Best Dog Food for Alaskan Malamutes : 15 Healthy Options + Helpful Answers to Feeding FAQs

They make look more like wolves than dogs, but the Alaskan Malamute’s affectionate and loyal nature make them the ideal companion.

Typically weighing around 75 to 85 pounds and at 23-35 inches, this large breed originated as sled dogs. During the 19th-century gold rush, sled dogs were in high demand, and the size and temperament of the Alaskan Malamute made them perfect for the job. During WWII, Alaskan Malamutes continued to work alongside military officers and in later expeditions to Antarctica. Not only were they hard workers, but these dogs were pack animals.

Today, the only pack an Alaskan Malamute wants to be in is your family’s. As loving and devoted as these dogs can be, they do require some training in puppyhood. If an Alaskan Malamute doesn’t respect you as leader of the “pack”, they’ll end up owning you instead. Beyond a little extra training, an Alaskan Malamute needs a wholesome, nutrient-rich diet to support their high-energy levels and reduce the risk of health issues.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:

Understanding an Alaskan Malamute’s Diet Requirements

Every breed’s dietary requirements are different, and the Alaskan Malamute is no exception. Their specific dietary needs will vary based on age, activity level, and weight. A typical, high-energy Alaskan Malamute should be consuming close to 2,000 calories a day.

If you can afford it, supplementing parts of your Alaskan Malamute’s diet with fresh fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure they’re getting all the vitamins and minerals they need.

• Puppy Alaskan Malamute Diet – You should consider your Alaskan Malamute to be a puppy until they reach 18 months of age. Before then, they should be on a puppy recipe that’s full of animal-source protein and healthy fats.
• Adult Alaskan Malamute Diet – Once they reach maturity, an Alaskan Malamute no longer needs the extremely high-protein count of a puppy formula. That being said, animal-source protein is still essential to their diet as they switch to an adult recipe.
• Senior Alaskan Malamute Diet – Like most breeds, Alaskan Malamutes tend to slow down in their golden years. By 8 or 9, you should begin thinking about gradually switching your pup to a senior recipe with lower protein and fat, but higher levels of calcium and glucosamine.

Special Dietary Considerations for Alaskan Malamutes

With an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years, Alaskan Malamutes tend to be one of the healthier breeds out there, but they still have their medical issues. Common health issues that plague Alaskan Malamutes include:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Allergies
• Inherited Polyneuropathy
• Haemophilia A and Haemophilia B
• Hypothyroidism
• Glaucoma
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Hip Dysplasia is a common condition in Alaskan Malamutes that can result from a variety of factors—such as genetics or improper nutrition. While puppies can begin to show signs as early as four months, it’s not uncommon for older dogs to develop hip dysplasia either. This condition occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint do not develop correctly. As a result, dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia may deal with decreased mobility, arthritis, and pain.

Allergies are another concern for Alaskan Malamutes. Your dog’s allergies may be the result of a certain ingredient they’re ingesting or something from their environment. Oftentimes, you may not realize your dog has an allergy to something until they begin having a reaction.

The typical symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching, hives, vomiting, and chronic ear infections. If you suspect that your Alaskan Malamute is having an allergic reaction, it’s always a good idea to take them to the vet. The signs of an allergic reaction could also be indicators of other serious health problems.

Alaskan Malamutes are also prone to glaucoma—especially as they age. Glaucoma is a disease where there is insufficient fluid drainage from the affected eye. Without medical intervention, glaucoma can cause permanent damage and blindness. Unfortunately, even with the proper medical treatment, almost half of the dogs who develop glaucoma will still become blind.

Another condition that may be more common in Alaskan Malamutes is diabetes mellitus—which happen when your dog’s pancreas is no longer regulating their blood sugar as it should be. The four main symptoms to watch out for are frequent urination, increased thirst and appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Depending on which type of diabetes mellitus they have, your dog may have to use insulin injections or an oral drug.

Alaskan Malamute Feeding Chart

Free feeding is rarely a good idea. While some Alaskan Malamutes might be able to exercise restraint, many of these dogs will end up gaining weight from overeating or losing weight from undereating.

It’s recommended that you split an Alaskan Malamute’s daily food intake into 2 or 3 meals throughout the day. At the very least, this breed needs a morning and evening meal to sufficiently meet their dietary needs. Any Alaskan Malamute food you buy should contain specific feeding instructions based on your dog’s age, weight and sometimes activity level.

