How to Cook Your Own Unique Dog Food Recipe for Your Pet Dachshund
From the Slightly Overcooked Brain of a Retired Chef
Greetings, fellow foodies and doting dog parents!
I’m Chef Tony "Too-Much-Garlic" Giambelli — former maestro of the stovetop, five-time chili cook-off champion (three wins were technicalities, but I digress), and now, full-time food slave to my four-legged sausage-shaped boss: Luigi, the Dachshund.
Now, you might ask, “Chef Tony, how did you go from Michelin dreams to mixing carrots and turkey for a 12-pound wiener dog?”
Well, after I retired from the restaurant biz (burned out after one too many truffle oil debates), I adopted Luigi. He’s cute. He’s stubborn. He’s got more personality than most sous-chefs I ever worked with. And, like any chef worth his weight in Himalayan sea salt, I couldn’t bear the idea of feeding him generic kibble.
So, I rolled up my sleeves, got out the ol’ Dutch oven, and created the ultimate homemade dog food recipe — specially tailored for dachshunds.
Pull up a chair. It’s story time and chow time.
Why Homemade Dog Food for Dachshunds?
Let’s face it: dachshunds are adorable, spirited, and shaped like a loaf of banana bread that barks. But these little guys also have special needs when it comes to nutrition.
Here’s what makes dachshunds dietary divas:
Prone to obesity: With those tiny legs and long bodies, they can pack on pounds faster than I packed on holiday weight during my “pasta-only” phase in ’98.
Back issues: Their elongated spines make them susceptible to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Keeping them lean is not optional — it’s vital.
Sensitive tummies: Many dachshunds don’t respond well to fillers, preservatives, or mystery meats (I’ve seen what’s in some of those commercial dog foods — yikes).
So what do they need?
A balanced diet rich in lean proteins, healthy fats, low-glycemic carbohydrates, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Bonus points for tasty.
Chef Tony’s “Luigi-Approved” Homemade Dog Food Recipe
A Culinary Masterpiece for the Discerning Dachshund
Yield: Enough for one sassy dachshund for about 5–7 days
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Level: Easier than convincing Luigi not to bark at the mailman
Ingredients
Let’s break this down like we’re on a cooking show nobody asked for:
Protein (40%)
1 lb lean ground turkey (or chicken, or beef if your pooch tolerates it)
Vegetables (30%)
1 cup finely chopped carrots
1 cup spinach (lightly steamed, not raw)
½ cup chopped green beans
½ apple, diced (no seeds!)
Carbohydrates (20%)
1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa (quinoa is a hipster grain, but we like it)
Healthy Fats (10%)
1 tablespoon flaxseed oil or salmon oil
1 whole egg (cooked and crushed with the shell — excellent calcium source!)
Optional Add-Ins (for the gourmet touch):
Pinch of turmeric (natural anti-inflammatory)
Tiny dash of rosemary
Probiotic powder or supplement (vet-approved, of course)
Cooking Instructions
(Luigi watched me the entire time, judging my knife work.)
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
Chop your veggies finely — dachshunds have tiny jaws. If you’ve got a food processor, now’s the time to give it some love.
Steam the carrots, spinach, and green beans lightly until tender. This helps with digestion. Apples stay raw for crunch and fiber.
Step 2: Cook the Protein
In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat (remember, dachshunds don’t need to be waddling like a Thanksgiving parade balloon).
Crack the egg in during the final minute and stir it in. If using the shell, crush it up very fine — it’s packed with calcium.
Step 3: Combine and Cool
Mix the cooked turkey/egg combo with your steamed veggies and cooked brown rice/quinoa. Add the flaxseed or salmon oil after everything cools — heat can degrade those healthy fats.
Sprinkle your turmeric and rosemary for that signature Chef Tony flair.
Step 4: Serve It Up!
Store the batch in an airtight container in the fridge. Serve about ½ to ¾ cup per meal depending on your dachshund’s size, activity level, and attitude (Luigi gets a full cup when he’s been chasing squirrels all day).
Is It Nutritionally Complete?
Now, I’m a retired chef, not a vet. So while this recipe is balanced for most healthy adult dachshunds, it’s always smart to consult your veterinarian — especially if your pup has allergies or medical conditions.
You can also top off your homemade meal with a vet-approved multivitamin or calcium supplement to make sure your dachshund’s nutritional bases are covered.
What to Avoid in Homemade Dog Food
I’ve had some kitchen disasters in my day (let’s never speak of the flambé calamari incident again), but when it comes to your pup’s health, we can’t afford mistakes.
Here’s what you should never add to your homemade dog food:
Onions or garlic (I know, I know… as an Italian chef this hurts me deeply)
Grapes or raisins
Avocados
Chocolate (obviously)
Xylitol (that sneaky sweetener in some peanut butters)
Excessive salt or spices
Storage Tips From the Chef’s Fridge
Here’s how I keep Luigi’s meals fresh:
Store portions in individual containers for quick grab-and-serve
Fridge: Keeps for up to 5 days
Freezer: Batch freeze in silicone molds or freezer bags for up to 2 months
Thaw in the fridge overnight — never microwave with the lid on unless you enjoy surprise explosions
Chef Tony’s Bonus Tips: Making Mealtime Fun
Let’s spice things up (figuratively, of course — no cayenne in the dog bowl):
Rotation is key: Switch proteins weekly to keep it interesting (turkey, beef, fish, duck if you're feeling bougie)
Use puzzle feeders: Make your dachshund work for it — it’s mentally stimulating and slows down scarfing
Add bone broth: Not only delicious but good for joint health — essential for our long-backed buddies
Tasting night: Have a weekly taste-test with your dog. Just don’t get offended if they prefer the food to your famous risotto
Common Questions Dachshund Parents Ask Chef Tony
Can I feed this every day?
Yes — but make sure you’re supplementing as needed and monitoring weight and energy levels. Keep your vet in the loop.
Can puppies eat this?
Only with adjustments. Puppies need more calories, protein, and calcium. This recipe is for adults. For puppies, work with your vet or a canine nutritionist.
Can I sneak in some treats?
Sure — just not too many. Luigi gets a frozen blueberry or two as dessert. Occasionally a spoonful of pumpkin puree if he’s been especially noble.
Why Homemade is Worth It
Look, I spent my life in kitchens. I’ve cooked for food critics, celebrities, and even a prime minister once (he only ate bread, go figure). But cooking for Luigi? That’s love. Real, messy, tail-wagging, drool-on-the-floor love.
And let’s be honest: homemade dog food isn’t just healthier. It’s fun. It’s creative. It’s a way to show your little dachshund that they’re more than a pet — they’re family. The furry kind that occasionally pees on your slippers.
Wrapping Up: One Sausage Dog, One Chef, One Bowl at a Time
So there you have it — the ultimate homemade dog food recipe for your dachshund, courtesy of a retired chef with too much time, too many kitchen gadgets, and a dog who thinks he’s royalty.
Will it take a little more effort than scooping kibble? Yes.
Is it worth it when your dog dances in circles before every meal? Absolutely.
So put on your apron, turn on some Sinatra, and get cooking for your little long-bodied legend.
And remember — if it’s good enough for Luigi, it’s good enough for any dachshund.
Bon(e) Appétit!
—
Chef Tony Giambelli, Retired Chef & Full-Time Wiener Whisperer
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