The Ultimate Guide to What Alaskan Malamute Can (and Can’t) Eat

Meat, bone, offal, and a small amount of plant ingredients are essential in an Alaskan Malamute’s diet. Each of these adds beneficial vitamins and minerals. A raw diet for an Alaskan Malamute typically contains about 70% water. This high water content in the diet helps ensure the dog stays well-hydrated.

To get a more detailed picture of how to feed your Alaskan Malamute, what it can and cannot eat, and things you should and should not do to help your pet, read on.

Feeding Requirements for Alaskan Malamutes (Puppy and Adult)

As a puppy, an Alaskan Malamute will need food that provides a lot of protein and healthy fats sourced from animals. This diet should usually last from birth until they reach about eighteen months old. The best way to find protein-rich dog foods is to check the ingredients on the bag and make sure animal-sourced proteins are at the top of the list.

Once your Alaskan Malamute grows past eighteen months, their diet will need a little changing. You should still keep a look out for dog foods with high animal-sourced protein, but your adult Malamute will not need as much protein packed into its diet.

As your Malamute grows older and reaches older age (around eight or nine years old) you should consider slightly changing up its diet again. Your pet will start to need less protein than its adult and puppy years and require more calcium and glucosamine to maintain its health.

Alaskan Malamute Gastrointestinal Problems

A big part of the gastrointestinal problems vet see in Alaskan Malamutes stem from this breeds propensity to overeat. The number one thing you can do to help your Malamute avoid problems like obesity or bloating is to never free feed your dog.

Your Malamute will eat anything and everything you put in front of it and will not stop until the bowl is empty. Be sure to divide the food into proper serving portions.

Alaskan Malamutes and other similar breeds of dog are especially susceptible to bloat. In addition to preventing overeating, the best way to treat bloat in your pet is to have a good vet nearby and a plan to quickly treat your dog. If left untreated for too long, your Malamute’s bloat can quickly turn into worse problems, such as stomach torsion and even death.

If you suspect your dog is suffering from bloat, rush them to the nearest vet as soon as you can. You usually have under an hour, sometimes as little as twenty minutes to treat your pet’s bloat before it causes serious lasting problems or results in death.

Safe Fruits for Your Alaskan Malamute

Why Fruit Can Be Beneficial?

Fruits offer vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals that support your Alaskan Malamute’s health naturally. In moderation, fruit provides a tasty treat and can supplement your dog’s regular diet.

• Vitamin A – Supports healthy skin, coat, eyes, and immune system.
• Vitamin C – An antioxidant that prevents cell damage and boosts immunity.
• Potassium – Important for muscle, nerve, and electrolyte functioning.
• Fiber – Promotes healthy digestion and nutrient absorption.

Before giving fruit to your dog, take out the pits, seeds, and rinds. They can choke your dog or have toxins. Give your dog new fruits one by one and slowly. This helps you see if the dog has allergies.

Best Fruits for Your Alaskan Malamute

1. Blueberries

• These bite-sized berries are low in sugar and high in antioxidants. In addition to vitamins A, C, and fiber, blueberries provide vitamin K, manganese, and copper. The phytochemicals in blueberries are good for urinary tract health.
• Serving Size: Serving Size: A few berries are enough.

2. Apple Slices

• A classic favorite, apples offer a satisfying crunch along with vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. Be sure to remove all seeds and core first.
• Serving Size: Slices from one small apple.

3. Banana Slices

• Easy to digest and full of key nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. Bananas tend to be higher in natural sugars, so feed in moderation.
• Serving Size: A few thin slices.

4. Cantaloupe Cubes

• Refreshingly sweet, cantaloupe melon has lots of vitamins A and C along with potassium and folate (B9). The netted rind should be removed.
• Serving Size: A few small cubes.

5. Strawberries

• These bright red berries deliver vitamin C, manganese, folate (B9) and fiber. Choose ripe, fresh strawberries and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Serving Size: 2-3 average sized strawberries.

6. Watermelon Cubes

• Made up of mostly water, watermelon is naturally low in calories while providing vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. All rinds and seeds must be removed first.
• Serving Size: A few small cubes.

