Last Updated on May 13, 2022 by Marco
Having a puppy for the first time is a challenge. Are you wondering how much should I feed my miniature dachshund, what’s the right food, and more stressful questions? Especially with such a small dog, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about feeding it and caring for it properly. So, let’s go over some of the basics below.
How Much Should I Feed My Miniature Dachshund?
Dachshunds love to eat and mini Doxies are no exception. What’s more, because of their small size, even the smallest differences in their meal sizes can lead to underfeeding or overfeeding. And neither of those is fun as they can lead to stuff such as malnutrition in the case of the former and obesity in the case of the latter. Not to mention other potential problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, bloating (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus), and others.
So, how much should I feed my miniature dachshund to avoid such problems? Well, the recommended amount for an adult mini Doxie is 8 to 9 ounces or about 250 grams of kibble a day. Those should be divided into two meals. That applies to a dog that weighs around 9 or 10 pounds (up to 5 kg). If your dog weighs higher or lower than that, you’ll need to adjust its meal sizes. Either way, it’s always smart to consult with a vet regardless.
Learn more about: What Are The 15 Best Food Bowls For Dachshunds?
Miniature Dachshund Feeding Chart By Age
We’ve compiled a straightforward chart for how much should I feed my miniature dachshund depending on its age. Keep in mind that this chart applies just for dry food and that even then you should still consult with your vet and/or with the food’s instructions. Every min Doxie is different in many ways, including their exact size and food needs.
| Puppy age | Puppy weight | The daily amount of food | Number of meals per day | Amount per meal |
| 2 months | Less than 2.2 lbs (or 1 kg) | Between 2 and 2.5 ounces (or 67 grams) | 4 | 1/2 ounces (about 17 grams) |
| 3 months | About 2.2 lbs (or 1 kg) | Between 2.5 and 3 ounces (or 75 to 85 grams) | 4 | A bit over 1/2 ounces (about 20 grams) |
| 5 months | About 4.5 lbs (or 2 kg) | Between 3 and 4 ounces (80 to 100 grams) | 3 | About 1 ounce (25 to 35 grams) |
| 7 months | About 6.5 lbs (or 3 kg) | Between 5 and 5.5 ounces (about 150 grams) | 2 | 6 to 8 ounces (75 grams) |
| 9 months | About 8.5 to 9 lbs (or 4 kg) | About 7 ounces (200 grams) | 2 | 6 to 8 ounces (100 grams) |
| 11 months and above | 9 to 10 lbs (or 4 to 4.5 kg) | 8 to 9 ounces (about 250 grams) | 2 | 4 to 4.5 ounces (125 grams) |
What’s The Right Food For A Miniature Dachshund?
The right food for your mini Doxie is any food that’s highly nutritious, doesn’t include any excess fat or artificial ingredients, and has a bit of extra calcium and phosphorous. We’ll stay away from specific brands for this article but you should talk with your vet about specific recommendations based on your dachshund’s age, size, and health condition. But the gist of it is that dachshunds – miniature or otherwise – don’t need any extra special food when they are healthy. They just need good food, like any other dog.
In Conclusion, How Much Should I Feed My Miniature Dachshund?
The safest bet is to always follow the instructions on every particular food, whether wet or dry. Or, even better, talk with your vet ahead of time as they’ll know best what suits your dog’s needs. But, if your dog falls within the standard parameters of the breed and is healthy overall, the meal sizes in the chart below should work just fine.
Read more about: How Much Should I Feed My Mini Dachshund?
FAQs
How much should miniature Dachshunds eat a day?
An adult miniature dachshund should eat about 8 to 9 ounces or 250 grams a day. Younger miniature Doxies should obviously eat less, depending on their age. A 2-month-old mini Doxie, for example, should eat about 2 to 2.5 ounces or 67 grams a day, typically divided into 4 separate portions. That means about half an ounce or just ~12 grams a meal.
How often should you feed a mini Dachshund?
This depends on the age of the dachshund. The standard distribution of the meals is 4 meals a day by the end of the 3rd month, 3 meals a day by the half-year mark, and 2 meals a day for the rest of the dachshund’s life. You can feed an adult dachshund 3 times a day too, just make sure to make the meals appropriately smaller – dachshunds have a tendency for becoming overweight so that’s something to always watch out for. So, it’s usually better to feed a mini dachshund twice a day and to just give some extra treats after playtime.
What do you feed a miniature dachshund?
A miniature dachshund doesn’t have a highly specific diet requirements compared to standard dachshunds or most other dog breeds. Without going into particular brand recommendations, the ideal food for a mini Doxie should obviously be of a high enough quality. It should be nutritious, not too fatty, it should account for your dog’s potential food allergy risks, and it should be free of any artificial preservatives, grain, fillers, and so on. It should have a high nutritional value and be rich in calcium and phosphorous, in particular, to help prevent back and joint issues.
Why are dachshunds always hungry?
We usually see most dog breeds as “always hungry” but it’s true that some dogs are even more food-motivated than others. Dachshunds are a prime example of that which is why they also tend to get overweight if you don’t keep track of how much they eat and/or you don’t exercise them properly.
Why is that the case, however?
Simply put, because they are a hound breed. They’ve been bred to hunt for game and to be driven by the very scent of their prey. Quite literally, being obsessed with food is what made them great hunters.
Jordan is an animal–lover who specializes in dachshunds. He has owned and cared for dachshunds since he was a child, and his passion for these unique dogs has only grown with time. Jordan is an avid researcher and learner, and spends a large portion of his free time studying the history, behaviour, and health of dachshunds. He has a knack for training and socializing his own dogs, and loves introducing them to new experiences. When not caring for his own pets, Jordan likes to volunteer at local animal rescue shelters, helping to find homes for abandoned dachshunds. He is a true animal advocate, and dedicates his time to ensure that all animals receive the love, respect, and care they deserve.
