What Are the Best Dog Foods for Alaskan Malamute

Best dog foods for Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful breed that requires a nutritious diet for overall wellness and energy.

Look for high-quality protein sources as the first ingredient to support their strong muscles and provide energy.

Calorie-rich foods with healthy fats, like salmon oil, are essential due to their active lifestyle and double coats.

Being picky eaters, Malamutes thrive on palatable foods, and a limited-ingredient diet can help prevent allergies.

Smaller meals with high fiber can reduce bloating, while diets rich in beta-carotene support eye health.

Choosing the right food ensures your Mal maintains a healthy weight and enjoys a happy, long life.

Here are the top five brands for the best foods for Alaskan Malamutes:

• Taste of the Wild
• Gentle Giants
• Now Fresh
• Merrick
• Wellness

Prices vary based on the brand and bag size, with an average cost of $56.31, ranging from $35.32 to $81.99.

When choosing food, consider your dog’s age: puppies need higher protein and fat due to their activity levels, while older Malamutes, typically around 8 to 9 years, require less protein and fat as their activity slows.

Best Dog Foods for Alaskan Malamute

• Best Overall: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – $54.99 for a 28-lb bag = $1.96 per lb.
• Best Budget-Friendly: Gentle Giants Chicken Canine Nutrition Dry Food – $35.32 for a 30-pound bag = $1.96 per pound.
• Best for weight management: Now Fresh Grain-Free Senior Weight Management Dry Food – $81.99 for a 22-pound bag = $3.73 per pound.
• Best Freeze-Dried: Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Recipe w/ Beef, Lamb & Rabbit Dry Food – $74.98 for a 20-pound bag = $3.75 per pound.
• Best for Puppies: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Turkey Dry Food – $72.98 for a 24-pound bag = $3.04 per pound.

Let’s dive in.

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Food

Diamond Pet Foods, launched on December 11, 2018, mimics wild dog food for Alaskan Malamutes.

With buffalo, lamb, and chicken meals for protein, it supports high energy levels.

Sweet potatoes and peas provide fiber and nutrients.

Free from artificial additives, it includes antioxidants and omegas for a shiny coat. Probiotics support gut health.

• First 5 Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 422 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your Mal’s weight.
• Key Benefit: High protein content for a muscular appearance. Vitamin E and selenium promote immunity.
• Price: $54.99 per 28-lb bag ($1.96-lb)

Gentle Giants Chicken Canine Nutrition Dry Food

Gentle Giants, launched on January 10, 2020, features a chicken meal for amino acids and muscle strength.

It supports digestion with fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics.

Non-GMO fruits and veggies like beets and blueberries offer antioxidants and vitamins.

Chelated minerals and taurine ensure nutrient absorption and heart health. Adjust servings based on weight and activity.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 22% min, Crude Fat 9% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 358 kcal/cup.
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s poundage.
• Key Benefit: Optimal levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to reduce the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia. Omega-6 and 3 fatty acids minimize the frequency of shedding.
• Price: $35.32 per 30-lb bag ($1.18-lb)

Now Fresh Grain-Free Senior Weight Management Dry Food

Help your Alaskan Malamute enjoy its golden years with Now Fresh, launched on March 16, 2012.

Deboned turkey provides premium proteins for strong muscles, moderate fat, and calorie content to support a healthy weight, and high fiber ensures smooth digestion.

Omega fatty acids enhance skin, coat, and brain health. Antioxidant-rich pomegranate and blueberries boost immunity.

Safe, fresh ingredients are slow-cooked for flavor, with no artificial additives or fillers.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Peas, Potatoes, Potato Flour, Pea Fiber.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 11% min, Crude Fiber 7% Max.
• Calories: 365 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on whether it is for weight loss or weight maintenance. The amounts also depend on your dog’s weight.
• Key Benefit: Contains L-carnitine and taurine for heart health. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and phosphorus support bone, muscle, and joint well-being.
• Price: $81.99 per 22-lb bag ($3.73-lb)

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Recipe w/ Beef, Lamb & Rabbit Dry Food 

Treat your Alaskan Malamute with Merrick Pet Care, launched on February 6, 2015.

High in omegas for skin health, glucosamine, and chondroitin for joints, it’s perfect for sensitive dogs.

