Living with a dachshund who turns their nose up at mealtime can be downright frustrating. So many doxie parents find themselves offering endless food options, only to watch their stubborn pup walk away from a full bowl.
Understanding why your dachshund is picky and sticking to consistent feeding strategies can really shift mealtime from a hassle to something positive for both of you.
Dachshunds, with their famously independent personalities, often develop selective eating habits for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes your pup’s holding out for tastier options, sometimes dental discomfort is the culprit, or maybe they’re just flexing that classic stubborn streak.
What looks like pickiness can sometimes be a sign of underlying health issues that need your attention.
Key Takeaways
- Establish consistent feeding routines with the right portion sizes and limited treats to encourage regular eating habits.
- Consider your dachshund’s dental health, possible food sensitivities, and texture preferences when picking their diet.
- Separate true feeding issues from attention-seeking by creating a calm mealtime environment. If pickiness sticks around, check with your vet.
Understanding Picky Eater Dachshund Behavior
Dachshunds often develop selective eating habits that leave owners scratching their heads. These behaviors usually come from a mix of physical, psychological, and environmental factors unique to the breed.
Common Causes of Fussy Eating
Several things can turn a dachshund into a picky eater. Health issues like dental pain or digestive sensitivities might make eating uncomfortable, and a sudden refusal of favorite foods could signal pain or illness.
Even small environmental changes—like moving to a new place, changing schedules, or just rearranging the furniture—can stress your dachshund enough to throw off their appetite.
Pickiness can develop as a learned behavior. If you offer tastier alternatives when your doxie rejects their regular meal, they’ll quickly figure out that holding out pays off.
Boredom with the same food day after day also plays a role. Dachshunds are smart little dogs, and, honestly, who wants to eat the same thing every meal?
Recognizing Signs of Mealtime Disinterest
Look out for these signs your dachshund’s being picky:
- Sniffing but not eating the food you give them
- Walking away from a full bowl
- Eating selectively—only picking at certain bits
- Waiting for treats or your food instead
Some dachshunds even take food somewhere else before deciding if they’ll eat it. It’s like they’re sizing it up, not quite convinced it’s worth their time.
Check out their body language at mealtime. Watch for lip licking, head tilts, or pawing at the bowl—those are all classic “not sure about this” signals.
Breed-Specific Traits That Influence Diet
Dachshunds have breed quirks that make them notorious for being picky. Their strong-willed, independent nature means they’re perfectly happy to turn up their nose at food that doesn’t meet their expectations.
Their hunting heritage matters, too. These dogs were bred to hunt solo, so being selective about what they eat kind of comes with the territory.
Small stomachs mean they can’t eat huge portions. Sometimes what looks like pickiness is just them being full after less food than you’d expect.
And, of course, there’s the breed’s tendency toward obesity. It’s tempting to offer tastier, less healthy options to get them to eat, but that can quickly lead to weight gain and those dreaded back issues.
Health Considerations Before Changing Diet
Before you start switching up your dachshund’s diet, make sure you rule out any medical problems. Health issues can easily masquerade as picky eating.
Ruling Out Medical Issues
Sometimes dachshunds refuse food because they’re not feeling well, not just because they’re picky. Dental problems are common and can make chewing downright painful—look for red gums, nasty breath, or broken teeth.
Gastrointestinal issues can cause food avoidance, too. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, or lots of gas along with their picky eating, something’s probably up.
Some dachshunds develop food allergies that make certain meals uncomfortable. Watch for itchy skin, ear infections, or stomach upset after eating.
Older dachshunds can lose their sense of smell or taste, which makes food less appealing. It’s just part of getting older, unfortunately.
Serious warning signs—call your vet if you see these:
- Sudden weight loss
- Refusing all food for more than 24 hours
- Lethargy with appetite changes
- Obvious pain when eating
Consulting With a Veterinarian
Your vet should be your go-to when your dachshund’s being picky. They’ll do a full checkup to see if there’s a medical reason behind it.
Sometimes blood tests are needed to rule out things like liver or kidney problems, or pancreatic issues that can mess with appetite.
Bring along notes about your dog’s eating habits—when it started, which foods they refuse, and any patterns you’ve spotted.
Ask your vet about the right nutrition for your dachshund’s age, weight, and activity level. They can suggest diets that fit health needs but still appeal to finicky eaters.
