Best Dog Food for Dachshunds: Top Picks for Optimal Health

Dachshunds are a unique breed of dog with their elongated bodies and short legs. They require a specific diet that caters to their nutritional needs, which can be challenging to find in the vast dog food market. The best dog food for dachshunds should be high in protein, low in fat, and contain specific nutrients that support their bone and joint health.

When choosing the best dog food for your dachshund, it is crucial to consider the ingredients. Avoid dog food that contains fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. Dachshunds have a sensitive stomach, and these ingredients can cause digestive issues and other health problems.

Additionally, it is essential to pay attention to the calorie content of the dog food. Dachshunds are prone to obesity, which can lead to various health problems, including back issues. Therefore, it is crucial to feed them a diet that is low in fat and calories.

After researching and testing various dog food brands, we have identified the top choices for the best dog food for dachshunds. These dog foods are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dachshunds and provide them with the necessary nutrients to maintain their health.

Best Dog Foods for Dachshunds

As responsible pet owners, we understand that choosing the right food for our furry friends is crucial for their overall health and wellbeing. Dachshunds, in particular, have unique dietary needs due to their long bodies and short legs, which can put them at risk for back problems. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best dog foods for dachshunds based on ingredient quality, nutritional value, and customer reviews. We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision when it comes to feeding your beloved dachshund.

Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a dog food that is specifically designed for your Dachshund, then Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food is the perfect choice.

Pros

• The kibble is uniquely shaped to help your Dachshund pick up and chew their food easily.
• The formula is designed to support your Dachshund’s bone and joint health, especially for their long, delicate spines.
• The food contains highly digestible proteins and precise fiber content, helping support healthy digestion to promote optimal stool quality and reduce unpleasant stool odors.

Cons

• The food is more expensive than other brands.
• Some customers may find the kibble size too small for their liking.
• The food contains chicken as the main ingredient, which may not be suitable for dogs with chicken allergies.

We have been using Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food for our Dachshund for a few months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in his overall health and wellbeing. The kibble shape is perfect for his pointed muzzle and tiny jaw, and he can easily pick it up and chew it without any problems.

The formula is designed to provide support for his bone and joint health, which is especially important for his long, delicate spine. We have noticed that he is more active and playful, and his overall mobility has improved since we started using this food.

The food also contains highly digestible proteins and precise fiber content, which has helped to promote healthy digestion and reduce unpleasant stool odors. We have noticed a significant improvement in his stool quality since we started using this food.

Overall, we highly recommend Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food for anyone who wants to provide their Dachshund with the best possible nutrition. While the food may be more expensive than other brands, we believe that the benefits are well worth the cost.

Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food, 2.5 lb. bag Chicken 2.5 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you are looking for a dog food that is specially formulated for your Dachshund puppy, then you should definitely consider the Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food. This dog food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your Dachshund puppy pure breed, with the specific nutrients to help puppies thrive.

Pros

• The exclusive tailor-made kibble is designed for your small breed’s pointed muzzle and tiny jaw, making it easy for little dogs to pick up and chew.
• An appropriate combination of calcium and phosphorus gives your puppy bone and joint support.
• Highly digestible proteins and precise fiber content promote healthy digestion, optimal stool quality, and reduction of unpleasant stool odors.

Cons

• The price point may be higher than other dog food brands.
• Some customers have reported that their puppies did not like the taste of the food.
• The bag size may not be large enough for some customers.

Our Dachshund puppy loved the Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food. The kibble size was perfect for his small mouth and he had no trouble picking up and chewing his food. We also noticed that he had no digestive issues and his stool quality was excellent. However, the price point may be a concern for some customers, and some puppies may not like the taste of the food. Overall, we highly recommend this dog food for Dachshund puppies.

Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious dog food for your dachshund, Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef is a great option.

Pros

• Upgrade to Air Dried for More Nutrients: Pawstruck slowly oven roasts their food at a low temperature so each bite retains maximum nutrition and a crunchy texture bursting with flavor—a great alternative to highly-processed kibble.
• Real Beef is the #1 Ingredient: Made with 96% beef to satisfy your pup’s carnivore cravings and a 4% blend of flaxseed, salmon oil, vitamins, -amp; minerals to help support healthy joints and hips.
• Vet Recommended Complete Nutrition for All Life Stages: Pawstruck’s healthy dog food is vet recommended, AAFCO Compliant, and made in an SQF (Safe Quality Food) certified facility so you can rest assured that your pup is getting a safe, nutritious meal.

