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Best Dog Food for Dachshunds
- Authors
- Name
- ChewyChoice team
Introduction
Dachshunds, often lovingly called "wiener dogs" for their bodies resembling hot dogs, have a rich history beyond their unique appearance. Originally bred in Germany as badger hunters, these small dogs come with a big dose of charm and heritage.
Despite their size, dachshunds were valued for their spirit and impressive skill in tracking and hunting prey, especially badgers. Their special characteristics, like legs that kept them close to the ground and slender bodies perfect, for fitting into burrows made them perfectly suited for the job.
Like how their short legs and elongated bodies shape, their physical traits and hunting abilities specific nutrients tailored to meet their requirements are essential to upholding their distinct build and lively lifestyle.
This guide aims to assist you in comprehending your great danes requirements and identifying top notch dog food choices.
Nutritional Needs of Dachshunds
Considerations for Selecting the Best Dog Food for Dachshunds
Choosing the food for Dachshunds can be hard because each of them is unique. It's important to consider various factors when picking their dog food. One key factor is the age of the dog. Pups have different dietary requirements than adult dogs. So choosing a meal that suits their age is essential.
Understanding AAFCO Guidelines for Dachshunds Nutrition
AAFCO guideline specifies the minimum nutritional needs of both puppies and adults. For instance, adult dogs need at least 18% protein while puppies need around 22.5% protein on a dry matter basis.
Keeping breed needs and AAFCO guidelines in mind. Convert the nutritional analysis to a dried-matter basis for easier comparison. More importantly, consulting with a veterinarian. This ensures that the chosen food meets the needs of your pup based on their life stage and specific needs.
Meeting the Unique Nutritional Needs of Dachshunds
Dachshunds have a physique with their elongated bodies and stubby legs giving them an endearing look. However, this physicality also predisposes them to health issues. Concerns such as disc issues and herniated discs are common among this breed especially when they are carrying extra weight. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain their weight through nutrition to alleviate strain on their spines and support their overall well being.
Prioritizing hiqh quality protein dog food for Dachshunds
Protein plays a role in the diet of dachshunds with high quality animal sources like chicken, fish, turkey, beef or lamb being essential for their health. These proteins aid in muscle development and maintenance which are crucial for their lifestyle.
Supporting bone health for Dachshunds
Calcium and phosphorus contribute to bone health to prevent issues that are particularly significant for dachshunds prone to back problems. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements can reduce inflammation levels boost the system and improve skin and coat health in dachshunds. While these fatty acids are necessary for them dachshunds should follow a fat diet to avoid obesity related concerns while still obtaining essential nutrients.
Avoid feeding harmful additives to your Dachshund
Selecting the dog food is key in meeting the dietary needs of dachshunds. Opt for dog food where meat is the primary ingredient while avoiding fillers and low quality meat by products. Prioritize quality protein sources such, as poultry, fish and meat to enhance the well being of dachshunds. Make sure to keep your dachshund diet rich in fat by choosing dog food that contains fish oil or adding flaxseed, for omega-3 fatty acids without much fat. Steer clear of additives as they might harm your dachshund's health. Opt for ingredients to support their overall wellness.
Best Dog Food for Dachshunds July 2024
1. Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken
- Cracked Pearled Barley
- Brown Rice
- Pea Fiber
- Corn Gluten Meal
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, chicken meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active chihuahuas.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Cracked pearled barley and brown rice provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried beet pulp provides prebiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: chicken, lentils, peas could be potential allergens for some chihuahuas.
Sample Review from buyers
The vet told us our little chihuahua/terrier mix needed to lose weight. She LOVES to eat. We got her Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight dog food and she easily lost the extra pounds.
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Brown Rice
- Oatmeal
- Barley
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, chicken meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active chihuahuas.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown rice and oatmeal provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains glucosamine hydrochloride which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the chihuahua breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, peas could be potential allergens for some chihuahuas.
- Plant protein resources: We found that this food contains peas which is a plant-based protein source.
Sample Review from buyers
One of my dogs has developed a very sensitive stomach and tends to get diarrhea often. I switched to Blue Buffalo and no more stomach issues. Plus they love it. I would highly recommend Blue Buffalo Small Bites to anyone with small dogs.
3. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Turkey
- Chicken Meal
- Salmon Meal
- Oatmeal
- Ground Brown Rice
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has turkey, chicken, and salmon as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active chihuahuas.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Oatmeal and brown rice provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed and salmon oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the chihuahua breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Various probiotic strains in the food help support digestion and immunity in golden retrievers.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: chicken, egg, lentils, and peas could be potential allergens for some chihuahuas.
- Plant protein resources: We found that this food contains peas which is a plant-based protein source.
Sample Review from buyers
We feed both our dogs (mini goldendoodle, midsize bernedoodle) Wellness brand (different formulations). They both love the food and their poops are so healthy! Our bernedoodle, in particular, has a very sensitive stomach. We've had no issues since we switched to Wellness several years ago (she's 6 now).
4. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Salmon
- Rice
- Barley
- Canola Meal
- Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has salmon and fish meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active dachshunds.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Rice and barley provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as fish oil and sunflower oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains Glucosamine which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the dachshunds breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Bacillus coagulans provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Salmon, fish meal and egg could be potential allergens for some dachshunds.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains pea protein.
Sample Review from buyers
I had no idea that Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach came in small breed size!! I’ve been feeding my 16 pound dog the regular food for years! This is so much better for his little tum!!!
5. Hill's Science Diet Oral Care Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken
- Whole Grain Wheat
- Powdered Cellulose
- Brown Rice
- Whole Grain Corn
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active dachshunds.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Whole grain wheat and brown rice provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken fat and fish oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, lentils and peas could be potential allergens for some dachshunds.
Sample Review from buyers
My 10 year old petite golden doodle couldn't break the larger oral care bites so I would break each one in half, a labor of love! I was so glad to see the smaller size, she loves it!
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I safely switch my Dachshund puppy to adult food?
Between 9 and 12 months, take into account your puppy's breed size and switch to the appropriate adult formula to fulfill their evoling nutritional needs. The timing for switching to adult food depends on how fast your dog grows, with smaller breeds typically maturing faster than larger breeds.
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