Why Is My Husky So Skinny?

As pet parents, we all want to ensure our dogs are healthy, and weight is one of the biggest concerns, especially amongst Husky owners. It’s important to remember that Huskies are an active, lean breed, but ‘why is my Husky getting skinny’ is an extremely common question. So, we’ve put together this guide to why your Husky might be skinny, how much they should weigh, and what you should do if you’re concerned.

Why is my Husky skinny?

It’s natural to worry about your dog’s weight, in fact, it’s one of the most common health concerns of pet owners. As a Husky owner, you may have noticed that most Huskies are lean, so you’re probably wondering ‘is it normal for a husky to be skinny?’. The answer in short is yes, it is quite normal for them to be lean. Be aware that there’s a difference between lean and underweight, and if you are worried that your Husky has lost weight recently, or think they look too slim it’s best to speak to your usual vet.

Huskies are a naturally lean breed and are active and well-muscled. Any weight-related issues are usually down to health problems, over/under feeding, or over/under exercising. Here are some of the most common problems that might make your Husky skinny – 

• Too much exercise

Huskies need at least 2 hours of exercise off a lead every day, and they love to run. Most Husky owners have an equally active lifestyle as their pets. But there is such a thing as too much exercise, and if your dog is burning off more energy than they consume they will start to lose weight. 

• Underfeeding

Huskies are highly energetic dogs, and they burn off a lot of calories. This means they need to eat enough food to sustain themselves, and the right balance of protein and carbohydrates. Not enough food or the wrong type of food is one of the most common causes of weight loss in Huskies. If you are unsure just how much your pup should be eating, take a look at our article on feeding your husky puppy.

• Health problems

Several health problems can cause your dog to lose weight. These can be simple infections, parasites, eating something that doesn’t agree with them, or something more serious such as liver or kidney disease, hormonal conditions, or cancer. 

• Fussy eating

Huskies are famously fussy and can go a day or two without eating. But this can lead to weight loss, and some are fussier than others so it can become an ongoing problem. It’s important not to change up their food too often, instead provide regular variety with strong smells and a mixture of tastes and textures to keep them interested in their food. You can also make mealtimes fun using games to stimulate them to eat.

• Stress

Huskies are highly intelligent and sensitive dogs. Any changes in their routine or environment can cause them stress. The hormones involved in stress (cortisol) then suppress their appetite so problems such as separation anxiety can be a very common reason for weight loss and inappetence in Huskies.

How much should a Husky weigh?

Huskies are large dogs; an adult male should weigh 45-60 pounds and an adult female should be 35-50 pounds. You should be able to just feel your dog’s ribs and spine, without them being too prominent. They should have a nice waistline when looking from above, and your Husky should be well muscled. 

It takes around 18 –24 months for a Husky to reach their fully grown adult weight. They will go through a fast growth phase as a puppy over the first 6-7 months, then their growth will slow down until they are fully grown. 

How much should I feed my Husky?

Huskies are large dogs with high energy requirements to help them maintain their active lifestyle. They need 2 good meals a day. And the more your dog exercise, the more they will need to eat. But as well as getting the right amount of food, the quality is also important. Huskies need plenty of protein and carbohydrates as a working breed, so you might consider feeding a diet specifically formulated for this purpose. 

It’s essential that all dogs receive a complete and balanced diet, and that you follow the instructions on the packaging regarding portion sizes. If you think your dog is underweight you can increase portions, feed little and often, give more treats, or add in a little wet food or fresh meat such as cooked chicken. 

Final Thoughts

Huskies are genetically programmed to be lean, and they are very active dogs with a high metabolism. This means a skinny Husky is not necessarily an unhealthy one. Your vet can help you to assess your dog’s weight and Body Condition Score. If your Husky has lost weight and you can’t work out why it could be down to stress, the wrong diet, not enough food, too much exercise, or an underlying health problem. Get your dog checked over at the vet to rule out health problems before making any changes to exercise and diet to help them get back to a healthy weight.

FAQs

How can I fatten up my husky?

If your dog is clinically underweight, you need to increase their food intake and avoid over-exercising them. Your vet can guide you on the most suitable foods for sustained/healthy weight and muscle gain.

Should you be able to feel a husky’s spine?

You should be able to just feel a dog’s spine, it should not be prominent though as this can mean they are underweight. Not being able to feel the spine means they are overweight.

What does a healthy weight husky look like?

An adult male Husky should weigh 45-60 pounds and a female should be 35-50 pounds.

How do you know if your dog is too skinny?

If you can visibly see and feel your dog’s ribs and spine, they might be underweight. You should weigh your dog and get your vet to give them a Body Condition Score to assess their weight.