Best referred to as “weiner dogs” or “sausage dogs”, Dachshunds are known for their loyal and distinct loving personality. If you’re lucky enough to own a Dachshund, you might come to find that they can be somewhat of a picky eater.
That brings the top of mind the question of what should you feed your Dachshund to ensure the healthiest and most balanced diet for them. Look no further, in this article, you’ll explore different options for your Dachshund, picky eater or not. But first, let’s get into what your Dachshund needs for a balanced and whole diet.
Understanding The Dachshund Breed
Dachshunds have a very unique body type. Their long slinky body, were primarily bred for hunting animals like rabbits and badgers. Due to it’s unusual frame, Dachshunds are more prone to having back issues, disc extrusions, herniated discs, etc. Obesity being the primary driver of these issues, it’s important to keep your Dachshund at a healthy weight to prevent additional strain on their spine.
That being said, their weight should sit between 16-32 lbs (for a standard) and 11 lbs or under (for a miniature) and should remain fit and active. Making sure they get plenty of exercise and fed an appropriate amount to maintain a healthy weight.
Omega-3 and protein are highly recommended to keep Dachshunds active, fit, and healthy. Keep in mind that these are not the only factors to keep in mind. If your dog is experiencing allergies or any sensitivities, we highly recommend pet parents seek out their vet for a consultation.
Strategies For Weight Control
Given Dachshund's rank among the top 10 breeds prone to obesity, selecting the right foods devoid of fillers or artificial components becomes vital. A balanced diet and weight management are crucial in mitigating health issues like IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) and hip dysplasia.
Addressing Digestion and Sensitivities in Dachshunds
Individual Dachshunds may have sensitive stomachs, making dietary choices challenging. Avoiding low-quality ingredients like preservatives and filler is essential to prevent digestive issues in your pup.
How To Ensure Your Dachshund is Healthy
According to AAFCO standards, depending on what life stage your dog is at, they recommend the following:
Growth & Reproduction
- Protein: 22.5%
- Fat: 8.5%
- Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium
- Vitamins: Vitamin A, D, E, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic, acid, niacin, pyridoxine, folic avid, vitamin B12, choline
Adult Maintenence
- Protein: 18%
- Fat: 5.5%
- Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium
- Vitamins: vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamin B12, choline
In reality, dogs (including Dachshunds) need protein. Turkey and beef being great protein sources that dogs crave. It’s important to flag that your dog’s food should contain real protein. Some identifiers for pet parents would include seeing any of the following ingredients as a replacement for protein:
1. Meal meal
2. Rendered meat
3. Byproduct meal
Unlike fresh alternatives, any of the meat meals listed above are usually made from parts of an animal that aren’t allowed to be sold for human consumption. Things like residual meat, offal, connective tissue, and bones are typically cooked at a very high temperature essentially dehydrating the ingredients to a brown powder.
Dog Standards: Ideal Fresh Dog Food Options for Dachshunds
With the amount of information out there, we understand that finding a diet that is ideal for your dog can be very overwhelming.
At Dog Standards, we prioritize the health of not only our own pets, but dogs all around the globe. We’ve created a service that delivers balanced, fresh, gently cooked dog food, personalized just for your dog. All our recipes are formulated by our in-house nutritionist and abides by AAFCO standards all made within Canada.
Why is Dog Standards Good For Dachshunds?
Offering 3 recipes, Dog Standards fresh dog food is made with your dog in mind at all life stages.
Turkey and Pumpkin Recipe
If your Dachshund has sensitivities, the Dog Standards’ Turkey and Pumpkin recipe is packed with a powerhouse of ingredients like turkey, pumpkin, kale, carrots, etc. Including ingredients like pumpkin and kale, this recipe is an excellent option for Dachshunds with sensitive stomachs or allergies.
Most importantly, this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser when it comes to picky eaters.
Beef and Carrot Recipe
For the red meat-loving dogs out there, we formulated a beef and carrot recipe packed with high-quality beef and other nutrient-rich vegetables. Including ingredients such as butternut squash, chia seeds, and spinach, this recipe is bound to keep your Dachshund zooming around.
Butternut squash is a great beta-carotene booster as well, chia seeds are great for keeping your dog’s blood sugars in check.
Grain-Free Chicken Recipe
Dog Standards’ grain-free option for sensitive stomachs. This specific recipe is meant to be palatable and easy for your dog to digest. Including ingredients like broccoli (great for fibre and source of vitamin C), coconut oil (natural anti-bacterial), and chicken (packed with omega 6 and essential amino acids).
Try a Dog Standards Subscription For Your Dachshund Today
To help support your Dachshund’s health and wellbeing, pet parents need to ensure that their dog's diet includes protein, supplements and vitamins for joint health, as well enough exercise.
Dog Standards is a human-grade fresh dog food delivery service that personalizes meals for your dog based on their age, weight, breed, and activity level. All recipes are gently cooked, meaning they’re cooked at a lower temperature to keep all the nutritional value of the ingredients while still eliminating the natural bacteria.
Start your Dachshund’s health journey today!
Ensure your Dachshund’s health with Dog Standards’ personalized subscriptions, focussing on tailored diets for different life stages, ensuring optimal nutrition and overall well-being.
Looking for another breed? Check out our other blogs!
By Dog Standards
Dog Standards delivers fresh, pre-portioned, and ready-to-serve pet food straight to your door. Healthy feeding has never been easier. Get started today at Dog Standards.