Savoring Farm Style Meals A Guide to Canine Nutrition

Calorie Calculator

About the PNA Calorie Calculator

This tool was designed to aid the veterinary health care team in making nutritional assessments and recommendations to help their patients maintain or achieve their healthy weight. You can share this information with clients with a take-home worksheet. Use the report function to generate a summary of the calculation.

Achieving and maintaining healthy body condition scores in pets has been proven to reduce the risk of illness and add to the longevity and general well-being of the animal. As animal advocates, we take on the challenge of educating and coaching our pet-owner community about nutrition and best practices in feeding.

Disclaimer: This tool is designed to be used only by veterinary professionals. For obese pets with a body condition score of 7/9 or higher, we advise a weight loss program under the direct guidance of the veterinary health care team. This calculator is only a guideline. Regular monitoring and consideration of outside factors is critical for achieving safe and healthy weight management outcomes. PNA may adjust the formulations based on new data findings.

Boxer Dog Homemade Food Guide: Recipes & Nutrition Tips

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This is the most comprehensive Boxer dog homemade food guide.

Boxer dogs are a strong breed that requires a nutritious diet. What better way of doing this than making their food? Today we share keybreed-specific tipson nutrition and cooking guidelines for preparing homemade dog food for your Boxer. We also share our favorite recipes you can try. Plus, its an easy task to keep your pup happy and healthy! Lets get started!

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BoxerHomemade Dog Food Benefits

Here are some of the main benefits of cooking for your Boxer

• Healthy eating habits
• Quality control
• More affordable
• Healthier
• Portion size control
• Fresh ingredients
• Dietary requirements can be met

Board-certified veterinary nutritionists and diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, Jennifer A. Larsen, DVM, MS, Ph.D., and Joe Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., also agree that switching to homemade dog food comes with significant advantages, such asdiet management, appeasingpicky eaters, bond-building, combatting food intolerance andallergies issues,and avoid concern over dog food recalls.^[1]

Further benefits include preventing many conditions associated with a poor diet, such asobesity, poor skin, coat condition, pancreatitis, diabetes, and reduced immunity.

Food And Boxer Health: Why Feed Homemade?

Boxers generally live between 10 to 12 years. Some of this breeds most common health problems include brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, and epilepsy. Diseases likeallergies, arthritis, eye issues, heart problems (aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy) chronic kidney disease are common in the breed. Other minor and less common health problems this breed suffers from includeskin problems, pyloric stenosis, stomach disease, hypothyroidism and certain cancers.^[2]

How Can A Homemade Diet Help Boxer Health Issues?

• Increased lifespan. Research shows that dogs eating fresh food diets are linked to a20% longer lifespanthan those that dont. A year-long study of 522 dogs by Lippert and Sapy found that dogs fed high-quality, freshly made, real food had an average life expectancy of13.1 yearsversus just 10.4 years for dogs fed commercially processed pet food.^[3]
• Avoid allergies. Cooking for your dog lets you pick ingredients that wont trigger allergies in your Boxer. If you are unsure what ingredients may cause sensitivities or allergies in your pet, we advise doing anat-home dog food allergytest before selecting the ingredients for your dogs next meal.
• Obesity & joints. Switching to homemade dog food allows you to easily calibrate the amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs to maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity in dogs can increase their risk forbone and joint problems (i.e., hip dysplasia) and subsequent osteoarthritis. Studies show that dogs maintaining theirideal body weightlive almost 2.5 years longer (with significantly fewer diseases) than their overweight siblings.^[4]
• Bioavailability. Home-cooked dog food is easier to digest more digestible food means dogs can absorb nutrients more efficiently and faster. Quicker nutrient absorption means minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and amino acids act quicker in the body to carry out different functions, such as decreasing inflammatory responses that can help prevent allergies or help boost overall health.
• Cancer prevention. When it comes tocancer, homemade dog food removes the highly processed food from the equation, often linked tocancer issues in dogs. Food processing has been shown to cause free radicals and carcinogenic chemicals to be released. With homemade, you no longer have to worry about oxidative stress due to processed food.^[5][6]
• Fresh ingredients with no chemicals. Homemade meals ensure your pup always eatsfresh, wholesome, and chemical-free foods without additives, fillers, high-glycemic carbs, or colorants commonly found in kibble.
• Easy digestion. Homemade dog food is easier to digest than those hard-kibble mystery balls. Feeding your pet freshly made food puts less stress on their digestive system and liver, reducing the likelihood ofbloating or other digestive issues.
• Excellent taste and smell. Dogs love the taste, smell and texture of fresh dog food.

Boxer Homemade Dog Food Risks

Here are some of the risks you need to keep in mind.

