The Best Dog Food for Dachshunds
Nothing less than a superstar in the canine world, Dachshunds are instantly recognizable because of their bold personalities and trademark low-slung oblong shape.
This breed comes in two sizes; a standard size, standing at about 8 to 9 inches tall and weighing between 16 to 32 pounds, as well as a miniature size, standing at a lower 5 to 6 inches and weighing below 11 pounds.
Dachshunds have a lifespan of around 12 to 16 years on average. First registered as a breed with the AKC in 1885, these German dogs are immensely popular in the United States, ranked 12th out of 205 breeds.
All dogs, including Dachshunds, benefit from being fed on a routine basis. This is because it keeps your Dachshund’s digestive system consistent and predictable.
It’s critical to consult a veterinarian before devising a feeding regimen and to avoid feeding dogs after they’ve played or exercised, as this can result in significant and potentially fatal disorders like bloat, volvulus, and cerebellar ataxia.
Chocolate, onions, and certain nuts contain compounds that dogs are allergic to and can be deadly in excessive doses, despite the fact that most human foods are totally safe for your dog.
Allergies to grains such as soy, wheat, and corn are common in Dachshunds. As a result, it’s vital to ensure that food for the Dachshund breed doesn’t contain any of the mentioned allergens.
Choosing which of the numerous seemingly similar dog food labels on the market is the best for the Dachshund breed is one of the most difficult selections you’ll have to make.
Fortunately, for you and your canine buddy, we’ve compiled a list of ten high-quality dog foods for active small and medium-sized dogs. However, it is also important to note that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all label or brand of dog food, as all dogs are individuals with unique needs of their own.
Royal Canin Dachshund Food
The first food on our list is “Royal Canin Dachshund Food.” This product is available in two sizes, 2.5 and 10-pound bags. If you’re seeking the best dog food for Dachshunds, Royal Canin has a perfect product just for them.
The brand claims that all ingredients in “Royal Canin Dachshund Food” are scientifically proven to enhance your dog’s overall health, and it comes in the form of pretty large kibbles that are easy to chew and highly tasty.
“Royal Canin Dachshund Food” has the right quantity of protein, carbs, and fat for an adult Dachshund (at least 10 months old). It also contains calcium and phosphorus, which are beneficial to bone health. Your dog’s muscles and joints will benefit from this as well.
While the protein comes from a chicken by-product, the dish also includes brewers rice and is vitamin and mineral fortified. Even if you can’t resist giving your dog a treat now and then, the energy composition has been adjusted to prevent weight gain.
Thus, we can say that “Royal Canin Dachshund Food” is an optimal choice of food for the Dachshund breed, as it’s been formulated specifically for the breed to meet all of its dietary and growth requirements. “Royal Canin Dachshund Food” is priced at $20.00 for the 2.5-pound bag and $53.99 for the 10-pound bag.
Orijen Adult Dog Food
The second label we’ve listed is “Orijen Adult Dog Food.” This brand has a single grain-free flavor containing “Free-Run Chicken, Turkey, and Wild-Caught Fish.” This product is available in three sizes 4.5 between 25 pounds.
This dog food is excellent for any dog breed that needs a little more protein in their diet, which includes very energetic Dachshunds. This high-quality freeze-dried food contains everything you’d want in your Dachshund’s dog food.
To begin with, Orijen’s recipe is based on the idea that dogs once used to be carnivores. As a result, animal components are included in 85 percent of this diet. The first five components of “Orijen Adult Dog Food” include chicken and turkey, as well as responsibly farmed fish. Eggs, bones, and organs are among the other ingredients, as are vegetables and fruits such as spinach, carrots, blackberries, and cranberries.
This dog food is high in healthy fats thanks to its unique ingredient list, making it ideal for active adult Dachshunds or dogs who could use a little extra weight gain.
Even the pickiest dogs can’t resist this meal because of the freeze-dried coating, which adds an irresistible raw flavor to the kibble.
“Orijen Adult Dog Food” is a good choice of food for the Dachshund breed due to its unique ingredients and high protein content, which helps sustain these highly active canines. This product will set you back $27.99 to $199.98, depending on the purchased quantity.
Taste of the Wild Small Breed Appalachian
The third recommended food for the Daschund breed is “Taste of the Wild Small Breed Appalachian.” This is a more premium product manufactured by Taste of the Wild for small breed dogs like Daschunds. “Taste of the Wild Small Breed Appalachian” is available in 3 sizes – 5, 14, and 28-pounds.
