Dachshunds, with their distinctive long backs and short legs, are a beloved breed known for their boldness, curiosity, and loyalty. Originally bred in 18th-century Germany to hunt badgers (from which they get their name, combining the German words "dachs" for badger and "hund" for dog"), these spirited dogs require a diet that supports their unique physical structure and energetic personality. Feeding your Dachshund well isn't just about filling their bowl; it's about fueling their body, supporting their health, and giving them the best chance to thrive.
Understanding Dachshund Nutritional Needs
When it comes to nutrition, most dogs, regardless of breed, have surprisingly universal needs. Dogs are classified as facultative carnivores. That means meat is their biological staple, but they can survive by scavenging and eating other food types, including some plant matter. Modern dogs may appear different from their wild ancestors, but biologically, they remain remarkably close to wolves.
Macronutrients: The Building Blocks of a Healthy Diet
Macronutrients are essential nutrients that the body needs in large quantities to function properly. These include:
- Protein: Important for muscle development, which is especially crucial for active Dachshunds.
- Fat: A concentrated form of energy, providing more than protein or carbohydrates, and essential for various bodily functions.
- Carbohydrates: While dogs have little requirement for carbohydrates, especially refined ones, they can digest and benefit from some plant-based foods.
Reading the Ingredients List: Quality Matters
After looking at the macronutrients, examine the ingredients list. Ingredients are listed in order by weight before cooking, meaning the first few ingredients make up most of the food. The first 5 ingredients on the list give a good snapshot of the overall quality and type of ingredients used.
Common Health Concerns in Dachshunds
Dachshunds are prone to certain health issues, making proper nutrition even more critical.
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- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Dachshunds are particularly prone to IVDD due to their elongated spine.
- Obesity: Dachshunds are predisposed to obesity because their short stature and small legs make it more difficult for them to exercise.
- Eye Disorders: Inherited eye disorders are a concern in Dachshunds, especially as they age.
- Dental Disease: Small dogs such as Dachshunds are more prone to periodontal disease.
- Epilepsy: Idiopathic epilepsy is a seizure without a known cause and has an assumed genetic origin.
- Luxating Patella: A luxating patella is common in small dogs, including Dachshunds.
- Bloat: While bloat in dogs is commonly thought to only affect large breeds, Dachshunds can develop it as well because of their deep chest.
- Deafness: Dapple Dachshund puppies (dogs that have a coat mottled or spotted with patches of color) may be born deaf, especially if both of their parents had dappled coats as well.
Exploring Different Dog Food Options
With so many choices, from canned dog food and kibble to grain-free formulas and the increasingly popular raw diet, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Each owner should do their own research in order to make the right decision for themselves, their budget, and their individual, unique dog.
Raw Dog Food: A Biologically Appropriate Choice
Raw dog food is whole food served in their most natural state with no heat processing. It’s the most biologically aligned option for dogs. It delivers nutrients in their most digestible and usable forms, with no need for synthetic additives, preservatives or mystery fillers. A raw, species-appropriate diet, also referred to as BARF diet for dogs (biologically appropriate raw food diet), includes muscle meat, organ meat, bone, raw fats, and a small amount of vegetables or berries.
Benefits of Raw Feeding:
- Better digestion
- More vitality
- Shinier coats
- Healthier teeth
- Weight control
- A stronger immune system
- Improved digestion
- Softer fur
- Fewer allergies
- Firmer poops
- More mealtime excitement
Raw Feeding for Dachshund Puppies: Studies have shown that puppies fed a raw diet grow up less likely to develop skin allergies, digestive problems, and ear infections than puppies fed kibble.
Risks and Precautions: Trying to feed a DIY raw diet carries some risks. A raw diet must be nutritionally complete and balanced, or you risk causing your Dachshund to miss out on important nutrients. Additionally, raw meat from the store may be contaminated with bacteria or other germs that could make your puppy very sick.
