The best dog food for Dachshunds will depend on individual factors (allergies, taste preferences, etc.), but in general, Dachshunds can benefit from the same general types of food. The Dachshund is a very small breed of dog, weighing only about 16 pounds on average at full size. Because the Dachshund breed was developed for hunting, these dogs can be a little stubborn and independent-minded at times, but they are generally very friendly and good-natured around people. This breed can be a little dog-aggressive at times and it has a high propensity for chasing small animals but, with proper training, the Dachshund makes a very good pet. In order to make sure that your Dachshund remains happy and healthy, you need to feed him a balanced diet that meets his nutritional requirements.
Like all living things, Dachshunds require a balance of protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals in their diets. Protein is the most important consideration in a dog’s diet because it provides helps to fuel healthy growth and development. In terms of your dog’s diet, protein should come from high-quality sources like deboned chicken and fresh fish, not from plant-based sources or animal by-products. Fat is another important element in a dog’s diet, especially for a small breed like the Dachshund. Small-breed dogs have very high energy requirements because they have very fast metabolisms. Fat is the most highly concentrated source of energy (calories) for dogs, so it plays a key role in the Dachshund’s diet. Be careful not to feed your Dachshund too much fat, however, because this breed is prone to becoming obese if overfed.
Dogs do not have specific requirements for carbohydrate in their diet, but whole grains and other complex carbohydrates provide dietary fiber as well as valuable vitamins and minerals. Avoid low-quality carbohydrates like corn and wheat – these ingredients do not provide much nutritional value and they are also responsible for many food allergies in dogs. Rather, look for high-quality whole grains like brown rice and oats or gluten-free carbohydrates like tapioca and sweet potato. To make sure your Dachshund gets the right blend of nutrients he needs, make sure to feed him a commercial diet that is specially formulated for small-breed dogs. These formulas are higher in fat and more energy-dense than large—breed formulas to help support the metabolism of smaller dogs.
EmoticonEmoticon