Is it true that Siberian Huskies are capable of slowing down their metabolism?

It's an interesting and not well understood phenomenon. Sibes, Mals and spitz type dogs like them are able to eat less food that other dogs their size.. and maintain a high level of work (running, pulling sleds, etc). No one has figured it out for sure why yet, but it is true.

It is a survival adaptation and evolution in these dogs.. being from the arctic regions originally and used for pulling sleds, these dogs often had to rely on whatever the humans had left over for food. There isn't a lot of food in the arctic so these dogs had to scavenge, eat mice, birds, etc. This is why Huskies and Mals can NOT really be trusted off leash and have such a high prey drive towards small animals... its engrained in them to hunt and eat these animals as "additional food sources".

As a result of this food scarcity, these breeds developed a more efficient metabolism. They literally don't need as many calories to do the same work as a different breed would.

Its not so much when weather is extreme (tho in hot weather my dogs do not really like to eat too much). But is more after exercising. YOu'd think a dog who just ran 5 miles would want to drink water and eat dinner... .but they just drink and then go lay down. They leave the food often times.

They aren't "picky" with their food, but they are a breed that will not gobble their food down and will leave it in their bowl if they are not hungry.... also they will stop eating when full and leave the rest of the food in their dish. (IF only more Americans, myself included, could be that efficient and disciplined.)

Absolutely. When they dont get a ton of exercise they dont need to eat as much. I have 2 huskies and they tend to do this on days that i cant get them to the dog park. I just leave food in their bowls on these days and if they get hungry enough theyll eat it. Dont be concerned when he doesnt eat. But if he goes more than 2 days without touching his food then try 1 boiled chicken breast with 1 cup of white rice (i use the minute rice) and i guarantee he will scarf it down.

Never heard of that but I guess its true from what the other commenter said. I do know that both of my huskys seem to have more of an appetite after running or exercising. Just an observation.

Yes this is true.