Have you ever seen a Dachshund turn down food? Neither have we! These little pups have a serious love for mealtime. But just because they’ll happily devour whatever you offer doesn’t mean all foods are good for them. As a responsible Dachshund owner, choosing a high-quality dog food that supports their specific nutritional needs is important. In this article, we’ll highlight the best dog food options for Dachshunds, carefully selected to match their unique dietary requirements. Plus, we’ll share valuable, research-backed insights to help you make the best choice for your furry friend’s health and well-being. Your Dachshund will thank you—with plenty of tail wags and kisses.
Best Dog Food For Dachshunds — At A Glance
Best Overall
Ollie
Made with fresh, human-grade ingredients to offer the most optimal nutrition for your Dachshund
We have tested and rated thousands of dog products, including dog food for Dachshunds. Our writers, editors, research team and in-house veterinary review board spent hours analyzing these products to help you find what’s best for your dog. Read the product review methodology and editorial mission to find out how we test, analyze, and rate.
What Is The Best Food For Dachshunds?
Dachshunds, a large and active breed, have specific nutritional needs. The best food for a Dachshund is balanced and appropriate for their life stage, health, activity level, and weight (size). This ensures your Dachshund is healthy, develops appropriately, and can sustain daily activities and bodily functions. When deciding the best diet for a Dachshund, it’s essential also to consider individual preferences such as taste or food type. Some Dachshunds may thrive on high-quality commercial kibble, while others may do better on a human-grade fresh, raw, or balanced home-cooked diet.
How to Pick The Best Dog Food For Dachshunds
1. Consider The Nutritional Requirements of Dachshunds
The most optimal diet for Dachshunds typically includes a combination of the six nutrients dogs need to thrive: High-quality protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats (fatty acids and omegas), vitamins, minerals, and water.
Protein plays a vital role in your Dachshund’s diet, providing essential amino acids necessary for bodily processes, including the creation of blood glucose for energy. Protein also helps build and repair muscles and other body tissues. It’s needed to make new skin cells and grow hair, hormones, and enzymes. The proteins in your dog’s diet must have a balanced amino acid profile and be provided in appropriate amounts.
MinimumProtein content recommendations for Dachshundfood:
Adult Dachshund. 18% dry matter protein (45.0g for every 1,000 kcal ME).
Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Dachshund. 22.5% dry matter protein (56.3g for every 1,000 kcal ME).
Fats play a crucial, multifaceted role in a Dachshund’s diet. Fats come in two forms: saturated and unsaturated. Both are important in a Dachshund’s diet, but it’s essential to maintain the right balance. Saturated fats, derived from animal sources, enhance the palatability, flavor and texture of your dog’s food and facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. On the other hand, essential fatty acids, which are unsaturated fats, include Omega-3 (EPA, DHA, and ALA) and Omega-6+9 (LA and AA). These fats are crucial for the body’s cells’ development, structure, and function.
When balanced correctly, they promote healthy skin and coat, support eye health and the nervous system function, regulate hormones, fuel the brain and learning processes, help reduce inflammation, offer insulation and organ protection, support reproductive health, and serve as a reserve for energy storage. Fats are a dense energy source.
Minimum fat content recommendations for Dachshund food:
Adult Dachshund. 5.5% dry matter fat (13.8g for every 1,000 kcal ME).
Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Dachshund. 8.5% dry matter fat (21.3g for every 1,000 kcal ME).
Fat sources for Dachshund food include:
Meats fats
Fish oils
Olive
Sunflower oil
Canola oils
Dogs need energy for daily activities, growth, pregnancy, lactation, and exercise. This energy, measured in calories, comes from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Omnivorous animals, including dogs, derive some energy from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates supply glucose needed by the brain, nervous system, and other critical organs for normal function in dogs. Carbohydrates should also include 2.5-4.5% fiber.
Carbohydrate sources for Dachshundfood include:
Oats
Brown rice
Potatoes
Quinoa
Sweet potatoes
Whole wheat
Minerals in a dog’s diet are indispensable for bone and dental health, nerve function, enzymatic reactions, fluid balance, oxygen transport, and maintaining the body’s pH level, making them essential for overall health and metabolic processes. Proper mineral balance is crucial and should be carefully managed to avoid deficiencies or excesses.
These 12 minerals are known to be essential nutrients for dogs:
Calcium
Potassium
Sodium
Magnesium
Iodine
Chlorine
Iron
Copper
Selenium
Manganese
Zinc
Phosphorus
Mineral sources for Dachshundfood include:
Sweet potatoes and pumpkin (Magnesium)
Fish (Iodine)
Beef, eggs, and liver (Zinc)
Poultry, nuts, and legumes (Copper)
Bananas and carrots (Potassium)
Chicken and duck (Iron)
Vitamins in a dog’s diet are integral for maintaining overall health and bodily functions. They support vision and immune health, aid in energy metabolism and nervous system function, provide antioxidant benefits, reduce inflammation, prevent diseases and ailments, and more. Dogs require vitamins, but only in small amounts, and excessive doses of specific vitamins, like vitamin D, can harm them.