7. Pineapple Chunks

• Pineapple contains vitamin C, manganese, and thiamine (B1). The fruit’s bromelain enzyme supports digestion. Be sure to remove the prickly outer skin first.
• Serving Size: A couple of small chunks.

Feeding Fruits Safely

It’s important to control the amount of fruit you feed. Remember that fruits, although healthy, contain sugar. Feeding too much fruit can cause diarrhea or weight gain. As a general rule, fruits should make up no more than 10% of your Alaskan Malamute’s total daily calories. Introduce new fruits slowly and watch for any signs of allergies.

Safe Vegetables for your Alaskan Malamute

Why Add Vegetables?

Vegetables provide all this nutritional goodness without significantly increasing calorie intake. Add veggies in small amounts because too much fiber can cause diarrhea. Introduce new vegetables slowly to watch for allergies.

• Vitamin K, Magnesium, and Potassium – Aid blood clotting functions and electrolyte balance.
• Phytochemicals – Plant compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

Best Vegetables for Your Alaskan Malamute

Many vegetables are perfectly safe for Alaskan Malamutes to eat either raw or lightly cooked (steamed or roasted).

1. Baby Carrots

A nutritious crunchy snack, carrots provide vitamin A (great for eyesight), vitamin K, potassium, and fiber. Offer a few small carrots raw or lightly steamed.

2. Green Beans

Crisp, fresh green beans have vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, potassium, and fiber without many calories per volume. Feed raw or cooked.

3. Sweet Potatoes

An excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and fiber. Bake or boil and cut into chunks when cooled. Skin and remove any strings.

4. Frozen Peas

An easy add-in, frozen peas are high in vitamin K, folate, manganese, fiber, and protein without boosting calories much. They can be fed frozen or thawed.

5. Cucumber Slices

This ultra-low-calorie vegetable offers vitamin K, magnesium potassium, and silica with a tasty crunch. The skin can be left on organic cucumbers.

6. Zucchini Slices

Mild-tasting zucchini provides manganese, vitamin A, potassium, folate, and fiber. Grate or thinly slice and serve a few pieces raw or lightly cooked.

7. Broccoli Florets

Chopped broccoli delivers a mega dose of nutrients with vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, fiber, and phytochemicals. The stalks can make a choking hazard, so use just the florets.

Feeding Recommendations

When introducing vegetables, go slowly with one at a time and watch for any signs of diarrhea or allergic reaction. Thoroughly wash vegetables to remove any pesticide residue. Vegetables should be only 10-15% of your Alaskan Malamute’s daily calories in a balanced diet, whether it’s raw or cooked.

Safe Human Foods for Alaskan Malamutes

Why Human Food?

Some human foods are good as extra treats for the Alaskan Malamute, but only in small amounts. Proteins, healthy fats, and carbs from human food can boost a dog’s energy.

• Nutrient Variety: Human foods provide a wide range of nutrients, giving dogs a diverse diet.
• Weight Management – Some human foods can be lower in fat and calories than commercial dog treats.
• Mental Stimulation – Savoring new flavors and textures enriches a dog’s world.
• Bonding Experience – Sharing tidbits and meals brings dogs and people closer together.

Never use human food to fully replace a dog’s regular high-quality commercial or raw food diet.

Top Human Food Options

1. Cooked Eggs

A powerhouse source of protein rich in amino acids. Scrambled, boiled or baked eggs are easy to digest and absorb.

2. Cooked White Rice

Easily digested whole grain carbohydrates. Great for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Use plain white rice and avoid seasonings.

3. Lean Baked Chicken

Shredded baked chicken breast provides a tasty protein boost without too much fat. Avoid bones or skin which are harder to digest.

4. Plain Yogurt

Contains probiotics that support healthy digestion and gut flora. Pick unsweetened non-fat yogurt and avoid chocolate or honey flavors.

5. Sardines

Canned sardines packed in water offer omega fatty acids, protein, vitamin D, and calcium – all beneficial nutrients for active dogs like Malamutes.

6. Peanut Butter

High calorie, so only feed small spoonfuls occasionally. Choose all-natural peanut butter without sweeteners. Great for concealing pills!

