Contents
- Dog Food for English Bulldogs Comparison:
- The Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs
Our Top 5Â Food Choices For English Bulldogs:
- Taste of the Wild, Canine Formula
- Natural Ultramix Adult Dry Dog Food
- Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Nulo Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
It’s difficult to imagine that the notoriously cute English bulldog was once used to bait bulls. This plump pooch has been a popular pet worldwide for ages and holds an almost-mascot status for the English. Due to overbreeding, however, these cute canines can now suffer from serious health problems.
Due to this breed’s susceptibility to health problems, it’s always best to ensure that you do everything to keep them healthy. Therefore, your choice of dog food can really go a long way in preventing these health problems.
So you might be wondering more about what you can do to protect your pup from these health problems. Proper nutrition can go a long way in ensuring longevity and good health in your bulldog. In this article, we will take a look at our choices for the best brands of dog food for English bulldogs.
Dog Food for English Bulldogs Comparison:
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Many owners mistakenly think that any old run-of-the-mill food is fine for their dog, but that would be comparable to thinking a piranha could survive on the same diet as a goldfish. So, why don’t we feed them that way?
The Best Food for Your Best Friend
All dogs are different and different dog breeds have varying nutritional
needs. So, what does that mean exactly? Well, let’s take a look. A dog’s diet needs to be evaluated to ensure their diet is providing appropriate fat, protein, and carbohydrates for the specific breed type.
A good example of this is the Great Dane which requires food with lower fat and protein content because they are at risk of becoming overgrown and damaging their skeleton. Another good example would be dogs prone to weight gain, such as the English bulldog.
Likewise, they should consume no subpar meat products, such as road kill or expired dog meat.
You also need to keep in mind specific health problems that can affect your dog’s breed. For instance, a German shepherd diet should always include glucosamine, as they are prone to joint problems.
As you can see, the English bulldog has very specific needs and nutritional requirements. If you are finding yourself overwhelmed by what kind of diet is best for your dog’s health, it might be best to take a trip to the vet. A vet can identify the problem much better than you can, and can help you plan out a well-balanced diet that will keep your bulldog happy and healthy.
Breaking It Down, Macro Nutrient Style
It may seem hard to find a food that is appropriate for your bulldog; but we promise, it’s possible. Medium sized, muscular but stocky, energetic but prone to weight gain… what’s a plump pet parent to do?
An English bulldog usually weighs between 40 and 60 lb. If your bulldog gets a decent amount of exercise, it should be consuming between 25-30 calories per lb. This means about 1300 calories a day. It may seem like a lot, but bulldogs have a lot of energy and burn calories more quickly than some other breeds.
Bulldogs are strong and muscular, but they can also be prone to weight gain and find it difficult to shed pounds once they’ve been put on. For this reason, a lower fat content is important for the English bulldog. Fatty acids are important for your dog’s coat and skin, but you just want to be careful that you aren’t setting them up to be unhealthy. Ideally, your bulldog’s food should sit somewhere between 8% and 15% fat to help them maintain a healthy body weight.
Carbohydrates are also something you need to be careful with for feeding a bulldog. No only can sugary foods make your pup puff up like a balloon, but they can also set off some pretty severe food allergies.
Once again, a vet can certainly give you more info on your dog’s nutritional requirements. The above is a guideline, but if you are ever in doubt we definitely recommend consulting the experts.
STAY AWAY: Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid
Ingredients that are a complete no-no for English Bulldogs are definitely grain and any soy, wheat or corn-based products. Because this breed is so sensitive to food allergies, it would be ideal to find a food that did not contain chicken, because if your pet has undiagnosed allergies, this is likely the culprit.
It’s also a good idea to avoid bone meal. Not to be mistaken with meat meals, which are a highly concentrated source of protein, bone meal is basically inedible pieces of animal (like chicken feet or beaks) that your animals can’t digest. Bone meal is the hot dog of the dog food world.
As you can see, all dog foods are not created the same. It is wise to do your research on all the above factors, and ensure you are giving your dog the very best. Later in this article, we recommend some brands that meet many of these requirements.
Common Health Problems with English Bulldogs and How the Good Food Can Help
Bulldogs have been bred to look a certain way and, sadly, this has created some health problems for them. Luckily for pet parents, proper nutrition can help!
