Physical power, dexterity, intelligence, playful and fun are some of the perks of Boxers. This makes them quite the package one would strive to love and care for. A key part of Boxer’s care is their diet.
Like most dogs, they are foodies, and care should be taken to ensure they are fed well. In this guide, we will look at the important considerations to keep in mind when choosing the best dog food for boxers as well as our top picks worth considering.
Homemade Dog Food vs Commercial dog food
Having the best interest of your dog at heart should be the top priority as a dog owner. Pet parents’ goal is to ensure their pup is happy and healthy. Both homemade and commercial dog foods are options to consider each bearing its share of pros and cons.
A homemade meal is a great option as you know the nitty-gritty of what your dog is consuming and fresh ingredients are what you use. One is confident there are no fishy ingredients or fillers involved. This is also a good way to go with finicky eaters as you can custom prepare exactly what they like.
However, with homemade dog food, you may come short of some nutrients that can’t just be obtained from the food you give him and you may need to look for supplements for vitamins and minerals.
Commercial dog food is a convenient option that gives you different brands to choose from. If you choose a good brand, your Boxer will receive an all-around meal for optimal health.
Allergies, low quality and harmful additives can be sometimes the downside of commercial dog food. However, at the end of the day, each dog is different and so is its dietary need so be sure to consult a vet or nutritionist before settling for any of these two options.
Top 10 Best Dog Food for Boxers
If commercial dog food is your cup of tea, below is a review of the best dog foods for Boxers available in the market today for your consideration.
#1) Orijen Regional Red
Orijen Regional Red offers your canine companion quite the meaty feast making it the best dog food for boxers. The meat-rich diet draws its animal ingredients from six sources: ranch-raised beef, wild boar, Boer goat, lamb, pork and fish.
Together they are a source of protein that is highly needed by the highly energetic Boxer. Being the best dog food for Boxers, Orijen Regional Red is grain-free and is formulated for all life stages.
If your Boxer is a sucker for raw food then this would be the best dog food for him because about two-thirds of the animal ingredients are raw giving not only a tasty but also a nutrient-rich meal.
Whole red and green lentils form part of the ingredients and are a great source of iron, fiber and plant-based proteins all of which are key for the optimal health of your Boxer.
Fruits are important in the dog diet and this food comes with apples in it that are a rich source of vitamin A, C and K as well as calcium and phosphorus. Furthermore, your dog gets to feed on wild boar and beef cartilage that contains the glucosamine that your pup just needs to keep his joints in good health.
Features
- Suitable for all dog life stages
- Two-thirds fresh and raw animal ingredients
- Rich in near protein made from six animal sources
- Grain-free dry dog food
#2) Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon and Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food
Smooth and graceful are some ways you can describe the athletic nature of Boxers. So, whether it is for an evening walk or early morning run, your pet will need a good diet to enable him to jump and play around.
With Nulo Freestyle recipes, your dog will be well-nourished to keep them bouncing back and forth. Protein in the meal is from Salmon that promotes the formation of strong muscles.
Peas listed as one of the ingredients that provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to keep the meal well balanced. Along with low amounts of carbohydrate ingredients to help maintain lean muscle mass, the existence of probiotics ensures healthy digestion.
This dog food is chicken-free with alternative protein sources providing Omega fatty acids for your Boxer to have a beautiful shiny coat. If your dog is always down for strokes and cuddles then having healthy skin will ensure he relishes these moments.
Features
- Chicken free dog food
- Contains patented probiotics to help with healthy digestion
- Zero corn, soy, wheat, colors, flavors or artificial additives
- 100% natural food: made from natural ingredients
#3) Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
This dog food ranks highly among the best dog food for Boxers courtesy of its diverse nutrient-rich formulas. Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie is one of these formulas, which is made from roasted bison as its first ingredient along with roasted venison for strong muscle development.
The combination of ancient grains such as sorghum, Millet and Chia seeds provides nutrients that support the health and overall well-being of your dog. The grains also add taste and flavor to the roasted bison and venison to give your pup’s wild side satisfaction.
Sorghum is also gluten-free making it good for Boxers with food intolerances. Millet on the other hand is a high source of phosphorus that is essential for a healthy bone system. It is a good source of iron and carbs ensuring your dog’s energy levels are well maintained.
