Dachshund Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Dachshund, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
The Dachshund is a beloved small breed from Germany, ranked #9 in AKC popularity. A bold, tenacious little dog with a personality far larger than its stature and a stubbornness that borders on legendary. The Dachshund is a member of the Hound Group, dogs originally developed to track game using their exceptional sense of smell. Their feeding plan should account for their tendency toward weight gain during less active periods. An adult Dachshund needs between 464 and 781 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Dachshund weighing 16 to 32 lb needs about 464 to 781 kcal a day, around 629 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 1.2-2.1 cups daily, roughly 127 to 222 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 1.9-3.1 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 5-15 oz of food, about 2-3% of body weight. Weigh the ration rather than measuring it by cup, since kibble density varies by up to a third between brands, count treats inside that total rather than on top of it, and keep them under ten per cent of the calories. A Dachshund that gains or loses weight on these amounts needs a vet's opinion, not simply a different scoop: these figures are a starting point for a healthy dog, and they assume the 12-to-16-year life stage and activity level described below rather than pregnancy, illness or working days.
Two of the conditions this breed is screened for change how it should be fed, and the less common one matters more here because it is the one a general feeding guide never mentions. With obesity, this breed gains easily, so the ration on this page is a starting point to be reduced as soon as the waist disappears; treats count towards it and are the usual reason a careful owner still ends up with a heavy dog. With intervertebral disc disease, every extra pound is leverage on the discs, and in this breed the difference between a lean dog and a heavy one is often the difference between a mobile dog and a surgical one. Neither is a reason to choose a different food off the shelf; both are reasons to weigh the ration rather than estimate it.
A third predisposition worth knowing is patellar luxation: a lean dog luxates less often, and the difference between a dog at the top and the bottom of its weight range is visible in how often the knee gives way. A Dachshund that never develops any of these still benefits from the same habits, because the habits are simply good feeding practice made specific.
A wire coat depends on the quality of the keratin the dog builds, and a coat that goes soft is worth reading as a dietary signal before it is treated as a grooming problem. For a Dachshund, that is the check worth making weekly.
Males and females of this breed differ enough in size that one ration does not fit both: around 24 lb against 21 lb on average, a gap of 17 per cent. Feeding both from the same scoop overfeeds one and underfeeds the other, and the figures on this page should be read against the dog in front of you rather than against the breed average.
An adult Dachshund's daily food intake is typically 0.5–0.6 cups of high-quality kibble, fed in two meals. Standard Dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds, while miniatures weigh under 11 pounds; weight management is critical for spinal health.. At 16–32 lbs with energy level 3/5, IVDD is the most critical health concern, with roughly one in four Dachshunds experiencing some degree of disc disease in their lifetime..
Daily Calorie Needs for Dachshund
Adult
464-781
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
642
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
371-625
kcal/day
Note: Feeding guidelines are estimates based on standard veterinary formulas. Every dog is different, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Feeding Strategy for Dachshunds
The Dachshund has a moderate energy level, making portion control straightforward but still important. Feed 1.2-2.1 cups of quality kibble daily, divided into two meals. A standard adult maintenance formula with balanced macronutrients works well. Monitor weight monthly, as moderate-energy breeds can gradually gain weight if portions aren't adjusted for actual activity.
Weight Management for Dachshunds
Weight management is a critical health priority for Dachshunds. Is your Dachshund at a healthy weight? The ideal range is 16–32 lbs (males 16–32, females 13–28). Check these three signs: Ribs: Easily felt with light pressure; not visible but not buried under fat. An overweight Dachshund carrying just 10-20% extra body weight faces significantly higher risks of joint problems, cardiovascular strain, and shortened lifespan.
Dachshund Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
0.6-1.1 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
0.6-1.1 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Dachshund
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 1.2-2.1 cups | 464-781 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 1.9-3.1 cans | 464-781 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 5-15 oz | 464-781 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 1.2-2.1 cups
- Calories
- 464-781 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 1.9-3.1 cans
- Calories
- 464-781 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 5-15 oz
- Calories
- 464-781 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Dachshunds
Moderate daily exercise (30-45 minutes of walks and play) keeps the Dachshund fit and helps regulate appetite. Most Dachshunds do well on a consistent daily portion without needing exercise-day adjustments. If your dog gets significantly more activity on weekends (long hikes, beach trips), you can add a small handful of kibble to their evening meal on those days.
Joint Health & Nutrition
Joint health is a primary nutritional concern for Dachshunds, which are predisposed to Patellar Luxation. Diet plays a preventive and management role at every life stage. For puppies, controlled growth rate and proper calcium-phosphorus ratios protect developing joints. For adults, maintaining ideal body weight reduces mechanical stress on joints. Specific nutrients can slow cartilage degradation and reduce inflammation.
Recommended Joint Supplements
Dental Health Through Diet
Small breeds like the Dachshund are disproportionately affected by dental disease, their teeth are crowded into a small jaw, creating pockets where bacteria thrive. By age three, an estimated 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease, and small breeds are often affected earlier. Diet can help: the mechanical action of chewing kibble provides some cleaning benefit, and specific dental diets have VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approval for plaque reduction.
