How much should I feed my Dachshund?
Feeding your Dachshund the right amount is crucial. An adult should be fed 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food per day.
Feeding Schedule by Life Stage
Young Dachshunds, from 8 weeks to 6 months, need to be fed 3 times a day. This helps their developing digestive systems. As they grow, reduce to 2 meals a day by 6 months. Adult Dachshunds, 6 months to 7 years, should eat once or twice a day. Seniors, 7 years and older, may need to eat smaller, more frequent meals to aid digestion.
The amount of food varies by size. A 16–20 lb adult should eat 1/2 to 3/4 cup per day, while a 21–32 lb adult may need 3/4 to 1 cup. Adjust portions based on their activity level and weight. Always monitor their weight and adjust as needed.
Transitioning to a new food should be done gradually over 7 days to avoid digestive upset. Mix 25% new food with 75% current food for the first 3 days, then increase the new food to 50% for the next 3 days, and finally 75% new food with 25% old food for the last 3 days.
- Young Dachshunds: 3 meals/day, 8 weeks to 6 months
- Adult Dachshunds: 1-2 meals/day, 6 months to 7 years
- Seniors: Smaller, more frequent meals, 7 years and older
- 16–20 lb adult: 1/2 to 3/4 cup/day
- 21–32 lb adult: 3/4 to 1 cup/day
- Transition food over 7 days to avoid upset
- Mix 25% new food with 75% current food for the first 3 days
Practical Feeding Tips
Measure food with a dry measuring cup to ensure accuracy. Use a cup specifically designed for pet food to avoid overestimating portion sizes. Always provide fresh water at all times.
Consider treats as a small part of their daily intake, no more than 10% of their total calories. Treats should be high-quality and appropriate for their size and age.
Keep track of how much water your Dachshund drinks. A healthy adult should drink at least 1/2 cup of water per pound of body weight per day.
- Measure food with a dry measuring cup
- Provide fresh water at all times
- Treats: no more than 10% of total calories
- Water intake: 1/2 cup per pound of body weight per day
Common Feeding Mistakes
Overfeeding is a common mistake. It can lead to obesity, which is a significant health risk for Dachshunds. Watch for signs of overeating, such as a bloated stomach or a lack of energy.
Feeding table scraps can disrupt their diet and lead to nutritional imbalances. It's best to stick to their formulated diet.
Not providing enough water can lead to dehydration, especially on hot days. Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times.
- Overfeeding leads to obesity
- Avoid table scraps to prevent nutritional imbalances
- Ensure adequate water intake, especially on hot days
Keep reading about Dachshund: Dachshund Cost & Preparation: Budget-friendly setup · Dachshund Life Stages: Habitat adjustments
Related questions
How much food should a 16 lb Dachshund eat?
A 16 lb Dachshund should eat 1/2 to 3/4 cup of high-quality dry food per day.
How often should I feed my senior Dachshund?
Seniors may need to eat smaller, more frequent meals, so once or twice a day is recommended.
How much water should a Dachshund drink?
A healthy Dachshund should drink at least 1/2 cup of water per pound of body weight per day.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your dachshund is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.