The Best Dog Food for Alaskan Malamutes : Our 2023 Top 15 Picks

Many Alaskan Malamute foods boast about their nutritional value, but not all of them live up to their promises. Regardless of activity or age, your Alaskan Malamute should always be eating a wholesome, balanced diet.

Here are our top 15 picks:

Our 2023 Picks: Alaskan Malamute Food Recommendations
Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Best Overall	Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Salmon & Potato Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.72/lb	A+
Most Affordable	American Journey Healthy Weight Chicken & Brown Rice Protein First Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.25/lb	A+
Most Popular	The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$6.47/lb	A+
Super Premium	NomNomNow Delivery Service Buy Online Customer Reviews	Varies	A+
Best for Allergies	Solid Gold Leaping Leaping Waters Cold Water Salmon & Vegetable Grain-Free Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.49/lb	A+
Sensitive Stomachs	Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey & Chickpeas Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.95/lb	A
Great Value	Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain-Free Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.74/lb	A
Air-Dried	Ziwi Peak Beef Air-Dried Formula Buy Online Customer Reviews	$15.74/lb	A
Grain-Free	Solid Gold Sun Dancer Chicken & Tapioca with Quinoa Grain-Free Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.29/lb	A

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Salmon & Potato Recipe

Best Overall: By getting most of its protein from salmon and valuable vitamins from nutrient-rich potatoes, the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Salmon & Potato recipe is just what your Alaskan Malamute needs to power through the day.

Not only is it designed for gentle digestion, but this formula also contains omega-3 fatty acids for healthier skin and essential vitamins and minerals for your dog’s immune system. While it still meets an Alaskan Malamute’s nutritional needs, this formula only contains a few ingredients and absolutely no artificial flavoring or preservatives

• Pros: Easy on the digestive system, no artificial flavors or preservatives, includes omega-3 fatty acids for better skin health, antioxidants boost the immune system, protein comes from an animal source, limited ingredients lower the risk of digestive issues or allergic reactions
• Cons: Less affordable, dogs that are sensitive to salmon or potatoes might not react well

American Journey Healthy Weight Chicken & Brown Rice Protein First Recipe

Most Affordable: When it comes to affordable Alaskan Malamute food, the American Journey Healthy Weight Chicken & Brown Rice Protein First recipe makes the top of the list. While Alaskan Malamutes tend to be an active breed, these dogs can still pack on a little more weight than they should.

While still providing all the nutrition they need, this formula does away with the extra calories. It also includes protein from real chicken and fiber that comes from natural sources to satisfy your dog’s appetite. The L-Carnitine promotes a normal metabolism and lean muscle mass growth. If your dog is less active due to joint or bone issues, this recipe also contains plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin for stronger bones and cartilage.

• Pros: Affordable, helps dogs maintain a healthy weight, includes protein from real chicken, L-Carnitine promotes a healthy metabolism and lean muscle mass growth, includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and bone health.
• Cons: Not grain-free, some dogs may be sensitive or allergic to chicken

The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Recipe

Most Popular: For a well-rounded diet, it’s always a good idea to provide your dog with high-quality kibble as well as a raw or dehydrated recipe. The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey recipe is all about giving your Alaskan Malamute a protein-rich, balanced diet.

With organic whole oats, cage-free turkey, and real garden veggies, you don’t need to worry about artificial preservatives, by-products or GMO ingredients. This minimally-processed formula is made with whole foods and only takes about 3 minutes to prepare.

• Pros: Made with cage-free turkey, organic oats and real garden veggies and fruits, doesn’t contain artificial flavors, preservatives or GMO ingredients, minimally processed, easy to mix, may be better tasting than kibble for some dogs
• Cons: Takes longer to prepare than dry dog food, some dogs may prefer the taste of kibble to dehydrated food

NomNomNow Delivery Service

Super Premium: If you really want to make sure that your Alaskan Malamute is eating a wholesome, balanced diet, then you might be interested in the human-grade NomNomNow delivery service. With options like beef, chicken or pork recipes, NomNomNow allows you to personalize your dog’s meals, and have them delivered directly to your doorstep.

These high-quality meals are freshly-cooked every week, and the NomNomNow staff work closely with veterinarians to make sure your precious pup is getting a healthy, balanced diet. If your Alaskan Malamute is sensitive or allergic to several ingredients or just a picky eater, personalizing their meals can ensure that they enjoy what they’re eating.

