Dealing with your Boxer’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members Boxer community on facebook the following question: “Those of you with Boxer who have allergies…. what food do you use and why?” We received hundreds of replies, and summarized the top 20 responses here.

As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Boxer’s diet. iHeartDogs is reader supported, so some of the links below may be affiliate links where we receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Also, view our roundup of the Best Foods for Dogs with Allergies. 

20 Best Dog Foods for Boxer with Allergies

I do Taste of the Wild grain free. We tried the ancient grain’s recipe, but Scarlett has lupus flares and Rhett broke out in hives regularly. Went back to grain free, and we’re all healthy and happy now. My pair like the high prairie recipe, but they’ll eat any of the grain free options with no issue other than being snobbish

Author: Abbi L.

Likes: 3

Not a food recommendation, but I would HIGHLY recommend this allergy supplement on Amazon. Reduced my dog’s itching substantially. My vet said keep using it!

Author: Jay C.

Likes: 18

Nature Recipe Sweet Potato, Pumpkin and Salmon. His allergies are minimal when he eats this. Just have to worry about seasonal allergies.

Author: Mallory Turner C.

Likes: 5

Ours is allergic to chicken, lamb, beef, pork, dust and she has seasonal allergies. We feed her Authority sensitive skin and stomach, salmon and rice formula. She also takes Apoquel once daily and has a medicated shampoo bath every 4 weeks.

Author: Sarah K.

Likes: 3

Acana singles. So Ours was on raw. Developed chicken allergy then to beef and so forth so we decided I’m dehydrated raw. Acana Duck and Pear and has not had any reactions at all. No I’ll effects. Gains accordingly and great pooper

Author: Karen Rawn S.

Likes: 0

We fed raw meat. Chicken, fish, shrimp, red meat. Treats – raw Turkey bacon, cheese, raw egg. Fixed our boxers diarrhea and vomiting in less than 24 hours. BTW they can eat the chicken bone as long as it hasn’t been cooked.

Author: Kristy Gary B.

Likes: 0

Nutrish zero grain. Mines allergic to grain. It’s fairly inexpensive and walmart and my local grocery store stock it

Author: Tom K.

Likes: 1

Royal Canin Ultamino, so many allergies, vet saved our baby and thats all she eats now. Expensive but 5 years later still making us happy.

Author: Barbara V.

Likes: 1

Purina Pro Plan for sensitive skin and stomach. Lamb and oatmeal formula to help with her soft stools. She also gets the Cytopoint injection for her seasonal allergies. Apoquel did not help her. I also give her a daily probiotic that I swear by.

Author: Debbie M.

Likes: 2

My dog has severe allergies. I give him Earthborn but no chicken formula. You REALLY need to read every treat and bone bag. Even if its not chicken flavor, a lot of companies use chicken meal or chicken broth. I also give my dog pumpkin which seems to help. The thing that has worked the best though in the 11 years is the allergy shot he gets now. He still gets inflamed if I am not giving him medicated baths or late on the shot but it is worth the cost!

Author: Merissa M.

Likes: 0

Hills Science Diet z/d, it’s prescription only (I order from Chewy, seems to be the cheapest with automatic shipping) my dog is allergic to chicken, lamb, beef-you name it. This food is a game changer! Not to mention it gives her a nice shiny coat!

Author: Carly Forde R.

Likes: 1

Wellness white fish and sweet potato. My boxers have allergies effecting their ears and vet recommended to switch to this. I did and never had a problem since.

Author: Lynne J.

Likes: 0

JustFoodForDogs – Fish & Sweet Potato recipe It is human grade whole food, balanced for daily maintenance, backed by science, and truly limited ingredient. This is the only food that our boxer can eat without having an allergic reaction of any kind and he is healthier than he has ever been before. I’d say that is a win!

Author: Laura N.

Likes: 1

Taste of the wild. Pacific Stream. It’s fish. Helps with her coat and allergies

Author: MK N Chris S.

Likes: 1

We use salmon and.sweet potato or salmon and brown rice natural balance. Great for coat and no allergy issues. Used with all 3 of our girls.

Author: Jess L.

Likes: 1

Blue basics salmon and sweet potato, Skin & stomach care. Plus a quarterly cytopoint injection. Switching to this food we have even able to end the daily apoquel pills.

Author: Casey C.

Likes: 0

Purina pro plan sensitive stomach, salmon and rice formula…she had a chicken allergy. Also gave her a probiotic called Fortiflora….made a huge difference….

Author: Sue C.

Likes: 0

Rachel ray nutrish limited ingredient lamb and rice flavor. Seem to be the only good that doesn’t give her the runs, or make her itch as bad. We’ve tried some of the fancier limited ingredient food with no luck.

Author: Rachael B.

Likes: 0

Zignature kangaroo no fish oil in it as our boxer can’t tolerate and since kangaroo as not be altered like meat and poultry it is supposed to have less allergies from it

Author: Stella S.

Likes: 0

Earthborn Holistic– I use this because he is allergic to chicken and salmon- he’s doing so much better on this.

Author: Heather L.

Likes: 0

Victor ocean fish dry food.

Author: Ashley Moore A.

Likes: 0

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foods for Boxers with Allergies

1. What are common food allergies in Boxers?
   Boxers are prone to food allergies, with common culprits including beef, chicken, dairy, wheat, corn, and soy. Identifying the specific allergen usually involves an elimination diet recommended by your veterinarian.

2. How can I tell if my Boxer has a food allergy?
   Symptoms of food allergies in Boxers often include chronic ear infections, itchy skin, paw licking, vomiting, or diarrhea. If these signs persist, consult your vet for a proper diagnosis and dietary guidance.

3. What ingredients should I look for in hypoallergenic dog food?
   Look for dog foods made with limited ingredients, novel proteins like duck or venison, and grain-free or gluten-free formulas. Foods labeled as “limited ingredient diet” (LID) are typically better for Boxers with sensitivities.

4. Are grain-free diets better for allergic Boxers?
   Grain-free diets can help if your Boxer is specifically allergic to grains like wheat or corn. However, not all Boxers benefit from going grain-free, so it’s essential to determine the exact allergen before making the switch.

5. Is homemade food a good option for Boxers with allergies?
   Yes, homemade food allows complete control over ingredients and can be tailored to your Boxer’s specific allergies. However, it’s crucial to work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure balanced nutrition.

6. Can food allergies in Boxers be cured?
   Food allergies can’t be cured, but they can be effectively managed by avoiding the allergens and feeding a specialized diet. Long-term success depends on consistent dietary control.

7. Are there specific dog food brands recommended for Boxers with allergies?
   Yes, brands like Hill’s Prescription Diet, Blue Buffalo Basics, Natural Balance LID, and Royal Canin Veterinary Diet offer formulas designed for dogs with food sensitivities. Always consult your vet before selecting a new food.