Chances are you clicked on this article because you want to know more about Dachshund feeding. If you’re wondering, “How much should my Dachshund eat?” you’ve come to the right place.
Dachshunds must adhere to a healthy diet because even though these are active dogs, they are susceptible to excessive weight gain, which can have adverse effects on their overall health.
Whether you decide on canned or raw food, wet canned food or dry food, we’ll help you find the best dog foods for these small breed puppies or adult dogs.
Dachshunds are relatively small dogs, so their little stomachs only require small portions of dog food.
The amount of food Dachshunds need to maintain a balanced diet depends on their size, age and whether or not they have any health conditions – like pregnancy. Dachshunds should be fed:
Here are our recommended portions for Dachshund:
As growing little Dachshunds, your puppy needs to be fed puppy food that is rich in protein and fats to ensure they receive all the essential nutrients for growing and developing bodies.
Here’s our recommendation for puppy-sized daily portions:
Feed your puppy three small meals daily. For the best results, let your Dachshund puppy eat for 20 minutes and pick up the bowl.
Adult Dachshunds don’t require the same fat and protein content as puppies, but the amount of food depends on their activity levels and their size. Dachshunds pick up weight easily and are prone to obesity, so it’s important to control their portions and watch the snacking.
We recommend feeding your adult Doxie 1.37 – 2 cups of adult dog food twice a day for ideal results.
Whether standard or mini, Dachshunds are considered senior dogs from the age of seven, their bodies start to change, and how much food they eat will have to change too. They need fewer calories and a higher dose of glucosamine and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to keep their joints nimble and their coats looking healthy.
Feed your senior Doxie 1 – 1.37 cups of food a day, but monitor them to maintain a healthy weight.
Throughout your Doxie’s pregnancy, you’ll need to prioritise her feeds as the puppies grow to prevent a time of whelping. The feeding plan will look different throughout gestation, but she will need to be on a balanced and nutritious diet containing 29% protein, 17% dietary fat and 5% dietary fibre.
For the first five weeks, portions and food should be kept normal. From week six until birth, your pregnant Dachshunds need to be eating a higher-calorie diet. A useful rule of thumb is to feed her an extra 10% more energy per week until she gives birth and feeds three times a day to avoid excessive weight gain.
Giving your dog freshly cooked or raw food can have some of the same nutritional benefits as commercial dry and wet food. However, if you decide to feed your Dachshund raw meat, make sure it’s fresh and thawed.
Long-term, it’s best to stick to dry or wet food with fewer calories. As mentioned above, feeding your Dachshund commercial dog food will benefit your dog’s diet the most, as good-quality dog foods will have all the necessary nutrients for a healthy and balanced diet.
Yes, you can give them treats, but remember everything in moderation. They love bananas, pumpkins, and green beans.
Foods to avoid giving your Dachshunds are:
Just as Dachshunds can be stubborn, this trait flows into their palate, and they can be fussy eaters too. So, it’s best to find food they enjoy while not free-feeding them or giving them too many treats.
Water is essential, and your Dachshunds will need at least 1/8 a cup of water each day. Pet owners should leave water inaccessible places at all times. Remember to clean the bowl 1-2 times per week.
Whether you decide on a Dachshund puppy or an adult dog, nutrient intake is crucial for a happy and healthy dog. We’ve listed a good range of brands they will not only love but are also suitable for them. Always keep their weight control in check, so keep those table scraps away. And don’t let those big eyes convince you otherwise. You have to stay strong.
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