It's such a joy to welcome a new furry family member into your home.
However, with the welcoming comes a whole new set of responsibilities.
You're probably trying to gather as much information as you can to ensure that your child is as healthy as possible and that he or she receives the greatest diet and care possible.
Food is fuel for both developing Boxer pups and enormous powerful adult Boxer dogs, and you must learn how to portion it properly for your Boxer's overall well-being.
Both now and in the future, the sort of food you feed your Boxer for both meals and snacks has a direct impact on his or her health.
A feeding schedule and ensuring that you give the right amount of food are also important.
Boxer Puppy Feeding Chart
Boxer Puppy 2 Weeks Old
A two-week-old boxer puppy should not be separated from his mother.
This is the first week that the puppy will be able to see.
He will not be weaned yet and will rely on his mother for milk.
It's worth noting that smaller puppies may not be getting as much milk as their bigger brothers and sisters.
If you're worried that your puppy isn't getting enough milk, give it to the smaller puppy first, or you might need to use a formula to make up the difference.
Boxer Puppy 3 Weeks Old
Your boxer puppy will have doubled in size and be able to take in more of the world by the time he is three weeks old.
Although a puppy of this age should still be fully dependent on his mother's milk, his eyes should be wide open and he should be taking in more of the world around him.
Some boxer puppies will be more pushy in getting milk than others as their personalities develop, so keep a watch on the pups that aren't receiving enough.
There will always be a time when you will need to supplement your diet.
Boxer Puppy 4 Weeks Old
Your puppy will be ready to wean from his mother's milk at the age of four weeks.
You'll need to mix 14 puppy food with 34 water to help your dog transition from milk to puppy food.
It's going to be a bit soupy.
Begin with tiny amounts to enable the puppy's digestive system acclimate to the new meals and get used to eating them on his own before moving on to larger amounts.
Give the mixture to the puppy three to four times a day, but don't force him to eat it.
Because the change will not happen instantly, but over the next few weeks, the four-week-old boxer puppy should still be permitted to eat at will from his mother.
Boxer Puppy, 5 Weeks Old
You should continue to feed your puppy a mix of puppy food until he is 5 weeks old to see if he is becoming more interested.
Weaning is a time when some dogs are more eager than others.
His mother should continue to be his primary source of nutrition, but she will be less likely to stay with the puppies and may even withdraw herself from them.
Puppies should now have their milk teeth in their mouths, which will make it easier for their mother to nurse them and make them more interested in food.
Boxer Puppy, 6 Weeks Old
Your puppy should have been fed the puppy food mixture at least four times a day by the age of six weeks.
Reduce the amount of liquid in the mixture gradually as the puppy eats more of the puppy food.
Begin by alternating between water and food.
You can move up to 14 liquid with 34 puppy food after the puppy is comfortable eating that food and has no visible stomach problems.
By this age, the puppy should be more interested in exploring and moving around, making the weaning process easier.
Boxer Puppy 7 Weeks Old
Your puppy should be eating the puppy food on a regular basis by the age of seven weeks.
If the mother dog allows them to nurse at all, she will make a quick stop and nurse the pups from a standing position.
After that, she'll be back on the road.
Otherwise, you can expect the mother to keep the puppies away from the meal, letting them to transition to puppy food completely.
Because his stomach is still growing and becoming acclimated, your puppy will most likely not be eating much of the puppy food.
You should feed your puppy three to four times a day, let him to eat and discarding any food that he does not eat.
Boxer Puppy, 8 Weeks Old
Your puppy should be completely weaned from his mother's milk by the age of eight weeks.
Puppies should be fed puppy chow three to four times a day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the very least.
The amount of food you should feed your boxer puppy will be determined by the dog's individual needs.
Your 8-week-old boxer puppy should be fed at least two cups of food per day if possible.
Because boxers have a propensity to get bloated when they overeat, the food cannot be left out for him to eat at his leisure. Puppies can also be rehomed as early as this age.