- Include dry kibble as at least part of the diet, the chewing action helps scrape plaque
- VOHC-approved dental chews provide clinically proven plaque and tartar reduction
- Avoid feeding exclusively soft/wet food, which offers no mechanical dental benefit
- Raw carrots and apple slices (no seeds) serve double duty as low-calorie treats and natural teeth cleaners
- Schedule professional dental cleanings annually, small breeds often need extractions earlier than larger dogs
Coat & Skin Nutrition
The Dachshund's Smooth, Longhaired, or Wirehaired requires nutritional support from the inside out. Long-coated breeds need consistent nutritional support to maintain coat health, prevent matting, and reduce breakage. A diet deficient in essential fatty acids, biotin, or zinc will show in the coat quality within weeks, look for dullness, excessive shedding, or dry, flaky skin as early warning signs.
Key Nutrients for Coat Health
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Overfeeding because the Dachshund always seems hungry
Some breeds appear perpetually hungry due to genetics or behavior. Stick to measured portions and use low-calorie treats like baby carrots, green beans, or ice cubes. If your Dachshund inhales food, try a slow-feeder bowl.
Free-feeding because "they don't eat much"
Even though Dachshunds eat small quantities, free-feeding makes it impossible to track actual intake and can lead to gradual weight gain. Measure portions and offer meals at consistent times, removing uneaten food after 15-20 minutes.
Giving human food scraps as treats
For a 16-32 lb dog, a single ounce of cheese is equivalent to a person eating an entire hamburger. Table scraps quickly add up to a significant portion of a small breed's daily calories. Stick to dog-appropriate treats sized for small mouths.
Switching foods abruptly without a transition period
Any diet change, brand, flavor, or formula, should happen gradually over 7-10 days. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old. Abrupt switches cause digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting, gas) in most dogs, Dachshunds included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Dachshund's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories, significant for a dog that only needs 360 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Dachshund-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Dachshunds, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Portion Control
This breed is prone to weight gain. Measure portions carefully, limit treats to 10% of daily calories, and avoid free-feeding. Consider a weight management formula.
Antioxidants
Include foods rich in antioxidants (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, lutein). Blueberries and carrots make excellent treats.
Dachshund Ideal Weight
Is your Dachshund at a healthy weight? The ideal range is 16–32 lbs (males 16–32, females 13–28). Check these three signs: Ribs: Easily felt with light pressure; not visible but not buried under fat. Waistline: A clear narrowing behind the ribs when viewed from above.
Male Dachshund
16-32 lbs
7-15 kg
Female Dachshund
13-28 lbs
6-13 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Dachshund typically needs 464-781 calories per day, which translates to approximately 1.2-2.1 cups of dry kibble daily, split into two meals. However, this is a starting point, your specific dog's needs depend on their exact weight within the 16-32 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Dachshunds should be fed twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Some owners of small breeds prefer three smaller meals, which can help with digestion and energy levels throughout the day. Consistent meal times help regulate digestion, blood sugar, and make house training easier.
Look for a food that lists real meat (not meal or by-products) as the first ingredient, contains 22-30% protein, and is formulated for small breeds. Small breed formulas offer calorie-dense kibble in smaller pieces suited to your dog's jaw. Weigh the food rather than measuring it by cup: kibble density varies by up to a third between brands, so the same cup can hold 80 or 120 grams.
Some Dachshunds have a genetic tendency toward increased appetite. Certain Dachshunds have an increased food drive that may be breed-related. If your dog seems constantly hungry: ensure you're feeding the correct amount (1.2-2.1 cups/day), use a slow-feeder to extend meal duration, add low-calorie bulk (green beans, pumpkin) to meals, and rule out medical causes like hypothyroidism with your vet.
Given the Dachshund's predisposition to joint issues, consider: glucosamine HCl (250-500mg/day), chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3 fish oil (EPA/DHA). Green-lipped mussel extract is also showing promise in studies. Many premium dog foods already include glucosamine, check your current food's label before adding supplements. Start joint support early (1-2 years old) for prevention rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Always consult your vet before starting a supplement regimen.
While Dachshunds can technically eat standard kibble, small-breed formulas are recommended. They feature smaller kibble pieces that are easier for your Dachshund's small jaw and teeth to chew, reducing choking risk and improving digestion. Small-breed formulas are also more calorie-dense per cup, which matters when your dog only eats 1.2-2.1 cups per day, every bite needs to count nutritionally.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Dachshunds, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Dachshund, that means roughly 5-15 oz per day. The diet should include muscle meat (70%), raw meaty bones (10%), organ meat (10%), and vegetables/fruits (10%). However, raw diets carry risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance if not properly formulated. Consult a veterinary nutritionist before switching.
A healthy adult Dachshund weighs between 16-32 lbs (males: 16-32 lbs, females: 13-28 lbs). Use the body condition score (BCS) method: you should be able to feel ribs with light pressure but not see them, observe a visible waist when viewed from above, and notice an abdominal tuck from the side. If your Dachshund exceeds 37 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Feeding Guidelines Disclaimer
The feeding recommendations on DosageGuide.com are estimates based on standard veterinary nutrition formulas (RER = 70 × weight^0.75) and general guidelines from AAFCO and veterinary nutrition resources.
Every dog is unique. Actual calorie needs vary based on breed, metabolism, activity level, health conditions, spay/neuter status, and the specific food brand you use. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice.
These guides are for general reference and do not replace professional veterinary guidance. Adjust portions based on your dog's body condition score and weight trends.