kale is famous for strengthening bones, improving immunity and reducing inflammation. Lightly steam and chop up the kale and then add it to your Husky’s regular meals.
Before incorporating superfoods into your Husky’s diet, always consult your vet about these changes and to ensure proper nutrition. Then, if you’re in agreement, start slowly and introduce one or more of these new foods gradually to avoid upsetting your Husky’s stomach. Remember that superfoods are to be used solely as supplements, not as replacements for a balanced dog food diet. And last but not least, monitor your Husky for allergies by watching for such signs as itching, diarrhea or vomiting.