One of the most recognizable dog breeds, Dachshunds were bred over 300 years ago in Germany to hunt badgers. Their long bodies and short legs give them a unique appearance and their stubborn yet endearing personalities make them one of the most beloved dog breeds.
Generally a healthy breed, the Dachshund can be expected to live a long lifespan with proper care, a good diet, and plenty of exercise. Unfortunately, there are still a few health concerns specific to Dachshunds that can reduce their quality of life. It’s important to ensure that you provide the best dog food that helps minimize these problems and delivers the kind of nutrition your doxie deserves! This article will help inform you about best dog food for Dachshunds with allergies.
Best Dog Food For Dachshunds With Allergies Quick Guide
When facing the difficult task of finding the best food for dachshunds with allergies there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Consult your vet about your dog’s allergies first to make sure you’re not dealing with a more serious issue
- Pick a brand you can trust
- Choose a food with limited ingredients to better identify which foods are an issue
- Stick to high quality brands you may find that your dog reacts better to certain brands
Our Top Picks
Acana Singles Formula Lamb and Apple
This grain free, limited ingredient recipe is perfect for pups with food allergies. The easily digestible lamb formula supports healthy digestion, skin, coat, teeth, and gums.
About Acana
Acana is considered one of the top dog food brands on the market offering biologically appropriate pet foods. Owned by Champion Pet Foods, Acana is produced in the USA and Canada.
Country of Origin: USA or Canada
Price Point: $$$
Recall History: None
Features
- Single source whole prey animal protein
- Biologically appropriate low carbohydrate formula
- Grain free
- Probiotics to support healthy digestion
Other Recommended Formulas
- Single Source Protein
- Grain Free
- Contains Probiotics
- Higher Cost
Ingredients
Deboned lamb*, lamb meal, whole green peas, red lentils, lamb liver*, lamb fat, pinto beans, chickpeas, herring oil, green lentils, whole yellow peas, lentil fiber, apples*, natural lamb flavor, lamb tripe*, lamb kidney*, lamb cartilage*, dried kelp, whole pumpkin*, whole butternut squash*, kale,* spinach*, mustard greens*, collard greens*, turnip greens*, carrots*, pears*, freeze-dried lamb liver, freeze-dried lamb tripe, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rosehips, juniper berries, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product.
* delivered fresh or raw
OUR ONLY SUPPLEMENT: ZINC.
OUR ONLY PRESERVATIVE: VITAMIN E (MIXED TOCOPHEROLS).
Orijen Tundra
This dry food boasts an impressive 80% meat and fish to 20% vegetables, fruits and botanicals recipe. The nutrient-dense whole prey ingredients provide virtually every nutrient your dog needs – only zinc is added.
About Orijen
Orijen’s award winning dog foods are widely considered to be one of, if not the best dog foods on the market. Their biologically appropriate dog foods are also made by Champion Pet Food in the USA and Canada.
Country of Origin: USA or Canada
Price Point: $$$$
Recall History: 2008, recall of cat food due to Australian regulations. No recalls have been issued against the company in the United States or Canada.
Features
- Biologically appropriate whole prey formula
- Nutrient dense
- Grain free
- High protein and low carbohydrate
Other Recommended Formulas
- Single Source Protein
- Grain Free
- High Protein, Low Carb
- Higher Cost
Ingredients
Fresh goat (5%), fresh wild boar (5%), fresh venison (5%), fresh arctic char (5%), fresh duck (5%), fresh wild boar liver (5%), fresh duck liver (5%), fresh mutton (4%), fresh steelhead trout (4%), fresh wild boar kidney (4%), mackerel (dehydrated, 4%), fresh whole pilchard (4%), lamb (dehydrated, 4%), mutton (dehydrated, 4%), alaskan cod (dehydrated, 4%), blue whiting (dehydrated, 4%), herring (dehydrated, 4%), whole red lentils, whole green lentils, whole green peas, whole chickpeas, whole yellow peas, whole pinto beans, lentil fiber, duck fat (2%), fresh mutton tripe (1.5%), herring oil (1%), fresh goat heart (1%), fresh goat kidney (1%), fresh goat liver (0.5%), fresh venison liver (0.5%), fresh venison heart (0.5%), fresh mutton liver (0.5%), fresh wild boar heart (0.5%), whole navy beans, freeze-dried goat liver, freeze-dried venison liver, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, whole zucchini, whole parsnips, carrots, whole apples, whole bartlett pears, kale, spinach greens, beet greens, turnip greens, brown kelp, whole cranberries, whole blueberries, chicory root, turmeric root, milk thistle, burdock root, lavender, marshmallow root, rosehips, enterococcus faecium.