Chia seeds included as an ingredient are a fantastic source of Omega-3 fatty acids that aid good cardiac, brain and joint health. They also support blood sugar regulation and combined with the meat protein, they collectively help proper muscle growth and maintenance.
Features
- Contains nutrient-rich grains
- Draws protein from animal sources
- Contains patented K9 Strain Probiotics for a healthy gut and digestion
- Contains vitamin A, E, B12 and D3 supplements
#4) Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey Dry Dog Food
Next on our list of best dog foods for your Boxer is Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal and Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food. Keep your bow-wow alert and energetic with this dog food. It is a well-crafted recipe with zero grain use with high protein content backed with fruits and vegetables to provide a nutritious meal.
Deboned Turkey and chicken provide the main source of protein. Fats are essential in dog food and in this meal your dog gets this from the chicken fat ingredient. Chicken fat is highly digestible and had Omega-6 fatty acid that keeps skin and coat healthy.
Natural chicken flavors are used to add to the aroma and taste of the food. Salmon oil in this food is rich in Omega acids as well for good skin, a healthy heart and strong immunity.
Tomato pomace, a minor ingredient, drawn from raw tomatoes has soluble fiber amounts that assist with healthy and regular bowel movements while also lowering cholesterol levels and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Blueberries, apples, spinach, broccoli and carrots add to this diet by providing vitamins and minerals essential for your dog’s health. Vitamin supplements added to this dog food include A, E, B12 and D3. This is an excellent package for your pet.
Features
- Grain and gluten-free
- Formulated without fillers, artificial additives, colors or flavors
- Goes well with other wellness CORE canned formulas
- Uses animal protein as the first ingredient
#5) Royal Canin Boxer Adult Dry Dog Food
At two years old and above a Boxer is considered an adult. The playful puppy that leaped about chasing after flying insects transforms into a strong adult scanning the compound for trespassers. This transformation translates even to the food you give, from puppy formulas to adult ones.
Royal Canin Boxer Adult Dry Dog Food is among the best dog food for Boxers you should turn to at this stage. With uniquely shaped kibble, this food is carefully crafted to provide all nutrients essential for your dog’s body. They are wave-shaped to ease the picking and chewing process during mealtime.
It has high protein and is enriched with L- carnitine that is good for heart health and taurine that also supports cardiac function, eye health and the overall immune system. This dog food can be complemented with Royal Canin Boxer wet dog food giving your friend a lip-licking treat while tending to his nutrition.
Features
- Designed for adult Boxers
- Taurine and L-Carnitine to promote healthy cardiac functioning
- Wave-shaped kibble custom made to ease pick up and chewing
- Can go well with Royal Canin Boxer wet dog food
#6) Eukanuba Breed Specific Boxer Adult Dry Dog Food
This Eukanuba formula is also one of the best dog food for Boxers you should consider for your adult pooch. It provides complete and well-balanced nutrition for the adult dog.
Chicken is its first ingredient which is a great source of protein and fat. The second ingredient is the chicken byproduct that provides a natural source of glucosamine important for healthy joints.
Cornmeal is used to provide moderate amounts of vitamins, minerals and plant-based proteins. To complement this supply of nutrients are ground sorghum, barley, dried beet pulp, fish oil, potassium and natural chicken flavors. Eukanuba also prides itself in the 3D Dental Defense system that works to reduce tartar build-up in 28 days.
Features
- Uses animal protein as the first ingredient
- Has the 3D DentaDefense system that reduces tartar build-up
- Formulated for adult Boxers
- Well balanced to care for dental, immune, cardiac, hip and joint health
#7) Crave Protein from Chicken Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
If you are looking for the best dog food for Boxers that will satisfy your companion’s appetence for chicken, then this dog food would be a great choice. It features farm-raised chicken as its first ingredient giving your dog a rich source of animal protein. Formulated for dogs of all breed sizes, your Boxer is guaranteed to get sufficient amounts of nutrients for his body to remain healthy and strong.
It is an ideal pick for Boxers with food sensitivities as it is free of grain, artificial additives and flavors. Cooked and processed using high-quality ingredients, this formula stands among the best dog food options you should consider.
