We often want to share our favorite foods with our Boxers. But as you know, Boxers have different metabolic systems than ours. That’s why what’s safe food for us may not be safe for our Boxer. Therefore, you need to know which fruits, vegetables and snacks are safe for your Boxer. Below are the most common 37 fruits, vegetables & other snacks Boxers can (and can’t) eat:
List of fruits Boxers can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Boxer can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Boxer can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Boxers can eat apples. They’re a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your Boxer. The low protein and fat content make apples perfect for senior Boxers.
Before you feed them to your pup, remove the seeds and core first, because they can be choking hazards. Also avoid processed apples like applesauce and apple pie filling—they have added sugar that’s not good for your Boxer’s teeth and digestive system.
Avocado
Avocados are not safe for your Boxer to consume. The fruit, pits, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin so these parts are potentially poisonous to your Boxer.
Avocado oil is safe in small amounts, but it is best to avoid feeding your Boxer avocado altogether just to be safe. If you feed your Boxer avocado oil, keep it away from his eyes because it may cause irritation or ulcers in the eyes of some Boxers.
Bananas
Yes, Boxers can eat bananas.
But before you start feeding your Boxer the peel, know that it’s not a good idea to give them the whole banana. The peel is hard for your Boxer to digest, and can cause stomach upset. So remove the peel before giving your Boxer the fruit.
Bananas are high in potassium, vitamins B6 and C, biotin, fiber and copper—all nutrients that are good for Boxers’ health. They’re also low in cholesterol and sodium (which is good for heart health).
But they do have a high sugar content, so we should give bananas as an occasional treat—and only in moderation.
Blackberry
Yes, Boxers can eat blackberries.
Blackberries are low in calories and sugar, while they contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re also fantastic for digestion, as well as your Boxer’s overall health.
Fresh or frozen? Both options are great! If you’re using fresh berries, just wash them thoroughly before giving them to your Boxer (the same way you would for yourself).
Avoid processed blackberries like blackberry jelly, jam and blackberry-flavored ice cream, as they may contain toxic food additives.
2 blackberries a day per 10 pounds of body weight of your pooch is fine.
Blueberry
Yes! Boxers can eat blueberries, but it’s important to keep the amount of blueberries they eat to a minimum.
Blueberries are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which are great for your pup’s health, but they’re also high in sugar. So feed them in moderation (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight).
Frozen fresh or dried, either is fine for most pups. Avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt, blueberry pie and blueberry pancake as they may contain harmful preservatives and additives.
Cantaloupe
Yes, Boxers can eat cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe are low in calories but high in other nutrients like fiber and moisture. They also contain a lot of sugar, so give your Boxer only a small slice of the fruit in moderation.
Remove the rinds and seeds before giving your Boxer the rest of the cantaloupe, as they can cause choking hazards and digestive problems.
Cherry
Cherries are a delicious treat for humans, but they can be toxic to Boxers. While the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the cherry plant contains cyanide. The most common symptoms of cyanide toxicity in Boxers are dilated pupils, difficulty in breathing, red gums and incoordination. If you suspect your Boxer has eaten cherry, contact your vet immediately.
Grapes
No, grapes are very toxic to Boxers. Even a small amount of grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in your Boxer.
Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect your Boxer ate grapes.
To prevent accidental ingestion, keep the grapes out of your Boxer’s reach and educate your family about the danger of grape toxicity.
Mango
It’s true: Boxers can eat mango. Mango contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E that are essential for the health of your Boxer. It also has potassium, fiber and antioxidants that are great for your pup.
However, it’s important to remove the mango skin and pits before feeding it to your pooch. You don’t want to risk choking on those items! Also avoid processed mango products like mango sorbet, mango popsicles, mango ice cream as they may contain harmful ingredients.
The amount of mango you feed your Boxer depends on the size of your Boxer, but one-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week should be sufficient.
Oranges
Can a Boxer eat oranges?
Yes, your Boxer can eat oranges in moderation. Oranges provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture for your pup. However, it’s important to remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds before giving them to your Boxer.
Give only the fleshy part of the fruit to your Boxer. You can give your Boxer 1-2 sections as an occasional treat.
Peaches
Yes, Boxers can eat peaches—in small amounts.
