large breedUpdated March 2026

Best Dog Food for Alaskan Malamutes

Our top food picks for Alaskan Malamutes. Fresh food delivery, subscription boxes, and kibble brands that actually work for this breed.

At 75 to 85 pounds, the Alaskan Malamute is a very high energy large breed. Alaskan Malamutes belong to the Working group, bred for physically demanding jobs, so they need fuel that matches their build. What you put in the bowl has a direct effect on how they feel and perform day to day.

Alaskan Malamutes are prone to Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Wobbler Syndrome. Joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine help. A food that addresses these breed-specific risks goes a long way.

Alaskan Malamutes have demanding coats that need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from their food. If the coat looks dull, diet is usually the first thing to check. We put together our top picks below: subscription food services, monthly boxes, and kibble options that work well for this breed.

Alaskan Malamute Nutrition Profile

22–26%
Protein
10–15%
Fat
4–6%
Fiber
20 cal/lb
Calories

Best Fresh Food Delivery for Alaskan Malamutes

These services build a meal plan around your Alaskan Malamute's weight and age. Real food, vet-approved recipes, shipped to your door.

1

We Feed Raw

Editor's Pick

Complete raw diet made simple

6.6/10
$45–$120/mo
2

Ollie

Human-grade fresh dog food

8.2/10
$60–$120/mo
3

The Farmer's Dog

Real food made fresh

8.1/10
$50–$100/mo
4

Spot & Tango

Fresh & UnKibble options

7.7/10
$40–$90/mo
5

Open Farm

Ethically sourced, transparent ingredients

7.4/10
$55–$100/mo
6

Sundays

Air-dried dog food made simple

7.4/10
$45–$85/mo

Best Subscription Boxes for Alaskan Malamutes

Monthly boxes with toys, treats, and chews picked for your Alaskan Malamute's size. Good nutrition is half the battle. Enrichment is the other half.

1

BarkBox

Monthly surprises for your pup

8.5/10
$23–$35
2

Super Chewer

Tough toys for power chewers

7.6/10
$29–$45
3

Pawstruck

Natural chews & treats at honest prices

7.1/10
$20–$35
4

Goody Box

One-time curated boxes from Chewy

6.7/10
$19.99–$35
5

Bark Bright

Dental care made delicious

6.5/10
$25–$35
6

Farm Hounds

Ethically sourced, single-ingredient treats from sustainable farms

6.4/10
$25–$45

Feeding by Life Stage

🐶Alaskan Malamute Puppies

Alaskan Malamute puppies should be on a large-breed puppy formula with controlled calcium. They grow to 85+ pounds, and rushing that growth stresses developing bones. Since Alaskan Malamutes are prone to joint issues, this is especially important.

🧓Senior Alaskan Malamutes

Alaskan Malamutes live about 10 to 14 years, so around age 9 you should start thinking about a senior formula. Fewer calories, easier on the stomach. Joint supplements like glucosamine become more important at this stage. Omega-3s and taurine can support heart health as they age.

🤧Alaskan Malamutes with Allergies

Alaskan Malamutes are known to develop food sensitivities. Watch for chronic ear infections. Common triggers are chicken, beef, wheat, and dairy. If you suspect a food allergy, switch to a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein like duck, venison, or salmon. An elimination diet supervised by your vet is the most reliable way to identify the trigger.

Recommended Kibble Brands

Widely available dry food brands suitable for Alaskan Malamutes. Listed for informational purposes.

Joint Support
Wellness Core Large Breed
Glucosamine and chondroitin built in, optimized protein-to-fat ratio for bigger dogs
Popular
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed
L-carnitine for lean muscle, glucosamine for joints, controlled calories
Best Overall
Orijen Large Breed
Tailored for large and giant breeds with glucosamine and chondroitin from natural sources
Vet Favorite
Hill's Science Diet Large Breed
Clinically proven antioxidants and glucosamine for large breed joint and immune health
Budget Pick
Diamond Naturals Large Breed
Added glucosamine and chondroitin at the lowest price in the large breed category
Weight Control
Wellness Core Reduced Fat
Lower calorie density with high protein to maintain muscle while trimming weight

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Alaskan Malamute

How much food does a Alaskan Malamute need per day?

A Alaskan Malamute weighing 75 to 85 lbs needs roughly 2250 to 2550 calories per day, depending on age and how active they are. Split that into two meals. Use a slow feeder or puzzle bowl to reduce the risk of bloat.

What health issues should Alaskan Malamute food help with?

Alaskan Malamutes are known to develop Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Wobbler Syndrome. Look for foods that address these: glucosamine and chondroitin for joints, and omega-3 fatty acids for overall health.

What protein percentage is right for a Alaskan Malamute?

Alaskan Malamutes do well on 22–26% protein. The first ingredient should be a named meat like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb. Skip foods where corn, wheat, or soy is listed first.

When should a Alaskan Malamute puppy switch to adult food?

Alaskan Malamutes are a bigger breed, so keep them on puppy food longer. 12 to 24 months is the usual range because their bones need time to finish developing. Your vet can check growth progress and give you a more exact timeline.

What foods are toxic to Alaskan Malamutes?

Same as all dogs: chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol (check sugar-free gum labels), onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and cooked bones. Alaskan Malamutes can get into things fast, so keep these stored where they can't reach.

When is a Alaskan Malamute considered senior?

Alaskan Malamutes live about 10 to 14 years, so they start hitting senior territory around age 9. That's when you might want to look at lower-calorie formulas with joint support and easier-to-digest protein.

Learn More About Alaskan Malamutes

📖 Alaskan Malamute Breed Guide🍖 Dog Food Services⚖️ Compare Breeds