Raw Dog Food Diet Boxers Guide: Recipes, Benefits & FAQs

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Boxer dogs are a robust and energetic breed known for their playful personalities and distinct physical characteristics. They require a diet that provides them with the necessary nutrients for their active lifestyle, and recently, more and more Boxer owners are turning towards a raw dog food diet. It’s crucial, however, to understand what this diet entails, how it benefits your Boxer, and how to navigate the potential challenges that may arise. Our guide provides a wealth of information, including balanced raw food recipes for your Boxer and responses to common questions about the diet. Whether you’re a raw food novice or a seasoned advocate seeking more insights, this guide is the comprehensive resource to ensure your Boxer thrives on a raw food diet.

What Is A Boxer Raw Dog Food Diet?

The raw dog diet, also known as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), is designed to mimic a dog’s ancestral diet, drawing on the canine’s carnivorous and primal instincts. All ingredients in BARF diet recipes are uncooked to preserve enzyme content, minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. There are three types of raw dog diets: frozen, freeze-dried, and homemade. The BARF diet reflects what dogs consumed in the wild millions of years ago. A variation of the BARF recipe is known as the “prey model raw (PMR)” food. The prey model excludes fruits, dairy, and vegetables. Check out the side-by-side comparison below.

Components	BARF Diet	Prey Model Diet
Edible Bones	10% (whole or ground)	10% (whole or ground)
Muscle Meat	70%	80%
Organ Meat	10% (5% liver + 5% other organs)	10% (5% liver + 5% other organs)
Fruits and Vegetables	10% (8% vegetables & 2% fruits)	0% (Prey Model typically excludes plant matter)
Dairy/Eggs	Optional, small amounts	Rarely included or absent
Supplements	Often included (e.g., kelp, fish oil)	Minimal to none, aiming for a complete diet through variety over time
Focus	BARF stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. BARF is the most popular raw diet style, with many variations available. It mimics a wild diet, emphasizing nutritional completeness through variety, including plant matter.	The prey model raw diet is often seen as the more natural diet for a carnivore. This formula is much simpler as it contains no fruits, dairy, vegetables, or carbs. Strictly mimics the exact proportions found in prey animals, with no or minimal plant matter.

Can Boxers Eat Raw Meat?

Boxers can thrive on a raw meat diet. Genetic and biological evidence shows dogs have noticeable carnivorous traits that allow them to digest raw meat protein more quickly while killing potential bacteria in decaying meat. Dogs also have a remarkable omnivorous capacity but are optimized for eating meat. Read our ‘Can dogs eat raw meat?‘ article to learn more about the science behind why Boxers can consume raw meat-based diets.

Boxer Raw Diet Benefits

Dr. Ian Billinghurst, a veterinarian, pioneer, and top advocate of raw feeding dogs, mentions raw food has several positive effects on canine health, including:

Why Feed A Raw Food Diet to Boxers

Boxer Raw Food Risks

1. Contamination: Raw ingredients pose a higher risk of contamination with harmful pathogens (i.e., Salmonella, E. coli) that can sicken you and your pet.
2. Choking: Feeding whole bones to dogs presents a risk of choking, broken teeth, intestinal obstruction, or internal punctures.
3. Unbalanced: Cooking nutritionally unbalanced raw food recipes can lead to malnutrition, obesity, and other health issues.
4. Raw allergies: Dogs might be allergic to raw ingredients. An at-home dog allergy test can help you pick ingredients that won’t trigger allergies.

How to Reduce Raw Dog Food Risks

Always work with your vet before changing your Boxer’s 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 dog’s dietary needs.

How to Make A Balanced Raw Diet For Boxers

A Boxer’s raw diet should consist of 70% uncooked muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 10% vegetables and fruit, 5% liver, and 5% other organs. It must also include the six essential nutrients for a dog’s proper growth, body function, and health. These nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, fats, and water. It’s also important to consider your pup’s weight, health conditions, size, and activity level.

Below is a detailed breakdown of each nutrient and its importance.

Boxer Raw Diet Nutritional Guidelines to Follow

*If feeding the “Prey” model, this method typically consists of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, and 10% organs (half of which are liver). There are no fruits or veggies.

