Dachshunds (or “wiener dogs”) tend to love toys that match their natural instincts as hunters and diggers. Their long bodies, strong jaws, and playful personalities make them especially drawn to certain types of toys:

Best types of toys for Dachshunds:

1. Chew Toys 🦴 – Durable rubber toys (like KONGs, Nylabone) satisfy their chewing urge and help keep teeth clean.
2. Plush Toys with Squeakers 🧸 – Dachshunds love squeakers because it taps into their prey-drive. Just be sure to supervise, since many will tear plushies apart to “kill” the squeaker.
3. Puzzle Toys & Treat Dispensers 🧩 – Keeps their clever minds busy and prevents boredom.
4. Balls (small-sized) 🎾 – Many dachshunds love chasing balls, but choose smaller ones so they can carry them comfortably.
5. Rope Toys 🪢 – Great for tug-of-war, which many dachshunds adore.
6. Digging Toys / Snuffle Mats 🌱 – Mimic their natural digging instincts and let them “hunt” for hidden treats.

⚠️ Tips:

• Since dachshunds have long backs, avoid toys that encourage too much jumping.
• Rotate toys to keep them exciting.
• Supervise plush toy play if your pup is a shredder.

🐾 What to Look for in Treats for Dachshunds

Because of their unique shape (long back, short legs), Dachshunds are prone to spinal problems (like IVDD), as well as obesity. Good treat practices can help reduce risk.

• Low calorie / small size — Dachshunds are small dogs; too many calories = extra weight stressing their spine.
• Good protein — Helps with muscle strength and general health. Pawstruck.com
• Easy to chew / not too hard — Avoid very hard chews that might damage teeth.
• Natural ingredients, minimal additives — Less risk of allergies or upset stomachs.
• Portion control — Using tiny treats for training or rewards helps.

---

✅ Healthy Treat & Snack Ideas

Here are a variety of treat types Dachshunds tend to do well with:

Treat Type	Why It’s Good / What to Watch For	Examples / Ideas
Fruits & Vegetables	Low in calories; good fiber and vitamins; need to avoid toxic ones.	Apple slices (no core/seeds); carrots; zucchini; small mango pieces (no pit); green beans. Pawstruck.com+1
Animal-based Chews	Good protein; satisfying chew helps dental health; keep size manageable.	Bully sticks; beef tendon chews; animal ears (lamb, cow) as rawhide alternatives. Pawstruck.com+1
Single Ingredient Meat Treats	Less likely to cause upset; high value in training.	Freeze-dried meats (chicken, beef, liver); jerky that’s lean and without a lot of additives.
Healthy Biscuits & Dental Chews	Helps with teeth; biscuity treats are more filling so fewer needed.	Small dog biscuits with high protein; dental chews approved by vets or dental councils.
Homemade Treats	You control ingredients; can make them very small; avoid fillers.	Recipes like dried sweet potato slices; peanut butter & pumpkin dog cookies (use dog-safe peanut butter without xylitol); baked chicken strips.

---

⚠️ Treats & Snacks to Be Careful With

• Avoid treats with xylitol (sweetener) — toxic to dogs.
• Very hard bones or processed bones that can splinter.
• High sugar treats or ones with lots of fat.
• Large treats that are hard for a small mouth.
• Treats that could trigger allergies.