Did you know dachshunds were used for hunting badgers centuries ago? In fact, that’s what they were bred for!
Dachshunds certainly needed a balanced and nutrient-rich diet for that. And while it’s unlikely your Dachshund is hunting badgers today, you still need to feed him right.
They require rich food to sustain their high energy and unstoppable intelligence. And what about their fur? That soft and shiny hair won’t grow out of eating just any food… AND THEIR BONES? Those elongated bodies certainly need the proper nutrients!
That’s why you should get the best dog food for dachshunds!
So, ready to know which one to go for?
We go over the most attractive options below – check them up!
- Royal Canin Dachshund Teckel Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Small & Mini Adult Dry Dog Food
- Alpha Paw Adult Natural Dry Dog Food for Dachshunds
- Nulo Puppy & Small Breed Grain-Free Canned Wet Dog Food
- Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Eukanuba Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan High Protein Small Adult Wet Dog Food
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! Royal Canin Dachshund Teckel Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Small & Mini Adult Dry Dog Food
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Alpha Paw Adult Natural Dry Dog Food for Dachshund
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Nulo Puppy & Small Breed Grain-Free Canned Wet Dog Food
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Eukanuba Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Purina Pro Plan High Protein Small Adult Wet Dog Food
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
7 Best Dog Foods for Dachshunds
#1. Royal Canin Dachshund Teckel Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
First up – Royal Canin!
A brand that proposes every single bit of quality necessary to get your dog’s health to a whole new level.
This package is for 10-month Dachshunds or older. Adult dogs will enjoy the richest and safest food to keep their body functioning non-stop.
How’s that? Well, this food promotes joint and bone health alongside muscle toning. Whether your Dachshund is a couch potato or an active barker or runner – this food will be PERFECT for him.
It’s all thanks to the high protein and phosphorous alongside the fiber-rich kibble.
You get a boost in L-carnitine and calcium to keep their bodies and limbs HEALTHY. And sure enough, the stools will be MINIMUM – saving you a whole lot of discomfort when it comes to cleaning.
Lastly, the kibble is small-shaped and easy to consume. EVEN THE SMALLEST DACHSHUND WILL ADORE IT!
EXTRA TO CONSIDER: The kibble is delicious! Even your picky sausage dog won’t mind eating this food for life (he will likely ask for more after eating some).
What We Liked
- Offers chewy and tasty kibbles
- Minimizes stool size and odor
- Keeps your dog’s bones and joints healthy
- Improves Dachshund’s fur and muscles
What We Didn’t Like
- Your dog will always want more of this
#2. Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight Small & Mini Adult Dry Dog Food
It works like a charm! Your dog will look and feel healthier with this food…
How’s that possible? Easy, it’s made by Hill’s Science team, making it one of the best at producing healthy and rich foods in the market. And your small and mini adult dog can enjoy all that!
The formula boasts tons of protein to keep his muscles lean and growing with chicken and grains. Plus, it’s rich in fiber to promote gut health in the short and long term.
Because it is a high-end food, every kibble is also designed to help your dog lose weight. Those Dachshunds that struggle with weight and chubby bodies will find t his kibble to be PERFECT.
Last but not least, the kibble is small enough for even the tiniest sausage dog to eat it whole without any trouble – isn’t that enough?
MORE TO KNOW: Hill’s Science is one of the most recommended brands by veterinarians and professionals in the industry. If you’re going for a package that has no defects – this one should be it!
What We Liked
- Keeps the dog at a healthy weight
- Has only natural and safe ingredients
- It contains all kinds of vitamins and minerals
- Improves gut health
What We Didn’t Like
- Some dogs won’t chew on the super-tiny kibbles
#3. Alpha Paw Adult Natural Dry Dog Food for Dachshunds
You can feed pretty much any dog with this food and receive exceptional results…
BUT IT’S THE DACHSHUND THAT WILL ENJOY IT THE MOST!
How’s that?
Well, this formula comes with high protein to keep your dog’s muscles strong, skin healthy, and coat SHINING. The combination makes your dog happier and much cuter!
Your dog still gets tons of other nutrients like healthy fats and fiber. This adds to an even more nutritious diet, so your dog will have little to nothing missing!
There’s something else worth mentioning: this food is filled with turmeric and salmon oil. According to research, these two promote greater mobility and vitality in your dog – so there’s no chance your Dachshund won’t feel better!
Did we mention the added probiotics? Your dog’s gut health is also important – that’s why you can promote healthier digestion and a much better immune system with this food.
DON’T FORGET: Each kibble is small and easy to consume, so your Dachshund won’t have to struggle when eating!
What We Liked
- Super-healthy formula with tons of nutrients
- Extra probiotics promote gut health
- Increases dog’s energy and vitality
- Easy-to-eat and chew kibbles
What We Didn’t Like
- Little information about the making process
#4. Nulo Puppy & Small Breed Grain-Free Canned Wet Dog Food
Want to give your Dachshund the tastiest food? Nulo Freestyle makes that possible.
