homemade dog food recipes for dachshunds
Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Your Dachshund
This healthy Dachshund food recipe was inspired by Veterinary Secrets YouTube video: Essential Ingredients For Homemade Dog Food. The following Nutrition Facts are provided by Whisk.com.
Nutrition Per Serving
Calories 122.84kcal 6%
Total Fat 5.84g 8%
Carbs 10.54g 4%
Sugars 0.29g 0%
Protein 7.02g 14%
Sodium 27.6mg 1%
Fiber 0.63g 2%
Saturated Fat 1.4g 7%
Trans Fat 0.06g
Monounsaturated Fat 1.94g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.99g
Cholesterol 38.56mg 13%
Calcium 17.28mg 2%
Magnesium 24.05mg 6%
Potassium 127.74mg 4%
Iron 0.73mg 5%
Zinc 1.24mg 12%
Phosphorus 108.53mg 16%
Vitamin A 270.23mcg 34%
Vitamin C 0.83mg 1%
Thiamin B1 0.1mg 9%
Riboflavin B2 0.09mg 7%
Niacin B3 2.56mg 16%
Vitamin B6 0.24mg 17%
Folic Acid B9 11.55mcg 6%
Vitamin B12 0.45mcg 18%
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 4%
Vitamin E 0.62mg 5%
Vitamin K 11mcg 15%
Possible Substitutions
Rice: You can substitute the brown rice for white rice or a sweet potato.
Spinach: Can be substituted with kale.
Ground Turkey: Can be substituted with chicken.
Veggies: If your doxie has a sensitive tummy, try one vegetable at a time. Add in a new vegetable when you make your next batch of homemade dog food to make sure they can tolerate it ok.
Oil: You can use sunflower oil or coconut oil for this dog food recipe.
Measure Out Your Portions
Make sure to measure out your dogs food. Portion control is key for weight management especially with Dachshunds who are prone to obesity.
I like to use these handy pet food measuring cups to help provide the correct amount of dog food to my doxies.
How Much to Feed Your Dog
Quick Answer: If calculating the right amount of food with charts and eye-balling your dogs weight feels a bit tedious, consult your vet to help you calculate your dogs right amount of food.
Ingredient Benefits
Each fresh ingredient in this dog food recipe provides certain vitamins and minerals. Lets break it down.
Eggs: Vitamin D, iodine, protein, vitamins A and B12, folate, iron, selenium, riboflavin, and rich in many essential amino and fatty acids.
Brown Rice: Provides magnesium, calcium, iron and riboflavin. It is full of natural fiber, which helps your doxies digestion. It includes vitamins D and B (for heart health). Brown rice is not artificially enriched with nutrients like white rice is and is higher in protein and fiber than white rice.
White Rice: Brown rice can be harder for a dog to digest because it is not as processed as white rice. If your dog has trouble digesting brown rice, substitute in white rice instead.
Sweet Potato: Fiber, protein, vitamin A,C,E, potassium, and B vitamins.
Turkey: Lean ground turkey provides protein, iron, vitamin D, and zinc.
Spinach: Provides iron, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, copper, vitamin K1, folic acid, iron, and calcium. Also includes potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9, and E.
Zucchini: Vitamin A, manganese, vitamin C, K, and B6, magnesium, potassium, folate, phosphorus and copper, carotenoids (antioxidant).
Carrots: Beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, and antioxidants.
Sunflower Oil: Omega 6 and Omega 3s, and lots of vitamin E.
Adding in Additional Nutrients
If you are using this dog food recipe as more of a topper to your dogs current food, you dont need to add additional supplements skip ahead.
This Dachshund food recipe does provide lots of excellent vitamins and minerals, but there are a couple more things that need to be added.
Additional calcium, ground flaxseed, and probiotics should be added to this homemade dog food for Dachshunds to be considered more balanced.
You are going to need a spice or coffee grinder, like this one: Electric Coffee Grinder.
