A strong and sturdy large-breed dog, the Alaskan Malamute is a hardworking yet playful dog that is ideal for experienced dog owners who live in cooler environments and live an active lifestyle.
Breed history
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), Alaskan Malamutes are one of the oldest breeds of sled dogs in the Arctic. It is believed that the name Malamute is derived from the Mahlemiut tribe from Northwest Alaska.
Like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes were originally domesticated and bred as pack dogs to pull sleds. Mals can haul heavier freights on a slow yet steady speed for longer distances, compared to huskies, which can pull lighter ones in high speeds.
Is an Alaskan Malamute right for you?
Mals are very active large-breed dogs that thrive better in cool environments with wide open spaces they can explore. Ideally, Mals will need a big yard enclosed with a high fence where they can safely run around, play, and dig on the ground. If you live in an apartment or in the city with a small backyard, the Alaskan Malamute might not be the right breed for you.
Mals also rarely bark but will howl when feeling bored or lonely. So, make sure that you’ll be a firm yet a kind and loving leader of his pack who spends quality bonding and play time with him to avoid excessive howling!
Common health issues
Alaskan Malamutes have a life expectancy of about 10 to 14 years. Eye problems and a handful of skeletal conditions (like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and chondrodysplasia) are some of the common health issues that Mals may suffer from.
Read the Alaskan Malamute Club of America’s list of required health exams for both breeders and owners.
Diet and nutrition
Because of their active lifestyle, Alaskan Malamutes will need a high-quality diet that can supply the right amount of nutrients and energy they need. However, Mals tend to eat very quickly and are prone to obesity.
It’s important to ask your veterinarian for the right proportions and servings your Mal needs.
Aside from the proper serving sizes, the quality of the food you give matters.
Check if your dog food is free from unnecessary fillers that may give your Mal empty nutrients and calories.
Go further in your search for high-quality pet food and choose a brand that uses premium, novel proteins from New Zealand like Addiction Pet Foods.
To keep all the beneficial nutrients intact, Addiction’s Raw Dehydrated Food (RDF) undergoes the process of pasteurization, where its premium ingredients like high-quality New Zealand meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables are cooked in very low heat (about 70°C/158°F), which is just enough to kill harmful bacteria.
With no grains, GMOs, , fillers, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, artificial flavorings and preservatives, Addiction’s RDF is a delicious, nutritious and hypoallergenic pet food your Alaskan Malamute will love.
Discover Addiction Pet Foods range of Raw Dehydrated Food products
Buy Addiction Pet Foods’ RDF in a store near you.
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