Mini Doxies might be small but they still need a rich and nutritious diet. So, what is the best dog food for miniature dachshund dogs to keep them healthy and happy? As cute as these dogs are, they tend to have some problems with their spines and their digestive systems. Obesity is a major concern too. The right food will keep your mini dachs in tip-top shape for potentially up to two whole decades.
What Makes For The Best Dog Food For Miniature Dachshund Dogs?
The main things to look for in the best dog food for mini dachshunds are similar to what you’d want in any dog’s diet with one crucial extra concern:
- Quality
- Natural ingredients
- Grain-free
- High nutritional value
- Low fat
- Calcium-rich
The first five of these points are fairly standard for most breeds’ preferred foods. A high-quality, nutritious, and all-natural diet is known to extend dogs’ lives with years while also improving their health. This is a no-brainer.
The grain-free part isn’t always such a must – it depends on the individual dog’s allergies and health, and on the type of grain, we’re talking about. Consult with your vet for personalized advice for your dog.
The low-fat part of the equation is important for adult dogs more so than it is for puppies. This is important because dachshunds are naturally predisposed to Obesity.
The calcium-rich specification is unique to Doxies because of their back problems. The best food for mini dachshunds has to have lots of calcium if you want to maximize your chances to avoid Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Of course, food alone can’t guarantee anything but the right diet can further help stabilize your Doxie’s back health.
Are There Dietary Differences Between Mini and Standard Dachshunds?
There aren’t any major differences between the nutritional needs of standard and mini Doxies. The main difference is just the quantity. A rough comparison is that Miniature Dachshunds need about 40% of the calories a Standard Dachshund does.
An average 30-pound standard Doxie will need 900-1000 calories a day if he or she is physically active (less if not). A mini Doxie, on the other hand, doesn’t need more than 300-400 calories a day, depending on its exact weight and physical activity levels. Of course, for an exact calorie count, you’ll have to confirm with the particular food’s measurements and with your vet.
Read more about Dachshund And Lhasa Apso Mix – A Royal Family Hound
What To Avoid In Your Dachs’ Food?
When it comes to picking up a dog’s food, another easy approach is to just pick based on what’s not in the food. Typically, there are two big No-Nos – refined grains and artificial fillers. The latter mostly include preservatives, colorants, and flavors. These can trigger both your dachshund’s allergies as well as upset his stomach.
As for the refined grains, these are also almost always bad for a dachshund’s stomach. Not all grains are “bad”, however, and many grains such as oats, barley, sorghum, and others are safe and highly nutritious.
7 Options For The Best Dog Food For Miniature Dachshund
So, what is the best dog food for dachshunds? There are many options on the market and new ones are emerging every month. The following 7 are among the absolute best in our experience, however.
Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
First, on our list, the Wellness Core dry food is completely grain-free. Instead, it contains only natural meats and vegetables. In particular, this kibble is made out of turkey, spinach, broccoli, salmon oil, flaxseed, potatoes, and carrots. It‘s rich in proteins and has various probiotics too.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
A mainstay on the dog food market, this Hill’s dry food recipe is easy to digest and very well-balanced. Its main ingredients are chicken meal, pork, and healthy whole grains such as barley and sorghum.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Small Breed Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
This chicken and brown rice kibble from Blue Buffalo is perfectly designed for the weight management of small dog breeds. It’s rich in fiber and protein, as well as in healthy fats. There are also no additives or meat by-products either.
Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
This brand has been a staple in the pet food branch for decades and for good reasons. Their ratio of protein, carbs, and fat are perfect for a dachshund’s metabolism and there’s also plenty of additional calcium and phosphorus – great for the Doxie’s back, bones, and joints.
NUTRO ULTRA Small & Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Nutro Ultra has various specialized foods not just for small dogs but also for seniors, puppies, and more. This food is made out of quality lamb, chicken, and salmon meat. It also has plenty of fiber, healthy fats, and other pivotal nutrients for a mini dachs.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food
This Wellness blend offers a very nice and healthy balance of proteins, good fats, carbs, and zero grains. It’s made out of chicken, turkey, salmon, spinach, potatoes, peas, lentils, tomatoes, flaxseed, apples, blueberries, and other healthy and natural ingredients.
ORIJEN Dry Dog Food, Original, Biologically Appropriate, & Grain Free
Last but not least, Orijen is especially suitable for those with highly physically active dachshunds. Very rich in proteins, Orijen’s freeze-dried dog food is made out of free-range turkey and chicken as well as wild-caught salmon. There are no grains in it whatsoever and all the veggies, fruits, and grasses added are natural and perfectly balanced.
So, The Best Dog Food For Miniature Dachshund – What To Pick?
There isn’t just one best food for mini Doxies. Or, if there is, a month from now there may be one even better. As long as you pick a food that your Doxie likes, that’s free of refined grains and artificial additives, and that’s nutritious and good for your dachshund’s digestive system and back, everything should be all right.
Besides, most dogs will love some diversity so don’t hesitate to mix things up – alternating between several great and delicious food sources can only make your Doxie happier as well as healthier.
Read more about: Best Dog Food For Dachshunds With Skin Allergies