In line with the ethos of the manufacturing company this dog feed, like most other meals from Taste of the wild, is meat-based, due to the idea that the canine predecessors of Dachshunds were carnivores. Thus this brand could be a good way to rouse the tiny wolf that lives inside your Dachshunds.
The first mentioned ingredient is venison, which is the main source of protein. This dog food has more than 30% protein, which is great for your pup’s energy, as well as his bones, joints, and all lean muscles. Because there is so much actual fruit and vegetables in the food, it is also abundant in vitamins and minerals.
The mix also contains omega fatty acids, which are beneficial to the coat and skin of your Dachshund. The smaller kibble sizes are also made specifically for dogs like the Daschund.
While a bit more premium than other listed brands, “Taste of the Wild Small Breed Appalachian” is worth the premium price due to its impeccable quality ingredients. This feed can be availed from $17.99 to $55.99.
Wellness Complete Health
The fourth brand of food for the Daschund breed is “Wellness Complete Health.” Manufactured by Wellness, this product can be purchased in two sizes – 4 and 12 pounds.
“Wellness Complete Health” dog food is specially created to meet the needs of small dog breeds. Real turkey is the first specified component, but oatmeal is also important.
The kibbles are relatively small, making them ideal for tiny dog breeds like Dachshunds, who have small jaws and teeth. It contains whole grains but is maize, soy, and wheat-free, so it shouldn’t affect sensitive stomachs in most dogs.
Omega fatty acids, taurine, antioxidants, probiotics, and glucosamine are all included in the mix. This ensures that your dog receives the nutrients he requires for healthy development.
Not only that, but there are no meat by-products, GMOs, fillers, or chemical preservatives in this dog food. This way, you’ll know exactly what your dog is eating and can rest easy knowing that their diet is balanced and nutritious.
“Wellness Complete Health” is undoubtedly a great choice for your Daschund and it can be purchased for between $20.99 and $46.99.
Iams Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
The fifth entry belongs to “Iams Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food,” another popular brand of feed for small breed dog owners. Iams manufactures this product in a single chicken flavor and in two sizes of 7 and 15 pounds.
This veterinarian-recommended dog food is made with real, organic farm chicken kibbles, authentic, nutritious ingredients, no filler, flavonoids, minerals, and omega-6 fatty acids to support your little dog’s immune and physical health. Iams feed ranges in price from $14.66 to $36.97, depending on the bag weight, making it one of the most cost-effective goods on the list.
Farmina Natural & Delicious
The sixth place on our list belongs to “Farmina Natural & Delicious.” This product is available in a single chicken and pomegranate flavor in a single 5.5 pound size.
Farmina is a dog food company that prides itself on using high-quality ingredients. This tiny breed dog food is no exception, and due to its low glycemic recipe, it can even work well for Dachshunds.
“Farmina Natural & Delicious” is high in protein, with deboned chicken as the primary protein source. Most dogs will enjoy the taste of deboned chicken, which is one of the most popular animal proteins.
In fact, animal sources account for 92% of the protein in this kibble. Because none of the ingredients are ever frozen, they are always fresh and nutritious, as freezing reduces the nutritional value of any product.
It doesn’t contain chickpeas, lentils, or other plant oils, and it’s non-GMO. It’s also free of wheat and gluten, making it a wonderful option for dogs with a variety of food sensitivities, thus making it an excellent choice to purchase. “Farmina Natural & Delicious” is priced at a reasonable $33.95.
Nutro ULTRA Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
The seventh entry on our recommendations belongs to “Nutro ULTRA Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food.” Available in a single flavor, this product is packaged in three sizes of 4, 8, and 15 pounds.
Unlike the other items on our list, “Nutro Ultra Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food” contains three different proteins: real chicken, lamb, and salmon, rather than just one. The cuisine also features a Nutro-exclusive “superfood mix,” which was expertly constructed.
You’ll find organic grains like brown rice, whole oats, chia seeds, and healthy proteins like salmon and eggs, flaxseeds, sunflower oils, and organic tomatoes, as well as superfoods like coconuts, apples, blueberries, carrots, pumpkins, kale, and spinach.
With strong teeth and bones, sound digestion, healthy skin and coat, and a slim physique with powerful muscles, your Daschund can thrive with this holistic, delicious, unique, and nutritious feed created particularly for smaller breed dogs. The price of this cuisine ranges from $16.99 to $34.99, depending on the weight.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed
The eighth brand we have recommended is “Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed.” This product is manufactured by Blue Buffalo in the USA and is available in five sizes, ranging from 5-pounds to 34-pounds.
