Best Husky Treats: Healthy and Tasty Options
Many of us love to spoil our Huskies with the occasional titbit or two but with so many treat options out there, how do you decide what’s best for your dog? There are some treats that can be unhealthy for your dog and there are a few that are even downright dangerous. Let’s take a closer look at the best treats for Huskies.
How many treats can my Husky have?
As a general rule, no more than 10% of your dog’s diet should be treats.
This entirely depends on the type and size of the treat that you are feeding. Most manufactured treats will have feeding guidelines on the packet. As a general rule, no more than 10% of your dog’s diet should be treats. This is mainly to ensure that your dog is receiving his daily requirements of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from his complete dog food. Remember that even healthy treats should only be fed in moderation, to avoid giving your Husky an upset stomach.
What are the best treats for Huskies?
This depends on the type of Husky that you have and what their daily activity levels are. Working Huskies that spend their days pulling sleds in the snow will have far higher energy requirements than a pet Husky that spends much of his day snoozing on the couch. Huskies typically can have sensitive stomachs so you’ll want to avoid feeding treats that are too rich or contain lots of additives or artificial flavors.
Huskies can also be picky eaters so it might take a bit of trial and error to find treats that your Husky really loves but are still good for him.
Best Husky treat suggestions:
Chewing is a natural instinct of dogs and results in the release of ‘happy hormones’ from the brain which can help your dog to relax.
Cooked chicken breast – This is a good quality source of protein and an easily digestible treat for your Husky, especially if he has a sensitive stomach. In fact, veterinarians suggest feeding cooked chicken to dogs when they have a stomach upset.
Dried pig or cow ears – These are another good source of protein and also provide your Husky with some enjoyable ‘chew’ time. Chewing is a natural instinct of dogs and results in the release of ‘happy hormones’ from the brain which can help your dog to relax. These types of dried chew are a great alternative to rawhide which can pose a choking hazard for dogs.
Dehydrated fish – Dried fish treats such as sprats or salmon can help provide your Husky with omega 3 fatty acids. These are essential for good coat and skin quality. If there’s one thing Huskies are known for, it’s that lovely thick double coat! Treats containing omega 3s will help to keep your Husky’s coat in tip-top condition.
Dental chews – These can help to prevent the build-up of plaque on your dog’s teeth. Dental disease is common in dogs so help to try and combat it by brushing your dog’s teeth daily and feeding a regular dental chew. Be aware that some dental treats can be quite high in calories so they might not be the best choice for an overweight Husky that’s watching his waistline!
Raw carrot – Many dogs love raw carrot, it’s a healthy, crunchy snack that can help to keep your Husky’s teeth clean. Carrot is high in natural sugars though so only feed it in moderation. Cut it up into small chunks before serving it to your Husky to prevent it from being a choking hazard.
Watermelon – This is a refreshing treat that many Huskies will love, and it’s low in calories which makes it a great option for dogs that need to lose weight. It can also be served frozen on a hot summer day to make it into a doggy popsicle that will help to keep your Husky cool.
Shop-brought treats – There are literally hundreds of different types to choose from! Some will be better for your Husky than others. Look for treats that have all-natural ingredients and don’t contain any additives or artificial flavorings or colorants.
Other considerations:
Look for treats that have all-natural ingredients and don’t contain any additives or artificial flavorings or colorants.
Just like people, all Huskies are different, and what one Husky will love, another might hate. Huskies can be picky and might turn their noses up at some treats that are offered to them If this is the case, try something different.
Also bear in mind that some Huskies might be more susceptible to stomach upsets than others after eating different food, or after eating certain ingredients. Some Huskies might even have allergies or intolerances to certain foods. If this is the case, check the ingredients of a new treat carefully before feeding it to your Husky.
Beware too much of a good thing! Treats should only ever be fed sparingly to your Husky as you do not want him to become overweight. Check the fat and calorie content of treats and pay attention to the feeding guidelines, particularly if your Husky is on a diet.
Make your Husky work for his treats. Huskies are an extremely intelligent breed and love to learn. Teach him a new trick or play some brain games with him in exchange for any treats that you give him. This will help to mentally tire him out as well as be a bonding experience for the both of you.
Treat ingredients to avoid:
Treats that are high in sugar, salt, fat, or dairy should be avoided. These are all unhealthy for your Husky and can be bad for them in large quantities.
Some ingredients can be toxic to dogs and be very dangerous for them, even in small amounts. Some examples of ingredients that are toxic to dogs include:
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Grapes and raisins
- Garlic and onions
- Anything containing xylitol which is an artificial sweetener. It is found in lots of different products including sugar-free chewing gum.
Always check with your veterinarian before feeding anything new to your dog if you are unsure about whether or not it’s safe.
Conclusion
Whatever you decide to treat your Husky with, look for natural ingredients and make sure it’s safe for dogs to consume. Remember, moderation is key and no more than 10% of your Husky’s diet should consist of treats. This might be even less if you have a Husky that is prone to weight gain. The above suggestions are just a small selection of treats that your Husky might enjoy, always check with your veterinarian before introducing anything new into your dog’s diet.
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