Feed your dachshund a better diet

Doxies are notorious food hounds who, if left to their own devices, can literally eat themselves to death. A fat dachshund, while cute, is increasingly prone to back problems and other medical conditions, so keep yours at his optimal weight, and don't indulge those "I'm starving to death" eyes. 

Poor Mia's belly dragged on the ground when she came into rescue

Although the grocery store sells many different brands of dog food, please do not buy your doxie’s food there! Even the "premium" brands sold at the store -- Iams, Science Diet, Beneful -- contain large quantities of corn, sorghum, and other binders, which are basically empty calories, as well as animal byproducts, which are just plain gross.

Head to the pet supply store or feed store for a quality food; a great online source of premium food at low prices is Animal World Network. Yes, it is less convenient and slightly more expensive, but your doxie’s health and longevity begins with a good diet—which will also help you save potentially thousands of dollars in medical bills—so spend a little extra up front so that you and your doxie can reap the benefits for years to come.

Southern California Dachshund Rescue recommends Flint River Ranch, which is only available online for delivery. Other good brands are:

• Artemis
  
• Before Grain B.G.
  
• California Natural
  
• Canidae
  
• Costco/Kirkland (really!)
  
• Evanger’s
  
• Evo/Innova
  
• Merrick
  
• Natural Balance
  
• Nature’s Variety Prairie
  
• Solid Gold
  
• Spot’s Stew
  
• Wellness

Once you find a food that works for your doxie, don’t switch brands. Although the foods I recommend are all high-quality foods, not every food will agree with every doxie.