Dog Food Boxer Nutrition & Recipes
All-Time Best Dog Food Brands for Boxers
Rocky Kanaka
|
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site and allows us to continue to provide valuable content. We only recommend products we believe in.
Boxers are playful, affectionate, and make wonderful family pets. However, like all dogs, they can be prone to health concerns such as weight gain, hip dysplasia, skin problems, and allergies. To keep them healthy and happy, it’s important to provide them with a nutritious and well-balanced diet. After all, a healthy diet is the key to a healthy, wiggly, and playful Boxer!
In this guide, we’ll be focusing on the Boxer, and sharing our recommendations for the best food for this adorable breed.
Related Articles:
- Best Dog Food For Senior Dogs
- Best Dog Food for Weight Gain
- Best Food For Picky Eaters
- 6 Vegan Dog-Food Recipes for Dogs with Meat Allergies
- 13 Novel Proteins For Dogs With Allergies
Here is a quick overview of the dog foods we’ll be covering in this guide.
Best Dog Foods for Boxers
| Brand | Grain? | First 5 Ingredients | Price |
 Best Raw: We Feed Raw | Grain-free | 1. Venison 2. Beef Heart 3. Beef Liver 4. Beef Kidney 5. Beef Neck with Bone | $$ |
 Best Air-Dried: Front of the Pack | Grain-inclusive | 1. 90% USDA Grass-Fed Beef 2. Pumpkin Seed Oil 3. Organic Oats (Gluten Free) 4. Organic Guar 5. FiberOrganic Beets | $$ |
 Best Freeze-Dried: Primal | Grain-free | 1. Venison 2. Venison Hearts 3. Ground Venison Bones 4. Venison Livers 5. Organic Kale | $$ |
 Best Fresh-Frozen: The Farmer’s Dog | Grain-inclusive | 1. Beef 2. Sweet Potato 3. Lentils 4. Carrot 5. Beef Liver | $$ |
 Best Healthy Kibble: Spot & Tango | Grain-free | 1. Cod 2. Salmon 3. Sweet Potatoes 4. Pumpkin 5. Sunflower Seeds | $ |
 Best Canned: Ziwi Peak | Grain-free | 1. Mackerel 2. Water 3. Lamb 4. Lamb Lun 5. Chickpeas | $$$$ |
Boxer Nutritional Needs
Boxers have the same general nutrition needs as all other dogs and should eat a diet high in animal protein with some fruits and vegetables for added nutrients.
Boxers are considered a medium-large breed and reach 50-55 lbs in weight. Boxers are also known for having quite the appetite, and will sometimes eat beyond their need simply for the pleasure of it. Because of this, it’s important to know exactly how much food your Boxer needs.
Boxer Health
As mentioned, Boxers are prone to a variety of health conditions including:
- Unwanted weight gain
- Hip & elbow dysplasia
- Cardiomyopathy (heart disease)
- Cancer
- Skin irritation & allergies
- Eye problems (such as cataracts and corneal dystrophy)
A healthy, well-balanced diet high in essential nutrients can help prevent and ease the symptoms of these conditions. In particular, Boxers benefit from Omega-3 fatty acids, which help to support healthy joints, ligaments, skin, and coat. Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for dogs with allergies and easily irritated skin.
Best Dog Food for Boxers
What’s the best dog food for Boxers you ask? Well, we’re about to tell you! Each of these healthy, balanced options is made with whole ingredients you’ll be proud to serve your dog.
1. Best Raw: We Feed Raw Venison Formula
We Feed Raw is one of our favorite raw dog food brands thanks to their limited, high-quality ingredients. Each recipe is made primarily from animal proteins and includes an essential mix of vitamins and minerals.
Since Boxers are sometimes prone to allergies, we recommend choosing a novel protein like venison, which is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. This formula also includes added Omega-3s to help enrich your Boxer’s skin and coat while supporting healthy joints.
