what brand of dog food is best for english bulldogs
Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs: 6 Vet Recommended Brands
English bulldogs are one of the most recognizable breeds out there. They are mascots of many Universities, companies and even branches of the military, such as the United States Marine Corps. They have a distinctive look, but they aren't the easiest breed to feed. Finding the best dog food for English Bulldogs may be a bit more difficult than you think.
English Bulldogs are not just special because of the bond they hold with their puppy parents, they also have a wide range of special needs and requirements due to their unique anatomy. Due to overbreeding and inbreeding, there are also many common health conditions found in these dogs.
The English Bulldog is a medium-breed with a stocky body, small, floppy ears, short legs and a short corkscrew tail. Bulldogs are all brachycephalicbreeds, classified as such due to their shortened, smushed facial structure.
They are generally a more laid-back breed but can be protective of their family, making them a good guard dog. English Bulldogs tend to be low energy dogs throughout their lives. You may have to bribe them to get off of the couch.
Their anatomy can make it difficult for them to be active. Many Bulldogs suffer from Brachycephalic Syndrome, a combination of medical issues owing to their special facial structure. They can have elongated soft palates, dental disease and stenotic nares (openings of the nose are too small), causing significant difficulty breathing.
Bulldogs can also suffer from arthritis earlier in life due to their short, angled legs. This leg conformation can predispose them to increased wear and tear on their joints. Low-impact, slow walks during the coolest part of the day are recommended for most English bulldogs.
Along with the special care that they need in their day-to-day lives, English Bulldogs should also be fed a diet that will meet their unique nutritional requirements. I'll go into more details on the specific diet required by English Bulldogs in just a bit, but for now, here's a quick look at the dog food products I'll be recommending:
* Click on the English Bulldogdog foodbrand for informationand prices orscroll down below for more details.
English Bulldogs tend to be chow hounds and many seem to want to eat you out of house and home. Their healthy appetite can be a blessing and a curse. Most are not picky eaters, so they will typically enjoy the best dog food for English Bulldogs, no matter what brand it is.
You'll need to pay attention though, because Bulldogs are one of the easiest breeds to overfeed. Ive met many that are bottomless pits and will continuously beg for whatever edible you can provide. English Bulldogs are naturally muscular and stocky, but they must not be fat.
As I mentioned, this breed is already prone to many different health conditions. If your dog is overweight, it increases the chance that he'll develop diseases such as arthritis and certain types of cancer. The best dog food for English Bulldogs will provide the proper nutrients without adding unnecessary calories.
ASK A VET:10 Vet Recommended Dog Food Brands That Are Inexpensive
What's the Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs?top 6 vet recommended brands
How To Feed An English Bulldog
Before switching your dog to any new diet, always consult with a veterinarian. Remember that no article on the internet, including this one, can replace a consultation with a vet.
Puppy English Bulldogs
Up to 75% of all dogs diagnosed with hip dysplasia are bulldogs, as they are more susceptible to malnutrition and developmental orthopedic disease compared to small-breed pups.Other diseases that can affect bulldogs in puppyhood include osteochondrosis (OCD), panosteitis and hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD).
While there is a genetic component to these diseases, there are significant nutritional risk factors that play a part during puppyhood. These risk factors are rapid growth and excess dietary calcium intake.
It is important to feed the best dog food for English Bulldogs that provides just enough of the right balance of nutrients.Breed-specific puppy foods are a great safeguard to help prevent these issues.
My top pick for the best dog food for English Bulldogs that are younger than 12 months old is Royal Canin English Bulldog Breed Health Nutrition Puppy. Royal Canin has put some thoughtful features into their English Bulldog-specific puppy food.
The Bulldogs special facial structure, under-bite and crowded teeth can make it difficult for them to pick up and chew food. Each kibble has been designed in a wave shape to help Bulldog puppies pick up and chew the food more easily.
It is recommended to feed this puppy food until 12 months of age for maximum benefit. The calorie content and mineral balance are optimal for preventing developmental orthopedic diseases.
Best Dog Food for Adult English Bulldogs
If you are looking for the best dog food for English Bulldogs that are more than 12 months oldor are transitioning from puppy food to adult food, it is a good idea to consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can help determine your bullys current body condition score. With this in hand, you can decide which maintenance adult diet is best.
Normal Body Condition English Bulldogs
A great place to start for an active, normal body weight/condition bulldog is Royal Canin English Bulldog Breed Health Nutrition Adult. This adult formula is excellent for adults over 12 months of age to 7-8 years of age.
