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Dog owners frequently ask…
What’s the best dog food for Dachshunds?
The right answer to that important question depends on the AGE of YOUR particular dog.
That’s because…
Dachshund puppies, adults and seniors… EACH have different nutritional needs.
Which means some foods would not be a good nutritional match.
For example…
A dog food designed for an adult may contain too little calcium for a growing Dachshund puppy… or too little protein and too many calories for a less active senior.1 2
And there are other nutritional differences, too.
For example…
A growing Dachshund puppy needs 0.71% isoleucine (one of 12 essential amino acids)… while an adult requires just 0.38% of the same nutrient.3
What’s more…
The health of a senior Dachshund can be enhanced by a dog food that contains 50% more protein than a younger animal.4
Here’s the Point…
Since there are no official nutrient standards established for ANY specific breed (including Dachshunds)… AND for optimal long-term health…
It’s important to choose a dog food that’s suitable for the nutrient profile that matches your Dachshund’s age.
The Three Nutritional Life Stages of a Dachshund
The age ranges in the following table were obtained from multiple sources and can be used to help you find the best food for your particular Dachshund.
| Life Stage | Age |
|---|---|
| Dachshund puppy | Under 9-12 months |
| Dachshund adult | Over 9-12 months |
| Dachshund senior | 10+ years5 |
Our Top Picks Based on Your Dachshund’s Life Stage
On the list below…
You’ll find The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog and puppy foods for Dachshunds based on the life stage of your particular pet, as well as their texture and food type preferences.
You’ll also learn the answer to each of the 5 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding this ever-popular small breed hound.
Best Dog Food for Dachshunds April 2025
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Dachshunds for April 2025.
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Best Dry Dog Food For Dachshunds
Dr. Tim’s Kinesis All Life Stages
All Life Stages is one of nine dry recipes evaluated in our review of Dr. Tim’s product line.
This particular recipe obtains the bulk of its animal protein from chicken meal, which has 300% more protein than fresh meat. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs, which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
Made with menhaden fish oil, this formula is rich in both EPA and DHA fatty acids that will help keep your Dachshund’s coat glossy as well as supporting their joints. The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is a super-low and impressive 3.25 to 1 which helps support cognitive (thinking) function and eye development. The brown rice and barley aid with digestion for Dachshunds with a sensitive-stomach.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Dr. Tim’s Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Includes EPA and DHA fatty acids
- Easily digestible
- Reasonably priced
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, pearled barley, whole oat groats, chicken fat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Dachshunds (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our dog attacks this food! It's the third variety of Dr. Tim's we've fed her. She loves them all! Her attitude, digestion & coat are excellent. Thanks Dr. Tim's for a quality product with grain."
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Best Wet Dog Food For Dachshunds
Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Petite Pot Pie
Petite Pot Pie is one of eight wet recipes in our review of the Merrick Lil’ Plates product line.
This particular food gets most of its meat protein from deboned chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44% protein, 17% fat and 31% estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
The stew formula is specifically designed to provide a balanced diet for small dogs. It contains prebiotics, probiotics, and chelated minerals for better absorption from the digestive tract.
It is grain and gluten-free and includes high levels of omega-3 fatty acids to support healthier skin and a shiny coat. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Dog Food (Cups) range here
Things we like
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics
- High levels of omega-3 fatty acids
- Wide recipe range
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken broth, turkey broth, chicken liver, dried egg whites Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 44% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Dachshunds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I am a fan of Merrick food and my dog is an even greater one. Lil' Plates is a great single-serve amount for your small dog and is sure to be gobbled right up. Nutritionally excellent and tasty, this is an easy way to please and nurture your pup."
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Best Fresh Dog Food For Dachshunds
Open Farm Harvest Chicken
Harvest Chicken is one of seven fresh recipes included in our review of the Open Farm product line.
Open Farm Harvest Chicken acquires most of its meat protein from fresh chicken, a high-quality meat that builds muscle, forms tissue and provides energy. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 29% fat and 25% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
Made from 100% human-grade ingredients that have been gently cooked at low temperatures, this recipe also includes plenty of vegetables and superfoods. An easily digestible, fresh and nutritious food choice for your Dachshund. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Gently Cooked Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- High-quality protein
- Human-grade ingredients
- Gently cooked
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, kale, butternut squash, apples Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Dachshunds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at OpenFarmPet.com"Love the quality and that ingredients are sourced on their website! I love knowing where my dogs’ food is coming from. Open Farm to me means open information and opening the door to real, high quality foods."
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Best Dog Food For Dachshund Puppies
Orijen Puppy
Orijen Puppy is one of nine recipes contained in our review of this dry product line.
This formula derives the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken, fresh turkey, flounder, and whole mackerel. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 23% fat and 26% estimated carbs, producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
Ever since its beginnings, Champion Petfoods, the fabled maker of Orijen, has always advocated for a meat-based, “biologically appropriate” diet. This is a time-proven, fully-balanced food with high protein levels, making it a top choice for growing Dachshund puppies. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High protein
- Fresh ingredients
- High quantity of quality animal ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), flounder, whole mackerel Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Dachshunds (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This food really helps build your puppy up. My puppy was struggling to gain weight and adjust to food. In just one week, I could see a huge difference. And he really loves the flavor and has no problem eating all the food at each feeding. If you need your puppy to eat and get healthy, I would highly recommend this food."
