Dachshund puppy feeding chart: a method, not a table
There is no single feeding chart that safely covers every dachshund puppy, because the right amount depends on your individual puppy's current weight, expected adult size and the specific food you are using — the guide on that food's own pack, checked against your puppy's weight, is the method to follow rather than a generic table. What is worth knowing specifically for this breed is that dachshunds are prone to weight gain, and extra weight puts real strain on their long backs.
Why a generic chart doesn't work here
Dachshunds come in standard and miniature sizes, and individual puppies within each size still vary in their expected adult weight. A feeding chart printed once for 'dachshund puppies' cannot account for that range, or for the fact that every puppy food has a different calorie density, so the same weight of two different foods is not the same number of calories.
The reliable method is to check the feeding guide printed on the specific puppy food you are using, which gives an amount based on your puppy's current weight and their expected adult weight, and to weigh your puppy regularly so that guide stays accurate as they grow.
Splitting meals and adjusting by condition
Puppies generally need more frequent, smaller meals than adult dogs — often three to four a day at a young age, reducing gradually as they mature. Splitting the daily total from the feeding guide across those meals, rather than feeding it all at once, is easier on a young digestive system.
Use body condition, not just the chart, to fine-tune the amount. You should be able to feel your puppy's ribs easily without pressing hard, and see a slight waist from above. If that is not the case, adjust gradually and mention it to your vet at your puppy's next check-up rather than making a large change overnight.
Why weight matters more for a dachshund
A dachshund's long back and short legs mean that excess weight places disproportionate strain on the spine, and this breed is already more prone to back problems than most. Keeping a dachshund puppy at a healthy weight through adolescence, rather than letting them run heavy, is one of the more genuinely useful things an owner can do for this breed's long-term back health.
A slow feeder or puzzle-style bowl can help with a puppy who eats quickly, and portioning food carefully rather than free-feeding makes it easier to notice a puppy who is starting to run heavy before it becomes an established habit.
Feeding kit
Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.
Airtight Pet Food Storage Container
A high-capacity airtight storage container that keeps dry dog, cat or bird food fresh and moisture-free. Sturdy thick walls, a sealed push-lid and a clear window let you check levels at a glance, with a built-in measuring cup included.
From£10.99
Tarhong Paw Ikat Teal Pet Placemat – BPA-Free PVC & EVA
A vibrant teal ikat placemat with paw print accents — BPA-free, wipe-clean, and 29 × 48 cm for protecting floors under pet bowls.
£8.49
Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
A stylish slow-feeder bowl that encourages healthier, calmer mealtimes — available in blue, grey, or white.
£14.99
Tarhong Country Orchard Melamine Pet Saucer
A pretty fruit and floral orchard-print melamine saucer for pets — BPA-free, non-slip, shatterproof, and dishwasher safe at 13.2 cm.
£9.49
Common questions
- How much should I feed my dachshund puppy?
- Follow the feeding guide printed on the specific puppy food you are using, based on your puppy's current weight, and adjust as they grow. Because dachshunds vary between standard and miniature sizes, there is no single fixed amount that applies to every puppy of this breed.
- How many meals a day does a dachshund puppy need?
- Younger puppies generally do best on three to four smaller meals a day, reducing to two as they mature, following the total daily amount given on the food's feeding guide. Your vet can advise on timing if you are unsure when to reduce the number of meals.
- Why is weight such a big deal for dachshunds specifically?
- A dachshund's long back is already more prone to problems than most breeds, and carrying extra weight adds strain to a spine that is already under more pressure by design. Keeping a dachshund at a healthy weight from puppyhood is one of the more useful things an owner can do for their long-term back health.
- My dachshund puppy always seems hungry — should I feed more?
- Puppies are often keen for food even when they are getting enough, so check body condition — feeling the ribs easily and seeing a slight waist — rather than feeding extra just because they seem eager. If you are concerned your puppy is genuinely underfed or overweight, speak to your vet.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.