Source: We compiled the data for the table above by referencing the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines and the Nutrient Requirements of Dogs Report by the National Research Council (NRC). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) utilizes the information from these reports to regulate and ensure the safety of pet foods.

Best Raw Dog Food For Boxers

Are you confused about preparing a balanced dog raw meat diet for your Boxer? Do you have a busy lifestyle with little cooking time for your pup? Don’t know where to start? If you answer ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, a raw dog food delivery service is the best way to let your Boxer reap the benefits of eating raw.

We Feed Raw is one of our favorite choices and offers the best raw diet recipes for Boxers available on the market. They deliver Biologically Appropriate Raw Food straight to your door. Their formula is a balanced blend of raw meat, organs, and bones, supplemented with other key ingredients. All of their ingredients are USDA-sourced. Their formulas are developed with the input of a veterinary nutritionist to meet the nutritional guidelines AAFCO sets.

Get 25% OFF your first order with the code CB25 — Use Canine Bible’s link to get started.

Raw Dog Food Recipes For Boxers

Here are our favorite Boxer raw dog food recipes. We’ve 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 dog’s diet. The recipes below don’t specify serving sizes since they depend on your dog’s breed, weight, age, activity, and health. As a guideline, consider feeding the equivalent amount you’d give in kibble, but always consult your veterinarian for proper portioning.

• CBD Infused Treat
• Beefy Raw Patties
• Raw Boneless Turkey
• Organ Patties
• Chicken & Greens

Blueberry-Banana CBD-Infused Dog Treats

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

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

Ingredients

Directions

1. Oven preparation. Preheat oven to 350ºF and brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil.
2. Banana preparation. Mash a ripe banana until smooth, ensuring no large chunks remain.
3. Dry ingredients. Blend gluten-free flour and oats in a medium-sized bowl.
4. Wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk an egg until beaten. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix well.
5. Combining ingredients. Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring until even. Drizzle in CBD oil, stirring again for even distribution.
6. Mold filling. Scoop portions of the mixture with a tablespoon and press firmly into the dog-treat baking mold.
7. Baking. Bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until the treats are firm to the touch and slightly golden.
8. Cooling and storage. Let the treats cool before transferring them to an airtight container for storage.

Beefy Bark Gourmet Patties

This raw meat food recipe for Boxers is among our favorites. It is easy to digest and packed with all the essential nutrients Boxers need.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Prepare the veggie and fruit mix: Place the carrot, apple, and spinach in a food processor. Process until the mixture is finely chopped.
2. Create the liver blend: Add the chicken livers to the food processor with the veggie and fruit mix until fully mixed.
3. Combine with wet ingredients: Transfer the liver and veggie mixture to a large bowl. Add and combine the reaming ingredients, whole eggs (with shells), plain yogurt, ground flaxseed, and olive oil.
4. Add the beef: Add the ground beef to the bowl. Use a large spoon to mix everything until the beef is evenly distributed.
5. Form the patties: Scoop out portions of the mixture and form them into palm-sized patties. Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Freeze for storage: Transfer patties to a storage container to keep them frozen.
7. Serving: The night before you wish to feed, remove the patties from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator to thaw.

Wholesome Chicken and Heart Harmony Blend

If you want to make a simple recipe that can last you well beyond a week, or perhaps you have more than one dog at home, this recipe will make 11 pounds of raw food, which is 6-7 days’ worth of food for a 50-pound dog, or two smaller dogs.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Prepare the proteins: If you have a grinder, grind the chicken hearts and beef liver together until well combined. If you don’t have a grinder, chop the heart and liver into small, bite-sized cubes.
2. Egg preparation: Crack 7 eggs, keeping only 3 yolks. You can either whisk them lightly in a bowl or keep them whole to be blended with the vegetables.
3. Vegetable and berry puree: Chop the Swiss chard, broccoli, and dandelion greens and place them into the food processor along with the blueberries or mixed berries. Add the eggs (with three yolks), bone meal (or seaweed calcium), pumpkin seed powder, sea salt, and spirulina. Puree the mixture until it’s smooth and the ingredients are well integrated.
4. Mix everything together: Start with the lean ground turkey in a large bowl. Add in the ground or chopped chicken hearts and beef liver. Gradually stir in the veggie and berry puree.
5. Serving and storage: Place the mixture into smaller containers and place them in your freezer. It’s best to freeze your food in 1-3 day portions.

