Dachshund is a small-sized breed that contains a lot of stamina and energy. They are smart and bold who aren’t good for running miles, strenuous swimming, and leaping but make fine watchdogs with a big-dog bark. In order to maintain their long back and overall body, Dachshund needs a proper and balanced diet as well as exercise to stay fit.

Here in this article, you will learn about Dachshund feeding methods, their dog food, and supplements.

Diet Portion for Dachshund

Protein: Protein is very important as it helps to function properly that gives healthy skin, hair, bones, muscle development, and so on. For a healthy Dachshund, about 18-25% of the protein in his diet is recommended that can be consumed from poultry, grains, wheat, fish, beef, and many others.

Fat: Around 5% of fat is enough for Dachshund in their regular diet. This breed can easily get overweight so, you have to be extremely careful of fat in their diet. Talking about Dachshund, because of their long back getting overweight can strain their back which can lead to slipped or ruptured (herniated) discs.

Carbohydrate: Carbs are essential for the dog as they replenish and maintains glycogen storage which also boosts up their metabolism. As for a dog, 20% carbs are sufficient in their diet as they also help in digestion, absorption, and reduces appetite in hungry dogs.

How Much To Feed Dachshund?

The feeding process depends on the age, weight, and activities of your Dachshund. When your dog is a puppy, they have high growth rate where they need more food for their proper growth of muscles and bones. Hence, it’s best to feed 3-4 meals a day divided in an equal portion.

While your dog reach their adult phase you can limit their meal to 2 times a day. They aren’t an active dog but still need regular exercise. You can give treats in between their meals but always remember not to overfed them as they can easily get overweight which affects their health.

Overweighted Dachshund lying on the floor.
Image Source: New Your Post

Dog Food For Dachshund

Whether it’s cooked food or packaged food your dog’s body needs nutrition for its healthy lifestyle. As for cooked food, you can prepare them at home with a mixture of balanced meat, fish, vegetables, and rice. But remember not to feed cooked bones and high-fat content food to them. Although it’s also important to choose the right dog food as there are varieties of it in the market. So, here is a list of dog food perfect for Dachshund.

  • Royal Canin Dog Food for Dachshunds
  • Nutro Wholesome Essentials Dry Dog Food
  • Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
  • Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food

Best Supplements For Dachshund

Supplements are beneficial for dog health as it provides all nutrition needed for their body which they are not getting from their regular diet. However, if your dog is getting its required diet nutrition from their diet then starting supplements is not recommended.

  • Green-lipped mussels
  • Glucosamine hydrochloride
  • Boswellia serrata extract
  • Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU)

Human Food Dachshund Can and Cannot Eat

Dogs tend to digest food differently than humans so, offering wrong food can lead to several health problems. They eat almost everything we offer them and many people have a habit of giving food from their own plate. However, you should know what human food they can and can’t eat as it can be toxic for them.

Can Eat

  • Apple
  • Rice
  • Meat
  • Eggs
  • Watermelon
  • Peanuts
  • Coconut
  • Cucumber
  • Berries

Cannot Eat

  • Onion and Garlic
  • Ice-cream
  • Chocolates
  • Almonds
  • Citrus Fruits
  • Raisins and Grapes
  • Avocado
  • Chives

Why is Your Dachshund Not Eating?

There are several factors to consider as to why your Dachshund is not eating anything. Sometimes, it’s just a basic factor affecting their health but you also need to consider many things because it can indicate serious disease. Below are some of the major reasons for their loss of appetite.

Medical Reasons

  • Dental Problem
  • Worm infection
  • Medication
  • Digestive Problem
  • Bacterial infection

Behavioral Reasons

  • Sudden change in environment
  • Owner Absence
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Food Preference
  • Switch of regular routine

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