I love to eat and as my owner, it’s your job to make sure that I’m eating right. Some people feed me a homemade diet, but mostly I eat commercial dog food. In order to decide which type of food is best for me, you will have to learn some new things. My diet closely influences my health, thus making it a priority.
Whenever you plan to bring me home, your first job should be to visit a vet to discuss a healthy dietary plan for me. Another thing you should keep in mind while choosing dog food for me is to always read the labels carefully, making sure the food is high quality and complete. A healthy, balanced diet for me should contain 50% vegetables and 50% meat. However, a whole meat meal is preferred due to the high amount of protein present in meat.
Quantity Of Food
The veterinarian can give you advice regarding the quantity of food that you should feed me. If you’re feeding me commercial dog food then the packaging should contain guidance about how much food I need at a certain bodyweight. For example, if I weigh 20 pounds I might need 1 cup of commercial food to maintain my weight. Accordingly, you can feed me more if I need to gain weight or less if I’m currently overweight.
Establish a fixed feeding schedule and use a particular measure for my food. As an example, you can feed me half a cup in the morning and half a cup in the evening. If you leave the food out all day for me instead, I’m likely to overeat and gain weight. In case I overeat, it is best to measure the amount of food provided each day. You can divide the meal into small proportions and feed them to me throughout the day. This will help keep me full and satisfied and will also prevent me from gaining weight. Every dachshund is unique so it is important that you evaluate my nutritional needs and develop a diet plan according to it. In general, a miniature dachshund eats ½ cup to ¾ cup daily and the standard size eats about 2 ½ cups per day.
For the purpose of deciding which type of food will be most appropriate for me, my owner is required to learn certain new things. My diet has a significant impact on my health, therefore it is important to make it a priority.
Selecting Quality Dog Food For Me
Selecting the best quality dog food for me is a difficult process, particularly when all companies say their brand is the best. However, remember to read the labels. Without the reading dog food labels, you could be tricked into thinking that any dog food is of high quality and is complete in nourishment.
Reading Dog Food Labels
Ingredients
As mentioned above, generally a healthy and balanced dog food should be nearly 50 percent meat and 50 percent vegetables. Similarly, a meat meal is also preferred as it has a higher protein percentage. The term “meat meal” means that the meat has been processed and water and other unnecessary ingredients were removed from it. The labels can mention beef, poultry, lamb, etc.
On the other hand, dog food that comprises grains like wheat, soy, corn, etc. is not considered healthy and wholesome for your dog. This has become a major issue on account of the rising use of grains. Dog food companies can make more money by using fillers and a smaller amount of high-quality ingredients like meat and vegetables.
Special foods for Dachshund
Most of the dog food brands that make food for small dogs is okay for me, but there brands that have introduced a formula that has been specially created for our breed. For example, the two dog foods that have been specially prepared for us are Eukanuba Dachshund adult dog food and the Royal Canin Dachshund.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is present in the Royal Canin Dachshund which helps promote healthy joints and bones.
Types Of Food
Dry Dog Food
Dry dog food comes in pellet or kibble form and contains a small amount of moisture. Most owners prefer this type of food as it is economical and can be preserved without refrigeration for a long time. Another benefit of dry dog food is that it is crunchy and can help minimize the tartar that accumulates on my teeth.
One thing that my owner should be aware of when it comes to dry food is that it can be either complementary or complete. Dry dog foods that are complete can be given to me as meals whereas complementary dog food is not considered wholesome and should be accompanied with a different type of food or it can be given solely as a treat.
Dachshund-designed formula dry food is available on Amazon here. Grain-free formula available is also on Amazon – link here and another one here.
Canned Dog Food
It is also known as wet food. This is the correct type of food for every dachshund. Wet food is available in different consistencies. These include chunky pieces in gravy, meatloaf and fillet-style chunks that are present in gravy. The shelf life of canned food is also very long. However, once it has been opened, it needs refrigeration. Certain owners feed their dog wet food regularly. On the other hand, many others only use this food as a snack. Better dog food can be costly. If you’re feeding canned food to your dachshund, select the food that has been labeled as “100 percent complete.” Otherwise, the dog food will contain only 25% protein and other nutrients and the other 75% will be water.
Low fat diet canned food is available on Amazon here. Chicken and brown rice formula is also on Amazon here. Chicken and veggie formula is available here.
Semi-moist Dog Food
This type of food is considered more of a treat or a snack than as dog food. Semi-moist food does not fulfill my nutritional requirements. Apart from having little nutritional value, semi-moist food also carries additives like artificial flavors and colors. Generally, this type of food is available in different shapes. These shapes include pork-chop, jerky, hamburger, bones, etc. At the same time, this food has a soft and chewy texture, which I simply love.
