Introduction to Dog Food for Huskies With Zinc Deficiency
I’ve tested dozens of products, and I found that Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food was the best option for huskies with zinc deficiency.
Zinc deficiency is a common problem for huskies. As such, I’ve dedicated myself to researching high-zinc diets to help my dogs avoid this deficiency (and the health problems it leads to).
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has been the best choice for my huskies thanks to its zinc-rich primary ingredients. My pups also enjoy the fishy flavor of this dry food, which is a significant plus.
Our Best Dog Food For Siberian Huskies With a Zinc Deficiency
| Item | Picks | Product | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best Overall | Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | ⭐ 9.0 |
| 2 | Best Premium Option | ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | ⭐ 8.4 |
| 3 | Best Wet Food | Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon & Chicken Grill Grain-Free Canned Dog Food | ⭐ 8.8 |
| 4 | Best for Husky Puppies | ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food | ⭐ 8.3 |
| 5 | Best Value Option | American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | ⭐ 8.5 |
The 5 Best Foods for Huskies With Zinc Deficiency Reviewed
Keep reading to discover which dog foods can help your husky enjoy a much-needed boost of zinc!
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features
- Primary Ingredients: Salmon, Potatoes, Peas, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 25% min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 3% max
- Calories Per Serving: 408 kcal (per cup)
- Key Feature: Rich in natural zinc sources like salmon and potatoes.
In the wild, Siberian Huskies enjoy a diverse diet of wild birds, rodents, and fish. This Taste of the Wild dry food primarily consists of salmon, a fatty fish that harkens back to the husky breed’s wild roots.
Some of my huskies refuse to eat beef-based kibbles. But all of them have munched on this dry food with pleasure thanks to its strong fish flavor. Remember, even the highest-quality dog food can be a poor choice if your pup refuses to eat it!
There’s so much that I love about this kibble, but the main draw for me was that its primary ingredients almost entirely consist of zinc-rich ingredients like salmon, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
Pros
- The primary ingredients are rich in zinc and protein
- A grain-free option that might help increase zinc absorption
- A fantastic source of lean protein (no red meat or poultry)
- It contains live cultures to boost digestive health
Cons
- It contains zinc sulfate, which can cause digestive upset
- Some huskies might not enjoy the fish flavor
- It contains canola oil, a highly processed ingredient with few nutritional benefits
ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features
- Primary Ingredients: Monkfish, Whole Mackerel, Acadian Redfish, Whole Herring, Flounder
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 38% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 4% max
- Calories Per Serving: 468 kcal (per cup)
- Key Feature: The fish flavor appeals to most huskies, so even picky eaters will likely enjoy this dry food.
When wild Siberian Huskies couldn’t find wild birds or rodents to munch on, they often turned to fish. The ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food contains multiple types of fish (six, to be precise) that might appeal to your husky’s natural dietary inclinations.
This comparatively high percentage of fish isn’t only a great source of zinc, but also healthy fatty acids. These nutrients help your husky’s skin and coat stay in excellent condition, especially throughout drier, warmer weather.
Although this kibble is a bit pricier than other options, my huskies wolfed it down in no time, probably because of the intense fish scent. Still, one of the best aspects for me was the additional zinc sources like dried kelp and lentils.
Pros
- Primary ingredients are protein-rich, zinc-rich fish
- Additional ingredients like lentils, apples, and kelp also boost zinc levels
- Supplemented with live bacteria cultures to promote digestive health
- Fish smell and flavor appeal to most huskies
Cons
- This is one of the costliest zinc-rich dry foods available
- The kibbles give off a strong fishy odor
- This dry food may contribute to flatulence problems in huskies with sensitive stomachs
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon & Chicken Grill Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Key Features
- Primary Ingredients: Salmon, Potatoes, Chicken, Fish Broth, Chicken Liver
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 10% min, Crude Fat 9.5% min, Crude Fiber 1.5% max
- Calories Per Serving: 471 kcals (per can)
- Key Feature: A protein-rich, grain-free wet food ideal for older huskies or those with sensitive teeth and gums.
