Feeding Suggestions

Which kibble do we prefer?

We use a variety of brands and look for formulas that contain 3 sources of protein (preferably with fish listed first), and fish oil, an important source of essential fatty acids for healthy skin, coat and joints. We also select brands that have several probiotics, supplements that aid digestion and help combat stress diarrhea which can plague dogs on the show or racing circuit or pups going to new homes. We will let you know which of the formulas the puppies have been on, but generally it will be a combination of Eagle Power Pack Adult Performance (chicken) and Taste of the Wild-Pacific Stream (salmon) or Premium Edge Puppy (chicken) and Premium Edge Adult (salmon). We also use the other Taste of the Wild formulas (the Prairie/bison and Wetlands/duck) for our adult dogs and the Premium Edge "Healthy Weight" Chicken/Salmon which is high protein 44%, low carb, low fat 12% for our oldest dogs.

Are there other brands of quality kibble?

Yes, of couse, there are dozens of excellent foods on the market. Snowlion Malamutes have done well on Canidae, California Natural, Innova, PHD Perfect Health Diet, among others. Some general guidelines for comparing formulas. Look for one without Ethoxyquin, BHA or BHT--chemicals which have been linked linked to cancer and other diseases in dogs; select a "natural," "holistic" or "human-grade" kibble preserved with mixed tocopherols (vitamin E). Secondly, look for a kibble which lists a protein source--fish, beef, chicken-- as the first ingredient. Two different types of animal protein would ensure a proper balance of amino acids. "Meals" either fish meal or chicken meal are excellent sources of protein--just more concentrated versions of whole meat products which contain water. Avoid brands which list grain as the first ingredient. Also, it's best not to use lamb formulas for puppies. Some cardiologists are concerned about low levels of taurine in lamb.

For an in-depth yearly review of premium dog foods, check out Whole Dog Journal

Most of these brands can be found nationwide:


1. Taste of the Wild
2. Eagle PowerPack
3. Premium Edge Adult Skin & Coat Salmon
4. Premium Edge Puppy Chicken
5. Premium Edge Healthy Weight Chicken & Salmon 44% protein/ 12% fat
6. Eagle PowerPack
7. Cannidae
8. Innova
9. California Natural
10. Wellness

Is it O.K. to switch foods?

Yes, if the formula you are using does not contain multiple protein sources then we recommend switching kibble formulas periodically. Introductions to new foods should be made gradually over 2-3 days by combining half-rations of the 'old' food with the new one. Once your dog is accustomed to 2 or 3 types of kibble, you can usually switch back and forth with no problems.

Ideally you should select a food with different proteins: fish, beef, chicken, etc. so that your dog will have a varied and balanced diet. This is especially important if you are not adding fresh meat to the diet. If the kibble you are using does not contain fish meal and fish oil, then we recommend adding a couple of tablespoons of canned mackerel or tuna to your dog's rations several times a week. Some coat and skin problems in Malamutes are linked to nutritional deficiences that can be circumvented by including fish and/or fish oil in the diet.

Is it okay to feed generic or grocery store dog food?

In brief, NO. If you prefer to feed only dry food (kibble), please be sure that you give your dog a premium kibble made with natural, human grade ingredients. Do not use grocery store foods. If you would like to learn more about canine nutrition, I suggest subscribing to the Whole Dog Journal which publishes an excellent review of canned and kibble foods each year.

How are dogs fed at Snowlion Kennels?

Pups--At two weeks our pups are started on a puree: goat's milk, eggs, honey, rice cereal and small amounts of cooked hamburger--mixed in a blender and spoon fed. Gradually we introduce kibble. First it is blended with goat's milk; later it is fed dry. Other meals include chopped meat, pureed vegetables and rice; or yogurt, soft-boiled eggs and oatmeal.

Adults-- Depending on the season, the diets of our racing adults vary from 50 to 75% Eagle Power Pack & Taste of the Wild kibble and 25-50% raw meat, plus vitamins, and fat (corn or safflower oil). Hydration is extremely important for working sled dogs, especially in the winter when dogs are less inclined to drink so we add a lot of water to the feed.

How should I start my Snowlion pup?

We will send your pup home with the current kibble we are using. Please ask as we do change foods from time to time and don't always update this page! If you decide to feed another brand, the 'old' brand should be mixed with the new formula you have selected. If you can not find either food in your area, we will suggest an alternative food which also contains probiotics-- supplements that will help the pup's gastrointestinal system adjust to the stresses of a new environment and water source, as well as cope with the immune stresses from vaccinations. Once the pup is finished with it's vaccination schedule at 5-6 months, you may introduce new foods, including raw meat as long as the changes are done gradually. Although our yearlings and adults get a variety of raw meat (in addition to kibble), we advise not feeding any raw foods to very young pups as their immune systems may not handle the bacteria (e-coli and salmonella) and other pathogens that are commonly found in raw meat.

Can I feed my dog an all raw meat or "Barf" Diet?

