Feeding your dachshund the right food is one of the most impactful decisions you will make as an owner. Unlike many other breeds, dachshunds face a unique set of nutritional challenges rooted in their elongated body structure, their predisposition to obesity, and their elevated risk of intervertebral disc disease. The food you choose directly influences your dachshund's weight, joint health, energy levels, coat quality, and overall longevity. This guide breaks down dachshund nutritional requirements by life stage, examines key ingredients to look for (and avoid), and provides practical feeding recommendations backed by veterinary nutrition science.
Understanding Dachshund-Specific Nutritional Needs
Dachshunds are a small to medium breed with a metabolism that varies significantly between the standard variety (typically 16 to 32 pounds) and the miniature variety (under 11 pounds). Despite their small size, dachshunds are surprisingly active dogs with moderate energy requirements. However, their propensity for weight gain is well documented. A 2018 study in the journal Canine Genetics and Epidemiology identified dachshunds as one of the breeds most predisposed to obesity, which in turn dramatically increases the risk of IVDD, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems.
The key nutritional priorities for dachshunds include:
- Controlled calorie density to prevent obesity
- High-quality animal protein to maintain lean muscle mass and support the muscles that protect the spine
- Glucosamine and chondroitin (or ingredients that naturally contain them) to support joint and disc health
- Omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory benefits and coat health
- Appropriate calcium and phosphorus ratios for skeletal health
- Moderate fat content to provide energy without excessive calories
Best Food for Dachshund Puppies (Birth to 12 Months)
Dachshund puppies grow rapidly during their first year, and proper nutrition during this period sets the foundation for lifelong health. Puppies need a higher calorie-per-pound intake than adult dogs to fuel growth, but overfeeding during the growth phase can lead to excessive weight gain that stresses developing joints and bones.
What to Look For
Choose a food specifically formulated for small-breed puppies. Small-breed puppy formulas account for the faster metabolism and smaller stomach capacity of breeds like dachshunds. The food should list a named animal protein (such as chicken, turkey, salmon, or lamb) as the first ingredient. Protein content should be approximately 25 to 30 percent on a dry matter basis, and fat content should be in the 12 to 18 percent range.
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid, is particularly important for puppies because it supports brain and eye development. Look for DHA sourced from fish oil, fish meal, or algae on the ingredient list.
Feeding Schedule
Dachshund puppies under four months old should be fed three to four times per day. From four to twelve months, you can transition to three meals per day. Always follow the portion guidelines on the food packaging as a starting point, but adjust based on your individual puppy's body condition. Your veterinarian can help you determine the ideal growth rate.
Transition to Adult Food
Most dachshunds should transition to adult food between 10 and 12 months of age. The switch should be made gradually over seven to ten days, mixing increasing proportions of the new food with the old to prevent digestive upset.
Best Food for Adult Dachshunds (1 to 7 Years)
The adult maintenance period is the longest phase of your dachshund's life, and the food you choose during these years has the greatest cumulative impact on health and longevity.
Calorie Requirements
An average standard dachshund weighing about 20 pounds needs approximately 400 to 600 calories per day, depending on activity level, metabolism, and whether the dog is spayed or neutered (which typically reduces calorie needs by 20 to 30 percent). A miniature dachshund at 10 pounds may need only 250 to 350 calories per day. These are rough guidelines; your dog's actual needs may differ.
Protein and Fat Balance
Adult dachshunds thrive on diets with protein content of 22 to 28 percent and fat content of 8 to 15 percent (dry matter basis). Higher protein supports lean muscle mass, which in turn helps support and protect the spine. Moderate fat provides sustained energy without the caloric excess that leads to weight gain.
Breed-Specific Formulas
Several major pet food manufacturers offer dachshund-specific formulas. These are worth considering because they are engineered to address the breed's unique body shape, joint health needs, and tendency toward obesity. Kibble size and shape may also be optimized for the dachshund's jaw structure.
Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Dry Dog Food
Breed-specific formula designed for dachshunds over 10 months. Features a unique kibble shape, targeted nutrients for bone and joint support, and controlled calorie content to help maintain an ideal weight.
