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This is our review of the best dog food for boxers in 2023.
With their squishy faces, energetic personalities, intelligence, obedience, and physical strength, Boxers are some of my favorite dogs.
And as their owners, we want to give them the best of the best, and that includes their nutrition. But, it can be challenging sometimes to find the right diet that will meet their energetic lifestyles, contains the right levels of protein and fat that match that lifestyle and at the same time address their unique nutritional needs.
That’s why, as a qualified vet, I reviewed 8 dog foods that I believe are the best for Boxers. My personal pick and the one I always recommend to my clients is Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food.
However, your dog’s condition might be different, they might have specific needs or a specific health issue, so I added more.
I also added a brief buying guide to give you a quick overview of how to pick the right diet for your pup on your own.
Let’s get into it.
Our Top Picks for The Best Dog Food for Boxers
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Boxers Overall)
- Royal Canin Breed Boxer Adult Dog Food (Best Premium Food for Boxers)
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Food (Best Puppy Food for Boxers)
- Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food (Best Fresh Food for Boxers)
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Denali Dinner Canned Dog Food (Best Wet Food for Boxers)
- Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Senior Boxers)
- Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Mobility Support Dog Food (Best Boxer Food for Joints Support)
- Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food (Best Raw Food for Boxers)
The 8 Best Dog Food for Boxers Reviewed
Before we dive in, I want to tell you that all the dog food I included in this list meets the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs.
Also, we always recommend you consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your Boxer’s diet.
1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
- Nutrient Content: 32% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, High-Protein
- Life Stage: Adult Boxers
- Best for: Overall
Boxers are medium to large breed dogs, they need a formula that’s high in protein to support their muscular build, and also high in fat to help them maintain their activity levels.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food offers both, it features 32% crude protein from buffalo, lamb, and chicken. This variety of animal protein contains all the necessary amino acids that will help your boxer develop and maintain lean, strong muscle mass.
It also features 18% crude fat, mostly from chicken, which will support your pup’s active lifestyle and support their joints.
Boxers who have gut and digestion issues can safely eat this dog food. It contains specific canine-strain of probiotics to support the digestive system and prevent gas accumulation that leads to bloat.
This formula derives its carbohydrate content from real fruits and veggies which are also great sources of fiber and provides extra support for the digestive system.
This dog food is grain free which is great for boxers who are sensitive to grain as it will still meet their energy requirements without the inclusion of grains. And it’s made in the USA, so rest assured your pup will get high-quality, safe, and clean nutrition.
2. Royal Canin Breed Boxer Adult Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Oat Groats
- Nutrient Content: 24% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: With Grain
- Life Stage: Adult Boxers
- Best for: Premium Food for Boxers
Boxer owners who want more premium dog food for their companions should consider this option from Royal Canin.
Royal Canin Breed Boxer Adult Dog Food is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adult Boxers. It features 24% crude protein and L-carnitine that support healthy and lean muscle growth.
The kibble is made considering the unique jaw shape of Boxers, and it’s actually made so that it’s easy for them to pick and chew the food.
This formula includes antioxidants and other nutrients to support the digestive system and help with nutrient absorption.
It also includes taurine, EPA, and DHA omega fatty acids that support heart health, and promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
What I and many Boxer owners like about this formula is the fact that its wave-shaped kibble prevents Boxers from eating their food too fast, which prevents bloat and other digestion issues.
However, this formula is grain inclusive and may not be a good choice for Boxers that are allergic or sensitive to grains.
3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch
- Nutrient Content: 35% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: High-Protein, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
- Life Stage: Boxer Puppies
- Best for: High Protein Puppy Food for Boxers
Boxer puppies require high levels of protein and low to moderate levels of fat to support their growing bodies and help them build lean and strong muscles. They actually need more than adults, so make sure that you pick the right formula.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Food features 35% crude protein from deboned chicken as the first ingredient, this will provide your little pup with all the amino acids they need to develop healthy muscles.
Also, chicken is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin that ease joint discomfort and promote healthy hips and joints, which is good as puppies are more susceptible to developing hip problems in their early months.
This formula contains a special blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your little pal’s immune system, and provide them with a balanced and complete diet.
