Dry Kibble:

For most owners dry kibble is the easiest option for daily feeding. You can ensure proper nutrition by selecting a food with high quality ingredients and named proteins. Grain free food are not considered a good option unless there is an allergy confirmed by a vet. You can enhance their diet by adding fresh fruits and veggies, as well as adding freeze dried toppers. Should equal 10% or less of their daily intake to insure they’re getting the proper macro and micro nutrients from their food.

Rotating different food brands and proteins is also a great option to give them diversity. Always change food slowly as to not cause digestive upset.

I personally feed Purina Pro Plan All Life Sages or Purina Pro plan Puppy sensitive skin and stomach. Either Salmon or Lamb. Royal Canin Puppy is also an excellent puppy food.

Some other great additions you. can add from time to time are:

Fish Oil or coconut oil

Goats milk

Yogurt

Cooked or raw eggs

Veggies (green beans, broccoli, carrots, spinach, pumpkin, sweet potato etc)

Fruits (blueberries, strawberries, pomegranates, oranges etc)

* always check to make sure what you’re adding is safe for dogs.

Freeze dried or frozen Raw:

This is a wonderful option for a dog with food sensitivities or a picky eater. There are lots of options out there at different price points. Unfortunately, these foods do tend to be much more expensive than traditional dry foods.

You can make them last longer by adding some of the fresh food options listed above or by adding a small amount of kibble to up calorie content (if your dog is not allergic). Try to find a company that works with a board certified canine nutritionist.

Homemade food:

This is a wonderful option if you have the time and desire. Taking fresh human grade foods and preparing meals for your dog is time consuming but very good for their overall health. It’s a good ideal to add a high quality vitamin and oil supplement if you choose this option, because some foods are lacking is essential nutrients. Try to find a recipe that was formulated by a certified canine nutritionist.

You can find all kinds of recipes online… I would encourage you to use recipes that include high quality grains and produce.

Feeding amount

Dachshunds are very prone to weight gain. This can be extremely hard on their backs. Just because they ask for it, doesn’t mean they NEED it. Keep them on a strict two meal a day schedule and always measure or weigh their food. Adding some fresh food options mentioned above can help with overall satiety. The average Dachshund only requires 1/4-1/2 cup of food twice a day and sometimes less.

*i’m giving the puppy versions of these foods but the adult formulas are excellent as well. You can switch your puppy to adult food around 9 months of age, when Dachshund growth is slowing down significantly.