Note: Never give your Dachshund a human supplement. Dogs have different nutritional needs than we do. Also, If they get too much of a certain vitamin, it can make them really sick. Talk with your vet to make sure your dog is getting all of the required vitamins and minerals without overdoing it.
Calcium: Ground Egg Shell
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
- Rinse out your eggshells under hot water (you can boil them for extra sanitization).
- Place them on a cookie sheet and cook for 10-15 minutes, until dry.
- Place dried eggshells in a coffee grinder and pulse to a fine powder.
- Store powdered eggshells in a covered glass jar or container, and keep it in a dry place.
How To Add To The Dog Food Recipe: 1/2 teaspoon of ground egg shell powder per 1 pound of meat. Add your calcium at the end of the recipe, after your meat and veggies are all cooked up and mixed together.
Flaxseeds
Ground flaxseeds provide protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, folate, calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc. Unfortunately, whole flaxseeds dont fully break down in your gut, so they need to be ground up.
Buy organic whole flaxseeds (not roasted) from the grocery store and grind them up at home. Purchasing the pre-ground flaxseed only lasts about 2 weeks when opened. So, only grind up what you plan to use.
Using a coffee grinder is the easiest way to grind up those tiny flaxseeds.
How To Add To The Dog Food Recipe: Add in 1/2 teaspoon of ground flaxseed powder to your dogs food per day. Just mix it in with your dogs food when you are ready to serve.
Substitution: You can substitute 1/2 tsp of flaxseed oil for the flaxseeds to get the added omega 6 bonus, but miss out on the fiber.
Probiotics
Probiotics are the good bacteria that can help strengthen your Dachshunds immune system, aid in healthy digestion, and improve the absorption of vitamins and nutrients.
Vetri Mega Probiotic (from Amazon) is a highly rated probiotic and prebiotic supplement that I give to my Dachshunds and they work wonders! I store my dogs probiotic in the refrigerator.
How To Add To The Dog Food Recipe: Give 1 probiotic per day. Open up the probiotic capsule and sprinkle the powder over your dogs food, mix, and serve when they are ready to eat.
Dont Forget The Teeth
Now, because we are giving this delicious homemade dog food to our doxies, we will need to stay on top of their dental care needs. Dachshunds need to have their teeth brushed regularly.
Having something crunchy to chew on helps reduce the build up of tartar and plaque on your Dachshunds teeth. So, now that they arent getting that crunch with this new food, they will need some different ways to keep their teeth clean: 4 Easy Ways To Clean Your Dachshunds Teeth.
Why Homemade Dog Food for Dachshunds?
There are a couple of reasons why I make my Dachshunds food at home.
Picky Eaters: I have always had this theory that if a dog is hungry, they will eat when they need to. That changed when my Dachshund puppy, Eko, arrived on the scene. Around 9 months old, he achieved his stubborn male hormones, not only showing us more doxie attitude, but becoming a very finicky eater.
Eko just wouldnt eat his plain dry dog food anymore. He stuck his nose up to it and he would literally make himself sick to his stomach by refusing to eat his plain kibbleuntil I added this Dachshund food recipe as a topper to help him eat.
Cancer: Now, please here me out. My dog, Ardi, died of cancer when he was 7 years old. At the time, I had all of my dogs on a branded dog food from the grocery store. Nothing fancy, just a dog food that was more middle of the line in quality.
Yes, Ardis cancer could have been something hereditary. But he was only 7 years old; he was energetic and healthy. To me, it didnt add up.
Over the last few years, I have learned so much more about the commercial dog food we purchase in the store.
Expensive or not, these overly processed dog foods have a lot of extra crap in them that we really shouldnt be giving to our dogs.
Many store-bought dog foods have toxins in them that can cause illness and cancer in our precious canines.
So, for me, switching up my dogs food once in a while gives me peace of mind.
Your Takeaway
Like any homemade Dachshund food recipe you discover online, its essential to do your own research to ensure the meal you select provides a balanced and healthy diet for your Dachshund.
