Easily one of the most recognizable dog breeds out there, the Dachshund is known for his short, stubby legs and his elongated body. These pooches, also sometimes affectionately called “wiener dogs,” are friendly, active, and fun-loving little dogs.
Though the Dachshund might not be the friendliest of small breeds, and they may not be a good match for children, they are very adaptable to different living situations and are highly affectionate with family.
If you’re looking for a small-breed dog who will give you unconditional love in exchange for attention, the Dachshund might just be the right dog for you.
These little “hotdogs” are fairly low maintenance, but these small dogs are predisposed to a few orthopedic and genetic issues. (More on this later.) To help prevent these problems, it’s important to care for your pup by giving him the best dog food for dachshunds possible as well as proper exercise.
But first, let’s take a closer look at the Dachshund breed.
Breed Overview
- Pedigree: Purebred
- Size: 5 to 6 inches; 8 to 9 inches
- Weight: up to 11 pounds (miniature); 16 to 32 pounds (standard)
- Energy Level: moderate
- Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Looking at this little guy, you might not be able to tell that he is actually a skilled hunter. Though these dogs probably wouldn’t be much help in chasing a herd of deer through an open field, they are very talented at scenting, chasing, and flushing badgers as well as other burrow-dwelling animals.
The name Dachshund comes from the German for “badger dog.” This dog breed was developed more than 500 years ago for his small size, his strong scenting ability, and his determination – these dogs were bred to chase their prey into their underground dens and flush them out.
Foresters and noblemen used the dachshund to hunt game, like foxes, badgers, and rabbits. The small build of the breed allowed it to go further in dense forests where larger dogs would have difficulty in pursuing its quarry.
In more modern times, the Dachshund is commonly kept as a companion pet, though they tend to bond closely with one family member and may not be a good match for homes with cats, other dogs, or children. This breed can also be a little stubborn and difficult to train, so they are best for an experienced dog owner.
There are three types of dachshund: short haired, wire haired, and long haired. The short-haired dachshund have short and smooth hair that come in many colours, although black and tan, and red are the most common.
The wirehaired dachshund has a short and wiry coat, a beard, and bushy eyebrows. The longhaired type, meanwhile, is the most glamorous-looking of the three with its soft and straight or slightly wavy coat forming an attractive feathering on the back of its tail, legs, and ears.
OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR DOG FOODS FOR DACHSHUNDS
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Fast Facts
Dachshunds, which are also called Doxies, are brave and fierce pups who can take on badgers — even wild boars! — despite their small size.
During World War I, the breed experienced a decline in popularity in America because of its association with the Germans. To counteract this decline, the American Kennel Club rebranded the dachshund as “badger dogs.”
A dachshund race has been going on in Southern California since the year 1995. Since dachshunds aren’t really meant for racing, it’s not deemed as a serious sport but more for fun.
The Best Dog Food for Dachshunds
After reading the information above, you should have a better understanding of your Doxie’s unique nutritional requirements, but you may be wondering how to choose the best dog food for this breed.
Below you will find reviews for recommended brands of the best dog food for Dachshund adults as well as one recommendation for Doxie puppies and seniors.
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Ollie Fresh Pet Food
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60% Off First Order | |
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed
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Stella & Chewy's Lil' Bites Itty Bitty Beef Recipe
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Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food
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50% Off First Order | |
Ziwi Peak Venison Grain-Free Air-Dried
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Solid Gold Wee Bit Bison & Brown Rice Recipe
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Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Chicken & Veggies Recipe
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Earthborn Holistic Toby's Turkey Dinner
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Lotus Oven-Baked Chicken Small Bites Recipe
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Merrick Lil' Plates Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Senior
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1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
Rating: 5/5
First 5 Ingredients (Lamb): Lamb, Butternut Squash, Lamb Liver, Kale, Rice
Guaranteed Analysis:
Ollie Fresh Pet Food Lamb with Cranberries is a reliable Weiner dog food that is composed of human-grade ingredients. It’s a new food option to try for dog owners who are looking for a healthier way to feed pups.
