Best Dog Food For Dachshunds

Dog Food Nutrition December 29, 2023
Best Dog Food For Dachshunds

author:

Best Dog Food For Dachshunds

This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More

Best Dog Food For Dachshunds

Dachshunds are easily recognized by their long backs and short legs. They belong to the small-breed dog family. Although moderately sized, they can be very active and fun-loving.

Compare Best Dog Food For Dachshunds

OVERALL BEST
Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food - The Superfood Plate

1. Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food - The Superfood Plate

BEST FOR ALLERGIES
Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

2. Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR OVERWEIGHT
Purina Pro Plan Focus Weight Management Turkey and Rice Entree Morsels in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food

3. Purina Pro Plan Focus Weight Management Turkey and Rice Entree Morsels in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food

BEST FOR SENIORS
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food

4. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food

BEST FOR PUPPIES
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food

5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Protein
26.0% Min
Protein
29.0% Min
Protein
9.0% Min
Protein
25.0% Min
Protein
27.0% Min
Fat
15.0% Min
Fat
14.0% Min
Fat
4.5% Min
Fat
12.0% Min
Fat
17.0% Min
Fiber
4.0% Max
Fiber
5.0% Max
Fiber
1.5 Max
Fiber
5.0% Max
Fiber
5.0% Max
Calories
588 kcal/kg, 348 kcal/cup
Calories
450 kcal/cup
Calories
306 kcal/cup
Calories
437 kcal/cup
Calories
398 kcal/cup

They love to eat and may get greedy sometimes, if allowed. Also, Doxies are very prone to obesity.

In this article, we give you the lowdown on how to meet the nutritional needs of these adorable creatures. To save you effort and time, our dog foods for your dog will be a good point of reference when you decide to meet your pet’s dietary requirements.

5 Best Rated Dog Food For Dachshunds Reviewed

Feeding your Dachshund requires some care and effort. But it can be more tedious when you don’t know what particular food to feed him. However, our list of recommended products will save you a headache.

OVERALL BEST
1.

Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food - The Superfood Plate

Product Info

  • Protein: 26.0% Min
  • Fat: 15.0% Min
  • Fiber: 4.0% Max
  • Calories: 588 kcal/kg, 348 kcal/cup
Pros
  • It is perfect for small dogs like a Dachshund
  • Good for dogs that do not like standard hard foods
  • All food made in the USA
  • Keeps dog happy and healthy
  • Great and all natural nutrition
Cons
  • Some customers complained of changed formula
  • There some quality control issues
  • Some dogs may react negatively to this food
The Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food is popular for featuring three main sources of protein in chicken, lamb, and salmon. It is specially blended for small breed dogs like dachshunds. Every bowl served with this formula is a complete and balanced nutrition.

Each kibble of this premium dog food is enriched with high-quality ingredients. In addition to this protein-rich food, are the 15 vibrant superfoods such as blueberries, coconut, chia, kale and other first grade ingredients.

Overall, the protein embedded in this formula will definitely provide the amino acids needed by your pet for strong muscles and healthy skin and coat.
BEST FOR ALLERGIES
2.

Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 29.0% Min
  • Fat: 14.0% Min
  • Fiber: 5.0% Max
  • Calories: 450 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Huge help for dogs with allergies
  • Helps minimize noxious gas
  • Keeps coat and skin healthy and shiny
  • A good food for pups that need a limited ingredient diet
  • Great for dogs that chew their food
Cons
  • The cost per bag size seems too high
  • It has a lot of sediment or powdery kibble
  • It has a low level of meat content
The Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food has real salmon as its number one ingredient. It is a complete mix of easily digestible and limited ingredients for small breed pooches like Dachshunds.

Also, it is made to arrest sensitivities, allergies or ingredient intolerances. This formula comes in smaller kibbles with diminutive dogs in mind. That means your sensitive Dachshund will find kibbles he can delightfully pick up in this meal.