Don’t rush into new foods. Your vet can help you make the switch slowly so you don’t upset your dog’s stomach.
Strategies for How to Get Doxie to Eat
Getting your dachshund to eat takes patience and a few tricks that work with their quirky personalities.
Establishing a Consistent Feeding Schedule
Dachshunds love routine. Feed your doxie at the same times every day so their body knows what to expect.
Offer meals twice a day—morning and evening. Leaving food out all day usually backfires, making them pickier since they know food’s always around.
Keep portions right for your doxie’s size and activity level. Most adult dachshunds need about 1/2 to 1 cup of food a day, split between two meals.
If your dachshund skips a meal, pick up the food after 20 minutes. This teaches them that mealtime isn’t an all-day event.
Pro tip: Jot down your doxie’s eating habits in a notebook or app. Sometimes patterns or triggers for food refusal jump out when you track things for a week or two.
Creating a Positive Mealtime Environment
Where you feed your dachshund matters more than you’d think. Pick a quiet corner where your doxie feels safe and won’t get distracted.
Use bowls that fit your dog. Some dachshunds like shallow dishes so their ears don’t get messy.
Try to keep stress low during meals. Turn off noisy appliances and let your dog eat in peace without people hovering.
Warming up their food a little can boost the smell and make it more tempting. Cold food straight from the fridge rarely excites picky eaters.
Recommended approach: Sit nearby while your dachshund eats, but don’t hover or look anxious. Your calm presence helps, but too much attention can make them nervous.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Dachshund
Finding food your picky dachshund actually wants to eat means looking at ingredients, mixing up variety, and weighing your options.
Evaluating Quality Dog Food Options
Check ingredient lists carefully when picking food for your dachshund. Look for real meat as the first ingredient—not by-products or fillers.
Skip foods loaded with artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. These can turn off sensitive dachshunds or even cause food aversion.
Pick food that’s right for your dog’s age—puppy, adult, or senior. Many good brands have formulas just for small breeds like dachshunds.
Protein matters. Most dachshunds do well with 18-22% protein, but if your dog’s super active or has health issues, ask your vet what’s best.
Rotating Flavors and Textures
Some picky dachshunds perk up when you add variety. Try rotating between two or three quality foods with different main proteins—chicken, beef, fish, you name it.
Texture’s a big deal, too. Some dachshunds like soft wet food, others want the crunch of kibble. Mixing wet and dry can tempt even stubborn eaters.
Introduce new foods slowly. Mix a little of the new stuff with their usual food and increase it over a week or so.
Keep a food journal. Note which proteins, textures, or brands get the best reaction—it’s surprisingly helpful.
Homemade vs Commercial Diets
Commercial diets are convenient and balanced. Premium brands usually test their formulas to make sure they cover all the bases.
Homemade meals give you total control over ingredients. This can help if your dachshund’s super picky or has lots of sensitivities.
If you go the homemade route, talk to a veterinary nutritionist first. Dachshunds need specific nutrients to keep their unique bodies healthy.
A balanced homemade diet must have the right mix of protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Get it wrong, and you risk deficiencies.
Some folks do a mix—using quality commercial food as a base, then adding fresh toppers to make meals more interesting for picky eaters.
Use of Appetite Stimulants for Dogs
If your dachshund keeps turning up their nose at meals, appetite stimulants might be worth a shot. These meds and supplements can give eating habits a nudge when nothing else seems to work.
Types of Appetite Stimulants
Prescription meds like Mirtazapine and Cyproheptadine often help spark a dog’s appetite. They work by tinkering with brain chemicals that trigger hunger.
Entyce (capromorelin) is a newer, FDA-approved liquid made just for dogs. It acts like the hunger hormone ghrelin, and in a lot of cases, you’ll see results within a day.
Some over-the-counter choices include:
- B-complex vitamins for a possible appetite and energy boost
- CBD oil—some folks swear by it for appetite, but research is still catching up
- Herbal supplements with ginger or peppermint, which might make food more appealing
Always check with your vet before starting any appetite booster, even the “natural” ones.
Safety and Effectiveness
Prescription appetite stimulants are usually safe when you use them as directed. Still, they can cause side effects like:
- Drowsiness or bursts of energy
- Digestive issues
- Behavior changes
Most meds kick in within a couple of days. Keep an eye on how your dachshund reacts.