Since this recipe is customized for each pup, it is suitable for all life stages, from Dachshund puppies to senior dogs. This meal customization also makes it the ideal dog food for pooches with food allergies and sensitive stomachs.
Pups who need to be kept at a healthy weight will also thrive on this recipe. Each meal is made by taking into consideration factors like weight, activity level, breed, size, and age. It leaves no more guesswork on your part on how much to feed your pup because the brand does that for you.
The natural dog food is processed minimally as a way to retain as many nutrients as possible. It has no artificial preservatives and is as fresh as possible since it is cooked in small batches.
There are about 11 ingredients only in this recipe, which makes it the best dog food for dog owners looking for a limited ingredient diet. It is high in protein courtesy of lamb, and uses a highly digestible fiber source in the form of butternut squash.
Lamb liver makes the food not only more palatable to dogs but also makes it more nutrient-dense since organ meat contains a lot of vitamins and minerals. Rice contributes carbohydrates that is also easy on the tummy (rice is a staple in bland diets for pups with stomachs that get upset easily).
What We Like
- Single animal protein
- Minimal processing
- Human-grade ingredients
- Meal is customized for each pup
- Fresh food only, no fillers or preservatives
What We Don't Like
- Needs to be refrigerated
- Costs more than regular dog food
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Formula
Rating: 4.5/5
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
Guaranteed Analysis:
Specially formulated for the health and well-being of small breed dogs, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed formula is made with real deboned chicken. You can be assured that your dog gets only high-quality protein with every serving of this chicken and brown rice recipe.
This Life Protection formula has a precise blend of carbohydrates and protein to help sustain the higher energy needs of small breed dogs. It has whole grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal, and barley. No corn, wheat, or soy are used in this recipe.
This Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe from Blue Buffalo has the brand’s exclusive LifeSource Bits. LifeSource Bits has a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support the immune system, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance. These bits are cold-formed to ensure the retention of nutrients
This dry dog food for adult dogs has glucosamine to support joint health and mobility, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. It has unique smaller sized kibbles that are designed to reduce tartar among smaller-jawed pups.
Like all Blue Buffalo recipes, the Life Protection formula does not contain poultry or chicken by-product meal; or artificial enhancers such as colors, flavors, or preservatives.
What We Like
- Made specifically for small and toy breeds
- Contains LifeSource Bits
- A blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients
- Has guaranteed levels of glucosamine for joint health
What We Don't Like
- Picky pups hate the LifeSource Bits
3. Stella & Chewy's Lil' Bites Itty Bitty Beef Recipe
Rating: 4.75/5
First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Kidney, Beef Liver, Beef Heart, Beef Tripe
Guaranteed Analysis:
Stella & Chewy specialize in dog food that’s made with freeze-dried ingredients because the brand believes that nothing beats the power of raw when it comes to nutrition. The recipe here has undergone minimal processing to keep the flavor locked in and preserve as many of the original nutrients as possible.
Feeding raw has been linked with superior skin, coat, digestive, and overall health. It also comes with the added bonus of being extra enticing to dogs because of its meat-rich formulation.
The only animal protein used here is beef, and it’s a whole-prey diet that utilizes many parts of the animal, such as meat, bone, and organs. Because it uses a single animal protein and is a grain-free dog food, it’s suitable for a pup with a sensitive stomach or food allergy.
Aside from the meat, the adult dog food recipe also contains certified organic fruits and vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, and beets.
The fat may be high in this dog food recipe, but the calories are low. It’s a good dog food to feed your pooch if you want something that will give long-lasting energy but prevent weight gain.
