Boxers must be given a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age. You have to be especially careful with the diet of large breed pups like the Boxer so always buy a food that is made just for them. Your vet will be able to give you further advice on choosing a good dog food for Boxers. Choosing the wrong food can result in growth that is too rapid and that puts a strain on the joints.
Some adult Boxers are prone to being overweight, this is a particular issue if they are not getting enough exercise. Therefore, make sure that you follow the feeding guidelines supplied with the food. However, you also need to keep a close eye on their weight and your vet can help you to do this. If your dog is struggling on just one meal a day, you could split it and feed one half in the morning and one half in the evening.
If you use food treats for training, remember that these need to be taken off your dog’s total permitted calorie intake for the day. Boxers need a constant supply of clean, fresh water either in a bowl or from a pet water fountain.
Boxers are large and energetic dogs that thrive on a diet that is high in protein. They also require micro-nutrients to support their joint health and to help them stay alert. This is true whether they are working as guard dogs or having fun with their human companions.
Here are the main elements that you should include in your Boxer’s diet.
- High-quality protein sources are needed to help your Boxer build strong and healthy muscle that will keep them agile and powerful. Whilst it is possible to obtain protein from meat sources or plant sources, the amino acids in meat are more readily available and beneficial for dogs.
- These are what the body uses to create energy and Boxers need a lot of energy! They need a carbohydrate source that is easy to digest and foods such as sweet potato are ideal.
- All Boxers need fats because they are vital for their metabolism and also provide energy. The best foods have around 5 percent fat content.
- Micro-nutrients. Boxers need a range of vitamins and minerals to maintain optimum health. Omega oils are important for the skin and coat and antioxidants are vital for their immune system.
- Boxers can be prone to digestive issues so any ingredient that helps to support a healthy digestive system is a bonus. It’s a good idea for your Boxer’s diet to include cultures of friendly bacteria such as Lactobacillus. These help them to digest food efficiently.
There are three further elements that can be particularly beneficial in a Boxer’s diet. Calcium is a mineral that is very important for active dogs like the Boxer. It is essential for strong bones but is also important for helping the muscles work correctly. It helps with muscle contraction and this includes the heart muscle. When your Boxer runs around, their heart needs to contract strongly and quickly to get enough oxygen to all parts of the body. Calcium in the diet makes this possible. L-carnitine is another important micro-nutrient. It is involved in the transportation of fatty acids by the mitochondria. These are the energy-builders of your dog’s cells and they work hard in an energetic dog like the Boxer. Finally, your Boxer needs Taurine which is needed for brain development and for efficient heart function.
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