Raw feeding a Dachshund and Chihuahua together

Two toy breeds under one roof — a Dachshund and a Chihuahua — is actually a really common raw-feeding puzzle, because they're both small but they have different body shapes, different metabolic rates, and the Dachshund in particular has that long spine to think about when it comes to weight management. Raw feeding done well can be excellent for both of them, but done badly it creates nutritional gaps that cause real harm over time, and the difference is balance and sourcing. Before I point you anywhere, can you tell me: have either of them been on raw before, and are you looking for a complete ready-made option or are you planning to prep it yourself?

Good — ready-made complete raw is absolutely the right call here, especially when you're starting out with two dogs at once. The weight difference matters a lot: 9kg for a Dachshund is actually on the heavier side for the breed, so you'll want to be precise with portions rather than feeding generously, whereas your Chihuahua at 3kg needs much less but still needs full nutritional coverage. Are either of them on any medications, and does the Dachshund have any history of back problems or weight issues?

That back history is really useful to know — it confirms that keeping the Dachshund lean is non-negotiable, not just preferable. With IVDD-prone dogs, even half a kilogram of extra weight adds meaningful stress to the spine. So you need a complete raw that's nutritionally dense but not high in fat, portioned precisely. For both dogs, I'd point you to Natures Menu Country Hunter Raw Nuggets. They come in frozen nuggets of roughly 20g each, which makes portioning for two very different sized dogs straightforward — you count nuggets rather than weighing chunks of mince. They're complete and balanced to FEDIAF standards, made with at least 60% named meat, and the range includes lower-fat proteins like turkey and rabbit which suit the Dachshund's weight management needs well. Your Chihuahua gets the same quality food, just fewer nuggets. One product, two dogs, no prep — that's the practical win here.

Yes, feed them separately — always. Not because they'll necessarily fight, but because you need to control exactly how much each one eats, and Chihuahuas in particular can be easily pushed off their food by a more confident dog. For portions: Natures Menu recommends around 2–3% of body weight daily for active adult dogs. For your Dachshund at 9kg, given you want to keep him lean, I'd start at 2% — that's 180g per day, split across two meals, so roughly 4–5 nuggets per meal. For the Chihuahua at 3kg, 2.5% is around 75g daily — about 2 nuggets per meal. Monitor both dogs' weight monthly for the first couple of months and adjust from there. The nugget format makes small adjustments easy.

Turkey is a great starting protein — lean, generally well tolerated, and one of the lower-allergy options if either dog turns out to be sensitive. Transition slowly over 7–10 days by mixing a small amount of raw with their current food and increasing the ratio gradually. Don't be surprised if stools change a little in the first week — that's normal. Once they're settled on turkey, you can rotate in rabbit or duck to vary the nutrient profile. Keep an eye on the Dachshund's waist — you should be able to feel his ribs without pressing. Good luck with both of them.