Human Foods to Keep Your Alaskan Malamute Away From

Though Alaskan Malamutes do tend to suffer from food allergies, namely to wheat, corn, soy, and similar foods, allergies in this breed vary from dog to dog. Again, the best way to get a clear picture of foods to avoid is to talk to your vet.

However, there are certain foods you should always avoid giving to dogs. They include:

• Grapes and raisins – they can cause acute kidney failure
• Alcohol – these drinks can have adverse effects on the best of us. Give them to dogs with smaller bodies and problems can ensure
• Chocolate – theobromine and caffeine are ingredients often found in chocolate, dark chocolate more so than milk or white, and can be fatal to dogs
• Macadamia nuts – these nuts contain a toxin that can harm the dog’s digestive and nervous systems
• Onions – these can cause red blood cell damage in a dog and, if eaten enough, can cause a special kind of hemolytic anemia which can be fatal to your pet.
• Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gums and baked goods. It’s extremely toxic to dogs and can cause life-threatening blood sugar crashes.
• Moldy or spoiled foods contain toxins that can lead to a serious condition called pantinemal necrotizing myopathy, as well as vomiting and diarrhea.
• Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and soda is toxic to dogs.

Foods to Avoid (Not Dangerous, But Not Great for Alaskan Malamutes)

Sweet Baked Goods – Cookies, cakes, sweet breads, and muffins can quickly trigger weight gain and dental decay.

Deli Meats – High amounts of sodium, sulfites, nitrates, and fillers make cold cuts and sausages less than ideal treats.

Raw Dough – The uncooked yeast and egg mixture can expand dangerously in a dog’s stomach. Also the risk of food poisoning from raw flour/eggs. Bake fully first.

Excess Cheese – While a shred here and there is fine, too much cheese leads to gastrointestinal distress, gas, and loose stool. Also very fattening!

Crackers – Carb overload without much nutrition. Most brands also contain lots of salt, chemical dough conditioners, and preservatives.

Chips & Pretzels – Packed with salt, fat, and empty carbs. Also may have sharp edges that irritate the mouth and internal tissue.

Buttered Popcorn – Choking hazard from kernels and hulls. The butter and salt content also encourages rapid weight gain.

Gum & Candy – Sugar overload stresses the body while chewy textures adhere to teeth increasing decay and gum disease risks. Xylitol sweetener is toxic.

Bones – While recreational bones are sold for dogs, cooked bones and those from meat scraps may splinter and get lodged internally causing serious injury.

What to Watch for With Their Diet

With Alaskan Malamutes prone to gastrointestinal issues, food intolerances, and bloat, watch closely for any signs of these problems.

• Sudden Changes in Stool – Diarrhea, constipation, unusual odor or appearance
• Increased Gas – Noticeable flatulence, belching, or stomach gurgling
• Decreased Appetite – Disinterest in food over 12-24 hours
• Vomiting & Regurgitation – Undigested food brought back up
• Increased Thirst – Drinking more water than usual
• Weight Fluctuations – Gaining or losing 2+ lbs a week
• Lethargy – Less energetic despite normal diet & exercise
• Abdominal Distension – Bloated or swollen stomach region

If you notice these signs, stop giving treats and new foods. Instead, feed a bland diet of boiled chicken breast and white rice for 1-2 days. If the signs self-resolve, existing food may be causing issues. Reintroduce it slowly and monitor for reaction.

Rapid weight loss in your dog could be a sign of dental disease, parasites, cancer, or other serious conditions. Any persistent or worsening symptoms should be reported to your veterinarian immediately.

Why Your Alaskan Malamute Won’t Eat?

Possible Causes

There are several possible reasons an Alaskan Malamute may refuse food, including:

Dental Disease

Broken teeth, abscesses, and gum infections can cause mouth pain. This pain may make chewing and swallowing difficult. Smelly breath, drooling, and preference for soaked food are clues.

Organ Dysfunction

Liver, kidney, and pancreatic disease can suppress appetite due either to toxicity, abdominal pain, or metabolic imbalance. Urine, stool, or other unexplained symptoms may accompany.

Infection & Viruses

Systemic illnesses sap appetite while the body mounts an immune response to fight off the infection. May see fever, inflammation, enlarged lymph nodes, or additional symptoms.

