Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best for Boxers Overall: Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
“Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food is a nutrient-rich, high protein meal that supports your Boxers daily functions while providing the energy he needs to thrive. It contains a good amount of taurine to maintain a strong and healthy heart.”
Best Value for Money: Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food
“This dog food is packed with high quality proteins and wholesome grains expertly balanced to deliver a balanced meal. It’s enhanced with taurine to keep your Boxer’s heart healthy and strong.”
Best for Boxer Seniors: Diamond Naturals Dry Senior Dog Food
“The Diamond Naturals Dry Senior Dog Food caters to the needs of a less active, aging Boxer. It provides all essential nutrients with added support for a strong heart, sensitive stomach, and aging joints.”
Boxers are goofy, high-energy large breed dogs! But despite their enthusiastic demeanor, these dogs are genetically predisposed to cardiomyopathy. In fact, the condition Boxer cardiomyopathy is named after the breed as this particular heart condition is more common to Boxer dogs.
A diet that’s rich in taurine and other supplements that support cardiovascular health is the best dog food for Boxers. We have a list of highly recommended products that are formulated to give your dog optimal nutrition as well as added support for maintaining a strong, healthy heart.
Table of Contents
Best Dog Food for Boxers
Here are our top recommendations for the best dog food for Boxers:
- Best Value for Money: Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food
- Best for Boxer Seniors: Diamond Naturals Dry Senior Dog Food
- Best for Boxer Puppies: American Journey Active Life Dry Puppy Food
- Best for Boxers with Skin Allergies: CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food
- Best for Extra Active Boxers: Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food
- Best for Immune Support: Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best for Joint Support: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Dog Food
Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food
Best Value for Money: Budget-friendly dog food enhanced with taurine for additional cardiovascular support for your Boxer
PROS
- Formulated for healthy digestion enhanced with fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics
- Protein-dense dog food that supports your Boxer’s high-energy lifestyle
- Significant amount of glucosamine and calcium to support joint and bone support
- Premium ingredients loaded with antioxidants to support strong immune systems
CONS
- May be slightly low in protein for some large breed dogs
This Complete Health dog food formula from Wellness contains a great amount of protein that provides enough energy and muscle support for high-active Boxers. It is made from premium quality protein that is expertly balanced with wholesome grains, ensuring proper nourishment while avoiding problem ingredients that may cause allergies or digestive upset.
The added Taurine and low-sodium formulation makes this one of the best dog foods for Boxers who require extra cardiovascular support.
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Heart-Friendly Kibble
This dog food contains a low sodium count and it’s enhanced with Taurine to improve your Boxer’s cardiovascular health.
It’s not entirely grain-free, but it’s made from premium protein sourced from high quality animal meat and it’s reinforced with healthy grains and wholesome food ingredients to avoid allergic reactions.
It has a slightly higher calorie count, which is ideal for typically high-energy dogs like your pooch.
Diamond Naturals Dry Senior Dog Food
Best for Boxer Seniors: Well-rounded meal packed with supplements for the heart, joints, muscles, and digestive system
PROS
- High protein dog food made from cage-free chicken meat
- Contains heart-supporting supplements to improve your Boxer’s cardiovascular health
- Protects and supports joints, bones, and aging muscles
- Lower fat count for energy regulation in senior dogs
CONS
- No flavor variations (not suitable for dogs with a chicken sensitivity)
This senior-specific dog food recipe contains a full house of nutrients and supplements to keep a senior Boxer healthy, happy, and strong as they age. The ingredients used in this dog food are rich in nutrients and highly digestible, enhanced with proprietary senior specific probiotics.
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Promotes Senior Health
This dog kibble caters for a Boxer who is less active and thus requires a lower fat and calorie food. A reduced fat count prevents your dog from putting on weight by ensuring he has just the right amount of energy that he needs. The high protein content keeps their muscles strong and lean.
This isn’t a grain-free dog food, but it does use healthy grains that packs an antioxidant punch. It’s also loaded with veggies and fruits which are needed for extra immune boost.
Other great senior-specific supplements include glucosamine and chondroitin, taurine and L-carnitine for a healthier heart, added vitamin A and E, and good Omegas.