Royal Canin provides the right balance of nutrients to optimize a lean body condition over a lifetime. Just like with the Royal Canin English bulldog puppy food, this food also has the optimal shape for digestibility but it's certainly not one of the inexpensive dog food options due to its higher nutrition quality.
Low-Active/Couch Potato English Bulldogs
Many adult English Bulldogs easily become overweight or obese. Increased body mass can have very negative consequences for bulldogs, as it puts extra strain on their joints and makes it harder for them to breathe.
Generally, I reach for Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low Calorie Formulawhen recommendingthe best dog food for English Bulldogs that are overweight. Natural Balance includes omega-3 fatty acid-rich salmon oil in this low calorie formula, helping Bulldogs maintain proper brain, skin and joint health.
If your bulldog already has some mobility issues, a weight issue AND itchy skin, look no further than this next pick its got it all! Hills Prescription Diet Metabolic + Mobility formulais a special diet by prescription only, but it works wonders for dogs that need it.
It contains wonderful ingredients like glucosamine and fish oil in higher levels than found in over-the-counter dog food. It can help improve mobility in as little as 21 days and reduce body weight by 13% in 60 days.
SeniorEnglish Bulldogs
English bulldogs are considered senior or geriatric around 8 years of age. As they age, their nutritional requirements change as well. Joints start to ache and mental function can start to decline. Active ingredients in my top pick for the best dog food for English Bulldogs in their senior yearswill help your pup go strong for as long as possible.
English Bulldogs are also notorious for having dental disease. As they age, they are more likely to have diseased teeth or many missing teeth. It is important that your bulldog is able to properly pick up, chew and swallow their food. A fresh, refrigerated diet may be best for your aging bulldog.
Fresh, refrigerated foods from the pet store are often more palatable than canned food with a similar, easy-to-chew texture. FreshPet Vital Turkey Recipe with Peas, Carrots and Brown Rice (currently unavailable) contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to maintain your seniors skin, brain and joint function.
The Doggy Bag Take Home Message
English Bulldogs tend to live the longest, healthiest lives when they are kept in a leaner body condition, receive life-stage-appropriate balanced nutrition and routine veterinary care.
Regardless of which dog food you choose for your furry family member, it is important to follow feeding instructions carefully and consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dogs health or nutrition.
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Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs
Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs
By Karan French
Updated: March 22, 2024
DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how
All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
Whats the best dog food for English Bulldogs?
English Bulldogscan suffer from sensitive stomachs so may benefit from a limited ingredient diet. Look for dog foods that have a simple ingredient list withhigh-quality protein sourcesandeasily digestible carbohydrates.
This dog breed requires a moderate amount of high-quality protein formuscle maintenanceand overall health so choose a food where the number one ingredient is a named meat protein source likechicken,beef, orfish.
English Bulldogs are prone toobesity, so its important to choose a dog food with a controlled fat content to prevent weight gain. Aim for a moderate fat content that provides energy without excess calories.
As they can havesensitive digestive systems, select dog foods with easily digestible ingredients such asrice,oatmeal, orsweet potatoes. Avoid dog foods with excessive fillers or artificial additives.
English Bulldogs are also susceptible to joint issues, includinghip and elbow dysplasiaso foods that contain joint-supporting ingredients likeglucosamineandchondroitinto promote joint health are a must.
As English Bulldogs have a brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, eating and breathing can be a challenge. Choose a dog food with smaller kibble size or consider wet or moistened dog food to make it easier for them to eat and swallow.
Some English Bulldogs may have food allergies or sensitivities. If your Bulldog displays signs of a food allergy, such as itching, gastrointestinal upset, or skin issues, consider alimited ingredientorhypoallergenicdog food under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Below you can find a list of the best dog foods forEnglish Bulldogs, recommended by our team of researchers, pet nutritionists and veterinarians.
Our Top Recommendations
On this page
Well share The Dog Food Advisorssafestandmost recommended brandseach optimized for theageof your particularEnglish Bulldog.
Well also answer themost frequently asked questionswe get about this breed.
Fresh Pork is one of4 fresh recipesrated inour reviewof the The Farmers Dog product line.
This Farmers Dog Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein fromfresh pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients USDA Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"Our 14 year old could hardly get up and walk due to so much pain in her hips, after eating this food shes now running again! I was hoping it would help her but I wasnt expecting that big of an improvement. Good food reduced her inflammation. You truly are what you eat."