• Pros: Staff cooks fresh meals every week, the product is delivered directly to your house, you can personalize every meal, great choice for picky eaters or highly-allergic dogs
• Cons: Less affordable, not every part of the country may be eligible for delivery

Solid Gold Leaping Waters Cold Water Salmon & Vegetable Grain-Free Recipe

Best for Allergies: This holistic recipe works to improve your dog’s overall health. With 20 different super foods, protein-enriched salmon and real veggies, this formula can provide your dog with all the nutrients they need to reach their full potential. Along with olive oil, canola oil and salmon oil to promote healthier skin and shinier coats, this recipe also has plenty of chickpeas and peas to provide essential vitamins and easier digestion.

Since grain products are a common allergen for many dogs, the Solid Gold Leaping Waters Cold Water Salmon & Vegetable Grain-Free recipe is free of wheat, corn, and soy products—making it a great choice for dogs that struggle with allergies.

• Pros: Contains 20 different superfoods like pumpkins and cranberries, olive oil, canola oil, and salmon oil promote healthier skin, easier digestion, grain-free, no artificial flavors or preservatives
• Cons: Less affordable, some dogs may be sensitive to salmon or included vegetables

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey & Chickpeas Recipe

Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Just because your dog isn’t allergic to certain ingredients doesn’t mean they might not have a sensitive stomach. The Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Turkey & Chickpeas recipe lowers the risk of digestion issues by keeping their ingredient list short.

With a single source of protein, this recipe contains higher levels of amino acids and antioxidants to boost the immune system and overall health. The Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help keep your Alaskan Malamute’s skin healthy and their coat shiny while the glucosamine and chrondroitin make sure their bones are strong.

• Pros: Great choice for sensitive stomachs, limited ingredients, protein comes from an animal-source, higher levels of amino acids and antioxidants, promotes joint and bone health, fatty acids provide a shinier coat and healthier skin, grain-free
• Cons: Some less active dogs may not need this much protein, not a good pick for Alaskan Malamutes that are sensitive to turkey products

3 More Top Rated Alaskan Malamute Adult Foods

Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain-Free Recipe

Not all Alaskan Malamute food is easy to digest, but the Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain-Free recipe lowers the risk of gastrointestinal issues by including dried chicory root and prebiotic support. Since it’s grain-free, you don’t need to worry about any reaction your dog might have to corn, soy, or wheat products—this formula doesn’t contain any. It’s also free of artificial flavoring, preservatives, and fillers. With multiple protein sources like beef and wild boar, this tasty formula will provide your pup all the protein they need to fuel their adventures.

Ziwi Peak Beef Air-Dried Formula

If your Alaskan Malamute just isn’t a fan of dry kibble—or is looking for something a little more luxurious—they might just enjoy the Ziwi Peak Beef Air-Dried formula. This recipe contains free-range, grass-fed beef straight from the farms of New Zealand as well as plenty of green mussels (which are a natural source of essential substances like glucosamine).

The gentle air-drying process that these ingredients undergo helps to eliminate harmful pathogenic bacteria while also preserving crucial vitamins and minerals. Since it’s air-dried, you won’t need to rehydrate this formula before feeding it to your dog. It’s also worth noting that each piece packs more protein and nutrients than kibble so that you can feed your Alaskan Malamute smaller quantities.

Solid Gold Sun Dancer Chicken & Tapioca with Quinoa Grain-Free Recipe

This grain and gluten-free formula is a great choice for dogs that have allergies or sensitive stomachs. With real chicken, quinoa and tapioca, your furry friend will get a balanced blend of tasty, nutritious Alaskan Malamute food.

The canola oil, olive oil, and salmon oil support a shinier, healthier coat while the 20 different superfoods provide crucial vitamins and minerals for your dog’s health. Without any corn, soy, or wheat, your Alaskan Malamute is less likely to deal with digestion issues or have an allergic reaction.

3 More Top Rated Alaskan Malamute Puppy Foods

Our 2023 Picks: Alaskan Malamute Puppy Food Recommendations
Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Overall Best	Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Red Meat Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.36/lb	A+
Most Popular	Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$3.18/lb	A+
Most Affordable	Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Brown Rice & Duck Meal Puppy Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.86/lb	A+

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Red Meat Grain-Free Puppy Recipe

In order to prevent joint and bone-related issues later on, it’s highly important that your growing Alaskan Malamute puppy receives the proper nutrition. This is the goal of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Red Meat Grain-Free Puppy recipe—by providing your pup with deboned beef and real chicken, they’ll be getting all the protein they need to.