- Hip Dysplasia: Bulldogs are prone to hip dysplasia, a joint malformation which is very painful for dogs. To help your bulldog avoid hip dysplasia, make sure to feed him an appropriate diet to avoid him carrying around excess weight. Also, if you have a puppy, limit his fat and protein intake to help him grow more slowly and allow his skeleton to catch up to the rest of his body. In addition, either ensure your pup’s food contains glucosamine and chondroitin or supplement his diet with it.
- Food allergies: Like many other bulldogs, English bulldogs are prone to allergies. Medication can be prescribed to treat seasonal allergies. If you have an allergenic dog, you should avoid wheat, soy, and corn products and, if that doesn’t solve it, you should put your dog on a food that contains no chicken or egg proteins.
- Sensitive Stomachs and FLATULENCE: Every English bulldog owner knows that English bulldogs are tooty little fellows. To avoid stomach issues and excess gas, avoid wheat, soy and corn products, as well as artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Feeding them more frequent, smaller meals can also help reduce gas.
Adjusting for Age
As mentioned earlier, feeding you bulldog puppy an adult formula can help him avoid growing too quickly. This will assist him in avoiding joint problems, such as hip dysplasia in the long run. 74% of the current population of English bulldogs suffers from hip dysplasia.
Normal regularly exercised bulldogs should be fed 2-3 times a day, with their daily calorie intake around 1300 calories a day. You should also never allow him to exercise right before or right after eating as this appears to be a factor in bloat, the deadly twisting of a dog’s stomach which requires immediate veterinary intervention.
Finally, older bulldogs that aren’t exercising as much should be fed around 900 calories a day, in 2 or 3 small meals. This will help them prevent the health problems associated with obesity, as well as help them avoid weight related hip dysplasia. You should also supplement glucosamine and chondroitin.
As you can see from all the above information, the English bulldog is quite a handful. It is important to consult with a professional veterinarian while your bulldog is young so that you can find the best diet for your individual dog. It may have special needs that other dogs don’t have. So while this article contains valuable guidelines and good info to know, you truly need to find out what is best for your dog, so you can plan out a diet and meet all their nutritional needs.
The Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs
1. Taste of the Wild, Canine Formula
- A taste of the wild with ROASTED BISON; REAL MEAT is the #1 ingredient; optimal amino acid profile, protein rich for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- High protein ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; fruits and vegetables as SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS; fatty acid blend for SKIN & COAT
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This grain-free dog food is sure to please any puppy palate, formulated with real roasted meat like chicken, lamb, venison, and bison to provide high-protein content to support high energy with balanced fat levels for dogs prone to weight gain.
This dry dog food formula is based on a dog’s ancestral diet and high-quality protein sources also support the development and maintenance of lean muscle. These tasty morsels will also provide quality sources of complex carbohydrates such as peas and sweet potatoes, which are not only great sources of fiber but also important in maintaining energy levels as they will burn more slowly.
This formula will also provide fruit and veggie sources of antioxidants, which are important for the maintenance of a healthy immune system and in protecting your dog against disease and infection. Every bite of this yummy food is also enriched with probiotics, which ensure gut health and proper digestion.
Check Price & AvailabilityThe Bottom Line?
This tasty, meat-based dog food is grain-free and thus great for dogs with prone to allergies, although it does contain chicken. This formula not only contains high protein to provide energy, it also provides great, natural complex carbohydrates to help your dog maintain his energy levels between feeding. High-protein but balanced fat levels make weight maintenance a no-brainer while probiotics and antioxidants help your dog’s tummy and immune system stay strong and healthy.
Taste of the Wild is a great, well-balanced food that contains many vital nutrients. And the final bonus is that since it is meant to replicate how a dog would eat in the wild, your bulldog is likely to love it as well!
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2. Natural Ultramix Adult Dry Dog Food
- Ideal For Active Adult Dogs Through Their Golden Years
- Chicken With Other Protein Sources And Pieces Of Fruits And Vegetables For Antioxidants, Vitamins, And Fiber
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This dry dog food is made in the USA. Although it contains chicken, it contains no wheat, soy or corn so, as long as your dog doesn’t have a chicken allergy, this food is appropriate for a sensitive or allergenic dog. It also contains no artificial colors or flavors and no preservatives.
This food contains high protein balanced with lower fat levels, which make it great for a high-energy dog that is prone to weight gain.
This tasty dog food also contains sources of fiber such as barley, brown rice, and sweet potatoes that not only help keep your pup’s digestive system running smoothly but will also help him feel fuller, longer and provide complex carbohydrates that will give him the energy that lasts all day!
Enriched with Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, this food is sure to keep your dogs coat healthy and shiny while soothing any dry, irritated skin. These fatty acids will also help keep his heart healthy.
Each bite that your pup gobbles down also packs an antioxidant punch—real fruits and veggies provide antioxidants to help keep your dog’s immune system on point and keep you best friend free of infections and disease. Also enriched with calcium and phosphorous, this kibble is sure to keep your pup’s bones and teeth strong and healthy.
This is another great all-around choice that provides many of the nutrients that will greatly benefit your dog’s health. It also lacks many of the ingredients that may cause problems for an adult bulldog, just be sure they don’t have a chicken allergy.
Check Price & AvailabilityThe Bottom Line?
This dog food is a great choice for a dog prone to food related sensitivities and allergies. High protein and low-fat help your pooch maintain a healthy weight while complex carbs help him upkeep his energy levels between meals. This tasty kibble is also enriched with a plethora of other nutrients to keep his gut, coat, teeth, and bones healthy and protect his general health and disease resistance.
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3. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Grain Free: 100% Grain Free, Complete And Balanced Everyday Nutrition For Your Dog
- Protein Focused Nutrition: Naturally Grain Free, Rich With Delicious Premium Proteins Including Turkey And Chicken Combined With Real Vegetables And Essential...
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This grain-free dog food brand is committed to filling your pup’s kibble with only the best, most wholesome natural ingredients. On top of being grain free, this premium dog food is also free of wheat, soy, and corn, as well as meat by-products, preservatives, artificial flavorings, and coloring. This is great for your bulldog, as many of these ingredients may cause them problems.
This meat-focused recipe is packed with poultry-based protein to allow for lean muscle development and to sustain your pup’s energy levels. It also has fairly low-fat content to promote a healthy body weight. Flaxseed and fish ensure your pup’s diet includes adequate essential fatty acids, which prevents heart disease and ensures a silky smooth coat and healthy skin.
Each kibble is coated in a probiotic solution for a balanced gut and easy digestion. Every taste of this delicious dog food will also provide your pup with both glucosamine and chondroitin, which not only helps to maintain strong, healthy bones but will also ward off joint disease and problems as your pup ages. Complex carbs, such as broccoli and kale will not only provide your dog with fiber but will also help him sustain his energy levels.
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This all-natural dog kibble contains premium ingredients and is free of many sensitivity-causing additives. It is also enriched with many healthy additional nutrients, as well as vitamins and minerals to help keep your dog healthy and happy.
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4. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Grain Free, Gluten Free, 28 Lb. Resealable Bag
- Lean Red Meat Bison Protein Important For Optimal Health
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This grain-free dog food is also chicken and is gluten-free. Chicken is an ingredient that owners don’t always realize can set off some serious allergies in dogs and English bulldogs can be particularly sensitive to allergies. Instead, the high-protein content comes from lean red meat, such as lamb and bison meal.
Concentrated meat meals can indeed provide up to 3 times the protein that meat can. Fruit and vegetable superfoods, such as blueberries and spinach provide antioxidant support and contribute to good health and a strong immune system. L-Carnitine is synthesized in the body and assists in maintenance of healthy body weight, as well as producing lean, strong muscle.
This delicious dog food will also supply you dog with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in every mouthful. Omega-3 and 6 are important for heart health, as well as for a healthy coat and skin. Best of all, puppy parents reported that even the pickiest eaters hungrily wolfed this munch down!
Check Price & AvailabilityThe Bottom Line?
If your English bulldog is highly allergenic, this may be the food for him! Not only is it grain and gluten-free but it also contains no chicken. This tasty kibble is also enriched with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutritionally dense ingredients for perfect pooch health!
This might be the perfect food on this list for your English bulldog if their diet cannot include chicken. Pet owners love this brand because it is packed with healthy ingredients, and we think that you will too.
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5. Nulo Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- 100% All Natural - Feed Your Furry Family Right. Nulo Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Is Made With Clean Ingredients To Help Your Pup Maintain A Balanced Diet, Healthy...
- Grain Free - Nulo Doesn'T Include Allergy-Triggering Grains, Corn, Wheat Gluten, Soy, Fake Additives, Colors, Or Flavors; We Even Left Out Egg And Chicken...