We recommend cutting up fresh or frozen peaches into small pieces for your Boxer. Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A, so they’ll be good for your Boxer’s digestion. They also are delicious.
However, please remove the pit before serving it to your Boxer, as it contains cyanide, which is poisonous and dangerous in large quantities. Also avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful preservatives that could make your Boxer sick.
Pears
Yes, Boxers can eat pears.
Pears have a lot of benefits for Boxers. They’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber—all important nutrients for Boxers. For example, copper helps with red blood cell production and vitamin C is necessary for collagen production. The fiber helps keep your Boxer regular and healthy.
In fact, research has shown that eating pears can reduce the risk of having a stroke by 50%!
It’s important to note that you should only give your Boxer one small slice of pear at a time. Pears contain sugar so you should only give them in small amounts. If your Boxer eats too much sugar, they may experience diarrhea or gas pains.
Pineapples
Pineapple is a tasty snack for your Boxer.
Pineapple contains vitamins, minerals, and bromelain, which all help to keep your pup healthy. It also has moisture—perfect for keeping them hydrated. If you give your Boxer too much pineapple, it can cause diarrhea. But in moderation, it’s a great treat!
The only part of the pineapple that is safe for your Boxer to eat is the soft inner fruit—so make sure you remove the spiky skin and hard inner core before giving it to your Boxer.
Avoid processed pineapples like canned pineapple and pineapple cake because they contain added harmful chemicals.
Pumpkin
Yes, pure pumpkin is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Boxers. Pumpkin helps with your Boxer’s skin and coat, so it can be used to supplement the nutrients in their diet. It’s also great for digestion, which makes it useful for remedies on both diarrhea and constipation in your Boxer.
Never feed your Boxer pumpkin pie mix—that stuff is loaded with sugar! Canned pumpkin is fine to give your Boxer as long as it’s 100% pure pumpkin (not mixed with other things). Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today, so if you want to give your furry friend something special this holiday season, look no further than these treats! The amount varies with your Boxer’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day.
Strawberry
Yes, Boxers can eat strawberries! In fact, they’re full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Fresh and frozen strawberries have the same benefits, so whether you’re making homemade Boxer treats or giving your pup a treat from the store, you can feel confident that your Boxer is getting a nutritious snack.
If you want to give your Boxer fresh strawberries (or any other fruit), always cut them into small pieces before serving. This is because Boxers don’t have the same teeth as humans and can’t chew their food well enough to break down whole fruits. To avoid choking hazards, remove the stems as well.
If you’re using frozen strawberries: Remove them from their packaging and place them in a bowl of water for 15 minutes before serving. This will help prevent any potential choking hazards by breaking down any ice crystals that might be present in the fruit.
Watermelon
Watermelon is low in calories, high in vitamins and minerals, and contains lycopene, which is an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer. It also provides moisture to Boxers who need it.
The flesh of a watermelon is a safe and nutritious snack for Boxers. Cut it into small chunks and remove the seeds, rinds, and skin before feeding it to your pet. Half a cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon per 10 pounds of body weight is enough for most Boxers to enjoy as a treat.
List of vegetable Boxers can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Boxer can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Boxer can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Yes, Boxers can eat broccoli.
Broccoli contains Vitamin K, Vitamin C and minerals that are good for your pup’s health. It also contains fiber and other nutrients that help keep the digestive system healthy. The stems and florets of broccoli are both safe to eat, either cooked or raw. However, always cut them into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. Offer 1/4 (0.25) cup of chopped broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight to your pup at each mealtime.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a nutritious and healthy food for Boxers. It contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is also rich in fiber and moisture. Red, green, all colors of cabbage are safe and healthy for Boxers. Red cabbage is more nutritious, having 10 times more vitamins than green cabbage.
Lightly cooked or roasted cabbage is the best, easy to digest. But make sure no seasoning with oil or salt. Offer 1 bite of roasted cabbage per 10 pounds of body weight of a pup.
Carrots
Can Boxers eat carrots? The answer is yes.
Carrots are a great low-calorie treat for your pup. They contain vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber—which is great for their digestive health! And, crunching on this orange veggie is a great way to keep your Boxer’s teeth healthy.
