Dachshunds’ long, slinky bodies and short legs make them instantly recognizable, giving them a look that’s as iconic as it is adorable. Paired with their boisterous personalities and undeniable charm, it’s no surprise they’re one of the most popular dog breeds around.

However, their unique build also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. Dachshunds are more prone to becoming overweight or obese than other dogs, which can lead to serious health issues. That’s why choosing the right dog food is key to keeping your big-hearted companion happy and healthy.

In this article, we’ll show you how to meet your dachshund’s unique nutritional needs to help them thrive.

A dachshund’s distinctive build — long back and short legs — not only sets them apart visually but also influences their dietary needs. Their unique anatomy makes them susceptible to joint and spinal issues, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and herniated discs, which can affect their mobility and overall quality of life.

Because dachshunds are at risk of weight gain, managing their diet is crucial. Excess weight puts added strain on their spine and joints, increasing the likelihood of health problems over time.

Despite their small size, dachshunds are high-energy dogs that need a careful balance of calories and nutrients. A well-tailored diet supports healthy weight management while fueling their active lifestyle.

When choosing the best dog food for dachshunds, it’s important to focus on key nutrients like protein, calcium, phosphorus and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help them maintain a healthy weight, encourage joint health and enhance their well-being. Dachshunds also benefit from foods that are lower in carbs and fat to support their energy levels and overall health.

Even though doxies should limit their fat intake, they still need healthy fats in their diets. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, play an important role in reducing joint inflammation, supporting the immune system, and promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat. They also contribute to kidney and heart health, making them an essential part of your dachshund's diet.

To ensure your pup is getting enough omega-3s, look for ingredients like coldwater fish, fish oil or flaxseed oil in their food. Nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin are also beneficial for maintaining joint health and alleviating discomfort from arthritis or other joint-related issues.

For dachshund-friendly options, dog food from The Honest Kitchen is a great place to start. Many recipes contain natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids to support dogs’ joints and vitality.

Dachshunds are prone to obesity, so choosing dog food that supports weight management is key. Along with monitoring fat intake, it’s important to evaluate the protein sources in your pup’s food.

The Association of American Feed Control (AAFCO) sets nutritional standards for dog food brands to help pet owners select complete and balanced solutions. They recommend that 18% of an adult dog’s daily calories should come from protein — this varies slightly for puppies and senior dogs.

However, the quality of protein can vary widely between brands. Some dog food manufacturers rely on low-quality meat meal byproducts to meet AAFCO requirements. Instead, look for real meat as the first ingredient — avoiding labels like "meat meal," "rendered meat" or "byproduct meal." High-quality proteins like turkey, beef, lamb and fish provide essential nutrients and are more digestible for dogs.

For a balanced diet with moderate calorie content, high-quality proteins and no unnecessary fillers, consider options from The Honest Kitchen. Crafted to deliver the nutrition dachshunds need without excess calories, The Honest Kitchen’s recipes make it easier to maintain a healthy weight while keeping your pup satisfied.

Like many small breed dogs, dachshunds are more likely to experience digestive issues, so it’s important to choose a food that’s gentle on their stomachs. Opt for recipes with easily digestible ingredients, such as high-quality animal proteins and limited grains, to help prevent discomfort.

Prebiotics and probiotics are also important additions, as they help balance the gut microbiome, support digestion and boost immunity. Fiber-rich ingredients like pumpkin can improve regularity and help prevent constipation, keeping your pup feeling their best.

For dachshunds with sensitive stomachs, The Honest Kitchen offers grain free and limited ingredient recipes specially designed to be tummy-friendly. These recipes focus on whole ingredients, natural sources of fiber and a boost of probiotics to promote a healthy gut.

Some dog food brands rely on artificial flavoring and dyes to make kibble more appealing, but these additives are unnecessary and can be harmful to dogs. Ingredients like BHA, BHT and nitrates/nitrites not only provide no nutritional value but can also negatively affect your dog’s health.

For dachshunds, even the smallest concentrations of these unwanted ingredients can have a big impact on their health and wellness. And high-quality pet food, made to the highest standards, doesn’t need artificial flavors or ingredients to be nutritious and appetizing.

The Honest Kitchen is committed to making minimally processed food that’s free of fillers like corn, wheat and soy, as well as artificial preservatives and high-fat ingredients. Focused on wholesome, natural components, The Honest Kitchen’s recipes are tailored to meet the needs of doxies, without triggering weight gain, allergies and sensitivities.

High protein, low fat, no additives and omega-3s are all essential things to look for in a great food for your dachshund. With so many dog food brands out there, however, trying to choose the perfect one can feel overwhelming.