Boxer, 9 weeks old
Your boxer puppy will have been rehomed and adapting to new homes and routines by the age of nine weeks.
There's a risk that the dog food you feed your puppy isn't the same as the one the breeder gave him.
If this is the case, you should gradually modify the dog's diet so that it does not upset his digestive system.
In addition, they'll have more energy now, which could imply they'll need more calories or consume a greater portion.
At this age, he is unlikely to travel far, but he will be picking up anything on the ground, so be cautious.
Boxer Puppy, 10 Weeks Old
Your active puppy should be eating twice as much as an adult boxer by the age of ten weeks.
Puppies require more fat and calories than adult boxers, but they are also more active and burn more calories.
Nevertheless, you should not allow a puppy to eat at will since he may consume all of his food in one meal and bloat out, which is quite dangerous for boxer puppies.
Boxer Puppy of 11 Weeks
Your boxer puppy's 11th week is a big one for him.
According to his quick growth, he should be consuming roughly twice as much as an adult would eat due to his size.
However, keep in mind that you should be able to see your boxer's waist easily if you want to maintain him as fit as possible.
Look for any symptoms that your down is allergic to his food or isn't properly processing his meal, as boxers tend to have more sensitive stomachs.
Discuss with your veterinarian any concerns you may have about your dog's growth.
Boxer Puppy 12 Weeks Old
At this point, your dog should be developing steadily and you shouldn't have to worry as much about weight gain as you did when he was a puppy.
Dry dog food, divided into at least three meals a day, should be easy for your puppy to ingest.
Setting feeding times for your puppy will not only help him maintain a healthy digestive system, but it will also help him learn to housebreak.
Your puppy will eat up to four cups of food every day as he grows.
You may need to increase the amount of food your dog is eating if you notice any ribs.
What Should I Feed My Puppy?
When it comes to feeding your Boxer, you have a couple of options.
To offer them the finest nutrition possible, you can choose one of these or perhaps attempt a combination diet.
Rinse Kibble
For most dogs, a dry kibble diet is the norm. It contains all of the nutrients they require in a single bag.
When it comes to dry kibble, there are many different levels of quality.
There are a few things to keep in mind before feeding your Boxer a dry diet if you desire to do so.
Because Boxers are prone to skin allergies, their food can cause a variety of skin reactions as well as inside inflammation.
Wheat, maize, soy, and other fillers are the most prevalent food allergies in Boxers.
As a result, you might want to talk to your veterinarian about a grain-free diet.
It is really beneficial to your dental health if you choose dry kibble.
The crunch of the cable keeps your Boxer's teeth clean and free of tartar-forming plaque.
Tartar buildup in your dog's mouth might lead to dental problems.
Food that isn't dripping with water
For most dogs, the smell of wet food is appealing.
However, as a pet owner, you may be concerned about the health of your pet.
Some wet meals, on the other hand, are better suited to a Boxer's topping diet rather than a full-fledged diet.
Wet food has a larger calorie content than dry food, which might lead to weight gain.
It is also more expensive than dry kibble in terms of cost.
Because it is found in the mouth and on the teeth, it is thought to be linked to dental disease.
Diet that isn't processed food
There are pre-made raw diets available for purchase online or in-store. You can even try your hand at making a dog-specific recipe at home.
In the event that you prepare your own, make sure to include all of the necessary ingredients to ensure that your dog gets all of the nutrition he or she needs.
Raw diets provide uncooked and unprocessed food for your Boxer, which is free of hazardous preservatives, artificial additives, and other fillers.
The pros and drawbacks of a raw food diet are discussed by PetMD, including the concerns of bacteria in raw meat.
How to Avoid Underfeeding and Overfeeding
It's critical to feed your Boxer a balanced diet that includes all of the essential elements for their long-term well-being.
They must have the proper equilibrium, especially during puppyhood, so that their muscles, bones, organs, and skin can develop properly.