What We Like
- Uses responsibly-sourced ingredients
- Contains 95% beef (bones, meat, and organs)
- Made with certified organic fruits and vegetables
- Crafted without added hormones, antibiotics, or fillers
- Guaranteed levels of microorganisms for healthy digestion
What We Don't Like
- Are too hard and take long to soften up when water is added
4. Nom Nom Pork Potluck
Rating: 4.75/5
First 5 Ingredients: Ground Pork, Russet Potatoes, Green Beans, Squash, Kale
Guaranteed Analysis:
Nom Nom is made with fresh ingredients that are safe enough for human consumption – we do not recommend making this a meal for yourself though! This wet food formula is specially crafted with your pup’s nutritional needs in mind because it is customized to your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle, and age.
Nom Nom conducts minimal processing with its recipes, and the brand cooks its dog foods gently to protect the integrity of the nutrients. This means your Dachshund dog is not only getting a palate-satisfying meal, he is also getting a meal that is packed with nutrients to keep him healthy, full, and happy.
The brand keeps it real – literally. The brand omits all artificial flavors because it knows quality ingredients have natural flavor that makes for a delicious mealtime. There are also no artificial preservatives in the meals either.
Pork Potluck is a single animal protein and grain-free dog food recipe that is high in protein and fat but low on the calories. It’s a suitable new food option for pups with sensitive stomachs and food allergies, and those who don’t need any more weight gain.
For fiber and carbohydrates, the recipe relies on russet potatoes and squash, which are also great sources of vitamins and minerals. Healthy vegetables like kale and mushrooms round out the dog food.
Pros
- Freshly made food
- Meals are crafted based on your own dog’s profile
- Pre-portioned meals leave no guesswork on serving size
- Recipes are crafted by two board-certified veterinary nutritionists
Cons
- Needs to be refrigerated
- More expensive than other dog food options
5. Ziwi Peak Venison
Rating: 4.75/5
First 5 Ingredients: Venison, Venison Tripe, Venison Heart, Venison Lung, Venison Liver
Guaranteed Analysis:
Ziwi Peak is a New Zealand brand that specializes in minimally processed dog foods that are rich in protein from premium animal sources.
This particular dog food recipe by the brand is focused on venison, which is a novel protein for many pups. It’s also grain-free, does not contain meat by-products nore artificial ingredients, and is a limited-ingredient diet, making this dog food ideal for pooches with sensitive stomachs and allergies.
The dog food uses both muscle meat and organ meat to create a nutrient-dense meal that will get your pup through an entire day of strenuous and high performance activities. And with the addition of New Zealand mussel, the protein is high enough to let your pup go hunting for game with you.
An air-dried processing technique keeps the food preserved for a long time without having to use artificial preservatives. It also keeps the food’s original nutrients intact, which would have been mostly lost if it had gone through a cooking process instead.
What We Like
- Meat comes from free-range animals
- Contains more moisture than your typical kibble
- Has naturally-sourced glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Contains a whole-prey ratio of 96% meat, bone, organs, and New Zealand mussels
What We Don't Like
- Costly
6. Solid Gold Wee Bit with Bison Small-Breed
Rating: 4.5/5
First 5 Ingredients: Bison, Ocean Fish Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Chicken Fat
Guaranteed Analysis:
This brand of dog food believes that a healthy diet is the key to a happy dog. This brand follows a holistic approach to pet nutrition, ensuring that each of its recipes contains all the healthy nutrients your dog needs with nothing he doesn’t.
Every recipe is carefully formulated with premium proteins, digestible carbohydrates, and nutrient-packed superfoods to ensure complete and balanced nutrition, not to mention unbeatable natural flavor. Solid Gold has been making pet food for more than 40 years, so you can rest assured that the company knows what it is doing.
The Solid Gold Wee Bit with Bison recipe is an excellent choice for your Dachshund because it is uniquely formulated to meet the nutritional needs of small-breed dogs. The crude protein is high because small pups tend to burn through calories fast.