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This delicious dry dog food is made in the USA. Not only is it grain-free but it is also free of chicken and chicken by-products. Instead of chicken, its protein comes from lamb, turkey, and salmon. A probiotics solution aids in digestion and will keep your dog’s digestive system balanced and working properly.
It also contains essential fatty acids for a healthy heart and to create a lipid barrier to protect the skin and keep the coat healthy.
High in protein but low in fat, this dog food will support energy while allowing your animal to maintain an ideal body weight. It also contains high-quality complex carbs such as chickpeas and sweet potatoes, which not only provide the fiber your dog needs to stay regular but also will allow him to sustain his energy between feasts.
Pet ownersreported that their dogs ravenously wolfed down the food, that Nulo kept them regular, and that skin/coats had never been in better shape.
It is always a bonus when your dog can enjoy the food as much as you enjoy its benefits, and this seems to be the case with this brand! Getting your bulldog to eat healthy is not always easy, but you can help eliminate some of these troubles with Nulo.
Check Price & AvailabilityThe Bottom Line?
This dog food is a game changer for dogs with a sensitive stomach or or ones who suffer from severe allergies. No only is it free of most common dog allergens but it is also enriched with fatty acids and contains real whole ingredients that nourish your pooch while allowing him to maintain a healthy body weight.
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Wrapping Up
What works for your dog will likely be a personal choice (for your dog—who are you kidding if you think you’re in control?), but this list offers some excellent and reputable dog food brands for every budget that are sure to help keep that tail wagging for years to come.
Of course, you really want to do your research before deciding on the diet for your bulldog, as it is one of the most important choices you can make as a pet owner. While this article has provided you with many important details that are great to know about bulldogs, it really takes a trip to the vet to know for sure. After all, your bulldog is unique. So ask about these brands of dog food for your pup, we are confident that one of them will be a great choice!
Do you have an English bulldog? Tell us what works for your pet in the comments below!
I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds. There was no choice but to take care of and learn about dog habits and the best animal care practices — otherwise, I’d be clueless about how to go about the creatures I was surrounded by day and night.
As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Although I’m not a professionally trained dog behaviorist, trainer, or veterinarian, all of my knowledge and experience with canines comes from a place of love and a deep-rooted passion for dogs and animals in general.
Seeing as dogs kept me company throughout every stage of my life, I decided to follow a different path in my academic life and obtained a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Marketing Management and Digital Advertising, which ultimately allowed me to combine my professional training and personal experience by creating the ultimate dog lover’s resource website! Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being.
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I disagree with the chicken comment. My English bulldog does fine on cooked chicken. I roast a whole organic chicken, with roasted yams, then add peas and pumpkin and run it all through the food processor. I give 3/4 with 1/4 cup kibble. I have been feeding Pulsar kibble. But…want to change it to Nulo. It looks like a quality dog food.
Also…my English Bulldog is about to be 10 September of this year. His fur is beautiful and silky. The problem he had is joints. I do supplement with vitamins and joint supplements. Recently he’s had trouble with the size of the kibble I supplement. I’ve been giving him Pulsar which is made in Canada, but Chewy has it. The dog food is high quality, but the size of kibble is too large for him as he’s gotten older. As I said I give him 3/4 cup cooked diet as I shared above the ingredients. I do add pumpkin, too to what I already shared. I’ll buy Nulo and mix it with the Pulsar and then give the Nulo and see if the smaller kibble is okay. I only give 1/4 kibble with 3/4 cup of cooked. I do this in case I’m sick or in case something happened and I didn’t cook his food, he’d have just kibble and be okay.
How much yam peas & pumpkin? I’m getting a pup in 3 weeks. Thank you!
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
Puppies can only consume a puppy formula to help support the healthy development of your pup’s teeth and bones.Dog parents need to know that the life stage that a pet food is marketed for, may not be the same life stage for which the food actually meets the minimum requirements. You should always consult with your veterinarian as to the most appropriate puppy food for your puppy breed. You can do this when bringing your puppy in for a wellness check.Feed puppies puppy food, and be sure to feed a large breed puppy a large breed puppy diet.Large breed pups like the Great Dane or German Shepherd need to be on a large breed puppy diet to ensure correct growth, and no growth abnormalities.All dog food formulas must meet the AAFCO profiles for all life stages, and must meet the minimum nutrient levels for growth and adult maintenance in dogs. Hope this helps!