Hearty Health Organ Patties

This Boxer homemade raw dog food recipe should be served as a tasty treat or a variety of feed options once or twice a week. Make it with any excess organs. This recipe doesn’t include bones and cartilage, so don’t use it as a regular meal but as a raw treat your pet can enjoy now and then.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Prepare the organs: Chop the organs or use a food processor for a more uniform mince.
2. Prep the greens: Choose nutrient-rich leafy greens like spinach or kale. Ensure they are precooked, cooled, and finely chopped or processed to enhance digestibility.
3. Mix Ingredients: Combine the minced organs and leafy greens in a large bowl. Crack the raw egg into the mixture, including the shells.
4. Form patties: Form the mixture into palm-sized patties suitable for your dog’s size and dietary needs.
5. Freezing and serving: Freeze the patties until you’re ready to give them to your dog. Thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Chicken Delight with Garden Greens

This is another easy homemade raw dog food recipe for Boxer to add to their menu. It uses raw chicken with a veggie mix and is full of nutrients and vitamins.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Chop the chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog. Clean the chicken hearts and liver, trim excess fat, and chop into small pieces.
2. Egg preparation: Lightly boil the eggs to reduce the risk of bacteria.
3. Vegetable prep: Chop the broccoli, celery, spinach, and carrots into small pieces, or use a food processor to puree for easier digestion.
4. Mixing: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, organ meats, ground bone, chopped vegetables, and alfalfa meal.
5. Storing: You can serve one portion fresh immediately. The remaining food can be stored in airtight containers or freezer bags in the freezer.

More Raw Food Recipes For Boxers

If you want more raw dog food recipes for your Boxers, cookbooks can be useful. Our favorite recipe book for raw homemade dog food is A Novice’s Guide to Raw Feeding for Dogs.

How to Cook Homemade Raw Dog Food For Boxers (DIY Video)

Watch this video and learn to make your own Boxer raw dog food recipes.

Best Raw Dog Food Cooking Practices

1. Understand your Boxer’s nutritional needs
2. Do not use inadequate or dangerous recipes
3. Ensure your dog’s meal is balanced
4. Do not use toxic ingredients
5. Understand the impact of food and dietary changes
6. Do not neglect your dog’s health conditions
7. Switch to raw gradually
8. The diet must be based on your dog’s life stage nutritional needs (puppies, adults, or seniors)
9. Liver and other organs might be slimy. Be cautious and cut into bite-size pieces to avoid choking
10. Feed the leanest ground products possible
11. You can find a broader variety of cheaper organ meats by visiting your local Mexican, Asian, or farmer’s market. Alternatively, you can have frozen organ meats packed in ice and delivered directly to your door.

Before you dive into preparing a raw diet for your Boxer, you must equip yourself with the proper knowledge and skills. Our article, ‘Raw Dog Food for Beginners,’ is a must-read for anyone looking to make this important dietary transition. Covering everything from cooking practices to safe handling, serving and more, this comprehensive guide ensures you’re fully prepared to provide the best raw nutrition for your Boxer. Read our guide now to ensure you make informed, safe, and healthy choices for your beloved pet.

How Much Raw Food to Feed Boxers?

Generally, feed your dog about 2% to 4% of his ideal adult weight. Consider his metabolism, activity level, lifestyle, health, and other factors to determine the perfect amount.

Boxer Raw Dog Food Feeding Chart

To calculate your Boxer’s daily raw food intake, multiply his weight by the percentage below that best fits him.

For instance, for a Boxer that weighs 70 pounds, here is how much raw food you would need to feed him daily.

Scenarios	Raw Food (lbs)
Weight maintenance	1.40 to 1.75 lbs
Active dogs	1.5 to 2 lbs
Senior, less active, or overweight dogs	1.05 to 1.40 lbs
Underweight dogs	2.10 to 2.45 lbs

Use our raw dog food calculator, to get a more accurate calculation of how much raw food to feed your Boxer.

How Much Raw Food Should Boxer Puppies Get?

Boxer puppies need more calories than adult Boxers and should eat about 5% to 10% of their weight to support their growth.