ADDITIVES (per kg): Nutritional additives: Zinc chelate: 100 mg.
ZiwiPeak Air-Dried Dog Cuisine Lamb Recipe
This recipe contains 100% single-sourced Lamb that is free-range and grass-fed on ethical and sustainable New Zealand farms. Their gentle twin-stage, air-drying process eliminates pathogenic bacteria while naturally preserving and protecting the nutrients in all of the ingredients.
About ZiwiPeak
ZiwiPeak is a New Zealand based pet food company that produces air-dried raw food and canned food for dogs and cats. Their foods are 100% natural and they do not use any preservatives, fillers, or grains.
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Price Point: $$$$
Recall History: None
Features
- Air-dried for superior nutrition
- 98% Meats, Organs and New Zealand Green Mussels
- Free-range grass fed meats
- No antibiotics or growth hormones
Other Recommended Formulas
- Air Dried for Superior Nutrition
- Free Range, Grass Fed Meats
- No Antibiotics or Growth Hormones
- Higher Cost
Ingredients
Lamb, Lamb Heart*, Lamb Liver*, Lamb Tripe*, Lamb Kidney*, Lamb Lung*, Lamb Bone, New Zealand Green Mussel, Inulin from Chicory, Dried Kelp, Sea Salt, Parsley, Minerals (Potassium Bicarbonate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Selenium Yeast, Manganese Amino Acid Complex), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B1 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid). Naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols. *Depending on seasonal availability will be temporarily substituted with sheep.
Best Dog Food For Puppies With Allergies
Nulo Freestyle Puppy Dry Dog Food Salmon & Pea Recipe
Nulo Freestyle is perfect for Dachshunds with food allergies. It features a high protein single source protein and fresh, natural ingredients to promote healthy growth and development.
About Nulo
Nulo Pet Food is based in Austin, TX and is one of the few independently-owned pet food companies in North America.
Country of Origin: USA
Price Point: $$$
Recall History: None
Features
- Grain free recipe
- Probiotics to support healthy digestion
- DHA for cognitive development
- No preservatives
Other Recommended Formulas
- Puppy Turkey & Sweet Potato
- Small Breed Puppy & Adult Turkey
- Puppy & Adult Salmon
- Puppy & Adult Turkey
- Small Breed Salmon & Red Lentils
- Grain Free
- Contains Probiotics
- DHA for Cognitive Development
- Less Flavors to Choose From
Ingredients
Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Whole Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Sweet Potato, Chickpeas, Deboned Turkey, Lentils, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Yeast Culture, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Tomatoes, Dried Carrots, Dried Blueberries, Dried Apples, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Iron Proteinate, Niacin, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Best Dog Food For Seniors With Allergies
Lotus Small Bite Senior Dog food Chicken Recipe
Made from 100% natural ingredients and oven baked for optimal nutrition. These small bites are great for senior Dachshunds who may have lost a few teeth over the years or have trouble chewing. The lower protein formula is ideal for senior dogs who are less active in their golden years.
About Lotus
Lotus manufactures their own foods in their Torrance, California manufacturing facility. Their oven-baked kibbles are slow cooked to retain their vitamin and mineral content.
