Lovingly referred to as the Weiner dog, dachshunds are one of the most recognizable canine breeds around. With their long slender bodies and stubby legs, it is almost impossible to resist their wagging body (and tail) as they walk cheerfully towards you!
And that’s not even the best part!
These cute pups have an energetic character to match their goofy looks! They are extremely friendly and spend hours of playing and running, making them a nice addition to the family!
Sadly, their cute build makes dachshunds prone to various health issues that can affect their quality of life.
The good news is that you can help at least minimize these problems by providing them with only high-quality foods. A balanced diet can help prevent health concerns and give them the energy to be the lively and playful buddy we know!
Without further ado, here is a shortlist of the best food for dachshunds:
| Dachshund Product | Available Sizes | Main Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Canin Adult Dachshund Dry food | 2.5 lbs., 10 lbs. | Brewers rice, brown rice, chicken by-product meal | Check Latest Price |
| Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight | 4 lbs., 15 lbs. | Chicken | Check Latest Price |
| Purina Bella Natural Bites Small Breed Dog Food | 12 lbs. | Chicken and beef | Check Latest Price |
Top 3 Best Food For Dachshunds Reviews
Royal Canin Adult Dachshund Dry Food — The Best Overall
If you want the best of the best, then this is the best dachshund food you can find. This breed-specific dog food from reputable brand Royal Canin boasts a 4.7-star rating on Amazon alone!
Specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dachshunds, this exclusive kibble has the ideal ratio of carb, fat, and protein for dachshunds 10 months and older.
Not only that, but it also features a sufficient amount of phosphorus and calcium, that help support their long backbone and tiny limbs.
And it doesn’t stop there! Royal Canin even created specific kibble shapes and sizes that help encourage chewing and reduce tartar and plaque buildup.
And this customized kibbles are specially designed for dachshunds’ tiny jaw and pointed muzzle, making it easy for them to pick it up and chew. Highly palatable and aromatic, this healthy dog food is favorite amongst dachshunds and even for the fussy eaters.
What we liked:
- Includes calcium and phosphorus
- Highly digestible proteins reduce stool odor
- Suitable for dogs 10 months old and above
- Breed-specific recipe
What we didn’t like:
- The first ingredient is chicken meal by-product
Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight The Best For Weight Management
Obesity is fairly common among dachshunds. And it does not take much for them to gain weight, even if they have a very active lifestyle.
So, if your adorable doxy is gaining unhealthy weight, pushing you to change his diet, then the Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight if your best bet!
This dry dog food offers breakthrough weight management nutrition with Hill’s Science claiming that over 70 percent of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed with this.
Other than its weight gain preventive formula, this dog dry food is also made from natural ingredients that help your dachshund maintain lean muscle.
This dry pet food features chicken as is the first ingredient followed by other nutritious ingredients, providing your pup with a hearty and delicious meal.
Great-tasting, this kibble does not have any artificial flavors, colored or preservatives that can irritate your pet’s sensitive stomach.
What we liked:
- Contains regulated premium chicken proteins for weight loss
- Promotes lean muscle
- Contains no preservatives, additive, and by-products meal
- Proven to be effective in 70 percent of dogs
What we didn’t like:
- Some dogs have trouble transitioning with the new diet
- Some bags contain crumbled kibbles
Purina Bella Natural Bites Small Breed Dog Food The Budget-Friendly Option
If you want a budget-friendly option without comprising quality, then the Bella Natural Bites from renowned brand Purina is a good choice.
This pampered, great-tasting dry food is specially formulated for smaller breeds and includes all the nutrition that shed needs.
Made from multiple sources of protein with real chicken and beef as its first ingredients, this dry dog food gives her the amount of protein he needs. It also features sweet potato and spinach, for a good blend of antioxidants to support your pup’s immune system.
Meanwhile, the tender shreds offer some interesting texture that entices your dachshund while the chewy and crunchy kibbles can help support good dental health by reducing dental plaque and tartar buildup while freshening his breath.
Safe and nutritious, this dog food does not contain any preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, so your dog only enjoys only wholesome goodness for a happy and healthy life.
What we liked:
- Affordable price tag
- Small and easily chewable kibbles
- The rich blend of antioxidants with vitamins and minerals
What we didn’t like:
- Buyers complained about getting a bad batch or expired feed
- The recipe contains lots of starches, fillers, and sugars
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Dachshund Food
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Before you choose a good dog food for Dachshund, here are things to know about first:
Nutritional Requirement
The average adult Dachshund weight about 30 pounds and requires less than 1,000 calories (at least 800 – 900) daily.
And this is if your wiener gets a decent amount of physical exercise every day. For adult miniature Dachshunds, their caloric needs are much lower— about 400 calories daily.
As for puppies, they need more caloric and nutrient-rich foods since they are still growing and developing. On average, it should be about 1,000 calories daily.
Of course, dogs are different, so the daily intake of calories for your dachshund can be different than other dachshunds, simply because they have different metabolisms.
Also, physical activity plays a big role— with less active dachshunds should have less food to eat and vice versa. Otherwise, they can suffer from health problems like obesity.
First Ingredient
Good dachshund foods feature real meat as their first listed ingredient. This includes salmon, beef, chicken, lamb, or turkey. Although properly identified meat-meals are acceptable, ideally meat meals should be listed after the primary protein.
No Unnecessary Additives, Fillers, and By-Products
Additives like artificial flavors or colors don’t have the necessary nutrients at all. And while some manufacturer believes that additives like colorings and flavorings can make the food looks appealing, they are not necessary and may even cause skin allergies and other problems.
In addition, high-quality dog food should not have any unidentified meat-meals or by-products. Ingredients like these may be comprised of any number of species that can be unhealthy to your dog, so it is best to stick to foods that you can identify.
Meanwhile, low-quality fillers like gluten, corn, and wheat do not have any value to your dog’s diet. And in case you have a dog with a sensitive stomach, these fillers can even worsen his symptoms.
Conclusion
These little monsters may have small limbs and lengthy bod—that it may be hard for you to distinguish they’re sitting or already standing on four legs— however they have the biggest doggy heart and brightest smiles you can imagine!
So, what better way to show your appreciation and love to this cute waggling canines, than giving them only the best and nutritious foods for dachshunds to live a happy, waggy life!