Use the Feeding Schedule Planner
Building the Right Feeding Schedule for Your Dachshund
Enter your Dachshund's weight and age above to get a personalized feeding schedule with portion sizes and meal timing. Consistency in feeding time and quantity is one of the most important things you can do for your dog's digestive health and behaviour.
The Dachshund, also known as the 'wiener dog' or 'sausage dog', is a long-bodied, short-legged hound breed originally developed in Germany to hunt badgers. Their unique shape allowed them to enter burrows. Today Dachshunds are popular family pets known for their spunky personalities and bold confidence. Their elongated spines make them highly susceptible to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), so weight management is not just about health — it's essential for spinal protection. Maintaining an ideal weight can significantly reduce the risk of back problems.
Recommended Feeding Frequency by Age
2–3 months: 4 meals per day
3–6 months: 3 meals per day
6–12 months: 2–3 meals per day
Adult Dachshund (1–7 years): 2 meals per day (morning and evening)
Senior Dachshund (7+ years): 2 smaller meals per day
A typical adult Dachshund weighing 24 lbs needs approximately 587 calories daily, which works out to roughly 1.7 cups of standard kibble split across two meals — about 0.8 cups per meal.
Feeding Schedule Tips for Dachshunds
Feed at consistent times each day — ideally morning and evening, 8–12 hours apart. Consistent timing regulates digestion, reduces begging behaviour, and makes house training significantly easier. Avoid exercising your Dachshund immediately after eating, especially if they are a larger breed, to reduce the risk of bloat (GDV).
Measure portions precisely using a kitchen scale or dedicated measuring cup — "eyeballing" portions is one of the most common causes of obesity in dogs. Account for all treats, chews, and toppers in the daily calorie count.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Dachshund
Look for dog food where the first ingredient is a named protein (chicken, beef, salmon — not "meat meal"). Dachshunds benefit from food with at least 25% protein content and moderate fat levels. Avoid fillers like corn syrup, artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT), and vague ingredient labels like "animal by-products."
Breed-specific formulas exist for many of these characteristics and can be a good starting point, but they are not mandatory — a high-quality standard adult formula works just as well for most Dachshunds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I feed my Dachshund once or twice a day?
A: Twice daily is recommended for most Dachshunds. Splitting daily calories into two meals reduces hunger, improves digestion, and is associated with lower bloat risk in larger breeds.
Q: Can I leave food out all day for my Dachshund?
A: Free-feeding is not recommended for Dachshunds, as it makes calorie control impossible and is a major contributor to obesity. Scheduled mealtimes also strengthen your role as a provider, which supports training.
Disclaimer: These are general guidelines. Your veterinarian can give breed- and dog-specific recommendations based on a physical examination.