What Do Dachshunds Eat? The Ultimate Guide!

Dachshunds are small dogs with big appetites and unique nutritional needs. Their long bodies and short legs make them more prone to weight gain and back problems than most breeds, which means what you feed your Dachshund really matters. Getting their diet right is one of the best things you can do for their health and longevity.

Whether you’ve just brought home a Dachshund puppy or you’re looking to improve your adult Dachshund’s diet, this guide covers everything you need to know about feeding this lovable breed.

What Should Dachshunds Eat?

Dachshunds do best on a high quality dog food that’s appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Look for a food where a named animal protein (like chicken, beef, salmon, or turkey) is the first ingredient. Avoid foods that list corn, wheat, or soy as the primary ingredients, as these are fillers that don’t provide the nutrition your Dachshund needs.

Because Dachshunds are a small breed, they benefit from kibble that’s designed for small dogs. The smaller pieces are easier for them to chew and digest. Most adult Dachshunds do well eating about 1/2 to 1 cup of dry food per day, split into two meals. Puppies need to eat more frequently, typically three to four smaller meals throughout the day.

The exact amount depends on your individual dog’s age, weight, activity level, and the specific food you’re using. The feeding guidelines on your dog food bag are a good starting point, but you should adjust based on your Dachshund’s body condition. If they’re gaining weight, cut back. If they seem too thin, add a little more.

Foods Dachshunds Can Safely Eat

In addition to their regular dog food, there are plenty of human foods that make healthy treats and meal toppers for Dachshunds. These can add variety to their diet and provide extra nutrients.

Lean proteins like cooked chicken, turkey, and lean beef are excellent for Dachshunds. Make sure the meat is plain, with no seasonings, garlic, onions, or sauces. Cooked eggs are another great protein source and can be scrambled or hard boiled.

Fish like salmon and sardines provide omega 3 fatty acids that support skin, coat, and joint health. Always serve fish cooked and boneless. The omega 3s are especially beneficial for Dachshunds because they support joint health, which is important for a breed prone to back problems.

Vegetables like carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and broccoli are all safe for Dachshunds. Carrots and green beans make great low calorie snacks for Dachshunds that need to watch their weight. Pumpkin (plain, not the pie filling) is wonderful for digestive health.

Fruits like blueberries, watermelon (seedless), apples (without seeds), and bananas are safe in moderation. Fruits are higher in sugar than vegetables, so keep portions small. A few blueberries or a couple of apple slices make a nice treat.

Foods Dachshunds Should Never Eat

Some common foods are toxic to dogs and should never be given to your Dachshund under any circumstances. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to feed them.

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most dangerous, but all chocolate should be avoided. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid heart rate. Large amounts can be fatal.

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, and the toxic dose varies widely. Some dogs get severely ill from just a few grapes while others seem unaffected. Since there’s no way to predict your dog’s sensitivity, it’s safest to avoid grapes and raisins entirely.

Onions and garlic in all forms (raw, cooked, powdered) can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia. This includes onion and garlic powder that might be in seasonings, sauces, or processed foods. Even small amounts over time can be harmful.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in sugar free gum, candy, peanut butter, and baked goods. It causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and can lead to liver failure. Always check peanut butter labels before sharing with your Dachshund.

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs. Avoid all macadamia nut products. Other nuts like almonds and walnuts aren’t toxic but can be choking hazards and are high in fat.

Alcohol and caffeine are dangerous for dogs of any size, but especially small breeds like Dachshunds. Even small amounts of beer, wine, coffee, or tea can cause serious problems.

Weight Management for Dachshunds

This is probably the most important section of this entire guide. Weight management isn’t just about aesthetics for Dachshunds. It’s directly tied to their spinal health. Dachshunds are highly prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a painful condition where the discs between the vertebrae in their long spine can rupture or herniate. Extra weight puts additional stress on their spine and dramatically increases the risk of this condition.

A healthy adult standard Dachshund typically weighs between 16 and 32 pounds, while miniature Dachshunds should weigh under 11 pounds. You should be able to feel your Dachshund’s ribs without pressing hard, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above. If your Dachshund looks like a sausage with no waist definition, they’re probably overweight.

If your Dachshund needs to lose weight, reduce their food portions gradually and increase exercise with gentle walks. Avoid high calorie treats and replace them with low calorie options like carrots or green beans. Your vet can help you create a safe weight loss plan. Training your Dachshund with small pieces of their regular kibble instead of calorie dense treats is another easy way to manage their intake.

Feeding Your Dachshund Puppy

Dachshund puppies have different nutritional needs than adults. They’re growing rapidly and need more calories, protein, and nutrients per pound of body weight. Choose a high quality puppy food formulated for small breeds.

From 8 to 12 weeks old, feed your puppy three to four times per day. From 3 to 6 months, you can reduce to three meals per day. After 6 months, two meals per day is usually sufficient. By about 10 to 12 months, most Dachshunds can transition to adult food, though your vet may recommend staying on puppy food a bit longer if your dog is still growing.

Don’t free feed (leave food out all day) your Dachshund puppy. Scheduled meals help you monitor how much they’re eating and make potty training easier since you can predict when they’ll need to go outside.

Feeding Your Senior Dachshund

As Dachshunds age (typically around 7 to 8 years), their metabolism slows down and their activity level often decreases. Switching to a senior formula dog food can help prevent weight gain while still providing the nutrients they need.

Senior dog foods typically have fewer calories, more fiber, and added supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Joint health becomes even more important as Dachshunds age, so look for foods with these ingredients or talk to your vet about adding a joint supplement.

Some senior Dachshunds may benefit from wet food or a wet/dry mix if they have dental issues that make chewing hard kibble difficult. Warming the food slightly or adding a little warm water can also make it more appealing for picky senior eaters.

Why Your Dachshund Won’t Eat

If your normally food loving Dachshund suddenly stops eating, pay attention. While some Dachshunds can be picky eaters, a sudden loss of appetite often signals something more serious.

Common reasons a Dachshund might refuse food include dental problems (broken teeth, gum disease), gastrointestinal upset, stress from changes in routine or environment, illness or infection, and side effects from medications. If your Dachshund hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours, or if the appetite loss comes with other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or pain, contact your vet right away.

For mild pickiness that isn’t health related, try warming their food slightly, adding a small amount of low sodium chicken broth, or mixing in a spoonful of plain canned pumpkin. Avoid the habit of offering increasingly tasty alternatives every time they refuse their regular food, as this teaches them to hold out for better options.