Boerboels are strong, loyal, and intelligent dogs. Their large size and muscular build mean their dietary needs differ from those of smaller breeds. Feeding them the right food in the right quantities protects their joints, promotes healthy growth, and keeps their digestive system in top shape. Here, we’ll uncover all you need to know about Boerboel nutrition, from feeding schedules to avoiding common mistakes.

Understanding Dietary Needs

Boerboels require diets that cater to their physical structure and growth patterns which can vary based on bloodlines. These dogs grow rapidly in their early months, which makes it important to avoid overfeeding or pushing too much protein. Providing a balanced diet ensures stable growth and prevents issues such as joint problems or obesity.

At Black Iron Boerboels, we do not feed grain-free kibble or RAW. We have found that our dogs don’t grow as evenly or look as good on grain-free kibble, and RAW can cause unbalanced growth. Someone else’s dogs may grow great on them, but ours do not.

Feeding protocol for BLACK IRON Boerboel puppies

Our puppies are initially weaned onto “Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food”. While we do NOT raise them on straight puppy food (re: too much protein), we do start them off on puppy food.  Over the years we have found that certain bloodlines mature differently, and that individual adjustments often need made while they go through growth spurts. We ask that our puppy buyers frequently send us pictures/videos of the pup standing and walking during development so that we can identify any fast growth or issues and help to adjust food ratios as needed which is very important.

For an 8-week-old puppy, we typically start with ¾ -1 cup three times a day for the first week. Amounts needed vary per puppy and we will give specific instructions at pick up. You will slowly increase their food intake as they grow. Depending upon how the pup develops, by 10-12 weeks of age we start mixing it with Nutro Max Adult at a 50/50 ratio to drop the protein levels down. As time goes on, less Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy will be needed depending upon how your puppy grows. We do not want them thin, but we also do not want them too heavy as growing too fast is harmful. I believe that dog foods here in the US are not formulated for Boerboel bone growth seen in some bloodlines, and the daily intake needed will vary based upon the food and the individual puppy. Do NOT just solely follow the feeding amounts on the back of the bag, as it may not be sufficient for your Boerboels growth in most cases. The Nutro Max Adult is a 22% protein, while the Pro Plan is much higher at 28% protein.  Mixing the two balances that out. 

It is important to monitor your pups topline (back) to keep it as level as possible.  We do not want the top of the butt to be higher than the top of the shoulder blades for more than a few weeks at a time. If allowed to continue without correcting, the croup will round off which causes the tail base location to shift down the back of their butt due to long bone growth in the femurs. When this occurs, the dogs rear legs can become posty which puts them at risk for structural damage as well as future cruciate ligament injuries requiring surgery. If your pup does grow higher in the rear, replace some of the Pro Plan intake with Nutro Max adult until the front half of the pup catches. This is a balancing act but it pays off in the end, and many people find it interesting to watch the development changes in the puppy as feeding adjustments are made. Once your pup has reached 18 months in age, you can switch to other foods if desired, however with some dogs be aware that it may still impact their topline. You just want to be sure that your pup is done growing in height before making this change so that you do not end up with a dog that is higher in the rear end.

The Role of Key Nutrients

Boerboels grow rapidly during their puppy phase, and their large, strong joints require exceptional care. As such, something you need to know about Boerboel nutrition is that calcium and phosphorus contribute to building healthy bones and joints. These nutrients help prevent diseases such as hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis.

However, balancing these nutrients is crucial because too much calcium may cause bone deformities, while deficiencies leave bones brittle. Puppies, between two to six months, need this balance for controlled growth without putting unnecessary pressure on their skeletal system.

Protein for Muscle Development and Energy

Protein fuels muscle growth, repair, and overall energy for active Boerboels. Adult Boerboels benefit from chicken, beef, or fish, which provide high-quality protein alongside essential amino acids. While adult Boerboels need protein for maintenance, puppies must be monitored closely during their growth phase.

Excessive protein levels can trigger the IGF-1 hormone which accelerates long bone(femur) growth unnaturally. Ever seen a Boerboel puppy grows like a colt…butt up, and then the front catches up later? Well, too much protein and/or too much food overall can cause the front half of the dog to not catch up in height with that back half. Occasionally you will see a pic of a Boerboel online which looks like 2 different dogs glued together. This is usually why.

The Risks of Nutritional Imbalances

Feeding excessive calcium or phosphorus to puppies may cause skeletal irregularities, while insufficient protein fails to support their muscle growth. For instance, a Boerboel with a calcium/phosphorous imbalance might develop bowed legs such as knuckling.

Feeding Frequency for Puppies and Adults

Providing a regular feeding schedule ensures dogs receive balanced nutrition throughout the day. Puppies, because of their fast growth and high energy requirements, benefit from eating three to four meals daily. Splitting their food into smaller portions prevents overloading their stomachs and helps manage energy levels throughout the day.

Adults thrive on two evenly spaced meals. This schedule reduces the risk of bloating, a serious concern in large breeds, while keeping their energy consistent. Feeding an adult Boerboel and older pups in the morning and evening allows them to digest properly and remain active.

