Finding the best dog food for your Dachshund is one of the most important decisions you can make as a dog owner. The Dachshund can be highly active and will require a diet that’s rich in healthy meats, wholesome vegetables and antioxidant-rich fruits.
These heart healthy ingredients include all the necessary proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals your Dachshund will need to live a healthy life. Before deciding on the right dog food for your Dachshund, you will need to take in account a few factors.
First, Dachshunds are known to have digestive issues including bloating. You may want to find a formula that’s specifically formulated for food and allergy sensitive Dachshund.
Second, in addition to a complete and balanced dog food, Dachshund will require adequate amounts of exercise. The breed is prone to back problems and known to be at risk of intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). It’s estimated that about 1 in 4 Dachshunds will develop ntervertebral disk disease (IVDD). Furthermore, Dachshunds will require numerous small meals per day to prevent bloating as well.
Third, by weight, the National Research Council of the National Academies recommends an average daily caloric intake of 922 calories for an active adult Dachshund weighing 30 pounds. An active adult miniature Dachshund weighing 10 pounds would need an average daily caloric intake of 404 calories.
So what’s the best dog food for a Dachshund? Our team of dog food nutritionists researched and analyzed over 400 brands of small breed dog food for the very best based off the nutritional needs of a Dachshund. Here are the best dog food brands for a Dachshund for 2020.
To qualify each dog food brand must meet the following requirements:
- Real Meat or Fish is #1 Ingredient
- Small Breed Specific Formula
- Protein and Fat Levels Balance
- No Corn, Wheat or Soy
- No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives
- Exceeds AAFCO Standards
The Best Dry Dog Food Brands For Dachshunds
If you are looking for a premium dry dog food brand for your Dachshund, check out our 5 top-rated brands below.
5. Taste of the Wild® Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dry Dog Food is a perfect option for your Dachshund. The recipe is mixed with rich proteins including venison, lamb duck and ocean fish to help promote lean muscle mass and healthy energy.
Additional mixes of peas, garbanzo beans and lentils add necessary complex carbohydrates to the formulas as well. Balanced with antioxidant rich fruits and completed with chelated minerals and essential vitamins, Taste of the Wild is a perfect option for your Dachshund.
Ingredients: Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils, Pea Protein, Canola Oil, Egg Product, Duck Meal, Pea Flour, Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Ocean Fish Meal, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried BiFidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, RiboflAvin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid.
Caloric Content: 3,719 kcal/kg, 370 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 32.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 18.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| ZINC | 150 mg/kg min |
| TAURINE | 0.12% min |
| SELENIUM | 0.35 mg/kg min |
| VITAMIN E | 150 IU/kg min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.8% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.3% min |
| TOTAL MICROORGANISMS | Not Less Than 80,000,000 CFU/lb min |
4. Castor & Pollux® Organix Grain-Free Organic Small Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food
Real farm-fresh organic chicken is the #1 ingredient found in this 5 star small breed formula. The ingredient list is packed with 95% organic ingredients and includes wholesome vegetables, rich-antioxidant fruits, chelated minerals and essential vitamins as well.
Per guaranteed analysis, Castor & Pollux Organix Small Breed Dry Dog Food features a perfect dietary balance for a Dachshund. Additionally, the USDA Certified meats are extremely flavorful, palatable and made without chemical synthetics or fertilizers.
Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Chickpeas, Organic Peas, Organic Tapioca, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Sunflower Seed Meal, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Organic Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Blueberries, Organic Alfalfa Meal, Organic Sunflower Oil, Salt, Salmon Oil, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Potassium Chloride, Inulin (from chicory root), Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Organic Rosemary Extract.
Caloric Content: 3,679 kcal/kg, 368 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 26.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 15.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 5.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 11.0% max |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACID | 3.0% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID | 0.30% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 800 mg/kg min |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 800 mg/kg min |
| BACILLIUS COAGULANTS | 90,000,000 CFU/LB |
3. Natural Balance® Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Chicken Meal & Duck Meal Formula Small Breed Bites Dry Dog Food
Looking for a dry dog food brand that’s easy on a Dachshund’s sensitive stomach and on your wallet? Check out Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health.
