Foods to Feed a Boxer Puppy

Boxers are well known as friendly, athletic dogs. Many new owners don't know that boxers can suffer from digestive problems, which can sometimes become severe. When you bring your new boxer puppy home, it is important to know the correct type of food to feed it to keep it healthy as it grows.

  1. Raw Foods

    • Feeding your boxer puppy the raw foods it would eat naturally, as if it were still in the wild, can create long-lasting health, including digestive health. When feeding a raw diet, it's important to balance it to ensure that your dog gets the correct amount of vitamins and protein. This diet should be based on raw meats, such as chicken, pork and beef, and should include regular meats, such as chicken breasts, beef liver and lamb heart. Raw vegetables should also be incorporated. These can include spinach, garlic and carrots. Apples and oranges should be incorporated. Supplements, such as cod liver oil, also promote healthy digestion and growth in boxer puppies.

    Bones

    • Bones supply the boxer puppy with a natural, healthy food source. Raw bones provide important nutrients for a growing dog. They also give the puppy something to chew on, which not only entertains him, but keeps his teeth strong and clean. Bones you give to your puppy should always be raw. Choose pork or beef knuckle and joint bones, which can be found in the supermarket. Never give your puppy chicken bones or any cooked bones, because they can both splinter, causing severe internal damage to your dog.

    Kibble

    • One of the easiest ways to start a feeding program for your boxer is to feed kibble. Kibble is commercially prepared dried dog food, which can be purchased at a pet supply store. There are many different kinds of kibbles available. When choosing a kibble, select one that has few preservatives and additives. Organic kibble is also a healthier option for your puppy. Kibble should not list any corn products in the ingredients, because corn can elevate digestive problems in boxers. It's also important to select a puppy-specific blend of kibble, which will supply the vitamins and nutrients your dog needs to grow.

    Canned Dog Food

    • Canned dog food also is commercially prepared. It provides all the nutrients your dog needs, and is more convenient than making the dog's meals yourself. Because it is wet, canned food mimics the dog's natural food better than kibble does. However, an all-canned-food diet may cause digestive trouble in some dogs. Creating a mixed canned food and kibble diet is often a good option. This may entail giving kibble for breakfast and canned food for dinner. Choose canned food as you would kibble. Look for additive- and preservative-free puppy chows with high nutrition levels.