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Best Foods for an Overweight Boxer

By: Zyra Capalac
Zyra is a Special Project Coordinator of HomeLife Media and a writer for iHeartDogs.com. She has 3 dogs namely Skye, Luna, and one of them is a rescue, named Tesla.Read more
| April 21, 2026
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Does your Boxer have a few extra pounds they need to lose? You’re not alone. Members of our I Love My Boxer Facebook community recently shared their insights on the following question: What food would you recommend for an overweight Boxer? We received hundreds of helpful replies, and below we have compiled some of the best responses.

Best Dog Foods for a Boxer That Needs to Lose Weight

One of the ones my vet recommended was Purina Pro Plan Weight Management (chicken and rice). My boxer has lost from 95 to 87 pounds. I feed her twice a day. She gets a total of 3 cups of it, plus about 2 tablespoons of wet food mixed in. She’s pretty picky, so I mix the wet with it. I also have cut way back on treats, and she get a 1/4 pepperoni stick and 1 small marrow bone at bedtime.

Author: Dianne Gregory J.

Likes: 17


I had a dog that needed to drop some pounds, and I put it on the green bean diet. I did give small amounts of dry food. I also added a small amount of cottage cheese. He loved it and dropped his weight. Cases of green beans! My boxer eats 3 times a day. Dry food (Rachael Ray). I cook deer meat and mix it in. She stays at a great weight. 8 years old.

Author: Jan G.

Likes: 10


Our 4-year-old female boxer has lost 12 lbs in a yr. We used Purina Healthy Weight. One cup of dog food and a half can of peas or green beans. I rinse them to take off the salt. I microwave sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, any veggie you want, and a hunk of. She gets this in the morning and evenings

Author: Pam Lakatos M.

Likes: 5


We use Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight (yellow bag) for our Boxers! They like it, and it is keeping their weight down.

Author: Maria F.

Likes: 1


Iams is in the blue bag. I fed it to my boxer for 8 years.

Author: Kelly Tocio C.

Likes: 1


Did you try the Hills Science Perfect Weight dry dog food? My dog loves it. She really loves it with some cooked chicken or scrambled egg.

Author: Judy B.

Likes: 5


JustFoodForDogs Feed for the weight you want, not the weight they are, and for any recipe. Works wonders, they love the food, and you can really see the health benefits, like really see them.

Author: Laura N.

Likes: 1


Have you tried Beneful Healthy Weight? My oldest boxer has had hypothyroidism and has been on meds for it for the past 5 years. Poor guy weighs 72.5 lbs, and is only allowed 2.5 cups of food a day. I switched to Beneful Healthy Weight, and his weight has been stable, and he doesn’t seem to be hungry. He’s 10.5 years old and is living a fairly sedate life, so we really have to be careful.

Author: Marilyn T.

Likes: 1


I reduced feedings with normal food she was eating. I did this for 2 months. Now and then, I added a small amount of brown rice and peas. I also made cucumber water in the evening. She lost 22 lbs and was still looking good, no more plumpness lol I couldn’t call her chunky

Author: Erica Gallegos Q.

Likes: 1


Boxer bellys can be tricky. Research the good ones, and it’s just trial and error. IDK your budget, but they’re worth it. I found a good kibble mixed with chicken breast that I’d cook, and then I’d throw in the veggies she liked. She also loved tangerines and edamame as snacks. Be patient. It’ll take a little time.

Author: Tara Ainslie M.

Likes: 0


Our Vet recommended Science Diet Light. She has lost a few pounds and kept them off. She is 8 1/2 and not active. We give her a bit of cheese or meat so she will eat. What else can we do? She isn’t active!

Author: Steve K.

Likes: 2


Cook rice, chicken, and carrots. When it cooled down, mix it with some of the vet’s recommended food. After a while, slowly reduce the cooked ingredients. My dogs always liked it.

Author: Andrea P.

Likes: 0


My vet moved my boxer to Royal Canin satiety, and she had no issues moving to it – I was worried as she could be fussy with her dry food, but she’s happy. She lost the weight and is now on maintenance.

Author: Ruth G.

Likes: 2


Wholehearted at Petco! My girl is losing some weight on it, and the food is way better than most!

Author: Dawn Falcon W.

Likes: 0


I feed my boxers Canidae lamb dry with a tablespoon of Instinct Can mixed in in the morning. They are big boxers, 90 lbs. They get one cup of dry food only at dinner. They walk twice a day and are in perfect shape. I’d give them a good dog food and cut back on the amount. Purina dog food is crap. My dogs are 11 years old

Author: Karla P.

Likes: 0


I’m always fed my boxers Pedigree. My female made it to 11, and my boy is currently 9 and healthy, gotta make sure you portion their food

Author: Harold C.

