Best Dog Foods For Boxers

Dog Food Nutrition July 25, 2024
Best Dog Foods For Boxers

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Best Dog Foods For Boxers

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Best Dog Foods For Boxers

A Boxer is a dog breed developed in Germany that is often medium-sized and has short hair. Having his descents from Molossus, this working-class dog has solid, strong jaws and broad, short skulls. They also have smooth and tight-fitting coats, a square muzzle, and an underbite.

This attention seeker is brave, energetic, playful, determined, intelligent, modest, clean, cheerful, honest, and loyal. Moreover, the boxer is an instinctive guardian who is prone to dental problems and obesity.

Compare Best Dog Foods For Boxers

OVERALL BEST
Orijen Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food

1. Orijen Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR ALLERGIES
Blue Buffalo Basics

2. Blue Buffalo Basics

BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Annamaet Grain Free Lean Dry Dog Food

3. Annamaet Grain Free Lean Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR SENIORS
Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Large Breed, Chicken & Barley Recipe

4. Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Large Breed, Chicken & Barley Recipe

BEST FOR PUPPIES
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food

5. Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food

Protein
38% Min
Protein
20% Min
Protein
20% Min
Protein
20% Min
Protein
28% Min
Fat
18% Min
Fat
12% Min
Fat
9% Min
Fat
11.5% Min
Fat
16% Min
Fiber
4% Max
Fiber
6% Max
Fiber
3.5% Max
Fiber
4% Max
Fiber
4.5% Max
Calories
3940 kcal/kg ; 449 kcal per 8 oz. cup
Calories
371 kcal/cup
Calories
350 kcal/cup
Calories
363 kcal/8-oz cup
Calories
381 kcal/cup

Our criteria

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recommends choosing the best dog foods for Boxers and other dogs based on criteria such as AAFCO-approved, nutritionally researched, formulated by veterinary nutritionists, good quality control, and nutrition over marketing. The FDA warns about a possible link between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, and the latest research has expanded to include exotic proteins.

Therefore, grain-free dog foods are not generally recommended for most dogs. If your veterinarian recommends a grain-free diet for health reasons, follow their advice. If your dog has a food allergy, sensitivity, or other health issue, work with your vet to select a food for your Boxers. Some popular grain-free dog foods may not be listed here.

Best Rated Dog Foods For Boxers Reviewed

The feeding requirements vary according to age, environment, and activity.

There are so many brands and flavors of dog food in dog food markets all over the world.

To help with this process, we have come up with some of the best-loved and reviewed them in categories so that you will get a need-specific food for your dear pet. Here are some of the best dog foods for Boxers. 

OVERALL BEST
1.

Orijen Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 38% Min
  • Fat: 18% Min
  • Fiber: 4% Max
  • Calories: 3940 kcal/kg ; 449 kcal per 8 oz. cup
Pros
  • Great digestive system support
  • Optimal calcium and phosphorus levels
  • No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or potatoes
Cons
  • Quite expensive
Listed as one of our best dog food brands, Orijen Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for Boxers. This unmatched and enriched formula is rich in protein, low in carbohydrates and has no grain, which is suitable for all the life stages of Boxers.

The protein content is gotten from six different animals in WholePrey ratios including fresh meat, bones, fresh whole fish, organs, whole eggs, and cartilage.

With one-third of its meat gotten from air-dried chicken and turkey, and two-thirds either refrigerated (fresh) or flash-frozen (raw), this meal is biologically appropriate for Boxers.

The liver content serves to boost the flavor of this dog food and make it more delicious for your Boxers. Furthermore, other nourishing ingredients include fruits, vegetables, peas, russet potatoes, cranberries, apples and grasses.
BEST FOR ALLERGIES
2.

Blue Buffalo Basics

Product Info

  • Protein: 20% Min
  • Fat: 12% Min
  • Fiber: 6% Max
  • Calories: 371 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Very large kibble
  • Contains glucosamine and chondrotin for joint support
  • Nutrients for your dog’s heart
Cons
  • Not suitable for puppies
Blue Buffalo Basics are the best dog food for Boxers of all life stages with skin allergies and sensitive stomachs. For your dog’s eating pleasure, Blue Basics contains real meat from deboned turkey as the main source of protein, easy to digest potatoes to provide carbohydrate, along with essential fruits and vegetables.

It has LifeSource Bits which comprises vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will boost your Boxers’ immune system and preserve nutrient potency while providing them with a healthy oxidative balance.

This dog food is developed with calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins needed to keep your Boxers’ teeth healthy and their bones strong.

The presence of fatty acids will ensure your Boxers have healthy skin as well as gleaming coat.

Flavored with a rich blend of turkey and potato recipe, this grain-free diet is delicious with fewer ingredients carefully selected to help dogs with sensitive stomachs.
BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS
3.

Annamaet Grain Free Lean Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 20% Min
  • Fat: 9% Min
  • Fiber: 3.5% Max
  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Great for weight management
  • Contains natural fiber and healthy grains
  • Chelated minerals for effective utilization
Cons
  • Above market average in cost
Annamaet Grain-Free Lean Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for overweight Boxers. Made in the USA, this dog food is the perfect solution for overweight dogs and adult dogs with pancreatitis.

Mainly composed of chicken, herring, and duck, this formula is grain-free, rich, nourishing, complete, and preserved naturally.

It also has a lean formula comprising of chelated minerals for effective utilization and strengthening of your dog’s immune system, prebiotics to aid digestion, L-Carnitine and DHA for supporting brain development and improving cognitive function, and algae to provide your pet with Omega 3 fatty acids.

This is one low-fat dog food that is capable of giving your dog a healthy weight as well as a shiny coat.
BEST FOR SENIORS
4.

Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Large Breed, Chicken & Barley Recipe

Product Info

  • Protein: 20% Min
  • Fat: 11.5% Min
  • Fiber: 4% Max
  • Calories: 363 kcal/8-oz cup
Pros
  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Has small morsels that are easy to chew and digest
  • Helps with allergies and gastrointestinal problems
Cons
  • Hill’s is currently recalling some of its Science Diet and Prescription canned foods because of excess Vitamin D. This only affects canned foods but it may cause some customers to be concerned.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for senior Boxers. It has chicken as its main ingredient with rice as fiber in a nice blend that will not upset your dog’s stomach. It is enriched with a sufficient amount of protein to give your Boxer a healthy weight.

Additional nutrition is added by vegetables and fruit gotten from apples, carrots, and cranberries to boost your dog’s immune system and natural defenses.

Moreover, the fiber content in the rice and flaxseed helps digestion and also keeps the Boxer’s skin and coat very healthy. This meal will give your senior Boxer complete nutrition in the right proportions.
BEST FOR PUPPIES
5.

Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 28% Min
  • Fat: 16% Min
  • Fiber: 4.5% Max
  • Calories: 381 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Keeps teeth white with no bad breath
  • Affordable and of good quality
  • Suitable for puppies
Cons
  • The kibble is quite small for chewers
  • Formula is inconsistent
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Dry is the best dog food for Boxer puppies. Made of mainly deboned chicken, chicken meal, potatoes, peas and sweet potatoes, this dog food provides your puppies with balanced nutrition using whole home-grown foods.

This natural and grain-free recipe was cooked in the USA and boasts of 55% protein and 45% vitamins, minerals and fresh produce. Delicious and enriched with Omega6 and Omega 3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, this food will improve your puppies’ skin, coat, hips, and joints. DHA is also added for the development of a healthy brain.

Boxers Dietary Needs

Boxers, being medium-sized and muscular, require a high energy level. They require clean, fresh water, animal-sourced protein for muscle development and digestion, and a well-balanced diet of carbohydrates and fats. If the dog’s diet is sufficient, it is advisable to reduce the fat content to prevent overweight.

Boxers benefit from chondroitin, glucosamine, and probiotic microorganisms for joint strength and digestion. Taurine, calcium, and L-carnitine are essential for brain development, heart function, blood flow, sight, weight loss, and muscle contraction. Boxers should avoid consuming caffeine, candies, gums, fat trimmings, garlic, onions, chocolates, or yeast dough. This ensures their overall health and prevents them from being overweight.

Nutritional Requirements

These are bouncy dogs with high energy levels. Boxers are prone to having stomach problems and gaining too much weight. Therefore, you should avoid foods high in calorie content. Here is a breakdown of the major nutritional requirements for your boxers.

  • Protein: This should make up a minimum of 25–30% of your boxer’s food daily because of their size and energy levels. Additionally, your boxer needs a protein that is lean and animal-based to increase stamina, improve their muscular health, aid in the growth of bones, and also aid in the repair of tissues. Therefore, sources of protein that will be beneficial to your boxer include turkey, lamb, lean chicken, duck, and tuna.
  • Carbs: You should also add complex carbohydrates to your boxer’s diet so that it will not break down easily. This will thereby keep them energetic for a long time. Carbs are very good sources of energy, and your dog requires a lot of them to stay active. Furthermore, some sources of complex carbs are sweet potatoes, green peas, brown rice, and flaxseeds. 
  • Fats: Fats should make up about 15% of your boxer’s daily diet. This nutritional requirement provides Boxers with additional energy, maintains proper food digestion, and stabilizes body temperature. Moreover, fats also help to maintain a healthy heart, provide joint support, and keep their coats soft and shiny. Prone to weight gain, fats should also be kept at a minimum level. Sources of fat that will do your boxers good include fish, salmon, and flaxseeds.
  • Minerals and Vitamins: Boxers love to play and require strong bones, joints, and muscles to allow them to enjoy their playful nature. Thus, a lot of calcium helps to encourage mobility, irrespective of your boxer’s age. Your dog also requires taurine and L-carnitine to maintain a healthy heart.

How Much Should You Feed Your Boxers by Age?

Boxers need varying amounts of nutrition based on their age, with puppies being the most demanding. The quantity of food given to them determines their health, growth, and well-being. As they grow into adults, they consume less food. Quality food is crucial for good health and a longer lifespan.

Boxers at 7 years old are older, lazier, and more prone to being overweight. They need fewer calories and more fiber in their diet. For puppies aged 2–6 months, 1-2 cups of dog food should be fed four times a day, while older puppies should be fed three times a day.

Adults should be fed twice a day with 4-5 cups of dry kibbles per meal. Seniors need diets that aid digestion and avoid allowing protein, fats, and fiber to make them overweight.

Boxers Food Allergies And Food-Related Health Issues

Boxers have various food allergies due to ingredients in certain brands. Artificial flavors, by-products, and coloring should not be included in their diet. Boxers lick their paws and legs, causing red, broken, and hairless skin. Protein is a basic dietary need for boxers, but some are allergic to specific meats or gains. It’s crucial to identify and avoid these allergens.

Final Thoughts

Boxers are valuable dogs that require special treatment. The best way to treat them is by providing the best dog food and monitoring their diet. If negative reactions occur, take them to the vet regularly. Boxers will likely enjoy the food mentioned above.

Array

Anne is a wellness writer with a lifelong love of animals large and small. As a former veterinary technician, she has a passion for your pet’s well-being. Anne rescues and rehabilitates animals in need. She shares her farm with lots of critters including horses, sheep, dogs, cats, rabbits, and chickens
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