Best Food to Feed Your Dachshund
“What food should we feed our sausage dog?” was one of the first questions we asked when we were researching the breed and deciding to go ahead with getting a puppy. It can feel quite overwhelming looking at the many different options on sale in the supermarket, in pet shops and online, so we didn’t really know where to start.
Our breeder gave us an initial supply of Royal Canin Puppy kibble which the litter had initially been weaned onto, and we kept him on this until he was old enough to transition onto the adult food, after which we moved him to Royal Canin Dachshund kibble at the recommendation of our vets. However we found that he would go through phases of not enjoying eating this food as much, so we started then to mix it with the Royal Canin wet food. Quickly he unfortunately also went off the Royal Canin wet food very quickly, so it became clear that we were going to need to find him an alternative.
We then started mixing the Royal Canin dry food with Lily’s Kitchen wet food on the recommendation of a friend who had been trying their dog on the Lily’s Kitchen food. These are available in handy 150g trays in a wide variety of flavours, meaning that we could easily change up the tastes. They are also available in multi packs and variety packs too, as well as larger 400g cans.
From time to time we would still find that Rocky was less interested in the Royal Canin kibble. In conversation, someone drew my attention to the website All About Dog Food which gives you nutritional information for different brands of dog food, and after having done some research on here, we discovered that Royal Canin (although recommended by our vets!) while not the worst, is also not the best food when it comes to nutrition and meat content. We have now switched to Lily’s Kitchen Dry Food alongside the Wet Food, as this is rated much higher than the Royal Canin. Our dachshund’s favourite flavour of the Lily’s Kitchen kibble is Wild Woodland Walk with Duck, Salmon and Venison, and is also a grain-free recipe, available in a range of sizes from 1kg up to 12kg. We have also found our dog absolutely loves this, and is excited for dinner time, rather than occasionally turning his nose up at the bowl! It’s a bit more expensive than the Royal Canin, but for better quality food that we’re less likely to throw away uneaten, it’s worth a few extra pennies.
Another really popular choice, which we haven’t personally tried, but I know several other dachshund owners that do favour the brand is Butternut Box, which scores very highly on the All About Dog Food site. They offer fresh dog food on a subscription box plan, however the consideration here is that it is frozen, so you require some freezer (and fridge space for defrosting) to be able to take advantage of this.
Should I feed my dachshund dry or wet food?
When deciding between dry and wet food for your dachshund, consider factors such as dental health, caloric intake, and convenience. Dry kibble is beneficial for dental hygiene, as it helps reduce plaque buildup and is often more affordable. It's also convenient to store and measure out, allowing more control over portion sizes to prevent overeating. However, some dachshunds may find kibble less palatable or harder to chew, particularly older dogs with dental issues.
Wet food, on the other hand, tends to be more appetising and easier for dachshunds to chew, especially for dogs with dental or jaw problems. It also provides extra hydration, which is helpful for dogs that don’t drink enough water. However, wet food is typically more calorifically dense and can lead to weight gain if not carefully portioned. Owners can also consider a mixed feeding routine, providing both dry and wet food to balance flavour, texture, and health benefits.
Ultimately, we chose a blend of both for our dachshund to get the benefits of each.
Are raw diets safe for dachshunds?
Raw feeding is another very popular choice of food for dachshunds, this however is something that I personally was less inclined to try, due to the hygiene and storage considerations (we don’t have loads of freezer space). Raw diets, while popular in some dog owner communities, can present risks and challenges for dachshunds. Proponents claim that raw food mimics the natural diet of dogs and can lead to shinier coats, healthier skin, and better digestion. However, raw diets can also expose dachshunds to harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, which can pose health risks to both pets and their owners. Additionally, balancing nutrients in a raw diet can be difficult without professional guidance, leading to deficiencies or excesses in certain vitamins and minerals.
Raw feeding can be a beneficial dietary choice for dachshunds when done with careful consideration and guidance from your vet or canine nutritionist. This approach involves feeding a diet primarily consisting of raw, unprocessed foods such as raw meat, bones, and organs. Advocates of raw feeding argue that it can provide numerous benefits for dachshunds, including improved coat condition, dental health, and increased energy levels. However raw feeding carries some potential risks, such as bacterial contamination, so it's essential to follow safety guidelines and consult with a professional to create a suitable raw feeding plan tailored to your dachshund's individual needs. There is lots of information available online about raw feeding, should this be something you are interested in trying.
While we have included some of our personal recommendations based on experience and the food our dog has enjoyed eating, selecting an appropriate dog food for your dachshund is a personal choice and an important decision that directly impacts your dog’s health and happiness. When choosing a food for your pet, keep in mind your dog's individual needs, such as age, size, breed, and any specific health concerns. It’s best to scrutinise and understand the ingredients list, and do plenty of research to ensure that the food you are feeding is high-quality, and free from excessive fillers and additives. If unsure on what to choose, consulting with your vet for tailored dietary recommendations can be immensely beneficial.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon associate, I may earn a small commission from any qualifying purchases on links included in this article. I only ever recommend products that I have personal experience with using regularly for my dog and that I would use again.