It also contains 2 fatty acids that can only be found in the mother’s milk, DHA that help in developing the puppy’s cognitive functions, and ARA that aids in digestion and promote a healthy digestive system.
And, it’s completely free of the most common allergens for dogs like poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and preservatives so that your little pup gets clean and safe nutrition.
4. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food
Fresh food is a great option for Boxers, if you have the time and knowledge on how to prepare it yourself, that’s great. However, if you don’t and you still want to offer your pup a highly nutritious, tasty, and human-grade diet, I would highly recommend Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food.
This formula comes with one of 4 real types of meat as the main ingredient – beef, turkey, pork, and chicken, and you can actually choose a mix of all four.
It also contains fresh ingredients like peas, carrots, and potatoes, along with other vitamins and minerals for whole-body nutritional support.
Once you opt-in, you’ll have to take a quiz where you’ll answer some questions about your dog, their age, size, weight, health situation, and other nutritional goals you may have like gaining or losing some weight.
Then, a specialized nutritionist will take all of that into consideration and prepare meals that are fully customized to your Boxer’s condition and health situation.
These meals will come pre-portioned with a guide on how and when to feed your pup, so there is no need to worry about overfeeding your Boxer.
However, fresh dog food is on the pricey side and will cost more than the average dry kibble options on the market. So make your choices accordingly, but if you want my opinion, for the value you’ll get, it’s worth it.
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Denali Dinner Canned Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Fish Broth, Chicken Liver, Turkey
- Nutrient Content: 10% Crude Protein, 5% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Type of Product: High-Protein, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
- Life Stage: Adult Boxers
- Best for: Wet Food for Boxers
Wet food is a great option for Boxers who are picky about their nutrition and what they eat. It’s tastier and more appealing to them compared to dry kibble.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Denali Dinner Canned Dog Food is the best wet food for Boxers, it features a high protein formula that includes chicken, chicken liver, turkey, and salmon. This variety of animal protein will help your Boxer develop and maintain strong muscles.
Chicken and Turkey are great sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, two essential components that aid in mobility and support hip and joint health, which is essential for active breed dogs such as Boxers.
This formula is made with chicken broth and fish broth which are the main ingredients that give the wet food its wet form. I personally prefer broth over water as it’s more nutritious and more beneficial for your dog compared to water.
The fish meal and wild salmon included in this formula are strong sources of omega fatty acids that support skin and coat health.
However, it’s slightly more expensive in the long run, if you are cool with it that’s great. But if not, then I’d recommend that you mix it with dry kibble so that you offer your pooch a highly nutritious and very tasty meal which at the same time is very friendly on your balance.
6. Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice
- Nutrient Content: 25% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, With Grain
- Life Stage: Senior
- Best for: Senior Boxers
Senior Boxers still need high amounts of protein to stay lean and muscular. This formula features 25% crude protein from cage-free chicken as the main ingredient. This will help your pup not only keep their muscular build but also provide them with higher amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin to support their aging joints.
And, a lifetime of activity, jumping, and running will definitely have an impact on your pup’s cartilage. The omega fatty acids in this formula will provide added support to your pup’s hips and joints, and promote healthy skin and coat.
This formula also contains antioxidants that support your Boxer’s defense mechanisms, probiotics that boost nutrient absorption and support the immune system, and L-Carnitine for a healthy heart.
The added vitamins and minerals from real superfoods like blueberries and oranges will offer your aging pup a complete and balanced diet and contribute to their overall health and wellness.
Plus, it’s completely free of corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, and colors, so no need to worry about upsetting your senior pal’s stomach.
7. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Mobility Support Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Barley
- Nutrient Content: 26% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 7% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, With Grain
- Life Stage: Adult Boxers
- Best for: Hips and Joints Support
Boxers are very active dogs, and that definitely has an effect on their hips and joints.
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints Mobility Support Dog Food is the best option to support your pup’s cartilage, hips, joints, and shoulders. It features enhanced levels of glucosamine and chondroitin from natural sources like chicken and chicken meal.
These 2 components are the building blocks that promote healthy cartilage, help ease joint discomfort, and prevent any related health issues.
