Dachshunds are quite distinguishable by their small size, long body, and stubby legs. They were originally bred for hunting and they still exhibit great canine intelligence as house dogs. Many people adopt them for their unique built. However, their distinct body shape can cause some problems if you do not take care of them properly. Dachshunds are at risk to various health conditions due to this unique physique.

You can provide your Dachshunds with a nutritious diet to avoid most health issues. Healthy and high-quality dog food also helps to fuel their energetic personalities. Read through this blog post to find out about the best dog foods for Dachshunds!

Our Top Dog Foods for Dachshunds

What do you feed your Dachshund? Does that food meet their dietary requirements? These are some of the questions that you must ask yourself if you own this breed. Here is a list of the best dog foods for Dachshunds for a healthy and nutritious diet:

1. Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food (Our Top Pick)
2. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Flavor Small Breed Dog Food (Best Budget Pick)
3. Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Small Breed Recipe (Best High-End Pick)
4. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for Small & Toy Breeds
5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Small Breed Dog Food

What is the Best Diet for Dachshunds?

All breeds of dogs have more or less the same basic nutritional requirements. Dachshunds are small and have a unique stature, so there are a few differences in their dietary needs. This breed has a fast metabolism and a higher need for calories in their diet. Dachshunds also need more protein to support lean muscle and prevent obesity. An ideal diet for Dachshunds should source both protein and fat from animal sources. Plant sources can also be used to some extent.

Dachshund puppies need a high-calorie diet with 22% protein and 8% fat. When your pet reaches maturity you can lower the diet to 18% protein, and 5 % fat. Apart from macronutrients in their diet, also include beneficial supplements and probiotics.

What Do You Look for in the Best Dog Food For Dachshunds?

The nutritional sources and values may vary in different dog foods, but the one you choose should have the following traits:

High-Quality Ingredients

Your must ensure that the dog food for your Dachshund should have high-quality ingredients. The best dog foods are made in countries with high quality and safety standards.

Real Meat as the First Ingredient

Dachshunds, due to their unique built, are prone to obesity and other health problems. This is the primary reason that they need more protein in their diet. Always choose the dog food which has real meat as the first ingredient.

No Additives

The best dog foods for Dachshunds will also be free of artificial flavors, colors and additives. This is necessary to check as added colors and flavor are the biggest cause of allergies in dogs.

Best Dog Food for Dachshunds Reviewed

You can find so many dog food brands in the market that it can be difficult to make the right choice for your pooch. Now that you know about the dietary requirements and the amount of food your Dachshund needs, here are the best commercial dog foods for your adorable companion:

1. Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog foods for Dachshunds. This canine formula is specifically designed to improve a dog’s health and the beauty of its coat. The formula has a balanced proportion of protein, fat and carbohydrates. The calcium and phosphorous in the dog food also support your Dachshunds bones, joints and muscles.

Pros

• Unique kibble design
• Breed-specific formula
• The protein content and L-carnitine in the formula support muscles
• Digestible protein and precise fiber content

Cons

• Contains by-products of meat

2. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Flavor Small Breed Dog Food

Taste of the Wild Appalachian Flavor Small Breed Dog Food is for those Dachshunds owners who are looking for an affordable option. It is one of the most popular dog foods for this breed. This formula is a meat-based diet for Dachshunds, which has real venison as the first ingredient. The brand aspires to mirror the diet of dogs in the wild. It contains protein, vegetables, fruits and all highly digestible ingredients. The small kibbles are suitable for the tiny teeth and jaws of your Dachshund.

Pros

• High-quality protein, fruits and vegetables
• Contains venison and lamb meal which prevents any food allergies
• Digestible, grain-free carbohydrates
• Prebiotics and probiotics
• Blend of omega fatty acids
• No artificial flavors or additives

Cons

• Contains plant protein
• Main source of fat is plant-based

3. Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Small Breed Recipe

Wellness Core makes a line of dog foods that are specifically for small breeds like Dachshunds. The formula is grain-free which makes it easily digestible for your dog. This canine formula also does not contain by-products of meat, soy, corn and artificial flavors. It has a high protein content and healthy fat content from salmon oil.

Pros

• Grain-free
• Supports heart’s health
• High-quality and all-natural ingredients
• Contains fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants
• No artificial colors, flavors or additives

Cons

• Slightly expensive as compared to other options
• Some reported issues of diarrhea

4. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Natural Adult Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds is specifically for small dogs like Dachshunds. The formula contains all-natural and nutritious ingredients necessary for canine diet. With chicken, brown rice and sweet potato, the aroma and flavor of the formula are very appealing for dogs. This dog food has a good balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates. It also contains flaxseeds for omega-3 fatty acids. Another great thing is that all ingredients are non-GMO.

Pros

• Real chicken is the first ingredient of the canine formula
• Whole grain oatmeal and brown rice are the primary sources of carbohydrates
• Antioxidants boosts the immune system of your dog
• Tailored nutrition specifically for small breeds

Cons

• Does not contain probiotics

5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Small Breed Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Small Breed Dog Food is another great choice for small dogs like Dachshunds. The Blue Buffalo dog food contains real meat as the first ingredient. It sources high-quality protein from chicken, which helps in maintaining healthy muscles. The formula also contains Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits, which is a blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The best thing about this canine formula is that it helps in maintaining a healthy weight of Dachshunds.

Pros

• Made with real chicken
• Contains omega-3 and omega-6
• 20% crude protein and 10% crude fiber
• Strengthens the immune system

Cons

• Not suitable for dogs with grain allergies
• The source of protein is chicken which can also trigger allergies in Dachshunds