High-Quality All-Breed Options
If you prefer an all-breed food, look for brands that prioritize whole-animal protein sources and limited, recognizable ingredients. Biologically appropriate diets that mirror a dog's ancestral eating patterns often provide excellent nutrition for dachshunds.
ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food
Biologically appropriate dry dog food with 85% quality animal ingredients including free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs. High protein content supports lean muscle mass.
Feeding Schedule
Adult dachshunds should be fed two meals per day, spaced approximately 12 hours apart. Splitting the daily portion into two meals helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, reduces the risk of bloat (though rare in dachshunds), and provides structure to the dog's day. Free-feeding (leaving food available at all times) is strongly discouraged for dachshunds because the breed rarely self-regulates intake.
Best Food for Senior Dachshunds (7+ Years)
As dachshunds enter their senior years, their metabolism slows, activity levels often decrease, and age-related conditions such as dental disease, kidney function changes, and arthritis may develop. Nutritional adjustments during this period can significantly improve quality of life.
Calorie Reduction
Senior dachshunds typically need 10 to 20 percent fewer calories than they did during their adult maintenance years. Switching to a senior-specific formula or simply reducing portion sizes can help prevent age-related weight gain. Monitor your dog's body condition score monthly and adjust food intake accordingly.
Joint Support Becomes Critical
The importance of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids increases as your dachshund ages. Many senior dog food formulas include these supplements, but you may also consider adding a standalone joint supplement, particularly if your dog has a history of IVDD or shows signs of stiffness.
Protein Considerations
Contrary to the outdated belief that senior dogs need reduced protein, current veterinary nutrition research supports maintaining or even increasing protein levels in healthy senior dogs. Adequate protein prevents the age-related loss of lean muscle mass (sarcopenia), which is especially important for dachshunds because those muscles help support the spine. Look for senior foods with at least 25 percent protein on a dry matter basis.
Digestibility
Senior dogs may have reduced digestive efficiency. Foods with highly digestible protein sources (such as egg, fish, and chicken) and added prebiotics or probiotics can help maintain optimal nutrient absorption.
Key Ingredients to Look For
Named Animal Protein Sources
The first ingredient should be a specifically named protein such as "deboned chicken," "turkey meal," or "salmon." Avoid foods that list vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal by-products" as primary protein sources.
Whole Grains or Quality Carbohydrates
Unless your dachshund has a diagnosed grain allergy (which is relatively uncommon), whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and barley are excellent energy sources that also provide fiber, B vitamins, and minerals. For grain-free diets, look for quality carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and chickpeas.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Sources
Fish oil, salmon oil, flaxseed, and algae are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit joint health, skin and coat condition, and cognitive function.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
These compounds support cartilage health and are naturally found in ingredients like chicken meal, green-lipped mussel, and various cartilage-containing animal proteins. Many quality dog foods also add them as supplements.
Ingredients to Avoid
Artificial Preservatives
BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin have raised health concerns in long-term studies. Look for foods preserved with natural alternatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) and rosemary extract.
Excessive Fillers
Corn gluten meal, wheat gluten, and soy used as primary protein sources are less digestible and less biologically appropriate than animal proteins. Small amounts of whole corn or wheat as energy sources are acceptable, but they should not dominate the ingredient list.
Added Sugars and Artificial Colors
These serve no nutritional purpose and may contribute to obesity and dental problems. Quality dog foods do not contain added sugars, corn syrup, or artificial dyes.
Excessive Sodium
Some lower-quality foods contain high sodium levels to improve palatability. Excessive sodium can contribute to increased water retention and may stress the cardiovascular and renal systems over time.
Weight Management: The Critical Factor
Weight management deserves its own discussion because it is arguably the single most important dietary consideration for dachshunds. An overweight dachshund is not just carrying extra pounds; that excess weight directly increases the compressive force on every intervertebral disc with each step, jump, and movement.
How to Assess Your Dachshund's Weight
Use the Body Condition Score (BCS) system, which rates body condition on a scale of 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese). Your dachshund should ideally score a 4 or 5. At this score, you should be able to easily feel the ribs without pressing hard, see a visible waist when viewed from above, and observe an abdominal tuck when viewed from the side.
