Best Boxer Dog Feeding Guide: Top 4 Diets Compared for Nutrition

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Best Boxer Dog Feeding Guide

A boxer dog feeding guide can help Boxer dog owners answer one of the most frequently asked questions when they bring a new Boxer into their home – “What is the best food to feed my Boxer and how often should I feed them“

In addition, a Boxer dog feeding guide can help boxer owners share the diet & nutrition information and feeding schedule with their veterinarians to ensure that it meets the dietary needs of their Boxer.

This article provides a boxer dog feeding guide for the 4 leading boxer dog diets and compares their nutrition information so Boxer owners can decide which Boxer dog diet is best for their pet.

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Major Diet Types

There are 4 major types of diets that Boxer owners feed their Boxer dogs. They vary in type, quantities, and feeding schedules. We will detail each diet type and compare them for their nutritional value.

4 Major Diet Types

• Kibble/Wet Food
• Fresh/Frozen
• Raw
• Homemade

Kibble and wet food are currently the most frequently used dog food diet in US households.

Data reported by supermarketnews.com states

“Dry dog food, or kibble, remains a staple in almost all U.S. dog owners’ homes, with approximately 94% of U.S. dog owners using kibble consistently for the past decade, while sales of wet or canned dog food also increased from 35% to 38%.”

Is it the best option, because it has the greatest usage among US dog owners? Let’s find out based on our comparison of the Top 4 Diet Types.

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Kibble & Wet Food

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Kibble

What is Kibble? KIbble is a dry dog food designed to include all of the Macronutrients; Proteins, Fats, Carbohydrates, Micronutrients; Vitamins, and Minerals to provide your dog with balanced nutrition in a cost effect and convenient form.

One of the key benefits of kibble is that it provides a balanced and complete diet for dogs, with the correct percentages of macronutrients such as protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Typically, good quality kibble will contain between 18-28% protein, 10-20% fat, and 30-60% carbohydrates.

Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles and tissues, fat provides energy and helps maintain healthy skin and coat, and carbohydrates provide energy and fiber for digestion.

Additionally, kibble is convenient and easy to store, making it a practical option for pet owners who have busy lifestyles.

Nutrient	Typical Sources	Percentage	Function
Protein	Chicken, Beef, Fish Meal, Eggs, Peas	18-28%	Builds and repairs muscles and tissues, essential for growth and development
Fat	Chicken Fat, Fish Oil, Flaxseed	10-20%	Provides energy, aids in nutrient absorption, and helps maintain healthy skin and coat
Carbohydrates	Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Sweet Potatoes	30-60%	Provides energy and fiber for digestion
Fiber	Beet Pulp, Psyllium Husk, Whole Grains	2-6%	Promotes digestive health and aids in bowel regularity
Vitamins	Fruits and Vegetables, Fortified Supplements	Varies	Essential for overall health and immune system function
Minerals	Meat and Bone Meal, Supplements	Varies	Essential for bone health, fluid balance, and other bodily functions
Water	N/A	N/A	Essential for hydration and bodily functions

Note: The percentages provided are general ranges and may vary depending on the specific brand and type of kibble. It’s important to always check the ingredient list and nutritional information on the package to ensure your dog’s specific dietary needs are being met.

For more detailed information on Kibble, read our article 7 Kibble Pros and Cons: Best Authorative Guide for Determining if its the Best Choice for Your Boxer

We use and recommend Iams ProActive Health Large Breed Real Chicken High Protein Dog Food available at Chewy.com

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Wet Dog Food

Wet dog food is made from high-quality proteins, beef, chicken, lamb, liver, fish, and mixed with carbohydrates which may include rice, and vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals (micronutrients).

These ingredients are cooked down and packaged in a can using a vacuum sealer to remove any excess air and then placed into a sterilizer under high heat and pressure to kill bacteria.

Wet Dog food is a popular option among pet owners due to its palatability and convenience.

When it comes to nutrition, wet dog food typically contains a balanced mix of macronutrients, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as a variety of micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.

Wet dog food typically contains between 7-12% protein, 2-6% fat, and 1-3% carbohydrates.

In terms of micronutrients, vitamins like vitamins A, B, and D are often added to wet dog food, as well as minerals like calcium and phosphorus to support bone health.

The Table below outlines the typical nutrient content of wet dog food.

