Concidering a Boxer

[whiskers]

Are there any store bought treats that are just not good for them, or that I should stay away from?

Well, there are definitely treats out there that are made with crummy ingredients and loaded with sugar--such as Beggin Strips and Pupperoni and the like. Those are certainly not HEALTHY treats. But, my opinion, is that these treats are not the end of the world if given in moderation... as a treat should be. My dad gives my dogs a Beggin Strip every single day. And they're fine. The other thing to keep in mind, is that if you're using the treats for training, well.... you gotta use whatever it is your dog likes and is willing to work for. As one of Juno's trainers said, "if your dog will recite the Pledge of Allegiance for a piece of a Beggin Strip, then by all means, give your dog Beggin Strips."

As far as what treats ARE healthy, many of the "good" dog food brands also make treats that are equally as good. My favorite (or I should say, Juno's favorite) store bought treats are Zukes, Buddy Biscuits, and Natural Balance food rolls.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

Awesome! Thanks so much! One more question. Are there any store bought treats that are just not good for them, or that I should stay away from?

I'd say most unfortunately. If you go with treats stay with the premium dog food brands most of the good brands of foods also make treats. You can also go with making your own treats or dehydrating your own jerky. If you buy jerky make sure it's JUST the meat that is in it. Duck jerky and chicken jerky is pretty common but there's a lot of crummy knock offs too that are crummy. If you have a Costco membership they sell good quality duck and chicken jerky.

Things like milk bones, beggin' strips, basically anything you can buy at a discount store (such as Walmart, Target, etc) the grocery store, or most pet stores unless it's a premium brand are crummy.

 

[Gatorblu]

My dogs are grain-free so they get Provenance treats. Also since my senior dog has to take meds, so they get boiled chicken liver, or as I call it, "puppy pate'", that pills can easily be hidden in, but they will do ANYTHING for it!

As for Beggin Strips and treats of that nature, I agree, in moderation, they are fine. I will pass on a warning I got from my vet tho'. If you give your dogs these typres of treats you should be dilligent about brushing their teeth. Because they are kind of "gummy" they can stick you dogs teeth causing a build up that can lead to gingivitis, and tooth decay.

 

[chrystel]

Same here: I feed Taste of the wild and they eat 3 cups a day each.
I buy 2 big bags at a time + 1 bag of treat - so about $100 each time.

For the treats. I try to stay with "the goods" (in my belief): their fav' is Wellness banana an apple bars. Also the brand Old Mother Hubbard - they love the peanut butter ones.
For special treat (agility) I use turkey hot dogs and also cheese Charlie Bear (available at petsmart - only 3 calories per treat)

Also, I give sometimes can food (taste of the wild, wellness, ... ) but they LOVE canned carrots or canned french cut green bean (no salt added - at walmart). It's about $0.50 a can and it costs me hardly anything and makes them super happy!

I add the powder supplement "Joint Strong" to their food - and they lick their bowl like crazy! they are totally in love with this supplement! ($48 for 2lbs - lasts a while!)

 

[dubbb]

I have a 16 month old female boxer who is 55lbs. I've had problems picking the right kibble in the past and finally after about a year have found it. I've used wellness which in my opinion is not good for boxers. Too much fiber. She had horrible stools and gas that would run you out of the room on this so we switched. Eukanuba was our second choice. It wasn't bad but she wouldn't eat unless she was starving, and I mean she would go a day without eating because she didnt like it. I wouldn't go with eukanuba cause I think they're having manufacturing problems and recalling a bunch of food. That was the reason y we switched her to another food which was royal canin. Let me tel you something about royal canin. don't even consider it. I know all boxers are different but my female got severly sick everytime she ate it. It was the boxer formula too. They say royal canin is a high quality food but in reality it's not. Read the ingredients.

Now I must share with you what I think is the best food. Remember these are my opinions and all dogs are different but Before Grain is the best food! Yes the name is Before Grain. It is made by the same people who make Merrick. The ingredients are amazing, and hints the name Before Grain, there are no grains. Since you said you've done your research you should know grains are really bad on dogs especially boxers. They make 3 different flavors of this kibble, and you can change with every bag not having to worry about gradually mixing them. As a matter of fact they recommend you switch em up to give them a variety. It comes in a 25lb bag that lasts me about a month. I pay about $45 a bag. The bag also comes with a ziplock so it stays fresher. I feed her 4 cups a day. She absolutely loves this stuff. I feed her 2 cups in the morning and 2 cups at night. There is one thing I don't like. That's the kibble size. They come in pellets which are hard for Boxers. I recommend you getting a special bowl so your dog won't demolish it. When they do this it can cause horrible gas.

Well that's what I have learned and what I've found to work best for my boxer. Also I'm not sure if they have a puppy formula but you should check into that or ask if puppies can eat before grain. With whatever u choose remember that boxers are not a large breed so don't get a large breed kibble Good luck!