Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
Quick Picks
Best Overall for Dachshunds: CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
“This dog food has the highest amount of naturally-occurring glucosamine and chondroitin. It’s loaded with joint-fortifying supplements which is extremely helpful for breeds prone to skeletal issues like your dachshund.”
Best Weight Management Food: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
“Make sure your dachshund gets all the nourishment he needs without gaining weight. This dog food will help keep your pooch’s weight in check while providing him a complete and balanced meal.”
Best for Senior Dachshunds: VICTOR Purpose Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
“Support your beloved dachshund as he grows older with a dog food that contains joint supplements, DHA, Vitamin E, L-carnitine, on top of the recommended nutrients for an aging pooch.”
Dachshunds are the smallest hound breeds and were originally bred to hunt and chase badgers. They have a unique body shape which makes them susceptible to several health risks, especially skeletal-related issues such as dysplasia, patellar luxation, and osteogenesis imperfecta.
Having a complete and balanced nourishment is essential to keep your dachshund healthy and active. The best dog foods for Dachshunds should be high in fat (for easy-access energy) and animal protein (to keep those muscles tough).
It’s also important to include joint-fortifying nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin to help prevent the development of skeletal issues as early as possible.
Table of Contents
- Quick Picks
- What to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Dachshunds
- What is the Best Dog Food for Dachshunds?
- 1. CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
- 3. VICTOR Purpose Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
- 4. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- 5. Diamond Naturals Light Formula Dry Dog Food
- 6. ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 7. Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food
- 1. CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Questions & Answers
What to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Dachshunds
High Quality Animal Protein
A great quality, healthy animal protein should always be the first ingredient. You may need to try a few different proteins if your Dachshund has food allergies. Common allergy-inducing proteins are chicken, beef, and lamb, so cater to your dog’s needs.
The protein count should also be 25% and upwards for bouncy Dachshunds. Plant proteins are all right to see further down the list, but we’ve made sure each dog food on this list contains a named, high-quality animal protein upfront.
Healthy Omegas
Dachshunds are prone to skin problems as a result of food allergies. Their fur is also quite short and fine, which means allergies can be aggravated by environmental factors.
A nice dose of Omega fatty acids in a dog food can help nourish and moisturize dogs’ skin, keeping them as itch-free and smooth as possible. It also helps with digestion, which is great for Dachshunds.
We’ve chosen dog foods that have good levels of Omega fatty acids to help keep your small breed’s skin and digestive system as healthy as possible.
Easy Digestibility
A dog food’s digestibility is a hard number to find, but you can do a quick test by having a look at how natural the ingredients are and the fiber level.
Dachshunds tend to have trouble with their anal glands. Dog foods that are higher in fiber and have a high digestibility score can help decrease the chances of this becoming a problem. Grains that contain gluten (wheat, corn, soy) are not easy to digest, so we’ve made sure the dog food options on this list don’t contain them at all.
We’ve chosen only easily-digestible, healthy foods here to make sure your Dachshund’s stomach can deal well with them.
Helpful Supplements
Dachshunds may be small, but they’re bundles of energy. Their active lifestyles can take a toll on their joints, so Dachshund food should contain supplements to strengthen and maintain their joints.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are seen on many dog food labels, and we’ve made an effort to stick to dog food that contains one or both of them.
If we’ve found a food that’s great quality and it doesn’t contain either one, we’ve made a note. It’s not the end of the world – glucosamine is super easy to buy separately.
Affordability
This is always a consideration for us at DogEmbassy. We aim to keep dogs happy, and of course, a happier pet parent makes a happier pup.
Some of the dog food we’ve reviewed is more on the pricey side, but they’re well worth the buy. Our Best Value for Money choice is especially for pet owners on a budget. It’s a premium quality, on-par with the others, but the price is right for everyone.
What is the Best Dog Food for Dachshunds?
- Best Overall for Dachshunds: CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best Weight Management Food: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
- Best for Dachshund Seniors: VICTOR Purpose Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
- Best for Hypothyroidism: American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Best Value for Money: Diamond Naturals Light Formula Dry Dog Food
- Best for Dachshund Puppies: ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best for Cardiovascular Health: Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food
1. CANIDAE PURE Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best Overall for Dachshunds: Highest amount of joint-fortifying supplements that help prevent skeletal issues in Dachshunds
PROS
- Naturally-occurring glucosamine and chondroitin
- Has Vit E and Omegas for healthy skin & coat
- Contains probiotics for healthy digestion
- Loaded with antioxidants that boost immune system
CONS
- Has peas and potatoes
Your dachshund needs all the joint and bone support he needs and this limited ingredient dog food offers that and more. We recommend this as the best dog food for Dachshunds because it contains the highest amount of naturally-occurring glucosamine and chondroitin on the market.