There’s also DHA and ARA (two fatty acids from “mother’s milk”) to improve brain and eye health. The added calcium and phosphorous can support your puppy’s bone and joint development during growth spurts. Since adult-sized kibble can be a little tough on puppies, this formula’s kibble is designed for puppy-sized jaws and teeth.

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Puppy Recipe

Since many dogs prefer the taste of raw or dehydrated food over kibble, the Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain-Free Puppy recipe has the best of both worlds. Using grain-free kibble and whole, freeze-dried raw pieces of poultry, this formula contains essential minerals and vitamins to support your puppy’s growth and development.

The omega-fatty acids from salmon oil will also promote a shinier coat and healthier skin as your Alaskan Malamute continues to grow. It’s worth noting that the manufacturer guarantees the quality and safety of the product by making it in their own facilities in Texas and using local ingredients.

Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Brown Rice & Duck Meal Puppy Recipe

Ensuring that your puppy gets adequate amounts of protein from real animal sources is crucial. The Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Brown Rice & Duck Meal Puppy recipe uses chicken as their primary protein source and adds duck meal for extra flavoring and nutrients. For puppies that have allergies or issues digesting gluten products, this formula is gluten-free but still contains all the necessary nutrients to aid in growth.

There’s added DHA for cognitive and retinal development as well as zinc and manganese for better joint and hip health. It’s essential that all dogs—especially growing Alaskan Malamute puppies—have an antioxidant-rich diet. This formula is chock-full of antioxidants from dried blueberries, spinach, and cranberries.

3 More Picks For Senior Alaskan Malamute Foods

Our 2023 Picks: Alaskan Malamute Senior Dog Food Recommendations
Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Overall Best	American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Senior Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.66/lb	A+
Most Affordable	Nutro Max Senior Recipe with Farm-Raised Chicken Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.31/lb	A+
Most Popular	Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain With Red Meat Grain-Free Senior Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.54/lb	A+

American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Senior Recipe

The Alaskan Malamute food you choose to give your furry friend is especially crucial during their golden years. Extending your dog’s lifespan and reducing the risk of health issues are the main priorities of the American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Senior recipe. This formula contains antioxidants for an extra immune system boost as well as medium-chain triglycerides for cognitive function.

The glucosamine and chondroitin come from natural sources and help promote your aging pup’s joint and cartilage health. Since senior Alaskan Malamutes can develop sensitive stomachs later in life, this grain-free formula is free of common irritants like corn, wheat or soy. The essential vitamins and minerals from this recipe come from blueberries, sweet potatoes, and nutrient-rich marine algae.

Nutro Max Senior Recipe with Farm-Raised Chicken

Straight from their own U.S. based facilities, the Nutro Max Senior recipe uses real, farm-raised chicken as their primary protein source. Not only does it contain extra glucosamine and chondroitin, but there’s plenty of fiber to aid in healthy digestion. This formula is free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and fillers, but is chock-full of amino acids to promote your dog’s metabolism and lean muscle mass growth. Since many older dogs may be less active, this recipe contains less protein and fat (24% protein) than what you would typically see in an adult or puppy formula.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain With Red Meat Grain-Free Senior Recipe

Similar to their Rocky Mountain Red Meat Puppy formula, Blue Buffalo uses similar ingredients specifically designed for senior dogs. This recipe contains plenty of Taurine, a crucial amino acid, to promote your pup’s heart health as well as chelated minerals and vitamins. Added calcium, phosphorous and glucosamine may help reduce the risk of joint-related conditions like hip dysplasia in senior Alaskan Malamutes.

If your dog’s coat has been looking a little shabby, this recipe might be just what your pup needs. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthier skin, and the DHA and EPA may be great for dogs that are predisposed to glaucoma.

Our FAQ and Alaskan Malamute Feeding Guide

Just because you know which Alaskan Malamute food is right for your dog doesn’t mean you might not still have questions about your dog’s diet or nutritional needs. Here’s a list of questions that many Alaskan Malamute owners have about their pup’s diet:

What kind of vegetables and fruits should I be feeding my Alaskan Malamute?

While many fresh veggies and fruits can benefit your dog, some may provide more valuable nutrients than others. Here are some of the best:

• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Spinach
• Pumpkin
• Potatoes (sweet or regular)
• Peas
• Pineapple
• Green Beans

Can I feed my Alaskan Malamute a raw diet?