Features
- Uses real animal protein drawn from chicken
- Has zero chicken byproduct and artificial additives
- Suitable for dogs with food allergies
- Formulated for small to medium to large breed
#8) Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Recipe with Red Meat
Blue Buffalo is one of the most reputable brands in the pet food industry. This particular recipe will tender to your Boxer’s nutritional needs while giving the indigenous taste of the wild. It draws its protein from a blend of red meat from real beef that helps build and maintain a healthy body for your dog both in and out.
Sweet potatoes and peas are used to keep the meal grain-free while supplying energy and omegas for healthy digestion and skin. Blue Buffalo recipes are known for their Life Source Bits drawn from a mix of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support the proper running of the immune system.
Chicken, wheat, soy and artificial additives are absent in this dog food. The fruit ingredients have been sourced from blueberries and cranberries. This carefully put together makes a recipe that is undoubtedly one of best dog food for Boxers.
Features
- Suitable for dogs with unique needs
- Contains LifeSource Bits that support the immune system
- Made of all-natural ingredients: no chicken byproduct, wheat or artificial fillers
- Drawn from real beef for high protein content
#9) Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Dry Dog Food
The best dog food for Boxers is characterized by real meat as their first ingredient as this translates to an abundant source of protein. Protein is key for the healthy development of muscle, bone, tissue, immunity and is an excellent source of energy. Real Turkey and venison serve this very purpose when present in dog food.
Turkey is great for glucosamine supply and is supplemented by the chicken meal used in this food. To maintain his high activity and good health this Purina ONE recipe has carefully picked vitamins and minerals. Venison has immense benefits as an ingredient. It is rich in vitamin B, zinc and iron and is also suitable for dogs experiencing allergies.
If your Boxer is picky and has never fed on food with venison before, you should give it a try because even the pickiest of eaters seem to love the taste of deer meat. Is your pooch obese or are you trying to watch his weight? The meats used in this food are lean meats meaning fewer fats and cholesterol that could go a long way.
Features
- High protein levels to support healthy bodies
- Suitable for dogs with weight-related issues
- Not recommended for puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs
- Can be served dry or moistened with moderate amounts of water
#10) American Journey Large Breed Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free
This dog food ranks well among the best dog food for Boxers as it offers a well-rounded approach to its diet formulation. First, grain has been eliminated to help reduce stomach upsets. Secondly, real deboned Salmon is the number one ingredient for lean muscle mass and amino acids needed for supporting healthy skin and coat.
Sweet potatoes give additional energy and along with fiber from sources such as chickpeas facilitate a smooth digestive process. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for overall good health are sourced from fruits and veggies such as blueberries and carrots. This recipe will be one of those wag-worthy meals and will keep your Boxer happy, energized and nourished.
Features
- Fiber-rich dog food
- A good alternative for dogs with beef-related allergies
- All-natural flavors used
- Contains DHA, an Omega 3 fatty acid that promotes good development of the brain, Central nervous system, healthy shiny coat and fights inflammatory conditions
Further Reading
Best Dog Food for Boxers Buying Guide & FAQs:
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Dog Food for Boxers
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Recipe Formulation
High-quality ingredients are the key to a well-balanced meal. Look for dog food with a rich source of animal protein. Limited carbohydrates should be present and no artificial fillers, byproducts or additives should be present.
Another thing to check for is fat that should be in moderate quantities and animal-based fats are preferred and should be married with plant oils for sufficient provision of Omega fatty acids.
Veggies and fruits are essential and for the meal to be complete, vitamins, minerals and in their right quantities as is required by your dog.
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To Grain or Go Grain-free?
Some grains can cause upsets to the digestive system of your Boxer like excessive gas in the stomach. Others may cause itching and skin-related problems. It is, however, recommended to offer healthy grains and to achieve this, you need to know if your pooch has any sensitivity to any grains and eliminate them from his diet while retaining the beneficial ones.
Rice is one of the grains that are generally well tolerated. It would be wise to consult with your veterinarian too before feeding new foods to help you understand any health issues that may be underlying and get proper recommendations.