Pain from Injury or Arthritis

Broken bones, sprains, ACL tears, pancreatitis, disk disease, and generalized arthritis reduce the desire to walk over and eat. Discomfort distracts from the food drive. Difficulty moving about, vocalizing, or other symptoms occur concurrently.

Cancer

Abdominal tumors can be painful and often release substances that lower a dog’s appetite. Rapid weight loss, even when eating normally, is a classic sign of cancer in dogs. Other symptoms depend on the type of cancer and location.

Metabolic Disorder

Diabetes and Cushing’s Disease disrupt the balance of glucose and insulin. This can change a dog’s feeling of hunger. Increased thirst, unexplained weight gain/loss, and lethargy are typical.

Side  Effects of Medications

Some antibiotics, pain relievers, and other medications can affect the brain’s appetite centers and digestive function as a side effect.

If your dog’s lack of appetite lasts more than 12-24 hours, or if other worrying symptoms appear, a vet should examine them for a diagnosis and prompt treatment.

How Often Should Alaskan Malamutes Eat?

Although spacing meals is a must when it comes to feeding Alaskan Malamutes, how you space them is up to you. You can opt to do meals at breakfast and dinner, divide it up into three meals, or even choose six smaller meals throughout the day.

How Much Should Alaskan Malamutes Eat?

Your dog food bag will give you a guideline on how much food to give your Malamute. However, this is just a guideline. You should adjust this as need be according to your dog’s weight and body composition.

Alaskan Malamutes tend to weigh anywhere between 65 and 95 pounds. For Malamutes btween 65 and 80 pounds, feed them 1 cup of good quality dog food twice per day. If they are a bit heavier and weigh between 80 and 95 pounds, feed them around 2 cups of good quality dog food twice per day.

A good way to check if the amount you are feeding your Malamute is correct, check to see if you can feel their ribs. If you can see or feel their ribs through their fur with easy, chances are they are not eating enough. If you cannot feel their ribs through their fat, chances are you are over feeding them.

Special Diet for Pregnant Alaskan Malamute

Increased Caloric Needs

The average pregnancy for an Alaskan Malamute lasts about 63 days. During pregnancy, an Alaskan Malamute’s calorie needs can increase by up to 60%. This extra energy supports her weight gain, the puppies’ growth, increased blood supply, and mammary tissue development.

• First Trimester: Her energy needs are about the same as usual. This is a good time to switch her to a diet best suited for pregnancy.
• Second Trimester: Her calorie needs greatly increase to support the fast growth of the puppies’ bones and organs.
• Third Trimester: Her energy goes mainly toward the puppies’ rapid growth and producing colostrum.

Monitor weight gain so it stays steady, and too abrupt at the end:

• Start of Pregnancy: Increase food by 10-15%
• Midway Point: Up intake by 35-40%
• Final Week: Increase another 10%

Feeding her smaller, more frequent meals helps prevent overstretching her stomach, which can get crowded during pregnancy.

Key Dietary Nutrients

Adjusting food quantity also enhances nutritional quality. Some vital nutrients for pregnancy include:

• Protein – Developing strong muscles and organs, as well as maternal and fetal immune support.
• Fats – Energy, fetal brain growth, nerves, vision development. Opt for omega fatty acid sources like fish oil.
• Iron – Helps increase blood cell volume for puppies and mom. Important for fetal oxygen.
• Calcium – Healthy bone formation. Also needed for future milk supply.
• High-Quality Carbs – Slow-burning glucose for sustainable energy and intestinal health.
• Vitamins & Minerals – Support conception,and development and nursing. Antioxidants reduce strain on the maternal immune system and inflammation.

Opt for high-quality commercial dog foods specially designed for pregnant or breeding dogs. These foods provide complete and balanced nutrition.

Lifestyle Support

• Feeding smaller, more frequent meals
• Ensuring constant access to fresh clean water
• Providing gentle, regular exercise to stay fit but not overtire
• Giving affection and mental stimulation with games, toys, and training
• Planning quality rest in a safe, comfortable area away from stress

Watch for signs like decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, and inform your vet right away if they occur. Early detection of problems helps ensure that your Malamute has a smooth pregnancy and nursing period.

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