Puppy Food or Adult food for Asia? Is hse a medium or large breed? HELP!

[AsiaGem]

We just took Asia to the vet. She is very healthy! We are wondering what to feed her, as I have read some mixed reviews about puppy food and boxers. The vet says one thing, the breeder another and a whole bunch of posts on the web say something different.

I have read, and the breeder is of the same opinion, that puppy food is not good for boxers because there is too much protein and calcium in it. The vet gave us Royal Canin Vet Diet for Adolescents and she loves it but I am just concerned. Also her stool is soft. I don't want to feed her something that might contribute to early health problems.

I have read that FFrom is good and Orijen? The breeder was feeding her Nutrience - a Canadian brand for Adults and she says it make the coat really nice and shiny. Nutrience has some good ingredients, 3 proteins and also Corn meal, which is not very good.
In addition, the vet says boxers are a large breed dog, but people who own boxers say Boxers are a medium breed. I am so confused!!!! Why is everyone saying different things?

Could anyone make any suggestions? I want her to be a healthy and happy puppy who likes her food!

 

[whiskers]

I definitely wouldn't classify boxers as large, although I suppose part of that is subjective.

Personally I don't use puppy foods. I either use a good adult food or an all life stages food. I don't think that puppy food would hurt though, I mean most people use it without any issues. Fromm and Orijen are both good choices.

And trust me, I've never seen a boxer have any trouble enjoying their food. :D

 

[Caney Creek]

The Boxer IS considered a medium-sized breed. However there are some unscrupulous breeders of boxers (as goes with any breed out there) who breed for sheer size, striving to create dogs who will weigh 90+ pounds at adulthood. THAT I would consider to be a large breed... which is not at all what boxers are supposed to be, but that might be what your vet was going by... simply what he's seen come into his office.

Fromm and Orijen are very good foods. I recall though some boxers not doing very well on Orijen as it is so rich, especially not puppies. I don't know if I've ever heard of someone here feeding Fromm but do know it's good from reading the Dog Food Analysis site.

I would also not bother with a puppy food; anything labeled for All Life Stages should be suitable.

Just make sure that whatever you choose to try, make the switch very gradually over the course of 7-10 days to avoid stomach upset.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

I agree with Zoe. Personally I like Taste of the Wild food, it's all life stages has 4 varieties to choose from (or change from every couple of bags) and is a good quality food that doesn't break the bank. I also agree that Boxers are a medium breed dog. My boy full grown is 67 pounds, he's of normal size, but definitely not large breed. (And definitely don't want to be feeding food with corn in it so kudos for recognizing that and changing!)

Good luck with your pup!

 

[AsiaGem]

Thank you so much. It gives me a much better idea of what to do.

 

[DiverDiva]

Since you are in Canada, you could look at the Acana brand. It is made by the same company that makes Orijen, but the Acana grain-free varieties are a bit lower in protein than their Orijen counterparts. My Oscar seems to do a little better on the Acana Pacifica than on Orijen 6 Fish. I guess he may need a bit more fiber to keep his stool firm, and Acana has a little less protein and more fruits and vegetables. Mali does about the same on both. I have not tried any of the other varieties of Acana for my two. It seems that the Acana varieties are less expensive than Orijen.