Underfeeding
Underfeeding your Boxer can lead to a slew of health issues in the dog's entire body.
Getting the correct nourishment for your Boxer can lead to the following problems:
- Obesity in the body
- Probable causes of acne
- Probleme with the stomach
- A healthy coat
- Inhibition levels are low.
Over-feeding
When you think about overeating, you might think of weight gain, but there are other repercussions as well.
Here are a few examples:
- Obesity
- Atherosclerosis is a condition that affects
- Healing is delayed.
- Arthritis
When Should You Change Your Puppy's Food to Adult's?
To grow properly, puppies require a lot of protein, calories, carbohydrates, and other nutrients.
Because puppies have greater energy and develop at a faster rate, their bodies require essential nutrients to keep up.
It's time to start transitioning pups to adult food after they've reached a particular age.
The bodies of larger dogs, such as the Boxer, tend to mature at a slower rate than those of smaller breeds.
Between the ages of 18 and 24 months, a Boxer is usually ready for adult food.
You should always transition your dog's diet gradually over the course of 5-7 days, as with any other change in their diet.
When you're switching from one to the other, most produced foods will have instructions on the back that tell you how to portion your dog.
If my puppy isn't eating, what's the matter with him?
Whenever a Boxer puppy refuses to eat, there is always something going on behind the scenes.
Some of the causes are uncomplicated, while others necessitate veterinarian intervention.
A few possibilities include:
- Simply put, your puppy's pet food may not appeal to him or her.
- Infections, such as viruses, intestinal parasites, and bacteria, can induce a lack of appetite.
- Teething, inflammation, and anal gland impaction are all common causes of pain, but they are not the only ones.
- There could be problems with any of their organs, but the liver, kidneys, or the endocrine system are the most common.
- A change of surroundings can cause a lot of stress in your dog. Every puppy responds differently, and it's possible that it'll just last a few days while they get used to their new surroundings.
- Puppies are infamous for eating things they shouldn't. A intestinal obstruction could be the reason of the rapid change in appetite.
How to Boost Their Appetite
There are a few things you can do if you want to get your puppy to eat:
- Dispose of a dull diet
- Combine wet and dry kibble.
- In a bowl, pour the chicken broth.
- Stir in the cooked, unseasoned chicken.
When Should Your Dog Visit the Vet?
If you can't get your puppy to eat and you can't get them to eat, it's probably time to take them to the vet.
If any of the following symptoms appear in your puppy, see your veterinarian:
- Lethargy
- Crying
- Bloating in the tummy
- Rectum swollen
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrea
How Much Should an Adult Boxer Be Feeded?
Many factors influence the amount and type of food you feed your Boxer.
Male
Male Boxers are slightly larger than female Boxers in adulthood.
Males, on average, weigh 60 to 70 pounds and require 3 to 5 cups of food per day.
- 3 cups for 60 pounds
- 4 cups—65 pounds
- 5 cups—70 pounds
Female
Female Boxers, on average, weigh 55 to 65 pounds less than their male counterparts.
2 to 4 cups of meals each day are required to maintain this weight range.
- 2 cups—55 pounds
- 3 cups for 60 pounds
- 4 cups—65 pounds
Active
To make up for what they expend, a Boxer that is really active will require more calories.
An active Boxer will need a protein-rich diet to feed their muscles in addition to a higher calorie intake.
You should provide a calorie-dense, protein-rich dry kibble, and you should follow the weight-based instructions.
Consider Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food if you have an active Boxer.
It's packed with essential nutrients, as well as a balanced dose of whole protein and carbohydrates to help your dog's body recover.
Sedentary
Overfeeding boxers causes them to gain weight quickly, which is due to their insatiable appetites and love of snacking.
You'll want a low-calorie kibble if you have a lazy Boxer who doesn't get much activity.
A wonderful alternative is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight.
This food is a low-calorie alternative that does not deprive you of the nutrients you need.
Spayed/Neutered
Spaying or neutering your Boxer is often misunderstood as causing them to gain weight.