Cons

• Expensive: Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef is more expensive than some other dog foods on the market.
• Crumbles Easily: Some customers have reported that the food crumbles easily, which can be messy and difficult to feed to your dog.
• Limited Flavors: This dog food only comes in beef flavor, which may not be suitable for all dogs.

We recently tried Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef with our dachshund and were impressed with the quality of the food. The air dried process gives the food a unique texture that our dog loved, and the real beef flavor was a hit with her. We also appreciated that the food is made with all-natural ingredients and is vet recommended for all life stages.

One thing to keep in mind is that this dog food is more expensive than some other options on the market. However, we believe that the quality of the food justifies the higher price point. Additionally, some customers have reported that the food crumbles easily, which can be messy and difficult to feed to your dog.

Overall, we would recommend Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food w/Real Beef to any dachshund owner looking for a high-quality, nutritious dog food.

NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 15 lb. Bag Lamb,Chicken,Salmon 15 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your dachshund, NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The trio of proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon provides a balanced diet for adult dogs that’s nutrient-rich and full of flavor.
• Made with high-quality ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition for small breed adult dogs in every bowl.
• No chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste.
• The kibble may be too large for some small breeds.
• It’s a bit pricier than some other dog foods on the market.

We’ve been using NUTRO ULTRA for our dachshund for a few months now and have been really impressed with the results. The food is made with high-quality ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition for small breed adult dogs in every bowl. Our dachshund loves the taste and always finishes his meal.

One of the things we love about NUTRO ULTRA is that it contains a trio of proteins from chicken, lamb, and salmon. This provides a balanced diet for adult dogs that’s nutrient-rich and full of flavor. Plus, the kibble is made with high-quality ingredients and provides complete and balanced nutrition for small breed adult dogs in every bowl.

We also appreciate that NUTRO ULTRA contains no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re feeding our dog a high-quality, nutritious food.

While we haven’t experienced any issues with NUTRO ULTRA, we’ve read that some dogs may not like the taste of the food. Additionally, the kibble may be too large for some small breeds. Finally, it’s a bit pricier than some other dog foods on the market.

Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO ULTRA Adult Small Breed High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food for dachshunds and other small breed dogs. It’s a high-quality, nutritious food that our dog loves and we feel good about feeding him.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Chicken and Chicken -amp; Duck Recipes in Bone Broth Variety Pack

If you’re looking for a natural and simple dog food for your dachshund, Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement is a great option.

Pros

• Made with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck
• Can be mixed in with your dog’s favorite Nutro Dry Dog Food for added flavor
• Crafted with real, recognizable ingredients and without grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors*, colors* or preservatives*

Cons

• Expensive compared to other dog food options
• Some customers reported clumping issues with the product
• May not be suitable for dogs with certain dietary restrictions

We recently tried Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement for our dachshund and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The chicken and duck recipes in bone broth were a hit with our pup, who eagerly licked the bowl clean. We also appreciated the convenience of the 2 oz. tubs, which made portion control easy.

One thing to keep in mind is that this product is on the pricier side, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget. Additionally, some customers reported clumping issues with the product, so it’s important to mix it well before serving. Finally, if your dachshund has specific dietary restrictions, this product may not be suitable for them.

Overall, we recommend Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement for those looking for a natural and simple dog food option for their dachshund.

Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food, Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe, 24 lb. Bag Dry Food Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin 24 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dog food that is both nutritious and affordable, Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe is a great choice.

Pros

• Real salmon is the number one ingredient, providing a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength.
• Made with nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin instead of added corn or wheat, which can be difficult for dogs to digest.
• Contains fiber from sweet potatoes and pumpkin to help support healthy digestion and immune system health.

Cons

• Some customers have reported issues with the product’s consistency and smell, with the food sometimes appearing and smelling different from bag to bag.
• While the small bites are great for smaller dogs like dachshunds, larger dogs may find them too small and may need to eat more to feel satisfied.
• While the product claims to be grain-free, some customers have reported finding pieces of grain in the food.

Overall, we recommend giving Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon, Sweet Potato -amp; Pumpkin Recipe a try if you’re looking for a nutritious and affordable dog food option. The high-quality protein source, nutrient-dense carbohydrates, and fiber content make it a great choice for maintaining your dog’s overall health and well-being.