Burger With Cheddar Cheese flavor is available on Amazon here. Gluten-free, grain-free soft moist meaty food is available here.
Raw Or BARF Diet
The raw food diet is also called the BARF Diet. It is significantly different from commercial dog food. This type of food includes feeding me raw foods like vegetables, meat and bones. Some argue that the BARF diet is somewhat similar to the one eaten by wild dogs, and that today’s domesticated dog should also be given the same diet. On the other hand, some think this diet can be dangerous for the dog since domesticated dogs do not have the same immunity against the bacteria present in the raw meat that wild dogs do.
Cooked Homemade Food
Another option for me homemade cooked food. This can also prove much cheaper for my owner even if it does require time for preparation. It is recommended in this regard that some quality dry dog food should be included in the homemade food. This will ensure that I received the required amount of nutrition.
Organic food
Organic dog food is like the other types of dog food, but the products that used in preparing the food are certified “organic,” meaning no fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones or other chemicals used in the food. Fish Formula Sprouted Seeds Dog Food is available here. Grain-free, Gluten-free Dog Food is available here.
Treats
Give treats in moderation. Commercial or ‘pre-packaged’ treats generally contain preservatives and other ingredients that are not healthy for me. However, I should get healthy snacks often. There are snacks that are nutritious and have less (or no) preservatives, fat, and calories, etc. I love bananas, green beans, broccoli, carrots, watermelon, pumpkin or low fat or even non-fat cottage cheese.
What Are My Dietary Requirements?
Another important issue is what should be included in my diet. There are six essentials that should be present in my meal. These are water, minerals, fat, vitamins, protein and carbohydrates.
Water
It is important that water is always available for me because you never know when I may feel thirsty. Dogs who do not consume a sufficient amount of water may become dehydrated and they may have to face serious health problems. Even 10% of dehydration will result in different health problems and 15% of dehydration may result in life-threatening problems.
Fats
Out of all the necessary nutrients, fat provides me with the most energy. Fat also helps in producing and functioning of certain cells and hormones. In the same way, fat is also required for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and it helps keep my coat healthy. Any deficiency of fat can cause growth problems and skin issues. Furthermore, there are essential as well as non-essential fats.
Essential Fats
These fatty acids should be obtained through my diet. The fatty acids that are essential for dogs include omega 3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic) and omega 6 fatty acid (linoleic). Generally, these fats are present in sunflower oil, soy oil, pumpkin seeds, and corn oil.
Non-essential Fats
Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic are the non-essential fats for dogs. Similarly, the essential fatty acids are dihomo-gamma-linolenic, gamma-linolenic and arachidonic.
Fatty acids are very significant for my diet as they can prevent or improve different health conditions, including a weak immune system, inflammatory bowel disease, increased cholesterol level, arthritis, and dry hair or skin.
Protein
It is required by all dogs for the purpose of their survival. Protein helps in the production of tissues, cells, and hormones and it is also essential for growth. Proteins can be obtained from plant and animal sources. However, only animal proteins like fish, chicken, lamb, and beef, etc. have all the amino acids I need. Certain sources of protein can be derived from plants (vegetables, nuts, and soy), but this won’t not include all the amino acids and they are a necessary part of my life. There are two main types of amino acids:
Essential
It is not possible for a dog to produce these amino acids on its own so they should be included in my diet. There are ten essential amino acids.
Non-essential
A dog’s body contains these amino acids so they not be included in my diet.
Vitamins
They play an important role in my overall health and metabolism. Most vitamins cannot be produced by my body so they should be provided in my diet. And most of the time, well-balanced homemade meals or high-quality dog food is sufficient for providing me with all the vitamins I need. On the other hand, vitamin poisoning can happen so, generally, vitamins are recommended only if a deficiency has been diagnosed by a veterinarian.
Carbohydrates
They are generally found in most dog foods. Carbohydrates are a source of energy for your dog. They include starches and sugars, rice, wheat, barley, oats, and some other carbohydrate-containing foods that are mixed in with commercial dog food. Along with providing energy, some experts say that carbohydrates also promote a healthy reproductive system and intestines.
Minerals
The purpose of minerals is to promote healthy bones, metabolism, teeth, and fluid balance. It is not possible for your dog’s body to synthesize minerals so they should be a part of the diet of your dog. As is the case with vitamins, toxicity may take place if mineral supplements are given to the dog and there is no deficiency.
Toxic Dog Foods
My owner should always do their own research to find out if there are any foods that may be dangerous for me. Certain foods are considered to be toxic for the dogs. Dog owners should avoid feeding the following foods to their dogs: onions, grapes/raisins, chocolate, bread dough/yeast, mushrooms, coffee, raw eggs, moldy foods, and walnuts.
