Top 5 Best Dog Foods For Boxers [2021 Buyer’s Guide]

Bouncing Boxer

Boxers are smart, energetic and friendly dogs. Most boxers are of medium size, about 50 to 70 lb at full size. They are descendants of the Olde English Bulldog and were originally used for hunting large, powerful game such as wild boar, bears, and bison. They can be brown, brindle or pure white.

In the United States, boxers consistently place on the top 10 list of most popular dog breeds. Their droopy eyes and squishy jowls paired with a happy and affectionate temperament make them impossible to resist!

However, the boxer is prone to certain health problems, which need to be recognized if you want this high-energy hound to live a happy and healthy life. A place to start is in picking the right food for your boxer. For dogs, especially breeds that face specific health issue, the right food is the foundation to a healthful existence.

Boxers – A Special Breed with Special Nutritional Needs

Boxers are a high-energy, muscular working dog. This means that they can eat A LOT! The average boxer will consume about 1500 calories a day. Thatā€™s almost as many calories as a human consumes daily.

OK, so now you might be wondering if you can simply leave a bowl of food out and let your boxer self-regulate his food intake. Why donā€™t we feed them that way? Well, letā€™s take a look.

  • Bloat: Boxers have a deep, wide chest and are prone to gastric dilatation and volvulus, also known as bloat. This condition is a life-threatening, medical emergency in which the stomach actually twists itself inside the dogā€™s body. While vets do not know exactly what causes bloat, it seems that dogs wolfing down large amounts of food and exercise after feedings are contributing factors. Boxers are known to be a little bit gluttonous when it comes to their food and this energetic breed will be bouncing around whenever heā€™s allowed to do so. Any dog, but especially dogs prone to bloat, should receive several small, controlled meals a day. They should also be encouraged to be calm after mealtime.
  • Weight Gain: Although you rarely see a boxer that looks overweight, this breed is actually prone to excessive weight gain. Because they are a stout and muscular breed, weight gain is not always as apparent in a boxer, with owners usually incorrectly attributing weight gain to extra girth or thickness on their dog. Boxers are also prone to joint problems, mainly in their hips and carrying around excess weight can worsen this issue.
  • Hypothyroidism: Itā€™s hard to imagine, but this high-energy breed is prone to suffer from hypothyroidism. This thyroid disorder will make your dog seem lethargic and tired. It can also cause hair loss and skin problems in dogs. This disorder will also make your dog think heā€™s hungry when heā€™s not causing him to consume more food than he should.
Boxers are also extremely likely to have food allergies. You should shy away from feeding your boxer any commercial food with soy, wheat or corn in it. These foods are often used as fillers in dog food.

If your dog still seems to be suffering an allergic reaction, whether you home cook your dogā€™s meals or buy commercial dog food, chicken is an extremely common, yet often overlooked, canine allergy. It may be difficult to resist your boxerā€™s sad eyes and puppy face, but you should also never feed your boxers dinner scraps as already mentioned they are extremely prone to allergies.

So How Do You Pick Proper Food?

When shopping for food for boxers, it is important to search for food with high-quality ingredients that wonā€™t set off their allergies. Again, common dog allergens include wheat, soy, corn, and chicken. It is also important that your boxerā€™s food is properly balanced.

This means in the crude analysis you should see protein, fat, and then fiber. We will discuss each of these macronutrients below in further detail. You should also ensure that your dogā€™s food contains extra vitamins and minerals to support him as he moves through his life stages. These can include antioxidants and probiotics, but should definitely include essential fatty acids.

If you are introducing your boxer dog to a new brand of dog food that is much higher in protein than his usual food, ensure to work it in slowly so that you donā€™t shock his digestive tract.

For the first week or so, incorporate a Ā¼ of the new food into his feedings. If there are no adverse reactions, you can move to Ā½ the new food Ā½ the old food the week after. If you still donā€™t notice any negative side effects, you can then move to mostly new food, including only Ā¼ of the old food in his dish. Finally, you can move to feeding only the new food.

All dogs should be fed food that consists first of protein, then of fat, then carbs in the appropriate amounts. So, what does that mean, exactly? Well, letā€™s take a look.