No, we do not recommend feeding a 100% raw meat or Barf (bones and raw meat) diet. We have had much better results in performance, appearance--coat and skin--and general health in both our top show dogs and our competitive racing dogs feeding a combo diet where the raw meat does NOT exceed 50% of the total diet. Two of our dogs had abnormal blood CBC panels--liver and kidney values were way off-- after only three months of being on a Barf diet. The problems were quickly corrected after putting the dogs back on a premium kibble: in just two weeks their blood chemistry returned to normal. Since then we have been strong advocates of following a more scientific, balanced approach to nutrition than the haphazard 'toss-them-a-bone-or-chicken-back' approach to feeding. If you insist on feeding 100% raw, then please be responsible enough to run blood chemistry panels every 4 months to make sure your dogs are getting the proper balance of nutrients. Research various diets before you experiment with your dogs' health.

What kinds of raw meat do we use here?

During racing season when we're on the road we use a balanced raw frozen food called Champaine's race diet. This mix comprises 50% of our dogs' diet. The other 50% is a mix of chicken & fish-based kibble (usually Eagle Power Pack and Taste of the Wild). At home we rely on a variety of meat sources from a local butcher and we buy 25 lb flats of beef heart, liver, chicken necks, hamburger and combine this meat with kibble. (Contrary to some 'myths' cited by raw food advocates: there is no need to feed the meat seperately from the kibble.) We also give our dogs beef ribs and soup bones each week to keep their teeth clean.

Can I do a combo diet without using raw meat?

Absolutely. "Meat" can be quality canned dog food: Evangers, Canidae, Innova among others. Most of the kibble brands listed above also have excellent canned food. OR "People food" : cooked hamburger, deboned chicken, cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs, canned mackerel,tuna, salmon. The "Extras" of the combo diet can include- raw carrots, apple slices, left over salad or cooked vegetables.

How much and how often should I feed my malamute?

Puppies up to 4 months of age should be fed three times a day. After four months feed twice a day. Adults should also be fed twice daily. The dogs are less likely to develop "bloat" gastric torsion which is often fatal. Always make sure the dog has fresh water, but when housetraining a pup, remember to pick up the water bowl two hours before bed time.

Portion sizes-- be sure to use a measuring cup or you will overfeed your dog. If you are feeding a mixed diet- kibble and meat make sure the total amount of food does not exceed these recommended portion sizes. Remember the amounts listed below are TOTALS for the day, not for each meal

Recommended amounts for premium food like Eagle Power Pack (32% protein 20 % fat)

• 2-4 months 2 cups DAILY (divide into 3 meals i.e. feed 2/3 at each meal NOT 6 cups!!!)
• 4-9 months 3 cups DAILY (divide into 2 meals)
• 9-mo to adult 2-3 cups DAILY (divide into 2 meals)

Disregard the amounts listed on dog food bags they are designed for breeds with higher metabolic rates. Puppies go through rapid growth spurts and this will be reflected in their changing appetites. You need to learn to judge your dog's weight and condition, as you will be changing the amount of food given, during the course of the dog's life. Always use a "level" measuring cup, and keep track of "extras" given to the dog during the day. Also, if you feed meat or vegetables (as we do), you will need to cut down on the amount of dry food. Please note that amounts may need to be adjusted slightly for each pup based on climate and activity levels

To give you a general idea: our young bitches 1-4 years old (75-85 lbs.) who are very active: running 4-6 miles a day eat only 2 measured cups of dry kibble (Daily total) plus another cup of meat/vegetables during the winter. A larger dog (90 lbs ) doing the same mileage on our sled team eats about 2.5 cups (plus 1 cup meat/vegetables). Older dogs need less food as they become more sedentary. However, I prefer to feed the old dogs performance or "adult" food in smaller amounts, rather than switch to a high fiber, low protein formula or "maintenance" type. NEVER FREE FEED A MALAMUTE. I will repeat this as it is the primary cause of obesity and developmental bone and joint disorders. DO NOT FREE FEED A MALAMUTE.

How much should my young puppy weigh?

Weight guidelines for pups = a puppy's age in months x 10 lbs. 3 months= 30 lbs, 5 months= 50 lbs. Growth will slow by 6-7 months. Standard size- bitches 23 inches at the shoulders 75 lbs; males 25 in- 85 lbs. No Snowlion Malamute should ever weigh over 90 lbs. Our dogs are standard size and should be maintained in lean condition.

How can I tell if my dog is overweight?

You should always be able to feel the ribs and spine easily when you run your hands over the dog. The pelvic bones just in front of the tail should be easy to feel too. A thin layer of 'flesh' is OK but no rolls of fat. When the dog is wet or has shed its coat you should be able to see an outline of ribs. There should be an indentation at the loins, ("a waist") and 'tuck up' between the rib cage and abdomen underneath. Malamutes are athletic 'working dogs', and should be in good solid condition: they will be penalized in the show ring if they are overweight. Overweight dogs who go through too rapid growth periods as a result of overfeeding are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and other developmental disorders. Studies have shown that dogs on restricted diets live longer and healthier lives than overweight dogs. The average pet is obese and vets will not comment on it, but I will.