Boxers are one of the more popular breeds in the United States. While they are fun-loving and a great choice for many families, Boxers are prone to large bouts of gas. As you’d guess, most of this breed’s gas problem is linked with what they eat. Therefore, by choosing quality food for your Boxer, you can also control their gas to some extent.
However, many dog foods are not specifically designed to reduce gas. Therefore, choosing one that works for your Boxer can be challenging. For this reason, we’ve reviewed 10 of the best gas-relieving foods for Boxers so that you can make the best decision for your dog.
Our choice for the best food for Boxers with gas for the money is Iams Adult Large Breed Chicken and Rice. This cost-effective recipe is available in two large bag sizes, 30 pounds and 38.5 pounds, ideal for controlling the food budget.
Although it’s a lower-cost recipe, it doesn’t contain soy or other bean ingredients, which commonly contribute to causing gas. Added fiber and prebiotics help support healthy digestion, which is another step in helping ease gas pains.
Included fatty acids and glucosamine provide extra support for bones and joints and are vital for large Boxers that put a lot of stress on their skeletal system. Iams Large Breed is highly rated by users, but some mentioned that the kibble could be challenging for older dogs to eat. The food also contains some ingredients from China, which many dog owners prefer to avoid.
Cons
Contains some ingredients from China
Kibble may be hard for older dogs to eat
Pros
Contains fiber and prebiotics for digestion
No soy ingredients
Cost-effective, large bags are available
Includes fatty acids and glucosamine
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Pork Recipe – Best Overall
Main Ingredients:
Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans
Protein Content:
9%
Fat Content:
7%
Calories:
311 kcal/ 1/2 lb
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Pork Recipe is our pick for the best overall dog food for Boxers with gas. It is a small company that produces nutritionally balanced meals tailored to your dog’s specific health needs. They use simple, whole food ingredients such as meats and veggies to create highly digestible food with no cheap fillers or preservatives.
Feeding this food is like cooking for your Boxer in your kitchen, except The Farmer’s Dog also ensures that your dog receives all the correct levels of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The Farmer’s Dog is available via an online subscription, where food is cooked and shipped fresh directly to your door on a recurring schedule.
You can easily adjust your shipping frequency if needed. However, shipping is unavailable to Alaska, Hawaii, or international addresses. As a fresh dog food, it’s a bit more expensive than other commercial options.
Cons
No shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally
Pros
Fresh food made without fillers or preservatives
Nutritionally balanced
Shipped directly to your house
Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed – Best for Puppies
Main Ingredients:
Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, whole grain oats
Protein Content:
24%
Fat Content:
11%
Calories:
394 kcal/cup
For the youngest gassy Boxers, consider Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal and Oat diet. Like Royal Canin, Hill’s spends a lot of time and money researching and testing its dog food, creating recipes with data-backed nutritional value.
Free from soy and beans, this recipe is high in protein and full of calcium to help your Boxer puppy grow at the correct rate. It also contains glucosamine to maintain joint health and antioxidants for an overall immune boost. Made with both chicken and wheat, common allergy triggers, Hill’s is not a good choice for Boxers with early signs of food sensitivities.
Cons
Not a good choice for puppies with food sensitivities
Pros
Science-backed nutrition
No soy and beans
Contains glucosamine, antioxidants, and calcium
Royal Canin Breed Health Boxer Diet
Main Ingredients:
Brown rice, brewer’s rice, chicken fat, chicken by-product meal
Protein Content:
24%
Fat Content:
18%
Calories:
335 kcal/cup
A diet made just for your Boxer’s unique needs comes from one of the biggest names in the global pet food industry. Royal Canin Breed Health Boxer Diet relies on the company’s extensive research into all aspects of pet nutrition, bringing you a diet with additives to address specific Boxer health issues.
For example, with many Boxers at risk of heart problems, this recipe contains added taurine, which is a nutrient that’s beneficial for cardiac health. It also features an antioxidant blend to strengthen cells and boost immune health.
The recipe is free from soy and bean ingredients, with nutrition designed to be as absorbable and digestible as possible. Royal Canin is one of the highest-priced on our list. Although it receives good reviews overall, some users note that their dogs don’t like the taste or have difficulty eating the kibble.
Cons
Expensive
Some dogs may not like the taste
Kibble may be hard to eat
Pros
Added taurine for heart health
No soy or bean ingredients
Scientifically backed nutrition, targeted for Boxer health needs
Special antioxidant blend for cellular health
Farmina N&D Ocean Medium and Maxi Adult – Vet’s Choice
Main Ingredients:
Cod, dehydrated cod, herring oil
Protein Content:
30%
Fat Content:
18%
Calories:
400 kcal/cup
Our vet’s choice option for Boxers with gas is Farmina N&D Ocean Codfish and Orange Ancestral Grain dry food. It is high in protein, 90% of which comes from animal (in this case, fish) sources. It is grain-inclusive and legume and soy-free. Since it’s free of wheat and chicken, Farmina may be a good option for Boxers with food intolerances.