Discuss all Dachshund food diet recipes with your veterinarian to determine the best food plan for your doxie.
I hope you enjoyed this Healthy Homemade Dog Food Recipe for Your Dachshund. Please let me know how your doxie liked the recipe below in the comments.
Disclaimer:
Please note, I have a lot of experience as a dedicated Dachshund mom and enjoy sharing what Ive learned over the years. However, every Dachshund is unique and has their own specific needs, so I highly recommend consulting with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations for your furry friend.
Dachshunds Thrive on These Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes Full Guide of 2024
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Picture your dachshunds sweet face lighting up as you set down a fresh, homemade meal tailored to their nutritional needs.
As a canine nutritionist, I recommend homemade recipes to give your pup better control over ingredients to avoid allergies and obesity.
This article shares vet-approved dachshund homemade dog food recipes using quality proteins and nutrients to keep your sausage dog healthy and happy.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade food allows you to control ingredients and portions to suit your dachshunds needs.
- Consult a vet on recipes and ingredients to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Make adjustments based on your dachshunds age, weight, and activity level.
- Follow proper guidelines for preparing and storing homemade dog food. Portion into daily servings and label containers.
- Prioritize quality proteins like chicken, fish, eggs. Include fiber-rich fruits/veggies.
Benefits of Homemade Dachshund Food
As their vet, I want to tell you about three key benefits of homemade food for your doxie:
- Youll have better control over nutrients.
- Avoid potential allergens found in commercial foods.
- Prevent obesity, which dachshunds are prone to.
Now, lets delve deeper into these important advantages of home cooking for this breed.
Better Nutrient Control
Youve got more control over the nutrients when you make homemade food for your Dachshund.
- Ensure proper nutrient ratios for your dogs needs.
- Vary ingredients to provide complete nutrition.
- Adjust portions for your dogs size and activity.
- Consult your vet on customizing the recipes.
- Prep meals in advance and store properly.
Avoids Allergens
Another benefit of homemade dog food is it allows you to avoid ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or intolerances in your Dachshund.
You can test various proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables one at a time to pinpoint any dietary sensitivities.
Making food at home also lets you provide allergen-free treats to reward good behavior without compromising your dogs health or leading to weight gain.
Prevents Obesity
Youre controlling your Dachshunds obesity risk when you feed them homemade chow.
Pre-portioning meals makes overfeeding hard.
Mixing in veggies bulks up food so they feel full.
Swapping treats for playtime stops excess calories.
Monitoring weight weekly catches gains quickly.
Keeping portions right and providing healthy ingredients prevents your Dachshund from packing on excess pounds that strain their little limbs.
With a watchful eye and thoughtful recipes, homemade food equips you to manage their weight.
Risks of Homemade Dachshund Food
When making your own dog food, its crucial to consult a canine nutritionist.
Homemade recipes often lack complete proteins, vitamins, and minerals needed to keep dachshunds healthy.
Without these nutrients, your dog could develop deficiencies over time, leading to illness.
Nutrient Imbalances
After considering the benefits, you must also watch out for potential nutrient imbalances when making homemade food for your dachshund.
Without testing, its hard to confirm if homemade meals provide complete and balanced nutrition.
Consult your vet and have them analyze recipes to avoid deficiencies or toxicities.
Vets can adjust homemade recipes to meet your dogs needs at every life stage.
Nutrient | Deficiency | Excess |
---|---|---|
Protein | Muscle loss | Weight gain |
Calcium | Bone issues | Urinary stones |
Vitamin A | Vision loss | Liver damage |
Ingredient Issues
When selecting ingredients for your homemade dachshund food, youll want to avoid foods that could be detrimental to their health.
Certain human foods like onions, chocolate, grapes, raisins, and xylitol can be toxic for dogs.
Stick closely to your veterinarian-approved recipe and dont make substitutions without first consulting your vet.
Being diligent about ingredients is key to ensuring your homemade dog food nourishes rather than harms.