Kibble: Convenience with Considerations
A long time ago, some dogs only ate kibble. Then they transitioned to 100% raw. It is important to remember that there are a lot of good quality kibbles out there too. However, most commercial dry dog foods are loaded with carbs like grains, legumes and starchy fillers, often making up more than 50% of the recipe. Because carbs like grains, legumes and starchy fillers are cheap to bulk out food, not because they benefit your dog.
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Canned Food: A Hydrating Option
Canned food can be added to freeze dried raw to help it feel less powdery or use it in lick mats. There are just as many canned food options out there as there are kibble options.
Recommended Dog Food Brands
While there isn’t one right food for every dog, here are some favorite go-to brands and what works best. It is important to note that dogs don't always eat the same brand and it is important to rotate toppers and supplements.
Darwin's Food
Their balanced, complete meals are made with 85% real meat and organs and 15% fruits, vegetables and vitamins and minerals. All of their balanced, complete meals - chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and duck - are made of 75% grass fed or cage-free meat and 25% organic vegetables. Darwin’s Food can be shipped anywhere in the United States for a $6.50 minimum (shipping costs vary depending on where you are located). One of my favorite things about this raw food is that the ingredients are ground but not as small as with most raw foods.
Orijen
Orijen “Biologically Appropriate & Grain Free” dry dog food is a popular brand. Their grain free kibble is at least 80% meat/game/fish ingredients, 10% vegetables/fruits/botanicals, and 0% grain/potato/tapioca/plant protein concentrates. Ingredients also include probiotics and an omega oil boost.
Instinct Raw
They make an adult food formulas - available in beef, chicken, pollock (fish), and lamb - and a puppy formula. They use High Pressure Processing (also known as HPP or Cold Pressure) on all of their frozen and freeze-dried raw recipes to ensure they are free from pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, E. using the finest ingredients from around the world.
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Small Batch
Small Batch is made with all-natural, certified, humanely raised and harvested meats that are free of hormones and antibiotics. They try to use certified organic meat whenever possible. Meal flavors include beef. This is a “Whole Prey” raw food made with 80% meat/game/fish ingredients, 10% vegetables/fruits/botanicals, and 0% grain/potato/tapioca/plant protein concentrates.
We Feed Raw
A species-appropriate fully balanced raw diet like We Feed Raw is the best thing you can feed your dog to give them more quality years. We Feed Raw is made from approximately 80% raw muscle meat (with associated fat and connective tissue), 10% organ meat, and 10% finely ground bone. We add a small amount of a vitamin and mineral premix to ensure your Doxie gets all the nutrients they need with no fillers, artificial colors or flavors, or unnecessary carbohydrates.
Transitioning to a New Diet
Unless your dog is used to changing foods frequently, it’s best to transition to a new food slowly, at least the first few times.
Here’s how to switch your Dachshund from processed food to a raw, biologically aligned diet:
- Start by feeding your Doxie 75% of their old food and 25% of the new raw diet for a few days.
- Then, feed a 50/50 blend of old and new food for a few days.
- Finally, feed 25% of their old diet with 75% of the new diet.
During the transition, keep an eye on your dog’s poo (yes, really), energy levels, and appetite. Digest, a dog gut health supplement, can help soothe the gut, reduce gas, and ease the shift to fresh food.
Additional Tips for Feeding Your Dachshund
- Do not overfeed your Dachshund. How much you feed your dog should be determined by the specific food your Dachshund eats and your pup’s health.
- Limit Jumping. To help keep your Dachshund’s back healthy and prevent injuries, try to limit their jumping by installing pet stairs or ramps near furniture and beds.
- Provide Regular Exercise. Even though they are small, Dachshunds need regular exercise to stay fit and build strong muscles to support and protect their back.
- Practice Good Dental Hygiene. It’s important to brush your dog’s teeth daily, as it’s the best way to prevent dental disease.
- Maintain Ear Care. A general guideline for ear care is to check your dog’s ears for excessive wax once a month.
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