• Not understanding the nutritional needs of Boxer
• Using inadequate or dangerous recipes
• Not preparing a balanced meal
• Using unsafe or harmful ingredients
• Not understanding the impact of food and dietary changes
• Neglecting your dogs health conditions
• Not understanding your dogs life stages (puppies, adults & senior) nutritional needs

Research by the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary and two studies published in The journalPreventive Veterinary Medicine and The Journal of Nutritional Science found that most homemade dog food recipes lackkey essential nutrients, and other recipes used dangerously high levels of some nutrients.^[7][8][9]

Here are the findings:

• 48% of homemade dog dietshad an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities
• 71.3%of dog ownersdid know how much food to serve per meal
• 30.4% of the pet parents admitted to purposely changing the recipe
• 40% of owners didnt measure the proportions of the ingredients well enough
• 28.3% didnt use any recommended vitamins, minerals, or amino acids.
• 97% of obesity cases in dogs could be traced to how owners fed and played with their pets.

Its vital to understand that dogs nutritional requirements are unique. We recommend consulting a veterinary nutritionist who can address yourBoxersdietary needs and help you make nutritionally balancedrecipes or recommend a homemade food service for convenience.

Boxer Nutritional Guidelines to Follow

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO), the entity that supervises the nutritional value of commercial dog food, there are six essential nutrients all dog meals must contain to ensure a balanced and healthy diet for dogs.

A homemade diet should also consider your pups weight, health conditions, size, and activity level.

Below is a breakdown of each nutrient and its importance.

Recommended Supplements For Boxers

Here are the top recommended supplements for Boxers based on their main health susceptibility issues.

• Hip & joint support: Boxers can be susceptible to skeletal problems, so a supplement like Finn Hip and Jointmay help lubricate joints and maintain cartilage and connective tissues.
• Cardiac support: Boxers may benefit from a cardiovascular supplement, given their propensity to heart problems.
• Multivitamins: Incorporate a multivitamin such as Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews to ensure your Boxer gets the optimal amount of vitamins and nutrients.

If you need more advice on Boxer nutrition, an excellent resource is Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternativeby Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D., a long-time expert in veterinary medicine. This book its considered by many pet nutritionists to be the Bible of healthy homemade dog nutrition.

Always consult your vet before making any changes to your dogs diet.

You can get personalized nutritional advice from a registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dogs nutritional needs.

For further dog nutrition guidance, consult Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D., a renowned veterinary expert. This book is the go-to resource for healthy homemade dog nutrition for most pet nutritionists.

Health Dietary Changes In Boxers

Boxers experiencing the issues below might benefit from the dietary adjustments outlined in this table.

If your Boxer suffers from skin allergies or joint pain, addingdog fish oilmay help bring relief. The AKC states that fish oil promotes healthier coats by reducing itchiness and flakiness in the skin due to its omega-3 fatty acid content. Other significant effects include promoting improved immunity (especially against cancer) while strengthening heart health in dogs.

Boxer Calorie Requirements

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Boxer usually weighs between 50 and 80 pounds, meaning most Boxers need between 1019 and 1449 calories daily.

Ensure you adhere to the 10% guideline when giving treats to your dog. Food should account for 90% of calories, while treats comprise 10%. For example, if your Boxer weighs 65 lbs., he would require 1241 calories daily. With treats included, thats 1117 calories from food (90%) and 124 from treats (10%). Typically, most adult dogs have two meals a day. Hence, you should divide 1117 into two meals of 558.5 calories each.

Pregnant or lactating Boxers may need up to 2 to 4 times the food they usually need as the mothers energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation. Be sure to talk to your vet.

You can use our dogcaloriecalculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.

Homemade Dog Food For Boxer Puppies

A Boxer puppys dietary requirements differ from an adults Boxer.

Compared to adult dogs, puppies require higher protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus levels. Inadequate or excessive amounts of these nutrients can lead to deficiencies, hindered growth, or lifelong health complications.

According to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN), puppies need approximately twice as many calories per pound of body weight as adult dogs of the same breed.

However, many assume puppies require more food and calories daily because they grow quickly. This is not necessarily true. Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM, a veterinary nutritionist at Nom Nom, advises that to promote normal growth, most puppies need a similar number of calories and the same type of food from 4 to 12 months of age. Boxer puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times per day. As your puppy ages (between 6 and 12 months), you can switch to 2 to 3 meals daily at scheduled intervals.

Skipping meals is not advisable during your puppys growth and development. As previously stated in our nutritional guidelines, a puppys diet should include a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, water, and vitamins to ensure proper growth and development.

Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service

If you struggle to find time to cook for your Boxer but wish your dog could eat whole, fresh homemade foods more often, a homemade dog food delivery service might be the perfect solution.

