Dachshund Feeding Guide: How Much & How Often?

We learned the hard way that dachshunds don’t come with built-in portion control. When Harvey was a pup, we thought we were doing the right thing — topping his meals with a bit of chicken here, a scoop of rice there, and plenty of love in the form of treats. Within a few months, he’d developed a noticeable belly bulge and was less keen on his evening walk. That’s when our vet gave us the blunt truth: “He’s not big-boned — he’s just being overfed.”

Dachshunds may be small, but they’re famously food-driven. Combine that with their long bodies and fragile backs, and even a little excess weight can lead to serious issues — think slipped discs, joint strain, or chronic back pain.

According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, “Small breed dogs are especially prone to obesity, which significantly increases the risk of musculoskeletal problems, especially in breeds with long backs like dachshunds.” They go on to warn that overfeeding — even by as little as 10% — can contribute to long-term health problems.

That’s why understanding how much (and how often) to feed your doxie isn’t just a nice-to-know — it’s essential dachshund care.

This guide breaks down feeding amounts by age and size, explains the best schedule for meals, highlights portion differences between mini and standard doxies, and shows how activity level, health conditions, and even treats can impact how much your pup should be eating.

Whether you’re a first-time sausage dog parent or trying to fine-tune your long-time companion’s meal plan, this article is packed with vet-backed advice and real-world tips — including what we wish we’d known sooner.

We learned the hard way that dachshunds don’t come with built-in portion control. When Harvey was a pup, we thought we were doing the right thing — topping his meals with a bit of chicken here, a scoop of rice there, and plenty of love in the form of treats. Within a few months, he’d developed a noticeable belly bulge and was less keen on his evening walk. That’s when our vet gave us the blunt truth: “He’s not big-boned — he’s just being overfed.”

Dachshunds may be small, but they’re famously food-driven. Combine that with their long bodies and fragile backs, and even a little excess weight can lead to serious issues — think slipped discs, joint strain, or chronic back pain.

 According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, “Small breed dogs are especially prone to obesity, which significantly increases the risk of musculoskeletal problems, especially in breeds with long backs like dachshunds.” They go on to warn that overfeeding — even by as little as 10% — can contribute to long-term health problems.

That’s why understanding how much (and how often) to feed your doxie isn’t just a nice-to-know — it’s essential dachshund care.

This guide breaks down feeding amounts by age and size, explains the best schedule for meals, highlights portion differences between mini and standard doxies, and shows how activity level, health conditions, and even treats can impact how much your pup should be eating.

Whether you’re a first-time sausage dog parent or trying to fine-tune your long-time companion’s meal plan, this article is packed with vet-backed advice and real-world tips — including what we wish we’d known sooner.

Figuring out the right portion size for your dachshund isn’t always straightforward — especially when their appetite says “buffet,” but their back says “easy, tiger.”

The amount your dachshund needs depends on a mix of factors: age, weight, whether they’re a mini or standard size, their activity level, and even the calorie density of the food you’re feeding. A mini couch potato will have very different needs from a standard doxie that gets daily beach runs.

Here’s a breakdown to help you calculate daily portions:

Note: These are ballpark figures based on average dry food (about 350–400 kcal per cup). Always check your dog food label and adjust by calorie, not just cup size.

 A 2021 study in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition found that small-breed dogs maintained optimal body condition when caloric intake was adjusted every 2–3 weeks based on visible weight and activity changes — a strategy that works well for dachshunds prone to fluctuations.

If you’re feeding high-calorie or wet food, portions will look much smaller — which is where measuring cups or even digital kitchen scales can really help. We keep a digital scale on the bench and pre-portion Harvey’s meals into containers on Sundays — easy to grab and go.

Also, don’t forget that treats count! Snacks, chews, and table scraps all add up fast. If your pup’s getting a few treats a day, shave 10–15% off their meal portions to compensate — or opt for low-calorie training treats (see our Best Treats for Dachshunds guide for ideas).

