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25 Best Foods for a Boxer with Kidney Disease

Written by: Z

Z

| Published on May 12, 2023
Does your Boxer have chronic kidney disease? You’re not alone. Members of our I Love My Boxer Facebook community recently shared their insights on the following question: What food would you recommend for a Boxer with kidney disease? We received hundreds of helpful replies and below have compiled some of the best responses.

 

Always remember to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your boxer’s diet, especially if the suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

25 Best Dog Foods for a Boxer with Chronic Kidney Disease

I did…..home cooked every meal for almost 2 yrs. Veterinary Nutritionist formulated her diet. Vitamins must be added but VERY carefully- some are not kidney friendly. Prescription vitamins were added after we balanced her dietary plan.

Author: Susie F.

Likes: 3


only one with no chicken byproduct is Purina NF. My dog loves it, Thank god!

Author: Rebeca A.

Likes: 1


Cook human grade food! I do with all my dogs, they live long healthy, happy, energetic lives!!!! I typically cook a chicken, turkey, beef and make up several servings, than Vacu pack them for the week. I also add veggies especially zucchini and carrots.

Author: Theresa F.

Likes: 3


Yes I actually make his own food. Veggies have to be boiled and drained. It’s 50% meat (cooked), 50% veggies as rice, carrots, peas, pumpkin. I use bone broth as well. Many online recipes . Do your research and it is actually way better than processed food (dog kibble). I also do not use tap water. Tap water has too many chemicals.

Author: Bea N.

Likes: 4


Royal Canin has a kidney diet for dogs that has been very palatable to dogs needing a prescription diet. It comes in cans and kibble.

Author: Cheryl B.

Likes: 1


I feed the Hills Kidney Care that my vet recommended but I have to mix it with the canned food, Hills Kidney Care stew. He won’t eat the dry food by itself.

Author: Sueann B.

Likes: 1


I only have a doxy now and he has cushings He per our vet is on Hill science diet I/D chicken

Author: SandraRick S.

Likes: 1


We had a boxer who had a kidney removed and I cooked chicken for her. After a while started mixing it with her reg. Food which at the time was Blue Buffalo for sensitive stomachs. She eventually went to all Blue Buffalo and lived 4 years with only 1 Kidney.Miss my Roxi Girl!

Author: Maria F.

Likes: 3


We did hills kidney and then switched to royal canin, we would make scrambled eggs to entice her to eat (just like a topper). When her values were too high and she lost appetite, we switched to homemade, but your dr would want to tell you calories needed… the homemade was a mix of cooked potatoes, chicken, eggs, and chicken fat that we got from the Jewish food section. We would make it once a week and she ate that up for quite a while. Also something to soften food can entice your dog or doing a mix of wet and dry of prescription

Author: Barbara L.

Likes: 0


I just lost my girl. She had kidney disease her whole life. She hated the prescription food. I made her chicken and rice daily. She could tolerate small amounts of kibble. I use Authority dog food

Author: Rae M.

Likes: 1


Justfoodfordogs has a low fat recipe slightly cooked food. My dog has pancreatitis and I feed this. Vet has to approve. I get it on Chewy

Author: Kim C.

Likes: 1


It’s important for your dog to eat less protein, sodium and phosphorus when they have kidney disease. Our dog was put on Hills KD, she definitely preferred the wet food to the dry but it is quite costly, i think it extended her life by at least a year. Our vet also put our dog on a renal pro powder in their food.

Author: Lauren W.

Likes: 0


I use Royal Canin for Renal Support. My boy is a foodie- so he always liked it. But I have put Parmesan shaky cheese on it or shredded cheese and had no issues. His number are back in the normal range. He has been on this good for 3-4 years.

Author: Christina Broom M.

Likes: 3


My boxer is on ProPlan NF, her kidney numbers stay right where they’re supposed to be. It’s prescription and you can get it from Chewy

Author: Tyra J.

Likes: 1


I started cooking many years ago. My boxer has passed but the next dogs still get home made food. I have a large garden and plant tons of squash, sweet taters green and yellow beans, kale and beets. The dogs prefer butternut but the Hubbard will last longer in a cool basement or root cellar. I use an instant pot every other day. (2 large dogs) For protein add chicken peas,or dried peas etc. I also add real chunk of dead animal for flavor so the dogs eat it right away there are cookbooks…plant powered dog

Author: Deana D.

Likes: 2


Home cook/meal prep for the pup, just make sure the diet has very low sodium, protein and phosphorus, but is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Google the best meals for renal failure. My pup passed away from it a year ago yesterday..

Author: Andrea R.

Likes: 2


Honest kitchen is a great diet for dogs with kidney issues!

Author: Becca Lynn R.

Likes: 0


Put him on a food that meat is the first ingredient. That’s actually what’s best for dogs that might help him and make him want to eat a little more. Or you can try some of the soft refrigerated food. They normally go pretty crazy for that but it’s not great for the teeth

Author: Christina W.

Likes: 0


Mine is on Hills Science Diet K/D Lamb and Rice. Just the dry kibble in the morning and then at night the dry kibble with a little of the K/D canned beef stew mixed in . Was worried she wouldn’t eat it but no problems so far

Author: Jennifer M.

Likes: 0


I had a boxer a few years ago with kidney problem. Once a week I threw a bunch of chicken breasts in the crock pot and then chopped it up into daily bags to freeze. Some days I would mix rice in. Eventually I started adding it into Taste of The Wild dog food. My Maddie lived 4 more years to the age of 12!!

Author: Marita R.

Likes: 0


Our 2 year old was just recently diagnosed with this as well. We’ve been feeding him Dr. Harvey’s Canine Health where you add in your own protein. Since protein has to be reduced in kidney based diets, I spoke with their vet nutritionist about his kidney lab results. We add in egg whites one day (3 1/2 eggs whites per meal 2 x a day) and steamed turkey (3.5 oz per meal) the next day. If you call Dr. Harvey’s phone number they will set up an appointment for you to speak with their nutritionist. Our boy is doing GREAT on this food and LOVES it!! We tried Hills Science Diet per our Vet’s suggestion prior to Dr. Harvey’s diet and he absolutely hated it….wouldn’t eat his food. I can’t blame him…it’s made up of a bunch of fillers

Author: Shannon Reely L.

Likes: 1


We buy ultra at the pet value

Author: Douglas M.

Likes: 0


Hill’s Science Diet for sensitive stomach and skin

Author: Paula L.

Likes: 0


Also, I was told my Kali had less than 6 months to live as a puppy, born with renal dysplasia. I did research and started her on renavast and enalapril (dr script). Dr didn’t think would make a difference but was blown away by her blood work and the slow to her decline. We ended up getting 6 beautiful years. We avoided high protein treats, gave her filtered water always and 3 meals a day instead of two

Author: Barbara L.

Likes: 0


In conclusion, managing chronic kidney disease in boxers is crucial for their long-term health and well-being. Selecting the best dog food tailored to your pet’s specific needs can significantly improve their quality of life. Opt for diets low in phosphorus and high-quality proteins, with added omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. Consult with a veterinarian for personalized recommendations for your boxer, and always transition your pet’s diet gradually. By providing the appropriate nutritional support, you can help manage your dog’s kidney disease and ensure they continue to lead a happy, healthy life.

iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links above may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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