Apples and blueberries boost immunity, while taurine supports heart health. Daily intake: 40 lbs need 2 ½ cups; 50-100 lbs need 3 to 4 ¾ cups.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 38% min, Crude Fat 17% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max.
• Calories: 392 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your Alaskan Malamute’s body weight.
• Key Benefit: Raw meat for high-quality proteins to improve muscle power and add flavor to your finicky Mal. Powerful antioxidants to prevent inflammation.
• Price: $74.98 per 20-lb bag ($3.75-lb)

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Turkey Dry Food

Give your Alaskan Malamute puppy the best start with Wellness CORE Formula by Wellpet LLC, launched on March 17, 2012.

Deboned turkey and chicken meal provide proteins, while calcium and phosphorus strengthen bones.

Grain-free and rich in antioxidants and glucosamine, it supports joint, heart, digestive, and immune health. Ideal for pregnant and nursing puppies. Transition gradually.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Dried ground Potatoes, Turkey Meal.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 35% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 5.5% Max.
• Calories: 387 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Large and giant breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on Alaskan Malamute’s age and weight.
• Key Benefit: Contains DHA for your puppy’s brain development.
• Price: $72.98 per 24-lb bag ($3.04-lb)

True Acre Foods Beef & Vegetable Recipe Dry Food

Give your Alaskan Malamute complete nutrition with True Acre Formula from Chewy.

Made in the USA with natural ingredients, it supports skin health, reduces shedding, and minimizes bloating with natural fiber.

Free from corn, grain, wheat, artificial additives, and soy, it boosts immunity with cranberries, carrots, calcium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc.

Puppies need 2-3 times the adult amount.

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Peas, Pea Starch, Poultry By-Product Meal, Canola Meal.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24% min, Crude Fat 13% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
• Calories: 349 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s weight.
• Key Benefit: Beef is the number one ingredient to support muscle health. Omega-6 and 3 fatty acids and vitamin A for coat and skin wellness.
• Price: $36.17 per 30-lb bag ($1.21-lb)

Nom Nom Tasty Turkey Fare Fresh Food 

Nom Nom’s raw diets, imitating wild food, are ideal for Alaskan Malamutes.

Turkey provides proteins for muscle strength, while the limited ingredient diet reduces allergies and bloating.

Delivered ready-to-serve, these meals are customized to your dog’s needs, and packed with vitamin A, fiber, calcium, DHA, and EPA.

No preservatives; not frozen for maximum benefit.

• First 5 Ingredients: Ground Turkey, Brown Rice, Carrots, Spinach, Eggs.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 10% min, Crude Fat 5% min, Crude Fiber % Max.
• Calories: 201 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your dog’s unique needs.
• Key Benefit: High moisture content to support digestion, hydration, and detoxification. Highly palatable to delight selective feeders.
• Price: Prices vary depending on your dog’s health and nutritional needs.

American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato Dry Food 

Help your Alaskan Malamute thrive with American Journey Formula by Chewy.

Beef, chicken, and turkey meals ensure strong muscles, while real fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and antioxidants.

Grain-free, it includes flaxseed and salmon oil for a beautiful coat and sweet potatoes for fiber. Transition gradually over 7-10 days.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chickpeas.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32% min, Crude Fat 14% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
• Calories: 380 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your pup’s body weight.
• Key Benefit: Optimal levels of DHA for brain health. High levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, and phosphorus for bone and joint health.
• Price: $52.99 per 24-lb bag ($2.21-lb)

Nutro Large  Adult Pasture Fed Lamb & Rice Dry Food

Tingle your dog’s taste buds with this formula from The Nutro Company, launched on July 31, 2017.

Featuring lamb and chicken meals for muscle strength, rice, peas, and sorghum for digestive wellness.

Enhanced with antioxidants and fatty acids for immune and coat health. Free from GMOs, wheat, corn, soy, and chicken by-products.

Easily digestible, with feeding guidelines based on weight. Adjust portions to suit your dog’s unique needs.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Split Peas.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 20% min, Crude Fat 12% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max.
• Calories: 385 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: Large breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your Mal’s poundage.
• Key Benefit: Contains vitamin E and selenium to boost immunity. Great for joint and hip health with chondroitin and glucosamine.
• Price: $57.98 per 30-lb bag ($1.93-lb)

Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate Recipe Wet Dog Food

Wean your Alaskan Malamute puppy with Merrick Grain-Free Formula, introduced on March 13, 2018.

