10 Best Dog Food for Boxers in 2024

The Boxer breed is known for its endearing goofiness and lovability, maintaining its popularity over the years for very good reasons. These dogs frequently appear to be totally oblivious to their substantial size, seizing every opportunity to snuggle into the lap of the person they adore the most or to dash through the house as though they were compact enough to navigate it easily.

Boxers, however, are prone to some health issues, and it is important to find a dog food that will provide them with the proper nutrients and preventive ingredients.

How We Chose Our Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Boxers

Before we jump right into it, we want to provide full transparency of the top 10 dog foods on our list. Here’s how we chose the best dog food for Boxers in 2022.

High-quality Pet Food

It’s safe to say that when it comes to pet food, you want to make sure that you get the one with premium ingredients because quality is assured. The best dog foods included in our list are of top quality, just like Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Boxer Adult. This dog food promotes optimal health for your Boxer and has all the necessary ingredients to meet their nutritional needs.

Protein-rich Diet

You want the #2 on our list for a protein-rich diet, the EUKANUBA Breed Specific Boxer Adult with chicken, as the first ingredient. Chicken is a high-quality animal protein that helps maintain the lean muscles of your beloved Boxer while protecting their immune system with essential amino acids.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals. The Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Real Beef, Pea, and Brown Rice Recipe contains a mix of nutritious vegetables, fruit, and grains. These are ingredients that are high in fiber and promote overall wellness, especially in the digestive system.

So, what is the best large breed dog food for Boxers? Spotting a quality product is easy once you know what to look for. We have listed a few recommended products below to make it even easier.

Looking for cheaper options? See our favorite cheap dog food brands here.

View the Best Dog Foods For Boxers Below

1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Boxer Adult

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Product Specifications

• Brand: Royal Canin
• Lifestage: Adult
• Breed Size: Large Breeds
• Total Weight: 30.0 pounds
• Special Diet: N/A

Our Review

This Royal Canin Boxer Formula helps the breed maintain an ideal muscle mass and a healthy weight, using just the right protein levels and L-carnitine. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Boxer Adult has great support for cellular health thanks to the unique antioxidant complex, and it is a boxer food that is so full of flavor that your pup is likely to love it!

Since Boxers are prone to cardiac sensitivity and heart problems, this food for boxer dogs contains a healthy level of taurine, which is known to support a healthy heart function. By choosing a breed-specific kibble such as this one; which is made to fit every nutritional need of the boxer, you are making a conscious decision for your dog’s health

Pros:

+ Designed specifically for the Boxer breed
+ With L-Carnitine to maintain lean muscle mass
+ Promotes healthy cardiac function with Taurine, EPA, and DHA
+ Includes optimal protein and fat levels
+ Exclusive tailor-made kibble design perfectly fit for Boxers

Con:

– Expensive

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3891 kcal/kg, 335 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	24.0% min
Crude Fat	18.0% min
Crude Fiber	4.5% max

Why We Like It – It is great to see a product that “knows” the breed it was made for, and we are very pleased to see Taurine being on the list of content for this boxer dog food.

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2. EUKANUBA Breed-Specific Boxer Adult

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Product Specifications

• Brand: Eukanuba
• Lifestage: Adult
• Total Weight: 30 Pounds

Our Review

A breed-specific product that helps your Boxer feel his or her absolute best. This Eukanuba food for Boxers has a 3D Dental Defense System, which helps reduce tartar build-up in less than 28 days. EUKANUBA Breed-Specific Boxer Adult is made with animal-based proteins, promoting lean muscle and a healthy body, and it helps your Boxer stay close to his or her ideal weight.

This food also contains L-carnitine and a natural source of Taurine, to protect that big and loving – yet sensitive – the heart of theirs. Glucosamine and Chondroitin help keep bones and joints in shape, also in older animals, which places this kibble right among the best boxer dog foods.

Pros:

+ High-quality animal protein that helps build strong muscles
+ Contains L-Carnitine and Taurine for heart health
+ With the 3D DentaDefense System that reduces tartar build-up in 28 days
+ Supports the immune system with Vitamin E and Beta-Carotene
+ Formulated to improve joint and hip health

Cons:

– May not be recommended for a Boxer mixed breed; consult a veterinarian before changing your Boxer mixed breed’s diet to this formula

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,727 kcal/kg, 340 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	25.0% min
Crude Fat	16.0% min
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.35% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	2.2% min
Moisture	10.0% max

Why We Like It – The Eukanuba Boxer Dog Food proves to be nutritious and overall good dog food for Boxers. Plus points for the tartar reduction, since oral problems in dogs are something you will want to avoid at all costs.