Since not all kibble diets provide every nutrient your dog needs, supplementing a little part of their diet with raw foods is a good idea. Specifically, feeding them small portions of raw food—such as some of the fresh fruits or veggies above—can help them absorb more valuable nutrients in every meal.

That being said, it’s still important to make sure your pup is eating the majority of their Alaskan Malamute food through high-quality kibble or dehydrated nourishment.

How much food should my Alaskan Malamute be eating on a daily basis?

Any Alaskan Malamute food you purchase will also come with detailed feeding instructions. Since every dog’s age, weight and activity level is different, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—the amount of food will depend on your Alaskan Malamute’s needs.

Typically, an adult Alaskan Malamute might eat 2 or 2 ½ cups of food per day, but the recipe you buy will have more specific measurements.

How often should I feed my Alaskan Malamute?

Regardless of quantity, you should break up your Alaskan Malamute’s daily food intake into 2 or 3 meals that are spread out. Generally, a breakfast meal and a dinner meal will provide your pup with all the fuel they need to power through the day.

When should I switch my Alaskan Malamute from a puppy formula to an adult recipe?

Alaskan Malamutes are a large breed, and generally don’t reach full maturity until at least 18 months. In some cases, it could take up to two years—so it’s always a smart idea to check with your vet before gradually switching formulas.

When should I switch my Alaskan Malamute from an adult recipe to a senior formula?

Typically, once they reach around 8 to 9 years of age, an Alaska Malamute is considered a senior. At this point, you can begin switching them from their regular adult formula to a senior one.

How do I switch my dog from one Alaskan Malamute food to another?

Unfortunately, switching recipes or formulas isn’t as easy as just putting different kibble in their bowl one day. Doing so can cause negative reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, or just a plain refusal to eat the new stuff.

While transition times might be different for every dog—especially those with sensitive stomachs—the best way to begin switching is by combining 25% of the new food to 75% of the old food. For the next couple of days, continue to add 25% of the new formula until you’ve completely switched over.

If your dog is still having a negative reaction, they might require a slower transition time or be experiencing problems digesting the new formula.

Does my Alaskan Malamute need to be on a grain-free diet?

Currently, there’s some controversy surrounding grain-free diets within the dog world. While some people swear by them, others believe they aren’t necessary. Since corn, soy, and wheat tend to be common food irritants, many recipes steer clear of these ingredients in their formulas.

Truthfully, placing your dog on a grain-free diet depends on how well they react to grain products. If they have issues digesting grain ingredients, then putting them on a grain-free diet would be a good idea. If they have no problem digesting grain products, then the decision is up to you.

Should I give my Alaskan Malamute supplements?

Since not all Alaskan Malamute food will meet your dog’s dietary requirements, many people recommend supplements. Although it’s common for Alaskan Malamutes to take calcium or glucosamine supplements, you should never begin giving your dog a supplement without first speaking to a vet.

“Overdosing” on certain minerals and vitamins can actually cause harm to your dog—for instance, feeding your dog a zinc supplement when they already have as much as they need in their diet can lead to problems with calcium absorption. Supplements can be great for your dog’s health, but you should never give them to your dog without a recommendation or approval from a vet.

What kind of foods do Alaskan Malamutes eat?

This breed should eat high-quality, wholesome foods that contain nutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. Alaskan Malamute food that includes plenty of glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium and phosphorous are especially great—these substances can help lower the risk of joint or bone-related issues.

Since Alaskan Malamutes are prone to eye diseases like glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy, recipes that contain DHA and EPA can improve retinal health. Keep in mind that higher quality, all-natural diets will typically be richer in nutrients and gentler on your dog’s stomach.

Steer clear of any recipe with artificial flavoring, preservatives, or fillers—while these might make your pup’s food taste a little better, they aren’t great for their health.

Alaskan Malamute Dog Food – A Final Word

Feeding your Alaskan Malamute a nutritious, balanced diet is a major responsibility and should be your number one priority as an owner. Picking a random dog food brand and hoping it works rarely ends well. While wholesome Alaskan Malamute food can’t prevent diseases or common health issues that your furry friend is prone to, they can reduce the risk of them occurring. Proper nutrition can even help extend your Alaskan Malamute’s life span too.

If you’re still confused about finding the right recipe for your Alaskan Malamute, try picking up one of the top products we’ve reviewed above!