Utilizing high-quality ingredients designed for canine consumption reduces risks when preparing homemade dachshund food.
Consulting a Veterinarian First
You should consult your veterinarian before starting any homemade diet for guidance on your dachshunds specific nutritional requirements.
As your trusted partner in your dogs health, I can provide tailored advice on formulating recipes that meet your doxies unique needs.
My nutritional training allows me to calculate precise ratios of protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals that will keep your petite pup properly nourished.
I can also identify allergy triggers and recommend substitute ingredients if needed.
By consulting me first, together we can develop homemade food that fuels your dogs energetic personality while preventing obesity and other health issues.
With my input, you can feel confident youre making sound nutritional choices that will contribute to your dachshunds lifelong well-being.
My guidance ensures proper ingredient consistency and proportions so your food stays balanced and beneficial.
Guidelines for Homemade Dachshund Food
Following precise nutritional guidelines when formulating homemade food ensures your dachshunds unique dietary needs are met.
Calculate your dogs caloric needs based on age, weight, and activity level. A typical dachshund needs 30-35 calories per pound daily.
Dachshunds need about 18 percent protein for muscle, bone, coat, and immune health.
Fat should comprise half your dachshunds diet. Focus on omega-3s from fish oil for skin and coat health.
Add fiber-rich produce like sweet potatoes and green beans to support your dogs digestive tract and dental health.
Making and Storing Homemade Dog Food
One should prepare homemade meals in manageable batches that can be refrigerated for 5-7 days or frozen for a couple of months.
When freezing homemade dog food, portion it out into daily servings first. This makes thawing easier. Allow the food to cool completely before freezing. Use freezer-safe containers like glass jars or stainless steel tins.
Label each container with the contents and date. Thaw frozen meals overnight in the fridge before serving.
Storage Method | Storage Life |
---|---|
Refrigeration | 5-7 days |
Freezer | 2-3 months |
When meal prepping homemade dog food, clean all surfaces and utensils thoroughly first. Cook meat, rice, and vegetables until fully cooked. Let cool and mix in oils last. Divide into portion sizes and store properly. Following storage guidelines prevents spoilage or foodborne illnesses.
Ingredients to Include in Homemade Food
When putting together homemade dachshund food, youll want to incorporate ingredients like lean proteins, whole grains, veggies, fruits, healthy fats and oils, and supplements into the recipes.
Be sure to include:
- A variety of lean protein sources like chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs to provide complete proteins without too much fat.
- Whole grain carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, or barley that are nutrient-dense and high in fiber.
- An array of vegetables for vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant support try sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, peas, and broccoli.
- Healthy fats from fish oils, olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, etc. to balance energy levels.
- Natural vitamin supplements if needed to fill any nutritional gaps left by the homemade recipes.
Following veterinary guidelines on ingredients and proportions is key to providing your dachshund a nutritious homemade diet.
Foods Dachshunds Should Avoid
Youd do well to keep salty foods away from your Dachshund due to their likelihood of causing bloating or pancreatitis in the breed.
Onions, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and xylitol should also be avoided, as they can cause everything from gastrointestinal distress to liver failure in dogs.
Even well-intentioned treats like milk bones may contain too much fat for your Dachshunds small stomach. Instead, opt for healthy training treats made from a single protein like chicken or salmon.
Limit high-calorie people food no matter how much those puppy dog eyes beg.
Your furry friend will thank you with better health for many years to come when you skip the Toxic Treats, Allergic Ingredients, Weighty Worries, Dental Dangers, and other Homemade Hazards.
Choosing a Commercial Dog Food
When selecting a commercial dog food for your dachshund:
- Prioritize high-quality sources of animal protein as the main ingredient.
- Ensure the food meets your dogs nutritional requirements for fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Carefully read all ingredients and feeding guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Protein Sources
Although foods to avoid are important, youll also want commercial dog food with quality protein sources like chicken, fish, eggs, and lamb to meet your dachshunds needs.