This Small Breed variety is a nearly perfect mix of duck meat and chickpeas, delivering a high-protein and high-fiber food that sustains even the most active dog’s life.
The L-carnitine addition helps your dog with muscle, absorbs healthy fats, and maintains the ideal body weight over time. And that’s without mentioning the vast array of other vitamins and minerals that boost your dog’s health EXPONENTIALLY.
Its fiber content, for example, helps your dog with digestive issues and keeps their stools smaller. ON THE OTHER HAND, Vitamin E, calcium, and zinc promote vitality, a shinier coat, and better bones. There’s no drawback to this food.
And it’s TASTY! Your dog will love the delicious taste of this canned food. It is also easy to consume with its wet composition – ideal for old adults who may struggle with kibble.
INTERESTING FACT: It works both as a complete meal or as an add-on to kibble. Either way, your dog gets all the benefits.
What We Liked
- Extra-tasty and irresistible food
- Tons of fiber for seamless digestion
- High-protein content for bone and fur boost
- Easy-to-prepare and consume
What We Didn’t Like
- A bit expensive for the size
#5. Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Wellness makes it possible to give your Dachshund a tasty yet healthy treat to keep him content.
Small breeds with tons of energy like the Dachshund need something like this. Something they can enjoy to the max fuels their curiosity and energy, plus puts their body in a constant state of improvement.
This food is rich in fatty acids, glucosamine, antioxidants, probiotics, taurine, protein, and much more – EVERYTHING YOUR DOG NEEDS.
Everything is grain-free, so you won’t have to worry about your dog’s gut health. Plus, it’s made exclusively with the BEST INGREDIENTS. There’s no drawback to giving this to your dog.
And did we mention how it promotes a healthy weight? Given you only give the dog the right amount – maintaining a healthy body won’t be much of a problem.
Add the hip and joint support, fur improvements, and unbeatable taste for your dog to enjoy likely one of the best foods out there.
WORTH KNOWING: The quality of the ingredients is so high that even if your Dachshund has allergies to certain foods, this one will cause little to no trouble.
What We Liked
- Keeps your dog’s body healthy
- Promotes better weight management
- Improves fur, bones, and hip
- Prevents allergies
What We Didn’t Like
- Not the tastiest out there (still good)
#6. Eukanuba Senior Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Your small dog needs complete nutrition to enjoy its life to the max. That is, to have enough energy and health to run around, bark all day, and play without drawbacks.
This food from Eukanuba is designed for these small dogs – up to 23 pounds. Any dog older than 7 years old and needs a unique food formula to keep living discomfort-free will love something like this.
Why’s that? Easy – this food contains sulfate, glucosamine, chondroitin, protein, fibers, antioxidants, and DHA – the perfect combination of nutrients to give your dog’s the best life.
It is also designed to boost defenses and promote a more energetic livelihood. You won’t have to worry about your dog being too lazy or not wanting to do anything…
And if that wasn’t enough, it helps with joints and hips – issues many dachshunds tend to suffer from. This food helps maintain the discomfort to a minimum by promoting healthier bones, teeth, and joints overall.
EXTRA FACT: It boasts the DentaDefense add-on from Eukanuba. This helps with your dog’s teeth, preventing decay and keeping them more vigorous in such a delicate stage in their life.
What We Liked
- Perfectly designed for older Dachshunds
- Promotes better dental health
- Boosts your dog’s defenses
- Supports bones and hips
What We Didn’t Like
- Tiny kibble may be hard to chew for some dogs
#7. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Small Adult Wet Dog Food
Few brands hold the prestige and quality that Purina does. And the Pro Plan FOCUS is one of the best lines of can food from this brand.
This pack of can food is the ideal entrée for any dog’s meal. It starts with the combination of beef, chicken, and turkey per pack. You can get any of these cans to your dog (or all three at once).
Regardless, the food is as tasty as your dog will ever have. Because the protein-rich food is so irresistible, there’s no chance your picky Dachshund will leave it behind.
It’s also worth mentioning how dense it is in terms of other nutrients. You get the perfect combination of protein and fatty acids to get your dog’s health to a whole new level. This also promotes a healthy weight so even the laziest or oldest dog won’t struggle after eating this.
Did we mention how filling it is? Despite being a small can, each portion is enough to get your dog through the day WITHOUT ASKING FOR MORE!
WORTHWHILE FACTOR: It works well for your Dachshund, whether he’s a puppy, a young adult, or an elderly pet already. This food pretty much offers EVERYTHING.
What We Liked
- Super-tasty composition for most Dachshunds
- Ultra-dense nutrient content
- Satisfies your dog’s cravings
- Works for puppies, young and old adults
What We Didn’t Like
- Its texture is not the best
What to Consider when Choosing Food for Dachshunds?