American Journey Active Life Dry Puppy Food
Best for Boxer Puppies: Puppy-specific food that’s packed with Omega fatty acids like DHA and EPA – essential nutrients for a growing Boxer
PROS
- High protein and fat content, great for high-energy growing puppies
- Contains DHA and ARA amino acids for healthy brain development
- Contains taurine for a healthier heart
- Joint supplements added
CONS
- The salmon can be a little smelly
The American Journey Active Life Dry Puppy Food is a puppy-specific recipe that comes highly recommended for highly energetic pups like your Boxer.
It’s not grain-free, but it contains healthy grains like brown rice and oatmeal which are both great sources of fiber. This is especially important for growing pups who are still developing immunities to certain food ingredients.
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Puppy-Specific Nutrition
25% is high protein enough for Boxer puppies, as is 15% fat. There’s a good amount of DHA, which is an amino acid that helps puppies’ eyes and brain cells develop properly. The calcium/phosphorus ratio is right on target, where it needs to be for puppies to grow at the right pace.
Joint supplements are great to start with at a young age. It’s loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids which, aside from providing DHA and EPA, are also great for your dog’s skin and coat.
There’s also a good amount of taurine, which is great for promoting a healthy heart from a young age. That, in addition to the low sodium content, makes this a healthy option for Boxer puppies.
CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food
Best for Boxers with Skin Allergies: High Omega fatty acids content which are essential nutrients in keeping your dog’s skin healthy and nourished
PROS
- Premium quality Salmon as its main protein source
- Biologically appropriate diet that is high in protein
- Contains high quality carbohydrates source for high energy dogs
- Does not contain corn, wheat, soy and artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
CONS
- May have a fishy smell
- Contains chicken meal, so not suitable for all dogs
The CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food contains 34% protein, which is on the higher end of the spectrum. 17% fat content supplies just enough energy to support highly energetic dogs like your Boxer. This dog food uses Salmon as its main protein source which, aside from providing concentrated amino acids for muscle support and other functions, also keeps your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
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This dog food replicates the diet that your dog’s wolf ancestor would naturally eat in the wild. There aren’t any allergy inducing ingredients found in this dog food and it’s absolutely free from any artificial ingredients as well.
Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food
Best for Extra Active Boxers: High calorie content to provide more than enough fuel for your Boxer’s daily activities
PROS
- High calorie content to support your Boxer’s day to day fun and play
- Good amount of protein that promotes lean muscle development
- 3D DentaDefense prevents tartar buildup for clean teeth and healthy gums
- Added DHA and vitamin E to help support healthy brain function
CONS
- Contains chicken by-product meal
- Contains gluten ingredients
At almost 400 kcal per cup, the Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food is highly recommended for Boxers who are extra energetic than normal. It uses lamb as its main ingredient so it’s highly digestible and easy on their tummies.
It’s packed with high quality ingredients that bring optimal levels of fats and carbohydrates to support an active lifestyle. It’s particularly high in DHA and Vitamin E which are essential nutrients in developing healthy and sharp brain.
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Aside from providing a well-balanced nourishment for your Boxer, this dog food is loaded with supplements that support other functions. It contains great amount of glucosamine and chondroitin which supports hip and joint health.
Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best for Immune Support: Loaded with essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which boost your Boxer’s immune system
PROS
- Limited ingredient formulation to avoid problem ingredients that cause severe allergies
- Several exciting flavors available to provide nourishment even for fussy eater Boxers
- Loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help support immune system functions
- Enhanced with taurine to ensure a healthy and strong heart
CONS
- It’s a pricey choice
If your Boxer suffers from allergies, choosing a limited ingredient diet could help. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is not only rich in high-quality protein, it also contains superb quality carbs like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and chickpeas that are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – all necessary to maintain your dog’s strong immune system.
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Limited Ingredient for Sensitive Tummies
At first glance, there still seems to be plenty of ingredients in these recipes. But each one has a single source protein, plus a small variety of healthy vegetables and fruits.
One of the best things about this recipe range is the variety of flavors. It can be difficult to find a limited ingredient kibble that has a choice of flavors, so it gets a big thumbs-up for that!
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Dog Food
Best for Joint Support: Contains a good amount of glucosamine, calcium, and phosphorus for improved bone and joint health
PROS
- High protein dog food formula that promotes healthy muscle development
- Contains LifeSource Bits that aid in healthy digestion
- Excellent calcium to phosphorus ratio for stronger bones
- Great amount of glucosamine for maximum hip and joint support
CONS
- Every flavor contains chicken meal, so it won’t be suitable for Boxers with a chicken sensitivity
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Dog Food contains a perfect blend of high quality protein and healthy carbohydrates which creates a well-rounded nourishment for your Boxer.