Ollie is one of our favorite options. They offer various fresh, homemade dog food options tailored to your dogs unique dietary needs, age, health conditions, and nutritional goals. For example, if your Boxer suffers from food-related health issues such as allergies or illnesses, Ollie can create a customized recipe that caters to those needs. Their meals are made with real, human-grade ingredients and delivered to your doorstep.

The food is developed by veterinary nutritionists who adhere to AAFCO nutritional guidelines. In our experience, using Ollie saves you time, allowing you to focus on more important things like walks or training your dog. Additionally, you wont have to worry about the hassle of meal planning, grocery shopping, or cooking, and you can mitigate the risks of cooking for dogs.

Best Homemade Food For Boxers

The best homemade food for Boxers is a balanced diet that provides optimal nutrients for proper function while considering your dogs nutritional goals and health. We highly recommend Ollie as the best homemade food for Boxers.

Dont feel like cooking for your Boxer? Here is the most comprehensive guide to help you find the best dog food for Boxers

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Boxer Homemade Food Tips

Before sharing our favorite Boxer homemade food recipes, follow these best practices when preparing your dogs next meal.

• Set a consistent feeding schedule
• Feed your Boxer twice daily (puppies under 12 months, 3 to 4 times a day, check with your veterinarian)
• Meal prep weekly or monthly
• Measure and controlportionsizes depending on your dogs calorie needs
• Keep mealsfrozen for 2 to 3 months or refrigerated for about 5 days
• Make a new batch when the food supply is getting low
• If you want to feed different recipes, you can make multiple batches and color code by ingredients, rotating out the different meals
• Prepare the food in bulk and portion it into containers (one container per meal makes it extra easy)
• Increase portions appropriately as your puppy grows
• Monitor weight to make sure you are feeding the proper amount of calories

How To Cook Homemade Food ForBoxers ( Video)

Watch this video and learn how to cook homemade meals for Boxers.

Best Boxer Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Browse the best homemade dog food recipes for Boxers that will make your pup beg for more.

Weve also included a special treat recipe for your Boxer, enriched with the health benefits of our favorite ingredient: dog CBD oil. CBD oil might help with issues like seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, and overall wellness.

Note:Consult your vet before adjusting your dogs diet. The recipes below dont specify serving sizes since they depend on your dogs breed, weight, age, activity, and health. As a guideline, consider feeding the equivalent amount youd give in kibble, but always consult your veterinarian for proper portioning.

Blueberry-Banana CBD-Infused Dog Treats

Treat your Boxer with these nutritious, therapeutic, and delicious homemade CBD dog treats. They are made with bananas, a great source ofessential vitamins and minerals(like potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6). Banana also aids with digestion and energy. Coconut is added for skin and coat, digestion and helps reduce allergic reactions.

Remember to consult your vet to ensure CBD is safe for your dog and that you are giving the correct dosage. Alternatively, you can buy commercially available CBD dog treatsso your pup can experience CBDs benefits without the cooking.

Ingredients

• 120 mg of the best CBD oil for dogs
• 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup of coconut oil
• 1/2 cup water
• A pinch of sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350F. Brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil.
2. Mash the ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks left.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, blend the gluten-free flour and oats.
4. In another bowl, whisk the egg until its beaten. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix until well combined.
5. Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir until you get an even consistency. Drizzle in the CBD oil and give it another stir to ensure even distribution.
6. Use a tablespoon measure to scoop out portions of the mixture. Press each scoop firmly into the dog treat baking mold.
7. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the treats for 30 to 40 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and slightly golden when ready.
8. Once the treats have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

Chicken & Rice Delight

Many dogs have a soft spot for chicken, making this dish a universal canine favorite. This easy-to-make recipe ensures your Boxer gets a nourishing and delightful meal. This batch yields approximately four servings, which can be stored in your refrigerator.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup brown rice (or white rice if preferred)
• cup peas
• cup chopped carrots
• cup flour (whole grain is preferable, but white flour is acceptable)
• cup water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying

Directions

1. Chicken Preparation. Cut the chicken into half-inch pieces. In a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, cook the chicken on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside the pan drippings.
2. Rice preparation. In a pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions or until its soft and fluffy. Once done, set aside.
3. Gravy creation. Over medium to low heat, warm the chicken drippings in the pan. Combine cup of water or chicken broth with cup of flour. Gently stir until it becomes a smooth mixture. Continue cooking until it evolves into a thick gravy consistency.
4. Combining ingredients. Add the cooked chicken, rice, peas, and carrots to the gravy. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender.
5. Cooling. Let the stew cool down to room temperature before serving to ensure its safe for your dog.

Turkey, Vegetable & Quinoa Feast

As a lean protein, Turkey is excellent for Boxers aiming for a healthy weight. This enhanced dog food recipe combines the richness of turkey with the nourishment of vegetables and quinoa a superfood known for its protein and fiber content. A nourishing blend of lean protein and wholesome veggies, its the ideal meal for your Boxer.

