How Much Should I Feed My Dachshund Each Day?

Franzi, Rommel and Montgomery sharing a snack

Dachshunds, like almost all members of the canine family, are “opportunistic eaters.” This is a trait that comes down from when they were wolves in the wild and food wasn’t always guaranteed. So, if they found food, they ate it, because they didn’t know when (or if) they’d be eating again.

Of course, domestic dogs don’t have that problem anymore (at least, mine don’t), but that “eat everything all the time” gene is still there pushing them to act as if they’re always starving. But too much food isn’t good for doxies because being fat puts extra strain on their already troublesome backs.

If you’re wondering how much you should be feeding your wiener dog daily, here are the basic feeding guidelines by weight and activity level:

Daily Food Amounts

• Mini Dachshunds: A miniature dachshund typically needs between ½ to 1 cup of dry food per day.
• Standard Dachshunds: A standard dachshund requires approximately 1 to 2 cups of dry food daily.
• Active vs. Sedentary: If your dog is very active, you will need to feed it more. If your dog is more sedentary, you should feed it less.

General tips

• Divide into two meals: It’s best to feed your dachshund two smaller meals a day to help with digestion.
• Adjust for age: Puppies need more frequent meals (3-4 times a day), while adult dogs should be fed twice a day.
• Monitor weight and body condition: Your dachshund’s ideal food amount will change as it gets older. Adjust the amount you feed based on its body condition score, and consult your vet if you are concerned.
• Consider calories: Some sources suggest that a miniature dachshund needs no more than 230 calories a day, so you should be mindful of treats and adjust the food portion accordingly.
• Check food packaging: Always follow the specific feeding guidelines on your chosen dog food bag, as the nutritional content can vary between brands.

You can learn more here.