Protein: Primary in Your Dogā€™s Diet

All dogs need protein to make up a large part of their diet. After all, all dogs are carnivores and need protein to build strong, lean muscle and to keep their energy levels high. Skimp on the protein and youā€™ll end up with a tired, lethargic pup.

Now, boxers are extremely muscular and generally have a little more energy than some other dogs. They need an extra protein punch. You should be feeding a healthy, adult boxer somewhere in the 30% protein range. To find this information, turn over your dog food bag and check out the crude analysis.

Protein should be the first ingredient on the list. Protein is not the first ingredient? Ditch the food. A quality dog food will always have a higher makeup of protein than anything else. As long as they are not allergic, chicken is a good source of protein for dogs. They can also have beef, lamb, fish, or meat meals.

Meat meal is concentrated, dried meat, which provides a large amount of protein. Most dog food will have a mix of meat and then meat meal. Although there may be a larger amount of ā€œmeatā€ than ā€œmeat mealā€, it is important to remember that meat meal is highly concentrated. While wet meat may be made up of 70% water and 18% protein, meat meal can contain ā€œjust 10% water and a whopping 65% protein.”

Focus on Fat

Fat is also important in a dogā€™s diet. Fat ensures that your pup has extra energy and calories to burn off. It makes their food smell and taste good and it also helps them maintain a soft, shiny coat.

Unlike protein, however, boxers donā€™t require excessive amounts of fat. They have a short coat that is easily maintained. They are also prone to weight gain. Your boxers food should have around 15% fat, which is about average for dog food. Like protein and carbs, fat has its place in your boxerā€™s diet but it needs to come from a legitimate source.

If you look at the ingredientā€™s list and see an ingredient listed as ā€œgeneric animal fatā€ or ā€œanonymous fatsā€ you should purchase a different dog food. These terms are used to describe fats from sources like diseased farm animals and road kill.

A quality dog food will use ingredients like ā€œfish oilā€ or ā€œsalmon oilā€. Flaxseed oil is also a healthy fat source.

These types of fats have the added benefit of providing your pooch with essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fatty acids are great for your dogā€™s heart, will help keep his skin and coat healthy and provide joint support. All of these benefits are extremely important for a boxer who may be predisposed to allergies, heart problems, and joint problems.

Crucial Carbs

Complex carbohydrates are also an important part of the makeup of a healthy food. With this macronutrient, however, it is especially important to carefully vet the food sources. Dogs should never eat food with large amounts of corn or wheat in it. However, they can definitely benefit from carb sources such as green peas, sweet potatoes, and flaxseed.

Dogs break down sources of carbohydrates and convert them into sources of energy. The more complex the carb, the more difficult it is to break down and the slower burning the energy is. These complex carbohydrates will go a long way in helping your dog feel full, as well as keeping his bowels moving and his gut healthy.

Carbohydrates are the sources of fiber in a dogā€™s diet and it has been shown that high fiber diets help keep dogs regular, reduces anal gland problems, and can help with colitis and diabetes in dogs. Fiber is also helpful in the maintenance of a healthy weight.

Carbs also give your dogā€™s food its shape and texture. Kibble is hard and when a dog eats, the hard kibble can help scrape tartar off his teeth for better oral health.

TOP DOG FOODS FOR BOXERS COMPARISON

Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Top 5 Best Dog Foods for Boxers

1.Ā Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food

Sale
Taste Of The Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food High Prairie Adult - Venison & Bison 30Lb
  • A taste of the wild with ROASTED BISON; REAL MEAT is the #1 ingredient; optimal amino acid profile, protein rich for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
  • High protein ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; fruits and vegetables as SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS; fatty acid blend for SKIN & COAT

Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Taste of the Wild is a dry dog food that is meant to mimic what your dog would eat if he were in the wild. This formula contains no soy or corn and is also grain free! It does contain chicken meal, which would only be a problem if your dog has a chicken allergy. This inexpensive dog kibble comes in a variety of flavors, which is a feature we really like in any dog food brand, as we like to spice up our dogā€™s life.