One of the easiest ways to support your dachshund’s digestion and behavior is to stick to a consistent feeding schedule. While portion size matters, timing can make just as big of a difference.

For adult dachshunds, two meals per day — morning and evening — is ideal. Puppies, on the other hand, typically need three meals daily to support their growth and energy demands. We stuck to this schedule religiously with Harvey during his puppy months, and the routine helped with both house training and energy balance.

According to the American Kennel Club, “Feeding your dog at the same times each day helps regulate digestion and can also prevent behavior problems associated with hunger or uncertainty.” (AKC source)

A regular meal schedule also reduces excessive begging and snacking. Dachshunds are notorious for hovering near the table and flashing those guilt-inducing eyes — but when they know exactly when food is coming, they tend to settle more easily between meals.

Suggested Schedule:

Consistency = less stress and better stools. Your dachshund’s long GI tract benefits from a predictable rhythm, making digestion smoother and reducing the chance of accidents or bloating.

While both sizes share that unmistakable doxie sass and shape, miniature and standard dachshunds have different metabolisms, caloric needs, and ideal portion sizes. Feeding them the same amount or type of food can lead to unwanted weight gain or even nutritional imbalances.

We learned this the hard way with Harvey, our mini. When we first transitioned him off puppy food, we accidentally kept him on a standard dachshund portion size. Within a few weeks, his harness was a bit snugger, and he started getting winded after short walks. That was our wake-up call.

• Lower calorie needs mean overfeeding happens fast.
  
  
• Smaller mouths often benefit from extra-small kibble for easier chewing.
  
  
• Greater risk of hypoglycemia if meals are skipped.
  
  

• Higher activity tolerance requires more protein and calorie-dense foods.
  
  
• Dental issues may still arise, so consider dental chews or tartar-friendly kibbles.
  
  
• Joint health support is especially important due to their weight-bearing size.
  
  

According to VCA Animal Hospitals:

“Small breed dogs like dachshunds are more susceptible to obesity due to their compact size and lower energy output. Portion control and food quality matter more than you think.”
(VCA reference)

For more tailored food options, check out our detailed comparison in Best Dog Food for Miniature vs Standard Dachshunds, where we review our favorite formulas based on size, life stage, and kibble design.

No two dachshunds are exactly alike — and their meal plans shouldn’t be either. Whether you have a sprightly puppy, a mellow couch potato, or a senior sausage dog with joint stiffness, your dachshund’s diet should match their current needs.

We noticed this with Harvey after his first birthday. He wasn’t as bouncy as he was as a pup, and on rainy weeks when he barely left the couch, his usual food portions felt like too much. That’s when we learned to fine-tune his calories based on activity level — and it made all the difference in his weight, mood, and digestion.

According to the American Kennel Club:

“Puppies need a diet that supports rapid growth, while older dogs may benefit from diets that support joint and digestive health.”
(AKC Puppy Feeding Guidelines)

• High-Energy Doxies: Consider performance blends like Wellness CORE RawRev or fresh food like The Farmer’s Dog. These provide quality protein without filler carbs.
  
  
• Low-Energy Doxies: Use low-calorie kibble (like Hill’s Science Diet Light) and watch portions closely.
  
  
• Inconsistent Activity: Use a flexible measuring scoop and monitor their weight weekly.
  
  

Some doxies have special dietary needs due to allergies, sensitive stomachs, or conditions like IVDD or diabetes.

• Joint Issues: Consider foods with glucosamine and chondroitin (e.g., Merrick Lil’ Plates with Joint Support).
  
  
• Allergies or Itchy Skin: Try limited-ingredient diets or novel proteins like venison or duck.
  
  
• Diabetes: Look for food with a low glycemic index and consistent carb levels — always vet-supervised.
  
  

We go deeper on targeted nutrition in our Top Supplements for Dachshunds article, including omega-3s and probiotics for gut and joint health. For more hydration strategies, check out Hydration & Dachshunds — especially if your dog’s appetite is inconsistent.