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Best Affordable Dog Food For Dachshunds
Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy
Small Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
This food receives much of its meat protein from fresh chicken, which is packed with the 10 amino acids a dog needs to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 24% fat and 32% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 69%.
A classic grain inclusive dog food, this recipe delivers an optimal combination of protein, fat and calories to ensure balanced nutrition for your Dachshund and other small-breed dogs. Highly recommended.
This particular recipe offers exceptional value. In fact, Diamond Naturals was recently selected as one of our most affordable brands.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Balanced ingredients for small dogs
- Affordable
- High protein
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, ground white rice, chicken fat, cracked pearled barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Dachshunds (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I began slowly transitioning Diamond Naturals to my puppy when he was 5.5 months old, it's been a month now and he's had no digestive issues with this food! I usually mix his dry food with some homemade wet food, but he will eat this by itself. No fishy smell either. He's healthy, happy, and growing well!"
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Best Dog Food For Dachshunds With Allergies
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Joint & Skin Support
Pantry Fresh Joint & Skin Support contains Type II Collagen and whole ingredients such as kale, carrots, and quinoa to support healthy joints and skin and coat. It is one of nine recipes rated in this product line by JustFoodForDogs.
The bulk of the meat protein comes from pork, making it suitable for Dachshund with allergies to more common meats such as chicken or beef.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 5% fat and 55% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 15%.
JustFoodForDogs’ recipes are vet-formulated for specific health needs. The Pantry Fresh Joint & Skin formula is free from gluten, preservatives, additives, and growth hormones – all common allergens. Highly recommend.
Read our review of the full Just Food For Dogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Single-meat protein
- Vet-formulated
- No added preservatives
Main Ingredients Pork, quinoa, kale, carrots, apples Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 32.5% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Dachshunds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Justfoodfordogs.com"Fred has been enjoying JFFD for three years now. He is amazing. He has no issues as he had prior to using it, no more allergies, and he is a happy, healthy 11-year-old. "
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Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Food For Dachshunds
Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Deboned Turkey & Oatmeal Adult
Small Breed Adult is one of 13 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Wellness product line.
Wellness Small Breed Adult draws much of its animal protein from deboned turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 17% fat and 44% estimated carbs, producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
This fully-balanced Wellness formula delivers an optimal blend of protein, fat and calories to ensure complete nutrition for your Dachshund. Perfect kibble size and shape for smaller mouth anatomy.
A classic, grain-inclusive kibble. Reasonably priced. Great value. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Small kibble size
- Wide recipe selection
- Reasonably priced
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, chicken meal, salmon meal, oatmeal, ground brown rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Dachshunds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"All 3 of my small breed dogs love this food. I'm glad we finally found one that all 3 agree on, and that has good ingredients that are vet approved."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I switch to a new food... without making my Dachshund sick?
In this short video…
Dr. Gary Richter shares a simple feeding tip that can help reduce your dachshund’s risk of developing digestive upset when you switch to a new food.
Do Dachshunds need to eat special dog food?
Not really. That’s because the pet food industry has not established any “official” nutrient guidelines specifically designed for Dachshunds. However, because “doxie” puppies, adults and seniors EACH have different nutritional requirements, it’s important to feed a dog food that’s made to match the life stage of YOUR particular pet.
What's the best food for a Dachshund puppy?
Since they’re considered small breed dogs, Dachshund puppies benefit from eating foods contain the right balance of calcium and other nutrients specifically designed for puppies.
So, until your puppy reaches 9 to 12 months, your younger Dachshund should be offered a diet that meets AAFCO nutrient guidelines… and is clearly marked on the package “for Growth” or “for All life stages”.
In addition to the 6 puppy and all life stages found in the list above, you’ll discover a more complete list of The Dog Food Advisor’s most recommended small breed puppy foods here.
How much food should you feed a Dachshund to maintain your pet at ideal weight and health?
A landmark study found that dogs fed an amount of food that keeps them at ideal body condition lived nearly 2 years longer… than other dogs.6
So, to help your Dachshund live a longer life…
Start by following the feeding instructions printed on the package. Then, adjust that amount up or down… to keep your dachshund at ideal body condition.
In this video produced by Hill’s Pet Nutrition…
You’ll learn the same science-based secret used by many vets to determine precisely how much food it takes…
To help your dachshund reach and maintain this healthy weight goal.
What's the best dog food for a senior Dachshund?
According to VCA Hospitals, small dogs tend to live longer than large breeds. In fact, Dachshunds aren’t considered “senior” until they reach about 10 years of age. So, if your Dachshund is 10 years (or older), you may wish to check out The Dog Food Advisor’s Best Senior Dog Foods page here.
Final word
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