These 12 vitamins are known to be essential nutrients for dogs:
Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, D, E & K
Riboflavin
Niacin
Folic Acid
Pantothenic Acid
Choline
Vitamin sources for Dachshund food include:
Sweet potatoes and spinach (Vitamin A)
Eggs, chicken, and beef (Vitamin B)
Broccoli (Vitamin C)
Kale and parsley (Vitamin K)
Vegetables (Vitamin E)
Meats and fish (Vitamin D)
Water is vital in a dog’s diet to maintain hydration, support body functions such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste excretion, lubricate joints, regulate body temperature, ensure proper organ function, and facilitate metabolic processes. Continuous access to clean water is as crucial as providing nutritious food for overall health and well-being. Generally, Dachshunds should drink 2 to 3 times the amount of their dry food intake daily. However, if water is readily available from various sources, Dachshunds can naturally regulate their daily water consumption.
2. Consider Your Dachshund’s Activity Level
Nutritional requirements vary based on your Dachshund’s activity level. Pick a formula that suits your Dachshund’s activity level. This is crucial in maintaining overall health, energy levels, and quality of life.
Inactive: Inactive Dachshunds may be seniors, have mobility issues, or have a naturally low energy level. They require a diet lower in fat and calories to avoid weight gain.
Average Activity: These Dachshunds enjoy daily walks, regular playtime, and occasional vigorous activities. They need a balanced proportion of calories, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
High Activity: Working dogs, sports dogs, or those engaging in strenuous daily activities. They require higher calories and a diet higher in proteins, fats, and carbs for muscle recovery and sustained energy.
Activity Levels for Dachshunds
3. Dachshund Health Considerations
When selecting food for a Dachshund, consider their common health issues and ensure their diet includes the appropriate ingredients and nutrients to prevent or manage these conditions.
Food AllergiesDachshunds can develop food allergies and intolerances. It's advisable to avoid common allergens such as corn and wheat to prevent these issues. Conducting a dog food allergy test or at-home dog food allergy tests like the 5Strands kit (test for up to 255 ingredients) may help identify potential allergens or intolerances in your dog. Use the results to avoid food formulas with ingredients your dog tested positive for, and always consult with your vet before making any dietary changes.
Joint & Back SupportEnsure your Dachshund maintains a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hips and back. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can also support joint health.
ObesityDachshunds are prone to obesity. To help manage their weight, focus on a low-calorie, high-fiber diet that promotes fullness without excess calories. Choose foods specifically designed for weight management, with lean proteins like chicken or turkey. Strict portion control is key, and treats like vegetables like carrots or green beans should be healthy.
CancerDachshunds are at risk of cancer, so focus on an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich diet. Foods like blueberries, spinach, and pumpkin provide essential antioxidants, while omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils can reduce inflammation. Reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing healthy fats and lean proteins may also help, as some cancers thrive on carbohydrates.
Sensitive Stomach Dachshunds can have sensitive digestive systems, which may lead to difficulty digesting certain foods or frequent digestive upset. Opt for limited-ingredient diets, dog food with probiotics, minimally processed options like human-grade dog food, and foods high in fiber. Additionally, avoid fatty foods. Performing a dog gut health test to assess digestive function and guide dietary choices.
Eye ProblemsDachshunds are susceptible to cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, so it's important to ensure their food contains vitamins E and C, lutein, and beta-carotene to help boost eye health and prevent eye issues.
HypothyroidismProvide a diet rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc to support thyroid function. Foods such as fish, eggs, and seaweed are beneficial. Avoid excessive soy products, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Alopecia (Hair Loss)To promote healthy skin and fur, dogs should consume omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon or flaxseed. Biotin, found in eggs, can also enhance coat health.
4. Consider Your Dachshund's Life Stage
Buy dog food specially formulated for your dog's life stage, as their nutritional needs vary depending on their life stage.
Puppy: Requires a diet higher in calories, nutrients, and protein count to support its growth and development. Balanced ratio of calcium and phosphorus for proper bone growth.
Adult: Moderate calorie and protein content. Caloric intake should match activity level to prevent obesity.
Senior: Lower calorie needs, with a focus on easily digestible proteins, fiber, and supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
Pregnant: Increased calorie needs, particularly in the last weeks of pregnancy, with a high protein content to support fetal development and milk production.
Dachshund Calorie Needs
Use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his life stage. Ensure you follow the 10% rule if feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%. Always work with your vet before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from a registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dog’s dietary needs.