More so, it is a blend of real salmon and potatoes coupled with the ideal balance of protein, fat, and calories meant to meet small breed needs. Above all, it contains only premium natural ingredients with no gluten, wheat or fillers that may trigger allergies.
BEST FOR OVERWEIGHT
3.

Purina Pro Plan Focus Weight Management Turkey and Rice Entree Morsels in Gravy Adult Wet Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 9.0% Min
  • Fat: 4.5% Min
  • Fiber: 1.5 Max
  • Calories: 306 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Helps dogs with excess weight to shed weight
  • It looks good and smell nice
  • One of the lowest fat canned foods
  • Often recommended by vets
  • Great meal for controlling diabetes in dog
Cons
  • Seems there has been an increase in price
  • Some buyers complained of dented cans
  • Some dogs will not approve
The Purina Pro Plan Focus Weight Management Wet Dog Food is formulated with real turkey and other premium quality ingredients. This formula contains an optimal level of protein that can help your dog lose fat and not muscle. It is a perfect blend of real turkey and rice for weight management.

Although prepared to maintain a healthy weight, you can be sure that this food will meet all the nutritional needs of your pooch. Furthermore, this dog food is formulated to boost your pet’s immune system as well as his digestive system. Consequently, leading to a healthy skin and glossy coat.

Overall, this is a recipe specially made for overweight or less active dogs.
BEST FOR SENIORS
4.

Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 25.0% Min
  • Fat: 12.0% Min
  • Fiber: 5.0% Max
  • Calories: 437 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Tiny kibble that is perfect for a small breed like Doxie
  • A great quality food for seniors
  • Very fast delivery and exceptional customer service
  • Dogs can quickly and easily transition to this food
  • Most finicky dogs will approve
Cons
  • Some customers complained of a sudden price hike
  • It may result in smelly farts for some dogs
  • The smaller bags seem not economical
The Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food is truly a complete and balanced everyday nutrition for your senior Dachshund. It has delicious deboned turkey as its number one ingredient.

This small breed senior formula contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy hips and joints. It is a mix of all natural ingredients with no soy, wheat, corn, artificial colors or flavors. Also, this nutritious blend is specially prepared to support your aging dog’s body weight maintenance and overall health and vitality.

Above all, we recommend this product for your senior pooch as it will help him maintain healthy skin, hip and joint.
BEST FOR PUPPIES
5.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 27.0% Min
  • Fat: 17.0% Min
  • Fiber: 5.0% Max
  • Calories: 398 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Made from high-quality ingredients
  • Good food and portions correct for size
  • Helps in maintaining beautiful coats and healthy skin
  • The kibbles are perfectly sized for small puppies
  • Good price on Amazon and quick delivery
Cons
  • It is not suitable for puppies with tear stain problems
  • It was reported that it made some dogs sick
  • Some quality control issues
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food has real deboned chicken as its number one ingredient. It is also well mixed with chicken meal and egg for strong muscles. In addition, this formula is a blend of wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruits.

It also has DHA and ARA known to be some important fatty acids available in mother’s milk. These fatty acids come along with choline to enhance healthy development of cognitive learning and eye function. This is a natural dog food enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.

Notably, this nutritious blend contains Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits. It is a perfect mix of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals backed to boost the immune system and support the overall health of your pooch.

Dachshund Dietary Needs

Dachshunds, due to their unique body setup, will require a specially formulated diet for small-breed dogs. Another important point to note is that they are very greedy and prone to obesity. Therefore, they will need to be properly fed with a complete and balanced diet.

When feeding your dog, your focus should always be on the weight. You need to first and foremost know whether your dog has excess or appropriate weight before determining the correct composition of the food to give him.

Ordinarily, Dachshunds will need fewer calories. They tend to quickly gain weight with a slight increase in calories in their diet. Serious health conditions often follow excess weight, such as back problems and weak joints.

Furthermore, their diet must be rich in fat. Particularly, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are very good for healthy joints and skin. Also, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and other micronutrients will help boost the immune system by fighting off free radicals.

