What to feed a Dachshund
A Dachshund's small size and famously long back make weight management the single most important thing to get right at the bowl — extra weight puts real strain on a back already prone to disc problems. Beyond that, a good-quality small breed complete food, fed in a measured portion, is generally the right starting point.
Why weight matters more for a Dachshund than most breeds
The Dachshund's distinctive long back and short legs, a build known as chondrodystrophy, comes with a well-documented higher risk of intervertebral disc disease compared with most other breeds. Carrying extra weight adds load to a spine that is already working at a disadvantage, so keeping a Dachshund lean is one of the most protective things an owner can do.
This makes portion control genuinely more important for this breed than for many others of a similar size — a Dachshund's food-motivated, food-loving reputation is well earned, and it is easy to overfeed a dog that always seems to want more.
Choosing a suitable food
A complete dry or wet food formulated for small breeds suits most Dachshunds well, with the kibble size appropriate for a small mouth and the calorie content matched to a genuinely small dog's needs rather than scaled down from a large breed recipe.
Weighing food out rather than estimating by eye, and adjusting the amount if your dog is gaining weight, matters more here than the specific brand you choose. Your vet can help you set a target weight and a feeding amount to work towards it if your Dachshund is already carrying extra pounds.
Treats, extras and everyday habits
Because overfeeding is such a real risk for this breed, treats are worth counting as part of the daily food allowance rather than an extra on top. A food-motivated Dachshund can still get plenty of training reward from very small, low-calorie treats broken into tiny pieces.
Fresh water should always be available, and if your Dachshund shows any sign of back pain — reluctance to jump, a hunched posture, or crying out when touched — that is an emergency worth calling your vet about straight away rather than a diet question.
Foods that suit this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Reusable Washable Puppy Training Pad
A quilted, machine-washable training pad that absorbs accidents and locks in moisture with a leak-resistant base. Reusable for puppy toilet training and senior dogs, in several bone and paw prints.
From£7.99
Dog Calming Ear Muffs For Fireworks & Thunder
A soft stretchy snood that wraps snugly over your dog's head and ears to muffle fireworks, thunder and loud noises. Helps nervous dogs feel calmer during storms, travel and grooming.
£11.99
MPS Head Cover — Breathable Dog Head & Ear Protector
A comfortable, breathable alternative to the cone of shame — protects head and ear wounds or bandages while letting your dog move freely.
From£30.99
Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare Spray for Cats & Dogs
A versatile, alcohol-free antiseptic spray that cleans, soothes, and helps protect your pet's skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
From£16.49
Pressure-Activated Pet Cooling Mat
Press down, feel the cool — this pressure-activated mat absorbs body heat and stays up to 10°C cooler than the room, with no freezing required.
From£34.99
Ice-Silk Cooling Dog Bed with Bolster Edge
A breathable ice-silk cooling bed with a soft bolster edge and a cool-touch centre panel that helps your dog stay comfortable through warm weather. No need to freeze or refrigerate, it cools naturally on contact.
From£12.99
Dog Front-Limb Mobility Wheelchair
An adjustable two-wheel walker that supports dogs with front-limb weakness or injury. The lightweight frame and padded supports restore mobility, helping your dog stay active, exercise and enjoy walks with confidence.
From£176.99
Plush Foam Pet Stairs
Soft foam steps with a plush, washable cover that help senior, small or short-legged pets reach the sofa or bed safely. The lightweight, sturdy build reduces jumping strain on ageing joints.
From£21.99
Real-Time GPS Pet Tracker
A compact GPS tracker that clips to most collars for real-time location, geofence alerts and find-me sound.
£29.99
Hooded Dinosaur Dog Raincoat
A waterproof hooded dog raincoat with a fun dinosaur spine and yellow fins. It features full-coverage legs, a reflective strip and a built-in D-ring for a lead, keeping smaller dogs dry and visible on wet walks.
From£29.99
Disposable Female Dog Nappies
Disposable, absorbent nappies for female dogs — a secure, leak-proof fit for seasons (heat), excitable urination and incontinence. Soft, breathable outer with easy hook-and-loop fastening. Sizes XXS to XL.
£8.99
Dog Sports Jacket For Medium & Large Breeds
A sleek zip-up sports jacket with full leg sleeves and reflective trim, designed to keep medium and large dogs warm and dry on cold-weather walks. Easy-fit and snug at the cuffs.
From£24.99
Common questions
- Why do Dachshunds need to stay lean?
- Their long back and short legs carry a higher risk of disc problems than most breeds, and extra weight adds strain to a spine already at a disadvantage. Keeping a Dachshund at a healthy weight is one of the most protective things an owner can do.
- How much should I feed my Dachshund?
- Follow the feeding guide on your chosen food as a starting point, weighed rather than estimated, and adjust based on your dog's actual weight and body condition. Your vet can help set a target and a feeding amount if your dog needs to lose weight.
- Are Dachshunds prone to obesity?
- Yes, they have a well-earned reputation as food-motivated dogs, which combined with their small size means it is easy to overfeed them without realising. Measuring food and treats carefully matters more for this breed than for many others.
- What should I do if my Dachshund won't jump or seems in pain?
- Treat sudden reluctance to jump, a hunched posture, or crying out when touched as an emergency and call your vet straight away. These can be signs of a back problem, which this breed is genuinely more prone to than most.
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.