This dog food features highly digestible sources of protein, as well as antioxidants. It also contains an optimal blend of fatty acids to help keep your dogā€™s coat healthy and his joints happy. Finally, the Taste of the Wild is enriched with probiotics for ideal gut flora.

For a boxer, this dog food is almost perfect if maybe slightly high in fat. The Taste of the Wild packs a protein punch with a crude analysis of a whopping 32% protein. As far as fat goes, this tasty kibble has an 18% fat content. The fat content is a little high for a boxer, but fairly average. This dog food has 4% fiber for a healthy gut from healthy complex carbohydrate sources such as peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.

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The bottom line? This dog food is cheap and has the almost perfect makeup to help you raise a healthy boxer. Packed with protein and enriched with omegas and antioxidants, your lucky boxer will not be lacking in nutrients with this food based on an ancestral dogā€™s diet.

ProsCons
  • High levels of protein
  • Soy, corn, and wheat-free
  • Grain-free
  • Enriched with antioxidants, probiotics and fatty acids
  • Ideal for a pet with a sensitive stomach
  • Inexpensive
  • Basically, average but a little high in fat for a boxer

2. Wilderness Blue Buffalo High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Duck 24-Lb
  • Packaging May Vary
  • Contains One (1) 24-Lb Bag Of Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food, Duck

Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Wilderness Blue Buffalo High Protein dog food has the perfect makeup for an energetic, bouncy boxer. This kibble has an optimal 34% protein with a prime 15% fat makeup. This will keep your boxer lively all day long and is perfect for his genetic makeup. Again, we really like that this dog food comes in a variety of flavors.

This formula also includes Blue Buffaloā€™s standard LifeSource bits, which are meaty bits, which are a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. LifeSource bits are cold pressed to help preserve the integrity of the ingredients. This formula also provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and is enriched with glucosamine to help promote longevity and joint health, and well as keeping your dogā€™s coat shiny.

This meat-rich formula is corn, soy, and wheat-free. It contains no chicken but does have chicken meal in it. It also has no artificial flavoring, colors, or preservative agents. This complex carbohydrate-rich dog food acquires its fiber source from sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas.

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The bottom line? This dog food has the ultimate ideal makeup for a high-energy boxer. Perfectly balanced, in terms of fat and protein, this kibble also has high-quality sources of fiber and is free of most dog allergens.

ProsCons
  • Soy, wheat, and corn-free
  • Contains fatty acids and glucosamine for joint health
  • Antioxidant LifeSource bits
  • Perfect protein and fat ratio
  • Some dogs donā€™t like the LifeSource bits
  • Contains chicken meal

3.Ā Natural Ultramix Adult Dry Dog Food

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Natural Ultramix Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-Pound
  • Ideal For Active Adult Dogs Through Their Golden Years
  • Chicken With Other Protein Sources And Pieces Of Fruits And Vegetables For Antioxidants, Vitamins, And Fiber

Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Natural Ultramix for adult dogs contains no soy, wheat, or corn. It is also free of preservative agents, artificial coloring, and artificial flavor. This dog food is also reasonably priced and specially formulated for active dogs.

This dry dog food is prepared with the smallest amount of processing possible to help preserve the natural integrity of the ingredients. It is made with high-quality protein sources such as chicken and salmon.

Although we like a little more protein in foods for boxers, this natural dog food is still high in protein with a makeup of 25% protein. It also has the ideal fat content for a boxer at 15%.

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The fiber content in this dog food comes from high-quality ingredients such as brown rice and real fruits and vegetables such as bananas, peas, and sweet potatoes.

The bottom line? Although weā€™d like to see slightly higher protein levels in this dog food, this food is made of high-quality, real ingredients and is minimally processed. It has an ideal fat content and contains no harmful fillers.

ProsCons
  • Corn, soy, and wheat-free
  • High-quality ingredients
  • Optimum fat content for a boxer
  • Made with as little processing as possible
  • Contains chicken
  • Slightly low protein for this breed

4.Ā Orijen Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food

Orijen Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food, 5 lb
  • High protein, low carbs
  • Fresh meats, fruit, and vegetables

Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Orijen has an amazing reputation with vets and dogs breeders. This dry dog food for adults is ideal for an energetic dog with a makeup of an impressive 38% protein. It is slightly high in fat for a boxer with fat content at 18%, but again, this is a fairly average fat content.

