The Right Diet to Feed your Dachshund
There is any number of trains of thought on the right diet to offer your dog. Most vets and breeders will agree that any brand of high-quality dry dog food will be sufficient for quality Dachshund care. Much of the time the choice will be determined by your puppy’s taste and your own personal preference. Other elements to be added to your dog’s diet, such as canned food and the occasional treat will be up to you, your dog and your vet as well. The best Dachshund care for proper diet includes talking to your vet and breeder about their recommendations, finding a food that your dog likes and offering the occasional treat to keep your dog happy.
Talk to the Professionals
Your breeder will be your first advisor on quality Dachshund care involving diet and nutrition. When you pick your pup up from the breeder’s, you will receive feeding instructions and the name of the puppy food that your puppy has been eating up to that point. It is a good idea to keep your puppy’s food consistent, at least in the short term, to avoid any distress to his young digestive tract. Any diet changes should be made gradually, by mixing new food in with old and slowly altering the mixture until the new food is the only food that your puppy is eating. Most dogs will switch from the puppy kibble that is higher in nutrients, to an adult food by about the age of one year. Your vet can give you more specific instructions on when to move your pup to adult food, and make recommendations as to which food will be the best for the care of your Dachshund.
What’s on the Menu?
Since most high-quality dog foods are created equal for the most part, much of your decision might be based on your dog’s own tastes and preferences. Good Dachshund care will involve finding a food that your dog likes, and sticking with it for as long as you can. Many dogs are perfectly happy to eat the same food for many years. Feed your dog in measured amounts once or twice each day. Free feeding dogs can often lead to obesity, whereas scheduled feedings and regular exercise will promote a healthy lifestyle and the best quality of care for your Dachshund.
Treats for Tricks?
When it comes to the care of your Dachshund, tricks deserve treats – at least in limited quantities. There are many good commercial doggy treats on the market, and some biscuits will even help to keep your dog’s teeth clean and his breath fresh. If you have ever gotten a good whiff of dog breath, you might want to check into the claims of these treats. There are also numerous recipes for creating your own homemade doggy goodies. The advantage to homemade treats is that you can tailor them to your dog’s tastes, and ensure that healthy ingredients are used in production. If you are interested in becoming your dog’s personal chef as a part of your Dachshund’s care, check out some delicacies you can cook for your Dachshund.
