Boxer-Puppy Feeding Guidelines

Boxers are high-energy, medium-size dogs. Named for their muscular, boxer-like build, these dogs are extraordinarily strong for their size and known for their ability to stand on their hind legs. Boxer puppies need high-quality food to grow and develop properly. Good nutrition can also help boxers avoid some of the illnesses to which they are susceptible, including bloat and hip dysplasia.

  1. Kibble Diets

    • Most people feed their dogs prepackaged wet or dry food called kibble. Although most of these foods purport to be "complete and balanced," there is a huge disparity in nutritional quality among kibble foods. All dogs require a high-protein diet, and protein is especially important for boxers because of their rapid growth and high energy levels. Protein also encourages healthy brain development. Check the ingredients list on the kibble you choose. The first ingredient listed is the largest portion of the food, and should always be meat, not corn, wheat or a meat byproduct.

    Homemade Diets

    • Recent concerns about contaminated pet foods have inspired many people to opt for a homemade diet. When made correctly, these diets can be perfect for your boxer because you can be certain of all the ingredients. Growing boxers must eat approximately 3 to 4 percent of their body weight per day, and 2 to 3 percent as adults. Feed your dog boiled or steamed meats such as chicken, beef and duck. Avoid foods like pork, which cause allergic reactions and skin problems in many dogs. Small quantities of vegetables are healthy for boxers, but should be ground in a food processor; dogs cannot break down the cellulose walls in plant matter, so you must break these down for your dog to receive the benefits.

    Raw Diets

    • Raw diets are among the most controversial choices for dogs, but many people have had excellent results feeding their dogs a diet consisting of uncooked meat and small quantities of vegetables. Raw bones are safe for dogs; it is cooked bones that are dangerous because they can splinter and lead to choking. Give your dog approximately 65 percent raw, meaty bones such as chicken wings; 30 percent muscle and organ meat such as ground beef, hearts and gizzards; and 5 percent plant matter ground in a food processor. Some boxers are susceptible to food allergies and intestinal upset, so give your dog a tablespoon of yogurt each day to encourage its system to produce beneficial bacteria.

    General Guidelines

    • Boxers are susceptible to bloat, a potentially fatal condition in which food swells in the stomach. Encourage your dog to eat slowly to prevent this condition, and avoid feeding large pieces of kibble. The breed is also prone to obesity, which can cause hip dysplasia and premature death. You should be able to feel your dog's ribs but not see them. If you can't feel your dog's ribs, decrease the quantity of food you give it or the frequency with which you feed it.