There’ll be tons of different factors to consider as you look for food that your Dachshund will like.
Luckily, most of those factors are either irrelevant or not that important (general advice). However, for your Dachshund, you need to consider a few key facts if you want to give them the best food possible.
Here’s what to consider:
#1. Ingredients Quality
You will only know what the quality is by checking what it CONTAINS and what it doesn’t. Then, you can check whether those are healthy ingredients for your Dachshund.
What ingredients are more important? Those that provide protein. Your Dachshund requires high-protein food to keep its muscles, skin, and coat healthy.
Then you need to ensure it offers specific nutrients like L-carnitine. This is vital for most small dogs, including your Dachshund, as it promotes heart health.
And sure enough, you can’t dismiss fiber-rich foods either. These are vital for your dog’s gut’s health. They keep your Dachshund’s stomach and intestines working neatly (sometimes even reducing the amount of poop).
Finally, you need to get foods rich in other minerals and vitamins. As long as the food contains enough nutrients to sustain your dog’s energy and body – that should be enough.
DON’T FORGET: Just as some ingredients are critical, others are worth staying away from. Grains, for example, aren’t ideal for your dog, so you must avoid food with that.
#2. Wet or Dry Food?
It is not a mistake to say that some dogs prefer kibble while others prefer meat-like wet foods. Just like humans, dogs also have preferences.
SO, why would you get dry food if your dog prefers it wet? Well, kibble has many advantages. For one, it helps with their teeth. The cracking of those kibble maintains their dental health on a check. And what’s better, kibble tends to contain more carbs and fiber – ideal for supporting some of their crucial life aspects in check.
But wet food doesn’t stay behind. The ideal canned food contains a lot more protein than any kibble. Plus, it is much more hydrating, so your dog gets many times the amount of water per meal. This prevents issues with hair and stomach as well. And what’s better, wet food is easier to process.
Kibble is often less favored by most dogs (dachshunds can be picky eaters), while raw food is often a lot more enticing. But kibble is still cheaper and may last several days exposed to external factors without getting bad (wet food can’t).
What are you getting then?
In our opinion, you don’t really have to choose. As a general rule, go for what your dog prefers. But if you can’t pick – then get both. You can always get your dog wet and dry food at the same time without drawbacks.
#3. Kibble or Meal Size
Dachshunds are tiny dogs – everyone knows that.
And as tiny animals, they need only the right amount of food, or you can easily promote obesity. That’s something you don’t want to happen to your Dachshund.
That’s why you must MAKE SURE that you’re getting weight-controlling food. That is easy to measure, so you don’t give more than what’s needed, and food that helps with weight at the same time.
As long as the food is healthy with the right ingredients and doesn’t contain artificial add-ons – the meal size should be EXACTLY how the package says. And if it is wet food, don’t give more than the recommended by the can size.
TO CONSIDER: It also depends on your dachshund age and size. Some dachshunds are slightly larger or smaller, so you will need to adapt the meal size accordingly. Also, puppies tend to eat a lot less than young adults, while elderly dachshunds may not have a fast metabolism, so less food would work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Many human foods are likely to cause damage to your Dachshund. These include:
-Chocolate
-Dairy products
-Fatty meats
-Garlic
-Grapes
-Onions
-Raisins
-Raw meats
-Salty treats
-Sweets
If you can avoid all these foods, then you’ll be doing your Dachshund a HUGE favor!
It depends on their life stage, weight, and health.
For example, a typical adult dachshund will need 2 meals a day to live well. One in the morning and one in the late afternoon would suffice.
Senior dachshunds, in contrast, will thrive on only 1 meal a day. Their metabolism is often slower, and they don’t require as much food because old age comes with a less active life.
And lastly, puppies may want to eat at least 3 times a day. This really depends on how far you’re willing to go to satisfy your puppy’s hunger. Most likely, you will have to stick with whatever you want your dog to get accustomed to (like food two times per day).
By the way, this is only for main courses. Treats don’t count in this, so it’s worth considering whether you’re also giving your dog any extra food.
Most veterinarians will tell you that 2 times per day would be the PERFECT feeding routine for most dogs, including dachshunds. But the time between these foods also needs to be ideal.
We recommend giving your dog food early in the morning (6 to 10 AM) and then provide them with food again at the same time but at night (6 to 10 PM).
This will differ on whether your dog has restrictions due to weight issues or needs to follow a schedule due to specific ailments.
ADVICE: Always ask a veterinarian for a fair assessment on when to feed your Dachshund every day. Taking your dog to get examined will be your best idea if you want to avoid issues later on.
Conclusion
You should be well-aware of what to give your dog now…
So, what are you waiting for?
With the knowledge about the best dog food for Dachshunds and a better idea of how to feed your dog accordingly – THERE’S NO TIME TO WASTE!
Avoid low-quality foods going forward and make your Dachshund the healthiest and happiest dog in the neighborhood with the options above!
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Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.