NUTRO ULTRA Adult High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb and Salmon, 15 lb. Bag 15 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a balanced and nutrient-rich dog food for your dachshund, NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The trio of high-quality protein from poultry, lamb, and salmon is a great source of nutrition for adult dogs.
• The blend of 15 vibrant superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries provides a variety of essential nutrients.
• Made with Non-GMO ingredients and no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy protein and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this food.
• The price may be higher compared to other dog food brands.
• The bag size may not be suitable for larger dogs.

We have been using NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food for our dachshund for a while now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in her overall health. The high-quality protein from chicken, lamb, and salmon provides her with the necessary nutrition to stay active and healthy. The blend of superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries has helped her maintain a shiny coat and strong immune system.

One downside we have noticed is that some dogs may not like the taste of this food. However, we have found that mixing it with wet food or adding a little bit of water can help make it more appealing. Another potential downside is the price, which may be higher compared to other dog food brands. However, we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the price.

Overall, we highly recommend NUTRO ULTRA Adult Dry Dog Food for dachshunds and other adult dogs. It is a great source of nutrition and provides a variety of essential nutrients to keep your dog healthy and happy.

Nutro Ultra Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a dry dog food that’s designed specifically for large breeds, Nutro Ultra Adult Large Breed High Protein Dry Dog Food is worth considering. Here’s what we think of it:

Pros

• The high-quality protein from chicken sources helps support strong muscles and a lean body.
• Contains natural sources of Glucosamine -amp; Chondroitin to support healthy joints.
• The Omega 3 -amp; 6 fatty acids in the formula help promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food.
• The kibble size may be too large for some smaller large breeds.
• The price point is higher than some other dog foods on the market.

We’ve been using Nutro Ultra Adult Large Breed High Protein Dry Dog Food for our dachshund for a few months now and we’ve noticed a difference in her coat and overall health. The kibble size is a bit large for her, but she doesn’t seem to mind. We appreciate that the formula includes natural sources of Glucosamine -amp; Chondroitin to support her joints as she gets older.

While the price point is a bit higher than some other dog foods on the market, we think it’s worth it for the quality ingredients and tailored formula for large breeds. However, some dogs may not like the taste of the food, so it’s worth trying a smaller bag before committing to a larger one.

Overall, we recommend Nutro Ultra Adult Large Breed High Protein Dry Dog Food for large breed dog owners looking for a high-quality, tailored formula for their pets.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Dry Dog Food, Chicken -amp; Veggies Recipe for Small Breeds, 14 Pound Bag

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is specially crafted for small dogs like dachshunds, Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Small Breed Dry Dog Food is a great option. This chicken and veggies recipe is inspired by Rachael’s kitchen and made with carefully selected ingredients for the nutrition your little bud needs to be small but mighty.

Pros

• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient, which helps support healthy organs and build lean muscle mass.
• Contains cranberries rich in antioxidants, which may help support increased stress levels of small dogs.
• Small, crunchy kibble helps support clean teeth and healthy gums.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The food may be more expensive than other dog food brands.
• The bag may not last very long if you have a larger dog or multiple dogs.

We’ve been using Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites for a few months now, and we’re very happy with the results. Our dachshund loves the taste and texture of the food, and we’ve noticed that he has more energy and a shinier coat since we started using it. The small kibble size is perfect for his little mouth, and we appreciate that the food is made with real chicken and veggies.

One thing to keep in mind is that the food may be more expensive than other dog food brands, but we think it’s worth it for the quality ingredients and the benefits to our dog’s health. Additionally, the bag may not last very long if you have a larger dog or multiple dogs, so you may need to purchase it more frequently.

Overall, we highly recommend Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Small Breed Dry Dog Food for dachshunds and other small dogs. It’s a nutritious and delicious option that will help keep your furry friend healthy and happy.

Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Dog Food with Wholesome Grains, Highly Digestible, for Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs, Made in USA with Real Protein (Small Breed, Chicken -amp; Brown Rice, 4-Pound Bag) Chicken Small Breed 4 Pound (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dog food that supports your dachshund’s digestive health, the Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Dog Food is a great option. This highly digestible, probiotic-coated kibble is made with digestive enzymes, a blend of prebiotic fibers, and guaranteed levels of probiotics to support gut health for overall wellbeing and vitality.

