The Dachshund is a small breed bursting with stamina and energy. Despite their size, they are smart, bold, and make excellent watchdogs. To maintain their long back and overall physique, Dachshunds need a balanced diet and regular exercise.
In this article, you’ll learn about the feeding methods, suitable dog food, and necessary supplements for Dachshunds.
Recommended Diet for Dachshunds
Protein: Protein is vital for your dog’s overall health, contributing to healthy skin, hair, bones, and muscle development. A healthy Dachshund should consume about 18-25% protein in their diet, sourced from poultry, grains, wheat, fish, beef, and other foods.
Fat: Around 5% fat in their regular diet is sufficient for Dachshunds. Since this breed can easily become overweight, you need to monitor their fat intake carefully. Excess weight can strain their long back, leading to slipped or ruptured (herniated) discs.
Carbohydrate: Carbohydrates are crucial, as they maintain glycogen storage and boost metabolism. About 20% carbs in their diet are sufficient for dogs, helping digestion, absorption, and reducing hunger in dogs.
Feeding Guidelines for Dachshunds
Feeding your Dachshund depends on their age, weight, and activity level. As puppies, they have a high growth rate and require more food for proper muscle and bone development. It’s best to feed them 3-4 meals a day in equal portions.
Once your dog reaches adulthood, you can limit their meals to twice a day. Regular exercise is essential even though they aren’t particularly active dogs. Treats can be given between meals, but don’t overfeed them, as they can become overweight, affecting their health.
Suitable Dog Food for Dachshunds
Whether it’s home-cooked or packaged food, your dog needs nutritious food for a healthy lifestyle. Here are some dog food options suitable for Dachshunds:
– Royal Canin Dog Food for Dachshunds
– Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Dog Food
– Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
– Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food
Recommended Supplements for Dachshunds
Supplements can provide additional nutrients that your dog may not be getting from their regular diet. However, if your dog is getting the required nutrition from their diet, there’s no need to start supplements. Some recommended supplements for Dachshunds include:
– Green-lipped mussels
– Glucosamine hydrochloride
– Boswellia serrata extract
– Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU)
Human Food Dachshunds Can and Cannot Eat
Dogs digest food differently than humans, so feeding them the wrong food can lead to health problems. Here’s a list of human foods Dachshunds can and cannot eat:
Can Eat
– Apple
– Rice
– Meat
– Eggs
– Watermelon
– Peanuts
– Coconut
– Cucumber
– Berries
Cannot Eat
– Onion and Garlic
– Ice-cream
– Chocolates
– Almonds
– Citrus Fruits
– Raisins and Grapes
– Avocado
– Chives
Reasons Your Dachshund Might Not Be Eating
Several factors could affect your Dachshund’s appetite, ranging from basic health issues to serious diseases. Below are some primary reasons for loss of appetite:
Medical Reasons
– Dental Problems
– Worm infection
– Medication
– Digestive Problems
– Bacterial infection
Behavioral Reasons
– Sudden change in environment
– Owner’s absence
– Separation Anxiety
– Food Preference
– Change in regular routine