The formula was created by dog food expert nutritionists and made with chicken, chicken meal, peas, potatoes and chicken fat. In addition to rich proteins and healthy fats. Antioxidant rich cranberries, blueberries and spinach are also included in Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Pea Protein, Carrots, Duck Meal, Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oat Hulls, Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Vitamins(Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), L-Tryptophan, Dried Kelp, Dried Spinach, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Cranberries, Blueberries, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), L-Carnitine, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Caloric Content: 3750 kcal/kg, 410 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 23.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 13.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 3.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.2% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1.0% min |
| VITAMIN E | 100 IU/kg min |
| ASCORBIC ACID | 200 mg/kg min |
| TAURINE | 0.05% min |
| DHA & EPA | 0.25% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.5% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.4% min |
2. Merrick® Classic Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
Obesity in older Dachshunds is a common health problem with the breed. If you are needing a low-carbohydrate small breed dry dog food brand check out Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe.
The potato-free recipe provides a hearty flavor that’s low-glycemic. The #1 ingredient is deboned chicken followed by; chicken meal, peas and turkey meal. Additional antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables balance out the 5 star formula. Merrick is made from the best locally-sourced ingredient from the most trusted USA based farmers.
Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oatmeal, Natural Flavor, Quinoa, Salmon Meal, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Apples, Flaxseed Oil (Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids), Blueberries, Chia Seed, Organic Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Carbonate), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate), Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
Caloric Content: 3,585 kcal/kg, 394 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 30.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 15.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 3.5% max |
| MOISTURE | 11.0% max |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACID | 4.8% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID | 0.4% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 1,200 mg/kg min |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 1,200 mg/kg min |
1. Wellness CORE® Grain Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Dry Dog Food
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed is a premium dry dog food brand that’s made with a proprietary blend of whole ingredients, rich antioxidants, essential vitamins and chelated minerals.
The 5 star formula has been crafted on the nutritional philosophy that Dachshunds thrive on a natural diet comprised of a meat based recipe. Wellness CORE Grain-Free features a protein rich diet that includes deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal.
The combination of these 3 rich protein ingredient give this small breed dry dog food a 36.0% min crude protein level. Made in the USA, Wellness CORE is free of grains, gluten, corn, wheat and soy as well.
Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Natural Chicken Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Vitamin E Supplement, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Sweet Potatoes, Taurine, Spearmint, Mixed Tocopherols Added to Preserve Freshness, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Chicory Root Extract, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Caloric Content: 396 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 36.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 16.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 5.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 2.0% max |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1.3.0% max |
| VITAMIN E | 400 IU/kg |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 3.0% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.5% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 250 mg/kg min |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 200 mg/kg min |
| BETA-CAROTENE | 5 mg/kg min |
| TOTAL LACTIC ACID MICROORGANISMS* | +80,000,000 CFU/lb min |
The Best Wet Dog Food Brands For Dachshunds
If you are looking for a premium wet dog food brand for your Dachshund, check out our 5 top-rated brands below.
5. Blue Buffalo® Wilderness Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Grill Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
This 5 star wet dog food formula is built with a high protein count and is low in carbohydrates. Blue Buffalo Wilderness is loaded with turkey, chicken, turkey liver and potatoes. These premium, whole ingredients are simmered in flavorful chicken broth for extra palatability.
Additionally, B12 supplement and flaxseed is added to boost gastrointestinal function and overall immune system. Made without any grain, corn, wheat, soy, preservatives or by-products as well.
Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey Liver, Potatoes, Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9).
Caloric Content: 1,382 kcal/kg, 216 kcal/can
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 10.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 8.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 1.5% max |
| MOISTURE | 78.0% max |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 380 mg/kg min |
4. Solid Gold® Leaping Waters Chicken, Salmon & Vegetable Recipe Grain-Free Small & Medium Breed Wet Dog Food
If you are looking for a holistic, grain-free wet dog food recipe for your Dachshund, take a look at Solid Gold Leaping Waters. This 5 star formula is protein packed with chicken, whitefish, chicken liver and salmon.