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3. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Boxer Puppy

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Product Specifications

• Brand: Royal Canin
• Lifestage: Puppy
• Breed Size: Large Breeds
• Total Weight: 30.0 pounds
• Special Diet: N/A

Our Review

Are you just about to welcome a new puppy to the family? Then Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Boxer Puppy is the ultimate option for you. With 28% protein, a balanced composition of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, this might as well be considered the best dog food for Boxer puppies. Growing pups have other needs than adult dogs, and it is important for them to get just enough of everything in order to grow strong and healthy.

The combination of vitamin C and vitamin E, along with Taurine, Lutein, and other antioxidants, makes this Boxer pup food a reliable choice for your new and adorable family member. Finding the best food for puppies living under your roof is important, and the sooner you do it – the better it is!

Pros:

+ 28% meat protein and L-Carnitine to support muscle development
+ Includes antioxidants to strengthen your pup’s natural defenses
+ Promotes digestive and intestinal health with prebiotics
+ With wave-shaped kibble that’s easier for Boxer puppies to pick and chew on
+ Provides a nutritional foundation
+ With vitamin E and vitamin C

Cons:

– Expensive

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3763 kcal/kg, 361 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	28.0% min
Crude Fat	16.0% min
Crude Fiber	3.7% max
Vitamin E	420 IU/kg min
Moisture	10.0% max

Why We Like It – It is great to see a product made for Boxer puppies; by a company that knows and understands their needs. It is a great option if you are looking for the best puppy food for Boxers, and it will keep your new pup happy and healthy already from the start.

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4. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Boxer Loaf in Sauce

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Product Specifications

• Brand: Royal Canin
• Lifestage: Adult
• Breed Size: Large Breeds
• Total Weight: 10.125 pounds
• Special Diet: N/A

Our Review

Is your Boxer not a big fan of kibble? Then perhaps this wet Boxer dog food diet could be something worth trying? Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Boxer Loaf in Sauce contains the same nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and ingredients as the best dry dog food for Boxers made by Royal Canin, just in a different presentation. This means that you can either feed this wet food on its own, as a complete meal, or use it as a topping to make kibble more appealing. See the reviews about Royal Canin here to learn more about this brand.

Note: One of the ingredients is Carob Bean Gum, learn more about Carob and its benefits.

Pros:

+ Designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult boxers
+ Includes Taurine, EPA, and DHA to promote cardiac health
+ With easy-to-digest protein and high-quality fat to support lean muscle mass
+ Offers a complete and balanced nutrition
+ Can be used as a tasty food topper or as a whole meal itself
+ Comes in appetizing smell and flavors that will keep your dog on its toes during mealtime

Cons:

– Contains animal by-products

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	948 kcal/kg, 365 kcal/can
Crude Protein	7.0% min
Crude Fat	4.5% min
Crude Fiber	2.7% max
Moisture	80.0% max

Why We Liked It – The best food for Boxer dogs is one that they’ll eat and enjoy, and this is a great option for pups that show little or no interest in eating dry food.

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5. Royal Canin Medium Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food

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Product Specifications

• Brand: Royal Canin
• Lifestage: Adult
• Breed Size: Medium Breeds
• Total Weight: 6.0 pounds
• Special Diet: High-Protein, Pea-Free

Our Review

Not a breed-specific product, but this kibble is suitable for dogs like German Shepherds and Boxers weighing over 55lbs, which makes it qualify as a potential winner of the title ‘Best dog food for a boxer’. The vitamins and healthy fatty acids (such as Omega 8) have been proven to give that short boxer coat a healthier shine within the first 28 days of usage, and this product also helps out with keeping your Boxer in shape and at a healthy weight.

There is Glucosamine and Chondroitin for bone and joint health, a blend of good vitamins, and enough protein to give your pup enough energy for adventures and outings. Royal Canin Medium Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food has real chicken listed as a first ingredient, and chicken meal and chicken liver listed a bit further down.

Pros:

+ Optimal levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA
+ With balanced fiber blend and easy-to-digest proteins to support digestive health
+ Real chicken meat with protein
+ Boosts the immune system with an exclusive blend of antioxidants
+ Shinier coat in 28 days
+ For strong bones and healthy joints

Cons:

– Contains poultry by-product meal

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3658 kcal/kg, 315 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	23.0% min
Crude Fat	12.0% min
Crude Fiber	3.5% max
Moisture	10.0% max

Why We Liked It – For Boxer dogs food can be an issue since some can be picky with what they eat. This won’t be an issue here since the kibble is full of flavor and just enough crunch! This dog food is suitable for breeds such as Huskies, Great Danes, and other large breeds.

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6. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural

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Product Specifications

• Brand: Rachael Ray Nutrish
• Lifestage: Adult
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Special Diet: Gluten Free

Our Review

Rachael Ray is known for her cooking, and she makes sure people know that even her brand of dog food is made with quality products that she would use herself in her kitchen. Choose between different varieties such as chicken, turkey, and beef, and choose the one you think your Boxer will like best.

All of her products contain real meat as the first ingredient, followed by a meat meal (which is very rich in protein) and a mix of nutritious vegetables, fruit, and grains. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural is completely free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, as well animal by-products, fillers, and wheat. Vitamins and minerals have been added to make this the best food for Boxers and other breeds that it could possibly be.

Pros:

+ Real beef as the #1 ingredient
+ High-quality animal protein that supports healthy organs and maintains lean muscles
+ Includes fiber sources such as peas and brown rice for healthy digestion
+ All-natural ingredients and added vitamins, minerals, and Taurine
+ Rich in Omega fatty acids 3 and 6 for healthy skin and coat
+ No poultry by-product meal, wheat, wheat gluten, fillers, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives

Cons:

– Hard kibble design but can be softened by mixing 2 cups of this dry kibble with 1/4 cup of water
– Greasy

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3508 kcal/kg, 326 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	25.0% min
Crude Fat	14.0% min
Crude Fiber	4.0% max
Calcium	1.2% min
Vitamin E	75 IU/kg min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.1% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	1.5% min
Moisture	10.0% max

Why We Liked It – Just reading through the ingredients makes your mouth water, and who wouldn’t want to feed their Boxer quality food with a high meat content? This is an all-natural food that has everything your Boxer needs to stay strong, healthy, and active.

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7. IAMS Proactive Health Senior

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Product Specifications

• Brand: Iams
• Lifestage: Senior
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds

Our Review

Having a senior Boxer at home is both a privilege and a blessing since it hopefully means they have had a long and happy life. Seniors require special care, however, to make sure they get to be healthy and pain-free for many years to come.

IAMS dog food for seniors is a great if not the best food to feed boxers over the age of 6, due to its balanced nutritional content. IAMS Proactive Health Senior is a kibble recommended by veterinarians; with real chicken, whole grains, and added vitamins and minerals.

IAMS Proactive Health for senior dogs also contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin for strong bones and functional joints (which is essential for senior dogs, to prevent and treat for example arthritis).

Pros:

+ #1 ingredient is real chicken
+ Antioxidants to support the immune system
+ With Glucosamine and Chondroitin to maintain healthy bones and joints
+ A blend of fiber and prebiotics to support healthy digestion
+ Includes Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
+ Specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of a senior dog

Cons:

– Small kibble size may not be ideal for a large breed dog
– This specific dog food was unfortunately discontinued by IAMS

Nutrition Information:

Crude Protein	24.0% min
Crude Fat	10.5% min
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Moisture	10.0% max

Why We Liked It – The best dog food for boxers over a certain age is one that takes their changing needs into consideration. This affordable dog food product has what it takes to care for a senior dog’s bones and joints, immune system, and digestion so that you can continue enjoying life with your best friend.

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8. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin

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Product Specifications

• Brand: Hill’s, Science Diet
• Lifestage: Adult
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Total Weight: 15.5 pounds
• Special Diet: Sensitive Digestion

Our Review

There are a few things to consider when looking for the best dog food for Boxers with sensitive stomachs. If they also have sensitive skin, which is often the case when dealing with food allergies, it can be challenging to find a dry food product that works. Hill knows this and has created an alternative that is recommended by veterinarians.

A carefully selected mix of vitamins, such as Vitamin C and E, helps boost your Boxer’s immune system. Every ingredient used was chosen specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs and is easy to digest while also providing enough nutrients. Check out best kinds of foods for pets with sensitive stomachs.

Pros:

+ Recommended by veterinarians
+ With beet pulp, a source of prebiotic fiber to support gut health
+ Mix of vitamins for the immune system
+ Vitamin E and Omega-6 for healthy skin and a shiny coat
+ For large dogs with sensitive stomachs
+ Highly digestible food to promote optimal nutrient absorption

Cons:

– Small kibble size may not be ideal for medium to large breeds’ mouth
– Pricey

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	382 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	21.0% min
Crude Fat	12.0% min
Crude Fiber	4.0% max
Vitamin E	400 IU/kg min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	3.0% min
Moisture	10.0% max

Why We Liked It – Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin is perhaps the best dog food for Boxers with skin allergies since its gentle composition gives both your pup’s immune system and digestive function a boost. If you have been struggling to find the best dog food for Boxers with gas and stomach issues, then this is something you will want to have a look at.

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9. Iams PROACTIVE HEALTH Large Breed Adult

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Product Specifications

• Brand: Iams
• Lifestage: Adult
• Breed Size: Large Breeds, Giant Breeds
• Total Weight: 15.0 pounds
• Special Diet: N/A

Our Review

Choosing a breed-specific product is great, but if you have other dogs of a different breed, then you might be better off with something like this. Iams have worked hard to prove that they are the best dog food brand for Boxers and other breeds, and this kibble is very convincing. Iams PROACTIVE HEALTH Large Breed Adult has real chicken – a fresh meat ingredient – which helps promote strong muscles and a lean body. It aids digestion with its unique blend of fibers and probiotics.

The wholesome grain content will give your dog energy to last a whole day, and the additives found are there to keep your pup’s bones and joints healthy – making this one of the best dog foods for adult dog breeds.

Pros:

+ The first ingredient is real, farm-raised chicken
+ High-quality animal protein that supports muscle and heart health
+ Includes Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support healthy joints
+ Blend of natural fibers and prebiotics for better digestion
+ Large kibble size for dental health
+ Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health

Cons:

– Not recommended for fuzzy eaters
– With poultry by-product meal

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,529 kcal/kg, 351 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	22.5% min
Crude Fat	12.0% min
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Calcium	0.90% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	1.80% min
Moisture	10.0% max

Why We Liked It – Great all-around food that you can use for all large breed dogs in your household, suitable for both young adult dogs and seniors.

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10. Iams PROACTIVE HEALTH Healthy Weight

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Product Specifications

• Brand: Iams
• Lifestage: Adult
• Breed Size: Large Breed
• Total Weight: 29.1 Pounds
• Special Diet: Weight Control

Our Review

While similar to the brand’s Large Breed variety, this product takes extra aim at keeping your dog at a healthy weight. Excess weight in dogs can lead to illnesses, injury and pain, so this is for any responsible dog owner with a dog that struggles to keep weight off. Iams PROACTIVE HEALTH Healthy Weight has 20% less fat than other products from the same brand and used L-carnitine to promote healthy digestion and normal metabolism.

Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients while also slimming down. There is support for strong muscles and healthy joints, and this food contains plenty of antioxidants and minerals.

Pros:

+ #1 ingredient is made from real farm-raised chicken
+ 17% less fat that helps with weight management
+ Supports strong muscle
+ Healthy blend of wholesome fiber and natural prebiotics to support digestive health
+ L-carnitine for a healthy metabolism
+ With Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support joint health

Cons:

– Not recommended for dogs with chicken or egg allergies
– Contains whole grain corn, caramel, chicken by-product meal, and brewers dried yeast

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3358 kcal/kg, 322 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	20.0% min
Crude Fat	11.5% max
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	1.79% min
Moisture	10.0% max

Why We Liked It – For Boxers, dog food needs to be both nutritious and tasty, but it also needs to make sure they don’t gain unnecessary weight. Thanks to its low-fat content and antioxidant digestive aid, this IAMS variety has what it takes to help a dog prone to weight gain stay healthy and fit.

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Bonus Buys:

Taste of the Wild High Praire Grain-Free Dog Food

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You will not go wrong with one of the best dog foods for adult boxers that are specifically designed to give your fur baby a complete and balanced diet. This Taste of the Wild High Praire Grain-Free Dog Food Recipe has a 32% quality protein content from Water Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, and ocean fish meal. Boxer owners will love this premium dog food because it promotes a strong immune system.

What’s even more incredible about this Taste of the Wild High Praire Canine Recipe meets the nutritional levels established by The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). their beloved pooch with its antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, and even sweet potatoes. With this grain-free adult food, your adult Boxer is sure to grant your pup the overall health and wellness they deserve.

Related: Best Diet Dog Foods

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Dog Food

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Check out this another grain-free dog food with real chicken as its #1 ingredient. Get high-quality protein content from deboned chicken, chicken meal, and menhaden fish meal that promotes lean muscle development. Do you want to keep your pooch on an active and healthy lifestyle? The Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Dog Food comes with healthy carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas to keep your adult Boxer energized.

Also packed with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as carrots, cranberries, and blueberries to support your dog’s immune health. This high-quality food has everything your Boxer breed needs, including Omega fatty acids 3 and 6 for healthy skin and coat.

Healthy Breeds Multi-Tabs Advanced Formula Vitamin & Mineral Daily Dietary Supplement

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These liver-flavored tablets are full of vitamins, minerals, and protein, as well as Potassium, Zinc, Iron, Phosphorus, and Calcium, which makes them a yummy treat that gives your pup a real nutrient boost! They are chewable and easy to break apart. Since Boxers are prone to some allergies and health issues – it is a great idea to start them off as soon as possible on a healthy diet with these tablets as a recommended additive.

The Healthy Breeds Multi-Tabs Advanced Formula Vitamin & Mineral Daily Dietary Supplement is made in USDA, FSIS and FDA regulated facilities and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. While many quality dog foods will have enough vitamins and minerals for your dog, it is never bad to give something extra.

Dog Food for Boxers Buying Guide

Nutritional Needs of a Boxer

Boxers are all kinds of charming and friendly; they’re naturally healthy too. Unfortunately, even the healthiest of dogs are still at risk of different health problems. If you want your pooch to live a healthy lifestyle, you should always make sure that you give them the best dog food for Boxers that meet their nutritional requirements.

High-quality Protein

Protein is the most important part of a dog’s diet, let alone a high-quality animal protein. Especially with adult Boxers, maintaining their muscle mass as they get older is very important. And protein does a great deal in muscle development. What else? Protein also contains essential amino acids, which help in boosting your dog’s immune system.

You should opt for a quality kibble with lean protein or meat meals such as deboned chicken, chicken meal, deboned turkey, turkey meal, or lamb meal. As long as your Boxer’s diet includes 25-30% protein content, then you and your precious pupper are good!

Vitamins and Minerals

Watch out for dog foods that have a complete and balanced diet because these are the ones that have all the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs to support their immune health. You can find a good source of vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables, while other vitamins like calcium and phosphorous are found in supplements.

Fat

Large breed dogs like Boxers are highly active dogs, and you need to match their food requirements with their energy levels. That’s why aside from having a high-protein diet, they also need dog foods that have higher fat and calories but not greater than 20% fat content. Healthy fats like the essential fatty acids are the ones needed most in your dog’s diet.

Omega Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids, Omega-3 and Omega-6, are responsible for your fur baby’s brain and eye development as well as their skin and coat health. And a healthy source of this comes from fish oil like salmon oil, and other sources include canola oil and flaxseed oil, but the healthier choice is flaxseed oil

Carbohydrates

Carbs aren’t a nutritional requirement in any dog’s diet, but it’s necessary when you want to recharge your dog’s energy. Healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, broccoli, peas, kale, and chickpeas do a pretty good job in giving your dog energy and making them feel full for longer.

Main Health Concerns for Boxers

As a fur parent of a Boxer, it’s best to be aware of the following common health problems that may affect your pooch. The more that you’re aware of these health problems the more that you can pay attention to your Boxer if they’re showing any signs or symptoms of a serious medical condition.

Cancer

One of the saddest things about the Boxer breed is that they’re at high risk of developing cancer, especially cell tumors or brain tumors. According to the American Boxer Club organization, other cases of cancer in Boxers include cancer in the thyroid, mammary gland, testes, heart, lymph system (lymphoma), and more. Like humans, dogs suffering from malignant tumors require treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Meanwhile, for benign tumors, a surgical procedure is required under local anesthesia.

Boxer Arrhythmic Cardiomyopathy (BAC)

Boxer Arrhythmic Cardiomyopathy (BAC), also known as Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), is a genetic heart condition specific to Boxers. This disease is characterized by a series of irregular heartbeats that can result in heart failure and unexpected death in a worst-case scenario. Based on Pet MD, symptoms of this heart condition include fainting, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, coughing, and accumulation of abdominal fluid.

Aortic stenosis/sub-aortic stenosis (AS/SAS)

Aortic stenosis/sub-aortic stenosis (AS/SAS) is another inherited heart condition defined by the narrowing of the aortic valve, making it hard for blood to flow through the heart. And when there’s less blood flow through the heart, other organs are also affected. This disease can also result in fainting and sudden death. Aortic Stenosis (AS) symptoms are fainting, shortness of breath, tiredness/lethargy, and exercise intolerance. As stated by Catherine Barnette, DVM from VCA Hospitals, “Signs of heart failure may also be seen in severe cases of aortic stenosis.” 

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is also known as the “old man’s disease” which worsens over time. This is a spinal cord disorder that affects the mobility of dogs, specifically the hind legs. As it progressively worsens it eventually leads to full-body paralysis. What’s even more disheartening about this disease is that there’s no known cure or treatment but was discovered to be inherited. Boxer breeds with this genetic condition are not bred to prevent future cases of DM. Early symptoms of DM include loss of coordination, weakness in the hind legs, decrease in muscle control, difficulty balancing and getting up, clumsiness, and loss of mobility.

Common Allergies of a Boxer Dog Breed

Like any human, dogs are also susceptible to developing allergies. If you’ve only started taking care of a Boxer dog and don’t know how to tell if your pooch is suffering from an allergy, stick around a little bit longer because we’ve got all the deets you need.

Food Allergies

According to Matthew Everett Miller, DVM from Pet MD, about 1-2% of dogs have food allergies. And there’s no way to tell if your pupper is allergic to a specific type of food or ingredient unless they’ve ingested it and had an allergic reaction. It’s better to be aware of some of the common food allergens that can pose a threat to your beloved Boxer. Some of these allergens you should consider are eggs, milk, processed meat, corn, wheat, or soy. Just a reminder, most ingredients that can trigger an allergy are fillers and low-quality ingredients.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Flea Allergy Dermatitis is one of the common environmental allergies that Boxers can suffer from. This type of allergy is caused by flea bites that can cause skin itching, swollen skin, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea. One way to prevent flea allergy is to kill the fleas around the environment with chemicals or take an antibiotic medicine prescribed by your dog’s vet. Also, other environmental allergens are pollen, dust, aerosol sprays, and other household cleaners.

Now that you know the common allergies that affect Boxers, the next step is to familiarize yourself with the symptoms so that you can consult your vet as soon as you notice the early signs. The following are the symptoms of allergy:

• Irritated and itchy skin
• Redness in the skin
• Scratching
• Biting their paws
• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Sneezing
• Skin shedding
• Vomiting
• Hives
• Bloodshot eyes
• Eye discharge
• Paw Licking

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dry dog food for Boxers?

If you want to consider our dog food reviews, we recommend dog food from Royal Canin, especially their breed-specific dry dog food specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult Boxers. Another one worth mentioning is from our ‘Bonus Buy’ section, the Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Praire Canine Recipe Dry Dog Food. This dog food offers complete and balanced nutrition for your pooch with grain-free ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary fillers in your dog’s diet.

What is the recommended calorie content for Boxers?

Measuring how much food your dog will need depends on their age, weight, activity level, and health status. However, as a general guideline, we want to provide you with this table chart to determine the approximate amount of calories your Boxer needs.

	WEIGHT	AGE	CALORIES PER POUND OF BODY WEIGHT
Boxer Puppies	25.5 – 30.5 lbs (11.0 – 13.0 kg)	12 weeks	55
Adult Boxers	66.5 – 70.0 lbs (30.0 – 32.0 kg)	18 months	25 – 35
Senior Boxers	66.5 – 80.0 lbs ( 30.0 – 36.3 kg)	7 to 8 years old	at least 25

Source: Boxer Dog Calories Requirements (allboxerinfo.com)

What foods are bad for Boxers?

Typically avoid low-quality ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy because these are all considered fillers and provide little to no nutrition to your fur baby. Stay away from by-product meals because these are also low-quality ingredients from unsafe sources. In some cases, Boxers can also be allergic to some common proteins like chicken, beef, fish, or pork. If that’s the case, then opt for other dog foods without these animal proteins.

What dog food is best for a Boxer pup?

For large breed puppies like Boxer puppies – try ‘Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Boxer Puppy.’ Not only is it a breed-specific product made especially for Boxers, but it is explicitly designed for Boxer puppies to meet their nutritional needs. Recommended by breeders and veterinarians worldwide, it has the fundamentals to set your Boxer pup up for long and healthy life.

Conclusion

Boxers are wonderful dogs, and the best thing we can do for them is to provide them with nutritious food, exercise, and lots of love. It is important to remember that every Boxer is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Learning what to look for will, however, give you a major advantage in the strive to find the perfect food.

Expert Tip

Pay attention to changes in your dog’s energy level, coat, and overall health, as that will tell you a lot regarding whether the food you are feeding is the right one.

Did You Know?

The record for having the world’s longest tongue (17 inches) is held by a Boxer dog.

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