How to Feed a Boxer Puppy

For a boxer puppy, good health starts with good nutrition. Boxers may look intimidating, but they are an affectionate, friendly breed. They are intelligent, easily trained and playful. The boxer is very devoted to its family and makes an idea watchdog, and they are also one of them most commonly owned breeds in the United States. Boxers are a sturdy breed with only a few major health concerns. When they are well cared for, they can live up to 10 years.

Things You'll Need

  • Puppy formula food
  • Food dish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase dry puppy formula food that has meat as the first ingredient. Common meats are chicken, lamb and beef. Boxer puppies need extra protein to grow, and meat is the healthiest source of this protein.

    • 2

      Feed your boxer puppy a puppy formula food for at least one year. Puppy formula has the extra protein and nutrients that your boxer needs to grow healthy. Your puppy will burn extra energy as it grows, and it can get this energy from puppy kibble.

    • 3

      Check the food package label for suggested daily feeding amounts. This is a guideline to help you determine how much your puppy needs to eat, based on its weight (which will change as it grows; boxers weigh up to 80 pounds when full grown). Follow this guideline to avoid overfeeding and weight-related health problems.

    • 4

      Create a feeding schedule for your boxer puppy. Give it three to four meals a day to start, and switch it to two meals (one in the morning, one in the evening) per day as it gets older. Try to feed your boxer at the same time every day. It will appreciate the stability and consistency, and staying on schedule will help regulate your pup's digestive system.

    • 5

      Pick the food dish up off the floor when your puppy is done eating, or after about 15 minutes. Don't leave a full dish on the floor for your puppy to pick at all day. This will contribute to overfeeding and unhealthy weight gain.

    • 6

      Give your puppy treats and snacks if you like (especially while training). The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends that treats make up no more than 5 percent of your boxer puppy's daily nutrients.

    • 7

      Ask your boxer puppy to perform tricks or basic commands to earn its meals. For example, have it sit and wait patiently while you prepare the food. Don't do this until your puppy has at least a basic understanding of a command. Mealtimes can become an extra time to reinforce your boxer puppy's training, especially since boxers love being rewarded for hard work.