Dachshunds — we love the cute little monsters! If you’ve just been joined by a new Dachshund family member, you’re on the right webpage. We’ve been busy researching all the top brands to find the best dog food for Dachshunds. If your hungry little hound (yep, they’re hounds, despite their size!) is in need of top puppy food, we’ve got six great recipes for you to check out. Read on to find out about the criteria we use to make our decisions, and why these delicious puppy food options deserve to be in your best friend’s doggy bowl!Quick Review: Top-3 Dog Foods For Dachshunds
 | Best Puppy Food Blue Buffalo Wilderness HP GFree
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| | Best Adult Food Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets
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| | Best Cheap Food Taste of The Wild GFree High Protein
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A Look At The Best Food For Dachshunds
Their short little legs might not give it away, but Dachshunds were bred as hunters. They are determined little creatures with lively temperaments, so quite often they have pretty lively appetites to match. While it’s crucial to find the best food for Dachshunds, it’s just as important to make sure they don’t over-indulge.
Despite being big in nature, Dachshunds are small when it comes to their physical build. They’ve have rapid metabolic processes going on inside those cute bodies, therefore, they need an appropriate small-breed kibble to ensure they don’t run out of energy. Choose a brand which makes small-kibble puppy food and uses wholesome ingredients, and you’re off to a great start already.
But what else makes up good food for Dachshunds? If you’re wondering about what nutrients your fluffy friend needs, this next section has got you covered.
How To Spot The Best Puppy Food For Dachshunds
Dachshunds never really get big — on average, they’re between 15 and 33 pounds when they’re finished growing. But while they’re in those early months, they need a fairly high amount of protein and energy. The best puppy foods for Dachshunds that we’ve reviewed generally contains anywhere between 25% and 30% of this vital (but tasty) macronutrient. Most of them contain animal fat (above 13%), while some will use plant-based lipids like Omega-rich canola oil. The first is preferred by lots of owners, but you’ll also find very healthy puppy food for Dachshunds with only the latter. Let’s round it all up!
For The Little Ones…
The very best puppy food for Dachshunds:
- Should contain DHA – also known as docosahexaenoic acid, it’s a special fat which puppies and dogs aren’t able to create on their own. DHA assists with your pup’s growth by helping his eyesight and his neural development, and you’ll be able to find it in fish oil;
- Should give him or her a nice serving of vitamin- and fiber-rich veggies, although healthy traditional grains and supplements can sometimes be found in their place;
- It shouldn’t use poor-quality by-products – “red flag” ingredients include corn gluten meal, poultry by-product meal, and white/brewer’s rice; and
- It will be naturally, as opposed to synthetically, preserved.
For Grown-up Dachshunds
Your little Dachshund pup will be considered an adult once they reach 1 year of age. This is when it becomes pretty important to switch your grown dog to an adult Dachshund formula over the course of about a week. Puppy food is extremely high in calories, and your adult Dachshund will no longer need the extra boost since they have completed the majority of their growth. As you’ll see in our reviews below, these blends usually contain:
- Less total (or dry matter) protein;
- A smaller total amount of fat; and
- Fewer calories in total per kibble cup.
Is Wet Food Better Than Dry Dog Food For Dachshunds?
We typically tell owners that variety is a good thing when it comes to wet or dry chow. But there are certain times in a pup or adult dog’s life when canned food is more appropriate. If your Dachshund is getting on a bit in age, he might appreciate a canned meal over kibble — it will generally be more gentle on his jaws or teeth. Similarly, little Dachshund pups without fully-developed jaws might prefer a soft food mashed into their kibble until they are slightly older.
Either way, you’ll want to keep an attentive eye on how your best friend takes to his dinner. Every Dachshund is different, so sneak a peek at him during mealtimes and see whether his current food is working out well for him.
The Severity Of Obesity in Dachshunds
Due to the Dachshunds body to leg dimensions, it’s easy for these pups to become overweight. Obesity is extremely common in Dachshunds, which is unfortunate due to the severe health problems it can cause for these furry friends.
The Dachshund is already prone to arthritis and elbow dysplasia due to the odd proportions of their body, and obesity can just add insult to injury. Extra weight can cause these pups to struggle in their day to day lives, and lead them to experience severe joint pain. On top of their susceptibility to joint disease is the strong possibility of your Dachshund experiencing back pain or IVDD at some point in their lives.
With these frightening conditions waiting around the corner for these pups, it’s more important than almost any other breed to try your best to keep them at a healthy weight.
How much do you feed a Dachshund puppy?
Since your Dachshund puppy is growing each day, they will need some extra calories to get the job done! Being a high energy breed that is especially playful during their puppy stages, you’ll need to be sure that you are offering them the nutrients they need. We’ve done the research for you and have gathered feeding instructions for each of their stages of puppyhood.
- 2 months: ¾ – 1 cup daily
- 4 months: ¾ – 1 ¼ cup daily
- 6 months: 1 – 1 ½ cups daily
- 8 months: 1- 1 ¼ cup daily
- 11 months: ½ – 1 cup daily
Once your Dachshund reaches 1 year of age, it’s time to make the switch to an adult diet.
So how much should you feed your adult Dachshund?
Since it’s so important to keep your Dachshund slim and trim, you may wonder just how much to feed your canine companion. We’ll go ahead and break it down by weight to make sure your specific pup gets what they need.
- 8-10 pounds : ¾ of a cup daily
- 15 pounds: 1 cup daily
- 20 pounds: 1 ⅓ cups daily
- 25 pounds: 1 ¾ cups daily
If your adult Dachshund is below or above any of the above weight ranges, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian as this may not be a healthy weight range for them.