This small breed dog food formula is also unique because it contains bison as the main ingredient with ocean fish meal as a supplementary protein. For many dogs, bison is a novel protein and ocean fish is somewhat unique. If your pup is sensitive to many of the regular animal proteins, this dog food recipe may be worth giving a try.
It contains brown rice and peas as the primary carbohydrates with fresh fruits and vegetables for nutritional support. Although brown rice is a little harder to digest than white rice, it contains more nutritional value than white rice and is therefore better for your pup.
What We Like
- Contains 20 superfoods
- No common allergens for dogs
- Features DHA, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and ascorbic acid
- Has probiotic support for the digestive health of adult dogs
- Guaranteed levels of L-carnitine to keep pups at a healthy weight
What We Don't Like
- Crunchy texture might not be ideal for your senior Dachshund
7. Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Chicken & Veggies Recipe
Rating: 4/5
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Soybean Meal, Whole Corn, Grain Sorghum
Guaranteed Analysis:
If you’re concerned with saving money on your Dachshund’s food but you don’t want to compromise his nutrition, Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites adult dog food might be a good option.
This brand uses real meat as the first ingredient and its formulas are supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion.
This specific dry dog recipe also contains plenty of omega fatty acids to provide your Dachshund with a balance of omega-3s and omega-6s for strong immunity as well as healthy skin and coat.
Protein-rich chicken and chicken meal are the top two ingredients in this recipe, although fish meal adds a little more boost in the protein level.
A change in ingredient formulation removed peas as one of the main ingredients and relegated it to a minor role. (This is welcome news if you’ve heard of the theorized connection between DCM and peas in dog food.) However, soybean meal and whole grain corn are still present.
What We Like
- No wheat or wheat gluten ingredients
- Contains added vitamins, minerals, and taurine
- No fillers, poultry by-product, or artificial flavor and preservatives
- Has proper amounts of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids naturally found in chicken fat
What We Don't Like
- Contains soybean and corn
8. Earthborn Holistic Toby's Turkey Dinner
Rating: 4.25/5
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey Broth, Turkey, Dried Egg Product, Chicken, Pea Protein
Guaranteed Analysis:
Like its brand name, Earthborn Holistic offers a holistic approach to pet health and nutrition. Earthborn Holistic Dog Food uses high-quality, well-balanced nutrition for the overall health of your dog.
Using vegetables, proteins, fruits, and other necessary nutrients, this brand prepares its special formulas for dogs. The holistic formulas are available in wet and dry dog food options for dogs of different ages, sizes and breeds.
This Toby's Turkey Dinner recipe is an adult dog food rich in high quality turkey, which acts as the main protein source. Chicken provides a boost of protein and also as a flavor enhancer to this poultry-based, free-from-grain dog food.
The wet food has a shredded texture that’s great for adult pups who can’t chew their food very well for one reason or another. It smells fresh and does not smell at all like regular dog food. Plus, the ingredients are all recognizable, from the strips of meat to the bits of veggies.
Finicky pups have been reported to love this food served up as a whole meal or sprinkled on top of kibble. If your pet does not have sensitive stomach issues or food allergies when it comes to poultry dishes, this is one of the best dog foods we can recommend.
What We Like
- High in protein
- Grain- and gluten-free
- Limited ingredient formula
- Produced in a human-grade facility
What We Don't Like
- Plant-based fat source
9. Lotus Oven-Baked Chicken Small Bites Recipe
Rating: 4.25/5
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Meal, Whole Ground Rye, Whole Ground Brown Rice
Guaranteed Analysis:
Lotus is a dog food brand that produces dog foods that have been oven-baked rather than extruded. This cooking process slowly and gently removes the moisture from the raw ingredients without compromising their nutritional integrity.
Not only does the baking process preserve more of the natural flavor, but it also means that fewer synthetic supplements need to be added at the end. The first oven-baked dog food recipe took two years to develop, but since then, Lotus has come to offer a wide selection of product choices.
