Like every dog breed, the Dachshund requires proper nutrition to grow healthy and strong and to stay that way throughout their life. Poor nutrition can lead to serious health problems, lower quality of life, and a shorter overall lifespan. Fortunately, quality food brands include all the vital nutrients necessary to create healthy bones, a strong heart, an optimal circulation system, and a quick mind. Most Dachshunds will eat between ¾ and 1 ½ cups of food a day, but your specific Dachshund’s nutrition needs will vary throughout their life depending on things like their age, activity level, and health status.
Puppies expend a large amount of energy, so they typically need to eat more to maintain those energy levels and to build up their bodies as they grow into adulthood. The trick is to make sure you’re feeding them enough so they are not underweight yet not so much that they become overweight and at risk for problems like diabetes.
There is no magic formula to follow that will ensure that your pup is getting the exact amount of food that they need each day to stay happy and healthy. This comprehensive guide should be sufficient for most Dachshunds, but every dog is different. For doubts about your Dachshund’s diet, it is best to consult with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist. They can help formulate a meal plan tailor-made for your dog to meet their individual needs.
Here’s a breakdown of feeding guidelines and more information that will help you better understand how to meet your Dachshund’s nutritional needs throughout their life.
Daily Feeding Guidelines for Your Average Dachshund
| Dachshund’s Weight | Amount of Food for Sedentary Activity Level | Amount of Food for Average Activity Level | Amount of Food for Robust Activity Level |
| 4 pounds (1.8 kg) | ½ cup | 5/8 cup | 5/8 cup |
| 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg) | ¾ cup | 1 cup | 1.25 cups |
| 11 pounds (5 kg) | 1 cup | 1.25 cup | 1 3/8 cups |
| 14.5 pounds (6.5 kg) | 1.25 cups | 1.5 cups | 1.5–1.75 cups |
| 18 pounds (8 kg) | 1.5 cups | 1.75 cups | 1 7/8 cups |
| 20 pounds (9 kg) | 1.5–1.75 cups | 1.75–2 cups | 1 7/8–2.25 cups |
| 22 pounds (10 kg) | 1.75 cups | 2 cups | 2.25 cups |
| Over 22 pounds (>10 kg)
(* This section is based on loose estimates; consult your veterinarian for more specific feeding recommendations.) |
*Add about 1/8 cup per every 3–5 pounds. |
*Add about ¼ cup per each additional 3–5 pounds. |
*Add about ¼ cup per each additional 3–5 pounds. |
We recommend feeding your dog two or three times a day to ensure that they don’t eat too much in one sitting and end up with an upset digestive system. Splitting their food into multiple meals will help ensure that their energy levels stay consistent and that they have the fuel that they need to get the most out of their day.
Feeding a Puppy vs. an Adult Dachshund
There are a few things to keep in mind when feeding your Dachshund as a puppy compared to feeding them as an adult. One is that they will require more energy as a puppy, which typically translates into eating more food. So, when using the feeding chart as a guide, choose the amount of food for a high activity level, even if your pup tends to maintain a lower or average activity level.
Second, you should feed your dog food that is made specifically for puppies. It will be higher in calories and protein than food made for all ages or adults. Therefore, a pup may not need as much of it at each mealtime; be sure to check the feeding instructions on the packaging.
Puppy food can be offered to your Dachshund until they are about 12 months old, at which time, they will be ready for adult food. Be sure to get one that is breed specific and includes all the vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, carbs, and antioxidants necessary for optimal health.
Tips to Avoid Underfeeding and Overfeeding Your Dachshund
It can be tricky figuring out exactly how much is the right amount of food to offer a Dachshund each day. The average Dachshund isn’t particularly active, which makes them prone to obesity if they eat too much. That said, these dogs are not couch potatoes either, so feeding them too little can affect their energy levels and lower their overall quality of life. Here are a few tips to help you avoid underfeeding or overfeeding your dog:
- Monitor Their Weight: Weigh your dog about once a week to make sure they are gaining as expected as a puppy or maintaining a healthy weight as an adult. If their weight starts to fall, you may need to add more food to their meals. If they are gaining weight, reducing food intake at mealtimes might be necessary.
- Keep an Eye on Their Body Composition: When you’re petting your dog, gently feel their ribs. You should be able to feel them but just barely; they should not be pronounced, protruding, or even visible. If their ribs are too exposed, they may be underweight. If their ribs cannot be felt at all, they might be overweight. If in doubt, schedule a consultation appointment with your veterinarian.
- Limit Snacks: To help your dog maintain a healthy weight, limit their snacks to no more than 10% of their diet. This means your dog shouldn’t have more than one or two treats a day, at most. Too many treats can add up calorie-wise and result in an overweight dog.
Final Thoughts
Dachshunds must eat nutritious food every day to maintain a happy and healthy life and to ensure that they meet or exceed their expected lifespan. While you should make sure the food that you feed your Dachshund is of high quality, it is also crucial to ensure that you are feeding them the right amount of food every day.
https://petnutritionalliance.org/site/pnatool/creating-nutrition-plan/
Featured Image: dogboxstudio, Shutterstock
