Dealing with a Boxer experiencing diarrhea can be distressing. To find the most effective solutions, we surveyed over 800,000 members of the Boxer community on Facebook, asking: “What’s the best food for a Boxer with a sensitive stomach?” This compilation summarizes their top recommendations. Remember to always consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your Boxer’s diet, as they can provide personalized advice. iHeartDogs is reader-supported, and some links may be affiliate links, providing a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Top Food Recommendations for Boxers with Sensitive Stomachs
Many Boxer owners have found success with specific brands and formulations when their dogs experience digestive issues. Here are some of the most frequently recommended options:
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach: This formula has been a consistent success for many Boxer owners, even for those who adopted dogs with significant intestinal problems. It has proven effective where other, more expensive specialty foods have failed. This sensitive stomach formula is a popular choice.
Natural Balance Vegetarian: For dogs with sensitivities, this vegetarian option has been a lifesaver for some owners, reportedly reducing itchiness and odor.
Chappie: Both the dry and wet versions of Chappie have been recommended, with owners noting that their dogs do well as long as the food is not switched. Some suggest feeding from elevated bowls to aid digestion.
Nutri-Source Woodlands Select: This food has made a significant difference for Boxers with both sensitive stomachs and allergies. It’s generally available at feed stores but not at major retailers like Walmart.
Bil Jac Sensitive Stomach: Bil Jac’s unique cooking process, where ingredients are cooked separately at precise temperatures, is believed to make their food easier to digest, reducing gas and upset stomachs. Its high meat content also means dogs eat less, producing smaller stools. Many owners report improvements in skin issues and coat health with this brand.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet: Specifically, the Gastrointestinal wet food in a can has received high praise. This food often requires a prescription from a veterinarian for online purchase.
Vets All Natural with Raw Mince: Incorporating raw mince into a diet has been credited with improving overall health, reducing bloating, and eliminating foul-smelling gas in Boxers.
Purina Pro Plan Specialized Adult Dry Dog Food Lamb and Oatmeal: For Boxers with specific allergies, this lamb and oatmeal formula from Purina Pro Plan has been a favorite among owners, with their dogs thoroughly enjoying it.
Pro Plan Gastrointestinal (Prescription): For persistent issues, a prescription gastrointestinal dry food from Pro Plan has been highly effective. Owners suggest feeding small, frequent meals (around half a cup five times a day), possibly mixed with a little water, and administering nausea medication beforehand if vomiting is an issue.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Protein PD Dry Dog Food: If chicken is an allergen for your Boxer, a diet featuring duck, like this Royal Canin option, can be a suitable alternative. Some Boxers also react poorly to rabbit, making duck a good alternative.
Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin: This formula is a go-to for many owners seeking to reduce gas and bloating. It’s often fed to multiple dogs in a household due to its effectiveness.
Nature’s Recipe Dry Food Salmon and Sweet Potato: Recommended by veterinarians, this food has shown great results and is conveniently available at retailers like Target.
Fat-Free Yogurt: While not a complete diet, plain, fat-free yogurt has been suggested as a beneficial addition for digestive health.
Nutro for Sensitive Stomachs: This brand has been a reliable choice for owners whose Boxers have dealt with sensitive stomachs.
Acana Senior or Wholesome Grains: For dogs with sensitive stomachs or conditions like IBS, Acana’s senior or wholesome grains formulas have been reported to be well-tolerated. Owners sometimes enhance these kibbles with additions like cottage cheese, freeze-dried raw food, or wet food.
Raw Diet: Several owners have successfully transitioned their Boxers to a raw diet, incorporating combinations of ground meats (turkey, chicken liver, pork loin, stew beef) and whole chicken breast, often with added vegetables, fruits, and supplements like garlic and turmeric.
Fromm’s Pork and Applesauce: Kibble from this brand, when soaked for about 20 minutes, is recommended for easier digestion, particularly for dogs with conditions like pancreatitis.
Hill Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Formula / Prescription Hills ID: For older dogs experiencing GI upsets, this sensitive stomach formula has proven effective. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and ensuring the dog always has food in its stomach can also help resolve issues and improve coat health.
Purina True Instinct (Beef): For Boxers with severe beef sensitivities, this particular line has been a successful solution after other options failed.
Iams Advanced Health: Healthy Digest: This formula is recommended for puppies who appear to have sensitive stomachs, building on the success of Iams in maintaining the health of older Boxers.
Zignature White Fish: For Boxers with allergies to common proteins like salmon and chicken, white fish-based formulas are often well-tolerated. This brand has helped dogs experiencing hives and hair loss due to allergies.
Eukanuba: This brand is noted as being the only option some Boxers can tolerate without experiencing allergic reactions.
Nature’s Logic: Owners have consistently used Nature’s Logic products, including kibble, wet food, raw options, treats, and bone broth, appreciating the consistency of main ingredients which allows for easy protein rotation.
Arden Grange Sensitive Chick and Rice: This combination has been successfully used by owners whose dogs were fine with it.
Holistic Select: This brand is recommended for Boxers with sensitive stomachs, especially those who also have other medical issues.
Supporting Digestive Health
Beyond specific food brands, several other approaches can support a Boxer’s sensitive stomach:
- Probiotic Chews: Probiotic chews that dogs perceive as treats can significantly improve stool consistency within a few days.
- Dietary Rotation: For some dogs, a limited ingredient diet or rotating proteins can help manage sensitivities.
- Vet Consultation: Always consult your veterinarian. They can help identify specific ingredient sensitivities or allergies and may recommend prescription diets or diagnostic tests. Understanding treatment for ear mites in dogs can also be crucial for overall well-being.
Conclusion
Finding the right food for a Boxer with a sensitive stomach often involves trial and error, with input from the owner community and veterinary professionals. The recommendations above highlight a range of successful options, from specialized kibbles to raw diets and carefully selected supplements. By focusing on high-quality ingredients, understanding potential allergens, and working closely with your vet, you can help your Boxer achieve better digestive health and overall well-being. Remember to always monitor your dog’s response to any dietary changes and consult with a professional if issues persist.