Boxer Puppy Raw Feeding Chart

General raw feeding guidelines for puppies:

How to Transition Your Boxer to A Raw Dog Diet

Raw feeding your Boxer for the first time must be done progressively to allow his digestive tract to adjust and prevent stomach issues. Below is a general schedule for transitioning from kibble to a raw diet.

Don’t change your dog’s food abruptly. It can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting. Monitor your dog’s health closely. If you notice any adverse reaction to the new diet, you should go back a week in the transition plan and proceed slowly.

Boxer Raw Diet Cost

The average cost of traditional kibble is $1.97 per pound, while premium kibble is around $3.47 per pound.^[14] High-end raw commercial dog foods average $6.40 per pound, with cheaper raw options at $3.80 per pound. For reference, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists average prices per pound of beef, chicken, and turkey at $3.90, $1.50, and $1.28, respectively. Switching your Boxer to a homemade raw diet could be comparable to or cheaper than kibble. Commercial raw meat foods are slightly more expensive than kibble, but the health benefits and convenience may be worth the extra cost. Check out our ‘feeding raw dog food on a budget‘ guide for cost-saving tips. Additionally, the option of buying bulk raw dog food can also reduce your expenses.

Foods Your Boxer Should Never Eat

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

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

Raw Food to Never Feed Dogs

Never feed a raw potato to your dog. Potatoes contain solanine, a toxic compound to some dogs, says the AKC. Raw tomatoes also have solanine. Cooking them reduces the levels of solanine, but it’s better to stay on the safe side by avoiding them. Don’t feed salmon or salmonid species of fish. It can contain the Neorickettsia helminthoeca parasite, which causes salmon poisoning disease. This disease can be fatal. The small brittle bones can choke your dog or lodge in his stomach or intestines. Boneless fish (especially oily fish) are allowed only once a week. Never give fish with sharp spines and barbs. No wild pork, bear meat, or meats from wild animals are allowed, not even after freezing. Wild meats contain more parasites than farm-raised meats.

Boxers That Shouldn’t Eat Raw Dog Food

Raw diets are not suited for all dogs. Dogs with kidney or liver problems should avoid eating raw. Raw foods are generally high in protein; excess protein can stress these organs, worsening either condition. Dr. Doug Knueven, a holistic medicine specialist who consults for Nature’s Variety (Instinct, a raw pet food brand), says that dogs on chemotherapy or immune-suppressing drugs should be restricted from eating raw food. For dogs suffering from pancreatitis or digestive problems, starting with a fresh dog food recipe diet before switching to raw is recommended.

Is A Raw Food Diet Good For Boxers?

Is raw food good for Boxers? Here is what supporters and veterinarians had to say.

Boxer Raw Diet Supplements

A balanced raw diet shouldn’t require additional supplementation. However, poorly made raw diets by inexperienced dog parents, a dog’s unique dietary needs, or health conditions may require additional supplementation to specific nutrients. Always consult with your vet. Adding a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews ensures your dog gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals. Making balanced raw dog food recipes can be a tedious process. For more advice on BARF diet nutrition and benefits, check out Give Your Dog a Bone by Ian Billinghurst. This book is considered the Bible of healthy raw dog nutrition.

Monitor Weight And Health

A dog’s weight and gut health are essential indicators of their health, and you need to track them when switching to a new diet (i.e., BARF diet). If your Boxer weight increases or decreases rapidly, it might be due to food-related health issues. A healthy gut can confirm a smooth transition to your dog’s 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 insights into your dog’s 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 Boxer meals, stop doing it immediately and seek expert advice.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the raw diet for boxers offers a fascinating alternative to traditional processed pet foods. While there are undeniable potential benefits, including improved coat health, energy levels, and digestive functions, pet owners must approach it carefully. Balanced nutrition is paramount to a dog’s health and well-being. Therefore, consulting with a professional veterinarian or a canine nutritionist is necessary before significantly changing your pet’s diet.

It’s possible that a raw diet for your Boxer might not be suitable. There are alternative options, such as high-quality commercial dog foods. Our guide to the best dog food for Boxers can help you find the best options for this breed. Similarly, homemade meals for Boxers can provide a well-balanced and healthy diet. For eco-friendly dog parents, vegan dog food can benefit the planet and your dog.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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