It supports muscle growth and brain health with premium proteins and DHA. Grain-free, it excludes corn, soy, wheat, artificial preservatives, and meat by-products.

Includes apples, carrots, and peas for vitamins. Puppies weighing 20 lbs need 2 ⅓ cups, and 30 lbs need 3 ¼ cups. Pregnant/lactating dogs need 1.5 times more.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Deboned Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Turkey.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 9% min, Crude Fat 5% min, Crude Fiber 1.8% Max.
• Calories: 395 kcal/cup
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding amounts may vary depending on your Mal’s body weight.
• Key Benefit: High-quality dietary fiber and beta-carotene for smooth digestion, vision health, and skin wellness.
• Price: $39.36 per 12.7-oz can, case of 12.

What Should You Look For While Buying Dog Foods for Alaskan Malamute?

When choosing dog food for Alaskan Malamutes, prioritize whole animal-based proteins, which support their muscular build and energy needs.

Complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and barley provide fiber and stamina, while fillers like corn, wheat, and soy should be avoided due to potential allergies.

To prevent bloating, which is common in Malamutes, opt for limited-ingredient diets and serve smaller meals.

Eye health concerns and the risk of diabetes call for low-glycemic foods rich in vitamin A or beta-carotene.

For joint health, look for foods with glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, and phosphorus to support their predisposition to hip and elbow dysplasia.

Avoid artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, and foods with peas, legumes, or “meat” as vague ingredients.

What are the best dog foods for Alaskan Malamute with different ingredients?

The Best Dog Food With Glucosamine for Alaskan Malamute

• Purina One Lamb & Rice SmartBlend Dry Food: Alaskan Malamutes are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, and the high levels of glucosamine in this recipe are suitable for your dog. 

The Best Dog Food With Carrots for Alaskan Malamute

• Cesar Wholesome Bowls Variety Pack Dry Food: Carrots are among the top 5 ingredients. Alaskan Malamutes are prone to eye issues, including juvenile cataracts. Carrots are the best sources of beta-carotene that support proper eyesight.

What are the other dog foods for  Alaskan Malamute with different health conditions?

The Best Dog Food for Alaskan Malamute With Diabetes

• Ketona Grain-Free Chicken Formula Dry Food: It contains a high percentage of proteins and low carbohydrate levels for your diabetic Mal. It helps burn excess body fat to prevent obesity. 

The Best Dog Food for Alaskan Malamute With Allergies

• Wellness Simple Lamb & Oatmeal Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Food: Alaskan Malamutes are susceptible to allergies, and this formula has fewer ingredients to minimize the frequency of allergic reactions and sensitivities. Glucosamine, taurine, probiotics, and antioxidants work together for your Mla’s overall wellness.

What is the ideal calorie intake for Alaskan Malamute?

The ideal calorie intake for Alaskan Malamutes depends on age, weight, and activity level.

Use commercial food guidelines as a starting point and adjust as needed. Puppies need more calories than adults.

Avoid free-feeding to prevent overfeeding and bloating. Adjust calorie intake based on your dog’s weight and needs.

What are the foods to avoid for Alaskan Malamute?

Foods that are safe for humans may not go well with your Alaskan Malamute. Here are the foods to avoid:

• Alcohol: Toxic; causes intoxication (panting, tremors, seizures).
• Seeds and nuts: Choking hazard; some, like macadamia nuts, are poisonous.
• Caffeine: Can damage major organs; symptoms include restlessness, tremors, and can be fatal.
• Grapes and raisins: Toxic; may cause kidney failure.
• Garlic, garlic powder, and onions: Contain thiosulfate, leading to red blood cell damage and anemia.
• Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, causing muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure.

Are homemade foods good for Alaskan Malamute?

Well-balanced homemade dog food is a good option for Alaskan Malamutes, offering variety and control over ingredients.

A balanced meal should include ⅓ meat, ⅓ rice, and ⅓ vegetables, with supplements for vitamins.

However, consult a vet to ensure proper portioning and nutrient balance to avoid health issues.