In addition to protein-rich ingredients, whole vegetables are included and help support proper digestion. The palatable, flavorful ingredients are combined and simmered in salmon booths for a nutritionally dense diet.
Flaxseed oil is also found in this formula. This oil help with cognitive brain development and helps promote a healthy coat as well in your Dachshund.
Ingredients: Chicken, Salmon Broth, Whitefish, Chicken Liver, Salmon, Carrots, Pea Fiber, Potatoes, Peas, Alfalfa Meal, Ground Flaxseed, Salt, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Cranberries, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Pumpkin, Spinach, Blueberries, Apples, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Caloric Content: 1,193 kcal/kg, 446 kcal/can
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 8.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 6.5% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 1.5% max |
| MOISTURE | 78.0% max |
3. Whole Earth Farms® Grain-Free Small Breed Recipe Chicken Dinner Wet Dog Food
Whole Earth Farms Chicken Dinner is another excellent choice for your Dachshund. Chicken is the #1 ingredient along with chicken liver, peas, carrots and sweet potatoes as well.
The easily digestible stew helps increase energy, reduces shedding, strengthen nails and promotes a shinier coat in your Dachshund. Furthermore, the recipe is grain-free and made without corn, wheat, soy, by-products or artificial colors and preservatives as well.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Peas, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potatoes, Dried Egg Product, Yeast Culture, Apples, Organic Alfalfa Meal, Salmon Oil, Flaxseed Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Guar Gum, Choline Chloride, Dried Cranberries, Xanthan Gum, Cinnamon, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodate, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Sodium Selenite), Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate), Yucca Schidigera Extract.
Caloric Content: 994 kcal/kg, 84 kcal/3 oz can, 1193 kcal/kg, 108 kcal/3.2 oz can
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 9.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 5.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 1.4% max |
| MOISTURE | 78.0% max |
2. Blue Buffalo® Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Adult Wet Dog Food
On a dog food budget but still wanting to feed your Dachshund a premium wet dog food brand? Take a look at Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient formula. With less than 10 whole ingredients, the formula is a perfect option for allergy and food-sensitive Dachshunds.
A balanced blend of veggies, fruit and micronutrients is also added to help with the digestive system. Additionally, the formula is free from grains that contain glutens, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals or artificial ingredients.
Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Flaxseed (Source of Omega 3 And 6 Fatty Acids), Guar Gum, Fish Oil, Pumpkin, Carrageenan, Cassia Gum, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Cranberries, Blueberries, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Cobalt Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin Supplement (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols.
Caloric Content: 1,370 kcal/kg, 484 kcal/can
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 7.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 6.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 1.5% max |
| MOISTURE | 78.0% max |
| VITAMIN E | 50 IU/kg min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.25% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 1.0% min |
| VITAMIN C | 20 mg/kg min |
1. Instinct by Nature’s Variety® Original Small Breed Grain-Free Real Beef Recipe Natural Wet Dog Food
Nature’s Variety Instinct Original Wet Dog Food Recipe is packed with real beef and beef liver which Dachshund’s absolutely love. The protein-rich diet features beef liver, cod, ground dried peas and flaxseed as well.
A variety of antioxidant rich fruits is also found at the bottom of the ingredient list and help support a healthy immune system. Additionally, there’s no grains, wheat, soy, potatoes, by-products, artificial colors or preservatives.
In addition to being healthy on the digestive system, the delicious pate texture loaf also includes rich omega fatty acids, to help promote optimum coat and skin health in your Dachshund.
Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Beef Liver, Ground Dried Peas, Cod, Pea Fiber, Tricalcium Phosphate, Montmorillonite Clay, Ground Flaxseed, Guar Gum, Sunflower Oil, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Proteinate, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley
Caloric Content: 1,013 kcal/kg, 153 kcal/5.5 oz can, 86 kcal/3 oz can
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 8.5% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 4.5% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 2.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 78.0% max |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 0.45% min |