If Your Dachshund Needs to Lose Weight
Reduce daily food intake by 10 to 15 percent initially and reassess after two weeks. A safe weight loss rate is approximately 1 to 2 percent of body weight per week. Switch to a weight management formula that is lower in fat and calories but higher in fiber to promote satiety. Eliminate or drastically reduce treats, or switch to low-calorie options like small pieces of carrot, green bean, or apple (without seeds).
Treats and Extras
Treats should constitute no more than 10 percent of your dachshund's daily caloric intake. When training, use tiny pieces of the dog's regular food or small, low-calorie training treats. Be aware that dental chews, bully sticks, and other popular chews are calorie-dense and should be accounted for in the daily total.
Wet Food vs. Dry Food vs. Fresh Food
Dry Kibble
Dry food is convenient, cost-effective, and provides some dental benefit through mechanical abrasion. It is calorie-dense, so precise portion measurement is essential for dachshunds.
Wet (Canned) Food
Wet food has higher moisture content, which can benefit hydration and is often more palatable. It is typically lower in calorie density per volume, which can help overweight dachshunds feel full on fewer calories. The downside is higher cost and shorter shelf life once opened.
Fresh and Raw Diets
Fresh-cooked and raw diets have gained popularity. If you choose this route, work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet is complete and balanced. Homemade diets without professional formulation frequently result in nutritional deficiencies or excesses.
Mixed Feeding
Many owners successfully combine dry and wet food, using kibble as the base and adding a spoonful of wet food for palatability. This is a perfectly valid approach as long as total daily calories are properly controlled.
Feeding Tips for Picky Dachshund Eaters
Dachshunds can be surprisingly picky, despite their reputation as food-motivated dogs. If your dachshund is turning up its nose at meals, try these strategies before switching foods.
- Warm the food slightly to release aromas that stimulate appetite.
- Add a small amount of warm, low-sodium broth to dry kibble.
- Establish a strict mealtime routine. Put food down for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove it regardless of how much was eaten. Consistent meal times encourage consistent eating habits.
- Rule out medical causes. Sudden loss of appetite can indicate dental pain, gastrointestinal issues, or other health problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed my adult dachshund?
Two meals per day is optimal for adult dachshunds. This schedule supports stable blood sugar levels and helps prevent overeating. Avoid free-feeding, as dachshunds are prone to consuming more calories than they need.
Is grain-free food better for dachshunds?
Not necessarily. Grain-free diets are appropriate for dogs with diagnosed grain allergies, but most dachshunds tolerate grains well. In fact, the FDA has investigated a potential link between certain grain-free diets (particularly those relying heavily on legumes and potatoes) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. Unless your veterinarian recommends grain-free for a specific medical reason, a quality food with whole grains is generally a safe choice.
Can I feed my dachshund human food?
Some human foods are safe and nutritious in small amounts, such as plain cooked chicken, carrots, blueberries, green beans, and plain pumpkin puree. However, many common human foods are toxic to dogs, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (artificial sweetener), and macadamia nuts. When in doubt, stick to dog-specific foods and treats.
How do I know if my dachshund is allergic to a food ingredient?
Food allergies in dogs typically manifest as chronic itching (especially around the ears, paws, and rear end), recurrent ear infections, and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. The gold standard for diagnosing food allergies is an elimination diet trial lasting eight to twelve weeks under veterinary supervision. Blood tests for food allergies are generally considered unreliable.
Should I add supplements to my dachshund's food?
If you are feeding a complete and balanced commercial diet, your dachshund's basic nutritional needs should be met. However, supplementation with omega-3 fish oil and glucosamine/chondroitin is commonly recommended for dachshunds due to their joint and disc health needs. Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to ensure appropriate dosing and to avoid interactions with any medications.
Conclusion
Choosing the best food for your dachshund is not about finding the most expensive brand or following the latest trend. It is about understanding the breed's unique physiology, selecting foods that provide high-quality protein, appropriate calorie density, and joint-supportive nutrients, and then diligently managing portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight. The right diet, adjusted for your dachshund's life stage and individual needs, is a cornerstone of preventing obesity-related health problems and supporting the long, healthy life your dachshund deserves. Consult your veterinarian for personalized dietary recommendations, especially if your dog has existing health conditions, and remember that consistent, measured feeding is the most effective tool you have for keeping your dachshund in peak condition.
