Food for Husky, Malamute and Sled Dog Puppies
You puppy's breeder should give you a supply of food to last for at least a few days when you go to collect your puppy.
The breeder should talk to you about the food that they have weaned the litter on to when you go to visit the puppies, and they should explain why they have chosen that particular type of food.
Whether or not you will stick with this same brand in the long-term, it is generally a good idea to stick with the food the puppy is used to for a couple of weeks while they settle into their new home.
After this, you can consider gradually changing brands if you feel it is appropriate.
The type of food a breeder weans their litters onto is often a good indication of the type of breeder they are.
Those breeders that are well informed as to the needs of huskies and sled dogs, and prioritize the development and wellbeing of their puppies will wean them onto a high-quality kibble that is appropriate for the breed.
Such kibbles are often a bit more expensive than most of the cheaper brands available in superstores
(some breeders may prefer to raise pups on a raw diet - also very good for them as long as the breeder is knowledgeable on the subject).
A breeder that raises pups on cheap superstore brands that are full of cheap ingredients - namely wheat and soya - is probably more concerned about the financial side of dog breeding than you might wish.
Cheap foods are likely to upset the puppies' stomachs.
They are also unlikely to provide as many of the nutrients that are so important for growing pups.
Nutrients they do contain may be difficult for the pups' to absorb as other ingredients may reduce absorption in the digestive system.
If your puppy has been raised on an inappropriate diet you may wish to change over to a better quality food sooner than would usually be recommended.
If this is the case you should still try and make the change gradually, as switching suddenly, even to a high-quality food, will probably cause stomach upsets.
In the case of any health problems or diet changes for young puppies, you should first consult your vet.
Many specially formulated kibbles are available for puppies, with different varieties for the very young and for juvenile dogs.
We have found that our own puppies have done well on California Natural Puppy Food
It is very important, as with all ages of dog, that if you decide to change your puppy's food, you make the change gradually, first substituting a very small amount at each meal time, and slowly increasing the proportions over the course of a week or two.
For more advice on changing foods, and general feeding tips, see our Main Food Page.