You can give your Boxer raw, frozen or cooked carrots—either will do the trick. However, cooked carrots are better since they’re easier to digest than raw or frozen ones. For raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces so they’re easier for your pup to chew and swallow.
You might think that carrot cake is an unsafe food for Boxers—but if you make it yourself with no added harmful additives, then it’s perfectly fine to share some with your Boxer. One or two baby carrots are enough for an average-sized pup; don’t go overboard though.
Celery
Yes, Boxers can eat celery. This is a great low-calorie treat for your furry friend!
Celery is a great source of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants. It’s also high in moisture and fiber, which are important for keeping your Boxer healthy and hydrated. Plus, you can mix it with their regular food or other treats like peanut butter to add variety to their diet.
While celery sticks are ok, especially for big pups, celery leaves are fine too, as long as they’re organic and washed. Just be sure to cut the celery into bite-sized pieces before giving it to your Boxer so they don’t choke on it! Start with one or two bite-sized pieces at first, then slowly increase the amount over time until you see how much your Boxer can handle safely.
Cucumber
Can Boxers eat cucumbers?
Yes, they can! Cucumbers have plenty of vitamins, minerals, moisture and fiber to keep your Boxer healthy. They also provide phytochemicals that help freshen your Boxer’s breath.
Cucumber seed and peels or skin are safe as long as they are organic. However, avoid processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles, as they may contain harmful additives like onions, garlic, salt, and sugar.
Amount depends on the size of your Boxer but we recommend only one or two pieces of cucumber per day.
Garlic
Can Boxers eat garlic?
No! Garlic is toxic to Boxers. Garlic contains N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Raw and cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic are toxic to your Boxer. Toxic dose is 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight. Contact the vet immediately if your Boxer ate garlic!
Onions
Onion is a very common food in our diet today. We add it to almost every dish we make. However, if you have a Boxer, then you should know that onions can be very dangerous for them.
The reason behind this is that onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia in Boxers. The toxic dose is 15 gm/kg of the body weight of your Boxer.
Besides, all parts of the onion plant are toxic to Boxers too, including the flesh, ring, leaves, juice and processed powders. So even if you think your Boxer swallowed just a small piece of raw onion or cooked onions, it can still cause him harm by affecting his red blood cells and making them rupture, which causes hemolysis leading to anemia in the Boxer. Please contact your vet if your Boxer ate onions.
Zucchini
Yes, Boxers can eat zucchini. It’s a low-calorie treat that is full of vitamins and antioxidants, as well as high in fiber and moisture.
Zucchini is safe for Boxers to eat plain raw or steamed, but it’s best to cook it first because cooking reduces the amount of vitamin A by about half. Start with one or two small bites—the size of your Boxer’s paw—and increase the amount gradually until you find out how much they can handle without getting sick.
List of some other snacks Boxers can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Boxer can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Boxer can or can’t eat:
Bacon
Bacon is a popular breakfast food, but can it be healthy for your Boxer? The short answer is no. Bacon is an incredibly rich and fatty food with a high salt content.
It can prove to be too much for a Boxer’s stomach to handle and eating a large amount can cause pancreatitis.
However, giving your Boxer small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should not cause harm.
Beef
Can Boxers eat beef? The answer is yes, in small amounts. Although beef is a good source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals, it’s important to select the right kind of beef for your Boxer. Lean cooked beef that is unseasoned should be safe for your Boxer unless he or she has a food allergy to beef.
But if you want to add more variety to your pooch’s diet, there are other options as well: Beef broth, stew and jerky made from raw or cooked lean beef without excess salt are all safe for Boxers. You can also give your pet larger raw bones as chew toys — just remember never to feed him cooked bones because they may splinter into sharp pieces that could damage his teeth and gums, and can even be a choking hazard.
Bread
Yes, Boxers can eat bread. However, only plain white and wheat bread is safe for Boxers to eat. Avoid processed bread like bread with yeast. Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Boxer, so offer them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Boxer. Too much bread can cause diarrhea or bloating if they are not accustomed to eating it or if they have sensitive stomachs.
Cheese
Yes, Boxers can eat cheese! In fact, it’s a great source of vitamins and fatty acids that your Boxer needs to stay healthy.