With three different flavors to choose from, even picky eaters should find a flavor they’ll be happy with in this recipe range. But the best thing about this dog food is the added glucosamine and the excellent calcium/phosphorus ratio which is ideal to support your active Boxer’s bones and joints.
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Everything Your Boxer Needs
The best dog food for Boxers should tick a few boxes, and Blue Buffalo fits the bill. Aside from providing your pooch the right amount of fat and protein, it’s also loaded with supplements that support his other functions.
You’ll find a good level of Omega fatty acids, as well as joint supplements to keep your bouncy pup’s joint health as it should be.
The addition of LifeSource Bits is also extremely helpful. These are little cold-formed nuggets of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which will go a long way towards boosting your Boxer’s immune system.
As for being heart-friendly, this kibble is low in sodium, although it’s unfortunately lacking in supplemental taurine and L-carnitine. That’s the only thing we can point out that isn’t great, though – we recommend this dog food for Boxers!
What to Look For in a Good Dog Food for Boxers
Whole-Food Ingredients
Boxers are prone to food allergies, so it’s incredibly important to feed them food made from high-quality ingredients that won’t cause digestive upset or allergies.
Often, allergies are caused by unnecessary chemicals or low-quality filler ingredients. When you look at a dog food label, you should see whole food ingredients that you recognize!
Realmeat, vegetables, fruits, and gluten-free grains are all good ingredients. Stay away from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, and by-products.
Nutritional Additives
Whole food ingredients are an important first step, but the best dog food for Boxers (or any dogs) will also contain nutritional additives.
That sounds scientific and fancy, but really it’s just added vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, Omega fatty acids, probiotics and prebiotics, and amino acids.
Boxers tend towards heart problems, so things like L-carnitine and taurine are also good to see.
Sometimes the real food ingredients don’t quite offer enough of these things, so the best foods add some extra so you can be sure your dog gets all they need.
High In Animal Protein
Plant proteins just don’t cut it when it comes to feeding a hungry dog! They’re lacking in amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and protein.
The best dog food for energetic dogs like Boxers is high in animal based proteins. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a single source protein, or multiple protein sources.
What matters is that the protein comes from real, high-quality meat. It could be muscle meat or organ meat, and the protein count should be between 25% and 35% for a muscly, active breed like a Boxer.
Moderate Healthy Fats
By “moderate”, we mean a fat count in the teens. For Boxers who are very active, high teens is great. Those who are a little less bouncy and like to chill with their human on the couch, low teens would work.
Healthy fats should come from animal sources, such as chicken fat or pork fat. If your Boxer is sensitive to chicken meat, there’s no need to worry about feeding them a food containing chicken fat. It’s a completely different nutrient.
Complete And Balanced
The dog food you feed your Boxer should be lacking nothing. It should contain high-quality proteins, healthy fats, gluten-free grains or fruits and vegetables for carbs, Omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, and everything else your particular dog may need, in the right quantities.
Some things are not absolutely necessary, like glucosamine, probiotics, or taurine. But they can be extremely helpful for certain dogs, and if a dog food doesn’t contain them, you should consider a separate supplement.
Strict Quality-Control Standards
Dog foods produced in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or Europe go through much stricter quality control measures than those that come out of Asia and other countries.
From sourcing ingredients to the manufacturing process, choose a food that’s subjected to strict standards. They’re more likely to contain the good stuff, and less likely to be loaded with toxins and low-quality fillers.
What to Avoid When Buying a Dog Food for Boxers
Corn, Wheat, Soy
Corn, wheat, and soy contain gluten. Dogs like Boxers, who are prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs, don’t always react well to gluten.
Of course, some Boxers will be fine with them. It’s not necessary to go for a grain-free dog food. In fact, some veterinarians are expressly against going grain-free, due to the slight increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy, which can happen in large breed dogs like Boxers with heart problems.
Go for something with gluten-free grains, like brown rice, whole grain oatmeal, or ground whole grain sorghum.
Unidentified Meat Meals or By-Products
Proteins should be clearly identified on a dog food label. If you see chicken, beef, lamb, chicken meal, salmon meal, or similar, you can rest assured those are good ingredients.
Unspecified ingredients like poultry or fish meal should be avoided. Also, it’s best to avoid things like chicken by-product meal or by-products.
