If you've recently taken an Alaskan Malamute home or are in the midst of adopting/purchasing one, you'll undoubtedly be investigating all of the elements that go into caring for this dog.
Given the dog's eating history, size, and preferences, you'll most certainly discover that this dog's feeding habits are unusual.
This, together with your lifestyle and interests, could lead to a crucial question.
Depending on their height, weight, age, and activity level, adult Alaskan Malamutes should be fed 3-5 cups of high-quality dog food every day.
Free-feeding is not suggested for this breed, despite the fact that they do not consume large amounts for their size.
Include meat-based proteins in your diet and avoid additives/preservatives as well as cereals like corn and wheat.
How Much Should A Alaskan Malamute Puppy Eat?
Your puppy, like any new baby, is growing quickly and will require a regular supply of nutrients to thrive. It's time to switch to dog food once your puppy has weaned off of mom's milk.
Puppies require at least three meals each day, but they may require more or fewer depending on where they are in the Labrador growth chart cycle.
Your puppy is likely to devour all of the food available to him, which could lead to excessive weight gain and future bone problems.
As a result, it's advisable to stick to a lab puppy feeding plan to make sure you're on the right track. It's critical that you feed them only the best Labrador dog chow.
Alaskan Malamute Puppy Feeding Chart
How often should your Malamute be fed?
Before getting started, keep in mind that each Malamute is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.
Due to their history as working dogs, Malamutes are usually quite straightforward to train into a regular eating pattern.
Some Mals are adamant about their eating habits and refuse to eat at mealtimes, but we've found that this is more commonly due to the food than the schedule.
So, when should your Malamute be fed?
It all depends!
For the normal non-working Malamute, we recommend simply brushing twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
Everyone's schedule is different, but we recommend leaving 7 to 8 hours between feeds to allow them to thoroughly digest their meal and avoid being overly hungry throughout the night.
Other dog breeds may just require one meal per day to keep them going, but Malamutes are a huge and deep-chested breed, making them more prone to canine bloat, a potentially fatal condition in which a dog's stomach twists and fills with gas.
Malamutes benefit significantly from being fed two smaller meals during the day, which allows them to digest their food thoroughly before receiving their second meal.
Working Malamutes will need more food at mealtimes to maintain their weight and blood sugar levels, but two meals per day be plenty.
To avoid canine bloat, meals should be served at least an hour before any strenuous exercise, giving your Mal enough time to begin digesting it.
Your Alaskan Malamute's Best Dog Food
The Alaskan Malamute should be fed high-quality dry and canned (wet) dog food.
Dry food helps to strengthen their teeth and protect them from cavities and decay.
Canned food keeps their hair shining, their skin healthy, and their bodies moisturized.
There are numerous commercial dog foods available, and I've compiled a list of some of the best for your Alaskan Malamute puppy or adult.
Dry And Wet Food For Your Alaskan Malamute
- Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Turkey Dry Dog Food from Wellness
- Grain-Free Puppy Plate Recipe Canned Dog Food by Merrick
- Grain-Free Puppy Recipe with Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Red Meat
Adult Alaskan Malamute Food (Dry and Wet)
- Basics Limited Ingredient Salmon & Potato Recipe from Blue Buffalo
- Whole Grain Turkey Recipe from The Honest Kitchen
- Grain-Free Canned Adult Dog Food from Whole Earth Farms
Supplements that are best for your Alaskan Malamute
Supplements aren't absolutely necessary unless they're prescribed by a veterinarian.
There's no need to give your Alaskan Malamute vitamins if you're feeding them a well-balanced diet.
However, there are a few circumstances in which you must give your dog vitamins. Supplements should be given to your dog if she is pregnant, recovering from a sickness, or has a growth problem.
The following is a list of some of the best supplements for your Alaskan Malamute.
- Healthy Breeds Multivitamin Dietary Supplement is a daily dietary supplement for dogs and cats.
- Alaskan Malamute Omega-HP Skin & Coat Soft Chews (Low Allergen)
- Soft Chews with Salmon Oil Skin & Coat
Should I feed my Alaskan Malamute dry dog food, canned dog food, raw dog food, or dog food that has been refrigerated?
