Despite being energetic, Dachshunds are incredibly easy to overfeed and are prone to weight issues, which is why finding the best dog food for Dachshunds is vital. Being overweight can be detrimental to their health as their short legs need to hold the weight of their bodies comfortably. In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the best dog food for Dachshunds, both standard and miniature, as well as some tips to make sure they get everything they need to be fit and healthy.
Dachshunds are known for their small stature, but their appetites couldn’t be more different, and you’ll often find them sniffing out any type of food with their noses. Honestly, whether they are watching you like a hawk as you eat your dinner secretly hoping you'll drop something or having to pay a 'cheese tax' every time you grate some for a sandwich (if you've got a Sausage Dog, you'll know what that means).
Best food for Dachshunds at a glance:
• Best fresh dog food for Dachshunds: Butternut Box subscription - View on Butternut Box
• Best personalised dog for Dachshunds: Tails.com subscription - View on Tails.com
• Best wet dog food for Dachshunds: Lily's Kitchen Classic Dinners Adult Wet Dog Food - View on Amazon UK
• Best grain-free Dachshund dog food: Pooch & Mutt compete dry superfood - View on Pooch & Mutt
The best food for Dachshunds all depends on what breed and weight your adorable Doxie is and whether they are puppies, adults or seniors. Dachshunds fall into three categories: Standard Dachshunds that weigh between 16 to 32 pounds, Miniature Dachshunds that are smaller and weigh 11 pounds or under and Toy or 'Tabbit' Dachshunds that weigh 3.2kg to 4.1kg. Only you know your beloved dog best and it is important to speak to your vet, rescue centre, or breeder about their family history and what illnesses they can be prone to. You should always keep on top of their weight too, as it can easily fluctuate.
Dachshunds are known to be a fan of wet and dry dog food (and human food), but there are some that can be prone to turn their nose up at the food you give them. This can be down to the texture or smell, and you'll probably end up trialling a lot of different foods before you find one that suits. Your Dachshund needs a high-quality diet that provides ample protein, moderate fat, and limited carb content in addition to meeting their needs for micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
Best dog food for Dachshunds
Best fresh dog food for Dachshunds
butternutbox.com
You've probably already seen the adverts, but Butternut Box is the UK's home for fresh dog food delivery. It is easy to think that Butternut Box provides a raw diet for your dog, but the recipes are actually fresh meals made from human-quality meat and vegetables, gently cooked to create. They are created with the right balance of vitamins and minerals for your dog. Yep, as part of the service, you have to give them information about your dog's breed, calorie needs, age and lifestyle. They really get to know your dog and provide a variety of different meats, fish and vegetables than other brands out there. It is a little on the pricey side and you have to pay monthly, but you can cancel anytime.
Our review: "I signed up to Butternut Box when my miniature Dachshund Waffle, who was about 9 months old at the time, started to turn her nose up at the dry Royal Canin kibble that I had been feeding her since she was a little puppy. Even though she did graze on her kibble, I knew she needed more and she was a little underweight, so I knew she needed something different, especially as she would gulp down every single type of human food we gave her. With that in mind, I tried a few wet foods, but she didn't touch them either. My friend then recommended Butternut Box (they tend to offer codes to new customers), so I got a discount on her first order. Getting the delivery was honestly so exciting, she even got a little bandana and welcome pack! The pack then suggested warming her new food up a little in the microwave to make it smell exciting, and she gulped it down and has done ever since. I've never seen her wag her tail so much, and her coat is so smooth and shiny, there is no doubt in my mind that she isn't getting everything she needs in her food. I would say it is pricey, though, and if I owned a larger dog, I would definitely struggle to afford it. It currently costs me about £44 a month."
Read Take a Break Pets full Butternut Box review to find out more about what Hannah and Waffle think.
Pros
- No nasties whatsoever
- Can be personalised to your dog
- Customer service is great
Cons
- Need freezer space
2.
Tails.com
Best Personalised dog food for Dachshunds
tails.com
Tails.com was born when a team of experts, including vets, nutritionists and engineers (and their dogs, obviously), came together to develop a way to create unique recipes for every dog - no, really. Everything is considered; from taste preferences to allergies, age and weight, tails.com puts the control back in the owner's hands. No mysterious ingredients or jargon in sight. Each recipe is made from over a million combinations. This is great for Dachshunds, as it ensures that they get everything they need.
Our review: "As Frankie is food driven, he'll eat almost anything, but it's clear that tails.com is on another level for him. Dinner time has now become an almighty song and dance. He leaps around the room, barking at us until we're done dishing up, and he can dig in, wolfing it down in just a few minutes. He's never been this vocal about any previous food brands, so I know he loves it."