Country of Origin: USA
Price Point: $$$
Recall History: None
Features
- Slow baked to retain nutritional value
- Ingredients sourced in the USA
- Added vitamins and minerals to promote senior health
- No added flavors
Other Recommended Formulas
- Smaller Kibble Pieces
- Slow Baked to Retain Nutrition
- No Added Flavors
- Higher Cost
Ingredients
Chicken, Whole Ground Rye, Chicken Liver, Pollock, Whole Ground Brown Rice, Ground Barley, Oatmeal, Dried Egg Product, Pea Fiber, Brewers Dried Yeast, Organic Soybean Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols, and citric acid), Calcium Carbonate, Pumpkin, Apples, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Spinach, Blueberries, Potassium Chloride, Salmon Oil, Olive Oil, Garlic, Flaxseed, Salt, Zinc Proteinate, L-Ascrobyl-2-Polyphosphate (a source of Vitamin C), Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Iron Proteinate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Solubles, Dried Lactobacillus Lactis Fermentation Solubles, and Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Solubles, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, New Zealand Green Mussel, Dried Kelp, Yucca schidigera extract, Inulin, Niacin, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Rosemary Extract.
Best Dog Food For Dachshunds With Allergies – For Weight Control
Earthborn Holistic Natural for Weight Control
This dry food is low in calories but still has a great taste your Dachshund will love. The added glucosamine and chondroitin are helpful to maintain joint health too.
About Earthborn Holistic
Earthborn Holistic is a family-owned company that promotes an earth-conscious, environmentally-friendly attitude. Their products offer a solid nutrition profile for a great value.
Country of Origin: USA
Price Point: $$
Recall History: None
Features
- Low calorie formula for weight management
- Fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
- Balanced ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids
- BPA free packaging
Other Recommended Formulas
- Low Calorie
- Glucosamine & Chondroitin For Healthy Joints
- Balanced Ratio of Omega 3 & 6 Fatty Acids
- Only One Flavor For Weight Management
Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca, Pea Fiber, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Natural Flavors, Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Egg, Blueberries, Cranberries, Apples, Carrots, Spinach, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Taurine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, L-Carnitine, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement,Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product.
Best Wet Dog Food For Dachshunds With Allergies
Castor & Pollux Organix Canned Turkey & Vegetable Recipe
Cooked in an organically certified USA kitchen, this wet food boasts a nutrient-packed superfood blend featuring organic flaxseed, blueberries, and coconut flour. There are no chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, artificial preservatives, added growth hormones or antibiotics used.
About Castor & Pollux
Castor & Pollux was the first certified organic dog food to meet all of the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) requirements. Now owned by Merrick, with operations based in Amarillo, Texas, they are the only certified organic manufacturer for dry and canned pet foods.
Country of Origin: USA
Price Point: $$
Recall History: None*
Castor & Pollux has never had a recall but since they are now owned by Merrick this should be taken into consideration. Merrick has had recalls in the past but none under the brand Castor & Pollux.
Features
- First ingredient is organic, free-range turkey
- Packed with beneficial superfoods
- USDA certified organic ingredients
- No additives or preservatives
Other Recommended Formulas
- Organic Meats
- Packed With Superfoods
- Easy To Eat
- Needs to Be Refrigerated After Opening
Ingredients
Organic Turkey, Water Sufficient for Processing, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Chicken, Organic Potatoes, Organic Peas, Organic Coconut Flour, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Apples, Organic Blueberries, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Organic Guar Gum, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Organic Garlic Powder.
Best Raw Dog Food For Dachshunds With Allergies
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Duck Duck Goose Dinner Patties
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Duck Duck Goose Dinner Patties are a convenient way to get the nutrition of raw food into your Dachshund’s diet. The ingredients are responsibly sourced and promote healthy skin, coat, teeth, and gums.
About Stella & Chewy’s
Stella & Chewy’s promotes raw nutrition with its freeze-dried offerings. They produce their products in their own kitchen and are committed to the highest levels of food safety.
Country of Origin: USA
Price Point: $$$
Recall History: December 2015, voluntarily recall of four of its frozen products due to possible contamination with Listeria.
Why did this brand still make our list? They were proactive with their recall and did the right thing by recalling above and beyond the suspected lots. There were no reported related illnesses in either pets or people sue to this contamination. Although the product we are recommending was never recalled, the response shown by Stella & Chewy’s in 2015 shows they don’t sweep issues under the rug and inform their customers if they may suspect something is wrong.