Up next: let’s talk treats, snacks, and how that tiny biscuit (or leftover toast crust) can add up fast…

It’s all too easy to underestimate the impact of treats — especially with dachshunds, who master the art of begging with just a head tilt and a sigh. But even a few extras a day can tip your pup into weight gain territory if you’re not careful.

The 10% Rule

Vets typically recommend that no more than 10% of your dachshund’s daily calories come from treats. So if your mini is eating 300 kcal/day, just 30 kcal should come from snacks. That’s the equivalent of one or two small dog biscuits — not half a slice of toast, a handful of cheese, or yesterday’s leftover sausage (guilty!).

As PetMD advises:

“Treats should only make up a small portion of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Over-treating can lead to obesity and nutrient imbalance.”
(PetMD on Dog Treats)

For more vet-approved options, check out our full Best Treats for Dachshunds guide — including puppy-safe choices and options for dogs with food sensitivities.

And if you’re supplementing with treats for training or enrichment, remember to reduce the amount served at mealtime to maintain balance.

Next up, let’s go over how to spot the signs you may be overfeeding (or underfeeding) your dachshund, and how to adjust their diet before it turns into a bigger issue.

If there’s one thing dachshunds are exceptionally good at, it’s convincing you they’re still hungry. Harvey, for example, has perfected the post-meal stare that says, “Surely you forgot dessert?” But as adorable as it is, overfeeding is no joke — especially for a breed so prone to weight-related health issues.

Veterinarians use a standardized tool called the Body Condition Score to assess whether a dog is underweight, at a healthy weight, or overweight. It’s a visual and tactile check based on a scale from 1 to 9. For dachshunds, a 4–5 out of 9 is the sweet spot.

Try this: Stand over your dachshund and look down — do you see an hourglass waist or more of a sausage silhouette? Then gently run your hands along their ribcage. You should be able to feel the ribs easily without pressing hard.

Overfeeding doesn’t always mean visibly rapid weight gain — it can show up in more subtle ways first:

• Increased body fat or belly bloat
  
  
• Loose or greasy stools
  
  
• Lethargy or reduced playfulness
  
  
• Greasy coat or frequent ear infections
  
  
• Difficulty jumping up or walking long distances
  
  
• Rapid weight gain (more than 0.5–1 kg in a month)
  
  

Dachshunds are compact dogs with long spines. Even just 1 kg of extra weight can put significant pressure on their joints and spine, increasing the risk of back issues like IVDD.

According to a 2020 review in Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice:

“Obesity in small-breed dogs like dachshunds contributes significantly to intervertebral disc disease, osteoarthritis, and reduced lifespan.”
— Vet Clinics of NA, 2020

While it’s less common, underfeeding can also be a concern — especially for senior dachshunds, those with high activity levels, or dogs recovering from illness. Keep an eye out for:

• Visible ribs or backbone
  
  
• Dry, brittle coat or flaky skin
  
  
• Low energy or weakness
  
  
• Scavenging for food or eating non-food objects
  
  
• Inability to maintain muscle mass
  
  

If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult your vet — but for daily monitoring, weigh your dachshund every 2–3 weeks and take note of changes in appetite, energy, and stool quality.

For extra guidance, head over to our Dachshund Weight Loss Guide, where we walk through proper portion control, vet-approved exercise, and healthy food swaps to get your doxie back on track.

Explore more helpful nutrition and feeding guides from Dachshund Lovers:

• What Can Dachshunds Eat? Safe & Unsafe Foods Explained
  
  
• Best Dog Food for Dachshunds in 2025
  
  
• Dachshund Feeding Guide: How Much & How Often?
  
  
• Top Supplements for Dachshunds: What’s Worth It?
  
  
• Hydration & Dachshunds: Why Water Intake Matters
  
  
• Homemade Dog Food for Dachshunds
  
  
• Dachshund Weight Loss: A Vet-Approved Guide
  
  
• Best Treats for Dachshunds
  
  
• Best Dog Food for Miniature Dachshunds vs Standard Dachshunds
  
  
• Raw vs Cooked Food for Dachshunds

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.