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25 Best Foods for a Picky Dachshund
Nutrish Rachael Ray Adult Dry Dog Food Real Chicken & Veggies Recipe
My dachshunds love Nutrish by Rachel Ray and have beautiful coats, and my 17-year-old has a lot of pep after I introduced him to new Nutrish two years ago. Had them on Canadae since they were puppies, but they were fazing it out, and they absolutely love the new Nutrish much better
Author: Bonnie P.
Likes: 3
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult High-Protein Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken
I give Stella & Sherman Blue Wilderness. And apples and bananas. They don’t turn down really anything. I love my little porkers.
Author: Kermita B.
Likes: 1
Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend Adult Small Breed Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Dr Marty ‘s~raw and freeze-dried…my 11 1/2 yr old dogs run and wrestle like puppies again!
Author: Tracey L.
Likes: 2
I also have a picky dachshund! He put a little weight on, so I put some cooked green beans in his kibble… the look I got was hilarious! He put the bean in his mouth and then looked up at me, and he was not happy with his momma! He ate them, but he didn’t care for them.
Author: Chere N.
Likes: 1
I had a doxie that lived to almost 17 years old. I would give him the same food we ate: Chicken, fish, eggs, brown rice, carrots, peas, broccoli, apples, and raw walnuts. The key with this amazing breed is to keep them lean. They are so prone to hip dysplasia and neck problems, so the worst thing for them is to get heavy. Also, try keeping them active. They love to run. Finally, be mindful of your steps in the house. Good luck
Author: Philip V.
Likes: 6
With my two boys, I used a high-quality dry food, mixed with some cooked veggies, maybe a piece of meat from the dinner table. I know, I know, everyone says no human food. Even some of the high-quality wet food now has veggies in it. Just better from home because you now know what is in it. My Sharky lived to be 12 , and my Bruce lived 17 yrs. But be very careful, Doxies tend to overeat. Need to watch their weight closely. It is very bad on their long back. Best of luck and God Bless.
Author: Robert Hagley H.
Likes: 1
Go! Solutions Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Turkey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
We use GO sensitive, limited ingredients. We mix the dry and wet as she has teeth issues. She loves it.
Author: Torrie W.
Likes: 2
Real Meat 2lb Air-Dried Dog Food
My dog refuses to eat hard treats or kibble since my Winnie passed last January. I have been cooking for him since then until I found this food. Soft pieces
Author: Susan A.
Likes: 1
I sauté a heaping tbsp of rice in 1/4 cup water for a couple of minutes, then add a container of chicken livers and slow-simmer for 30 mins. Add some salt and mash with a potato masher. Let cool to warm and serve. This is enough for my 2 doxies for 3 days. On the 2nd and 3rd day, just microwave for 30 seconds to warm up. They just love it.
Author: Brian K.
Likes: 0
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Dachshund Adult Dry Dog Food
The only food we’ve ever found that all of our dachshunds have eaten consistently is Royal Canin Dachshund.
Author: Linda R.
Likes: 2
Purina ONE Chicken and Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Purina One chicken and rice, all 3 of my weenies have grown up on it, I swear by it js it works for my fur babies
Author: Tonya K.
Likes: 1
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food
My senior doxies ate Blue Buffalo small breed senior. Canned sensitive stomach or Blue Buffalo senior. When they had an upset stomach, I gave them white meat chicken and rice. My new puppy gets Diamond puppy kibbles per the breeder.
Author: Denise C.
Likes: 1
Zignature Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula Dry Dog Food
Zignature dry food. It’s very expensive, but my doxies are extremely healthy, so in the long run, it’s cheaper than vet bills. They also never get tired of it. I switch between the Turkey and the Pork.
Author: Scott G.
Likes: 2
Pedigree Small Dog Complete Nutrition Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Pedigree small dogs. My mini pug is fussy. I put a teaspoon of broth on it. Little water. Tell her how good it will taste. Works great
Author: Michele D.
Likes: 0
Deli Fresh Pet Food 518044 Vital Bison And Beef Roll For Pets
We switched to Vital by Fresh Pet. My girls are 11 and 16, and eat it. We usually mix in boiled chicken also.
Author: Chris O.
Likes: 1
My doxie eats Science Diet Healthy Advantage Mature Kibble, but she is not a picky eater! I prefer Science Diet foods for my pets. I work at a veterinary clinic, and it is what’s recommended
Author: Jessica F.
Likes: 0
Nutrish Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Rachel Ray Nutrish salmon and sweet potato. He loves cold raw veggies as treats. He’ll be 15 in July. Has always been healthy with a beautiful red coat.
Author: Jenny Flynt M.
