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Best Foods for a Picky Eater 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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We hear it all the time: “Why won’t my finicky boxer eat the expensive food I buy them?!” Dealing with a picky boxer can be frustrating, so we asked our I Love My Boxer Facebook community the following question: “What’s the best food for a picky-eating Boxer?” We received hundreds of replies and summarized some of the best suggestions below.

Best Foods for a Picky Boxer

Learn to cook meals. I say learn coz it takes some research, but totally worth it. I get Organs and animal scraps (I say scraps coz it’s not the usual dinner table pieces) at our local Asian market, which is very cheap in my area. You also may want to look at your butcher and Latin stores. Good luck!

Author: Cherry OnTop D.

Likes: 0


We have used Wholehearted for years. We had a little warm bone broth to it with veggies or canned pumpkin (no other additives).

Author: Kristi M.

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Zignature. My boxer is picky and is very prone to allergies. She loves the venison, the trout, and the salmon in canned food. I also buy the hard food for her, just the salmon. She does not have issues going to the bathroom when I change her from one to the other, but every dog is different.

Author: Melissa W.

Likes: 3


My boxer was getting picky with kibble so I switched her to the farmers dog, and she loves it! I also add bananas, apples, carrots, Blueberries, and eggs as toppers.

Author: Sammi S.

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My dog eats Rachel Ray dog food, best food ever, no problems

Author: Jennifer G.

Likes: 1


Nutri Source dog for they have everything

Author: Dianna M.

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I give mine Purina one and she loves it! No gas!

Author: Rita Y.

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Go with Fromm dog foods; you can switch flavors within Fromm, and it won’t upset the digestion. Boomer is picky as he gets older, and I switch in the fromm foods, and he does great with the switch. You can get fromm at either Overdale Kennels, just north of the saw mill, or Chuck and Don’s.

Author: Colleen Kenney L.

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Dr. Harvey’s. Stuff is amazing. It put years on my dog’s life. You add warm water, a protein, and oil. All my dogs have loved it.

Author: Dan H.

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Pure vita!!! It’s amazing food

Author: Valerie T.

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I add some boiled boneless chicken thighs and warm water to my Boxers Diamond Natural Kibble. Can have cooked veggies added….green beans, sweet potato, give baby carrots for a treat. My love cooked zucchini and cooked broccoli, and sometimes also boiled egg, which is good at times

Author: Laurie Lambert P.

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Sadie gets a beneficial healthy weight, you would think I gave her steak

Author: Dennis H.

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JustFoodForDogs is what our boxer eats, and we don’t have stinky farts anymore. Almost 3 years now, and he’s completely healthy.

Author: Laura N.

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Taste of the wild. Lots of different flavors

Author: Ron P.

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Victor is in the yellow bag. Ours have been eating it for years with no problems. Have it shipped to us through Chewy.

Author: Daryl S.

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Orijen freeze-dry crumble on top of food

Author: Stacey A.

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Canidae. Our boxers have been on it for 5 years and have never had any issues with it!

Author: Bryan T.

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Add unsweetened pumpkin on top. My boxer lost weight at doggie training camp, so it helped add some weight to her. She loves it.

Author: Carrie Girouard W.

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We use Blue Buffalo. Dry plus wet.

Author: Brooke H.

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My Shih Tzu was picky as well. All he would eat was Iams

Author: Sherryl L.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Foods for Picky Boxers

1. Why is my Boxer such a picky eater?

    Boxers can become picky due to boredom, food sensitivities, or learned habits from being offered treats and table scraps. Some simply prefer more variety in their meals.

2. What is the best food for a picky Boxer?

    The best food is one your dog consistently enjoys while still providing balanced nutrition. Many owners find success with high-quality kibble combined with wet food or fresh toppers.

3. Can adding toppers help my Boxer eat?

    Yes, adding toppers like cooked chicken, pumpkin, vegetables, or broth can make meals more appealing and encourage your dog to eat.

4. Should I rotate my Boxer’s food flavors?

    Rotating flavors within the same brand can help prevent boredom and keep your dog interested, as long as changes are made gradually.

5. Can warm water or broth improve my dog’s appetite?

    Yes, adding warm water or low-sodium broth can enhance the smell and texture of food, making it more enticing for picky eaters.

6. Is homemade food a good option for picky Boxers?

    Homemade food can work well if properly balanced, as it allows you to customize ingredients and flavors to suit your dog’s preferences.

7. Should I mix wet and dry dog food?

    Mixing wet and dry food can improve taste and texture, which may help encourage your Boxer to eat more consistently.

8. How do I stop my Boxer from being picky?

    Stick to a consistent feeding routine, limit treats, and avoid constantly switching foods. Over time, your dog will learn to eat what is offered.

9. How long can a Boxer go without eating?

    A healthy dog may skip a meal or two, but if your Boxer refuses food for more than 24–48 hours, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.

10. Should I avoid giving table scraps?

    Yes, feeding table scraps can encourage picky habits by teaching your dog to wait for more appealing human food.

11. When should I see a vet about my Boxer’s eating habits?

    If your dog shows signs of weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, or ongoing refusal to eat, it’s important to seek veterinary advice to rule out underlying health issues.

Keeping Your Boxer Interested in Their Food

Feeding a picky Boxer can be frustrating, but many owners find success by sticking with a quality dog food and enhancing it with simple toppers like broth, chicken, pumpkin, or fresh vegetables. Some Boxers also enjoy variety, so rotating flavors within the same brand or mixing in wet food can help keep meals interesting. The key is maintaining a balanced diet while finding combinations your dog enjoys. With patience and consistency, even the pickiest Boxer can develop healthier eating habits and start looking forward to mealtime again.

Always consult your vet before making any health changes to your boxer’s diet, especially if they frequently suffer from any medical issues.

RELATED: The Complete Dog Food Guide: Nutrition, Ingredients, Feeding & How to Choose

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