Save 25% off your first subscription trial box.
| First 5 Ingredients | Venison, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Neck with Bone |
| Food Type | Raw, grain-free |
| Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 13% Protein – 10.7% Fat – 1% Fiber – 69.4% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed 1 lb per day or ½ lb per meal* |
| Cost Per Meal | $5 per meal*, $49.99 for 5 lbs. |
What Reviewers Say:
2. Best Air-Dried: Sundays For Dogs Beef Recipe
If you struggle to get your Boxer to eat their food, but they love treats, they’ll probably love Sundays For Dogs. Air-dried in small pieces that look, taste, and feel like jerky, Sundays For Dogs can also be used as training treats if you’re working on teaching your Boxer new tricks, or they just deserve an extra snack at the end of a long hard day of naps.
Other than the delicious recipe, we think Sundays For Dogs deserves consideration for best food for Boxers thanks to the turmeric to reduce inflammation, blueberries for antioxidant and immune support, and tart cherries to protect the joints.
Get 35% off your first order + free shipping w/ code ROCKY35!
| First 5 Ingredients | Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Bone, Quinoa |
| Food Type | Air-dried, grain-inclusive without wheat, peas, corn, or legumes |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 30% Protein – 20% Fat – 3% Fiber – 15% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed ½ cup (2.2 oz.) per day or ¼ cup (1.1 oz.) per meal* |
| Cost Per Meal | $3.38 per meal* – $209.99 for 46.5 cups |
What Reviewers Say:
3. Best Freeze-Dried: Primal Venison Nuggets
If you’re intrigued by We Feed Raw’s venison recipe, but don’t have the freezer space to store your dog’s food, try Primal’s freeze-dried version! A raw formula that has been freeze-dried for preservation, you’ll just need to add water to reconstitute this super healthy dog food.
We love that this formula includes lots of organ meats, which are a great source of many of the essential nutrients needed to support healthy bones and joints.
| First 5 Ingredients | Venison, Venison Hearts, Ground Venison Bones, Venison Livers, Organic Kale |
| Food Type | Freeze-dried, grain-free |
| Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 50% Protein – 15% Fat – 5% Fiber – 7% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed 30 nuggets per day, or 15 per meal* |
| Cost Per Meal | $6.15 per meal* – $19.98 for approximately 48 nuggets |
What Reviewers Say:
4. Best Fresh-Frozen: The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe
For a healthy and delicious meal option for your Boxer, The Farmer’s Dog is the closest thing to home-cooked food. Your Boxer will feel like they’re eating human food with each pouch of The Farmer’s Dog, and the recipes are packed with nutritious ingredients to keep them strong.
We love that the beef recipe includes carrots, which are a fantastic source of nutrients to support your Boxer’s eye and vision health.
Save 60% When You Buy From The Farmer’s Dog
| First 5 Ingredients | Beef, Sweet Potato, Lentils, Carrot, Beef Liver |
| Food Type | Fresh-frozen, grain-inclusive |
| Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 11% Protein – 8% Fat – 1.5% Fiber – 72% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feeding instructions are customized by The Farmer’s Dog for your dog! |
| Cost Per Meal | $3.84 per meal* – Custom meal plan created by The Farmer’s Dog |
What Reviewers Say:
5. Best Healthy Kibble: Spot & Tango Cod & Salmon UnKibble
Conventional kibble is often loaded with filler ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy. UnKibble from Spot & Tango offers a healthier alternative made from premium ingredients that cater to your Boxer’s needs. With a crunchy texture that picky Boxers will love, UnKibble is packed with nutrients that promote joint and bone health, skin health, allergy management, and more. Upgrade your dog’s diet with UnKibble, kibble that’s better.
| First 5 Ingredients | Cod, Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Sunflower Seeds |
| Food Type | Kibble, grain-free |
| Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 29.67% Protein – 22.06% Fat – 1.15% Fiber – 3.82% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feeding instructions recommended by Spot & Tango based on your dog’s information! |
| Cost Per Meal | $3.08 per meal* – $53.95 per week |
What Reviewers Say:
6. Best Canned: Ziwi Peak Canned Mackerel & Lamb Recipe
Fish like Mackerel is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for breeds like the Boxer. Easy on the tummy, easy to serve, and easy to store, Ziwi Peak’s canned food is one of the most convenient options on this list.