Nutritional Requirements

Dachshunds, like any other dog, will need the following nutrients in their meal in the right proportion:

  • Protein: Proteins are important macronutrients in your Dachshund’s diet in order to stay healthy. Dachshunds will need between 30 and 40 percent of proteins in their food. And the primary sources of proteins should be from real meat, such as chicken, lamb, fish, and beef.
  • Carbs: Although Dachshunds derive their energy from carbohydrates, it is required that not too much of them be added to their diet. Since this breed of dog is prone to obesity and other food-related health conditions, their diet should be limited to low-quality, healthy carbs.
  • Fats: Fats are another important nutrient in the Doxies diet. They usually help support healthy joints and hips in dogs. Since these types of dogs have a unique and oblong body formation, they will definitely need an optimal level of fat to stay healthy and hydrated. The ideal proportion of fat in their diet should be between 20 and 30 percent. Fats are also a good source of energy, and they are responsible for healthy skin and a glossy coat.
  • Fiber: Fiber serves as a filler in your dog’s diet. Most fiber content should come from plants and vegetables. Therefore, unhealthy sources of fiber should be totally avoided.
  • Minerals and Vitamins: Minerals generally enhance strong and healthy bones and teeth. And they are also good for proper body metabolism and fluid balance. Vitamins play a very important role in the overall physical condition of dogs. Therefore, both vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients in your pet’s diet.

How Much Should You Feed Your Dachshund?

There is no hard-and-fast rule guiding how much you feed your pup. However, the quantity of food required by your Doxie should depend on their size and age. The following guidelines will give you a better idea of how much to feed your dog:

  • Puppy: Puppy Doxies are very jubilant and fun-loving. They often transition to adulthood at about 1 year of age. Therefore, they need to be adequately fed during this stage. An average young pup of this small breed will need about 600 calories to intake, broken down into about three to four square meals a day. Also, Dachshund food should contain a higher percentage of nutrients for healthy growth and strong bones.
  • Adult: Generally, adult Dachshunds are very active, but there are exceptions. However, at this stage, they need a lot of calorie intake to meet high energy demands. When determining how much to feed your dog, it is very important to know his level of activity and eating habits. On average, an active adult dog weighing around 25 pounds will consume up to 900 calories per day.
  • Senior: Senior Dachshunds tend to be less active and very prone to excess weight. Therefore, they will need a very low calorie intake. An average-sized senior will need to consume about 475 calories per day. However, this low-calorie intake should be compensated with a high-fat proportion.

Dachshund Food Allergies And Food-Related Health Issues

Although Dachshunds are a unique dog breed, they are prone to a lot of health concerns. It is therefore imperative to carefully select the food you will feed yourself with these health conditions in mind.

  • Obesity: Obesity is the most common food-related issue in this type of dog breed. They easily add weight with just a small dose of calories. That is why it is important to feed them low-calorie food prepared for small-breed dogs prone to overweight. Excess weight can put strain on the joints and hips of Dachshunds because of their physical form.
  • Intervertebral Disc Disease: This is a health condition that is also common in Dachshunds. They tend to suffer from back pain because of their long backs but short legs. Therefore, the increase in body weight may cause their backbones to rupture, resulting in damage to their spinal columns. However, the best way to prevent this health condition is by ensuring your dog keeps the correct weight through proper dieting.
  • Anal Gland Issues: This health challenge usually results from improper defecation due to constipation or diarrhea. That is when the anal glands did not empty properly during the process of defecation. Understandably, it is necessary that you feed your dog food he can easily digest.

Final Thoughts

Finally, there is no need to allow your Dachshund to suffer from food-induced health challenges. We believe that with the right information, you can obtain dog food suitable for maintaining your canine friend’s body weight and overall health. It is important to note that Dachshunds are very prone to obesity. Therefore, there is a need to always keep them in good shape with proper dieting.

Anne is a wellness writer with a lifelong love of animals large and small. As a former veterinary technician, she has a passion for your pet’s well-being. Anne rescues and rehabilitates animals in need. She shares her farm with lots of critters including horses, sheep, dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *