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What’s the best dog food for a Boxer?
When choosing a dry or wet food for your Boxer… it’s super-critical to keep your pet’s age in mind.
Which isn’t a problem… so long as you’re feeding an ADULT Boxer.
However…
Boxer puppies are different. They have a higher risk of developing a crippling and permanent form of hip disease… if they’re fed a diet that contains too much calcium while they’re growing.1
Keep in mind…
Boxer puppies don’t stop growing and aren’t ready to eat adult dog food until they reach 15 to 24 months of age.2 3 4
Top Recommendations for Boxers
To help you choose the best possible food for your dog…
The Dog Food Advisor recommends the top-rated brands below. Each contains an amount of calcium and other nutrients5 considered safe for a Boxer, based on your dog’s age. Recipes are marked as “best for” adults… or puppies.
In addition…
We’ll also answer the 8 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Boxers.
Best Dog Food for Boxers December 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Boxers for December 2024.
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1. Best Dry Dog Food For Boxers: Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie
Ancient Prairie is one of four dry recipes covered in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
This formula gets the better part of its animal protein from fresh buffalo and pork, as well as chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
A nutrient-rich, highly digestible kibble that’s made with grains. The recipe also contains proprietary probiotics that thrive in the GI tract and help support stable digestive health.
A super-popular recipe ideal for both Boxer puppies and adults.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Contains probiotics
- Highly digestible
- High protein
Main Ingredients Buffalo, pork, chicken meal, grain sorghum, millet Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Boxers of all ages Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Overall, I would recommend this food. I really love the ingredients and it has done wonders for my dog's coat ! She used to have a dull coat and, occasionally, dry skin. After testing exclusively this food for months, I've noticed a drastic improvement in her coat. She also loves the taste!! The only thing that could use improvement is the percentage of protein; I wish it was a little higher! But overall, great ingredients!"
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2. Best Wet Dog Food For Boxers: The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stews Tender Turkey
The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stews Tender Turkey Stew is one of five recipes in our review in the range.
This particular recipe receives the majority of its meat protein from turkey, which is a clean, lean meat for your Boxer. Our dry matter label analysis reveals it has a protein level of 50%, a fat level of 11% and an estimated carbohydrate level of 31%.
This is a high protein food, rich in amino acids to help your large dog maintain their muscle mass. It’s free from artificial preservatives, feed-grade by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat and soy.
The Honest Kitchen as a brand is marketed as the world’s first human-grade pet food company. It produces high-quality foods and formulates all its recipes with the assistance of veterinary nutritionists.
Read our review of the full The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stews Dog Food (Wet) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- High protein
- No artificial preservatives, feed-grade by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat or soy
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey bone broth, quinoa, carrots, broccoli. Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 44.4% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Boxer dogs (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheHonestKitchen.com"I have 9 dogs of various sizes and ages and they ALL love this stew. I add it as an add-in to their kibble along with a little water. I feel good about their nutrition and they feel good about me."
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3. Best Fresh Food For Boxers: The Farmer's Dog Fresh Pork Recipe
Pork is one of four fresh-cooked, human-grade recipes evaluated in our review of The Farmer’s Dog full product line.
This Farmer’s Dog formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh USDA pork. Dry matter label analysis confirms the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
If you’ve ever wanted to feed your Boxer a fresh, home-cooked meal but weren’t sure how to make it nutritionally complete, The Farmer’s Dog has you covered.
Start by answering a few quick questions on the website about your dog’s age, weight, and breed. Using this information, The Farmer’s Dog creates a custom feeding plan tailored specifically for your Boxer.
Each meal is crafted from high-quality, human-grade ingredients in a fully balanced recipe, suitable for both puppies and adults. Developed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, The Farmer’s Dog is a premium option for your Boxer.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Tailored recipes
- Human-grade ingredients
- High protein
Main Ingredients USDA pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Boxers of all ages Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"Lola has put on a lot of weight in her old age, despite a strict diet and exercise. The weight never came off. Our vet ran every test imaginable on her. Since switching to Farmer Dog, she’s lost 10lbs and is playing again. It’s been nothing short of miraculous. I’m so happy that we found you guys!"
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4. Best Dog Food For Boxer Puppies: Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy
Large Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes rated in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
This Puppy formula derives the majority of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal, as well as salmon meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 14% fat and 45% estimated carbs producing a healthy fat-to-protein ratio of about 45%.
Free of meat by-products, generic fillers, and artificial preservatives, this food is one of the Dog Food Advisor’s favorite large-breed puppy recipes. It contains an ideal blend of calcium, phosphorus and calories suited for a growing Boxer puppy.
Highly recommended.
For More Choices: Visit our Best Large Breed Puppy Foods page
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains calcium and phosphorus
- Free from fillers and preservatives
- Suitable calories for large-breed puppies
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Boxer puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I must admit we researched just about every kibble on the market right now and we were impressed by the quality ingredients found in the Wellness brand. And we were especially happy when we noticed the specific for large breed puppy. Puppy that will be a large breed require nutrition that will support their bone, muscle, brain growth. Our shelter rescue German Shepard is alive and thriving. She gained 6.5 lbs in her first week with us. I think she is now off to a yummy start to her life."
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5. Best Affordable Dog Food For Boxers: IAMS Large Breed Chicken & Whole Grains Recipe
Large Breed Adult is one of 13 dry kibble recipes evaluated in our review of the IAMS ProActive Health product line.
This recipe acquires the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken by-product meal. Dry matter label analysis confirms the recipe contains 25% protein, 13% fat and 54% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.
It’s also worth noting this classic, fully balanced design is fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin to help prevent joint damage — a common issue with pure-bred Boxers.
IAMS ProActive Health Large Breed Adult contains natural fiber as well as prebiotics to support healthy digestion. A quality, affordable dog food for animals whose adult weight is expected to exceed 50 pounds. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Iams Proactive Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
- Easily digestible
- Reasonably priced
Main Ingredients Chicken, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 25% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Boxers Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We had to change our dog food to save money. Iams Large Breed Adult is a good and much better-priced kibble than the more expensive brands. Our dog loves it!"
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6. Best Dog Food For Boxers With Allergies: JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Joint & Skin Support
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Joint & Skin Support received the Dog Food Advisor’s rating of 4.5 stars. It is one of nine recipes in a range made by Just Food For Dogs, a company founded in 2010 by entrepreneur Shawn Buckley.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from pork, which is naturally rich in all 10 essential amino acids required by a dog to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 33% protein, 5% fat and 55% carbohydrates with a fat-to-protein ratio of 15%. This recipe gets the majority of its protein from pork (the only meat in this formula) which is a great choice for Boxers with allergies to common meats such as chicken or beef.
This Pantry Fresh range is vet-recommended, fresh, human-grade food.
Read our review of the full JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Wide recipe range
- Single-meat recipe
- Rich in amino acids
Main Ingredients Pork, quinoa, kale, carrots, apples Texture Wet Type Fresh Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult boxers Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at JustFoodForDogs"My pup enjoys it and it has helped with his itching a bit . Will continue to purchase as he definitely enjoys his meal."
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7. Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Food For Boxers: Annamaet Original Extra
Annamaet Original Extra is one of 10 kibbles analyzed in our review of this dry dog food product line.
This particular recipe obtains most of its meat protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.
A classic grain-inclusive design containing L-carnitine for efficient fat metabolism and lean muscle mass. Notable for its nutrient-balanced calcium, phosphorus and calorie content which makes this recipe an exceptional choice for both Boxer puppies and adults.
Annamaet is prized by members of the large breed athletic and sporting dog community.
Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Annamaet Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains L-carnitine
- Contains calcium and phosphorus
- Appropriate calories for large breeds
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, sorghum, chicken fat, rolled oats Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Boxers of all ages Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This is my favorite food. The calcium level is appropriate for raising puppies of my large breed, it feeds our active adults who are running in competition, our pregnant and lactation ladies, and we reduce the quantity to feed to retired older dogs. We've been feeding a large number of dogs for well over 40 years, so have a lot of experience. In our experience, Annamaet Extra is the best food we've found."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Here are eight of the most frequently asked questions we get each month about feeding boxers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I switch to a new food... without getting my Boxer sick?
In the following video…
You’ll find a simple feeding tip that can help lower your Boxer’s risk of digestive upset… when you switch to a new food.
Does a Boxer need to eat special dog food?
That depends on your dog’s age. Adult Boxers can eat just about ANY brand of quality kibble. However, to lower your pet’s risk of developing a crippling and permanent form of hip disease, Boxer puppies should be fed a diet that’s made to be safe for large breed puppies. For more top choices, view The Dog Food Advisor’s best large breed puppy foods page.
What's the best dog food for an older Boxer?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, larger breed dogs like Boxers tend live shorter lives than smaller dogs… which is why they’re often considered seniors when they reach 5 to 6 years of age. If your Boxer is over 6, you may wish to visit our best senior dog foods page for some safe recommendations.
What causes hip disease in Boxers?
Hip disease in Boxers is caused by at least one of 3 factors:
Since there’s nothing you can do to change your boxer’s genetics, be sure to avoid overfeeding your puppy. And choose a dog food that contains a calcium level that’s made to be safe for Boxers and other large breed puppies.
How can I lower my Boxer's risk of hip disease?
There are 2 things you CAN do to help lower your dog’s risk of hip disease. First, don’t overfeed your puppy. Too many calories in the diet can increase your Boxer’s risk of developing lasting hip damage.
Next, avoid dog foods that contain too much calcium for large breed puppies. View our best large breed puppy foods here.
How much food should I feed my Boxer?
A landmark study found that dogs fed an amount of food that keeps them at ideal body condition lived almost 2 years longer… than other dogs.15
So, to help your Boxer live a longer life…
Start with the feeding instructions printed on the bag. Then, adjust that amount up or down… to keep your boxer at ideal body condition.
The following short video explains exactly how to help your boxer achieve and maintain an ideal weight.
Final word
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