Read Take a Break Pets review of tails.com.
Pros
- You save money in the long run
- Tailored to your dog
- Discount codes available
Cons
- Portions are a bit small
Best puppy dog food for Dachshunds
www.petsathome.com
Royal Canin has created breed and weight-specific dog food that is formulated with all the nutritional needs of your mini puppy in mind. You can choose wet dog food or dry food. It contains everything your pup needs to grow fit and healthy up until they are 10 months of age. We especially love the smaller kibble size, as Dachshunds are known for having little mouths.
Customer review: "This is our first time trying dog food that has been specifically made for Dachshund puppies and it's just great. Our dog loves the taste and he's in great health."
Pros
- Good quality food
- Breed-specific nutrition
- Adapted kibble
Cons
- Can cause upset stomachs in some sensitive dogs
Best wet dog food for Dachshund
If your Dachshund prefers wet food, Lily's Kitchen freshly prepared meat, vegetables, fruits, and herbs will satisfy any appetite. There are loads of recipes to choose from, from Lamb Hotpot and Cottage Pie. Each recipe is vet-approved and developed with pet nutritionists.
Customer review: "Sometimes they smell so good when you open the can. My dog loves them so much."
Pros
- Variety of flavours per pack
- Wholesome and natural
- Made with fresh meat, veg and essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Tins need to be stored properly once open if you don't use all the food in one go, as it can go off
Best grain-free Dachshund dog food
www.poochandmutt.co.uk
Pooch & Mutt is specially crafted for pets who are sensitive to cereals, which means no wheat, rye, barley, oats, maize, sorghum, millet, triticale, or rice. That doesn't have any effect on the taste of the food though, and it is also packed full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Perfect for upset and sensitive tummies.
Customer review: "Perfect size for my little dog's mouth. Had not upset her stomach. She’s very happy in it."
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Small kibble and easy to eat
- Antioxidant-rich
Cons
- Only one flavour
Best raw food diet for Dachshunds
www.bellaandduke.com
A raw food diet contains organ meats, muscle meat, whole or ground bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fresh fruits and vegetables, and dairy products such as yoghurt. Many Dachshund owners prefer a raw diet as it is closer to what their ancestors would have eaten in the wild. A raw diet is believed to be great for dental health (something Dachshunds are prone to) and healthier skin and coat. Bella & Duke's raw food is designed by nutritionists, approved by veterinarians and irresistible to pets.
Customer review: "Best raw food suppliers. Your pet will thank you! Excellent service."
Pros
- Flexible subscription
- Natural ingredients
- Includes training tips
Cons
- You have to have a lot of freezer space
Best value
If you need an affordable dog food that is still packed full of everything your greedy little Dachshund needs, IAMS complete dry food is a tailored fibre blend including prebiotics and beet pulp for healthy digestion. It also includes high-quality animal protein and essential minerals to help maintain strong muscles.
Customer review: "My dog was recently put on dried food by his vet. Tried many brands, but he would not eat them. My vet recommended Iams and yes he wolfed it down."
Pros
- Good value
- Packed full of vitamins and minerals
- Small kibble size
Cons
- Only one flavour
Best food for anxious Dachshunds
Anyone who has a Dachshund knows they can suffer from separation anxiety as they’re so attached to their owners, but this Pooch & Mutt food should help them to feel calmer and more relaxed. Designed for excitable dogs, too, it includes chamomile to help them to chill out, plus prebiotics and probiotics to make sure they’ve got all the good stuff they need to keep them healthy. It’s free from grains, cereal, gluten, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives, so perfect for pooches with sensitive tummies.
Customer review: "My two Dachshunds do wonderfully well on Pooch and Mutt dry food (they've had Calm and Relaxed, Slim and Slender AND Health and Digestion). They love them all and the food loves them - absolutely no upset tummies at all, even though I alternate between them regularly. I can't recommend it highly enough and my next stop will be the Pooch and Mutt wet food which I've just ordered and I'm sure will be just as big a 'hit' as the dry food has been. I can only say 'thank you very much'."
Pros
- Suitable from eight weeks
- Natural ingredients
- Grain-free
Cons
- The kibble is large in size
FAQs
Should Dachshunds have dry or wet food?
Whether you feed your little sausage dry or wet food will depend on a number of factors, including their health, age, dietary requirements and your feeding routine. However, a lot of it comes down to your dog’s personal preference. Some may like wet food because it’s soft and easy to eat, whereas others may prefer the crunchy texture of dry food. As both dry and wet dog food are suitable for Dachshunds, the best food for Dachshunds may be a combination of both in their diet.
