A Husky weighing 72 pounds weighs twenty percent more than his ideal body weight while one weighing 78 pounds plus is considered obese!

Although the matter of a few pounds may seem negligible, those same few pounds can significantly and negatively impact that same dog’s overall health and wellbeing.

Concerned about your own cherished companion’s weight? The first step is to bring him to the vet for a thorough examination to rule out any medical conditions behind those extra pounds. The chief culprit is diabetes -- undiagnosed and therefore untreated – that involves a dog’s inability to properly process the production of insulin in his body.

If your Husky gets a clean bill of health, however, it’s now up to you, as a responsible pet parent, to take control of what is obviously a case of overfeeding.

Following your vet’s instructions, begin by measuring out your Husky’s meals into consistent portions. Place a one-cup scoop into his bag of kibble and establish a base amount that’s both healthy and adequate enough to feed him each day. Mark down the amount you give him every time you feed him, and while he may resent you – and the size of the portions -- at first, time and patience should eventually win him over.

You might also consider changing dog food brands. Specifically designed to help your Husky lose weight, they contain an average amount of protein, are low in carbohydrates and also lower in calories. Marketed using such terms as “grain-free”, “holistic”, “reduced fat”, “perfect weight” and so on, you should research the most highly recommended brands for Huskies, keeping a watchful eye out for potential allergies, and, most importantly, consult your vet before switching brands.

* (There are three types of diets that owners can feed their Huskies: commercial dog food including dry and wet varieties, or a combination of the two, and most recently, raw). 

Replace your Husky’s high-calorie dog treats with fresh vegetables including leafy greens. Huskies can eat many vegetables including broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, peas, pumpkin, squash and zucchini, and soon yours may even prefer fresh produce to packaged products. 

Since Huskies are extremely active dogs, designed to pull sleds and run great distances, it’s essential that your Husky receives paw-lenty of exercise to keep him physically fit while burning off those extra calories and pounds. Why not try dry sled pulling? Or if that’s not an option, take him for at least three brief – but brisk -- walks a day. Remember: a well-exercised dog is both a happier dog and a wearier dog – one who’s guaranteed to sleep soundly and sweetly through the night.

Written by Nomi Berger