Many considerations go into determining what sort of food to feed your Alaskan Malamute (dry, canned, raw, or chilled).
You should think about your lifestyle and preferences, as well as the nutritional worth of the food you're feeding your pet.
Of course, you should keep in mind that the greater the quality of food you feed your dog, the better his long-term health will be.
As a result, devoting time and resources to the food you feed your dog might save you money in the long term on vet expenses and unfavorable health risks/concerns.
High-quality dog food (usually dry) should account for 80-90 percent of your Alaskan Malamute's dietary intake, with the remaining fraction coming from “human” food.
Unless you plan to cook all of your dog's meals, in which case you can give your dog nutritious raw and refrigerated options.
The selection of high-quality components, such as meats, with occasional fruits and vegetables, is the most important aspect.
Many low-quality dog foods contain additives and preservatives that have been added to satisfy the calorie deficit while allowing dog food manufacturers to keep their prices low.
However, you will get what you pay for with these less expensive solutions, and your dog will most certainly pay the price in the long term with poor health outcomes.
Dry Food
There are numerous advantages to giving high-quality dry dog food to your Alaskan Malamute.
The cleanup is simple, and the preparation is restricted to pouring the precise portion quantities (and done by your dog).
Additionally, for the ordinary dog owner, this alternative is generally cost-effective and efficient.
You may purchase high-quality dry dog food in a variety of places, but you can also do your research online, consult your veterinarian, or get advice from forums where other Alaskan Malamute owners share their experiences.
Non-GMO, restricted grains (such as corn and wheat) or grain-free, meat-based proteins (not plant-based), no additives or preservatives (fillers), and appropriate good fats like Omega-3 are some crucial components to search for.
Canned Food
Canned food isn't suggested because the mineral and protein content is usually lacking. Furthermore, it has a strong odor that makes preparation and cleanup less appealing (even if your dog generally eats all of it).
If your dog does not eat all of his wet food, you will wind up throwing some of it away.
If you opt to feed your dog canned dog food, you can give it up to 60% of its daily calories. Just make sure you keep an eye out for additives that are similar to those found in dry dog food (high in lean protein, limited grains, etc.).
Then add dry, raw, or chilled food to the rest of your Alaskan Malamute's diet.
Uncooked Food
You might believe raw and refrigerated food are two separate things, but raw food refers to food that has not been cooked.
Raw beef, as well as pet-friendly fruits and vegetables, are included.
While it is not suggested that your dog get the majority of his calories from raw foods, you can offer him a limited amount.
Raw beef, for instance, is high in protein and minerals and, strangely, can also work as a dental agent.
The chewing of a thick piece of raw lean beef, for example, can be psychologically and physically exciting for your Alaskan Malamute.
Furthermore, as your pet tosses the meat around in its mouth, plaque and other microorganisms that have formed can be knocked off, posing a health risk.
Chilled Foods
Refrigerated dog food refers to “human” meals that you intend to prepare for your pet.
This is a fantastic alternative for your dog's health because you'll know the high-quality components you'll be using.
However, it is one of the most time-consuming methods of meeting your dog's nutritional requirements.
Refrigerated foods that are high in protein (such as lean meats and fish), low in carbohydrates, and low in sugars and bad fats can be cooked for your pet.
If you intend to prepare all of your dog's meals, make sure you always have plenty on hand.
To reduce the amount of time you spend cooking, give your dog a portion of its meal that is refrigerated and the rest of its food that is high-quality dry dog food.
Alaskan Malamute Feeding Requirements (Puppy and Adult)
An Alaskan Malamute puppy will require food that is high in protein and healthful fats derived from animals.
This diet should be followed from birth until the child reaches the age of eighteen months.
Check the ingredients on the package to see if animal-sourced proteins are at the top of the list while looking for protein-rich dog foods.
Your Alaskan Malamute's diet will need to be adjusted after they reach the age of eighteen months.
You should still look for dog diets that are high in animal-sourced protein, but your adult Malamute will not require as much protein.
As your Malamute grows older (about eight or nine years old), you should consider slightly altering its food once more.