Hard, crunchy pieces of kibble can be punishing on a dog’s teeth, especially as they age. While you could mix your dog’s dry food with a little water to soften it, some pups are notoriously picky and refuse to eat wet kibble!
When you need to switch to wet food to satiate your zinc-deficient husky, it’s challenging to find a better option than this one from Blue Buffalo. This wet food is packed with natural sources of zinc (chicken, liver, salmon), many of which would have been familiar to wild huskies.
Because this canned food appeals to the natural diets of Siberian Huskies, most will lap it up as soon as you set it down. That said, this option is a little on the pricier side.
Pros
- It contains since-rich ingredients like chicken, chicken liver, salmon, and potatoes
- It doesn’t contain wheat, corn, or rice
- Is easier to eat than hard kibbles
- The flavor appeals to huskies
Cons
- This is one of the costlier options, with each can costing about $3
- It doesn’t provide as much crude protein as other zinc-rich options
- Huskies that are on chicken-free diets won’t be able to eat this wet food
ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
Key Features
- Primary Ingredients: Chicken, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Turkey, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard)
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 38% min, Crude Fat 20% min, Crude Fiber 6% max
- Calories Per Serving: 475 kcal (per cup)
- Key Feature: This grain-free puppy food is full of natural zinc sources, potentially helping them avoid zinc deficiency as they grow into adults.
Starting your husky puppy out on the right foot is crucial to ensuring they grow up strong and healthy, but selecting the best puppy food isn’t always easy. But this grain-free kibble from ORIJEN is a great place to start, as it’s packed with zinc-rich ingredients.
Not only does this dry food feature several ingredients that drive huskies wild (poultry and fish), but it’s supplemented with vegetables and fruits that are excellent sources of zinc. We’re talking apples, pumpkins, and lentils.
This is also one of the few husky-friendly puppy foods that contain dried kelp, an ingredient that provides a wealth of micronutrients, including zinc. It’s also worth noting that this puppy food has a comparatively high percentage of protein and fat, both of which keep growing puppies healthy.
Pros
- This dry food is chock-full of protein and fat, two macronutrients growing husky puppies need
- It contains a diverse mix of zinc sources, including eggs, chicken, and lentils
- Live bacteria cultures are added to this kibble to improve overall digestive health
- Appropriate for medium and large-breed puppies
Cons
- It’s not an appropriate choice for dogs who are sensitive to poultry
- Some husky puppies might not find this dry food’s flavor appealing
- This kibble has a strong fishy odor that lingers
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Features
- Primary Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas
- Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 5% max
- Calories Per Serving: 390 kcal (per cup)
- Key Feature: This option is more affordable than similar zinc-rich dry dog foods.
Investing in specialized dog foods to help your pup overcome specific medical conditions can quickly get expensive. But you don’t necessarily need to spend $100 on a bag of kibble to help your husky overcome its zinc deficiency.
Budget-friendly dry dog foods like this salmon-flavored option from American Journey are an excellent alternative to costlier meals. Besides, this kibble is made with several zinc-heavy ingredients, including salmon and dried kelp.
There are also two added types of zinc present in this grain-free dry food, one of which (zinc proteinate) is relatively easy for huskies to digest and absorb.
Pros
- Full of natural zinc sources like blueberries, sweet potatoes, and dried kelp
- Made using salmon, a fish known for its comparatively high zinc content
- Not as pricey as other, similar zinc-rich dog foods
- Fewer calories than similar options, making it a worthwhile choice for overweight huskies
Cons
- The protein sources primarily come from meals instead of fresh, whole meats
- This dry food contains zinc sulfate, which isn’t the easiest source of zinc to absorb
- Picky eaters may struggle to enjoy this dry food
Guide To Buying The Best Food For Siberian Huskies With a Zinc Deficiency
We’ve presented several top-notch dog food options to help your husky enjoy a boost of zinc. But choosing the best one for your pup can be challenging if you’re unsure what to look for.