Look for recipes with a variety of proteins to provide balanced nutrition.
Homemade treats with protein can supplement kibble, but make sure the total diet stays balanced.
Discuss special dietary needs with your vet.
Nutrient Requirements
Youll always need to verify that a commercial dog food meets your dachshunds nutritional requirements before purchasing.
Their high metabolisms make ensuring the proper nutrient ratios of protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals vital for your pups health and energy.
Homemade variations of commercial foods are an option, but consult your veterinarian to guarantee they provide all essential dietary elements your dachshund needs.
Ingredient Quality
Youre right to consider ingredient quality when choosing a commercial dog food for your dachshund.
Seek brands made with high-quality proteins from reputable sources, processed gently to retain nutrients.
Dachshund-safe recipes offer consistency in protein, fat, and carb ratios plus dietary adaptations like grain-free or sensitive stomach formulas.
Varied flavors keep fussy pups engaged.
Delivering Fresh Homemade Dog Food
When it comes to delivering fresh homemade dog food, preparation is key.
Plan out ingredients and recipes in advance so you have everything on hand.
Consider making meals in bulk and freezing individual portions in resealable bags or containers. This makes it easy to defrost homemade food as needed. Be sure to follow proper guidelines for thawing and reheating.
You can also look into local services that deliver freshly made, vet-approved recipes tailored to your Dachshunds needs. These companies take the hassle out of shopping, prepping, and cooking homemade dog food.
They provide balanced nutrition through customized meal plans prepared with restaurant-quality ingredients.
As always, consult your veterinarian on diet, supplements, and substitutions for homemade dog foods to keep your Dachshund happy and healthy.
Keeping Your Dachshund Healthy
Your poochs overall wellbeing depends on providing it a homemade diet with the right nutrients and regular exercise.
Beyond diet, here are 3 key ways to keep your dachshund healthy:
- Establish a consistent exercise routine involving two 20-minute walks per day along with playtime in a fenced area.
- Support dental health through regular brushing, dental chews, and annual veterinary cleanings.
- Stimulate their mind through interactive toys, training sessions, and socialization.
Regular vet check-ups ensure your pet stays happy and healthy for years to come. Investing in your dogs care nurtures an unbreakable lifelong bond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much homemade food should I feed my dachshund per day?
Feed your dachshund to cup of homemade food per 10 pounds of body weight daily.
Split into 2-3 small meals.
Adjust as needed to maintain ideal body condition.
Monitor weight weekly.
What equipment and cookware do I need to make homemade dog food?
- Youll need a blender or food processor, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an ice cube tray, airtight food storage containers, cooking pots, and non-stick skillets.
- Focus on high-quality materials to ensure no harmful substances leach into food.
How do I transition my dachshund from commercial kibble to homemade food?
Slowly introduce the homemade food over 10 days.
Start with 10% new food mixed into their kibble.
Gradually increase the percentage every few days, monitoring stool quality.
If any issues arise, pause to let their stomach settle before continuing.
Soon your dachshund will be happily eating homemade.
What are some simple homemade dog food recipes for beginners?
- Cook some lean ground turkey with rice, carrots, and green beans.
- Make a batch of boiled chicken blended with sweet potatoes, frozen spinach, and olive oil.
- Start slow with small portions.
How long does homemade dog food stay fresh in the refrigerator and freezer?
You can store homemade dog food in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Put servings in airtight containers.
For longer storage, freeze food in serving-size portions for 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen homemade dog food overnight in the fridge before feeding.
Conclusion
From appetizing appetizers to zesty entrees,
Youve got recipes galore to pamper your precious pooch.
Whip up wholesome homemade meals
With your wiener dogs wellbeing in mind.
Thoughtfully crafted canine cuisine
Lets your little sausage savor safe, scrumptious fare
Free of troublesome ingredients.
Moving forward, partner with your vet
To provide your dachshund delectable doggy dishes.
With planning and care, your pup will thrive
On handmade hits tailored nutritiously just for them.