Do you have a dachshund that’s refusing to eat? It can be worrying to see your furry friend lose interest in their meals, but you’re not alone. Many dachshund parents have faced this challenge and there are several strategies you can try to get them back on track.
Understanding why your dachshund isn’t eating is the first step to finding a solution. Whether it’s a health issue, stress, or simply being a picky eater, pinpointing the cause can help you pick the right approach. By trying out different methods, you’ll find what works best for your pup and get them excited about mealtime again.
Table of Contents
- 1) Mix in a bit of wet food
- 2) Serve meals on a routine schedule
- 3) Try adding some chicken broth
- 4) Offer Food as Training Treats
- 5) Switch to a different protein source
- 6) Include a bit of peanut butter
- 7) Use a puzzle feeder
- 8) Make sure their bowl is clean
- 9) Warm up their food slightly
- 10) Reduce treats between meals
- 11) Add a sprinkle of cheese
- 12) Place food in a different spot
- Understanding Dachshund Eating Habits
- Health Considerations
1) Mix in a bit of wet food
Adding wet food to your Dachshund’s dry kibble can make meals more appealing. The moisture and strong aroma of wet food can entice even picky eaters.
Start by mixing a small amount of wet food with their regular kibble. Gradually, you can adjust the ratio to find the perfect balance that your Dachshund enjoys.
2) Serve meals on a routine schedule
Serving your Dachshund meals on a routine schedule can help them develop good eating habits. Feeding them at the same times every day sets a pattern that they can rely on.
Scheduled feeding helps manage your dog’s weight and ensures they don’t overeat. It also makes it easier for you to track their diet and adjust portions as needed.
3) Try adding some chicken broth
Chicken broth can make your Dachshund’s meal more appealing. It has a savory taste that many dogs love. Just make sure to choose a low-sodium or no-salt-added broth.
Pour a small amount over your dog’s food. The added flavor can encourage them to eat. Mixing it well ensures the broth soaks into the food, making it even more enticing.
4) Offer Food as Training Treats
Use food as rewards during training sessions.
This can make learning fun for your Dachshund.
Choose small, healthy treats that won’t fill them up too quickly.
Training with treats not only teaches new skills but also builds a positive association with eating.
Make sure treats make up only a small part of their daily diet to prevent weight problems.
5) Switch to a different protein source
Your Dachshund might be bored with the same protein source. Try switching from chicken to beef or fish. This change can make their meals more appealing.
Another option is to use lamb or turkey. These proteins can provide a new flavor that your Dachshund might love.
Make sure to introduce the new protein gradually. This will help avoid any digestive issues.
6) Include a bit of peanut butter
Adding a bit of peanut butter to your dachshund’s meal can make it more appealing. Choose a brand that is 100% peanuts and does not contain xylitol, as this sweetener is toxic to dogs.
Peanut butter is rich in healthy fats and proteins. It can also provide some extra vitamins and minerals to their diet.
7) Use a puzzle feeder
A puzzle feeder is a great way to make mealtime fun for your Dachshund. It slows down their eating, which helps with digestion.
Puzzle feeders also keep your dog mentally engaged. They have to use their brain to figure out how to get the food out.
These feeders can help reduce boredom and prevent problem behaviors. Your Dachshund will enjoy the challenge and feel rewarded when they succeed.
8) Make sure their bowl is clean
If your Dachshund’s bowl is dirty, it can make them less interested in eating.
Not only can leftover food be unappetizing, but bacteria can also grow.
Make it a habit to wash their bowl with warm, soapy water after each meal to keep it clean and inviting.
9) Warm up their food slightly
Sometimes, warming up your dachshund’s food can make it more appealing. By heating it only a little, you can enhance the smell and make it more tempting.
You can warm the food in the microwave for a few seconds or add a bit of warm water. Always check the temperature before serving to avoid burning their mouth.
10) Reduce treats between meals
It’s tempting to give your Dachshund treats throughout the day, but this can lead to overeating and weight gain.
Try to limit treats to once or twice a day.
Choose healthy treats that are low in calories to keep your pup from packing on extra pounds.
11) Add a sprinkle of cheese
Adding cheese to your Dachshund’s food can make their meal more appealing. Dachshunds enjoy the taste of cheese, and it adds some variety to their diet.
You can mix small pieces of cheese with their regular food or sprinkle shredded cheese on top. This simple addition might encourage your picky eater to clean their bowl.
12) Place food in a different spot
Try feeding your dachshund in a new location. Sometimes, a change of scenery can make mealtime more interesting.
Move their bowl to a quieter area of the house. This can help reduce distractions and stress.
Experiment with placing the food bowl at different heights. Some dogs might prefer eating from a raised bowl.
Understanding Dachshund Eating Habits
Your Dachshund’s eating habits can give you insight into their health and well-being. It’s important to know what is typical for this breed and what they prefer in their diet.
Typical Eating Patterns
Dachshunds generally eat two times a day. For adult dogs, it’s normal to eat around 1 to 1½ cups of food total per day, split into two meals. Miniature Dachshunds, being smaller, should eat about ¾ to 1 cup of food each day, also divided into two servings.
Puppies usually eat more frequently—three to four times per day—since they are growing and have higher energy needs. Dachshunds are active dogs despite their size. They may have days where they eat less, especially if they are not as active or feeling unwell.
Common Dietary Preferences
Dachshunds can be picky eaters, and their preferences can depend on various factors. If your dog has allergies to certain foods, they might avoid those foods because they cause discomfort. For example, some Dachshunds may have grain or protein allergies.
A diet with high-quality proteins like chicken or fish is often preferred. It’s also good to include foods that are easy on their digestive system. Wet food can sometimes be more appealing than dry kibble, especially for dogs with dental issues. Some Dachshunds might prefer eating their food with a bit of warm water added to it.
Feeding them a consistent diet and changing foods gradually can help avoid digestive upsets. If your Dachshund shows signs of discomfort or picks at their food, they might need a diet adjustment. Consulting your vet can help tailor the best diet for your dog’s specific needs.
Health Considerations
Monitoring your dachshund’s health is essential for encouraging appetite. Addressing underlying health issues promptly and knowing when to seek veterinary advice can greatly improve your dog’s eating habits.
Identifying Potential Health Issues
If your dachshund isn’t eating, it could be due to health problems. Common issues include dental problems, digestive issues, or infections. Check your dog’s mouth for signs of gingivitis or broken teeth.
Dachshunds are prone to inherited conditions like Lafora disease, which causes seizures; digestive problems like constipation may also deter eating. Weight loss, lethargy, or other abnormal behaviors can signal serious issues.
Keep a journal of your dog’s symptoms and eating habits. This can help identify patterns or triggers and make it easier for the vet to diagnose the problem.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
If your dachshund’s appetite loss lasts more than a day or is accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, consult a vet immediately. Dachshunds are prone to specific health conditions like diabetes and Cushing’s disease that require professional evaluation.
The vet may perform diagnostic tests, such as blood work or X-rays, to determine the cause. Early intervention can prevent more serious problems and improve your dog’s overall well-being.
Regular check-ups are also important. Vets can spot early signs of health issues before they become severe, ensuring your dachshund remains healthy and happy.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