This puppy food formula contains 27% crude protein and 16% crude fat, so you can be sure that it will be able to properly support the growth and development of your Dachshund puppy. While the chicken fat provides ample fat, the inclusion of chicken liver contributes a lot more. The organ meat also makes it far more enticing to picky Dachshund puppies.
As a whole, this recipe is rich in nutrients and designed to support your Dachshund puppy’s first few months of life in the healthiest way possible. As a small-breed dog, your little fur buddy has very high needs for energy and protein. A diet rich in animal protein is essential and it is a bonus if it is grain-free.
What We Like
- Low in starch
- Minimally processed
- Baked not extruded
- Contains guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids, Vitamin E, and ascorbic acid
What We Don't Like
- High in calories
10. Merrick Lil' Plates Real Chicken & Sweet Potato
Rating: 4.25/5
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes
Guaranteed Analysis:
Merrick’s Lil’ Plates is a dry dog food designed for small breed teeth and mouths. It uses real chicken and sweet potato for balanced protein and energy sources throughout the day. Real fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and antioxidants to maintain a healthy immune system.
This delicious dish crafted for older small breed pups features real deboned chicken as the very first ingredient. Besides being grain- and gluten-free, the dry dog food is developed with high levels of omega fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
The dry food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support the hip and joint functions of older pooches and help them gain more mobility. The probiotics and prebiotics provide digestive system support to keep wastes regular and solid.
There are no artificial colors and no cheap fillers that can irritate allergies. Because the senior dog food is high in protein, it’s paw-fect for helping small breed seniors build healthy muscles and maintain a high level of energy throughout the day.
What We Like
- Protein-rich formula
- Made specifically for senior pups
- With probiotics and prebiotics for digestion
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint support
What We Don't Like
- Tinier than other kibble for small dogs
Why Quality Food Matters
Quality dog food matters because dogs require a certain amount of nutrients to support their growth, general maintenance, lactation, and gestation.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has established nutritional requirements for each phase in a dog’s life. While most dog food brands follow the guidelines set by the AAFCO, this does not always translate to quality.
Pet food brands and products differ in ingredient consistency, balance of nutrients, and manufacturing process. And this difference translates to how a pet performs and reacts to the food. High-quality dog food can help your dog be more active, fight off disease, and be healthier overall.
Common Health Issues of Daschunds
In addition to making sure that your Dachshund gets the right blend of protein and fat, you should also consider the nutritional impact of some of the health problems to which the breed is prone.
For example, Dachshunds are very prone to diabetes, a condition characterized by high blood sugar. Feeding your dog a food made with low-quality grains like wheat and corn can cause dangerous spikes in blood sugar – it is better to go with something high in protein with moderate fat and low carbohydrate content to maintain stable blood sugar.
This breed is also prone to gastric torsion, or bloat, so avoid feeding him large meals – try breaking up his daily portion into three or four smaller meals.
This breed may also be affected by skin problems, so a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids is recommended.
Dietary Considerations for Dachshund
Though the Dachshund is the definition of a small-breed dog, you may be surprised to learn that his calorie needs are fairly high when measured per pound of body weight.
Small dogs have very fast metabolisms, so while the average dog needs about 30 calories per pound of body weight, the Dachshund may need closer to 40 – especially if you plan to train him for hunting or dog sports.
The best way to meet your Dachshund’s energy needs is to choose a small-breed dog food that is high in protein to maintain lean muscles, with extra fat for concentrated energy.
Though your Dachshund needs more calories per pound of body weight than a larger breed might, you still need to be careful about overfeeding. For a dog breed that only weighs about 20 to 30 pounds, a gain of just a few extra pounds can be significant.
Obesity can not only increase your Dachshund’s risk for serious health problems, but it puts extra strain on his bones and joints which could lead to musculoskeletal problems later in life.
Choosing a dog food supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin may help, and be sure that your dog gets plenty of high-quality protein from animal sources. Building and maintaining lean muscle mass is good for your dog’s bones as well as his overall health.
