A growing dachshund puppy needs a well-balanced diet to develop strong bones, muscles, and a healthy immune system. Since dachshunds are prone to obesity and back issues (IVDD), it’s crucial to feed them the right nutrients while maintaining a healthy weight. Dachshund puppy for sale
Here are the top 5 healthy diet plans to keep your dachshund puppy happy, energetic, and thriving! 🐾
1️⃣ High-Quality Commercial Puppy Kibble (Vet-Recommended) 🏆
🐕 Best for: Owners who want a convenient, nutritionally balanced diet
A high-quality puppy kibble formulated for small-breed dogs is one of the best choices for dachshund puppies. It provides the right balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins.
✔ Look for:
- At least 22-25% protein (for muscle development)
- Healthy fats like chicken fat or fish oil (for energy and brain health)
- DHA & Omega-3 fatty acids (for brain development and coat health)
- No fillers or artificial additives
❌ Avoid:
- Kibble with corn, soy, or artificial preservatives
- Brands with excessive carbohydrates
🔹 Best Brands for Dachshund Puppies:
- Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy
- Wellness Core Small Breed Puppy
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Puppy
💡 Feeding Tip: Soften dry kibble with warm water for younger puppies (under 12 weeks).
2️⃣ High-Protein Raw Diet (BARF – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) 🍗🥩
🐕 Best for: Owners who prefer a natural, species-appropriate diet
A raw diet mimics what dogs would eat in the wild—meat, bones, and vegetables. Many dachshund owners swear by BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) for better coat health, digestion, and energy levels.
✔ Balanced Raw Diet Includes:
- 80% muscle meat (chicken, turkey, beef, lamb)
- 10% raw bone (chicken wings, necks—never cooked bones!)
- 5% liver & 5% other organ meat (kidney, heart)
- Vegetables & fruits (carrots, blueberries, pumpkin)
❌ Avoid:
- Cooked bones (can splinter and cause blockages)
- Too much fat (can cause pancreatitis)
- Grapes, onions, garlic, and chocolate (toxic to dogs)
🔹 Best Pre-Made Raw Brands for Puppies:
- Stella & Chewy’s Raw Patties
- Primal Pet Foods Raw Nuggets
- Instinct Raw Boost Mixers
💡 Feeding Tip: Always consult a vet or canine nutritionist before switching to raw, as puppies need proper calcium-phosphorus ratios for bone growth.
3️⃣ Fresh Home-Cooked Meals (Vet-Approved) 🍲🥩
🐕 Best for: Owners who prefer complete control over ingredients
Cooking fresh meals for your dachshund puppy ensures high-quality, fresh ingredients without fillers or artificial additives.
✔ Balanced Home-Cooked Meal Includes:
- Lean protein (chicken, turkey, beef, fish) – 50-60% of the meal
- Healthy carbohydrates (brown rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa) – 20-30%
- Vegetables (carrots, spinach, pumpkin, zucchini) – 10%
- Healthy fats (coconut oil, fish oil, flaxseed)
🔹 Example Recipe:
- 1 cup boiled chicken (shredded)
- ½ cup cooked sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup steamed carrots
- 1 tsp fish oil
❌ Avoid:
- Unbalanced meals without the right nutrients
- Toxic foods: Grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and avocados
💡 Feeding Tip: Work with a vet or pet nutritionist to ensure your home-cooked meals meet your puppy’s nutritional needs.
4️⃣ Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated Dog Food (Best of Both Worlds!) 🥩🥦
🐕 Best for: Owners who want raw nutrition with kibble convenience
Freeze-dried and dehydrated dog food retains the benefits of raw food while being easy to store and serve. These diets are minimally processed and full of natural vitamins and minerals.
✔ Why It’s Great for Dachshund Puppies:
- Highly digestible
- Packed with real meat & nutrients
- Less processed than kibble
🔹 Best Brands:
- The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Puppy Food
- Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food
- Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw
💡 Feeding Tip: Just add warm water to rehydrate before serving!
5️⃣ High-Quality Canned/Wet Food (Great for Picky Eaters!) 🥫
🐕 Best for: Dachshund puppies who are picky eaters or need extra hydration
Wet food is high in moisture, easier to chew, and packed with flavor. It’s a great option for dachshunds who struggle with dry kibble or need extra hydration.
✔ What to Look for in Wet Food:
- Real meat as the first ingredient
- No artificial preservatives or by-products
- Grain-free options if your pup has sensitivities
🔹 Best Wet Food Brands for Dachshund Puppies:
- Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Wet Food
- Wellness CORE Puppy Canned Food
- Royal Canin Dachshund Puppy Loaf
💡 Feeding Tip: Mix wet food with kibble for extra flavor and moisture. Dachshund puppy for sale
🐶 How Much Should a Dachshund Puppy Eat?
| Age | Meals Per Day | Portion Size Per Meal |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 4 meals | ¼ – ½ cup |
| 3-6 months | 3 meals | ½ cup |
| 6-12 months | 2-3 meals | ½ – ¾ cup |
💡 Tip: Always adjust portions based on activity level and weight to prevent overfeeding.
🐕 Final Thoughts: Which Diet is Best?
✅ Best for convenience & balance → High-quality puppy kibble
✅ Best for natural nutrition → Raw diet (BARF)
✅ Best for picky eaters & sensitive stomachs → Wet food or freeze-dried food
✅ Best for total control over ingredients → Home-cooked meals
✅ Best mix of raw & kibble benefits → Freeze-dried or dehydrated food
💡 Pro Tip: Mixing diets (e.g., kibble + wet food or kibble + raw) can provide variety and extra nutrition. Dachshund puppy for sale
🐶 What do you feed your dachshund puppy? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️🐾. Visit hypropremium