Orijenā€™s food is made with high-quality ingredients, including human-grade meats. It also contains high-quality sources of fiber including pumpkin, squash, yams, and peas. This dog food also contains appropriate levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This helps support joint and heart health and will keep your dogā€™s coat silky smooth.

Although this dog food does contain chicken, it is grain-free. It also contains antioxidant-rich super foods like spinach, cranberries, and blueberries. Picky eaters are also known to love this highly palatable food.

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The bottom line? This delicious dog food is the highest in protein on the list. Although a little high in fat for a boxer, the fat content is basically average. Orijen is trusted by vets and dog breeders since it is formulated with care from high-quality, regional ingredients.

ProsCons
  • Grain-free
  • Appropriate levels of essential fatty acids
  • High-quality, regional ingredients
  • Very high in protein
  • Expensive
  • Contains chicken
  • Slightly high-fat content

5.Ā Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Original Turkey & Chicken, 26-Pound Bag
  • Grain Free: 100% Grain Free, Complete And Balanced Everyday Nutrition For Your Dog
  • Protein Focused Nutrition: Naturally Grain Free, Rich With Delicious Premium Proteins Including Turkey And Chicken Combined With Real Vegetables And Essential...

Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This all-natural adult dog food is wheat, soy, and corn-free. This dog food is perfectly formulated for a boxerā€™s diet. It contains 34% protein from high-quality meat sources such as turkey and chicken. Its fat content is also a reasonable 16%. This food also comes in a variety of different flavors.

This food formula contains no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed and fish oil, as well as is enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and hip support and well as a shiny, healthy coat.

This grain-free pet food also has high-quality sources of healthy fiber. It contains ground flaxseed, broccoli, kale, and sweet potatoes. It is also rich in probiotics and antioxidants. This food is also a great option for a sensitive stomach.

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The bottom line? This all-natural dog kibble has optimum protein and fat content. It is also rich in healthy complex carbohydrates for adequate fiber. On top of this, it is infused with vitamins and fatty acids for optimal joint support.

ProsCons
  • No soy, wheat, or corn
  • Grain free
  • Optimal protein and fat content
  • High-quality ingredients
  • Supports healthy joints
  • Contains chicken

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In conclusion, all these foods are great options for a boxer dogā€™s diet. They all contain adequate amounts of protein and, although some are a little high in fat for a boxerā€™s diet, they are about average in terms of dog food.

Always remember to feed your boxer in small, controlled portions. Never allow him to free feed. Also, remember to keep him calm and donā€™t allow your dog to engage in rough play soon after a meal.

Keep in mind that your boxer dog may reject some of these foods, so the one that is right for your dog is ultimately objective.

We like the Wilderness Blue Buffalo High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food and the Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food as they come as close to perfect as is possible for a boxerā€™s diet. All these foods, however, are made by reputable and caring companies that use high-quality ingredients.

18 thoughts on “Top 5 Best Dog Foods For Boxers [2021 Buyer’s Guide]”

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.With nearly 80 million dogs in the U.S, itā€™s important to consider why large-scale pet food companies have recently become more concerned with better nutrition.Dog parents are demanding natural, high- quality dog foods that will help their pets lead healthier and longer lives. All in all, youā€™ll find that dog owners are being encouraged to provide the best in nutrition for their pets. However, itā€™s important to consider what makes a good dog food. Always ask yourself these questions when choosing a dog food formula: Is my dog suffering from any health problems? What life stage is he or she at? Veterinarians recommend that dog owners have a better understanding of their dogā€™s health issues and life stage before choosing a dog food. As usual, always consult with your veterinarian when choosing a new dog food formula for your furry best friend.

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.With high-quality nutrition being so important for our dogs, it’s aways important to keep reading the latest dog food reviews. The pet food industry has been growing so quickly, that it makes it difficult to choose the right dog food.Every dog is different, and some brands will be better suited for certain dogs. When it comes to dog foods, understanding your petā€™s current health and nutritional needs is paramount. And always remember to ask your veterinarian for advice before changing your dogā€™s diet.

