Dachshunds love to eat and being their owner it is your duty to make sure that their dietary needs are your priority. Dachshunds are moderately smaller dogs and always seem to have a lot of energy and strength which makes them active inside and outside the house. Thus, to keep up with their liveliness, they need a high-quality diet packed with the required nutrients. Providing adequate exercise is also important. For more information on how much exercise a Dachshund needs see here.
Before discussing the vital components of food for your wiener let us take a look at the calorie estimate assuming the standard weight of your dachshund as 25 pounds (if the weight is more or less then adjust the calorie intake approximately):
475 Cal
Older Dachshunds
575 Cal
Typical Adult Dachshunds
900 Cal
Active Dachshunds
While feeding your dachshund, it is important to monitor their growth and weight as they have a bizarre bodily process which makes them prone to health issues. So it is essential to make sure that your dachshund gets proper nutrients without overeating.
Dietary Requirements for Dachshund Dogs
1. Proteins
Just like any other dog, Dachshunds require proteins to stay healthy. Proteins help dogs to produce cells, tissues, hormones and are necessary for growth. They require 30-40% proteins in their diet. Some protein sources can be derived from plants (vegetable, soy, nuts, etc.), but will not include every amino acid. Thus it is also important to feed them meat rich in proteins like chicken, beef, lamb, and fish.
2. Water
Water makes up of 65% of a dogs body. Dachshunds should drink at least 16-32 ounces of water to stay hydrated. Water keeps your pet’s skin and coat hydrated helps with proper digestion, helps to absorb nutrients, maintains stable body temperature, and much more!
3. Fats
Fats are one of the most important nutrients in a dog’s diet. It is very crucial for healthy joints and since Dachshunds have a long back and stumpy legs, they need as much help they can get.
Also fat is an important source of energy and it ensures that your dog’s coat stays glossy, healthy and hydrated. The optimal level of fat in dog’s diet should be 20-30%.
4. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a source of energy for your Dachshund but it is also best not to add too much of it in your dog’s diet. Though some experts say that carbs are important for healthy intestines and reproductive systems, Dachshunds are prone to weight gain and associated health problems. It’s important to make sure that your dog isn’t filling up on empty carbs. For more information see Do dogs need carbs.
5. Vitamins
Vitamins play a crucial role in your Dachshund’s metabolism and overall physical condition. Their body cannot produce most of the vitamins which then are needed to be provided in their diet. Vitamin poisoning can occur if dogs are given vitamins they are not deficient in.
Dogs do however produce Vitamin C so it may not be necessary for their diet except in certain circumstances. See Do dogs need Vitamin C to learn more.
6. Minerals
Minerals promote healthy bones, teeth, metabolism, and fluid balance. They cannot be produced by a dog’s body and should be obtained through the diet. Like with vitamins, toxicity can occur if mineral supplements are given without knowing if the dog has a deficiency.
Dachshunds are naturally gluttonous and tend to overeat. One of the major problems in Dachshunds is obesity. The dachshund’s back is long and relatively fragile and any excess body weight can put a strain on the dachshund’s back, leading to health problems. Moreover, overweight dachshunds are at higher risk of heart problems.
If you think your Dachshund may be overweight or obese read How to deal with dog obesity for more information.
So, are you feeding your little Weiner right?