So, let’s briefly discuss the most crucial factors to consider when selecting dog food for your zinc-deficient husky, including:
- Zinc sources
- Zinc absorption
- Dog life stage
- Price
Understanding how these factors impact the effectiveness and quality of your preferred dog food is essential to choosing the best option for your pup!
Zinc Sources
Before investing in a hefty bag of dry dog food, you’ll want to look closely at the ingredient list along the back of the bag.
The first ingredients listed are some of the most crucial, as they’re the most prevalent parts of the kibble or wet food mix. If these initial ingredients aren’t natural sources of zinc, it’s time to select a different food.
But which foods are high in zinc and safe for huskies? Well, the answer is that there are quite a few!
That said, some of the best dog-friendly zinc-rich food sources to look for include:
- Red meat
- Fish
- Eggs
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Pumpkin
Dry or wet foods with these ingredients listed first can be great choices for zinc-deficient huskies. But, of course, selecting a food that features plenty of zinc sources might not be enough.
That’s why you’ll also need to consider zinc absorption.
Zinc Absorption
Ensuring that your husky’s diet is rich in zinc can help them combat a zinc deficiency, but it might not be enough.
After all, not all types of zinc are easily absorbed by the body, and certain ingredients (primarily grains) can inhibit zinc absorption.
For this reason, choosing a wet or dry food with the right type of zinc is vital. It’s also an excellent idea to select a grain-free food that increases the potential absorption rate of this life-sustaining mineral.
Not All Types of Zinc Are Equal
There are several types of zinc, and not all of them are easy for the digestive system to absorb. Sadly, the most commonly added types of zinc found in dog food tend to be challenging to absorb and utilize.
These include:
- Zinc sulfate, and
- Zinc oxide
Zinc sulfate can also cause digestive upset and vomiting, especially in high doses!
When reviewing your chosen food’s list of ingredients, keep an eye out for more easily absorbed types of zinc like:
- Zinc citrate
- Zinc proteinate
- Zinc acetate
- Zinc picolinate
Grains Can Inhibit Zinc Absorption
According to the British Medical Journal (BMJ), grains can inhibit nutrient absorption.
So dog foods containing corn, wheat, or rice might prevent your husky from absorbing the zinc in their diet. You’ll want to opt for a grain-free kibble or wet food to ensure your pup gets the most out of their meals.
Dog Life Stage
Just like children, puppies have unique nutritional needs that differ from those of their adult counterparts. Alternatively, senior husky dogs may struggle to crunch on dry food, preferring softer wet food instead.
As a general rule, medium-sized breeds (like huskies) are ready to switch to adult dry food when they’re about a year old. If you’re unsure whether your husky is a puppy, adult, or senior, reach out to your veterinarian.
Price
Because the Siberian Husky is a medium-sized breed, you’ll likely go through about two 24 lb bags of dry food every three months.
In terms of cost, that works out to an average of $50 spent on dog food every month—or between $400 and $800 every year! This expenditure can be intimidating, especially if you want to stick to a tight budget.
Fortunately, there are budget-friendly, mid-range, and premium zinc-rich dog foods from which to choose.
For example, if ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a little out of your price range, you can easily opt for the more affordable American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.
FAQ
Below are some commonly asked questions about selecting the best food for huskies with a zinc deficiency.
What causes a zinc deficiency in huskies?
Not all huskies suffer from zinc deficiences. Just like humans, it’s typically down to our genetics and our ability to absorb minerals. Of course, the first step is to ensure you’re giving your husky good quality, nutrient-dense food.
What makes a good food for sorting zinc deficiency?
Foods with a higher than average level of zinc. By containing more zinc, huskies which may have a lower absorption rate should be able to get sufficient amounts of zinc in.
Conclusion
The Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for huskies with zinc deficiency. After all, this dry food provides a whopping 140mg of zinc per kilogram, far more than similar options.
Even better, Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream utilizes natural sources of zinc like salmon, sweet potatoes, and blueberries. While this dry food also contains zinc sulfate, which can be challenging for huskies to absorb, the natural zinc sources make this added ingredient a non-issue.
Are you looking to improve your husky’s zinc levels? Be sure to grab a bag of Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food today!