Dachshunds are cool, affectionate little dogs that are beloved the world over. However, anyone that has known these greedy sausage dogs would know one thing. These little guys are GLUTTONS!
You feed them the best food and give them all the top-quality treats but still, they look at you pleadingly when you’re eating your meal. What gives? Why are Dachshunds always so hungry and do Dachshunds have a big appetite or are they just greedy?
In this blog post, we’ll look at all the reasons, behavioral or medical, why your Doxie might always be hungry. In addition, we’ll look at why your Dachshund seems always hungry, what you should do about it, how often and much should Dachshunds be fed, and what you should feed.
Why Does My Dog Act Like Its Always Starving
The reasons that your Dachshund is always so hungry could be categorized into behavioral and medical reasons.
Some dogs simply love food more than others, and Dachshunds are known for being greedy li’ buggers. Although this means that they are annoying and constantly beg for food at the table and well, ALL the time, this also means that they are food motivated and easy to train.
However, overfeeding your dog can lead to obesity, a condition that Dachshunds and many other breeds are prone to. A fat Dachshund is not a healthy one, especially since these sausage dogs are prone to spinal injuries and stress.
Dachshunds are also prone to GDV - Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus. Known in layman’s terms as “bloat”, GDV is a serious and potentially fatal condition that is known to affect Dachshunds and other deep-chested toy breeds.
GDV strikes suddenly and requires immediate medical care to save the dog's life. The good news is that there are steps you can take in advance to reduce your Dachshund's risk of developing this condition. Feeding several small meals throughout the day instead of one large meal can help reduce the chances of GDV forming in your pet.
Additionally, allowing your dog ample time for physical activity as long as he or she doesn't overexert themselves is recommended as any change in atmosphere can bring on a bout with GDV. Lastly, if your Dachshund insists on gobbling down food, try using a slow-feeder bowl or mat during meal times to slow the eating rate down. If you are feeding treats, use a treat-dispensing ball to offer a reward sparingly. As a bonus, your Dachshund will be entertained for hours!
Just like humans can eat out of stress, dogs can too. If you have recently undergone a drastic change like a relocation, or someone your dog loves in the household traveling or moving out, your dog might feel a little insecure and start stress-eating.
Once things settle down, your Doxie’s appetite should be back to normal. In the meantime, keep your Dachshund occupied and mentally stimulated by an interactive toy like this one.
What do you do when your Dachshund acts like it's starving with its bright, begging eyes? Did you feed your dog? If you did, even ONCE, then you can be sure that your Dachshund always associates begging for food as a way to get a tasty morsel.
If you are wondering how to get your Dachshund to stop begging for food, ignore it when it's mealtime or keep it out of the kitchen or dining area.
Even if your wiener dog is a greedy bum, there is still a chance that the reason for perpetual hunger is medical. Several medical conditions can cause your Dachshund to be hungry all the time.
Medication - Certain drugs such as prednisone can cause a dog to have an increased appetite. If you just added a new medication to your dog’s diet, check with your vet on whether this might be a side effect.
Gastrointestinal Issues - Gastrointestinal issues in dogs can present themselves in many ways, and one common issue is an excessive hunger for food. While this may seem like a mild problem, it can actually be a symptom of a bigger problem at play.
Dogs with gastrointestinal issues manifesting as unrelenting hunger may suffer from several underlying conditions like hypermetabolism, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, dysfunction of the liver or gallbladder, or even tumors in their gastrointestinal tract. A trip to the vet and all necessary testing is essential for any dog exhibiting such signs to make sure its digestive system is functioning properly.
Hyperthyroidism - The opposite of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism can cause more than just an enlarged thyroid in dogs; it can also have effects on their appetite. With hyperthyroidism, a dog may develop an increased appetite and may require more frequent meals because their metabolism is working overtime.
While this additional food may seem like a good thing, if the problem is not addressed, it could result in weight gain issues that could be harmful for the dog's overall health.
Nutritional Deficit - Dogs have vital dietary needs including an optimal balance of proteins, fat, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. If just one of these components is lacking in your pet's diet, it can result in a significant nutrient deficiency that could lead to more serious health problems over time.
Therefore if your Dachshund seems to always be hungry, you should take the necessary steps to determine the cause and effectively solve the issue to ensure they are receiving the best possible nutritional support.
How Much Should A Dachshund Eat Daily
How much you should feed your Dachshund depends on your dog’s size, age, lifestyle, metabolism, and overall health. Miniature Dachshunds under 11 lbs should be fed between ½ a cup and one cup a day. Standard Dachshunds above that should be fed about a cup to 1 and ½ cups a day.
Puppies will need smaller, more frequent meals, adult Dachshunds can eat their daily calories over two meals, and senior dogs might need fewer calories. Active dogs will need more food than sedentary ones, but be careful not to overfeed your Dachshund or it can lead to a whole lot of health problems.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions on the kibble pack and when in doubt, always check with your vet to make sure your wiener dog is getting enough calories a day.
What Should I Feed My Dachshund?
Feeding your Dachshund the right number of calories a day food is essential for their health, so it’s important to know what exactly to feed them. Look for a food that has a named source of protein in the first five ingredients - this is important as high-quality protein will give your four-legged friend the energy they need without unnecessary fillers.
Additionally, make sure you avoid any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in your pup’s food.
Dachshunds are gluttons that are not known to be finicky eaters, so they will eat everything!
By making sure you provide healthy balanced meals and adding various treats every once in a while, you can be sure that your Dachshund gets all the necessary nutrients he needs to stay happy and healthy.
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