To maintain its health, your pet will require less protein than it did throughout its adult and puppy years and more calcium and glucosamine.
Gastrointestinal Issues in Alaskan Malamutes
The tendency of Alaskan Malamutes to overeat accounts for a large portion of the gastrointestinal difficulties they have.
The most important thing you can do to help your Malamute prevent fat and bloating is to never free feed him.
Your Malamute will devour whatever you put in front of it and won't stop until the dish is empty.
Make sure the food is divided into appropriate serving sizes.
Bloat is very common in Alaskan Malamutes and other similar dog breeds.
The best strategy to manage bloat in your dog is to have a reputable vet nearby and a plan in place to treat your dog fast, in addition to preventing overeating.
Bloat in your Malamute can swiftly escalate into more serious issues, such as stomach torsion and even death, if left untreated for too long.
If you suspect your dog has bloat, take them to the local veterinarian as quickly as possible.
You usually only have a few minutes to cure your pet's bloat, sometimes as little as twenty minutes, before it causes major long-term issues or death.
Why Isn't Your Alaskan Malamute Eating?
Alaskan Malamutes have a reputation for being finicky eaters. If they refuse to eat, it's possible that they don't like the food you've provided them.
Verify if the dog food bag's ingredient label includes animal-sourced protein.
Health issues could be another reason your Malamute isn't eating.
Bloat and other gastrointestinal issues are common in Malamutes.
If you have even the slightest suspicion that health issues are to blame, take your dog to the doctor right away.
Bloat and other gastrointestinal issues can swiftly worsen and kill.
How Often Do Alaskan Malamutes Need to Eat?
Although it is necessary to space meals when feeding Alaskan Malamutes, how you space them is entirely up to you.
You have the option of eating breakfast and dinner, dividing it into three meals, or choosing six smaller meals throughout the day.
How Much Do Alaskan Malamutes Need to Eat?
The amount of food to give your Malamute is indicated on the package of dog food.
However, this is only a suggestion.
You should make any necessary adjustments according on your dog's weight and body composition.
The average weight of an Alaskan Malamute is 65 to 95 pounds.
Feed 1 cup of high-quality dog food twice a day to Malamutes weighing 65 to 80 pounds.
Feed them roughly 2 cups of good quality dog food twice a day if they are a little bigger and weigh between 80 and 95 pounds.
Check to see if you can feel your Malamute's ribs to verify whether the amount you're feeding them is correct.
If you can easily see or feel their ribs through their fur, they're probably not eating enough. You're probably overfeeding them if you can't feel their ribs through their fat.
Pregnant Alaskan Malamute's Special Diet
A pregnant Alaskan Malamute's diet should be comparable to that of any other Malamute: heavy in animal proteins and lipids.
Just remember that she's feeding two people, so alter the amount or frequency as needed.
Again, consulting your veterinarian is the best way to make an informed and accurate decision about what and how much to give your pregnant Malamute.
Fruits that are safe for your Alaskan Malamute
Most fruits are harmful to dogs, and your Alaskan Malamute is no exception. Many fruits can hurt, if not kill, your Malamute's digestive tract.
Before you feed your Malamute any fruits, see your veterinarian to learn what is and is not safe for him to eat.
Vegetables that are safe for your Alaskan Malamute
Vegetables, unlike fruits, are an excellent complement to your Alaskan Malamute's diet.
You can add just about any vegetable to your pet's diet, albeit 90 percent of its diet should be appropriately nutritional dog food.
Whether raw or cooked, even the water in which the vegetables are prepared can be a tasty treat.
Other Human Foods That Are Safe
The finest human meals to feed your Alaskan Malamute are those that are native to the Malamute's natural habitat.
Raw beef is the greatest food you can give them to augment their diet.
This will give them the animal-based protein they require, especially as puppies, and will also help them clean their teeth and enhance their dental health.
However, you should only feed your pet table scraps in moderation.
Dog food should make up a substantial percentage of their diet.
Consult your veterinarian for more information on what foods you should and should not give your Malamute.
Human Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Alaskan Malamute
Although Alaskan Malamutes are prone to food allergies, such as wheat, maize, soy, and other related foods, allergies differ from dog to dog.