Nutrient	Typical Sources	Percentage	Function
Protein	Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Fish, Turkey	7-12%	Muscle growth and repair
Fat	Chicken fat, Fish oil, Flaxseed oil	2-6%	Energy source, healthy skin, and coat
Carbohydrates	Sweet potatoes, Brown rice, Barley	1-3%	Energy source, fiber
Vitamins	Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin D	Varies	Support overall health and well-being
Minerals	Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc	Varies	Support bone health, immune system, and other bodily functions

We use and recommend Iams ProActive Health Classic Ground with Slow Cooked Chicken & Rice Healthy Aging + Ground with Chicken & Whole Grain Rice Wet Dog Food from Chewy.com

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Fresh/Frozen Dog Food

Fresh or frozen dog food has become increasingly popular among pet owners who are looking for high-quality and nutritious food options for their furry friends.

These types of dog foods typically contain a mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

The proteins used in fresh or frozen dog food can include chicken, beef, fish, lamb, and other meats, and can range from 10-20% of the total nutrient content.

Fats are typically provided by sources like chicken fat, fish oil, and flaxseed oil and can range from 6-10% of the total nutrient content.

Carbohydrates in fresh or frozen dog food often come from sources like sweet potatoes, brown rice, and barley and can range from 2-8% of the total nutrient content.

In addition to macronutrients, fresh or frozen dog food can contain a range of micronutrients including vitamins like vitamin A, B, and D, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

The table below outlines the typical nutrient content of fresh or frozen dog food

Nutrient	Typical Sources	Percentage	Function
Protein	Chicken, Beef, Fish, Lamb	10-20%	Muscle growth and repair
Fat	Chicken fat, Fish oil, Flaxseed oil	6-10%	Energy source, healthy skin, and coat
Carbohydrates	Sweet potatoes, Brown rice, Barley	2-8%	Energy source, fiber
Vitamins	Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin D	Varies	Support overall health and well-being
Minerals	Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc	Varies	Support bone health, immune system, and other bodily functions

Note: The percentages listed in the table are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brand and formulation of fresh or frozen dog food.

The information in this table is intended as a general guide and should not replace professional advice from a veterinarian or animal nutritionist. References: AAFCO, 2019; Heinze et al., 2019.

Fresh frozen dog food often includes a variety of unique proteins that may not be found in traditional dry or wet dog food options.

These can include game meats like

• Venison
• Bison
• Wild Boar

Other more exotic proteins that are used less often but may be used as a source of protein include

• Rabbit
• Kangaroo
• Ostrich

These novel protein sources can be beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, as they are less commonly used in commercial dog food and therefore less likely to trigger an adverse reaction.

For additional information on food allergies with Boxers read our articles

6 Top Foods That Lead to Food Allergies in Your Boxer Dog

7 Most Common Boxer Dog Allergies – Helping Your Boxer WIth Symptoms

Additionally, some fresh frozen dog food brands may include more sustainable protein sources like insect protein, which can be a more environmentally friendly option.

It’s important to note that while these unique proteins can provide a range of benefits, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your dog’s diet is balanced and meets their specific nutritional needs.

For Fresh Human Grade dog food we recommend Ollie’s Beef with Sweet Potatoes, Ollie’s Fresh Chicken With Carrots, Ollie’s Fresh Turkey with Blueberries, and Ollie’s Lamb with Cranberries meals.

Some of the top manufacturers of fresh frozen dog food include:

1. NomNomNow
2. The Farmer’s Dog
3. JustFoodForDogs
4. Ollie
5. Stella & Chewy’s

These companies have gained popularity in recent years due to their emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and personalized meal plans for individual dogs and who prioritize the health and well-being of their pets.

NomNom has a great selection of Fresh foods your dog will love. For more information use the banner below to visit NonNom and review their selection of fresh dog food products.

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Raw Feeding Diet

Raw diets for dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years as pet owners seek out more natural and minimally processed food options for their pets.

These diets typically consist of raw meats, bones, and organs, as well as some fruits and vegetables.

Proteins in raw diets can come from a variety of sources including

• Beef
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Fish

These proteins can make up 60-80% of the total nutrient content.

Fats are often provided by sources

• Beef Fat
• Fish Oil
• Flaxseed Oil

These fats can make up 10-30% of the total nutrient content.

Carbohydrates in raw diets typically come from fruits and vegetables like

• Apples
• Carrots
• Leafy Green
• Broccoli
• Blueberries

Carbohydrates can make up 5-15% of the total nutrient content.

In addition to macronutrients, raw diets can also include a range of micronutrients like vitamins and minerals.

