The Best and Healthiest Dog Food for Dachshunds (According to a Retired Guy in NYC Who Knows a Thing or Two About Wieners)

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! My name’s Marty. I’m a 68-year-old retired mailman living in a one-bedroom apartment on the Upper West Side with my 11-pound dachshund, Frankie. He’s got more attitude than a cabbie in rush hour and a bark that could scare the pigeons off a hot pretzel cart. And let me tell you—when you’ve got a long-bodied, short-legged sausage dog like Frankie, you learn pretty quick that what you feed ‘em really matters.

(Man’s best friend: Dachshund)

So grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of prune juice—no judgment), and let’s talk about the best and healthiest dog food for dachshunds, from one experienced dog dad to another. Whether you’ve got a pup, a senior, or a wiener with a waistline issue, I’ve got you covered.

Why Dachshunds Need Special Attention When It Comes to Food

Dachshunds aren’t your average mutts. They’ve got a unique body type—long spine, short legs, and enough spunk to try and chase a squirrel three times their size. But that funny little frame comes with some health challenges:

• Back problems (IVDD – Intervertebral Disc Disease)

• Weight gain (They love to eat. Like, love love.)

• Joint issues

• Dental problems (those tiny mouths can get funky)

That means Frankie can’t just eat anything. He needs food that supports joint health, maintains a healthy weight, and won’t have him begging for Tums after dinner.

What to Look for in Dog Food for Dachshunds

(Yum dog food)

Here’s the short list (or should I say short-legged list?) of what you should be feeding your doxie:

• High-quality animal protein – Chicken, turkey, beef, salmon. None of that “meat by-product” mystery meat nonsense.

• Joint-supporting nutrients – Glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s.

• Controlled calories and fat – Keep that sausage lean, not plump.

• Digestible carbs and fiber – Sweet potatoes, brown rice, oats. Good for the belly and the, uh… cleanup.

• No artificial junk – No colors, flavors, or preservatives. Frankie doesn’t need neon green kibble.

Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s get to the juicy stuff. Here are the best and healthiest dog foods for dachshunds, tried, tested, and approved by yours truly and the wiener king himself.

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🥇 1. Wellness CORE RawRev Small Breed

Why It’s Great:
This is the Cadillac of dog food. Grain-free, packed with protein (turkey and chicken), and has freeze-dried raw bits that make Frankie feel like he’s getting a gourmet meal. Supports muscle tone and has glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

Pros:
✔️ High protein
✔️ Great for active or young dachshunds
✔️ Omega fatty acids for skin and coat
✔️ No artificial flavors or preservatives

Cons:
❌ Pricey (but hey, so are NYC bagels and we still buy ‘em)
❌ May be too rich for dogs with sensitive stomachs

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🥈 2. Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Dry Dog Food

Why It’s Great:
Made specifically for adult dachshunds. It’s shaped for their little jaws and supports bone and joint health. Keeps Frankie trim and his bathroom habits… let’s say, predictable.

Pros:
✔️ Breed-specific formula
✔️ Supports spinal health
✔️ Helps maintain ideal weight

Cons:
❌ Not grain-free
❌ Lower protein than some competitors

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🥉 3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed

Why It’s Great:
This one’s got whole chicken, brown rice, and a solid mix of fruits and veggies. Plus, it’s got those “LifeSource Bits” – little nuggets full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. I don’t know what kind of wizard came up with ‘em, but Frankie loves ‘em.

Pros:
✔️ Real chicken is the first ingredient
✔️ Affordable and easy to find
✔️ No corn, wheat, or soy

Cons:
❌ Some picky eaters may avoid the “LifeSource Bits”
❌ Not grain-free (though not necessarily a bad thing)

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🦴 4. Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult

Why It’s Great:
They call this the “superfood blend” and I gotta say—it’s got everything from blueberries to chia seeds. Frankie’s coat has never looked shinier. It’s like he’s prepping for a shampoo commercial.

Pros:
✔️ Trio of proteins (chicken, lamb, salmon)
✔️ Rich in nutrients for coat and digestion
✔️ No artificial flavors or preservatives

Cons:
❌ Not as widely available
❌ Kibble may be small for larger dachshunds (Frankie says “no problem”)

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🐟 5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws

(Hanging out on the owners lap enjoying a dog day afternoon)

Why It’s Great:
Recommended by vets all over. Great for digestion, perfect kibble size for those tiny mouths, and excellent for maintaining weight. This one’s Frankie’s weeknight dinner when we’re keeping things “light.”

Pros:
✔️ Easy on the stomach
✔️ Promotes healthy digestion
✔️ Vet-recommended

Cons:
❌ Chicken is not the first ingredient
❌ Contains grains (again, depends on your pup)

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For Puppies: Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Puppy Recipe

Because even baby wieners need a strong start.

Packed with DHA for brain development, high protein for growth, and small-sized kibble that won’t trip up those tiny teeth.

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For Seniors: Nutro Natural Choice Senior Small Breed

Frankie’s pushing 10 now, so he gets this a few times a week. It’s gentle on his stomach, keeps his joints happy, and doesn’t weigh him down. Bonus: less gas. A blessing in a tiny apartment.

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Raw & Fresh Options for Fancy Folks

If you’re feeling fancy or you’re one of those raw food believers (or your pup just has bougie tastes), you can try:

• The Farmer’s Dog – Fresh, vet-developed meals delivered to your door. Expensive, but my niece swears by it for her rescue dachshund.

• Ollie – Another home-delivered fresh food service with personalized plans.

• Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw – Convenient raw option, less mess. Frankie thinks it’s beef jerky for dogs.

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Foods to Avoid Like a Pothole on 5th Ave

You’d think it’d be obvious, but you’d be surprised what people feed their dogs. Don’t give your dachshund:

🚫 Chocolate (duh)
🚫 Grapes or raisins
🚫 Onions and garlic
🚫 Fat trimmings
🚫 Xylitol (sugar substitute in gum and some peanut butters)
🚫 Super high-fat foods (looking at you, bacon grease)

And please, don’t feed them table scraps every day. You’re not doing them any favors. Frankie once got into my leftover eggplant parm and he was tooting like the subway for a week.

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Tips for Feeding a Dachshund (From a Guy Who’s Tried Everything)

• Stick to a schedule. Twice a day. No excuses. Even if they give you those big sad eyes.

• Use a slow feeder bowl if they inhale food like it’s their last meal.

• Measure portions. Dachshunds gain weight faster than a retiree at an all-you-can-eat buffet.

• Watch the treats. Keep ‘em healthy and in moderation. Frankie’s partial to carrot sticks and apple slices (no seeds!).

• Don’t overfeed. A fat dachshund is a back surgery waiting to happen.

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Final Thoughts From Me (And Frankie)

Listen, I know pet food aisles can feel like a nightmare. So many choices, so many brands, and all of them claiming they’re “the best.” But you don’t need to overthink it. Just remember the basics: quality protein, joint support, weight management, and no junk.

I’ve been through enough bags of dog food to know what works and what doesn’t—and I’m not afraid to return a bag if Frankie turns his nose up at it (I once returned a $60 bag of food and got into a 10-minute conversation with the Petco cashier about her beagle’s allergies).

So whether you’re shopping online from your rent-stabilized apartment or schlepping it home from your neighborhood pet store, just know this: if you feed your dachshund right, they’ll thank you with longer walks, less vet bills, and all the cuddles you can handle.

And if all else fails? Call me. I’ve got opinions, a spare bowl, and Frankie always loves company.

Woof and blessings,
Marty & Frankie from the Upper West Side