Best Food For Dachshund Puppy

What To Look For In Puppy Food

A Dachshund puppy can be very tiny.

If you have a miniature Dachshund, it could weigh as little as a few pounds as a puppy.

And tiny puppies have tiny mouths.

So adult dog food, or large breed dog food, could be difficult to chew and even be a choking hazard due to the large kibble size.

Its important to select a small breed puppy food for your new Dachshund.

But thats not all you should look for.

You want to select a dog food that is high in protein and low in filler products like corn, especially since Dachshunds can be prone to obesity.

The first ingredient listed on the bag is the one with the highest content. So, look for a meat meal, such as chicken meal, to be shown first.

Because meal excludes water weight, its better to see chicken meal than just chicken.

For more information on dietary requirements, or labeling practices, check out the links in the References section below.

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food With Real Meat

For more than thirty years, Merrickss goal has always been to make the best food possible, because they know as well as you do, that your hound is the best in the world, and the best dog in the world deserves the best food in the world.

Its a grandiose claim to make, but its one that Merrick has every right to cling to. They care about what they do, and theyre very, very good at it.

While Merricks Healthy Grains food contains all of the fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your dachshund needs to maintain its lean muscles, a healthy skin, and coat, and to remain sharp and focused, the reason your dachshund will love this chow thats also crammed full of healthy grains, is the primary ingredient that it uses, deboned chicken.

Knowing that taste is the first thing that any dog looks for in their food, Merricks healthy weight recipe is made to appeal to your hounds palette while keeping them happy and healthy.

Its everything that nutritious, balanced dog food should be.

Tradition and remaining true to their core mission mean everything to Merrick, which is why theyre still based in the same Texas kitchen where their founder Garth Merrick cooked his first batch of dog food more than three decades ago.

And their original five star promise, to deliver superior nutrition and improve the lives of pets and their parents, is just as important to Merrick as their roots are.

Pros:

Cons:

The Best Dog Food For Dachshunds: Our Top 15 Picks For 2022

Now that you have a better understanding of your Dachshunds nutritional needs, youre ready to start shopping for a quality dog food! Remember, the best Dachshund food will be rich in calories to support his fast metabolism and made from premium-quality, digestible ingredients like animal proteins and fats, whole-grain or grain-free carbohydrates, and fresh fruits and veggies.

Here are our top 15 picks:

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Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet

Your Dachshund will love the great taste of this Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food. It contains no chicken or beef. Its great for dogs that have food sensitivities.

NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is made with Non-GMO ingredients. It uses Lamb and Sweet Potatoes as the main ingredients. With no artificial flavors or colors.

Additionally, NUTROs all-natural formulas avoid common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, and dairy protein. These ingredients are replaced with high-quality ingredients.

What To Avoid In Your Dachs Food

When it comes to picking up a dogs food, another easy approach is to just pick based on whats not in the food. Typically, there are two big No-Nos refined grains and artificial fillers. The latter mostly include preservatives, colorants, and flavors. These can trigger both your dachshunds allergies as well as upset his stomach.

As for the refined grains, these are also almost always bad for a dachshunds stomach. Not all grains are bad, however, and many grains such as oats, barley, sorghum, and others are safe and highly nutritious.

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Castor And Pollux Organix Organic Small Breed Healthy Grains

Rating:

Small Breed Healthy Grains is one of 3 dry recipes rated in our review of the Castor and Pollux product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Organic chicken, organic chicken meal, organic sweet potatoes, organic potatoes, organic peas
• Type: Grain-free
• Profile: Maintenance
• Best for:Adult dachshunds

This Castor and Pollux formula receives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 17% fat and 46% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

Each Organix recipe is fully USDA certified organic a fact which not only applies to every ingredient but also the lines entire manufacturing process.

Castor and Pollux Organix is one of The Dog Food Advisors all-time favorite organic brands. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer reviewShe has no allergies eating this food which is excellent. Ive been feeding her this food for over three years now and no flareups. I highly recommend if those dogs with sensitive skin and sensitive to allergies

Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, rice, barley, canola meal, fish meal
• Nutrient Content: Kibble – 28% protein, 17% fat, 3% fiber, 12% moisture
• Life Stage: Adult

Does your Dachshund have a sensitive stomach? It’s relatively common for this breed.

This small-dog formula from Purina Pro Plan checks off all the boxes and fulfills your pup’s unique needs to a tee.

It’s specifically formulated for small dogs like the Dachshund. It also caters to dogs that regularly suffer from skin and stomach sensitivities.

Digestible carbs and a healthy fiber supply keep things moving while maintaining regularity in the digestive tract. Meanwhile, live probiotics supports healthy gut flora.