Honestly, these stimulants don’t work the same for every dog. What helps one pup might not do a thing for another.
Your vet should keep tabs on your dachshund during treatment. If your dog’s on certain meds for a while, blood tests might be needed to check liver and kidney health.
When to Consider Supplements
If your dachshund skips food for more than a day or two, appetite stimulants could be important. For little breeds like dachshunds, not eating can cause health issues pretty fast.
Other times you might need appetite stimulants:
- After surgery or illness
- Chronic problems like kidney disease or cancer
- Older dogs who just aren’t as interested in food
- Stress-related appetite loss that doesn’t get better with changes at home
Try changing up food or using behavioral tricks before you reach for stimulants. Medications should be a backup plan, not your first move.
Ask your vet for a plan that targets the root cause of low appetite, using stimulants only as a short-term fix.
Training Techniques to Encourage Eating
Getting your dachshund to eat well takes patience and some positive training tricks. With consistency, even the pickiest eater can get excited about food.
Establishing Positive Associations With Food
Make mealtimes happy. Set up a quiet eating spot away from chaos, loud noises, or other pets.
Try hand-feeding at first. It builds trust and can turn food into a bonding moment.
Stick to regular feeding times. Dachshunds love routines, and knowing when food’s coming can help jumpstart their appetite.
Food puzzles and interactive toys add a bit of fun. They tap into your dog’s natural instincts and make eating less of a chore.
Tip: Warm up the food just a little. The extra aroma can make it irresistible to a dachshund’s nose.
Implementing Reward-Based Methods
Praise your dachshund or give gentle pets when they go near their bowl. Positive vibes help them link eating with good things.
Try putting the food down and then walking away. Sometimes, dachshunds get more curious if they don’t feel watched.
Add a dash of healthy toppers now and then:
- Tiny bits of cooked chicken
- A spoonful of plain pumpkin puree
- A sprinkle of shredded carrots
When switching foods, mix a little of the new stuff in with the old. Slowly bump up the new food over a week or so to avoid stomach issues.
Avoid: Don’t force your dachshund to eat or let frustration show. Bad vibes around food can lead to long-term aversions.
Long-Term Mealtime Success for Dachshunds
Sticking to a steady feeding routine pays off for your Dachshund. Good habits and keeping an eye on their reactions to food really make a difference.
Tracking Progress and Adjusting Routine
Keep a simple food diary. Jot down what your Dachshund eats, how much, and how they seem after meals. You’ll start to spot patterns.
Watch for changes in weight, energy, or coat. These small details can tell you a lot about their nutrition.
Check your notes every month or so. Are they staying at a healthy weight? Do they seem excited for meals? If not, you might need to tweak things.
Give your dog time to adjust to any changes. Dachshunds can be stubborn, and it can take up to ten days for them to settle into a new food or routine.
If you keep having trouble, reach out to your vet. Sometimes pickiness is a sign of something medical going on.
Preventing Future Picky Eating Habits
Consistency is your best friend. Feed at the same times and in the same spot every day so your Dachshund knows what to expect.
Skip the table scraps and don’t go overboard with treats. Too many extras can make regular meals seem boring in comparison.
Switch up proteins now and then, but keep the main food the same. This keeps things interesting without upsetting their stomach.
Use positive reinforcement at mealtimes. Praise when they eat, but don’t force it or get upset.
Puzzle feeders and snuffle mats can make eating a little adventure. Dachshunds love using their noses and brains.
A short walk before dinner can help build up an appetite. Even 15 minutes makes a difference for a reluctant eater.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, feeding struggles with your dachshund just don’t budge and you need expert help. A pro can find medical problems you might not spot and suggest nutrition tweaks that actually work.
Identifying Persistent Feeding Issues
Watch for red flags that mean your dachshund needs a vet visit. If they lose more than 10% of their body weight, get help right away. Not eating for over 24 hours? Call your vet.
Other warning signs to look out for:
- Vomiting or diarrhea plus refusing food
- Drooling a lot or pawing at the mouth
- Lethargy with appetite loss
- Sudden changes in eating patterns
Don’t shrug off subtle signs like trouble chewing or swallowing. Dental issues or esophagus problems can sneak up. Your vet can run bloodwork, check teeth, and look for digestive troubles if needed.