The Table below outlines the typical nutrient content of the Boxer Dog Feeding Guide for raw diets

Nutrient	Typical Sources	Percentage	Function
Protein	Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Fish	60-80%	Muscle growth and repair
Fat	Beef fat, Fish oil, Flaxseed oil	10-30%	Energy source, healthy skin, and coat
Carbohydrates	Fruits and vegetables	5-15%	Energy source, fiber
Vitamins	Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin D	Varies	Support overall health and well-being
Minerals	Calcium, Phosphorus, Zinc	Varies	Support bone health, immune system, and other bodily functions

Note: The percentages listed in the table are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and formulation of a raw diet. It’s important to work with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your dog’s diet is balanced and meets its specific nutritional needs.

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Raw Food Diets Common Ingredients

Raw food diets for dogs often include a range of unique proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that may not be found in traditional commercial dog food.

These can include proteins like

• Venison
• Elk
• Bison

Fats in raw food diets can come from a variety of sources, including animal fat like beef fat and duck fat, as well as plant-based sources like coconut oil and flaxseed oil.

Carbohydrates in raw food diets typically come from fruits and vegetables like

• Kale
• Spinach
• Blueberry
• Pumpkin
• Broccoli
• Sweet Potatoes

Many raw food diets also include organ meats like liver and kidney, which are nutrient-dense and provide a range of vitamins and minerals.

It’s important to note that while these unique ingredients can provide a range of benefits, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your dog’s diet is balanced and meets its specific nutritional needs.

The Table below provides some examples of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates commonly used in raw food diets for dogs.

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Raw Diet Macronutrient Examples

Nutrient	Example Sources	Function
Proteins	Beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, venison, elk, bison, rabbit, quail	Building blocks for muscle, bone, and tissue repair
Fats	Beef fat, chicken fat, duck fat, fish oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil	Energy source, healthy skin and coat, immune function
Carbohydrates	Kale, spinach, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potato, blueberries, raspberries	Fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

Note: This table provides only a few examples of the many possible ingredients that can be used in raw food diets for dogs. It’s important to work with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your dog’s diet is balanced and meets its specific nutritional needs.

Sources:

• Schlesinger DP, Joffe DJ. Raw food diets in companion animals: a critical review. Can Vet J. 2011;52(1):50-54.
• Vose A, Michel KE. Nutritional content of commercially available raw food diets in the United States. Vet Med (Auckl). 2018;9:9-18.

For additional information on raw food diets, read our article: Raw Food Diet For Boxers: Definitive Cost Analysis – Are They Worth It?

If you’re feeding your Boxer Dog a Raw Food Diet, we recommend Raw Paws Pet Food. They offer a great selection of raw foods for your pet. Click on the link below for more details.

Save 20% with your first Autoship at RawPawsPetFood.com! Use code AUTO.

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Homemade Diets

Homemade food diets for dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years, as many owners are concerned about the quality and safety of commercial dog food.

Homemade diets can be made with a variety of proteins, including

• Beef
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Fish
• Eggs

In addition, commonly used carbohydrate sources include

• Sweet potatoes
• Green Beans
• Peas

Fats can come from sources like fish oil, flaxseed oil, and coconut oil

One of the benefits of homemade diets is that owners can control the nutrient content and adjust the diet to meet their dog’s specific needs.

However, it’s important to ensure that the diet is balanced and includes all of the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Some of the key vitamins and minerals that should be included in homemade diets for dogs include

• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Zinc

It’s recommended that owners work with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to develop a balanced homemade diet for their dog.

The table provides some examples of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that can be used in homemade dog food diets, along with their typical percentages.

Nutrient	Example Sources	Percentage
Proteins	Beef, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs	25-50%
Fats	Fish oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil	10-15%
Carbohydrates	Sweet potatoes, green beans, peas	25-50%
Vitamins/Minerals	Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc	N/A (varies by nutrient)

Sources

• Larsen JA, Parks EM, Heinze CR, Fascetti AJ. Evaluation of the nutritional adequacy of recipes for home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012; 242(11): 1500-1505.
• Michel KE. Unconventional diets for dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2006; 36(6): 1269-1281.
• Dodd SAS, Shoveller AK. Raw diets for dogs and cats: a review, with particular reference to microbiological hazards. Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2019; 16(8): 451-462.

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Homemade Diets Macronutrients

Homemade dog food diets offer a wide range of options when it comes to protein, fat, and carbohydrate sources.

