20 Best Foods for a Boxer Puppy
I feed my baby Diamond puppy food. He likes it and he’s super healthy. I’ve had boxers for 65 years. I never feed Pedigree, makes a boxer gassy! And Beneful causes pancreatitis in boxers.
Author: Kay H.
Likes: 14
I have 4 boxers. Two were raw fed pretty much from the start. Best thing I ever did. Just need to supplement at first when puppies. My 8 year old and 7 year old have been raw fed for 6 years. 4 year old never been kibble fed and the 18 month old switched at 10 weeks.
Author: Tiffany C.
Likes: 14
Our boy is almost 10, and he’s eaten Pedigree all his life. He’s never been sick for a day!
Author: Rhonda J.
Likes: 19
We give our boxer Blue Buffalo!
Author: Maria F.
Likes: 5
I have three boxers, and I’ve always gave them Pedigree hard food with a can of Pedigree soft food and a half a cup of water two times a day and I have never had any problems.
Author: Amanda B.
Likes: 3
Purina pro plan. One of the better foods to feed
Author: JoAnn H.
Likes: 38
We have two 8 month old boxers and we have always fed them Purina Pro Plan for puppies. That is what our breeder fed them. Their adults they fed the Purina Pro Plan as well.
Author: Jodi S.
Likes: 10
My girl loved Taste of the Wild Roasted lamb with frozen green beans added. When her tummy didn’t feel good she got boiled chicken /rice. Also she loved all veggies and fruits. She lived 13yrs 10months
Author: Cheryl C.
Likes: 5
Victor’s is what I’m feeding mine at this time. It’s an all stage and I have a 2.5 year old and a 6 mo. old. When I just had the one, I used Purina Pro Plan. I will be going back to it when my little one gets old enough.
Author: Marianne C.
Likes: 1
Whatever you do, add FRESH food to it! Cook some ground meat, add veggies- broccoli, green beans, add (smashed or cooked) blueberries or cranberries. Sardines (in water), eggs, pumpkin or yams. It’s never to early to start them on a healthy diet. Kibble choice is meaningless – fresh, fresh, fresh. I’ve had boxers live to 12 & 14.5 years because I fed them right.
Author: Shari Z.
Likes: 9
Our boxer got very sick, and thin, from feeding her Purina food when she was a puppy. When I researched what could be going on, I found that brand has hardly any nutritional value for dogs (along with many others). So I researched the best dog food brands and found the Acana brand – the one with wholesome grains – (because without grains can make boxers very sick as well) and since changing her food she has been healthy and solid for the last 9 years! It was the best decision I ever made, and that was without any vet advice just my own research. Because the vet told me purina was fine – but it was not giving her enough nourishment. Acana is not cheap but it’s well worth it. They have a puppy formula.
Author: Nicole N.
Likes: 1
Our boxer had lots of food intolerance xxx we started feeding raw and it was the best thing we ever did, he was so healthy, looked young, he didn’t age, kept his young spirit right up until 2 weeks before he left us xxx I know raw maybe difficult for a pup but their are companies that make up raw feeds with all the nutrition they need and I’m sure they will have this for puppies also xxx I’m on a good group for raw feeding on here I’ll tag you in it so you can get advice as they are really helpful xxx
Author: Susan H.
Likes: 1
Science Diet Small Bites is what we have always fed our Boxer. Keeps his tummy happy. He is 11 now and still doing great on the same food.
Author: Natasha S.
Likes: 6
Our boxer has been eating Iams her entire life. From the puppy mix to adult chow. She’s super healthy and weighs in at 65lbs. Her vet is happy, we are happy and Molly is happy and loves life.
Author: James R.
Likes: 8
If your budget allows, ORIJEN. ($100 – $ 125 for 25LB) Our boxer is almost 13 years old, has always eaten ORIJEN and never had any skin issues and only minor allergies in FloridaPollen season. Other than a bad hip she is still very healthy.
Author: Jason F.
Likes: 4
We use Nutrish Bright Puppy by Rachel Ray for our 7 month old Male Boxer. I don’t think it makes him any smarter , but he doesn’t have any issues with it and is healthy.
Author: Kevin R.
Likes: 2
Science diet always worked good for my Boxers and I tried almost every brand over the years. Beautiful coat and great weight control.
Author: Kristin S.
Likes: 1
My pupper is 9 and used Nutro Ultra puppy, adult, and now senior. Vet says she is healthy. Blood tests to prove it
Author: John H.
Likes: 1
We have had several boxers thru the years. We do Iams, large breed. The boxers we had before 3 of them got cancer. Once we change the food to Iams, we haven’t had any issues. Our vet said it is one of the healthiest to give a boxer. We also give him meat with his food sometimes. Not all the time.
Author: Tiffany H.
Likes: 1
Royal Canin for boxer puppies and them adult Royal Canin. Best food!
Author: Melody A.
Likes: 1
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Boxer Puppy Foods
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What should I look for in the best food for my Boxer puppy?
Look for high-protein content, healthy fats, and a balance of vitamins and minerals. Boxer puppies need DHA for brain development, calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, and lean meats to support their muscular build. Choose foods with real meat as the first ingredient and avoid artificial additives and by-products. -
Are grain-free diets good for Boxer puppies?
Not always. Grain-free diets can be beneficial for Boxers with sensitivities or allergies, but most puppies do well with whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal. These grains offer fiber and essential nutrients. Always consult your vet before switching to a grain-free formula, especially due to recent FDA investigations into potential heart issues linked to such diets. -
How often should I feed my Boxer puppy?
Boxer puppies under six months old should be fed three times a day. After six months, you can typically transition to twice-daily feeding. Consistent meal times help with digestion and training, and prevent overeating — a common issue in active breeds like Boxers. -
Can Boxer puppies eat raw or homemade food?
Yes, but with caution. A raw or homemade diet should be well-balanced and prepared under veterinary guidance to ensure nutritional completeness. Improper ratios of calcium, phosphorus, and protein can lead to developmental issues in growing puppies. -
What common food ingredients should Boxer puppy owners avoid?
Avoid foods with artificial preservatives (like BHA or BHT), colors, and flavors. Also steer clear of excessive fillers like corn or soy. Boxer puppies may be sensitive to these and they offer little nutritional value. Chocolate, onions, grapes, and garlic are also toxic to dogs. -
Are there breed-specific puppy foods formulated for Boxers?
Yes, some brands offer breed-specific formulas tailored for Boxers. These often include ingredients that support heart health, joint development, and muscle maintenance. They may also offer kibble shapes designed to accommodate the Boxer’s unique jaw and eating habits. -
When should I transition my Boxer puppy to adult dog food?
Most Boxer puppies should switch to adult food around 12-15 months of age. This transition helps match their slower growth rate and changing nutritional needs. Always do so gradually over a week to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your boxer’s food. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links above may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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