At a glance
- Raw diets carry significant risks for Dachshunds, including bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances that can worsen their predisposition to back problems
- Most veterinary experts don't recommend raw feeding for this breed, especially puppies, seniors, or dogs with health conditions like pancreatitis
- High-fat raw diets can trigger pancreatitis in Dachshunds, while improper calcium ratios may contribute to spinal issues
- If you choose raw feeding, work with a veterinary nutritionist and follow strict safety protocols to minimise health risks
Why Dachshunds face unique raw diet challenges
Your Dachshund's distinctive body shape and genetic predispositions create specific nutritional needs that make raw feeding particularly complex. Their elongated spine puts them at higher risk for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), while their small size means nutritional imbalances can have serious consequences quickly.
Research shows that calcium and phosphorus balance is critical for maintaining healthy bones and cartilage in Dachshunds. Most raw diets lack the correct ratio of these minerals, which can lead to skeletal problems, especially concerning for a breed already prone to spinal issues. Excess vitamin A from too much liver in raw diets can cause additional bone and joint problems that may worsen their natural vulnerability to back problems in Dachshunds.
These dogs also have sensitive digestive systems and are prone to pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Raw diets are often high in fat, which can trigger or worsen this condition. Even small dietary changes can upset their digestive balance, making the transition to raw feeding riskier than with other breeds.
Understanding the bacterial contamination risks
Raw diets carry significantly higher bacterial contamination risks compared to commercial foods. An FDA study from 2010 to 2012 found that 15 out of 196 raw pet food samples tested positive for Salmonella, while 32 out of 196 contained Listeria monocytogenes. Notably, no other types of pet food tested positive for these dangerous bacteria.
For Dachshund owners, this contamination risk extends beyond your dog's health. Small dogs like yours often live in close contact with family members, increasing the chance of bacterial transmission to humans. Children, elderly family members, and anyone with compromised immune systems face particular danger from handling contaminated raw food or coming into contact with an infected dog.
The bacteria don't just affect your dog immediately. Raw meat can harbour antibiotic-resistant strains, making any resulting infections difficult to treat. Additionally, parasites like Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spiralis can survive in raw meat, creating ongoing health risks for both dogs and their families.
Nutritional balance concerns for small breeds
Most raw diets fail to meet complete nutritional requirements, and this problem becomes magnified in small breeds like Dachshunds. Their high energy needs relative to body size mean they require precise levels of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Even minor imbalances can quickly lead to health problems.
Puppies face the greatest risk from nutritionally unbalanced raw diets. Improper nutrition during growth can cause developmental abnormalities that persist throughout life. For a breed already predisposed to skeletal issues, these early nutritional mistakes can have lasting consequences on spinal health and mobility.
Many homemade raw diets contain excessive organ meat, leading to vitamin A toxicity. This condition causes bone and joint problems, particularly concerning for Dachshunds whose spinal health is already vulnerable. Other common deficiencies in raw diets include essential vitamins and minerals that support immune function and overall health.
When raw diets become especially dangerous
Certain Dachshunds should never be fed raw diets due to increased health risks. Puppies under 12 months need precisely balanced nutrition for proper development, and raw diets rarely provide this consistency. Senior dogs often have reduced immune function, making them more susceptible to bacterial infections from contaminated raw food.
Dogs with existing health conditions face particular dangers. If your dog has a history of pancreatitis, the high fat content in many raw diets can trigger painful flare-ups. Those with kidney disease, liver problems, or cancer may struggle to process the bacterial load that comes with raw feeding. Dogs on immunosuppressive medications have reduced ability to fight off infections from contaminated food.
Even healthy adult Dachshunds can develop gastrointestinal obstruction from bones commonly included in raw diets. Their small size makes them particularly vulnerable to blockages that require emergency surgery. Cooked bones become even more dangerous, as they can splinter and perforate the digestive tract.
Safer alternatives that address owner concerns
Many owners consider raw diets because they want to provide the best nutrition for their dogs. High-quality commercial diets that meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards can provide complete, balanced nutrition without the risks associated with raw feeding. These foods undergo rigorous testing for nutritional adequacy and safety.
If you're concerned about processed ingredients, cooked homemade diets offer a middle ground. Working with a veterinary nutritionist, you can create balanced recipes using fresh ingredients that are safer than raw alternatives. This approach gives you control over ingredients while ensuring nutritional completeness.
Some commercial raw brands like Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried raw or Primal Pet Foods frozen raw undergo more rigorous testing than homemade diets. However, these still carry bacterial contamination risks and require careful handling and portioning to prevent weight gain in your dog.
Making raw feeding safer if you choose this path
If you decide to feed raw despite the risks, working with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist becomes essential. General veterinarians may lack the specific expertise needed to balance raw diets properly. A nutritionist can formulate recipes that meet your dog's specific needs while minimising nutritional imbalances.
Strict safety protocols become non-negotiable when handling raw food. Freeze meat for at least three days before feeding to kill parasites, then thaw it in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature. Wash your hands, utensils, and all surfaces thoroughly after handling raw food, and store it separately from human food to prevent cross-contamination.
Monitor your dog closely for signs of illness, including vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, which may indicate bacterial infection or nutritional problems. Watch for lameness, stiffness, or reluctance to move, as these could signal bone or joint issues from nutritional imbalances. Any unexplained weight changes may indicate improper portioning or dietary problems.
Professional guidance and ongoing monitoring
Regular veterinary check-ups become even more important when feeding raw diets. Your vet can monitor for early signs of nutritional deficiencies or imbalances through blood work and physical examinations. They can also assess your dog's body condition and adjust feeding recommendations to prevent obesity, which significantly increases IVDD risk in this breed.
Persistent digestive issues, any signs of lameness or back pain, or concerning changes in behaviour warrant immediate veterinary attention. Don't wait to see if symptoms resolve on their own, as early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Keep detailed records of what you're feeding and any symptoms you observe to help your vet identify potential dietary causes.
Remember that even with careful planning and monitoring, raw diets remain riskier than commercial alternatives for Dachshunds. The potential benefits like shinier coats or cleaner teeth can often be achieved through high-quality commercial foods without exposing your dog to the serious health risks associated with raw feeding.