The amount of food your Boerboel needs varies based on their age, sex, bloodlines and activity level.

Avoid guessing on portion sizes and instead refer to your breeder. If your breeder is not helpful, refer to feeding charts on dog food brands that cater to large breeds.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Some owners unknowingly hinder their dog’s nutrition. However, you can support your Boerboel’s growth and maintain their overall health by avoiding these mistakes:

Overfeeding

Many Boerboel owners worry their dogs don’t eat enough, which leads to overfeeding. However, feeding too much, especially during the puppy phase, can cause accelerated growth. Rapid growth creates undue stress on developing bones and joints, leading to long-term problems such as hip dysplasia. Instead of feeding based on appetite alone, use measured portions to manage their intake.

Frequently Switching Foods

Frequent changes lead to digestive issues and even food sensitivities. Switching brands or food types without good reason causes upset stomachs, loose stools, or refusals to eat. If you need to switch foods due to allergies or health conditions, transition gradually over several meals to allow their digestive system to adapt without discomfort.

Misinterpreting Appetite Changes

Boerboels, like any dog, may lose interest in their meals due to stress, mild illnesses, or changes to their environment. Many owners panic and offer excessive treats or overeagerly switch their diet, which may further complicate the issue.

If your Boerboel skips one meal but acts normally, give them space and revert to their usual routine during the next mealtime. However, persistent refusal to eat paired with symptoms of lethargy or vomiting warrant a vet visit.

Long-Term Nutrition Tips

Here are nutrition tips to ensure your Boerboel stays happy and healthy:

• Establish regular meal times. This helps regulate your Boerboel’s digestion and reinforces good eating habits.
• Monitor your dog’s age, activity levels, and weight, and adapt their portions or food types accordingly. Puppies, adults, and senior Boerboels have different nutritional needs.
• Regularly check their weight, coat condition, and energy levels. For instance, a dull coat might indicate a lack of fatty acids. Adjust their diet as needed.
• Don’t feed your Boerboel from your plate or mix random table scraps into their meals. Over time, this can lead to poor nutrition and bad eating habits.
• Always have a fresh supply of clean water available. Adequate hydration supports digestion, energy, and overall health.

about the authors

Black Iron Boerboels is located on a working farm outside of Fairmount, Indiana in the USA. I have been a professional hobby breeder for nearly 40 years, and love sharing that knowledge and helping breeders as well as owners. We have 2 businesses, and I also enjoy my long term professional role as a Global IT Program Manager for a Fortune 500 company.

We are the physical hosts of the Boerboel Expo which is the largest Boerboel breed related event in North America. The Boerboel Expo (started in 2018) serves as an annual Boerboel focused weekend for all registries, breed enthusiasts, and families to come together for the purposes of showing, appraising, titling, training, and learning about this amazing breed. Providing a platform which helps others grow and unite is something that we genuinely enjoy, and we work together with a handful of other breeders who also enjoy doing the same and making the Expo a yearly success.

We stepped into the “owned by a Boerboel” world after many years of closely following the breed. We quickly fell head first into a Boerboel obsession after importing our first Boerboel puppy in 2014. Fast forward to 2025, and we are now several generations deep into our own dogs. We have been very blessed with the breeding program that we have created, and have not only owned and produced some of the highest scoring SABBS appraised Boerboels in the World, but their offspring have matched and in some cases exceeded these achievements. Over the years, Black Iron owned/bred dogs have been used in the foundations of many well known breeding programs, and can be found within the pedigrees of many of the highest scoring dogs in North America. Black Iron Boerboels is now an Internationally recognized name in the Boerboel world, known for producing quality Boerboels with a program that stands hard and true on honesty and integrity.

While everyone enjoys looking at a big gorgeous dog, our primary focus is producing healthy and functional dogs with a true Boerboel temperament. Coming from a heavy working dog background(GSD’s), lazy and sloppy Boerboels were a huge turn off for us in the beginning. About 4-5 years ago we shifted gears to create an additional stream here where the working ability, stamina and athleticism is alive and well. We work diligently to blend and ensure that we produce Boerboels with the health needed to support the temperament for years to come.

All of our breeding dogs are fully health tested. You will find dogs (Boerboels, and German Shepherds from long ago) that we have produced which carry OUR kennel names in the OFA database going back 35 years. We don’t just preach about doing health testing, we practice it.

First and foremost our dogs are family farm dogs. They are NOT confined to crates or small stand up kennels and then let outside a few times a day for photo sessions. They are our guardians and companions, often rotated in and out from our home to yards and fields where they have 24/7 freedom to run. We provide extensive lifetime breeder support to all in the Black Iron family, and we hold fast and true to preserving and promoting the breed with the utmost integrity.

At Black Iron Boerboels, we know the importance of proper nutrition from the start. A balanced diet supports a puppy’s development, strengthens their immune system, and gives them the best start toward a healthy life. We raise our puppies with their long-term health in mind. If you’re looking for Boerboels for sale, we offer exceptionally well bred puppies.