Made with non-GMO ingredients, the food also contains fatty acids and glucosamine. Farmina is one of the higher-priced options on our list, and the largest bag available is only 26.5 pounds.
Another point to keep in mind is the food’s high calories per cup amount and protein content. Less active Boxers could quickly put on too much weight eating it if portions are not carefully calculated.
Cons
Expensive
Largest bag available only 26.5 pounds
High calories per cup
Pros
Made with non-GMO ingredients
Legume and soy-free
Free of common allergens
Fatty acids and glucosamine included
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Dry Food
Main Ingredients:
Chicken, brewer’s rice, chicken meal
Protein Content:
22%
Fat Content:
14%
Calories:
343 kcal/cup
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Diet is a cost-effective option for Boxers with gas, with an affordable price and multiple bag sizes available, including 40-pound bags.
It’s made without by-products, which some dog owners prefer to avoid. The non-GMO ingredients do not include soy or legumes, which are common gas-causing culprits.
The fatty acids and antioxidants help support skin, joints, and overall immune system health. Nutro contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives either. Because it contains chicken, it probably won’t be a good choice for Boxers with food allergies. Although most users were happy with the recipe, some said their dogs were not fans of a recent formula change.
Cons
Not a good choice for Boxers with food sensitivities
Some dogs dislike recent formula change
Pros
Non-GMO ingredients, no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Cost-effective, multiple bag sizes available
Includes fatty acids and antioxidants
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dry Food
Main Ingredients:
Salmon, barley, rice
Protein Content:
26%
Fat Content:
16%
Calories:
467 kcal/cup
For Boxers prone to tummy trouble, consider Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon and Rice diet. This recipe is formulated for easy digestion and maximum nutrient absorption. It also contains live probiotics and prebiotic fiber to soothe and support the digestive process.
Pro Plan is soy-free and includes fatty acids to nourish the skin and joints. Purina manufactures this food in the USA, although some ingredients are sourced from China. The recipe has a high calorie content, which means your dog will need to eat less to meet its nutritional needs.
Most users report good results with Pro Plan, especially for dogs with allergies and stomach issues. Some mentioned that the kibble has a strong fish odor.
Cons
Some ingredients from China
Fishy odor
High calorie content
Pros
Formulated for sensitive digestion
Soy and legume free
Includes live probiotics and prebiotics
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Adult Dry Food
Main Ingredients:
Deboned beef, pork meal, brown rice
Protein Content:
26%
Fat Content:
15%
Calories:
386 kcal/cup
If your Boxer is looking for a change in flavor from the usual chicken dog food, consider Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Beef and Brown Rice diet. Although it’s made in the USA, Merrick does use a supplier in China to source B vitamins. The recipe is made with real beef, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
It is soy, pea, and bean-free but contains fatty acids and glucosamine. Although beef is the number one protein source, it includes several other meat and fish ingredients, which may complicate any future diet trials if your Boxer develops food allergies. Users report that the kibble may be a bit small for bigger dogs and that picky dogs may not enjoy the flavor.
Cons
Does contain one ingredient from China
Multiple protein sources may complicate future diet trials
Small kibble
Pros
Soy, pea, and bean-free
Different flavor option
Includes fatty acids and glucosamine
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food
Main Ingredients:
Duck, duck meal, potato
Protein Content:
24%
Fat Content:
10%
Calories:
370 kcal/cup
As we mentioned, almost all grain-free diets contain peas and beans, making them less ideal for Boxers with gas. However, if you want to avoid grains and gas, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-free Duck and Potato gives you the option. Since it’s made without common allergens, including chicken, this recipe may be a good option for Boxers with suspected food sensitivities.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Dog Food is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives and is rich in fiber to support digestion. It doesn’t come in a bag larger than 24 pounds, which could be less convenient if your Boxer is a big eater.
Some customers reported that the price and formula had changed recently, which is unpopular with some dogs and owners. In addition, check with your vet to determine if your dog would benefit from grain-free food before making the switch, as not all pups need to avoid the ingredients.
