Wondering What to Feed Your Wire Haired Dachshund?

You’ve picked the perfect pup—scruffy eyebrows, bold personality, and all—but now you’re asking: What’s the best food for wire haired Dachshund dogs? I get that question all the time from new puppy families.

As a Miniature Dachshund breeder in California, I’ve raised countless wire haired Doxies and tested a variety of foods over the years. Whether you’re feeding a wiggly 10-week-old or managing the health of a mature pup, choosing the right food is key to their coat, energy, and overall wellness.

Let me walk you through the best nutrition strategies for this lovable, wiry-coated breed.

🧬 What Makes Wire Haired Dachshunds Unique Nutritionally?

These dogs may be small, but they’re built to work. Their terrier ancestry makes them:

  • Energetic
  • Curious
  • Hardier than they look

Plus, their wire coat needs a little extra nutritional support compared to smooth coats.

Key Dietary Needs:

  • Lean proteins for muscle tone
  • Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
  • Glucosamine for joint support (important for their long backs)
  • Digestive support like fiber and probiotics

🐾 One of my wire haired girls, had a dull coat early on. I switched her to a salmon and sweet potato formula rich in omega oils—and her coat turned sleek, shiny, and full of bounce in weeks.

🐶 Feeding Considerations for Mini Wire Haired Dachshunds

⚖️ Portion Control Matters

Wire haired Dachshunds are prone to weight gain if overfed, and extra weight can lead to back issues. Use a measuring scoop and stick to your feeding schedule.

  • Puppies: 3–4 meals/day, spaced out.
  • Adults: 2 meals/day + limited training treats.

👶 Puppy vs. Adult Nutrition

Puppy formulas are higher in calories and support rapid growth. Once they hit about 10–12 months, transition gradually to an adult small breed formula.

🐾 When my pups go home, I always send a sample of their current food and a transition chart. It helps prevent tummy upsets and makes the move easier for everyone.

🥩 What to Look for in the Best Food for Wire Haired Dachshund Dogs

Not all dog food is created equal. Look for these ingredients on the label:

✅ Must-Have Ingredients:

  • Named meat as first ingredient (chicken, turkey, lamb, salmon)
  • Omega fatty acids (fish oil, flaxseed)
  • Prebiotics & probiotics for digestion
  • Whole grains or quality grain-free options (avoid fillers)

❌ Ingredients to Avoid:

  • Artificial colors or preservatives
  • By-product meals
  • Corn, wheat, soy fillers

🐾 I once had a buyer feeding grocery-store kibble with lots of additives. Their pup was constantly itchy. After switching to a cleaner diet, the coat and energy both improved within two weeks.

🏆 Best Dog Food Brands for Wire Haired Dachshunds

Here are a few top picks that I’ve personally recommended and used with great results:

Dry Kibble:

  • Wellness CORE Small Breed
  • Merrick Lil’ Plates
  • Royal Canin Dachshund Formula
  • Taste of the Wild Small Breed

Wet Food:

  • The Farmer’s Dog (fresh, delivered)
  • Merrick or Nutro wet foods for small breeds
  • Great for mixing into dry food for picky eaters

Limited Ingredient or Allergy-Friendly:

  • Natural Balance L.I.D.
  • Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin
  • Canidae PURE Small Breed

Always consult your vet before changing diets, especially if your pup has known sensitivities.

🥕 Special Diet Considerations for Wire Coated Dogs

Grain-Free vs. Grain-Inclusive

Grain-free can be helpful for some sensitive dogs, but not all. Unless there’s a known allergy, most dogs do well on high-quality whole grains like brown rice or oats.

Skin or Coat Issues?

  • Add salmon oil supplements
  • Try foods with fish-based protein
  • Avoid common allergens like chicken or beef if symptoms persist

🍽️ How I Feed My Wire Haired Dachshund Puppies

I start all my litters on:

  • Small breed puppy kibble (softened at first)
  • 3 feedings/day, then taper to 2 by 12 weeks
  • Supplement with goat milk or wet food for extra calories in tiny pups

When they go home, each puppy family gets:

  • A feeding guide
  • Current food brand
  • Suggested schedule
  • Transition tips to help avoid GI upset

🐾 One of my buyers from Arizona followed my schedule exactly. She said her wire haired boy, Max, adjusted perfectly—no food refusal or stomach issues at all.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Food for Wire Haired Dachshund Dogs

Feeding your pup well is one of the easiest ways to keep them healthy, shiny, and full of life. The best food for wire haired Dachshund dogs supports everything from energy levels to that adorable scruffy coat.

📩 Need help choosing a brand? I’m happy to share what I feed my pups and what works best based on age, size, and activity level. Just reach out—or ask about puppies currently ready for adoption or shipping!🐾