Key Nutritional Needs of Daschund Pups
1. Animal Protein – Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can survive on whatever food is available. However, dogs thrive on meat because meat contains all the essential fatty acids, protein, and nutrients that dogs need for a healthy lifestyle.
2. Healthy Fats – there should be plenty of animal fat in your dachshund’s food. Ideally, the food should contain at least 12% for dry food for adults and 2% for canned food. (The computation of nutrient levels are different in dry dog food from wet dog food. The percentage may look smaller in wet food, but if computed on a dry matter basis, wet dog food nutrient content trumps dry food’s.)
3. Digestible Carbohydrates – A good dog food for dachshunds will contain a digestible carbohydrate, like grains, sweet potatoes, legumes, or potatoes. Your dachshund gets their quick energy fix from carbs, and it also supplies the fiber they need for a health digestive system.
Take care not to choose a dog food that’s loaded on carbs, though! Too much carbs will cause your pup to gain a few pounds quickly. The best food will always have a proper ratio of protein, carbs, and fat with protein having the highest percentage.
4. Moisture – Dogs should ideally drink an ounce of water for every pound they weigh. Every day. Performance pups and pregant or lactating dogs should drink more.
Dry dog food only contains a little moisture so if your pup does not drink much, it’s better to switch from a dry dog food diet to a wet one.
Puppy Feeding Chart
6 Weeks Old Puppy – At six weeks old, a dachshund puppy is still very much attached to his mom’s milk. Don’t try to wean him off yet because it’s an important time in his life. Your small breed puppy is still getting natural antibodies from his mom’s milk that will be hard to replace with if you wean him off to early.
8-10 Weeks Old – Your small breed puppy is ready to begin the weaning process. This varies in every pup, though. Some will want to eat early, but others will try to hold off on food for as long as possible, preferring their mom’s milk.
Their teeth are still a little bit soft at this point so wet puppy food will be better. But if you have to feed dry dog food, make sure to soften it up with water or puppy milk first.
Try to offer a little for your small pooch to sniff at and taste. Don’t worry if he doesn’t seem interested yet. He will soon.
Make sure to only give your little buddy food specifically made for puppies. Puppy food contains the right amount of nutrients to support a little dog in his development stage.
12 Weeks – At 12 weeks, Dachshund puppies will be ready to transition from a wet diet to dry dog food. Do it gradually so that your small breed puppy won't suffer gastrointestinal distress.
A good rule of thumb is to mix 10% kibble into his meals and slowly increase the ratio each week.
3 Months – At this point, your little one should have been able to fully transition to a dry dog food diet or be close to it.
5 Months – You can add additional food products to your fur friend’s diet at this stage.
12 Months – Congratulations! Your pup has officially reached adulthood. His metabolism has slowed a bit, and he will now be comfortable with being fed just twice day.
Breed Feeding Guide
If you do scheduled feeding, here is a guide to follow:
Adult And Senior Dachshund Pups:
These doggos should ideally be fed twice a day — once in the morning and once at night. You can dole out snacks in between feeding times.
Dachshund Puppies:
A dachshund puppy that’s aged above three months and below one year should be fed three times a day. On the other hand, a wee dachshund puppy below the age of three months should eat meals four times a day.
Use your pet’s weight when checking the feeding amount recommendations by the brand of dog food you’re using. Divide this amount by the number of times a day you are feeding your pet.
It’s advisable to consult with your dog’s veterinarian for best results.
Final Say
We’ve thoroughly reviewed each and every product above to be able to help you in finding the best dog food for Dachshunds. We can only really recommend, but ultimately, the ‘best food’ will really be decided by your own doggo.
Good luck on your dog food journey! Just don’t forget to transition to any new food slowly to avoid digestive upsets or irritating a sensitive stomach.
We hope you find the best food for your little fur friend quickly, and without having to go through a lot of trial and error first.