Feeding a dachshund at home: a list of allowed and prohibited foods and how to choose dry food

The dachshund is a small hunting dog with short legs. Today it is more of a companion pet than a hunter. She is not like other dog breeds, so this feature should also be taken into account in her diet.

So what to feed a dachshund is an extremely important question for the owner, which will be discussed below.

Rating of the 10 best dry food for Rabbit Dachshunds

Feeding

An excess of these substances leads to the deposition of salts in the spine and joints.
To avoid gastrointestinal diseases, the feed needs fiber, at least 7%. It is often present in the form of beet pulp (providing regular stool without removing other beneficial substances from the diet from the animal’s body ahead of time). But, if digestive work is disrupted and there is an inflammatory process in any part of the gastrointestinal tract in the body, then the daily food should be replaced with one that contains less than 3% fiber in order to avoid trauma to the inflamed mucosal walls.

Watch your portion size. These pets perform a decorative role in apartments, but hunting genes make themselves felt. If a dog burned extra calories during a full-fledged hunt, then in an apartment, only with walking, it risks becoming obese, there is no stop signal for saturation.

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What to feed – natural food or artificial food?

Every owner of a dachshund sooner or later faces the question: what food to choose - natural food that you have to prepare yourself, or take it from the store shelf?

Each type of food has its pros and cons..

Which one to choose is entirely the owner’s decision, but we must not forget about what is best for the dog. Every breed of dog can develop food allergies, and the Dachshund is no exception.

Changing one product to another is much easier than completely switching a dog to another brand of commercial food.

But at the same time, artificial food is much more practical and convenient to use than natural food, because you have to prepare it yourself, observing a strict ratio of products.

The choice of food for a dachshund should be strictly individual. If the breeder fed your puppy artificial food before you, think about whether it is worth exposing the puppy’s body to stress and changing the type of food? This principle also works in the opposite direction.

Feeding a dog natural food is expensive both in terms of money and time . But, on the other hand, in order to choose the right commercial food, you will also have to go around more than one store shelf.

Expert opinion

Tolkachev Andrey Mikhailovich

veterinarian

“The issue, as usual, is controversial, because it is impossible to come to a common opinion. Each owner, to the best of his ability and time, chooses the appropriate food. People who specialize only in breeding dachshunds choose natural food. For working and busy dachshund owners, it makes more sense to buy food from store shelves. The main thing in natural nutrition is to maintain all the necessary proportions, and in artificial nutrition, choose only high-quality food. In this case, the dachshund will develop fully - there is no need to think about how the dachshund will lose weight or gain weight.”

1st Choice Breeders for miniature breeds with chicken (20kg)

The best option among super-premium feeds. It consists of high-quality meat, vegetables, and does not contain unnecessary third-rate components and by-products. The composition does not contain taste or smell enhancers or other artificial additives.

The price per kilogram (366 rubles/kg) is budget-friendly for a product of this quality. Product, there is a huge range of food for small breeds with other tastes, hypoallergenic types that are suitable for animals with a tendency to allergies.

pros

• There is no unpleasant smell, the animal’s mouth does not smell after eating;
• The condition of the coat improves;
• Does not cause digestive upset, suitable for animals with a weak gastrointestinal tract;
• Each product in the line is balanced according to the age of the animal for which it is intended (this product for adult miniature dogs contains the required 22% protein);
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

• It has the form of granules, which are much more difficult to digest when not chewed;
• Difficult to find in pet stores.

Holistic nutrition

The principle of such nutrition is to create a single product, rather than a set of ingredients. Thanks to this approach, the dog’s body adapts to self-medication and maintains health at all levels for many years.

What does holistic food consist of:

• Protein supplier – fresh dehydrated meat of animals, poultry, fish;
• Carbohydrates come from peas, lentils, potatoes, sometimes rice or oatmeal is added, there should be no corn and wheat;
• Fiber is compensated by adding dried fruits, berries, and vegetables;
• Preservatives and antioxidants are added in the form of a mixture of tocopherol (a fat-soluble natural antioxidant), usually vitamin E.