The Honest Kitchen aims to make shopping for food easier throughout all of your dog’s life stages. Whether you have a rambunctious dachshund puppy or laid-backed senior doxie, The Honest Kitchen has a variety of healthy, wholesome options for your pup.

All of The Honest Kitchen’s human grade food is made with quality ingredients to meet your dog's nutritional requirements — with no added fillers, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives or anything else they don’t need.

If you're looking for a convenient dry dog food for your doxie, The Honest Kitchen’s Whole Food Clusters for Small Breeds may be an excellent choice. Developed with a veterinary nutritionist, every batch is made with wholesome ingredients in a human grade facility. Cold pressing and low roasting methods gently dehydrate each bite, preserving both flavor and nutrients.

We recommend the Whole Grain Chicken Clusters or the Grain Free Chicken Clusters if your doxie has food sensitivities. Both recipes feature cage free chicken, veggies like broccoli and pumpkins, and omega-3-rich ingredients like chia seed, salmon oil and flaxseed.

For carbohydrates, the whole grain recipe includes oats and brown rice, while the grain free recipe features potatoes, peas and lentils — healthy, complex carbs that sustain your pup’s energy levels.

If your dachshund is especially sensitive to certain ingredients or has allergies, a limited ingredient diet can be a great option. The Honest Kitchen’s Dehydrated Limited Ingredient Fish Recipe and Limited Ingredient Turkey Recipe are excellent choices for this breed.

These recipes contain minimal ingredients but pack a powerful nutritional punch. Each focuses on high-quality proteins, like fish or turkey, to provide your doxie with the nutrients they need — without any fillers or additives.

In the fish recipe, you’ll find ingredients like white fish, organic coconut, chickpeas, spinach and pumpkin. The turkey recipe features whole food ingredients such as turkey, parsnips, navy beans, coconut, pumpkin and parsley.

Looking to add a protein boost to your dachshund’s diet? The Honest Kitchen's Bone Broth Pour Overs are a convenient and nutritious option.

These dog food toppers are packaged for easy use — simply pour them over your pup's meal or serve them on their own as a tasty treat. Available in chicken, beef, and turkey and salmon varieties, they’re a fun way to enhance your dachshund’s meals while delivering an extra dose of protein.

Each pour over features wholesome ingredients like bone broth (chicken, beef or turkey), carrots, butternut squash, thyme and sage.

Since dachshunds are prone to joint problems, we recommend The Honest Kitchen’s Hip & Joint Functional Pour Overs to help support their hip and joint health. These convenient, pourable toppers are easy to serve — simply pour them over your pup's bowl. They’re available in chicken, beef and fish flavors, making it easy to find an option your pup will enjoy.

The toppers are formulated with EPA and DHA, two essential nutrients that support joint health. Naturally found in ingredients like chicken bone broth, chicken, carrots, butternut squash, tapioca, fish oil and turmeric, these nutrients promote mobility and overall joint wellness.

Don’t just take it from us — hear directly from dachshund owners about how The Honest Kitchen has made a difference in their pup’s lives. From improved digestion to better weight management and overall health, these success stories highlight the impact of high-quality, human grade food.

At 13 years old, Fritz has been eating food from The Honest Kitchen for most of his life. His owner introduced it to him when he was just three years old, and it has supported his longevity.

“I was introduced to it when he was about three years old at a local pet food store. He had been having a lot of skin and coat issues. Within no time, his skin had improved a great deal,” his owner shared. “Fritz has always been very active and has only recently slowed down.”

Mocha, a picky one-year-old dachshund, struggled with digestion on other kibble dog foods. After switching to The Honest Kitchen, her owner took her to the vet and was surprised to hear Mocha’s weight was up to where it needed to be.

“She always gets super excited when it’s food time, and her digestion has improved enormously,” her owner said. “We will keep trying other flavors of the dehydrated food, but so far, we can’t imagine feeding her something else.”

Read inspiring stories from dachshund parents about their experiences with The Honest Kitchen.

Providing the right diet for your dachshund is one of the most important ways to support their overall health and well-being. A carefully balanced and easily digestible formula can help manage their weight, protect their joints and promote healthy digestion — all key concerns for this unique breed.

The Honest Kitchen offers a range of tailored solutions designed to meet your doxie’s specific needs. From limited ingredient dehydrated meals to grain free recipes, every option is made with human grade ingredients to help your pup thrive. By choosing high-quality nutrition today, you can set your dog up for long-term health and wellness.

Explore The Honest Kitchen’s full line of  dog food and find the perfect recipe for your dachshund .