Working With Canine Nutritionists
Canine nutritionists step in when nothing else works. They can build custom meal plans based on your dachshund’s quirks, health, and likes.
During a session, a nutritionist will:
- Go over your dog’s medical history
- Look at their current diet and eating habits
- Factor in breed-specific needs
They’ll share practical tips for switching foods and making meals more appealing. If your dachshund is missing nutrients, they’ll suggest the right supplements.
Ask your vet for a trusted nutritionist. Many offer virtual appointments these days, which is handy. Check in regularly to see how your dachshund is doing and adjust the plan as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dachshund owners know the struggle of picky eating all too well. Here are some common questions and practical ideas to help your wiener dog enjoy dinner again.
What are effective strategies for encouraging a picky dachshund to eat their meals?
Stick to a set feeding schedule—same times every day. Routines help build appetite.
Don’t leave food out all the time. Offer meals for 15-20 minutes, then pick up what’s left to avoid grazing.
Warm up food a bit to boost the smell and make it more tempting.
Mix in small amounts of toppers like plain yogurt, pumpkin, or a splash of low-sodium broth to make kibble more exciting.
Skip the table scraps, or your dachshund might start holding out for something tastier than their regular food.
What could cause a dachshund to suddenly become selective with their food?
Dental pain or gum trouble can make eating tough. If your dachshund suddenly refuses food, schedule a dental check.
Recent shots or new meds can mess with appetite, but this usually passes in a day or two.
Stress from changes—like moving or new people—can throw off eating habits. Try to keep mealtimes steady during big changes.
Sometimes, health problems show up first as picky eating. If the fussiness sticks around, talk to your vet.
Old or stale food might get snubbed. Check dates and store food in airtight containers to keep it fresh.
What types of food are recommended for dachshunds with selective eating habits?
High-quality commercial foods with real meat as the first ingredient often catch a dachshund’s interest. Try to find formulas made for small breeds.
Foods with different textures or protein sources can keep picky eaters engaged. Some dachshunds just seem to prefer wet food over dry kibble, for whatever reason.
Limited-ingredient diets can help if your dachshund has food sensitivities that make them turn their nose up at meals.
Fresh food diets or gently cooked commercial options offer richer aromas and flavors. Sometimes that’s all it takes to tempt a choosy eater.
Small breed-specific formulas give dachshunds the right kibble size and nutrients for their higher metabolism. They need that extra energy, after all.
Why are some dog breeds, including dachshunds, more prone to picky eating behaviors?
Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs, so they’re used to thinking for themselves. That stubborn independence sometimes shows up at mealtime.
Small breeds like dachshunds have quick metabolisms but tiny stomachs. They fill up fast and can get a bit fussy about what’s in their bowl.
Their strong sense of smell makes them more sensitive to food aromas and textures than some other breeds. Not every meal passes their sniff test.
Intelligent breeds tend to form opinions about just about everything, including dinner. They’re not shy about showing it, either.
Some dachshunds pick up selective eating as a learned behavior. If you’ve ever caved and given them something tastier, you know how fast they catch on.
What homemade meal options can appeal to a dachshund with a particular palate?
Lean proteins like cooked chicken, turkey, or fish, mixed with plain rice and steamed veggies, usually go over well. Most dachshunds seem to enjoy these simple combos.
Bone broth ice cubes work as treats or toppers. They add hydration and flavor, and picky eaters often love them.
Sweet potato mash with a touch of lean protein makes a nutritious meal that appeals to many selective dachshunds.
Scrambled eggs are another good protein source. Toss in some carrots or peas for extra nutrients.
Always introduce homemade foods slowly, and make sure meals stay balanced. It’s smart to check with your vet before making a full switch to homemade.
How can I ensure my picky dachshund is receiving adequate nutrition despite their eating preferences?
Keep an eye on your dachshund’s weight and body shape. Jot down changes so you can spot any weird patterns or sudden weight loss.
Try out nutrient-dense foods. These pack more nutrition into smaller bites, which helps if your dog barely touches their bowl.
If you’re thinking about supplements, talk to your vet first. Too many vitamins or minerals can actually mess with your pup’s health.
Switch up protein sources and textures now and then. It keeps things interesting for your dachshund and can help avoid new food hang-ups.
Book regular checkups with your vet, including bloodwork. That way, you’ll catch any deficiencies early—even if your dog’s a super picky eater.
