Many people think that a fat dog is a cute dog, and while this may be true, a fat dog is also a very unhealthy dog. Luckily for husky owners, this breed is high energy that keeps their body weight in check. So you may find yourself asking, why is my husky so fat?
You Husky is fat due to over-feeding, lack of exercise, and being fed an inadequate diet. Huskies are at a high genetic predisposition for obesity. Because of this, any other less than beneficial factor can exacerbate their influx in weight.
Suppose you find yourself in a position with an overweight husky. In that case, it is essential to get to work immediately to correct the issue before it can become an even more significant problem.
Reasons Your Husky Is So Fat
Huskies are very active, high-energy dogs. If given a chance, they can run for hours (which makes them fantastic sled dogs.) However, this is also what keeps their metabolism up and their weight down. So if your Husky isn’t eating right or exercising enough, they are going to gain weight.
Because huskies have a high predisposition for obesity from the day they are born, it is always crucial that you keep your dog healthy by following proper eating habits, daily walks, and veterinarian checkups.
Five of the biggest reasons your husky may be overweight are as follows:
Your Husky Is Eating Too Much
On average, the medium-sized adult husky should consume around 2 cups of dry kibble per day. Although that may not seem like a lot of food, it does equal out to be about 1 pound. This food is full of all vitamins, proteins, and nutrients your dog needs to sustain them throughout the day.
If your Husky is a little more active than the average dog, a little more may be necessary; however, for the most part, anything over 2 ½ cups per day is too much food and will cause your pup to gain weight.
Your Husky Is Eating Human Food
Although refusing your furry friend a bite of your hot dog at the park or the leftovers from the family dinner, these bad habits add up and can become one of the most significant contributors to your husky’s increased weight.
Unless you feed them lean meats, fruits, veggies, peanut butter, or the occasional handful of popcorn, no human foods should be given to your dog.
Underlying Health Conditions
If your Husky is dealing with other health conditions affecting his movement, eating habits, or metabolism, that could be what is causing your dog to be fat.
Low Activity Level In Your Husky
Most huskies require at least two hours of vigorous activity a day to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and some hyper dogs would prefer even more than that. Without getting this time to run and release energy (while also burning calories), your Husky is going to pack on the pounds.
Unhealthy Dog Food (Fillers and preservatives)
Just because it reads “dog food” on the label doesn’t necessarily mean it is the healthiest option to feed your dog. Many low-quality dog food brands will try to save money by adding preservatives and fillers into their dog foods which can be very unhealthy for your pup.
What Is A Healthy Weight For A Husky
The healthy weight for a husky is going to vary with your huskies’ size. For the average medium-sized adult husky, their weight should range from around 35 and 65 pounds, depending on their age, health condition, and gender.
Most huskies grow quickly until they hit about six months old, then you will start to notice a slow, gradual growth from then until about two.
What Is The Average Weight Of A Female Husky
The average female Husky generally weighs between 35 and 60 lbs and will stand between 50 and 56 cm tall. Female huskies will typical be a little smaller than the average male and weigh about 10 pounds less.
Of course, this will fluctuate significantly during pregnancy and birth if the female has a litter of puppies.
Can A Husky Weigh 100 Pounds
An average husky breed should never weigh 100lb. Giant husky breeds, however, can get up to that size and larger. These dogs are relatively rare and are not for the average pet owner not seen very often.
Is My Husky Overweight
If you have an average-sized husky standing between 20 and 24 inches tall and their weight falls within the 35 and 65-pound range, then your Husky is fine; anything over that is considered overweight and can become a health risk to your pet.
If you are ever concerned about your dog’s weight, a quick trip to your vet can give you a great understanding of where your pup is and where they should be.
What Is The Best Diet For A Husky
Like most dogs, the best diet for a husky is dry dog kibble full of proteins, grains, and vegetables. However, there are multiple ways you can help your pet get their share of vitamins and nutrients to keep them healthy and maintain an ideal weight.
How Much Exercise Per Day Does A Husky Need
On average, the majority of healthy huskies will need at least two hours of exercise each day. Some may require more depending on their activity level.
Of course, huskies with health conditions or elderly huskies will need less exercise, but this will have to be in contrast to other treatments to maintain an ideal weight still.
How Do I Get My Husky To Lose Weight
If you believe your husky weighs too much and you would like to get them into shape and help them shed the extra weight, there are a few things you can try at home to reach these goals.
Cut Out People Food
You will likely see a quick and rapid improvement to your dogs’ weight problems simply by eliminating people’s food from your dogs’ diet.
Limit Daily Feedings
If you are one of those pet owners who keeps a full doggy dish on the ground at all times, it may be a good idea to pick up the dish and only put in the recommended two cup fulls a day. You can feed all two cups at one time or split them into two servings, one cup at a time twice a day.
Give Plenty Of Exercise
Hopefully, you did your research before adopting a husky into your home, and you are aware of how much they need to move. Ideally, putting them in a backyard for hours with tons of toys and free run is a great way to ensure your dog gets the exercise he needs.
However, if you don’t have the room or land for that, then an hour walk in the morning and another one at night will help get your husky back into a healthier shape.
Limited The Number Of Doggy Treats
Yes, dog treats are meant to be given to your pup every time they deserve a little extra treat. However, too many of these treats can cause your dog to gain weight. Limit treats to only a couple a day. Give them out when they do something extra special or right before bed.
Final Thoughts
Even though huskies do have genetics that gives them a higher chance of obesity than many other breeds, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are doomed to be fat. As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to make sure your dog is being cared for, including keeping them at a healthy weight.
Like most other dogs, your Husky needs daily exercise and a healthy diet to maintain a healthy weight. This is going to keep them from developing life-threatening illnesses that are brought on by obesity.
These diseases include heart disease, joint and hip issues, cancers, and so many more. All of which could be avoided if your dog were to maintain the appropriate weight.
So next time you look at your furry friend and start to feel bad about eating in front of them. Hopefully, you will decide that giving in to those little eyes at that moment is not worth the lifetime of illness it could lead to.
Truly loving your husky means only feeding them the foods that will fuel their body and keep them in the best shapes as possible for as many years as you can. Do your dog a favor and take their weight seriously.
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