How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Dachshunds
The Dachshund is a confident little dog with an intense sense of smell that makes it well suited to its role as a hunting dog. A breed that can be predisposed to back issues such as intervertebral disc disease, it is vitally important for the Dachshund to maintain a proper body condition.
Dachshunds can be prone to obesity, meaning free-feeding is strongly discouraged for this breed. Dachshunds enjoy eating but can have sensitive stomachs. Since this breed loves to eat, the best dog food for Dachshunds should be carefully measured and all intake monitored to ensure a healthy body weight.
Dachshunds come in several coat types as well as two different sizes: the miniature and the standard.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Dachshunds
Since Dachshunds come in two different size variations, the amount of food each should be fed will differ. The average Miniature Dachshund will require between 230-300 calories per day. By comparison, the larger Standard Dachshund should eat between 500-750 calories per day. The individual calorie count will vary depending on factors like activity level and if they are spayed and neutered. The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remember to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information.
To ensure that the Dachshund does not become hungry throughout the day, this breed should be given two or three meals daily.
Dietary Requirements for Dachshund Dog Foods
Protein derived from animal origins should be the primary ingredient in any high-quality food suited to the Dachshund’s needs. Whole meats are the ideal choice; however, meat meals are also an excellent source of protein.
Carbohydrates are also an important component in any diet for the Dachshund. Though most Dachshunds can eat grain-inclusive formulations, care must be taken to select a diet that prioritizes carbohydrates that are easy to digest and high in fiber. These can be derived from grains, fruits, or vegetables.
Healthy fats help the Dachshund to develop healthy skin and coat and to have the energy they need to sustain them. The best source for these fats is from animal origins. Some of the most beneficial items to look for in a food include oily fish such as mackerel, herring, anchovies, or salmon.
Any food for the adult Dachshund should contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat. The best Dachshund dog foods are nutritionally balanced and fortified with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to encourage health and wellness in this small breed.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Dachshunds
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for a Dachshund:
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Complete proteins listed at the beginning of the ingredients list
Dachshunds need a diet that is rich in excellent quality proteins. Whole meats are best, but meat meals also provide all of the nutrition a Dachshund needs. Any diet suited to the Dachshund should list an animal protein as one of its first ingredients.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
No food is complete on its own, and thus, can benefit from the addition of helpful supplements. Since Dachshunds can be prone to back and hip problems, glucosamine and chondroitin are two important things to look for in a food as they can provide excellent support for joint health.
Other supplements which can be of great assistance to the Dachshund include prebiotics and probiotics which are a powerful aid in proper digestion.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
Any food considered for a Dachshund should have received the approval of AAFCO and bear its seal, showing it to be a complete and balanced food.