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
      Dogs give us their everything: friendship, love and loyalty! In return, dog parents should give them the very best nutrition.

      If you want to see which dog foods make a difference and keep Fido healthy, you donā€™t have to spend a lot of money. The best dog foods are made with the simplest and most nutritious ingredients. Look for high-quality ingredients such as whole meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains, and take heed of the different macronutrients.(proteins, fats and carbs) There are numerous dog foods that have salmon, venison, beef or duck instead of chicken. If you are switching diets for food allergies, there can be a lot of cross antigen reactions between duck and chicken, and venison and beef.There is no medical reason that your dog should have duck over chicken, unless they have some allergy. If this is the case, use a diet that isnā€™t fowl based anyway, especially if the brand does meet AAFCO standards and feeding trials.Next, youā€™ll have to try and find out which one works best for your dog. Providing Fido with the most appropriate diet that is healthy and beneficial to his life stage will help give your pet a long and healthy life. Always consult with your veterinarian before changing dog food.

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.Victor is a well-known reputable company. It is a very popular dog food brand that has received awesome reviews,Every dog is different, and some brands will be better suited for certain dogs. When it comes to dog foods, understanding your petā€™s current health and nutritional needs is paramount. Always remember to ask your veterinarian for advice before changing your dogā€™s diet.

  1. Thank you for this. Iā€™ve been feeding my dog Royal Canin (Boxer Breeā€™s) but I learned it has corn it it which to make makes no sense since many boxers are allergic to corn. I thought I was getting a high quality food but come to find out it uses chicken by product and itā€™s not grain free. Iā€™m not happy about my purchase and I canā€™t wait to get my puppy off of it. I think Iā€™m going to try Orijen only because my dog is a picky eater. Then maybe wellness Core. Thank you!

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
      With some dog food brands better suited for certain dog breeds, it’s always best to understand your dog’s current health and nutritional needs. You seem to be doing just that! Orijen is a high-quality dog food that has great reviews, so is Wellness Core. Please keep in mind the latest FDA’s advisory on the link between heart disease and grain-free dog food. As usual, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian for the best nutritional advice.

  2. Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.Orijen grain-free and Wellness Core,also grain-free, are both highly- rated dog food formulas, with 4 or 5 star Amazon ratings. Boxers do well on both of these high-quality, grain-free dog food formulas.

  3. The best puppy food for the lab is to Nutro Wholesome Essentials puppy dry dog food formula that contains real, farm-raised chicken, brown rice, & sweet potatoes recipe dry dog food always starts with great-tasting. Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredients that contain amino acids necessary for building muscle and maintaining a healthy metabolism.

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.

      Most of us understand the importance of eating healthily, but many donā€™t fully understand that this applies to our furry friends, too. Vitamins and amino acids should not be synthetic, and organic should mean that all of the ingredients are organic, including vitamins and minerals, and not just a few. A well-balanced dog food should use real meat as its first ingredient. It should also not use harmful preservatives, flavors or artificial colors.

      ā€¢ Look for dog foods that are tested using the AAFCO feeding trials instead of by formulation.
      ā€¢ Look for the nutritional adequacy statement that is required on all pet food labels.
      ā€¢ This label provides answers to three most important questions about your pet food.
      ā€¢ If itā€™s complete and balanced
      ā€¢ What life stage is it intended for? (Puppy, senior, etc.)
      ā€¢ How the claims on the label are substantiated?

      There is no best diet since all dogs have different dietary needs, so itā€™s always smart to find the best dog food to match each individual dog. That said, consult with your veterinarian for advice when changing Fidoā€™s diet.

      For more about how attention changes throughout the span of a dog’s life. visit: https://www.rallydogs.com/article.cfm?newsID=800082

  4. Ha! I just performed a lot of research and came up with the same top two, in reverse order, that I’ve narrowed it down to. Thanks for the info on the bits not being liked by some dogs.
    I’ve read that both peas and chicory can contribute to gas in dogs and we’re looking to abate that. Have you found that to be true?
    I’m looking at the puppy formulas now.