The food recipe contains a complex of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other useful components. Holistic food consists of natural products, does not contain GMOs, or dyes. Most are produced abroad - this is a guarantee of quality. The cost of the product is higher than premium and economy, but due to its high energy value, the feeling of fullness is maintained for a long time.

SAVARRA ADULT DOG SMALL BREED

The food is specially designed for small dogs. The main component, fresh duck meat, is a supplier of Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids. They have a positive effect on the functioning of the heart and brain.

The dachshund is an active breed that requires a lot of energy. Duck meat is rich in protein and can fill the necessary calories. The high content of vitamin A improves the dog's vision and skin condition. The food granules are small, like for puppies. The food recipe contains seaweed, rich in minerals - this makes the coat color more saturated.

Country: Great Britain.

Price - from 770 rub. for 1 kg.

SAVARRA ADULT DOG SMALL BREED

Advantages:

• Small granules;
• Rich natural composition;
• Positive effect on skin and coat;
• Does not cause allergies.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Almo Nature Alternative 170

On the packaging you can see the inscription 100% HFC (Human Food Chain), which means that the ingredients were intended for human nutrition. The product is made only from fresh meat; 170 g of meat is consumed per 100 g of feed.

Ingredients include: rice, minerals, vitamins, beet pulp. Recommended for dogs with sensitive digestion. Contains no GMOs and gluten.

Country: Italy.

Price - from 1079 rub. for 750 g.

Almo Nature Alternative 170

Advantages:

• Qualitative;
• No dyes, gluten, flavor enhancers;
• One type of protein.

Flaws:

• No.

PRONATURE HOLISTIC GRAIN FREE DOG MEDITERRANEA

The new line of animal feed takes into account the taste traditions of the Mediterranean, North, and Asia. You can choose one of these flavors for your dachshund. Mediterranéa promotes the Mediterranean diet, which promotes longevity.

The composition contains various fruits, vegetables, rich in fiber and antioxidants. Legumes and nuts have a positive effect on the heart, fish supplies the body with healthy fats. The taste of salmon and olive oil makes the food attractive to a whimsical dog. A small amount of carbohydrates helps you avoid gaining weight. Contains no grains.

Country: Canada (maybe different).

Price - from 462 rubles. per package.

PRONATURE HOLISTIC GRAIN FREE DOG MEDITERRANEA

Advantages:

• Balanced complex;
• Pleasant taste;
• Does not cause allergies.

Flaws:

• High price.

Husse Opus Farm

The product formula is grain-free and is suitable for dogs with a sensitive digestive system. Contains dehydrated meat, peas and potatoes as sources of carbohydrates.

To improve the quality and color of wool, the composition contains flaxseed - a source of Omega-3, copper stimulates the production of enzymes that affect the color of wool. For healthy bones and teeth, the food formula contains vitamin D. Multi-protein product.

Country: Sweden.

Price - from 6390 rub. per package 12 kg

Husse Opus Farm

Advantages:

• Rich composition;
• No grain ingredients;
• Positive effect on the condition of hair, bones, teeth.

Flaws:

• Not installed

Acana Regionals Grasslands

Grain-free food - holistic. The formula does not contain:

• Cereals;
• By-products;
• Preservatives, GMOs;
• Minimum amount of carbohydrates.

Animal fats make up 70%, fiber comes from fruits, vegetables, and beans. Granulated products in an easy-to-chew form help clean teeth.

Country: Canada.

Price - from 700 rub. for 1 kg.

Acana Regionals Grasslands

Advantages:

• Rich selection of several types of meat;
• Low carbohydrates;
• Cleans teeth well;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• No

ProNature Holistic (for miniature breeds) (0.34 kg)

The best option from holisticists. The composition contains minerals, animal proteins, trace elements, vitamins. Consists of meat, fish, egg products, berries, fruits, vegetables, does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or other grains.

There are no chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers. Veterinarians consider the products of this brand to be among the best for the constant feeding of miniature breed dogs.

pros

• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time, eating a small portion;
• The appearance of the coat improves with constant holistic nutrition;
• No problems with the gastrointestinal tract, well absorbed by the animal’s body;
• Suitable for dogs with intolerance to certain foods;
• After eating, the animal's mouth does not smell;
• The small package has a convenient clasp, the food does not run out.
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

• Not found in all pet stores.

Baby care

When letting a dachshund into your home, it is very important to have knowledge about the necessary care and maintenance of a dog at home. Without knowing the behavioral characteristics of a given animal, you can undermine its health and cause yourself unnecessary trouble.

Temperature conditions

In the first days of life, puppies constantly roll up under the bitch in search of warmth, so it is advisable to place a hot water bottle wrapped in a soft blanket in the nest.

The animal's bedding should be soft and warm. Smooth-haired dachshunds need to wear warm clothes when walking on cold snowy days. It will protect your pet from hypothermia.

Cleanliness and hygiene

A small dog should not be bathed with cosmetics until it reaches five months of age.

For bathing, you can use either special dog shampoos or baby shampoo. Bathing with such products should be no more than once every three months. To prevent your dog's paws from sliding around the bathroom, use a rubber mat.

It is not prohibited to wash the dog with running water, and washing the paws after a walk is an indispensable condition for the pet’s health.

We take care of our health

Dogs that have been raised by breeders for years, especially representatives, have excellent health - the dachshund is also on this list. If you follow the necessary rules and requirements, carry out preventive vaccinations, and deworming, your pet will remain vigorous and healthy for many years. Appearance, a wet, cold nose and an excellent appetite are the hallmarks of a healthy animal.

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Due to the special structure of the dog, it is forbidden to stand on its hind legs or jump from high objects. Make sure your dog doesn't do this - this way you can avoid problems with the spine and hind legs in the future.

When choosing a collar for your pet, choose the one with a thickening in the middle. This will not injure the puppy’s skin or twist.

It is very important to monitor the appearance of the animal:

• comb the dog’s fur with a rubber brush, removing dirt and dead hairs;
• carry out nail care - the dog should move quietly on the floor and not click;
• clean your eyes in a timely manner using warm water and a soft cloth;
• You can take care of your teeth with the help of special bones that are created taking into account the needs of the dog.

Important! The dachshund is a very sociable animal with a lively character, and if you don’t give it attention, it can withdraw into itself.

Attention and love

A Dachshund puppy needs to be walked at least 3-4 times a day for 30 minutes. During walks, the dog is very active, and when playing with other dogs, he often forgets how small he is. Therefore, be attentive to your pet and try to “make” him friends who are suitable in size and strength.

Important! Walk your dachshund only on a leash! The animal has very strong hunting instincts - when it sees a small animal, the dachshund tries to catch it.

The dachshund is a hyperactive creature: it seems that it never gets tired. It requires a lot of attention and control

It is vital for her to get plenty of walks and play. If there are children in the house, the dog will be happy to support them in games such as catch, hide and seek, and ball games.

This breed of dog is contraindicated for people who spend a lot of time outside the home.

Orijen Original (6 kg)

Super premium product, suitable for all breeds, including small ones. Includes high-quality fish and meat, the content of which reaches a record 80% among other dry food, healthy herbs (dandelion, mint, turmeric).

All these ingredients help strengthen canine immunity. Does not contain third-rate by-products, chemical preservatives, flavor enhancers, aroma, vegetable proteins, gluten, or cereals. Orijen is suitable for active miniature dogs.

pros

• Record high animal protein content;
• Does not cause allergies;
• The composition contains several types of fish.

Minuses

• There is no fastener on the packaging so that the food does not dry out; it will have to be poured into a closed container;
• Strong odor and noticeable but short-lived odor from the animal's mouth;
• Rarely, problems with the gastrointestinal tract are possible.

Basic Rules

Frequency and serving size

Small puppies should eat before going for a walk, since it is after eating that they need to go to the toilet. Adult dogs, on the contrary, need to be fed after a walk, since activity after eating is contraindicated for them, this can lead to intestinal problems.

Feeding frequency:

1. A puppy up to three months old is fed every 4 hours.
2. Dachshunds from three to eight months old need to be fed three times a day.
3. Dogs older than one year eat no more than twice a day.

Serving size: per 1 kg of dog weight you need to give 40 grams of natural food - this is the amount of daily food for a dachshund.

For an adult dachshund, the protein content of dry food should be about 22%.

Go! Natural Holistic (holistic menu) Go & NOW Natural (690 g)

Suitable for all dog breeds, especially miniature ones. It contains only natural ingredients, calf meat, turkey, lamb, duck, fruits, berries, vegetables.

The product is perfectly balanced, the necessary animal proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, microelements, acids are present, there are no harmful soybeans, preservatives, odor and taste enhancers, or low-quality by-products. All components retain their properties thanks to gentle processing.

pros

• Convenient sealed packaging with a zipper: the food does not expire and does not lose its properties;
• The amount of excrement is significantly reduced, and its smell becomes less pronounced;
• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time;
• The coat becomes more shiny and smooth in appearance with prolonged constant feeding;
• Does not cause allergies or dental problems;
• The condition of the skin and eyes improves noticeably over time;
• Can be found in every pet store;
• Does not have a pronounced odor.

Minuses

• Large granules that are difficult to digest if the dog does not chew them;
• Possible odor from the animal's mouth;
• Occasionally, problems with the gastrointestinal tract occur.

Ontario Mini Weight Control with Turkey and Potatoes (2.25 kg)

Czech super-premium product. Recommended by veterinarians due to its perfectly balanced composition. Does not contain cereals or grains. The composition includes high-quality fish, meat products, vegetables (for example, tomatoes).

There are no low-quality ingredients, chemical preservatives, or meat and bone meal. Suitable for dogs with excess weight problems.

pros

• High content of lycopenes;
• Suitable for dogs with poor health, problems with joints and immunity;
• Does not cause a bad odor from the animal's mouth;
• All useful microelements in the form of chelates are absorbed by the dog’s body 100%;
• Small granules that are easy to digest;
• Distributed in pet stores;
• Hermetically sealed packaging.

Minuses

• Pronounced smell.

Varieties

Dry feeding

List of the best food for dachshunds:

1. Royal Canin - This is food for different breeds of dogs. Produced in France. This brand has a complete food for small dachshunds up to 10 months of age, as well as adult dogs over 10 months of age. Each line contains dry granules in various forms and soft pates. The composition includes the following ingredients:
   rice;
2. corn;
3. poultry meat;
4. beet pulp;
5. animal fats;
6. minerals;
7. fish fat;
8. soybean oil;
9. green tea extract.
10. Summit is a dry food that belongs to the super premium class. It is made from only the highest quality ingredients to ensure exceptionally natural taste and maximum nutritional value. The manufacturer is Canada. It contains the following ingredients:
    chicken meal;
11. whole brown rice;
12. chicken fat;
13. lamb meal;
14. salmon meal;
15. whole dry egg;
16. oatmeal;
17. barley;
18. bouillon;
19. vegetables and fruits.
20. Brit – Czech-made premium and super-premium food with a meat content of more than 40%. Food of all classes is natural - without genetically modified organisms, dyes and preservatives. Dachshunds will benefit from a line for small and medium-sized dogs, including dry food with chicken and rice. Compound:
    chicken meal;
21. rice;
22. corn;
23. wheat;
24. chicken fat;
25. salmon oil;
26. dried apples;
27. minerals;
28. extract from herbs and fruits.

Cooking rules

When preparing dachshund dishes, the following rules are observed:

1. All ingredients must be prepared separately and then mixed.
2. It is better to grind cereals and vegetables in a blender.
3. Food should be at medium temperature, neither hot nor cold.
4. Food should be in a semi-liquid state.
5. For puppies, meat must be boiled and introduced into the diet, starting from 2 months.
6. It is better to give meat in large, but chopped pieces. This will help strengthen your dog's jaw and rid it of tartar.
7. You should not feed your dog sour, rotten or spoiled food.

Vitamins

Vitamin and mineral balance is important for the dachshund’s body. If you feed your pet dry food, then in this case no vitamins are needed, since its composition is balanced.

First of all, vitamin deficiency affects the dog’s appearance – the condition of its claws, teeth and fur.

1. Glucosamine is a preventive drug that supports the joints and bones of dogs. It contains fluoride and calcium, which help bones become stronger.
2. "Exel 8 in 1" - vitamin complex. Restores the shine and elasticity of the coat, and also has a positive effect on the condition of the dog’s teeth and claws.
3. “Hokamix Skin & Shine” is an oil that contains a high percentage of Omega acids.
4. "Gamavit" is a drug containing useful substances. It is administered by injection.
5. Calcidee is a complex enriched with vitamin D. Helps maintain the health of pregnant dogs.

NOW FRESH salmon, duck, turkey (2.72 kg)

Canadian quality holistic. Products of this brand do not include grain crops, by-products, chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers.

High-quality meat, vegetables, and cereals maintain the required level of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the animal’s body.

pros

• Unfastened packaging;
• Large granules may be difficult to digest if not chewed.

Minuses

• Pronounced smell.

Acana Heritage (6 kg) (for small breeds)

This Canadian product is a good choice for a miniature breed dog. It is suitable for both active animals and completely lazy ones. The food is holistic, that is, it contains only natural ingredients.

There are no cheap low-quality components in the products of this brand; feed wheat and bone meal are completely absent. Contains only meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and high quality dairy products.

pros

• High concentration of animal proteins;
• Fresh ingredients;
• There are no carbohydrates (the dog’s body does not need them);
• A variety of fruits, vegetables, tonic herbs in the composition, which strengthen the heart and improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Reduces insulin levels, strengthens the liver;
• High quality packaging.

Minuses

• May cause allergies;
• Noticeable fishy smell;
• High fat content.

Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15 kg)

German quality holistic specialist. The products of this brand include only those components that are easily absorbed by the dog’s body, without causing any digestive problems.

No wheat, oats, corn, starch or gluten. Meat makes up more than half of the food - cod, mackerel, haddock, pheasant, rabbit, trout, salmon, lamb.

https://dog-care.ru/zdorove/pitanie/luchshih-suhih-kormov-dlya-krolichey-taksy.html

pros

• Excellent balance of vitamins, minerals, healthy supplements;
• Complete absence of chemical ingredients (flavor and aroma enhancers and dyes);
• Moderate size granules;
• No noticeable odor;
• Elegant, high quality packaging;
• The company has an official website with a detailed description of the product and instructions;
• The condition of the coat improves.

Minuses

• Rarely available in pet stores;
• In isolated cases may cause constipation

How to care for a dachshund

The easiest way to deal with a smooth-haired dachshund is to wipe it with a regular terry towel or a special brush. For dogs with long hair, they need to be brushed at least a couple of times a week. For wire-haired dogs, once a week is enough. The procedure will have to be carried out more often during molts, which usually occur in spring and autumn.

Bathe your dog no more than several times a year, using only special products that are sold in pet stores.

All Dachshunds need to have their nails trimmed regularly.

Particular attention should be paid to the ears: regularly inspect them and clean them as they become dirty using products intended for this purpose.

Grandorf (3 kg) Lamb with rice Mini

Suitable for a small breed dog. Veterinarians often mention this brand as the most suitable for dogs prone to allergies. The composition is completely free of chicken and grains.

In addition to meat, it contains components such as vegetables and grains. It is better to take this food for an active dog. If she is lazy, then Grandorf will make her overweight.

pros

• High meat content - >60%;
• High calorie content, the dog will be full for a long time;
• No chemical flavors or additives;
• Improves the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, restores intestinal microflora (and is even indicated for those dogs who have digestive problems);
• Improves the condition of the coat.

Minuses

• High in fat, a lazy dog ​​will quickly gain weight.

Briefly about the main thing

1. Food with a high protein content has better digestibility for dachshunds.
2. High-quality dry food will provide your dachshund with everything it needs; there is no need to buy additional supplements.
3. Puppies need to be fed before, adults - after a walk.
4. Dachshunds are prone to obesity; they should not be overfed, as excess weight overloads the spine, and it will be difficult to return to normal.

Tell us if you use vitamins in your dachshund’s diet, and if so, what kind.

Source

Royal Canin for healthy skin and coat 2 kg (for small breeds)

Famous French super-premium food. It is of good quality, but lower than that of competitors (discussed in paragraphs 1-9).

Royal Canin Mini contains grains and vegetable proteins.

pros

• Does not cause allergies;
• Nutritious, but does not cause excess weight in the animal (the energy intensity of the diet and the protein content in the product are precisely calculated);
• Available at many pet stores;
• High-quality packaging;
• Moderate size granules;
• Restoring the condition of the coat;
• Contains sodium polyphosphate, which prevents the formation of plaque;
• The composition includes many useful microelements;
• Improved digestion.

Minuses

• With constant feeding of this food, it is impossible to do without additional supplements with vitamins and microelements;
• Inconvenient packaging without fastener;
• Contains poorly digestible grains and artificial additives (preservatives, dyes.);

Among these foods, the best choices for a miniature animal would be 1st Choice Breeders Miniature Breed with Chicken (20kg) and Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15kg).

The first is the highest quality, and at the same time inexpensive, super-premium food.

The second is a natural holistic company, and the company has a detailed official website with all the information on the food and instructions.

Both products have a minimum of disadvantages, which are offset by advantages from the balance of nutrients, vitamins, microelements and the absence of harmful preservatives to convenient packaging.

Medical nutrition and vitamin supplements

In pet stores you can purchase special food for dachshunds intended for treatment. But not many companies produce this type of food. Among them, only proven companies can be distinguished:

1. Royal Canin. It produces 20 types of special food designed to treat diseases of the cardiovascular and urinary systems, as well as the digestive organs, in dogs.
2. Its line includes 9 varieties of healthy mixtures aimed at combating allergies, kidney diseases, and urinary system in dogs.
3. Feed made for animals with chronic liver and kidney diseases.

Interesting article: Everything you need to know about Royal Canin food

You can also purchase vitamin complexes for dachshunds. Popular brands include: Glucosamine, Calcidee, Pervinal Exel for Puppies, Gamavit.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

If your dachshund eats super premium dry food, then there is no need to take additional vitamins, since this product already contains the required amount of minerals and trace elements. But when the dog eats homemade food, then if he shows signs of vitamin deficiency, additional vitamin intake is necessary.

Puppies and pregnant dogs must take such medications. To clarify the dosage, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. They cannot be used uncontrollably.

Feeding tips for miniature dogs

To maintain the health of a small dog, it is important to consider recommendations and advice on feeding and managing the animal’s diet:

1. It is advisable for miniature breeds to eat dry food daily. This is due to the fact that they often experience oral diseases: inflammation of the gums, unpleasant odor from the mouth, loose teeth, and excessive deposits of tartar. Diseases develop faster than in large individuals. Preference is given to holistic feeds; they do not contain dyes, preservatives, or by-products. Dry food reduces the risk of these diseases, but is not a panacea.
2. The diet should include wet food. Miniature dogs are prone to diseases of the urinary system; due to their size, the kidneys produce a small amount of urine, which contains a concentration of harmful inorganic substances. Wet food helps saturate the body with additional fluid and prevents the appearance of formations in the urinary system. It is not advisable to mix dry and wet food; it is better to offer them to the animal at different times.
3. Do not choose your own nutritional supplements for the animal and do not give food from your table. The advantage of ready-made dry food is its balance. The substances your dog needs are available in the right quantities. Homemade table food contains a lot of salt, fat, spices, and other substances harmful to the animal. A dog whose diet is based on dry food does not need additional biological additives. An excess of vitamins is more harmful than their deficiency.
4. Do not overfeed. Small individuals have a tendency to become obese. If you do not control the number of servings in the bowl, then over time the animal may become overweight. On packages of ready-made dry food there is a table on portion sizes and feeding frequency. Compliance with these standards will protect your dog from weight problems.

Composition and nutritional standards

When creating a menu, you need to take into account the characteristics of the animal’s breed. His weight should be constantly monitored. It should be no more than 9 kg. Exceeding the recommended norm leads to obesity.

A dachshund's diet also depends on the time of year. In summer, the dog moves a lot, energy expenditure is higher. Therefore, food should be more nutritious. During the cold season, you need to reduce the amount of carbohydrates in your food.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

In autumn and winter, dogs are susceptible to vitamin deficiency. Therefore, during the cold season, it is recommended to add additional vitamins to the dachshund’s food, which only a veterinarian has the right to prescribe.

The basis of the dachshund's diet is meat. It should be 30-60% of the total amount of food. Veal, turkey, beef are recommended. For dogs, it is better to choose coarse pieces with veins.

You should not let your dachshund chew on long bones. They can damage her internal organs.

Organ meats (liver, kidneys, lungs, tripe) and fish are sources of protein and are essential for dogs. But you should give them to your dachshund only in boiled form.

Cereals should make up 20-40% of the daily diet. In addition to buckwheat and rice, you can occasionally give your animal other types of cereals. They contain additional trace elements and minerals. But it is advisable to remember the main thing:

• rolled oats should be steamed with boiling water, but not boiled;
• millet can cause loose stools in a dog;
• beans and peas contribute to bloating;
• The dachshund's stomach does not digest pearl barley well.

As for fruits, it is recommended to give dogs apples, pears, and dried fruits.

The menu is also diversified with products that can and should be added to the diet: kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt, eggs. Among baked goods, only rye crackers are recommended for dachshunds.

What vitamins are needed when feeding small breed dogs

If the dog’s diet consists of natural food, ready-made vitamin complexes will serve as an additional source of vitamins and minerals. There are many types of multivitamins and specialty vitamins on the pet market designed for small dog breeds.

The vitamin multicomplex solves the problem of vitamin deficiency in the body of an adult animal.

For example, Farmavit Active, Wolmar Winsome Pro Bio Booster Ca Mini or Galakan Champion. These nutritional supplements are developed for small breed dogs, are hypoallergenic, and do not cause side effects.

Homemade food for dachshund

List of products recommended for dachshunds:

• raw or boiled meat;
• sea ​​fish without bones;
• cereals;
• vegetables;
• fruits;
• eggs;
• kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk.

There are a number of rules that must be followed:

1. It is recommended to prepare all components of the dish separately and mix in a bowl before eating.
2. It is better to grind vegetables and cereals with a blender.
3. It is not recommended to give your dachshund broth separately.
4. Food should be warm and thin.
5. The meat needs to be cut into large pieces.
6. The dog is only allowed to be given clean water.

Prohibited Products

Regardless of the age of the animal, you cannot offer your dachshund the following products:

• chocolate and other sweets;
• sausage, frankfurters, sausages and smoked meats;
• onion and garlic;
• pastries from dough;
• Exotic fruits;
• tubular bones.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

Ask a Question

These products cause diseases. They are contraindicated for any breed of dog.

How to properly feed small breed dog puppies

When a puppy is just born, its digestive system is on its way to development; a diet of the right foods is the key to health for years to come. Newborn puppies can be supplemented with milk or a specialized formula. At the age of about 1-3 months, you need to feed puppies with natural food: lean meat, eggs, fish, porridge, fermented milk.

Protein should make up at least 70% of the diet. We add healthy fats and boiled vegetables to the rest of the diet. This menu may seem boring to humans, but puppies do not need a variety of foods.

Their gastrointestinal tract is just learning how to digest food, and preference is given to simple and healthy foods. The diet should not contain fatty, fried, sweet foods; they are prohibited for puppies and cause serious health and digestive problems.

If your miniature dog has digestive problems due to food

A common reason for visiting a veterinarian is gastrointestinal problems. Not a single animal is safe from them.

The reasons for their appearance are usually similar: either a specific brand of ready-made dry or wet food is not suitable for the animal, or the owner decides to save money and buys cheap brands of food that have an unbalanced and even harmful composition.

The most common digestive disorders are:

• Diarrhea, constipation
• Allergies that cause a skin reaction
• Intolerance to components included in the finished feed
• Uncontrollable vomiting
• Poisoning

For each of these symptoms, the dog should be shown to a veterinarian to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Self-medication or self-diagnosis is fraught with the emergence of new diseases. If you do not review your dog’s diet, then over time, minor problems with the gastrointestinal tract will lead to the development of chronic diseases of the internal organs.

The damage will mainly be caused to the stomach and liver, and various parts of the intestines.

To solve the problem, it is enough to change the brand of food, choosing a diet without harmful and poorly digestible components. A competent veterinarian can advise which food is best to introduce, based on the health of a particular dog. Change the food gradually; too sudden a change will cause severe digestive upset. The replacement should be made within a week, mixing the new type of food with the old one.

Prohibited Products

This list includes:

1. Salty foods, smoked foods;
2. Roast;
3. Sweets;
4. Baking;
5. Legumes;
6. Chocolate;
7. Tubular and any boiled bones.

With caution, pets are treated to citrus fruits, breaking off a slice if the dog shows interest in them. Bird bones and all boiled ones are a source of danger. Their fragments injure the stomach and oral cavity, causing constipation and digestive system disorders

You can cook jellied meat from them. A dog needs 10 times less salt than a person.

Bird bones and all boiled ones are a source of danger.

Their fragments injure the stomach and oral cavity, causing constipation and disorders of the digestive system. You can cook jellied meat from them. A dog needs 10 times less salt than a person.

She gets her norm from her usual food, so it’s better to avoid this product.

Diet for a pregnant miniature dog

Pregnancy of a pet is an important moment; it is necessary to organize the correct diet for the animal. It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in diet; pregnancy is stressful for the pet and changing the diet can aggravate the pet’s condition. The main part of the menu should be animal proteins. An overweight towards fast carbohydrates and fats can cause excess weight.

It is better to choose premium dog food intended for pregnant females; they have a good composition and contain a balanced set of vitamins and minerals necessary for a pregnant animal. It is important to monitor the portions you consume. Excessive feeding can lead to excess weight gain; there is no need to feed your pet for two or three. Additional weight can weaken the dog’s labor and add increased stress to the internal organs.

In the first half of pregnancy, the animal is fed according to the usual schedule, maintaining the portion size that was before pregnancy. To avoid weight gain, small pets need to remain active, but remember - you should not overwork the animal during pregnancy. If it was decided to switch the animal to another food, then the best time for this is the first half of pregnancy. The transition is carried out smoothly, on average about 8-10 days. If the new food is not suitable for a particular pet, the return to the previous one should be gradual.

In the second half of pregnancy, active growth of puppies in the womb begins; if before this excess nutrition was spent on the pet’s excess weight, now all the excess will go to feed the fetuses. The animal’s body gives all its resources to its offspring. It is important to gradually increase the pet's diet; by the end of pregnancy, the bitch should receive about 30% more food than usual.

There are periods when the female’s appetite decreases or disappears. There is no need to force feed; when the dog feels better, it will begin to eat properly again. During this period, it is better to offer food often and in small portions. During pregnancy, the uterus puts a lot of pressure on the internal organs, and large portions of food will worsen the condition, and a lack of food will provoke the birth of weakened offspring.

Who is better to choose - a boy or a girl?

When choosing a dachshund puppy, many owners wonder who is better to choose, a boy or a girl.

The choice depends largely on the goal pursued by the future owner.

If its goal:

breeding offspring, it is best to choose a female, since they are treated more loyally than males. The main thing is to have documents certifying the purebred of the breed

Representatives of the “stronger” sex will have to participate in exhibitions more than once and take prizes before eminent breeders will pay attention to them. But it is worth considering the fact that caring for a pregnant dog is expensive. If you take a dog “for the soul”, then you can take any puppy you like, since both a boy and a girl will become ideal companions and devoted friends.

Of course, there are differences in the behavior of females and males. For example, males are more stubborn, straightforward, independent, ready to stubbornly follow their principles, while females are more flexible, gentle, and loving.