Again, speaking with your veterinarian is the best approach to have a clear picture of which foods to avoid.
However, there are several things that should never be fed to dogs. They are as follows:
Acute renal failure can be caused by grapes and raisins.
Alcohol
Even the finest among us can be affected by these drinks.
If you give them to dogs with smaller bodies and issues, you can rest assured that they will be happy.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can be lethal to dogs.
Dark chocolate has these chemicals more than milk or white chocolate.
Macadamia nuts
It contain a toxin that can cause digestive and nervous system problems in dogs.
Onions
These can harm a dog's red blood cells and, if consumed in large quantities, can result in a type of hemolytic anemia that can be fatal to your pet.
These Foods Should Never Be Given to an Alaskan Malamute
When creating a list of “do not consume” foods for your Alaskan Malamute, keep in mind the habitat it was bred in.
The extreme freezing environment of the Arctic makes it difficult to cultivate crops like wheat, soy, corn, and other grains.
The Malamute's initial diet comprised primarily of animal-sourced protein and fatty foods, which it gathered from its surroundings.
Foods to stay away from (Not Dangerous, But Not Great for Alaskan Malamutes)
The diet of an Alaskan Malamute should include a lot of animal-based proteins and lipids.
You should be alright if you buy a dog food that has these two ingredients at the top of the ingredient list.
In general, foods heavy in wheat, soy, maize, or preservatives are bad for your Malamute's health.
What to Look Out For When It Comes to Their Diet
Make sure your Malamute's food contains enough protein and fats. It's also crucial to measure and space out your Malamute's meals properly.
With Alaskan Malamutes, free feeding is not an option.
You may put any amount of food in front of them, and they will consume it.
Overeating can result in major health issues such as bloating.
Other Human Foods Can An Alaskan Malamute Puppy Eat
- Bread
- Salmon
- Shrimps
- Chicken
- Broccoli
- Cottage Cheese
- Eggs
- Watermelon
Other Human Foods Are Dangerous For An Alaskan Malamute Puppy
Allowing your Malamute to beg at your feet while you eat your own food is the biggest no-no when it comes to feeding them.
Malamutes are a greedy breed that will happily eat anything they can get their hands on, and they know how to grab scraps from you!
Mals are experts at persuading you to share with them by using their huge brown eyes, and their obstinacy makes them highly persistent.
You must not give in to their demands, no matter how difficult it may be, because Malamutes are a pack breed, and granting their requests may result in them becoming the household's leader.
Sharing food with them might cause troubles in the family, not to mention the fact that human food is bad for Mal's stomach in general.
Our food is processed and generally heavy in salt, which is a horrible mix if you're trying to keep your Malamute at a healthy weight.
Some foods that are safe for humans to eat on a daily basis are poisonous to dogs and can cause diarrhea, sickness, and other health problems.
Allowing your Mal to drink even modest amounts of the following should be avoided:
- Alcohol
- Nuts and seeds
- Caffeine
- Garlic, as well as garlic powder
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Onion powder with onion
- Artificial sweetener-containing foods
- Chocolate
- Dairy products and milk
- Bones that have been cooked
- Gum and candy
Alaskan Malamute Background
The Alaskan Malamute is a sturdy, heavy-duty spitz-type worker who is friendly, loyal, and playful while still remaining dignified.
He is distinguished by his well-furred plumed tail draped over the back, erect ears, and hefty bone.
The Alaskan Malamute reaches 23 to 25 inches tall and weighs 75 to 85 pounds at the shoulder.
Mals have a substantial bone, a deep chest, robust shoulders, and a dense, waterproof coat, all of which scream, ‘I work hard for a living!'
‘However, Mals' almond-shaped brown eyes twinkle with affection, indicating that they like snuggling with their owners after the workweek is done.
Mals are social animals who live in groups. And you must be the leader of your family's ‘pack.'
If a Mal does not respect you, he will eventually come to own you rather than the other way around.
Early on in a puppy's life, firm yet compassionate training should begin.
A well-behaved Mal, on the other hand, is a delight to be around'playful, gentle, sociable, and terrific with children.