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Wet Dog Food vs Kibble Food
Both are excellent choices it all comes down to your dog, his preferences and his health. Though wet food has more moisture content, to maintain strong teeth, gums and jaw, dry kibble may be a better option.
You also get a firmer and healthier stool with dry food. If you however have a picky eater, you can mix both wet and dry but stick to ensuring all essential nutrients are provided for in the meal.
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Ingredients that Must be Present in Best Dog Food for Boxers
Protein: The best dog food for Boxes must have a high-quality protein source. Proteins provide amino acids essential for building lean, strong and healthy muscles. Boxers need food that will maintain their agility and power and there is no better way to support your pup than feeding him quality protein.
Proteins can be obtained from both plants and animals but the amino acids in meat are readily available to Boxers and will benefit your pooch the most. Keep in mind that boxers are a large and energetic breed for they thrive well on diet rich in protein.
Carbohydrates: Boxer dogs need a lot of energy and carbs provide the fuel to create the energy. The most ideal carbohydrate source should be easy to digest and dog foods formulated with carb sources like sweet potatoes are a great choice for Boxer dogs.
Fats: Although they are needed in small quantities, lipids are essential for the growth and development of Boxers. Besides providing energy, fats are needed for metabolism. Ideal dog food for a Boxer should have a fat content of about 5%. Ingredients such as avocado and flaxseed are good sources of healthy fats for your canine friend.
Micronutrients: These comprises vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Vitamins and minerals are key to proper metabolism, optimum health, bone, and joint health. Calcium particularly is important for boxers.
The mineral is needed for strengthening bones and ensuring proper muscle action. Calcium is needed for muscle contraction in animals and adding calcium to a Boxer’s diet promotes a healthy heart. The essential oils help promote healthy skin and coat whereas antioxidants boost the immune system.
Taurine & Probiotics: A boxer needs taurine for brain development and heart health. Best dog food for boxers formulated with probiotics such as cultures of Lactobacillus is a great choice for your buddy. Such probiotics help support a healthy gut which leads to efficient digestion.
Read: Nutrition for Older Dogs
Common Health Concerns for Boxer Dogs
Boxers like other breeds suffer from health issues related to their diet. One of the problems is Boxer Cardiomyopathy. This is a heart issue characterized by irregular heartbeats. If your canine has this problem, you are advised to make some dietary changes.
The second health issue common in Boxers is bloating. Bloat occurs when the stomach gets filled with gas and then twists interfering with the normal blood flow. The problem is fatal if not treated urgently.
To prevent bloating, you should encourage slow feeding by properly spacing mealtimes. You may use slow-feed dog bowls. Thirdly, like other foodies, boxers are prone to obesity. This can be prevented by feeding your pup high-quality food in the correct amounts.
Also, exercising the pooch daily helps reduce obesity. Lastly, food allergies and skin allergies can manifest in boxer dogs. Allergies cause too much discomfort to your canine so feeding quality food is paramount to avert such issues.
Read: Best Supplements for Dog Shedding
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Dog Food for Boxers
Q: How much should I feed my Boxer?
It all depends on various factors such as age, weight, etc. If your doggie has a healthy body weight then you should maintain its diet. However, if overweight or inactive as is the case with the senior life stage, feed a dog food with lower calorie amounts and reduce portions if necessary.
If underweight you can find the cause of weight loss, maybe he is picky or maybe he is ailing and then finds food to help him put on weight. It’s advisable to work with a vet if you have weight concerns, eating habits and other concerns about your buddy.
Q: Can I feed my Boxer on a budget?
With limited funds sometimes it is difficult to give your dog everything they desire to have. Most dog foods are budget-friendly and still offer quality nutrition. However, when times are tough and you need to switch to lower-priced food, be careful not to compromise your dog’s health in the process.
Q: Is it necessary to give extra supplements to my dog?
When offering a homemade meal, supplements may be needed but most commercial dog foods have required vitamins and minerals included in the ingredients. You can only weed out the ones that are unnecessary and retain those that are beneficial to him for his specific body requirements.
Conclusion
Show your Boxer that you care for his health and have it as a top priority by choosing the best dog food for him. In our review, we have covered the best dog food for Boxers present in the market and we hope it acts as a suitable guide as you navigate the shelves to pick the best for your pet.