Probiotics make a big difference, ensuring that your dog’s gut has the good bacteria to avoid stomach upsets.

Overall, this recipe is fine-tuned to avoid as many stomach upsets as possible. Regular consumption can improve gut health and cover all your dog’s dietary needs moving forward.

Minimal Nutritional Requirement for Adult Dachshunds:

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The Best Food For Each Stage Of Life

The best place to start is the life stage of your dachshund since dogs need different nutrients at different points in their lives. Are they a puppy , an adult , or a senior dog ?

Puppy

Puppies, of course, are growing dogs, and as such, they need extra nutrients to keep up with that growth. That means that dog food made especially for puppies is more nutrient and calorie-dense. Adult dogs can eat puppy food, but they may end up consuming more calories than they need and gaining weight. Puppy food may also be softer and easier to chew for teething dogs, and you can always mix dry kibble water to make it even softer.

Adult

For most of your dogs life, theyll need good adult dog food. According to AAFCO, which sets dog food nutritional standards, in order to be complete and balanced, adult dog food must contain at least 18% protein and 5.5% fat. It also must contain a number of vitamins and minerals .

Senior

Senior dog food usually has a higher fiber content than adult dog food. A senior dogs metabolism slows down as they age, and more fiber in their diet will help prevent constipation and keep digestion running smoothly. Senior dog food is also typically less calorie-dense since older dogs arent as energetic as younger dogs. This food may also contain nutritional supplements to help keep aging joints healthy. However, note that AAFCO doesnt enforce separate standards for senior dog food theyre essentially the same as adult dog food.

Best Food For Sensitive Stomachs

1. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Potato Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Oatmeal, Turkey MealType: Dry

Blue Buffalos Basics prides itself on adding only the essential ingredients to their dog food. Less is more, according to this brand.

Fewer ingredients equal fewer possibilities for dogs experiencing tummy problems.

The product is not just good for sensitive stomachs but also for your Dachshunds overall health and wellness.

Pros:

• No added chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, and eggs to reduce the risk of food sensitivities
• Comes in small bite-sized pieces for easier digestion
• Contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins chosen by vets to support a healthy immune system

Cons:

2. Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, ChickpeasType: Dry, Freeze-dried

For Doxies with sensitive stomachs, its essential to ensure that their food is high-quality and boosts nutrition.

This product is high in animal protein and features dry kibble and freeze-dried raw meat, adding an extra kick in nutrition and taste.

The added probiotics ensure digestive health. All the ingredients are globally sourced and of high quality.

Pros:

Cons:

• Some dog owners said that their pets did not like the taste and smell of this recipe
• Not recommended for dogs who are allergic to peas

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About Orijen Fit & Trim Adult Dry Dog Food

As your Dachshund gets older, his metabolism may slow down. He may not need as many calories, but protein and balanced nutrition is still important and thats exactly what this recipe provides.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior Wet Dog Food

This wet dog food option is great for senior dogs who need something softer.

It contains all of the same important nutrients but is easier on the teeth.

Common Health Issues Of Daschunds

In addition to making sure that your Dachshund gets the right blend of protein and fat, you should also consider the nutritional impact of some of the health problems to which the breed is prone.

For example, Dachshunds are very prone to diabetes, a condition characterized by high blood sugar. Feeding your dog a food made with low-quality grains like wheat and corn can cause dangerous spikes in blood sugar it is better to go with something high in protein with moderate fat and low carbohydrate content to maintain stable blood sugar.

This breed is also prone to gastric torsion, or bloat, so avoid feeding him large meals try breaking up his daily portion into three or four smaller meals.

This breed may also be affected by skin problems, so a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is recommended.

Read Also: What Dog Food Is Good For Sensitive Stomachs

What Are Dachshunds Nutritional Requirements

Although checking for nutritional values is often a daunting task to any dog parent, knowing your dogs dietary and nutritional needs is imperative. Besides, its a form of love in itself because it will benefit your fur baby.

When you know what they require to maintain a balanced and healthy intake, you can make conscientious decisions that benefit your dog.

Protein promotes muscle mass and maintains energy levels. The source of the protein is also noteworthy.

Look for ingredients like chicken, beef, turkey, or lamb products with high phosphorus levels.

Be wary of some products that might source their protein from animal by-products that are low quality.

Fats do more than just add flavor to dog foods. It aids in the health of your dogs skin and coat. However, excessive amounts of it can also lead to weight gain.

Make sure the fatty ingredients are high-quality and from natural sources like chicken fat. Dachshunds need between 5-8 grams of fat per day.