Because of their sensitive tummies, the best food for Boxers should avoid anything that isn’t absolutely clear. You can’t tell exactly what’s in “poultry”, or “by-products”, whereas “chicken” or “lamb” can’t be mistaken!
Added Unnecessary Additives
If you can’t see a good reason for an additive to be in a dog food, then it most likely won’t serve much purpose in your dog’s system.
You should see whole foods, vitamins and minerals, chelated minerals, probiotics and prebiotics, amino acids, Omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and possibly joint supplements and things like taurine, and Beta-Carotene.
Much of these things will come from the whole food ingredients and won’t need to be added as extras.
Boxer Special Dietary Needs and Concerns
Caloric Requirements
Boxers are large breed dogs, and can vary quite a bit in size and weight. The calorie number your Boxer will need per day will depend on his or her weight.
An average-sized Boxer may need around 1500 calories per day, while a large and high-energy dog could need up to 2500!
You’ll need to pay attention to your dog, their size, and their activity to figure out what’s best for them. Once you’ve settled on a figure, keep an eye on them for a few weeks.
If they’re gaining weight, you know you need to down their calories. If they’re starting to look scrawny, they’re probably not getting enough calories per day.
Nutrient Requirements
The Boxer breed needs a diet that’s high in protein to maintain his muscle. The exact number really depends on your specific dog, but between 25% and 35% is a good high protein zone. High energy Boxers will need more, while more chilled ones will need less.
The best dog food for Boxers’ energy levels needs to have a moderate to high fat content. Very energetic Boxers will need a fat content in the high teens, up to low 20s. Less bouncy dogs could do with mid-teens.
As for other nutrients, all dogs benefit from the inclusion of vitamins and minerals. Much of this will come from fruits and vegetables, as will antioxidants.
Joint supplements are necessary for large breed dogs like Boxers. Probiotics are important for dogs who have stomach trouble, and taurine is always good to see to promote a healthy heart.
Health Issues
Boxers suffer from some particular health issues. The best dog food for Boxers should contain ingredients to help combat these problems.
Heart Disease
Boxers are one of the breeds that are really prone to heart disease. It’s a good idea to feed them a low-sodium dog food that’s heart-friendly.
Heart problems are genetic in this breed, so feeding them a particular food won’t necessarily fix the issue. But it can provide nutrients and supplements to support a healthy heart, like taurine and L-carnitine.
Food Allergies & Intolerances
Boxers are also quite prone to developing food allergies and intolerances out of the blue. Food allergies tend to manifest in the skin and coat, as dry, sensitive skin and dull, brittle fur. Food intolerances affect the stomach and cause digestive upset.
There’s no way you can anticipate what your dog may react badly to, but choosing to feed thema limited ingredient diet can reduce the chances of them developing allergies or intolerances.
Bloat
Bloat, or gastric dilation volvulus, is a potentially deadly condition that happens more in large breed, deep-chested dogs. Boxers are vulnerable to it, so it’s essential that you’re aware and watch for signs.
If your dog eats too fast, they can take in too much air, which causes their stomach to bloat and expand. This can cut off the blood supply to other organs, leading to death if not treated very quickly.
Joint Problems
Boxers’ joint health needs to be taken into consideration too. They’re highly energetic, and if you want to keep your Boxer dog’s joints safe, it’s important to start feeding them joint supplements from an early age.
Hip, knee, and elbow dysplasia are common problems, as is arthritic in older Boxers.
Dry Kibble vs Wet Food: What’s the Difference?
When contemplating the best dog food for Boxers, you may wonder if a wet food is worth trying. While there are pros and cons of each, we highly recommend feeding your Boxer dry dog food as their main meal.
Here’s why. Compare the labels on an adult dry dog food and a canned dog food. You may notice that there’s significantly less protein in a can than there is in a cup of kibble!
There’s also most likely more calories in a serving of wet food than a serving of kibble. This means that for the same amount of calories, your dog is getting maybe a third of the nutrients in canned food than what they get in kibble.
That doesn’t mean you can’t use wet food for your dog. Boxers need plenty of calories, so you can always add a can of wet food to their kibble to boost their calories and add some extra taste.
Be aware, though, that many canned foods are also high in sodium, which can be bad for a Boxer’s heart.
To keep your Boxer as healthy as possible, choose a low-sodium wet food if you do want to add something extra to his or her food.