Do Dachshunds have sensitive stomachs?
Like many other breeds, Dachshunds can be prone to a sensitive stomach. It could be because of a food intolerance, allergy, sensitivity or other underlying health condition. It could also be down to stress or anxiety from a change to their environment, routine or the presence of other pets.
If you’re concerned about your Doxie’s dicky tummy, your first port of call should be to the vet, as they’ll be able to help you discover the reason behind it. If they think the tummy trouble is food-related, they may recommend an elimination diet to help you figure out the ingredient that is causing the sensitivity.
Has my Dachshund got a sensitive stomach?
Despite most dachshunds having big appetites, some are prone to having sensitive tummies. This can be for a number of reasons, but it is important to speak to your vet if you notice any of these changes in eating habits:
• Nausea (you can tell if your dog is feeling sick if they lick their lips or swallow a lot.
• Refusal to eat food they have gulped down in the past.
• Not eating their dinner but eating their treats normally.
• Loose poos and diarrhoea (an odd bout of wind and diarrhoea that clears up quickly is very normal).
• Less active and lethargic.
Why is diet so important for Dachshunds?
Dachshunds are known to pile on the pounds, especially in their later years, so it is important to keep on top of their weight as it can add a strain on their legs and long backs. Many dachshund owners have admitted that they go out of their way to provide a high-protein and fresh vegetable diet, as food that contains mostly grain and fillers is not healthy for them.
Why is my Dachshund so fussy with food?
Just as some of us humans are picky with food, Dachshunds can be exactly the same. If you’re finding your little prince or princess is regularly turning up their nose to what you’re serving them at mealtimes, there could be a couple of reasons why:
Taste or texture:
Personal preference may play a big part in why your Dachshund is so fussy with food. They may not like the taste of the food you’ve served them and may prefer a different flavour. They could also have a preference for texture. Some dogs prefer the smoother texture of wet food compared to the rough and crunchy feel of dry food.
Health issues:
Your pooch may be feeling reluctant to eat if they’re feeling under the weather, but it could also be a more serious underlying health condition that is causing their food refusal. This could be anything from dental issues to gastrointestinal trouble, so if you suspect this might be the cause, please consult your vet.
Overfeeding/spoiling:
We’re all guilty of giving the odd titbit off our plates to our dogs and showering them with extra treats for simply being the cutest thing to walk the planet, but doing this too much can cause your Dachshund to stop eating their own food. If they know you’re likely to give them more high-value rewards on the side, they might start holding out until something better is on offer.
Stress:
If your Doxie is a particularly anxious pooch, any changes to their environment may cause them to go off their food. Anything stress-inducing for your pup, including a new environment, routine or even being surrounded by new pets, can lead to a decrease in appetite or reluctance to eat.
Attention-seeking:
Anyone who owns a Sausage Dog knows they can be little divas at times, and they’re also very clever. If you give your pup lots of extra attention or special treatment/treats when they don’t eat the food you’ve served them, they may soon learn that a reluctance to eat what’s in their bowl equals lots more fuss and love from you.
What is the best diet for a Miniature Dachshund?
Just like full-sized Doxies and other dogs, the best diet for a Miniature Dachshund should offer complete and balanced nutrition to ensure they have everything they need to grow up strong, healthy and happy.
Their diet should be full of high-quality proteins as they are crucial for maintaining muscle mass and overall health, but you’ll want to avoid foods that contain an excessive amount of fillers and artificial colours, flavours and preservatives as these ingredients can cause a sensitive stomach and may not contribute to the nutritional needs of your little one.
You may also want to consider feeding them a specific dry food for small dogs, as the kibble sizes as usually adapted for their smaller mouths. Plus, the nutritional values are also tailored more to the needs of smaller breeds.
How many times should a Dachshund eat a day?
The number of times you feed your Dachshund in a day will depend on the age, activity level and health needs of your pooch.
Puppies typically eat more frequently than adult dogs, so they’ll want to be fed between three and four times a day to support their growth and energy needs.
When they enter the adult stage, they won’t need feeding as regularly, so you can drop it down to two feeds a day of larger amounts. You do need to be mindful that Dachshunds are a breed that are prone to obesity and extra weight can put pressure on their little legs and spines, so be careful not to overfeed them.
As they approach their twilight years, and their metabolism slows down and they become less active, you may want to feed your Dachshund less but up the feeds to three times a day.
It’s important to note that your own schedule plays an important role in how many times a day you feed your pup. Dachshunds thrive from a structured feeding routine so you should base their mealtimes on when you can commit to feeding them at the same time every day.
Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands including John Lewis, Daily Mirror and Grazia. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle.