Puppies need high-quality complete dog food. As they get older, the volume of kibble they need decreases and they should switch to adult dog food.
It’s important to select a diet that follows nutritional guidelines and contains the proper balance of protein, fat and carbohydrate. This will help Dachshunds maintain a healthy weight and avoid diseases that can put extra stress on their joints.
Protein and Nutrition are Building Blocks for a Healthy Dachshund
Protein is an essential nutrient that dogs need to build and maintain healthy skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It also plays a role in hormone production. Protein can be derived from either animal or plant sources. A high-quality diet will contain a mixture of both.
During puppyhood, Dachshunds need a very high level of protein in their food to fuel rapid growth. However, it is important not to overdo the protein as this can lead to excessive fat accumulation which puts extra strain on the dog’s skeleton.
Dachshunds have a very short digestive tract, so they require small, nutrient-dense meals frequently. Puppies should be fed at least 3 times a day and adults 2 times a day. This helps to keep blood sugar stable and avoid hypoglycaemia.
It is best to avoid table scraps and other high calorie treats as Dachshunds tend to put on weight, especially in the later stages of life. This can put additional stress on the long back of the Dachshund increasing their risk of Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
A good diet will contain moderate amounts of protein, healthy levels of fat and limited carbohydrates. This will help to prevent your Dachshund from becoming overweight and increase their chances of a healthy life free of IVDD.
Many kibble and wet foods come with detailed instructions on how much to feed your Dachshund based on age, size and current weight. If you are unsure of how much to feed your Dachshund, consult your veterinarian.
Importance of Animal Fat in a Dachshund’s Diet
Dachshunds are technically carnivores, so they need animal fat for energy and to absorb certain fat-soluble vitamins. Fat can also be a source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health.
Puppies grow most rapidly during their first 6 months, and they require high protein and calorie intakes to build strong muscles. Animal-based fats offer more calories per gram than protein, so they are the primary source of energy for young dogs. The fatty acids found in animal-based fats can also have positive effects on your dog’s skin and coat, heart health, and brain function.
As your puppy grows into an adult dog, his calorie needs will decrease. He may still need some fats for optimum health, but too much fat can lead to weight gain and exacerbate his predisposition to back issues like dachshund-specific chondrodysplasia (DD).
When selecting a diet for your adult dog, look for lower-calorie foods that contain less fat, but don’t cut out all the fat altogether. A dachshund’s metabolism slows down with age, so it is important to keep his calorie intake low to maintain his ideal body weight and to prevent the formation of joint-degrading deposits called gout.
If your adult dog has any food allergies, consider giving him supplemental fish oil. This can help ease the symptoms of allergies and improve his skin and coat health. A squirt of fish oil in your dog’s water can also be a great way to soothe his itchy nose and eyes. The best way to supplement your dachshund’s nutrition is by feeding him fresh homemade meals that are rich in proteins and quality vegetables, fruits, and oils. However, if you are not comfortable cooking your own meals, there are a number of companies that make natural, fresh, wholesome dog foods with a focus on natural ingredients and no fillers.
Role of Carbohydrates in a Dachshund’s Diet
Carbohydrates are a major source of energy in your dog’s diet. They provide highly digestible fuel for your pet’s cells and are a source of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Carbohydrates are classified as sugars, starches and dietary fiber. Sugars (mono- and di-saccharides) are easily metabolized and are rapidly absorbed in the bloodstream. Starches and dietary fiber are more complex carbohydrates that require enzymes to break them down.
When a dog is active, it’s cellular needs for energy increase. Fat provides this fuel as does protein, but carbohydrates provide the energy needed for intense activity. Therefore, it’s important that a dog’s diet contains both types of nutrients.
A Dachshund’s caloric requirements vary based on its age, weight and health status. Adult dogs need between 497 and 832 calories a day. It’s important that you regulate your dog’s daily caloric intake to prevent obesity and keep his weight in the proper range.
It’s best to avoid high glycemic carbohydrates, especially those from potatoes and grains like wheat and corn. These have a high glycemic index and can trigger excess insulin which contributes to diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Carbohydrates should comprise no more than 30% of your dog’s total calories.
A good option for puppies is Blue Buffalo’s Small Breed Puppy Recipe which is low in carbs and high in soluble fiber. It features chicken as its primary protein source and also includes turkey, salmon, flounder and mackerel. It contains optimum levels of calcium and phosphorus to support your Dachshund’s unique long skeletal structure. It also has glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, L-carnitine to promote metabolism and a balanced blend of fruits, vegetables and brown rice for healthy carbohydrate sources.
Nutrition for Dachshund Puppies: Balancing Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates
Dachshund puppies need a diet that is rich in animal protein, provides moderate amounts of fat and limited carbs and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. Since a dog cannot synthesize vitamins, they must be supplied by their diet. Dogs fed a diet primarily of highly processed food may need additional vitamin supplements to ensure that they are getting adequate quantities.
A dachshund’s body is technically carnivore and thrives on animal proteins such as meat, poultry, fish and eggs along with moderate amounts of fat for energy and essential vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, a dachshund’s stomach is not anatomically designed to digest and ferment carbohydrates (the main ingredients found in kibble). A high-quality raw diet can help your dachshund’s body break down carbs more easily, which can alleviate some of the digestive issues that are common in dachshunds.
When your dachshund gets older, his appetite will decrease and it will be harder for him to get all the nutrition he needs from his food. In these cases, a veterinarian can help you determine the right amount of food for your Dachshund by working out his caloric requirements based on his weight.
As he gets older, it’s important to watch his weight carefully so that he doesn’t gain or lose too much weight. This will also help him avoid health problems like diabetes, arthritis and heart disease. You can do this by monitoring his daily food consumption and sticking to a set mealtime. You can also give your dachshund small treats throughout the day, such as watermelon or carrot slices, to keep him happy and healthy. These foods can help to add moisture to his dry kibble and to provide him with some variety in his diet.
