A dachshund can hear a treat packet rustle from the other end of the house, then somehow look as though they have never been fed. That enthusiasm makes choosing the best treats for dachshunds more than a matter of flavour. Small legs, a long spine, determined jaws and a tendency to gain weight mean each reward needs to earn its place.
Treats are brilliant for training, enrichment, dental chewing and simply sharing a happy moment with your dog. The trick is to choose options that suit your dachshund's age, size, diet and chewing style, while keeping portions modest enough to protect a healthy body condition.
What Makes a Treat Good for a Dachshund?
The right treat is safe to chew, easy to portion and appropriate for your dog's individual needs. Dachshunds vary enormously, from tiny miniature puppies to sturdy standard adults, so a chew that is manageable for one may be too large or hard for another.
Calories matter particularly for this breed. Carrying extra weight places more strain on joints and the back, which is an important consideration for dogs predisposed to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Treats should generally make up no more than 10 per cent of your dachshund's daily food intake. If you are doing a big training session, reduce their meal portion slightly rather than quietly adding extra calories to the day.
Texture matters too. Some dogs gulp soft treats, while others try to tackle a chew as though it is a personal challenge. Always supervise edible chews, choose an appropriate size, and remove small leftover pieces that could become a choking risk.
10 Best Treats for Dachshunds
1. Tiny, soft training treats
Small, soft morsels are often the most useful treat to keep on hand. They are quick to eat, so your dachshund can stay focused on what you are teaching rather than stopping to chew halfway through a recall session. Look for pea-sized pieces or break larger soft treats into tiny rewards.
For puppy toilet training, loose-lead walking and recall, a high-value soft treat can make all the difference. Keep the pieces exceptionally small - the reward is the taste and timing, not the size of the bite.
2. Single-protein meat treats
Single-protein treats, such as kangaroo, chicken, beef, lamb or fish, can be a straightforward choice for dogs with sensitive tummies or suspected food intolerances. They also make it easier to work out what agrees with your dog when you are not juggling a long ingredient list.
Kangaroo treats are a popular option for many Australian dogs because they are typically lean and flavoursome. Still, lean does not mean unlimited. Check the feeding guide and use treats as part of the overall diet, especially if your dachshund is watching their weight.
3. Freeze-dried meat pieces
Freeze-dried treats offer the appeal of real meat without being messy in your pocket. They tend to be highly motivating for fussy eaters and can be crumbled over dinner for a little extra encouragement.
They can be rich, though, and some pieces are larger than they first appear. Break them up for miniature dachshunds and introduce any new protein gradually, particularly if your dog has a delicate digestion.
4. Dental chews in the right size
A suitable dental chew can provide a satisfying chewing outlet and may help reduce surface plaque when used alongside regular tooth brushing. Choose a product made for your dog's size and follow its feeding instructions rather than assuming one chew suits every dachshund.
Dental treats are not a replacement for brushing. Dachshunds can be prone to dental issues, so daily or near-daily brushing with dog-safe toothpaste remains the most effective habit. Think of a dental chew as a useful extra, not the whole dental-care plan.
5. Natural air-dried chews
Air-dried chews can keep an enthusiastic dachshund occupied and offer a rewarding outlet for normal chewing behaviour. Options vary greatly in density, fat content and how long they last, so choose based on your dog's experience and jaw strength.
Start with a chew you can supervise closely. Avoid anything that is extremely hard, splinters easily or is small enough to swallow whole. If your dachshund is a powerful chewer, it is especially worth staying nearby rather than leaving them with a chew while you duck out.
6. Fish-based treats
Fish treats can be a tasty change from land-based proteins and are often a favourite for dogs who love strong smells. They may also suit owners looking to include omega-3 fatty acids in their dog's diet, although supplements should be discussed with your vet if you are using them for a specific health concern.
Because fish treats can be rich and fragrant, they are ideal as special rewards rather than an all-day snack. Keep a container handy so the smell stays out of your treat pouch, jacket pocket and car.
7. Long-lasting lickable treats
Lickable pastes and dog-safe spreads are excellent for calm enrichment. You can use a small amount on a lick mat, stuff it into a suitable rubber toy or offer it during grooming and nail trims to create a better association with handling.
Check the ingredients carefully and avoid human spreads that may contain xylitol, chocolate, excessive salt or other unsuitable ingredients. A little goes a long way, which is good news for a breed that rarely believes the treat session should be over.
8. Vegetable snacks for lighter rewards
Some dachshunds enjoy crunchy, low-calorie foods such as carrot, cucumber or small pieces of capsicum. Plain cooked pumpkin can also be useful in tiny portions for some dogs. These are not a substitute for a complete diet, but they can help stretch out a training session without relying only on calorie-dense treats.
Introduce new foods one at a time and keep portions sensible. Not every dog tolerates vegetables well, and a sudden pile of new snacks can turn an otherwise successful day into an inconvenient tummy-upset day.
9. Your dachshund's regular food
For dogs on a complete raw, fresh or kibble diet, part of their normal daily ration can make a very practical training reward. This is particularly helpful for dachshunds who need careful weight management or who are still learning that every visitor does not require a full barking announcement.
Set aside a portion before breakfast or dinner and use it across the day. If your dog finds their regular food a little boring outdoors, mix in a few higher-value rewards for the hardest jobs, such as recall around distractions.
10. Special-occasion high-value rewards
Sometimes you need the treat equivalent of a standing ovation. A new environment, vet visit, grooming appointment or major training breakthrough may call for something especially tempting, such as tiny pieces of cooked plain chicken or a favourite premium meat treat.
Use these sparingly so they stay special. The best high-value treat is one your own dachshund will work for, without upsetting their stomach or adding a large calorie load.
Treats to Be Careful With
Not every chew sold for dogs is a wise match for every dachshund. Very hard items can risk tooth fractures, while cooked bones may splinter and cause serious problems. Raw bones also carry risks, including broken teeth, choking, constipation and bacterial contamination, so speak with your vet about whether they are appropriate for your individual dog and how to offer them safely.
Avoid grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, macadamias, alcohol and foods containing xylitol. Fatty leftovers from the barbecue are also best skipped. A pleading sausage-shaped face can be persuasive, but rich table scraps can cause digestive upset and make balanced feeding much harder.
How to Use Treats Without Overfeeding
Treats work best when they are intentional. During training, reward immediately after the behaviour you want, then gradually vary the reward as your dachshund becomes more confident. Praise, a toy or permission to sniff can sometimes be rewarding too, particularly for a dog who is already excited to be out exploring.
For enrichment, use part of your dog's daily food in a puzzle toy or scatter it safely across the grass. This slows down eating and gives clever, busy dachshunds something constructive to do. It can also reduce the need for extra snacks when boredom is the real issue.
Keep an eye on body condition rather than relying only on the number on the scales. You should be able to feel your dachshund's ribs beneath a light covering of fat, and they should have a visible waist when viewed from above. If weight is creeping up, adjust early and ask your vet for tailored feeding advice.
Everything Dachshund is built around the little details that make life with this remarkable breed safer and happier. Choose treats with the same care you bring to ramps, harnesses and everyday routines: small portions, sensible ingredients, close supervision and plenty of joy in the moment.