Diet and Nutrition
When you first pick your Dachshund puppy up from the breeder, his diet will probably consist of whatever brand of food the breeder had been feeding him. This diet of choice should continue in your home as well – at least for the short term. If you decide to switch your puppy’s food to a different brand, the best method for doing so is a slow, gradual change that will not put undue distress on your dog’s young digestive system. This can be done by mixing the new food in with the old, and slowly increasing the amount of the new food as you decrease the amount of the original fare. Once your dog graduates from puppy food to grown-up kibble, it will be up to you and your vet to determine the best diet for your Dachshund’s care.
Which Food is best?
When it comes to commercial dog food, any high-quality dry food should be sufficient for your dog in terms of nutrition and a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals. There are some ways to monitor whether your Dachshund is receiving the best care with the food of choice. If your dog’s weight fluctuates while he is on a particular food, or his skin has a tendency to dry out easily, it might be a good idea to consider a change in his diet. If your dog does not like the food, and therefore will not eat it, you should look into a different brand of food. If your dog is content with his menu, and you feel as though he is getting proper Dachshund care with the diet of choice, there is no reason to think about switching food on your dog. Some dogs will be perfectly happy to eat the same food for many years.
How Much Food to Eat?
Portion sizes of your dog’s food will be determined by your dog’s size and weight and his activity level. To ensure that you are taking good care of your Dachshund by feeding him properly, check with your vet about the appropriate portion sizes and feeding frequency. As a general rule, free feeding (leaving a bowl of food down for your dog to eat at his leisure) doesn’t work very well with Dachshunds. This style of feeding can lead to obesity of your pet, and make it difficult for you to provide quality care to your Dachshund. It is a better choice to set a feeding schedule with your dog that includes one or two mealtimes each day, and then sticking to your schedule.
Are Treats Acceptable?
Everyone deserves the occasional goody, and your Dachshund pup is certainly no exception. Quality Dachshund care can indeed include a treat here and there, especially when you are in the midst of training or housebreaking. If you are concerned about your dog eating too many commercial treats, many dogs will enjoy a piece of carrot or broccoli just as much. There are also some delicious yummies that you can concoct for your Dachshund in your own kitchen, giving you the peace of mind in knowing exactly what is going into your Dachshund’s tummy! Responsible Dachshund care will include offering the occasional treat to your dog as a reward, or just as a special extra. The next part of diet and nutrition that you should educate yourself on is how to select the right diet to feed your Dachshund.