Blue Buffalo is a very popular brand that makes high-quality dog food for a wide range of breeds, both small and large. Thus, it should come as no surprise that they also make some of the best Dachshund food products. To ensure your dog doesn’t ingest any animal by-products,
“Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed” is made with nutritious grains and real chicken. Not only that but there are no preservatives or fillers, making this cuisine as natural as it gets.
The kibbles include the ideal combination of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to help your dog’s immune system and overall health. They also have a healthy ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids. This will aid in muscular development, skin health, and a lustrous coat.
Furthermore, included vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots ensures that your dog gets the nutrition they require. This will also help them maintain high levels of energy. Priced between $17.99 and $111.96, “Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed” is a surefire choice for Daschund owners.
Nulo Small Breed Dry Dog Food
The ninth food we recommend for Daschunds is “Nulo Small Breed Dry Dog Food.” “Nulo Small Breed Dry Dog Food” is available in four different sizes, ranging from 4.5 to 14 pounds, and has a distinct Seafood flavor. Nulo is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and all of its products are proudly created in America.
This feed has a special meat-rich, low-carbohydrate blend with 84% fish-based protein for more amino acids and flavor. This meal is grain-free, which means it is made without the use of starchy ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, white potatoes, or tapioca.
This food is also free from chemicals such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. “Nulo Small Breed Dry Dog Food” contains fewer carbohydrates and ingredients with a low glycemic index, such as lentils, sweet potato, and chickpeas.
In small breed dogs, the smaller kibble size assists proper chewing, reduces choking, and improves digestion. It contains Miscanthus grass, high in natural fiber, which helps to fulfill a small dog’s hunger without filling their bellies too much. “Nulo Small Breed Dry Dog Food” aids weight loss in dogs by decreasing sugar content and supplementing with L-Carnitine.
Furthermore, the unique BC30 probiotics in “Nulo Small Breed Dry Dog Food” promote food digestion in tiny bellies and help maintain healthy gut flora. BC30 probiotics are bacterias that
produce lactic acid and help tiny dog breeds regulate their metabolism.
“Nulo Small Breed Dry Dog Food” is an excellent choice for Dachshunds and is moderately priced, ranging from $37.75 to $68.50.
Purina ONE SmartBlend
The tenth and final product we recommend for the Daschund breed is “Purina ONE SmartBlend.” This dry dog food is formulated for adult dogs and comes in 5 packet sizes ranging from 4 to 40 pounds, with a chicken and rice flavor in each of them. This feed is suitable for Dachshunds and is also suggested for breeds of all sizes.
Purina ONE SmartBlend’s major ingredients are protein-rich chicken morsels, crunchy kibble bits, rice flour, and corn gluten meals, as well as other grains. This feed contains a dual defense antioxidant combination that assists in the maintenance of a healthy immune system in dogs.
Minerals, vitamins, and additives in the food help to promote proper joint and bone formation. There is no filler in this feed, and it is healthy for dogs of all breeds. Purina ONE SmartBlend costs from $17.33 to $104.58, depending on the quantity of food purchased.
When it comes to feeding dogs, bear in mind that professionals, such as veterinarians, advocate a 10-day feeding schedule to allow your dog to adjust to different brands and varieties of dog food.
For the first 1-3 days of the plan, feed your dog 25% of the new brand and 75% of the old brand. Over the next 4-6 days, make the old and new brand ratios equal or two servings of 50% each.
On days 7-9, feed your dog 75% new brand and 25% old brand in their portions. By day 10, your Dachshund will have adjusted to the new brand and will be able to eat only that brand of dog food. It’s also crucial to provide your Dachshund with a nutritious, well-balanced diet, as this has a big impact on their lifespan, health, and overall quality of life.
This time range may also assist you in determining whether or not the feed is appropriate for your dog. Despite the fact that all of the items listed above are excellent Dachshund foods, they may contain ingredients that your dog will react negatively to. In that case, speaking with your veterinarian and moving to a new type of feed may be the best course of action.
conclusion
All of the dog foods mentioned above are of comparable quality and, for the most part, cover the same ground: they’re high in protein, free of coarse grains that could irritate your Dachshund’s stomach, and specially formulated to meet the energy, nutritional, and growth needs of small-sized dogs.