It also features EPA from fish oil, which is an anti-inflammatory omega-3 acid that provides extra support for your dog’s hips and joints by reducing and preventing the spread of inflammation caused by irritated hips or joints
Chicken and chicken meal provide strong sources of protein that will help your Boxer develop and maintain healthy muscles.
This formula is fortified with vitamins and minerals to support your pup’s bones, and provide them with whole-body nutritional support. It also includes probiotics that nourish good gut bacteria that contribute to the immune’s system health.
I personally prefer this formula as it offers great support for the hips and joints without the inclusion of poultry by-products meals, wheat, soy, or corn.
8. Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes
- Nutrient Content: 38% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein, Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Raw, Chicken-Free, Weight Control, Sensitive Digestion, Premium
- Life Stage: Adult Boxers
- Best for: Raw Food for Boxers
Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food is the best dog food for highly active Boxers that need extra protein and extra fat content to maintain their activity levels.
With 38% Crude Protein from deboned beef, lamb meal, and salmon meal, this formula is set to provide your pup with all the protein they need to maintain an active lifestyle.
It also features 17% crude fat content which is slightly higher than what the average Boxer needs, and is entirely perfect for highly active ones as it will provide them with the energy they need to stay active all day long.
Potatoes and sweet potatoes are natural sources of easily digestible carbs that provide a quick boost of energy, and fiber that’s key for healthy digestion.
This formula includes freeze-dried raw bites to entice your pup to eat their food. Along with other vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet.
I highly recommend this dog food for Boxers that are on a raw diet. However, if your pup isn’t on a raw diet or your vet didn’t recommend it, I advise that you stay away from raw options as Boxers are known to have somewhat sensitive stomachs.
How to Choose The Best Dog Food for Boxers
Boxers are amazing creatures, they are very playful, and energetic, with beautiful squishy faces.
Due to their highly active lifestyle, they need a diet that’s high in protein to support muscle mass and overall health and wellness, and high in fat to fuel them with energy.
Here is how to choose the right dog food for your pup.
High Levels of Protein
Protein is an essential part of every dog’s diet, and Boxers need more protein than other breeds. A good Boxer diet should include a minimum of 25% crude protein, but you can go up to 35% or 38% and that’s okay because Boxers need that to maintain their muscular build.
Primarily, you should look for animal meat listed as the first ingredient, these animal proteins contain the essential amino acids that are the building blocks that will help your pup develop and maintain lean and strong muscles.
Moderate Levels of Fat
Fats are another essential macronutrient for dogs, it contributes to skin, coat, brain, and heart health and at the same time, it’s the primary source of energy for dogs, which is great, especially for highly active dogs like Boxers.
Ideally, you should aim for a diet with fat content at around 15%, and make sure that it also contains omega fatty acids that support skin and coat health.
The best sources of healthy fats for dogs are fish oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, and eggs.
Easily Digestible Carbohydrates
Carbs offer quick access and an extra boost of energy. Boxers need carbs to support their active lifestyles.
Healthy sources of carbohydrates are whole grains, but if your Boxer is allergic or sensitive to grains, I recommend a diet with potatoes or sweet potatoes, they are great sources of easily digestible carbs and fiber that provides extra support for the digestive system
Vitamins and Minerals
For a complete and balanced diet, Boxers need extra vitamins and minerals to address their unique nutritional needs. And any dog food you choose should meet the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs.
Vitamins like vitamin E and antioxidants boost your pup’s immune system, and minerals like calcium or phosphorus are great for strong teeth and bones.
Vitamins and minerals deficiency can lead to some serious health conditions, especially for puppies. Most of the time, a puppy that doesn’t get enough calcium and phosphorus in their daily diet develops critical skeletal issues or even crippling and other related issues.
Our Verdict
Boxers are one of the best dogs I get to interact with, and even though they seem a little bit intimidating, they are one of the friendliest dog breeds and have really big hearts and big patience with adults and kids alike.
They are very active though, and they need a diet that includes the right macros in the right portions to help them maintain that active lifestyle.
My personal pick is Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food, it’s great for Boxers and the price is reasonable.
But, your situation, dog’s health condition, or personal preferences might vary, that’s why I encourage you to choose what you think is best for you and for your pup.
And, before you make any changes to your pet’s diet, I highly recommend that you consult a vet.