I am not sure what state you are in, but in CA where seasonal allergies are the norm for humans and dogs the chicken may exacerbate them.
May I simply say what a comfort to find someone that really knows
what they’re talking about over the internet. You certainly know how to bring a problem to light and make it important.
A lot more people need to look at this and understand this side
of your story. I was surprised you aren’t more
popular since you certainly possess the gift.
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.The Bulldog as a breed suffers from numerous health problems. That said, feeding a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for the dog’s lifestage and medical condition is important.Most of us understand the importance of eating healthily, but many don’t fully understand that this applies to our furbabies, too. Vitamins and amino acids should not be synthetic, and organic should mean that all of the ingredients are organic, including vitamins and minerals, and not just a few. A well-balanced dog food should use real meat as its first ingredient. It should also not use harmful preservatives, flavors or artificial colors. Opt for the very best dog food that you can afford, and be wary of clever marketing. Consider taking a close look at Amazon reviews, and then consulting with your veterinarian as to the best dog food for your dog.
Our bulldog has a major shedding problem that may be linked to allergies. After reading all the information here, we have decided to change her dog food. Based on the information provided we decided on: Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food. We did not realize that her current dog food is filled with all types of grain and soy, we actually thought this was a great dog food for her but just learned this could be the culprit. Wish us luck….
I forgot to mention Willow is 5 months, just a pup!
I am a breeder of Top Winning English Bulldogs – and my dogs lose weight on “grain free dog” food. Most breeders buy Kirkland (Costco) Chicken & Vegetables. It is great food at a reasonable price and it is fresh because they sell so much. It is made by the Diamond Food Company for Costco and you can bet there will be “no” recalls of this product!!!
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
We’re glad to hear that your dogs are doing well on the Kirkland dog food brand. With over 80 million dogs in the U.S today, large scale dog food brands are more concerned now with better nutrition.The Kirkland dog food brand is a high-quality dog food brand that is marketed as a super-premium dog food. Kirkland uses high-quality ingredients, and many of their recipes have been reformulated. As with all dog food brands, keep on top of the recalls!
Do any of these help with diarrhea? My vet has no answer for why out 13 week old bulldog has diarrhea. All our dogs are on the same food and we switched him slowly when we got him. He had loose stools when we got him. We dewormed him in case that was it but no change. My guess is he may have an allergy to chicken. Does that make sense?
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
Diarrhea in Bulldogs may be common.That said, in most cases it’s not something in your puppy food, but may be something new that he may be ingesting, that is not in his normal diet. If he has no fever and vomiting, you can help work through this at home with a special diet recommended by your vet, but will need to be sure that he is not dehydrated from the diarrhea. Lots of watery diarrhea can be very dangerous for Bulldog pups.Make sure that your Bulldog always has lots of fresh water available. Consider a second consult with another veterinarian to get a second opinion. Since your Bulldog is only 13 weeks of age, I would most definitely seek veterinary advice quickly. Things can go downhill quickly with pups and kittens when they are ill.
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
Meadow Feast may be beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs.It is made with premium lamb meal that provides a single high-quality protein source. There is also a wonderful combination of fruits and veggies. I’m sure your pooch will enjoy. Thanks again. Please keep us updated!
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section. With so many great dog products and dog food formulas on the market today, you’ll find that shopping for Fido is tons of fun. When switching dog foods, always consult with your veterinarian as to the best dog food for your dog. Keep in mind that this needs to be done gradually. Every dog is different, and some brands will be better suited for certain dogs.When it comes to dog foods, understanding your pet’s current health and nutritional needs is paramount. And always remember to ask your veterinarian for advice before changing your dog’s diet.
Thanks for connecting to Mysweetpuppy.net. Please keep in mind that I, Claudia Bensimoun, do not write any of the blogs or reviews on this website, nor have I in the past. I only answer the comments section.
We do our best to give our readers the latest reviews and updates. English Bulldogs are awesome! They also have numerous health problems. That said, the English Bulldog is a brachycephalic dog breed that also suffers from allergies.There is no best diet since all dogs have different dietary needs, so it’s always smart to find the best dog food to match each individual dog. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian for advice when changing Fido’s diet.Providing your Bulldog with the most appropriate diet that is healthy and beneficial to his life stage will help give your dog a long and healthy life.