Likes: 0
Nutro Natural Choice Small Bites Dry Dog Food
My baby girl, age 15, has always been on Nutro for small breed. It starts in puppy, then adult, and now senior. She loves it. No fillers
Author: Phyllis A.
Likes: 1
I moved my two mini doxies to steamed rice, baked chicken, and black beans about 6 months ago. All tummy issues are gone. All picky issues are gone. No more vomiting. Their energy levels are amazing, and their coats are soft and shiny. Much healthier than dog food. They also each have half an apple daily with carrots for snacks.
Author: Edwin P.
Likes: 0
Wellness CORE+ Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food with Freeze Dried Pieces
Wellness core, raw rev. With bowl toppers !!! The variety. And it’s a pretty well-rated dog food.
Author: Megan Elizabeth A.
Likes: 0
Fromm Small Breed Adult Gold Premium Dry Dog Food
We feed with Fromm. You can change flavors without belly problems. Throwing some deli turkey, apple, broccoli, carrots, or scrambled eggs on top won’t hurt either.
Author: Brian D.
Likes: 1
IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Small and Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
One of ours eats anything in 15 seconds. The other takes 5 minutes to eat the same amount. IAMS.
Author: Larry W.
Likes: 0
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
When a dachshund is picky, it’s because the owner is giving them too many choices, or if intact, they might be going through a hormonal spurt, which affects eating in a young dog sometimes. This happened with my first dachshund forty years ago, and the dachshund experts told me to stop giving him so many choices as he was “working” me. Lol, pick a quality kibble and stick with it. Some kibbles are made to be rotated and also to deliver different proteins. Read your labels, no byproducts at all, and no more than one pea product. Look at dog foods that have meat/ poultry/ seafood proteins in the first two or three ingredients. Be aware that ingredients are listed in quantity on the labels, so the first five ingredients are the most important and the most plentiful in volume. Fromm’s is a good dog food, but some of their products now contain too many pea products. Natural Balance is also a quality food. There are many decent foods out there, but you have to educate yourself on how to read dog food labels.
Author: Andi B.
Likes: 2
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Dry Food, Lamb & Brown Rice Flavor & ADD One Tablespoon of Blue Buffalo Can Dog Food for More Flavor, e.g., Not The Blue Buffalo WILD Meats !!! All Flavors are liked by All Dogs eg. Chicken, Turkey Meatloaf, Beef, etc.
Author: Adriano B.
Likes: 1
Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding a Picky Eater Dachshund
1. What are the best types of food for a picky Dachshund?
The best foods are high in protein, include real meat as the first ingredient, and contain minimal fillers or artificial additives. Wet or semi-moist food, freeze-dried raw options, or high-quality kibble with added flavor toppers can also entice picky eaters.
2. Why is my Dachshund such a picky eater?
Picky eating in Dachshunds can stem from boredom with food, sensitive digestion, past feeding habits, or health issues like dental problems or food allergies. It’s important to rule out medical concerns with a vet before trying different foods.
3. How can I encourage my picky Dachshund to eat their food?
Try warming their food slightly to enhance aroma, adding bone broth or wet food toppers, switching feeding locations, and sticking to a regular feeding schedule. Avoid frequent treat-giving, which can reduce appetite for meals.
4. Are homemade meals better for a picky Dachshund?
Homemade meals can work well if they’re nutritionally balanced. Lean meats like chicken or turkey, mixed with sweet potatoes, pumpkin, or green beans, are often appealing. Always consult a vet or canine nutritionist before switching to homemade food.
5. Can I switch my Dachshund’s food frequently to keep them interested?
Frequent switching may upset your dog’s stomach and encourage long-term pickiness. It’s better to find a high-quality food they tolerate and enjoy, then use mix-ins or toppers for variety without constantly changing the base diet.
6. What ingredients should I avoid when feeding my picky Dachshund?
Avoid artificial preservatives, fillers like corn and soy, and meat by-products. Dachshunds are prone to allergies and digestive issues, so look for limited-ingredient diets or hypoallergenic formulas if food sensitivities are suspected.
7. Are there specific dog food brands recommended for picky Dachshunds?
Yes, brands like The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie, Royal Canin Dachshund Formula, and Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach often receive positive feedback from Dachshund owners. Choose one that meets AAFCO standards and suits your dog’s specific needs.
Winning Over Even the Pickiest Dachshund
Feeding a picky Dachshund can feel like a daily challenge, but with patience and the right approach, mealtime can become something both you and your pup look forward to. Every Dachshund has their own tastes and quirks, so finding the perfect food may take a bit of trial and discovery, but it’s absolutely worth it. Prioritizing high-quality ingredients and paying attention to what excites their appetite can make all the difference in their overall health and happiness. Don’t be afraid to switch things up and explore new options until you see that eager tail wag at feeding time.
Toledo, United States.