Some of the unique proteins that can be used in homemade dog food include

• Venison
• Wild Boar
• Rabbit
• Biaon

Fats can come from sources like

• Chicken Fat
• Beef Fat
• Pork Fat
• Olive Oil
• Sunflower Oil
• Avacado Oil

Carbohydrates can include a variety of vegetables and fruits such as

• Carrots
• Kale
• Apples
• Blueberries

Homemade diets can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each dog, whether that be a high-protein diet for a working dog or a low-fat diet for a dog with pancreatitis.

It’s recommended to work with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to develop a balanced homemade diet for your dog.

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – 4 Major Diets Pros and Cons

The table below provides the pros and cons of four different types of dog food diets

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Pros and Cons

Diet Type	Pros	Cons
Kibble/Wet Food	Convenient and easy to store Wide variety of brands and flavors Complete and balanced nutrition	Lower-quality ingredients and fillers May contain artificial preservatives and additives Can be high in carbohydrates and low in moisture
Fresh/Frozen Food	High-quality, fresh ingredients Complete and balanced nutrition Lower processing than commercial diets	Expensive compared to kibble/wet food Shorter shelf life than kibble/wet food May require special storage and handling
Raw Food	High-quality, fresh ingredients May provide health benefits such as improved digestion and coat quality A more natural diet for dogs	Risk of bacterial contamination Can be expensive May be difficult to balance nutrient content
Homemade Food	Complete control over ingredients and nutrient content Can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each dog Higher quality ingredients	Time-consuming and labor-intensive Can be difficult to balance nutrient content Risk of nutrient deficiencies or excesses

Sources:

• Freeman LM, Chandler ML, Hamper BA, et al. Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2013; 243(11): 1549-1558.
• Michel KE. Unconventional diets for dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2006; 36(6): 1269-1281.
• Larsen JA, Parks EM, Heinze CR, Fascetti AJ. Evaluation of the nutritional adequacy of recipes for home-prepared maintenance diets for dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2012; 242(11): 1500-1505.

For a wet dog food to add to your dog’s kibble that uses natural ingredients with no preservatives that are made in the USA by a family-owned business try Fromm Pate Chicken and Rice Canned Dog Food 12.2oz Case through Cherrybrook.com

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – 4 Major Diets Compared

Below is a table rating each type of dog food diet on a 5-point scale for balanced nutrition, cost, convenience, and feeding schedule

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide Diet Comparison Table

Diet Type	Balanced Nutrition	Cost	Convenience	Feeding Schedule
Kibble/Wet Food	4	5	5	5
Fresh/Frozen Food	4	3	4	4
Raw Food	3	2	3	3
Homemade Food	3	3	2	2

If you are feeding your dog a homemade diet try Just for Dogs – Do It Yourself Nutrient Blend – Beef homemade food to help save time and effort.

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Diet Feeding Schedules

The table below provides the feeding schedule for each of the 4 major types of dog food diets including quantity and number of times per day

Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – 4 Major Diet Types

Diet Type	Quantity per Day	Number of Feedings per Day
Kibble/Wet Food	1-2 cups per day, divided into two meals	2
Fresh/Frozen Food	1-2% of the dog’s body weight per day, divided into two meals	2
Raw Food	2-3% of the dog’s body weight per day, divided into two meals	2
Homemade Food	Varies depending on the recipe and the dog’s size and activity level	Varies depending on the recipe

For a kibble dog food that uses Clean natural ingredients, try Wild Earth Complete Protein Dog Food – Rich Umami Flavor Dog Food

Try the Freeze-Dried Dog Food Products at Only Natural Pet using the link below

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Boxer Dog Feeding Guide – Summary

A Boxer dog feeding guide can help the pet owner ensure their boxer dog is getting a balanced nutritious diet that provides all of the macro and micronutrients your Boxer dog needs.

There are 4 major types of dog food diets that are popular for feeding your dog. We have presented the data for you to make informed decisions based on your family and lifestyle situations to help you determine which diet may be the most appropriate option for your Boxer.

It is important that you review the diet and feeding guide with your veterinarian to ensure it meets the specific needs of your Boxer.

We hope that this information is useful and ensures that your Boxer enjoys eating the diet you select.

Discoverboxerdogs.com are Mary and Chris Kustanbauter.  We reside in Red Lion, PA with our two Boxers, Duke and Katie, who are both rescue dogs.  We have been working with Adopt A Boxer Rescue for the past 17 years and have adopted 5 Boxers from this fine organization. To learn more visit our Home, Boxer Dog Family, and Blogs Pages  Visit us on social media on Facebook – Discoverboxerdogs.com, Instagram, and Pinterest.