On top of that, it also has high protein and fat content at 32% and 18%, respectively. This means it sufficiently fuels your Dachshund’s day to day activities and provides the nutrients he needs to function as he should.
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This dog food contains Vitamin E and a good amount of Omega fatty acids which promotes healthy skin and nourishes their coat. The added probiotics is extremely helpful in digesting their food properly.
It’s also important to note this dog food’s limited ingredient formulation. It uses only 10 ingredients to provide all the necessary nutrients for your Dachshund. This makes this a healthy choice without compromising in the protein they take in, especially for Dachshunds with food allergies.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food
Best Weight Management Food: Keeps your Dachshund’s weight in check while making sure he gets all the nourishment he needs
PROS
- High protein food for muscle development
- Healthy, low calorie food
- Decent amount of joint-fortifying minerals
- Contains DHA and good Omegas.
CONS
- Contains chicken meal, so may not be suitable for dogs with poultry allergies.
- No real meat.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food is a high protein diet that provides a concentrated amount of amino acids that help in the growth and development of your Dachshund’s muscles. It’s fat content is slightly below the recommended amount, which makes it a good weight management food.
There’s lesser calorie content in this dog food compared to most dog foods on the market. It’s not entirely a small breed dog food formula but you can guarantee there’s enough nutrients in this meal to support all your Dachshund’s functions while making sure he doesn’t go over the healthy weight for a small breed dog.
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Aside from having low fat and low calorie content, this dog food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin which is usually found in small breed dog foods to help support joints and bones.
It also features a Blue Buffalo proprietary probiotics which promotes healthy digestion in your pooch.
3. VICTOR Purpose Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
Best For Dachshund Seniors: High protein, low fat dog food with added joint-strengthening nutrients
PROS
- High protein and lower in fat to prevent weight gain with age
- High fiber grains and veggies
- Good calorie count (360 per cup)
- Contains DHA and good Omegas
CONS
- Contains chicken meal, so may not be suitable for dogs with poultry allergies.
- No real meat.
Seniors often need a food with a lower fat content, and that’s especially true for dogs like Dachshunds that are prone to gaining weight quickly. The VICTOR Purpose Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food contains 11.5% fat, while retaining a great protein level of 27%.
This dog food contains glucosamine and chondroitin to keep their joints strong enough to support their aging body, L-carnitine (which helps regulate metabolism and energy production), and DHA to keep their eyes as sharp as possible.
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No Real Meat
Although real meat is a highly digestible ingredient, this dog food opts to go with meat meal exclusively. That accounts for the high protein count. It contains a variety of meals, including beef, chicken, pork, and fish.
For seniors who may be sensitive to one or more of those, a different dog food may be best.
4. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Best for Hypothyroidism: High protein dog food formula that is rich in kelp for improved hormone regulation
PROS
- Good protein and fat levels for active Dachshunds
- Contains DHA as well as high Omega fatty acid levels.
- Added joint-strengthening supplements.
- Includes dried kelp to prevent thyroid problems
CONS
- Non-chicken flavor contains chicken meal, so not the best for dogs who are sensitive to poultry.
The American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is proof that a premium dog food can be both high-quality and affordable. It contains just the right amount of protein and fat to keep your Dachshund healthy and active.
This dog food is also loaded with supplements that keep their joints strong, helps build their immune system, and promotes healthy muscle development.
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For an affordable dog food, this kibble contains some amazing additions. It has a nice glucosamine and chondroitin level to keep those joints stable, which is important for Dachshunds who get a lot of exercise.
The Omega count is on the higher side, which is awesome for pups like Dachshunds who tend to suffer from skin problems due to food allergies. Higher Omegas are also helpful when it comes to preventing seizures, which is another common health problem in these small breeds. It also has a little sprinkle of DHA, to boost brain power and sight.
5. Diamond Naturals Light Formula Dry Dog Food
Best Value for Money: Affordable dog food that is rich in taurine which is good for your Dachshund’s heart
PROS
- Good fiber ingredients (healthy grains, fruits and vegetables)
- Contains taurine, Vitamin E, L-carnitine, and Selenium
- Budget-friendly with premium ingredients
CONS
- Protein content may be too low for some (we suggest adding a few high-protein treats if this is the case!).
If your Dachshund is overweight, a weight management dry dog food like this one could help him or her slim down to a healthy size again. Extra weight puts strain on joints and the heart, as well as just making your poor dog uncomfortable.
It’s free from common allergens like chicken, legumes, and potato, so it should go easy on your dog’s stomach. It’s also rich in antioxidants which should aid in digestion as well as boost your Dachshund’s immune system.
On top of all of that, this dog food is one of the most affordable products you can buy on the market.