The Best Dachshund Food: Brands We Love
- Blue Wilderness offers the best puppy food for Dachshunds (in our opinion), this time with a grain- and soy-free chicken blend for small pooches.
- Halo creates a dog food for Dachshunds that are still growing, and it’s a pretty ethical choice, too.
- Orijen makes very meat-rich formulas for little puppies who want to grow big and strong—on high-quality ingredients!
- Taste of the Wild continues to impress us with its exotic-sounding flavors, and ingredients list to back it up.
- Natural Balance creates a limited ingredient Dachshund formula that’s the best dog food for dachshunds with skin allergies we could find; and
- Wholehearted makes a simple recipe for little doggy breeds, with only one meat (chicken) protein — yet all of the good stuff your grown Dachshund requires.
Now for a close-up inspection — what’s the best dog food for Dachshunds?
The Best Puppy Food For Dachshunds
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food
Pros
- Thanks to a special Wilderness kibble design, your pup’s teeth will be getting clean while he eats!
- Gives your cute Dachshund 36% quality protein for energy and growth;
- Contains nutritious peas, delicious cranberries, and vitamin-packed blueberries — all very well-chosen complex carbs;
- Includes Omega fat-rich fish meal (which also has glucosamine); and
- It’s a complete, and yet grain-free dinner that’s naturally flavored.
Cons
- Includes potato.
- Halo Natural Dry Dog Food, Puppy
Pros
- Uses farm-grown veggies for fiber-rich carbohydrates;
- Contains health-boosting antioxidants from both flaxseed and all the lovely fruits inside;
- Because it only features one meat — chicken — it’s great for intolerant Dachshunds;
- The kibble bits are very cute and small, making them ideal for little puppy dogs; and
- Gives your sweet pooch 28% protein.
Cons
- This contains soy ingredients; and
- It can be considered slightly pricey.
- Orijen Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
Pros
- This contains traditional wholesome chicken meat, as well as all the nutrient-rich organs that are valuable for your pup’s growth;
- With Omega-rich eggs, your Dachshund puppy will have a killer coat!
- Includes more than 80% of the ingredients inside this particular recipe are from animals, rather than carbs or grains;
- Top-notch preservation techniques are used to keep those ingredients full of nutrition; and
- It’s preserved only with all-natural ingredients.
Cons
- Somewhat pricey with respect to other puppy chows!
- Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy Food
Pros
- Made specifically with Dachshunds in mind
- Kibbles that are made to be easy for Dachshunds to chew
- Has ingredients that help build a strong immune system
- Includes ingredients that help to strengthen and support their bone and joint health
Cons
- Does contain chicken, so dogs with poultry allergies may have issues.
Best Dog Food For Daschunds: Adults
- Taste of The Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food
Pros
- At least 32% protein is guaranteed in this mix;
- Your little Dachshund gets 18% fat from Omega-3-rich canola oil;
- Other proteins in here include ocean fish, lentils, beans, and lamb;
- Egg provides even more Omega acids for a slick, glossy coat; and
- It’s a great source of all-natural fruit and veggie fiber, so no filler ingredients!
Cons
- Nope, this has long been one of our favorite formulas for small dogs — nothing’s changed there!
This Taste of the Wild blend is made at Diamond facilities in the States. Because you can feed puppies of up to 40lb with this mix, it’s ideal even for those who’ve got larger Dachshunds.
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food
Pros
- All-naturally colored, this adult and puppy food for small-breeds also skips the fake synthetic preservatives;
- Perfect for Dachshunds who’ve got food sensitivities, as it contains only a small number of ingredients;
- Totally filler-free;
- Contains fiber-rich, easily broken-down sweet potato (which is also bursting with potassium!); and
- Provides your little dog with brain-healthy DHA.
Cons
- Be aware that while it’s formulated for pups and grown dogs, it still only offers 21% protein. That’s somewhat low for a lot of puppies.
- WholeHearted Grain Free Small-Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Pros
- With 27% protein and 16% fat, this is a super-balanced and deliciously complete formula for grown pooches;
- With egg, flaxseed, and salmon fish oil, this offers lots of nourishing Omega fats for your Dachshund’s fur;
- It includes gut probiotics which make it suitable for pooches who have sensitive tummies;
- Of course, chicken’s the very top ingredient; and
- It’s 100% gluten-free.
Cons
- It would only take a few more real vegetables to make this a perfect recipe!
FAQ
How do I know if my Dachshund pup is grown up or not?
As a very rough guide, small-breeds most frequently mature between the ages of 9 and 12 months young. It can sometimes be a tad tricky to tell whether your Dachshund is growing because of muscle gain or weight gain at first, so we suggest you start looking at a body condition score chart when your pup enters this age range. It will show you how to tell if your Dachshund is simply becoming heavier because he’s growing longer, or whether he’s now getting too many calories from a puppy formula.
Why do some dog foods include fruit ingredients?
There are some health benefits behind the inclusion of fruit in dog kibbles. Essentially, they provide natural minerals and some of the essential vitamins that keep your pooch in good health. One example that we often see in dog food is carrot — this not only provides Vitamin A but also beta-carotene (an antioxidant) some microorganisms which are good for his gut. Fruits also give your Dachshund a nice dose of fiber, which contributes positively to a healthy colon.
Sometimes, you might come across a good dog food for Dachshunds which does not feature much fruit or veg. In these instances, there’s no harm in chopping up some apple or beans as a snack for your fluffy friend!
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Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