Why we recommended it:Ollie fresh dog food recipes win the spot for the best dog food for Dachshunds. This brand uses human-grade ingredients to craft pre-portion recipes delivered directly to your doorstep. Feeding your dog Ollie comes with numerous scientifically-supported health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. Fresh recipes are also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, Ollie is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your Dachshunds will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.
What sets it apart from competitors: Ollie stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but Ollie takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, health, weight, and activity level to ensure your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs.
Key Features
Caters to health-specific. Recipes are formulated to address your dog’s health concerns, such as food allergies, tear stains, bad breath, joint issues and more.
Vet-designed. Formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
Excellent sourcing. Ingredients are sourced from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.
Pros
The level of customization is unmatched
Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
Never use feed-grade ingredients
Cooked in human-grade kitchens
Cons
It’s on the expensive side
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Why we recommended it:Spot & Tango Unkibble dog formula is our top pick for the best dry dog food for Dachshunds. Unlike traditional dry dog food, Unkibble is less processed and has half the cost of fresh dog food. Think of Unkibble as freshly homemade dog food with the convenience of kibble without nasty preservatives, additives, and cheap fillers. It’s perfect for Dachshunds because it’s been formulated to surpass the specific nutritional requirements of most dry dog foods.
What sets it apart from competitors: UnKibble recipes are gently dried using our unique process, which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity. Some recipes use organ meats, one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can give your dog. In fact, entrails contain as many (or more) vitamins, minerals, and other valuable nutrients as lean muscle meat.
Key Features
Limited ingredients. Use radically simple ingredients ideal for a picky eater or dog with food allergies.
Superherbs. Boosted with super herbs for join, immunity, digestive support, and more.
Pros
Exceeds industry standards
Cheaper than fresh dog food
Crunchy texture
GMO and hormone-free
Custom plans and scoops
Cons
It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.
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Why we recommended it: The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Dachshund. This puppy-specific formula provides the essential nutrients required for Dachshund puppies' optimal growth and development. It includes prebiotic fibers such as pumpkin and chicory root to support healthy digestion. Additionally, it's fortified with calcium iodate, which not only aids in energy production but also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.
What sets it apart from competitors: This formula is designed specifically for Dachshund puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed, and other wholesome ingredients.
Why we recommended it:Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is slightly lower priced than other brands. It’s formulated to provide your Dachshund pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with real meat, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health. They are made with real meat as the first ingredient, a rare find in most affordable dog food brands.
Key Features
Omegas. This dog food is also packed with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.
Muscle support. L-Carnitine to help burn fat while preserving lean muscles
Bone and joint health. It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development.
Pros
No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities, as it is not specifically designed for these conditions
The inclusion of brown rice and sweet potatoes may be higher in carbohydrates than some dogs need, which could be a concern for overweight or diabetic dogs
Best Food For Senior Dachshunds
4.6
★★★★★
Orijen
Who It's For: Great for senior Dachshund who need the appropriate nutrients to support them through their older years.
Why we recommended it: Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Dachshund is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If you’re concerned about keeping your Dachshund healthy during his older years, Orijin Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Dachshund to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.
What sets it apart from competitors: ORIJEN dog food is richly ingested with a whole prey diet, made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need.
Key Features
Wholeprey diet inclusions. It uses fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, nourishing dogs according to their natural and biological needs. Note“ “r”w” in this context means that the ingredients are super-fresh when they arrive at the factory/kitchen. The kibble is cooked by the time it is in the bag. This is high-quality cooked pet food, not raw food.
Bones and joint support. Enhanced with Glucosamine to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
Pros
Protein, including poultry, fish and organs
Freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor
85% quality animal ingredients
Cons
A bit expensive
Raw Food For Dachshunds
4.8
★★★★★
Instinct
Who It's For: Good for those seeking to provide a more biologically appropriate, natural dog diet that offers several health benefits.
Why we recommended it: As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Dachshund, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Dachshund a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong.
What sets it apart from competitors: Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.
Pros
Helps with allergies and weight management
Ingredients are frozen to maintain the highest nutritional profile
Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact
Cons
Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw
It’s slightly more expensive than traditional kibble, but you can buy raw food budget
Best Food For Dachshund With Sensitive Stomachs
4.7
★★★★★
Hill’s
Who It's For: Great for those looking for the best food for Dachshunds with sensitive stomachs.
Why we recommended it:Hill’s Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is formulated to protect Dachshunds with sensitive tummies and skin. It’s made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice, and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Dachshund.
What sets it apart from competitors: Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.
Key Features
Omega-6. Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach
Pros
Supports a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
No artificially colored, flavored, or preserved
Cons
Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs
15% may still be sensitive to this diet. Another option is going fresh with a premium option like JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy. Its plain composition of a single protein source, single starch source, and low-fat levels make it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Best Food For Dachshund With Allergies
4.7
★★★★★
Royal Canin
Who It's For: Great for those looking for the best food for Dachshunds with sensitive stomachs.
Why we recommended it:Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Dachshund. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies, and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.
What sets it apart from competitors: This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.
Key Features
Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
Supports GI health. Contains a special blend of fibers and prebiotics.
Pros
Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
Helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation
Cons
A bit expensive
Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.
Best Grain-Free Food For Dachshunds
4.7
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It's For: Ideal for Dachshunds with grain allergies or sensitivities.
Why we recommended it:Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is the best grain-free kibble for Dachshunds. We picked it because it skips the grain, corn, soy, and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens, and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Dachshund nutritional needs.
What sets it apart from competitors: It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.
Key Features
100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient through the QR code on the bag.
Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies.
Ethically sourced protein. Only ethically sourced and humanely raised meats are used.
Pros
No rendered poultry or meat meals
Meats from audited higher welfare farms
High in protein
Local carbon footprint per bag
Cons
It can be more expensive than other brands on the market
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Why we recommended it:JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite wet food for Dachshunds. This food is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, Dachshunds use only ingredients that are fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Pantry Fresh preserve the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: In addition to traditional flavors, it offers specialized wet food for targeting health-specific problems, including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism, and liver function.
Key Features
Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulate every recipe.
Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
Travel friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.
Pros
USDA-certified meats
Organ meats
A convenient way for busy people to feed their dogs a fresh diet
A variety pack for picky eaters
Provides the benefits of fresh dog food
Cons
More expensive than traditional wet dog food
Other Best Dog Foods For Dachshunds
Best dehydrated dog food for Dachshunds.The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Dachshund to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated dog food can be easier for them to eat than traditional kibble.
The best food topper for Dachshunds.Portland Pet Food Company Human offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors that you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
Best health-specific custom diet food for Dachshunds.JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Dachshund has a medical need for a restricted diet.
Best Dachshunddog food to lose weight.Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is excellent if your Dachshund needs to lose weight.
Best Dachshunddog food to gain weight. With 484 calories per cup, Purina Pro Plan Performance is ideal for helping your Dachshund gain lean muscle mass.
How to Switch Dachshund Dog Food
Veterinarians recommend gradually changing your Dachshund's diet to a new formula.
Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
Week 4: 100% new food
Increase your Dachshund's new food portion weekly if they adjust well to each transition phase. Watch their reaction to the new diet carefully; discontinue the new food immediately if any negative responses are observed. Never change your dog’s food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Health-Based Food Changes In Dachshunds
If your Dachshund is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can help control these dog-related issues.
Condition
Dietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color Changes
Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI Signs
Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, such as dairy, fermented vegetables, and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial.
Chronic Itching and Dermatitis
Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial.
Dull Coat and Scaling
Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (the most common way is to add fish oil); try food with added zinc.
Dandruff and Crustiness
Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels
Frequently Asked Questions
Dachshund breeders often recommend high-quality, breed-specific dog food that supports joint health and maintains a healthy weight, given that Dachshunds are prone to back and joint issues like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Foods rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, and limited carbohydrates are ideal. Breeders may suggest brands like Royal Canin Dachshund Adult or Hill’s Science Diet for balanced nutrition. Some may also recommend adding omega-3 supplements to support their skin, coat, and joints.
While Dachshunds can technically eat any dog food, choosing a food tailored to their specific needs is essential. Because of their unique body shape and tendency toward obesity, not all commercial dog foods are suitable. Avoid generic or low-quality dog foods with fillers and focus on options that balance nutrients, particularly those that support joint and weight management.
Like most dogs, Dachshunds are typically drawn to high-protein, flavorful foods. Many Dachshunds love lean meats like chicken, beef, or turkey. Additionally, they may enjoy vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots, which can be a healthy treat. However, their “favorite” food may vary by individual, and it’s important to avoid giving them too many treats, as Dachshunds can be prone to weight gain.
Dachshunds should avoid several foods that can be harmful or toxic to them. Chocolate is especially dangerous for all dogs, including Dachshunds, as it can cause severe illness or even death. Onions and garlic are also harmful, as they can lead to anemia by damaging red blood cells. Grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney failure in dogs, making them highly unsafe. Avocados contain a toxin called persin, which is dangerous for dogs to ingest. Additionally, xylitol, a common sweetener in sugar-free products, is extremely toxic to dogs, potentially causing seizures and liver failure. Macadamia nuts are another food to avoid, as they can lead to vomiting, weakness, and hyperthermia. It’s essential to keep these foods out of reach and ensure that Dachshunds don’t accidentally ingest them.⬤
The worst food for Dachshunds would be anything that promotes weight gain or triggers health issues. This includes foods high in fat, artificial preservatives, or fillers such as corn or soy. Processed human foods, fast food, or overl