However, what happens is that their metabolism rate slows down, resulting in a loss of energy.
If you continue to feed them the same amount of food, they may gain weight as a result of the slowing process.
Pregnant/Nursing
When a Boxer is pregnant or nursing, the amount of food they eat needs to be increased in order to feed the puppies and restore the mother's body.
The nutrients are always given to the puppies first.
In other words, the mother will suffer if you have a food that is lacking in certain areas.
Consider Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics Dry Dog Food for your pregnant or nursing Boxer if you're on the lookout for a good kibble.
Puppies can also consume it when they start eating kibble because it has a lot of nutrients to replace the mother's body.
Seniors' Boxer Feeding Instructions
When a dog reaches a specific age, it has special dietary requirements, just as it does when it is a puppy.
To stay capable, happy, and healthy for the rest of their lives, seniors must eat meals that are appropriate for their stage of life.
When a Boxer is between the ages of 6 and 9, he or she enters the senior category.
It may be fine to keep your dog on this diet if he or she has been on it for all of his or her life phases.
You may want to reduce your Boxer's consumption slightly as they become older because their metabolism slows down.
Your dog will also be less likely to get overweight if he eats a low-calorie diet.
It may be preferable to feed your senior a specific diet that helps with their condition if they have certain health difficulties.
You can work with your vet to make sure that their unique dietary requirements are met as time goes on.
Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity 7+ Adult Formula Dry Dog Food is a great mix for older Boxers.
It's made for people who are in their senior years.
Why Does My Boxer Always Want to Eat?
Some dogs have an insatiable appetite that never goes away.
It appears like you only have a few seconds to get it into the bowl before it is sucked up like a vacuum cleaner.
So, how can you make a positive impression on a Boxer who always seems to be starving?
Free-feeding is a method of providing food to your dog at all times.
The concern with this procedure is that large dogs, such as Boxers, are prone to stomach dilation-volvulus, or bloat (GDV).
When a dog eats too quickly, gas fills the abdomen, causing bloat.
Is it possible that it will result in death?
Overeating can become the norm as a result of this strategy, which is terrible manners.
A better option to free-feeding your dog is zo serve him smaller, more often meals.
Slow-Feeder Bowls—a slow feeder bowl is a terrific technique to slow down your dog's digestion and allow them to properly digest their food.
The Outward Hound Non-Skid Plastic Slow Feeder Interactive Dog Bowl is a fantastic slow feeder to try.
It allows your Boxer a variety of patterns to eat in, while also slowing them down and encouraging their mental curiosity.
What Are the Worst Foods for Boxers?
You want to make sure your Boxer is getting a well-balanced diet if you're buying commercial food for them.
Here's a list of additives that can cause problems for your dog if you're not sure what to look for.
Fillers
It's essential to avoid any fillers that can cause allergic responses in Boxers because they're allergic to them.
You should be aware of the following:
- Corn
- Wheat
- Soy
- Dairy
- Additives that aren't naturally occurring
Many commercial dog foods, however, are loaded of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
Having a healthy kibble devoid of synthetic substances is excellent for your dog.
Cancer and other major health problems have been related to the use of these chemicals.
- By-products of animals
- Ethoxyquin, BHA, and BPA
- Glycol of propylene
Food that isn't dripping with water
While wet food can be a good supplement to dry kibble, you should not exclusively feed your Boxer wet food.
It's not only pricey, but it's also bad for their lips.
Food that has been soaked in water might lead to the following problems.
- Plaque
- Blow a bath
- Tartar
- The illness of the periodontal ligaments is a condition that affect
Food for Humans
Of course, most dog owners are well aware of the dangers of feeding their pets table scraps. Dogs should eat food that is specifically designed for them.
The following are some of the most harmful human meals to avoid, according to the ASPCA:
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Nuts of macadamia
- Sweetener xylitol
What Does a Boxer Puppy Need In Nutrition?