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
      “The FDA is investigating a potential dietary link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and dogs eating certain pet foods containing legumes like peas or lentils, other legume seeds, or potatoes as main ingredients. We began investigating after FDAā€˜s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) received a number of reports of DCM in dogs eating these diets. DCM itself is not considered rare in dogs, but these reports are unusual because many of the reported cases occurred in breeds of dogs not typically genetically prone to the disease and were reported to have been fed the same type of diet (labeled as ā€œgrain-freeā€).” via FDA “There is a range of different brands and formulas included in the reports. Rather than brands, the common thread appears to be legumes, pulses (seeds of legumes), and/or potatoes as main ingredients in the food. This also includes protein, starch and fiber derivatives of these ingredients, (e.g., pea protein, pea starch, or pea fiber). Some reports we have received also seem to indicate that the pets were not eating any other foods for several months to years prior to exhibiting signs of DCM.”

      As for chicory,inulin is found in the chicory root.It is sweet, and is also used to enhance dog food flavors.Inulin oils can help destroy parasites. Inulin is also used as a prebiotic, and is used to support digestive health in dogs.

      Did you know that by feeding a high-quality dog food, you’ll be helping your pooch focus better during training? For more about how canine attention changes during a dog’s life, visit: http://rallydogs.com/article.cfm?newsID=800082

      Brain food for dogs ( what to feed your dog),http://rallydogs.com/article.cfm?newsID=800094

    • Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.I am in no way connected to the content written within this website, most especially the German Shepherd blog. This website hires other writers for their blogs.Please do not contact me regarding website content. I only write content within the comments section.What is the best dehydrated dog food?

      To find the best dehydrated dog food, you’ll need to look for the following:

      ā€¢ Fresh produce is dehydrated below 104 degrees, and is considered raw.
      ā€¢ Meat and fish are steamed at approximately 140 and 165 degrees to kill food borne pathogens.
      ā€¢ Meat and fish are then dehydrated at 125 degrees
      ā€¢ Grains and potatoes are flash heated at temperatures higher than 210 degrees to make them more digestible.This also breaks down the cellulose.

      ā€¢ Minimally processed
      ā€¢ High moisture content
      ā€¢ Whole foods
      ā€¢ Human grade
      ā€¢ Convenient
      ā€¢ Dehydration process leaves behind natural ingredients that support immunity and good health
      ā€¢ Stable shelf life
      ā€¢ Does not need refrigeration
      ā€¢ Color, flavor, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients not impacted by dehydration process
      ā€¢ Cheap shipping costs

      Whatā€™s bad about dehydrated dog food?

      ā€¢ Not as many brands to chose from
      ā€¢ May be more costly

      Look for dog foods that have the following:

      5 Bonus features to look for

      ā€¢ Flaxseed ā€“ This is one of the best plant sources of healthy omega-fatty fatty acids. Flaxseed is rich in soluble fiber when itā€™s been grounded into a meal.
      ā€¢ Chelated minerals ā€“ When minerals have been chemically attached to a protein which occurs during the chelation process, they become easier to digest.
      ā€¢ Oatmeal ā€“ Oatmeal is a whole-grain product that is made from ground oats. It contains plenty of B-vitamins and dietary fiber.
      ā€¢ Chicken fat ā€“ This is a high quality ingredient that offers plenty of linoleic acid, which is an omega ā€“ 6 fatty acid, and is necessary for life.
      ā€¢ Kelp– Kelp provides extra minerals and vitamins that our furry best friends need to complete their nutritional needs. This nutritious sea vegetable is also rich in calcium and helps to maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin.

      General ingredients that include whole meats, fruits or vegetables in their top 5 ingredients are considered good foods. Those that also incorporate antioxidants like blueberries, cranberries, pomegranates and pumpkin are also becoming popular. With that said, organic, natural and preservative- free with no artificial ingredients, are also key to a well- balanced, and high quality dog food.

      As always, consult with your veterinarian for the best advice when it comes to dog food. That said, never feed your puppy or dog dangerous foods like chocolate or grapes.

      For all dog food recalls,visit:https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm629447.htm

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