The Best Food for Your Boxer – A Feeding Guide

August 5th 2025

Boxer Dog Factfile

Big dogs with even bigger personalities – Boxers are bouncy, bold, and full of love. Here’s what you should know about this beloved breed:

Size: Medium to large (25–32 kg)
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Energy level: High
Common health concerns: Heart disease (especially cardiomyopathy), cancer, food allergies, hip dysplasia, flatulence
Known for: Muscular build, boundless energy, affectionate nature
Ideal diet: Heart-healthy, easily digestible, high in protein and antioxidants

Boxers are natural athletes with goofy personalities, who need plenty of physical and mental stimulation in order to feel their best. The right for a Boxer is one that supports their cardiovascular health, keeps their muscles strong, and helps manage digestive sensitivities.

How Much Food Should a Boxer Eat?

Due to their athletic build and high activity levels, Boxers tend to burn more calories than the average dog of their size. This means that Boxer dogs require 60–70 kcal per kg of body weight per day, meaning a 30 kg Boxer will typically need between 1,800 and 2,100 kcal/day, depending on their age and activity expenditure.

Quick Boxer Dog Feeding Tips:

Avoid vigorous activity or play before and after meals to prevent gastric torsion
Use a consistent measuring tool or food scale to prevent overfeeding
Break meals into two servings daily to reduce bloating risk
Adjust portions based on exercise levels, age, and metabolism
Reduce amount of food if feeding treats to prevent the risk of obesity

Common Boxer Health Problems and How Diet Helps

Boxers have several breed-specific health risks that good nutrition can help prevent:

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Diets rich in taurine, carnitine, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support heart function, preventing serious conditions such as DCM.
Digestive Sensitivities: A common complaint among Boxer owners is that their lovable dogs are frequently prone to gas and loose stools! The good news is that a diet with high digestibility and added prebiotics works wonders for this.
Allergies: Symptoms like itchy skin and ear infections are common in Boxers, so hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets can be ideal.
Hip Dysplasia and Joint Issues: Antioxidants, glucosamine, and chondroitin can promote joint health and reduce inflammation

Can a Boxer Eat a Vegan Diet?

Yes! Boxers can thrive on plant-based diets, especially those packed with high quality protein and ingredients such as Taurine and L-carnitine to support their heart and muscular health. Vegan diets are often high in antioxidants too, which are excellent for boxer dogs’ immune systems, skin and coats, and the absence of common allergens such as beef and dairy is a huge bonus for those who suffer from allergies or intolerances.

The Best Dog Food for Boxers

When shopping for a dog food for your boxer, look for a formula that checks the following boxes:

High in digestible protein to help them maintain muscle mass
Moderate fat content to fuel energy without leading to weight gain
Fortified with taurine and carnitine for heart health
Hypoallergenic or limited ingredient to support sensitive dogs
Free from fillers and artificial additives

Great Ingredients for Your Boxer

Whether they’re battling with hyperactivity, joint issues, allergies or digestive upsets, feeding them the right ingredients (in the right quantities!) can make a significant difference. Instead of artificial preservatives, fillers, and common allergens like beef and dairy, look for foods that feature:

Ingredient	Why It’s Good for Your Boxer
Sweet Potato	Rich in fiber and antioxidants, sweet potato is easy on the gut, making it a great choice for dogs that are prone to upset tummies!
Lentils	Lentils are a great source of plant protein and complex carbs, which are super important sustaining energy in large breed dogs such as Boxers.
Chia Seeds	High in omega-3s for skin, joints, and heart health, chia seeds are a great addition to any dog’s diet, particularly those predisposed to heart problems.
Turmeric	Turmeric is an excellent natural anti-inflammatory for high energy dogs like Boxers. Supporting their joint health and even aiding in digestion.
Blueberries	Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries are great for supporting good heart health.
Pumpkin	High in fibre and helpful for regulating digestion, pumpkin is great for keeping dogs with big appetites nice and full!

Which HOWND Food and Treats Are Best for Your Boxer?

HOWND’s plant-powered meals and treats are a great match for Boxers, offering gentle digestion and heart-friendly ingredients:

Boxer Feeding Tips

Use puzzle bowls to slow eating and reduce gas – you’ll thank yourself later!
Feed at the same times daily to support digestion
Monitor weight closely and adjust portions when necessary
Transition new foods gradually over 5–7 days
Keep fresh water available at all times

Thoughts from HOWND’s Pet Nutritionist

“Boxers are energetic and affectionate, but they do need extra support when it comes to digestion and heart health. A carefully balanced vegan diet, rich in functional ingredients and free from common allergens, can go a long way in helping them stay lean, happy, and bloat-free.”

Wrapping It Up

Feeding your Boxer the right food can dramatically impact their energy, digestion, and even lifespan! With a complete, balanced diet with gentle ingredients, your Boxer can bounce their way through life with strength, sass, and – at last – fewer belly rumbles!