Ziwi also strives to source ethical and sustainable ingredients, so you can feel good about where your dog’s food is coming from.
| First 5 Ingredients | Mackerel, Water, Lamb, Lamb Lung, Chickpeas |
| Food Type | Wet, grain-free |
| Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 10.5% Protein – 4% Fat – 2% Fiber – 78% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed 2 ⅔ cans per day or 1 ⅓ can per meal* |
| Cost Per Meal | $10.32 per meal – $88.08 for (12) 13.75 oz cans |
What Reviewers Say:
*Feeding instructions and cost analysis based on calculations for a 50lb adult Boxer with an average activity level.
Best Food for Boxers FAQ
What is the best food for Boxer puppies?
The best Boxer puppy foods have whole ingredients and are high in protein to promote growth. Any of the options on this list would be a good choice for a Boxer puppy, but we also recommend Merrick’s canned grain-free wet food for puppies.
Do Boxers need special food?
Unless your Boxer has a specific health concern they should not need to eat a special diet. Veterinarians can prescribe specific diets for dogs with health issues, but the majority of Boxers will do well on a standard diet.
This said it’s a good idea to make sure your Boxer’s food is high in Omega-3s to support healthy joints, bones, and skin.
What foods are Boxers allergic to?
The most common food allergens for Boxers are chicken and beef. Signs of food allergies can include itching, paw licking, inflamed or red skin, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you suspect that your Boxer could have a food allergy, we suggest switching them to a novel protein diet. Novel proteins include venison, bison, and fish.
So, what is the best dog food for Boxers with allergies? We recommend trying Spot & Tango’s Salmon UnKibble or We Feed Raw’s venison formula.
Do Boxers need grain free food?
Deciding whether or not to feed your dog grain is a personal decision to be made with your veterinarian. In some cases, dogs with allergies do better on a grain-free diet.
What is the worst dog food for Boxers?
Commercial brands like Purina and IAMS are not recommended for Boxers or any dog due to their low-quality ingredients and poor formulation.
What is the best dry food for Boxer puppy?
We recommend Front of the Pack’s air-dried food or Spot and Tango’s Unkibble
Is there a Boxer food forum?
Yes! There are several. Here are popular options:
>BoxerForums.com
>BoxerWorld.com
>TheBoxerForum.com
>Boxer Lovers (Facebook group)
>Boxer Dog Owners (Facebook group)
>The Boxer Fan Club (Facebook group)
Is there a Royal Canin Boxer food?
Yes, Royal Canin makes Boxer-specific dog food. Because none of the first five ingredients are animal protein, we do not recommend this brand.
What is the best wet food for Boxers?
We recommend Ziwi Peak for Boxers.
What is the best Purina dog food for boxers?
We do not recommend brands like Purina or IAMS for Boxers or any other breed. These grocery store brands rarely use whole ingredients, and stuff their formulas with fillers.
What is the best dog food for senior Boxers?
While any of the foods on this list will work for a senior, we recommend choosing a soft food like We Feed Raw, Primal, The Farmer’s Dog, or Merrick’s wet canned food.
What is the best dog food for Boxers with skin allergies?
Boxers with skin allergies do well on a diet high in Omega-3s like Spot & Tango’s Cod & Salmon UnKibble recipe.
What is the best weight-loss food for Beagles?
If your dog needs a prescribed weight-loss diet, you will need to receive a recommendation from your veterinarian. To help your dog lose weight without a prescription diet, veterinarians recommend lean proteins like fish and poultry, and may recommend smaller portion sizes.
Always speak to your vet before changing your dog’s portions.
What is the best food for boxers with sensitive stomachs
We recommend the beef recipe from The Farmer’s Dog.
Also, you can find our recommendation about best dog food options for French Bulldogs here!