Ingredients

• 4 cups of water
• 1 pound of ground turkey
• 1 cup of quinoa
• 1 cup of carrots, finely chopped
• 1 cup of green beans, finely chopped
• 1 cup of spinach, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of fish oil
• A sprinkle of turmeric (for anti-inflammatory benefits, optional)

Directions

1. Cooking the turkey. Over medium heat, cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet until fully done. Ensure its crumbled well to make it easier for your dog to digest.
2. Preparing the feast. Combine the quinoa, cooked turkey, and water in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a boil.
3. Simmering. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes soft and translucent.
4. Adding vegetables. Introduce the carrots, green beans, and spinach to the pot. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not overly soft.
5. Finishing touches. Once off the heat, stir in the fish oil and sprinkle turmeric, ensuring its mixed well.
6. Storing. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving. Extra portions can be refrigerated and consumed within five days.

Beefy & Veggie Medley

Packed with lean protein from grass-fed beef and fortified with the nutritional punch of veggies, this recipe is both delicious and nourishing. Adding eggs and beneficial herbs ensures your Boxer gets essential vitamins and nutrients.

Ingredients

• 6 cups organic brown rice
• 4 eggs (hard-boiled, peeled, and finely chopped)
• 2 pounds lean ground sirloin (preferably grass-fed, cooked through, with excess fat drained off)
• 3 medium-sized carrots, either shredded or finely diced
• 1 cup fresh green peas or chopped green beans
• 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons of olive or safflower oil
• A sprinkle of ground turmeric

Directions

1. Egg prep. Begin by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once done, peel and finely chop them.
2. Beef cooking. Brown the ground sirloin over medium heat in a large skillet, ensuring its thoroughly cooked. Once done, drain off any excess fat.
3. Mix & combine. In a large mixing bowl or container, combine the cooked brown rice, browned sirloin, chopped eggs, diced or shredded carrots, peas or green beans, minced parsley, and the optional sprinkle of turmeric. Drizzle with olive or safflower oil.
4. Stir together. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and well combined.
5. Serve & store. Serve the mixture in your dogs dish, ensuring its cooled to a safe temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Best Dog Cooking Practices

Ensure that your Boxers meals are safe and nutritious with these tips.

• Never use unsafe or toxic ingredients for dogs
• Useonly boneless meats(no cooked bones)
• Cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria
• Cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier to digest
• Research every ingredient before using it for safety
• Follow recipes as instructed
• Add supplements to their diet if needed
• Run any questions by a vet nutritionist

Monitor Weight And Health

A dogs weight and gut health are essential indicators of their health, and you need to track them when switching to a new diet (i.e., homemade). Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your Boxer is fed the right dog food. If your dogs weight increases or decreases rapidly, it might be due to food-related health issues. A healthy gut can confirm a smooth transition to your dogs new diet, among other health issues. However, identifying a healthy gut is not an easy task. Fortunately, an at-home dog gut health test can provide insight into your dogs gut health.

Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by unbalanced and insufficient meal plans. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your dog meals, stop doing it immediately and seek expert advice.

What Foods Should YourBoxer Never Eat?

Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients dogs need to avoid.

• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Onions
• Garlic
• Avocados
• Raw bread dough
• Coffee, tea, and other caffeine
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol

Here is the complete list oftoxic ingredients your Boxer should never eat. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.

Boxer Raw Diet (BARF)

Raw dog food mimics dogs diet in the wild millions of years ago. Raw dog foods, organs, muscles, whole or ground bones, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are usually included. Several raw dog foods are available, includinghomemade raw dog foodand store-bought (frozen, freeze-dried, and dehydrated).

As the risk of contamination and nutritional imbalance is higher when handling raw foods, preparing a BARF diet for your Boxer requires a lot of extra care and planning. Raw dog diets are gaining popularity because of their fantastic health benefits for teeth, coats, digestion, and allergies.

Read our raw diet for dogs article to discover its advantages and risks. Also, discover the top raw brands for Boxers in our best raw dog food post.

Homemade Dog Food For Boxers Conclusion & Alternatives

Boxers are known for their voracious appetites and must be fed regularly. They should not be given any food that contains artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives because these can cause health problems in the long term.

If youre looking for new recipes to try with your dog, we hope you found a few that might interest you. Be sure to run anything by your vet before switching your pup to a new diet or adding a new ingredient to his diet. Remember, controlling your Boxers digestive health starts with cooking their food at home. For better health, supply your pup withfresh, balanced, and palatablehomemade meals.

Read up onvegan dog foodif your Boxer is prone to food allergies or food-related health issues. Plant-based diets are also becoming increasingly popular for dogs with food sensitivities and other health issues.

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