Features
- Protein rich limited ingredient formula
- Minimally processed
- 100% Organic fruits & vegetables
- Convenient way to introduce raw
Other Recommended Formulas
- Minimally Processed
- 100% Organic Fruits & Veggies
- Easy Way To Introduce Raw Feeding
- Higher Cost
Ingredients
Duck With Ground Bone, Turkey, Turkey Liver, Goose, Turkey Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride, Organic Cranberries, Organic Spinach, Organic Broccoli, Organic Beets, Sodium Phosphate Monobasic, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash, Organic Apples, Organic Blueberries, Choline Chloride, Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Taurine, Tocopherols (Preservative), Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement
Dealing With Allergies
Allergies can be miserable for your dog and frustrating for you when you can’t seem to identify what’s causing the issue. Allergies can range in severity and its important to consult a Veterinarian if you believe your dog is suffering from any kind of allergic reactions as some severe reactions can be life threatening.
Signs your dog could be suffering from food allergies
- Itchy skin
- Recurring ear infections
- Constant scratching at ears, paws, face, and back
- Dull or poor coat
- Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea
While changing your dog’s diet is not a cure-all, it can help address and alleviate specific problems better than a poor diet or nutritionally inferior dog food. It’s important to select a food with your Dachshund’s specific issues in mind. Eliminating common allergens can help you identify the culprit, and in some cases it may be several ingredients.
Common allergens in dog food
- Beef
- Dairy
- Chicken
- Lamb
- Fish
- Corn
- Wheat
- Soy
- Yeast
What to look for in a reliable dog food brand
Choose a food produced and with ingredients sourced from a country with high safety standards. Ideally you should select a brand make in the United States, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, or Australia.
Choose a food that features meat as the first listed ingredient. While meat meals like chicken meal are not necessarily bad ingredients, they should not be the primary source of protein listed. Never select a food that lists byproduct as an ingredient, these mystery meats are generally not of high quality and could contain an ingredient you are trying to avoid.
Choose a food without any unnecessary additives like artificial colors or flavors. Brands made with quality ingredients to not need artificial flavors to make their food palatable for your pooch. Artificial colors make the food look appealing to humans but your dog could care less.
Ideally you should look for brands have not had any recalls recently, if ever. Does the brand conduct regular quality assurance testing? Do they source ingredients from reputable sources? A recall may not have been the manufacturers fault but did they deal with the issue effectively? The pet food industry is big business, and it’s important to have peace of mind that the brand you are buying is as committed to safety as the bottom line, if not more so.
What to look for in a dog food for Dachshunds with allergies
Limited Ingredient Recipes
- Because they contain fewer components, limited ingredient dog foods can make it easier to figure out the specific allergen your Dachshund is reacting to.
Grain Free (if sensitive to grains)
- Aside from certain animal proteins, grains, namely corn, wheat and soy can cause a host of issues.
Single Source or Novel Protein Formulas
- These dog foods use only one protein source and often contain ingredients that your dog may not have been previously exposed to, and therefore less less likely to be sensitive to.
Other common issues to consider when selecting a dog food for Dachshunds with allergies
Obesity
- It doesn’t take much to fatten up a small dog, and even a pound or two makes a huge difference to a Dachshund’s health. Although some Dachshunds are predisposed to IVDD, you can reduce the risk by keeping your at a healthy weight to reduce strain on their long spines. Some Dachshunds seem to gain weight on certain foods while others will lose weight. It’s important to ensure you are not overfeeding and find a food that suits the needs of your dog.
Urinary and Bladder Stones
- Bladder stones can be painful for your dog, its important to remain observant for any urinary problems afflicting your pup. Your vet can recommend specially formulated pet food to help eliminate stones. Consult with your veterinarian before making a food choice in these situations, as a prescription diet may be necessary.
Anal Glands
- Dogs have two anal glands that sit on either side of their anus. During defecation, these glands should empty normally. However if your dog suffers from bouts of diarrhea or constipation, they may fail to empty properly causing build up, itchiness, scooting, or leakage. Pew! Select a food your Dachshund digests easily with enough fiber to form comfortable stools. Probiotics can also be helpful in aiding the digestive process.
A Note From the Editor
This article is meant to provide you, the reader, with a more informed decision when purchasing dog food. This article is not meant to serve as medical advice, should your pet have a medical issue, please seek advice from a Veterinarian immediately. This content uses referral links. Please read my disclosure policy for more info.