However, be careful which types of cheese you feed them. Mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar cheese are safer bets than other varieties like cheesecake, blue, goat, parmesan and cream cheese.
You should also keep in mind that how much you give your Boxer depends on the size of their stomachs (which varies from breed to breed). If you’re not sure about how much is too much for your pooch’s specific breed, talk to your vet about it first. Ideally, a few small bites are okay for your Boxer.
Chicken
Yes, Boxers can eat chicken. Chicken is a great source of protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. As long as you choose boneless cooked breast meat and avoid the skin (which contains a high amount of fat), there are many benefits to feeding your Boxer chicken.
The amount you feed depends on the size of your Boxer, but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Boxer is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
The answer is no. Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to pups. Cocoa powder (most toxic), unsweetened baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate and dark chocolate contain the highest levels of these ingredients; milk chocolate contains lower levels of them but still isn’t safe for Boxers.
If your Boxer ate any amount of chocolate—even just one bite—the first thing you should do is contact your vet immediately so they can assess whether it’s an emergency.
Eggs
Yes, your Boxer can eat eggs.
Eggs are a great source of protein, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Just make sure you’re feeding well-cooked eggs with no seasoning or harmful ingredients. Raw eggs may contain bacteria, and the avidin in raw egg whites can prevent absorption of biotin.
Also, avoid giving your Boxer the shell—eggshells can be sharp and cause injury to your Boxer’s digestive system. If you do feed them the shells, be sure to grind them up so they don’t have any sharp edges.
Fish
Yes, Boxers can eat fish.
Fish are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. They have a high content of vitamin D, which is good for your Boxer’s skin and coat.
But not all fish are safe for your Boxer. Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon, shrimp and tilapia are safe for your Boxer. Avoid longer-lived fish species like tuna and shark as they can contain heavy metals like mercury. Always clean them properly, debone them, then cook it by adding no harmful additives to it. Feeding your Boxer one or two times per week in small, controlled amounts is best for their health.
Icecream
The answer to the question, “Can Boxers eat ice cream?” is a resounding no.
Boxers should never be given ice cream. Ice cream contains high amounts of dairy products and sugar, which can cause serious health issues in Boxers. Symptoms of ice cream toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and excessive thirst.
It’s important to note that not all ice creams are toxic for Boxers—there are some brands that vets have approved for Boxers. However, unless you know for sure that your Boxer can handle ice cream without suffering from any negative side effects, stick to Boxer-safe treats instead.
If you suspect your Boxer accidentally ate ice cream, seek veterinary help immediately.
Peanut butter
Yes, Boxers can eat peanut butter in moderation.
Peanut butter provides protein, vitamins and healthy fats. However, ensure the peanut butter is pup safe without xylitol and chocolate. Also, avoid peanut butter pretzels as it contains 3 times more sodium. Amount depends on the size of your Boxer, but start with a half teaspoon per day.
Popcorn
So, can Boxers eat popcorn?
The short answer is yes! But there are some things you should know.
Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Boxers to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Boxers, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins. It’s also a great source of fiber for your pup.
Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings like buttery topping or cheese sauce are not safe for your Boxer because they contain salt and other additives that can be harmful to your canine companion’s health. Un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Boxer’s teeth.
Turkey
Yes, Boxers can eat turkey. Turkey is a great source of protein, fatty acids and minerals for your Boxer. It’s also a good source of vitamin B6 and niacin, which help maintain healthy skin and coat. Turkey meat is safe as long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat to your Boxer.
Turkey breast meat is the best option because it’s low in fat and calories, but contains plenty of protein without too much sodium.
You should avoid feeding your Boxer turkey skin—it can cause GI upset and pancreatitis in Boxers just like in people! Also avoid processed turkey because it may contain harmful ingredients that could be harmful to our furry friends.
The amount of turkey your Boxer should eat depends on their weight: 20 grams of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight for your pooch.
Yogurt
Yes, Boxers can eat yogurt. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Boxers. However, some Boxers may have trouble digesting dairy products. If your Boxer can digest it, the active bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system. Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Boxer.
Avoid any yogurts with added sugar or artificial sweeteners as they can create a host of problems for your pup. One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most Boxers.