Feeding Schedule
Puppies And Lactating Dachshunds
Puppies should be fed at least three times a day as they are growing and require more nutrition compared to adult dogs. If a puppy is fed only once or twice in a day, he may develop hypoglycemia (low glucose levels). This is a serious health problem, particularly present in small dog breeds like dachshunds. Be sure to increase the amount of food that is being given to the puppy as he grows. Otherwise, the puppy will be underfed and he will become malnourished. In case of any doubt regarding how much you need to feed your puppy, ask the advice of your veterinarian or breeder for a feeding regimen for your puppy.
Puppy food is also recommended for the lactating dachshund as it has a high percentage of nutrients. You should feed your dog the right food that is necessary for her overall health. A lack of nutrients may result in hypoglycemia, eclampsia or other health problems, particularly in lactating dogs. Eclampsia can be described as the deficiency of calcium in dogs. Although it may affect any breed, it is more commonly seen in the case of smaller breeds.
Adults
Three main factors are present, which need to be considered while creating a feeding schedule for me: my level of activity, age, and eating habits. The amount of calories and other nutrition required by me is calculated based on how much energy I need. For example, any dog that is not very active will need less calories, compared to the dog who competes in sports or field trials. Therefore, if you have a couch potato, it is not necessary to feed him much fat or calories.
Another important factor in this regard is age. Older dogs do not require as many calories or as much protein in their diet because they’re no longer very active. Their metabolism is also slower and they may have difficulty digesting some foods. In the end, analyze the eating habits of your dog. Although it is rare, certain dachshunds can use a free-fed diet. If your dog overeats, measure the amount of food that you are going to provide every day. In such a case, the amount can also be divided into smaller portions and fed several times throughout the day. This will help your dog feel full and satisfied. It will also prevent him from being overweight. Every dachshund is unique, so consider the nutritional requirements of your dog and develop a diet accordingly. Generally, a miniature dachshund eats half a cup to 1/3 cup daily. On the other hand, the standard size dachshund consumes 2 1/2 cups every day.
How To Switch Dog Food
Even if most dogs do well with switching dog foods, an owner may not always knowhow their dog is going to respond to such a change. In order to be on the safe side, any change in dog food should be introduced gradually. Most vets recommend introducing the new food in a timeframe of two weeks. Whether the dog is a puppy or an adult, switching his food too quickly may result in health issues. Some of the common problems that are related to the change in food include diarrhea, loss of appetite, acid reflux, loose stool, and stomach cramps. By changing your dog’s food according to the recommendations of your vet, you can prevent these problems from taking place. If dog experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should immediately consult your vet as it can also be a sign of a food allergy or other health problems.
Conclusion
The dietary requirements of dogs also change with their age. Elderly dogs have fewer energy requirements and consequently, they should not consume the same quantity of food that they consumed when they were younger. In case you’re feeding commercial dog food to your adopted, senior dog, you should search for brands that offer reduced calories. But at the same time, they must have all the necessary nutrients. As is the case with all dogs, the senior dogs and should be fed in accordance with their overall health and their level of activity. If an owner is not careful, a less active dog is likely to gain weight quickly.
Although a small meal can be given in the morning, the hard-working dog should be given the bulk of their daily calories one hour or more after their last exercise session every day. An owner can also feed small snacks or treats to their dogs during the time of increased activity so that hunger and fatigue may be prevented. You should also allow your dog to rest and ensure that he has access to fresh water at all times.
I am a small breed so I do not require a high-calorie diet. I am also a food lover so make sure not to overfeed me. I could easily become obese if I do not stay active. Furthermore, adult dachshunds are lazier compared to puppies, and their diet needs to be adjusted accordingly for the purpose of maintaining a healthy weight.
See Also My Other Related Posts:
Don't Forget To Make Your Dachshund Happy And Check Out Dachshund Favorite Products!
In my article, I reveal all the information about Dachshund’s Favorite Food. The best dachshund food available on the market: Most Nutritious And Delicious Dachshund Food Products Available On The Market
If you want to learn what are the latest trends in Dachshund fashion check my article: Dachshund’s Fashion. How to choose the dachshund clothes that just simply fit: Finding the Right Clothes for Your Dachshund
If you want to prepare your beloved Dachshund for cold weather check out my article: Jackets And Outdoor Gears For Dachshund.
To go out with your dachshund, but not choke him to death check out my article about harnesses: Finding The Best Harness for Dachshund When you are ready to get one check the options available on the market Choosing The Right Harness For Your Dachshund