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Weight management dog food works by lowering the fat content in the kibble. Fat is what dog’s use most of the time to fuel them through the day. If the fat is lowered, then their body has no choice but to start using their own body fat to turn into energy.
This dry dog food contains 6% fat, which is very low but will definitely be effective for obese dogs. The only thumbs-down is that the protein content might be too low to maintain muscles. We recommend using this as a short-term dog food, only until your dog has reached their desired weight. Then you can put them back on normal dog food.
6. ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best for Dachshund Puppies: Contains DHA and EPA which promotes healthy brain development for growing Dachshunds
PROS
- Various recipes available, making it easy to avoid allergens
- Contains DHA, EPA, and high Omega levels
- High in protein and fat
- Added joint supplements
CONS
- Slightly on the pricey side.
The ACANA Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is not necessarily a puppy-specific dog food but it has everything a growing Dachshund needs to develop into a strong, healthy adult dog. DHA and EPA is present in significant amounts in this dog food which are essential amino acids for brain and vision development.
For puppies who struggle with food allergies, a limited ingredient diet can be a lifesaver. It’s biologically appropriate nutrition, so your Dachsund’s little body will have no trouble digesting it. It’s also packed to the brim with healthy supplements to help your dog live his best life.
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Flavor Variety
It’s rare to find a limited ingredient range that has more than one or two recipes. This one has five unique formulas, all of which are nutritious and loaded with tasty stuff.
No matter which one you choose, your dog will be avoiding his allergens and getting a nutrient-packed meal, complete with joint supplements, Omegas, DHA, and EPA.
7. Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food
Best for Cardiovascular Health: Balanced meal with added minerals that help support a strong and healthy heart
PROS
- Contains a good amount of Taurine for the heart
- Avoids allergens like chicken, beef, lamb, and eggs
- High in Omega fatty acids
- No wheat, corn, soy, or by-products
CONS
- May be too low in protein and fat for very active Dachshunds.
Although not as prominent as skeletal-related diseases, Dachshunds are also susceptible to several heart-related concerns like Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease and other congenital cardiovascular diseases. Fortunately, dog foods like the Wellness Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food contains minerals like taurine.
Taurine is an amino acid that promotes cardiovascular health. Paired with Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Omega fatty acids, your Dachshund will have less chances of developing heart diseases.
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High-Quality Ingredient List
Wellness Complete Health is known for being premium quality and only adding the good stuff to their foods. This offering does not disappoint, with a lovely ingredient list that avoids common problem foods.
Whitefish is the main ingredient, followed by Menhaden fish meal which usually adds a little dash of glucosamine anyway. It’s fairly low in calories, as well as in protein, but this dry dog food from Wellness Complete will give your dog all the nutrition they need.
It does not contains glucosamine, though, so you may need a separate supplement to give your dog to help strengthen his joints.
Questions & Answers
Q: What should the best dog foods for Dachshunds contain?
A: Animal protein needs to be first on the list. This can be in the form of real meat like deboned turkey, chicken, beef, and so on, or it can be meat meal (chicken meal, salmon meal, etc).
Fruits and veggies are great carbohydrates, and gluten-free grains are fantastic for fiber. Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, potatoes, berries, and grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and millet are super ingredients.
The best small breed dog food also needs to contain joint supplements and Omega fatty acids, to counter their tendency towards joint problems and skin allergies.
You should also see chelated minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins and minerals, and no artificial or synthetic ingredients at all.
Q: What are some common health issues in Dachshunds?
A: Small breed dogs like Dachshunds are most at risk of developing skeletal-related issues like Hip and elbow dysplasia, Patellar luxation, Osteogenesis imperfecta.
They’re also prone to other health conditions, such as:
- Degenerative mitral valve disease
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Obesity
- Allergies
- Skin problems
- Diabetes
- Deafness
- Epilepsy
- Bloat
Knowing these health risks for your dog, the best dog food for Dachshunds that you should look for must have a good amount of joint-fortifying supplements and taurine.
Q: How many times a day should I feed my Dachshund?
A: Dachshunds need between 30 and 40 calories per pound of body weight per day, depending on how active they are. With this in mind, you can calculate how many calories your pooch should be eating on a daily basis.
Split this between two or three meals per day. If you can, we’d recommend three meals a day – these guys expend a lot of energy and need to be refueled often! Puppies will definitely need three meals a day for at least the first year.
Q: Are there things I should not feed my Dachshund?
A: Grains containing gluten are a big no-no. These include corn, wheat, and soy. Foods with artificial or synthetic colors, flavors, or preservatives should also be avoided. There are certain foods that you should never feed your dog, and of course, you need to pay attention and figure out if there are specific foods your pup is sensitive to.
