Human Foods Dachshunds Should Never Eat

Many people ask what Dachshunds cannot eat, and the list of human foods dogs can't eat is longer than most owners expect. Dachshunds are small. The Dachshund Club of America breed standard describes standards as usually 16 to 32 lb and miniatures competing at 11 lb and under, so a small bite of the wrong food can matter more than it would for a big dog.

The toxic foods below come from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control list of people foods to avoid. Nothing here replaces advice from your veterinarian, who decides what is right for your individual dog.

Why Dachshunds Need Extra Care With Table Food

Why does a Dachshund's small size matter for toxic foods?

A small body has less room for error. The same piece of a harmful food is a larger share of a miniature's body weight than of a bigger dog's. If your dog eats something on the list below, treat it as urgent no matter how little it seems.

Can Dachshunds eat human food at all?

Some plain, simple human foods are usually fine as occasional treats, and the safe-snack section below covers them. The risk comes from specific foods and from the extras people add, such as seasoning, sauces and sweeteners. Ask your veterinarian about anything you are unsure of.

Does extra weight make treats a problem for this breed?

PetMD notes that Dachshunds are predisposed to obesity and that excess weight raises the risk of back injury. Even safe snacks add calories. Keep them small and count them against the daily food amount your veterinarian recommends.

Toxic Foods on the ASPCA List

Can Dachshunds eat chocolate?

No. The ASPCA lists chocolate, cocoa and coffee products as toxic to dogs because they contain compounds called methylxanthines. Darker and baking chocolates are generally considered more concerning, but no chocolate is a safe treat.

Are grapes and raisins dangerous for Dachshunds?

Yes. The ASPCA lists grapes and raisins as foods dogs should not eat, and they are linked to kidney problems. The reason is not fully understood, so there is no known safe amount to try.

What is xylitol and why is it a risk?

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in some sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods and certain peanut butters. The ASPCA warns it is poisonous to dogs. Check labels on anything you share, and keep gum and purses out of reach.

Can Dachshunds eat onions and garlic?

No. The ASPCA lists onions, garlic, chives and leeks as harmful to dogs, and this includes cooked and powdered forms. That matters because they hide in soups, gravies, baby food and seasoned meats.

Are macadamia nuts toxic to dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA lists macadamia nuts as toxic to dogs. Cookies and trail mixes can contain them, so check what a dropped crumb might include.

Can Dachshunds have alcohol?

Never. The ASPCA lists alcohol as dangerous to dogs, including drinks and foods that contain it, such as some desserts. Unattended cups and cocktails are an easy mistake at parties.

What about caffeine, coffee and tea?

The ASPCA includes caffeine in its list of things to keep away from pets. That covers coffee grounds, tea bags and energy products. Dispose of them where a curious dog cannot reach.

Is avocado safe for Dachshunds?

The ASPCA lists avocado as a food to avoid for dogs, mainly because of a compound called persin in the fruit, pit, leaves and bark. The large pit is also a choking and blockage concern for a small dog. It is simplest to leave avocado out entirely.

Is raw bread dough a problem?

Yes. The ASPCA warns against raw yeast dough, which can swell in the stomach and produce alcohol as it ferments. Keep rising dough covered and well out of reach.

Can Dachshunds eat fatty foods and scraps?

The ASPCA advises against feeding fatty table scraps, since they can upset the stomach and may lead to pancreatitis. Bacon, greasy meat trimmings and fried foods are common examples. A small dog that already tends to gain weight has little reason to take on this extra fat.

Are cooked bones safe to chew?

The ASPCA cautions against giving dogs bones from table scraps, because they can splinter or cause blockages. A small Dachshund's mouth and throat leave little margin. Ask your veterinarian about chews that suit your dog.

What about salty snacks and seasonings?

The ASPCA lists salty foods and certain spices, such as nutmeg, as things to keep from pets. Chips, pretzels and heavily seasoned leftovers offer no benefit. Plain is the safer rule.

Safe Snacks and Everyday Habits

What can Dachshunds eat as a safe snack?

Many owners offer small pieces of plain vegetables such as carrots or green beans, or a bit of plain cooked chicken with no seasoning, skin or bones. Plain apple slices without seeds or core are another common choice. Confirm the choice with your veterinarian first, especially if your dog has a health condition.

How much of a snack is too much?

There is no single number that fits every Dachshund, and this page does not give one. Treats should be a small part of the day's food, and your veterinarian can tell you what that means for your dog's weight and age. Adjust the regular meal when snacks go up.

Should I just feed a complete dog food instead of sharing?

A complete and balanced dog food is built to cover nutrition, so snacks are an extra rather than a need. If you are comparing options, our dog foods compared by label data page explains what we looked at. We compared label information only and did not run feeding trials or taste tests.

What to Do in an Emergency

What should I do if my Dachshund ate something toxic?

Call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away, and consider contacting ASPCA Animal Poison Control. Have the food or packaging on hand and be ready to say what was eaten, about when, and your dog's weight. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Should I make my dog vomit at home?

Do not try this unless a veterinarian or poison control professional tells you to. Some substances cause more harm coming back up, and home methods can be unsafe. Follow the instructions you are given.

How do I find the Poison Control number?

Check the ASPCA's official Animal Poison Control page for its current contact details and any consultation fee, since those can change. It is a good idea to save the number and your clinic's after-hours number in your phone before you ever need them.

Sources

• Dachshund Club of America, breed standard
• PetMD, Dachshund Dog Breed Health and Care
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control, people foods to avoid feeding your pets (see the ASPCA website for the current list)