Cons
Largest available bag is only 24 pounds
Not all dogs need grain-free food
Recent price increases and formula changes not well-received
Pros
Limited ingredients, allergy-friendly
One of the only grain-free options without peas and beans
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie with Ancient Grains
Main Ingredients:
Water buffalo, pork, chicken meal
Protein Content:
32%
Fat Content:
18%
Calories:
445 kcal/cup
Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie is a popular brand due to its high-protein recipes, but most are grain-free and contain peas and other legumes. Because of this, they aren’t the best options for Boxers with gas.
However, Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie with Ancient Grains diet is an exception. It’s made with protein from multiple sources and contains no soy or legumes. It’s full of healthy grains, superfoods, and fruit. Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie also includes probiotics and prebiotics for additional digestive support.
Fatty acids, taurine, and glucosamine are also included. Taste of the Wild is a family-owned brand and manufactures its food in the USA. However, they source some nutrients from China. Although it contains many unusual proteins, it still includes chicken high on the ingredient list, ruling it off the list for Boxers with food sensitivities.
Cons
Contains chicken
Contains some ingredients from China
Pros
No soy or legumes, unlike many recipes from Taste of the Wild
High in protein from multiple animal sources
Includes probiotics, prebiotics, taurine, fatty acids, and glucosamine
Made in the USA by a family-owned company
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food Options for Your Boxer
Boxers can have some serious gas. Luckily, food can sometimes be helpful in controlling this excessive gas. After all, most gas is caused by what your dog eats.
However, not just any food will do in this regard. You have to choose food that is high-quality and suitable for reducing gas. Typically, those that are easier on the stomach are the better option.
In this section, we’ll take a look at what ingredients are often best for dogs with excessive gas, as well as other features to look for.
Common Troublesome Ingredients
What exactly upsets your dog’s stomach will vary. However, there are some ingredients that tend to be troublesome for many dogs. You should typically avoid these ingredients, when possible, as they are more likely to cause gas. However, if you already know that your dog does fine with one of these ingredients, then there is no reason to avoid them.
Here are some things we do recommend avoiding:
Dairy
Soy
Peas
Beans
Beef
Potato
Fiber can also be troublesome for some dogs. However, other dogs find fiber helpful, as it tends to slow down their digestion. The source of the fiber may matter to some dogs, as well. Therefore, added fiber may upset your dog’s stomach, but fiber from a natural source may not.
Similarly, fatty foods may also upset your dog’s stomach. Fat tends to be harder to digest, which can cause stomach problems. However, your dog does need some fat and you cannot remove it from their food completely.
If you decide to change your Boxer’s food, be sure to do it slowly. Boxers are extra-sensitive to changes in their food—even necessary changes. We recommend introducing new foods as slowly as possible. Stop introducing a new food if your dog starts experiencing increased stomach problems.
Specific allergies can also cause gas. If your dog is still gassy after cutting out common sensitivities, you may need to look into the possibility of food allergies.
Are Boxers Naturally Gassy?
Many people assume that their Boxer is naturally gassy. After all, many Boxers have excessive gas. However, this isn’t necessarily true. Instead, Boxers are simply prone to sensitive digestion. In other words, they are more sensitive to the ingredients in their food, which can cause extra gas.
If you have a Boxer, you don’t simply have to live with the extra gas. Instead, it is often better to find food that doesn’t upset your dog’s stomach, which should in turn reduce their gas. If your dog is having extra gas, something in their food likely isn’t agreeing with them. What exactly that is, though, can vary.
Other Ways to Reduce Gas
On top of choosing the correct food, there are other ways to reduce your dog’s gas, as well. Keep in mind, that diet is the primary way to reduce your dog’s gas so many of these steps won’t be effective unless your dog is also on suitable food.
Many Boxers tend to be food-oriented, which can make them eat too fast or too much. Be sure to measure the amount of food your dog gets and don’t overfeed them. In the short term, this can cause increased gas. However, this problem can also lead to obesity over a longer period of time.
Try cutting up your dog’s food into multiple meals. Less food on their stomach at a time may help with digestion. You may also want to try slow feeders and other methods of reducing the speed that they eat. In extreme cases, we recommend using an electronic slow feeder, which only releases a small amount of food at a time.
Final Thoughts
Our top overall pick, The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Pork Recipe, features simple nutrition with no unnecessary fillers. Our best value pick, Iams Large Breed Chicken and Rice, is cost-effective but still soy-free. Royal Canin Boxer Diet offers breed-specific nutritional support. Hill’s Chicken Meal and Oat Large Breed provides science-backed nutrition without common gas-causing ingredients. Farmina Codfish and Orange is a chicken-free recipe packed with protein and fatty acids. We hope our reviews of the 10 dog food recipes, plus the buyer’s guide, provide some helpful information as you search for food that won’t give your Boxer gas.