Likes: 1


My boxers eat Gentle Giant, and I melt a half cup of coconut oil mixed with a raw egg or chicken broth, then put it on top. Stir it all around or they knock all the dry food out trying to get the wetter.

Gentle Giant dog food is sold at Chewy and delivered to your door. They donate proceeds to feed shelters. Good company and great dog food.

Author: Sheryl K.

Likes: 1


Nature’s Domain from Costco is of solid quality and a good price for grain-free. My boxer is going on 13 and has only now started to have minor health issues. I also don’t keep table food from them; basically, dog food is grain-free because I give them grain.

Author: Troy F.

Likes: 0


Mine has been on Orijen Large Breed Puppy for his first 18 months and just switched to Orijen Amazing Grains Regional Red. He’s maintained a perfect weight and coat with that food

Author: Brittany H.

Likes: 2


Our vet recommended Burns Sensitive 3 years ago, and our two have never had a weight problem since! Before we started using it, he used to weigh them and tut. Now he gives them a hug and kind words for us, for keeping them at the correct weight. Burns has even helped with their allergies.

Author: Verity D.

Likes: 0


My Boxer will only eat Blue Buffalo. We feed him their Healthy Weight Chicken.

Author: Stacey M.

Likes: 0


My girl just can’t lose the weight she gained after horrible heartworm treatment and no activity for 270 days… She gets 2 cups of Purina Pro Weight Management and either a can of green beans or Purina One wet food a day. And NO treats

Author: Cheryl Stutts W.

Likes: 0


My Boxers eat 3 small meals a day, with veggies and Diamond Naturals dry food. They will have boiled skinless chicken, some egg, veggies, plain Greek yogurt, not all at once. I change it up. Feeding them twice. A day and only one cup per feeding isn’t a good idea because the Boxers, who are high-energy, need to eat 3 small meals a day with fruits and veggies. I can’t imagine just giving a dog 2 cups a day. Must be starving

Author: Laurie Lambert P.

Likes: 0


Sweet potatoes, puréed pumpkin, boiled chicken, and green beans. I steamed frozen green beans, and a 16-oz bag usually lasted 5 days, and I boiled a small chicken breast 2x a week. I supplemented with 1/2 c kibble 2x a day. My boxer lost 12 lbs on this diet.

Author: Mary LeBlanc A.

Likes: 1


Feed him a quality food, but less of it. I have been feeding Diamond Performance for 30 years, and my dogs are strong, healthy, active, and at perfect weights. My adults only get @ 1 1/2 Cups of food a day. I do not free feed. Your baby will not be happy at first that you have cut his food back, but will lose weight and become more active and healthy, no matter what food you choose to use

Author: John H.

Likes: 0


Frequently Asked Questions About Foods for Overweight Boxers

1. What is the best food for an overweight Boxer?

    The best food is a high-quality, calorie-controlled diet designed for weight management. Many owners find success with formulas labeled “healthy weight” or “light.”

2. How can I help my Boxer lose weight safely?

    Weight loss should be gradual and include portion control, regular exercise, and a balanced diet. Reducing treats and sticking to a feeding schedule also helps.

3. Are weight management dog foods effective?

    Yes, these foods are specifically designed to be lower in calories while still providing essential nutrients, making them helpful for safe weight loss.

4. Can vegetables help my Boxer lose weight?

    Yes, vegetables like green beans, carrots, and broccoli are low in calories and can help your dog feel full while reducing overall calorie intake.

5. Should I reduce how much I feed my dog?

    Yes, reducing portion sizes can be effective, but it should be done carefully to ensure your dog still receives proper nutrition.

6. How often should I feed an overweight Boxer?

    Many owners find success feeding smaller, measured meals two to three times a day instead of free feeding.

7. Can homemade food help with weight loss?

    Homemade meals can help if properly balanced, as they allow you to control ingredients and portion sizes more closely.

8. Should I avoid treats while my dog is losing weight?

    Limiting treats is important, but you can replace them with healthier options like small pieces of vegetables or low-calorie snacks.

9. How long does it take for a Boxer to lose weight?

    Weight loss varies depending on the dog, but gradual progress over weeks or months is safest and most sustainable.

10. When should I consult a vet about my dog’s weight?

    If your dog is significantly overweight or not losing weight despite diet changes, consult your veterinarian for a tailored plan.

11. Can exercise help with weight loss?

    Yes, regular exercise combined with a proper diet is essential for helping your Boxer lose weight and maintain overall health.

Supporting Your Boxer’s Weight Loss Journey

Helping your Boxer lose weight starts with the right balance of nutrition, portion control, and consistency. Choosing a high-quality, calorie-conscious diet and incorporating healthy, low-calorie additions like vegetables can make a big difference over time. Since every dog responds differently, gradual adjustments and regular monitoring are key. With patience and guidance from your veterinarian, you can support your Boxer’s weight loss journey and help them become more active, comfortable, and healthy.

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