Protein-rich, high-quality diets are required for your boxer puppy.
This is to aid in his endurance.
Calcium, taurine, and L-carnitine-rich foods should also be available to him.
Foods high in fillers and grains should be avoided because they can lead to weight gain, although they have little nutritional value.
If the first item is a protein, such as chicken or beef, you'll know you're on the correct track.
Because boxers are large breed dogs, they should be fed puppy food that is appropriate for their size.
Do You Need To Feed Supplements To Your Boxer Puppy?
You don't need to boost your puppy's diet with additional vitamins because boxer puppy food is so high in nutrients.
Supplements, on the other hand, might be quite harmful to your puppy because you may be giving him too much food.
Overeating can cause both health problems and illness.
You can chat to your vet about what types of vitamins your boxer should take to be healthy once he or she has transitioned to adult food.
A Boxer Puppy's Water Needs: What Should He Drink?
Every two hours, your puppy should drink around a half-cup of water in general.
He will need less water over time, averaging around an ounce per pound of body weight every day.
You'll notice that a boxer puppy drinks more than a dog of the same age.
This is due to the fact that they are developing and requiring a lot of fluids.
You should remove your puppy's access to water approximately three hours before bedtime if you're housetraining him, but it should be easily available the rest of the time.
What Is The Daily Activity Needed By A Boxer Puppy?
A puppy boxer does not require the same amount of exercise as a mature boxer. It's a decent rule of thumb to get 5 minutes of exercise every month of age.
For example, a puppy who is 2 months old needs roughly 10 minutes of exercise each day, whereas a dog who is 6 months old needs 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Adult boxers require 2 hours of workout per day, but it takes time to gain the weight and strength to sustain that level of activity.
Boxer Background
Boxers have it all: loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and beautiful looks.
For a long time, the Boxer has been one of America's most beloved dog breeds, bright and alert, occasionally goofy, but always fearless.
It's a sight to behold when a well-made Boxer is in excellent shape.
Males can reach a height of 25 inches at the shoulder, while females are shorter.
Underneath a short, tight-fitting coat, their muscles tremble.
The face is attentive and curious, with dark brown eyes and a furrowed forehead.
With white markings, the coat might be fawn or brindle.
Boxers move in the same manner as the sportsmen after whom they are named: with a powerful forward thrust and a fluid, beautiful movement.
Boxers are jovial and fun to be around.
They have a reputation for being a fantastic dog with children because of their patience and protective attitude.
They are dedicated to their duties as a watchdog and family guardian, and they will stand firm in the face of danger.
In their early puppyhood, boxers do best when they are exposed to a lot of people and other animals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much should a Boxer puppy eat?
Puppies should be fed puppy chow three to four times a day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the very least.
The amount of food you should give your boxer puppy will be determined by the dog's individual needs.
Your 8-week-old boxer puppy should be fed at least two cups of food every day if possible.
How much food should I feed my Boxer dog?
In conclusion, a recommended beginning point for Boxer dogs is to feed them 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality kibble in two portions per day.
Depending on your dog's size, weight, age, and total daily activity, the amount of food he or she receives may fluctuate.
Are Boxer puppies hard to potty train?
Boxers are meticulously groomed and are quick to learn how to go pee.
“Keep in mind that after eating, drinking, sleeping, or playing, your puppy will need to go potty within five to fifteen minutes,” Henkle advises.
She advises that pups go to the same place every time they need to go pee.
Reward them with a treat or praise once they've left.
What should I feed my Boxer puppy?
A safe bet is always kibble.
Because commercial dog foods are well-balanced, you can rest assured that your Boxer puppy is getting all of the nutrients he requires in the appropriate proportions and levels.
May also be a very convenient choice.
How much should a 10 week old Boxer puppy eat?
Nonetheless, there are some general guidelines to follow: puppies require roughly 55 calories per pound of body weight.
Young pups may eat a little more than a cup per day, while older pups might eat up to three cups per day.