Carbohydrates are probably your dogs primary source of energy and can be found in nearly every dog food. Carbs found in corn, wheat, and soy should be avoided because they break down easily.

This can give your dog a spike in energy that dies down quickly. On the other hand, good carbs are found in things like flaxseed.

Each stage would require different levels of nutrients, though. Dachshund puppies would need a minimum of 22% protein and 8% fat to ensure healthy growth and development.

What Is Good Dachshund Food

The ideal diet for your dog depends on his age, activity level and size. Theres no one best food for dachshunds instead, youll need to find a brand that suits your dogs particular needs.

Your vet or local pet store can recommend brands that meet AAFCO standards for feeding puppies or adult dogs.

You can also ask them if there are any specific ingredients or additives in the food that might be harmful for your dogs health .

Dachshunds are prone to several health problems and some of them can be related to the diet.

Dachshunds are prone to several health problems and some of them can be related to the diet.

The best food for your dachshund depends on many factors:

The size of your dog

The age and activity level of your dog

Your dogs health issues such as allergies, skin conditions and digestive problems

Dachshunds are considered to be a small breed of dog, but they do have nutritional needs that differ from other breeds.

When choosing the right food for your dachshund, youll need to consider both the type and quality of ingredients used in making the product.

The best dog food for senior dachshunds should be grain-free and high in protein content.

Dachshunds are prone to developing joint problems as they age, so its important that you feed them a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help keep their joints healthy and strong.

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Transition: How To Switch From Puppy To Adult Dog Food

Regardless of breed and size, switching from puppy food to adult food should be done slowly.

The same gradual change is applicable when transitioning to a new diet to avoid upsetting your canines tummy.

Generally, its done by adding 25% of the new dog food to their current diet for the first 2-3 days. Then, change 50% of their meal for the next few days until they completely transitioned to the new food.

Best Dachshunds Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Who needs one old traditional kibble when you have these bowl-licking dog homemade recipes? Here is a list of the best homemade dog food recipes for Dachshunds.

Weve also added a special treat recipe for Dachshunds that is not only sweet but its packed with amazing health benefits. You will be amazed at what this recipe can do for your pups health and wellness. No, we are not bluffing! It has our favorite secret ingredient, dog CBD oil.

Note: Please consult with your pets veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your dogs diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and the health of your dog. A common recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.

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Best Food For An Overweight Dachshund

Just because some dogs are bred to work and are active doesnt mean they can stay in shape. And its common with Dachshunds, too.

1. Hills Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown RiceType: Dry

This weight management dog food not only promotes weight loss and muscle mass but its also made to be tasty so that your dog wont notice that hes on a diet.

The protein source comes from chicken which aids in lean muscle mass and helps small dogs maintain their healthy weight.

Pros:

• Promotes a balanced diet for everyday feeding
• Over 70% of dogs have lost weight within ten weeks after consuming the dog food
• Formulated by a recommended brand by veterinarians

Cons:

Best Dog Food For Dachshund Seniors

After reaching the age of 8, your Dachshund is officially a senior citizen.

As such, its important to provide them a diet that can help them stay active and healthy while supporting their current lifestyle as seniors.

1. Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food

Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown RiceType: Dry

One of the best things you could give to your older pooch is superfoods. As dogs get older, their bodies will need higher amounts of nutrients to stay healthy.

This recipe does exactly that. The ingredients are a balanced mix of premium protein, antioxidants, and healthy oils.

Made from high-quality animal products, with chicken as the first ingredient, this holistic superfood blend is loaded with amino acids for strong muscles. It also consists of an assortment of beneficial fruits and veggies.

Pros:

• Promotes healthy skin and coats
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy cartilage and joints

Cons:

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Homemade Dog Food For Dachshunds Puppies

Food formulated for puppies is actually quite different than food formulated for older dogs.

Puppies need higher levels of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus when compared to adult dogs. Too few of these can cause deficiencies, stunt growth, or lifelong complications.

The National Research Council recommends puppies get around twice as many calories as do their adult counterparts of the same breed. Most people worry that they need to change their puppys calorie and food amount every day because theyre constantly growing. Thats not necessarily true. To promote normal growth, most puppies need to be fed the same number of calories, and food, from about 4 months of age to 12 months of age, says veterinary nutritionist Dr. Justin Shmalberg DVM, from Nom Nom.

Dachshund puppies should eat 3 to 4 times a day. When your puppy is a bit older you can switch to 2 meals daily at scheduled intervals.

During puppy development, its not advised to skip a meal to encourage proper growth and development. A puppys diet needs to be comprised of a proper balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, water, and vitamins, as outlined in our nutritional guidelines earlier.