The Dachshund Diet

Despite the sometimes hectic comments from supporters of "natural" dog food commercial dog food is fine for your Dachshund. Some of these concerns are well placed, though. A diet that is not too rich and not too lean, full of wholesome ingredients are best. But that advice is too vague in its current form. What does it really mean? 

- Ingredients

Any commercial kibble foods will have a list of ingredients on the package, starting with the one present at the highest percentage is listed first. Ensure that the ingredient listed first is a kind of animal protein.Beef, chicken and lamb are the most common.The proteins in vegetables are harder to break down into useful components and containing small quantities of the necessary amino acids. 

Like other dogs, Doxies are natural meat eaters. But fresh meat is not required. Anything that provides enough protein is fine, because what is really needed is the amino acids that go to make them up. Any digested protein is broken down to those constituents then "reconstructed" back into useful products such as dog. 

Apart from amino acids, there are a number of important minerals and vitamins needed for good functioning. 

Foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is good not only for humans but Dachshunds, too. In most cases, these relationships help to improve joint and skin health. 

Antioxidants perform a similar role in a Doxie lives as they do in their owners. Vitamin E, beta carotene and other help protect the immune system by reducing something called "free radicals". These are elements or molecules with an extra electron that can damage cells, when present in excessive concentrations. 

Fat, far from being the villain is sometiems (wrong), painted in discussions about the human diet, necessary for proper functioning. Fats provide essential links for a good nervous function.They divided to form hormones and enzymes. They also provide a source of calories; Dachshunds need to power all these activities, just as humans do. 

- Amount 

Puppies that have been accustomed to eat 3-4 meals per day. Even although it is slightly more difficult for the owner, lesser amounts being fed more frequently, is preferable for large portions at a time. This routine is best for Dachshunds about 8-12 weeks old. 

When the puppy when 3-6 months, you can reduce feeding frequency to 3 or even two meals a day. Even puppies can get fat, so keep an eye on the waist behind the ribcage. It should have a little curve. If your Dixie is perfectly straight (no waist line), you can feed too much. 

This advice is a little more difficult to follow in case of Dachshunds than some other breeds because they are a bit more tubular in nature. Nevertheless, the curve can be seen if you observe closely. Supporting the eye to feel the puppy front legs. Become familiar with their shape, and it will be easier to evaluate small changes. 

By the time they reach one year old, one meal a day is fine. If they seem eager to eat two meals more often is fine, but shares the portions in half. 

Give Dachshund a premium brand food. These include a more appropriate amount of calories and less "junk food" than cheaper brands. For nervous doxies, or just for extra flavor, mix a tablespoon or two of wet food with dry is fine. 

Never give your puppy chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, nuts macadamia or xylitol, which are toxic to dogs.