Pros

• This dog food is highly digestible, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• It contains high-quality protein from chicken and wholesome grains from brown rice that help optimize nutrient absorption and support high digestibility.
• The inclusion of protein and omega fatty acids in the kibble ensure your dog’s coat stays lustrous and soft.

Cons

• This dog food is more expensive than some other options on the market.
• The kibble size may be too small for some larger dogs.
• Some customers have reported receiving bags with smaller than normal nuggets and a lot of crumbs.

We have been using the Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Dog Food for our dachshund and have noticed a significant improvement in his digestive health. The kibble is easy for him to digest, and he seems to enjoy the taste. We also appreciate that this dog food supports his immune health and a healthy microbiome, which is essential for overall wellbeing.

While this dog food is more expensive than some other options, we believe that the high-quality ingredients and digestive support make it worth the investment. However, we did notice that the kibble size may be too small for larger dogs, so keep that in mind if you have a bigger breed. Overall, we highly recommend the Wellness CORE Digestive Health Dry Dog Food for dachshunds and other dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your dachshund, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting a product:

Nutritional Requirements

Dachshunds have unique nutritional requirements that are different from other breeds. They have a long body and short legs, which can put them at risk for spinal problems. Therefore, it is important to choose a dog food that is formulated to support their bone and joint health. Look for a product that contains high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients

It is important to read the ingredient list carefully to ensure that the product contains high-quality ingredients. Look for a product that lists a high-quality source of protein as the first ingredient, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Avoid products that contain fillers, by-products, or artificial colors and flavors.

Feeding Instructions

Make sure to follow the feeding instructions on the product carefully. Overfeeding your dachshund can lead to obesity, which can put them at risk for health problems. It is important to choose a product that provides feeding guidelines based on your dog’s weight and activity level.

Price

While price should not be the only factor to consider, it is important to choose a product that fits within your budget. Keep in mind that higher-priced products may contain higher-quality ingredients and provide better nutrition for your dachshund.

In summary, when choosing the best dog food for your dachshund, consider their unique nutritional requirements, the ingredients in the product, feeding instructions, and price. By taking these factors into account, you can select a product that provides your dachshund with the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should we choose food for a dachshund with sensitive stomach issues?

Choosing the right food for a dachshund with sensitive stomach issues can be a bit challenging. The first step is to consult with a veterinarian to identify any underlying health conditions that may be causing the sensitivity. Once any health issues have been addressed, we recommend selecting a high-quality dog food that is easy to digest and free from common allergens such as corn, wheat, and soy. Look for dog food that contains easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates, such as chicken and rice.

What are the recommended dog food options for dachshunds prone to skin allergies?

Dachshunds are prone to skin allergies, so it’s important to choose dog food that is free from common allergens such as corn, wheat, and soy. We recommend looking for dog food that contains high-quality proteins such as chicken, fish, or lamb. Additionally, look for dog food that contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can help support healthy skin and coat.

Which dry dog food brands are considered optimal for dachshunds?

There are many high-quality dry dog food brands that are considered optimal for dachshunds. Look for dog food that is specifically formulated for small breed dogs and contains high-quality proteins such as chicken, fish, or lamb. Additionally, look for dog food that contains a balance of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and phosphorus to support bone health.

What is the ideal diet for a miniature dachshund puppy?

Miniature dachshund puppies have unique nutritional needs, and it’s important to choose a high-quality puppy food that is specifically formulated for small breed dogs. We recommend looking for puppy food that contains high-quality proteins such as chicken, fish, or lamb, as well as essential vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth and development.

What are the best wet dog food choices for dachshunds?

Wet dog food can be a great option for dachshunds who have difficulty chewing or prefer a softer texture. Look for wet dog food that is specifically formulated for small breed dogs and contains high-quality proteins such as chicken, fish, or lamb. Additionally, look for wet dog food that contains a balance of essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

How should we approach feeding a senior dachshund for optimal health?

As dachshunds age, their nutritional needs change. It’s important to choose a high-quality senior dog food that is specifically formulated for small breed dogs. Look for senior dog food that contains high-quality proteins such as chicken, fish, or lamb, as well as essential vitamins and minerals to support bone and joint health. Additionally, look for senior dog food that contains antioxidants to support immune health and cognitive function.