Redbarn Ocean recipe is one of3 dry recipescovered inour reviewof the Redbarn product line.
Redbarn Grain-Free Dry Dog Food draws most of its animal protein fromsalmon and trout. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 18% fat and 42% estimated carbsyielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
Read our review of the full Redbarn Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, trout, salmon meal, ocean fish meal, menhaden fish meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Redbarn.com"I have tried countless dog foods. My dog has a sensitive stomach but after switching to Redbarn he has no more problems!! 10/10"
3. Open Farm Pastured-Raised Lamb Recipe
Open Farm Lamb is one of21 dry recipesanalyzed inour reviewof the Open Farm Pet product line.
This Open Farm recipe draws a better part of its animal protein fromfresh lamb. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 16% fat and 43% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Lamb, chickpeas, ocean whitefish meal, peas, herring meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and small/medium breed puppies Chicken, Brown Rice, and Sweet Potato is one of5 dry recipesevaluated inour reviewof the Jinx product line.
This Jinx recipe acquired most of its meat protein fromfresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
Read our review of the full Jinx Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Organic Chicken, chicken meal, pearled barley, ground peas, brown rice Type Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice) Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Jinx.com"My boys are super picky about their food and they also tend to get bored easily. But they love their Jinx kibble. They are now so excited at meal times. Thank you Jinx for making my job as a pet parent a little easier by making my two stubborn boys actually want to eat their meals."
Whitefish is one of3 dry recipesincluded inour reviewof the Canidae product line.
Canidae Under the Sun Grain-Free Adult acquires a better part of its animal protein fromwhitefish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 12% fat and 52% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Read our review of the full Canidae Under the Sun Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Whitefish meal, yellow peas, garbanzo beans, green peas, canola oil Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We were advised by our vet to try a grain-free, potato-free food and to try to stay away from chicken and beef. This food has been a big hit with both of our girls and seems to be helping with the digestive issues we were going through!"
Bully Max 30/20 High Performance is one of2 dry recipescontained inour reviewof the Bully Max product line.
Bully Max derives much of its meat protein fromchicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 36% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
Read our review of the full Bully Max High Performance Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, dried plain beet pulp, ground grain sorghum Type Grain-inclusive (sorghum) Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Amazon.com"Been using this product for almost a year now for my pup and he loves it! Hes put on a lot of lean muscle, I highly recommend if youre looking for a beefy bully."
High Prairie is one of9 dry recipesanalyzed inour reviewof the Taste of the Wild product line.
This Taste of the Wild recipe obtains much of its meat protein fromwater buffalo. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Water Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I switched to this food after my 10 year old bully was diagnosed with lymphoma. While it cant be blamed solely on food the vet recommended, I try to find something healthier for my dogs. They LOVE it!!! If they love it, I love it."
Puppy Health is one of5 dry recipesincluded inour reviewof the Holistic Select product line.
The Holistic Select recipe mentioned receives the lions share of its animal protein fromlamb meal and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 17% fat and 48% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
Read our review of the full Holistic Select Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Lamb meal, chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, barley Type Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, brown rice, barley) Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"A good friend of mine recommend this food for my English Bulldog. My little Ellie is satisfied with her meals, the breeder had her on another brand that seemed to cause her digestive issues. I switched and she is all good now."
Beef Meal Feast is one of11 dry recipesevaluated inour reviewof the Natures Logic product line.
This Natures Logic recipe draws much of its animal protein frombeef meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 16% fat and 38% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Read our review of the full Natures Logic Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Beef meal, millet, chicken fat, pumpkin seed, yeast culture Type Grain-inclusive (millet) Protein Percentage 37% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have researched many top brands and I highly recommend Natures Logic for dogs that require a higher protein diet. My dog is perfectly healthy and she loves the food and the variety of flavors offered."
Texas Beef and Sweet Potato is one of12 dry recipescontained inour reviewof the Merrick product line.
This Merrick recipe gets a major part of its animal protein frombeef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 37% estimated carbs delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned Beef, pork meal, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My husband and I tried several different brands for our pups. Because their stools were soft and not consistent. I read up on why that was happening and I found it to be their diet. They were not getting the correct nutrition. Merrick dog food has given them what they need to be healthy. They are adult dogs now and have had zero health problems. I highly recommend Merrick!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
English Bulldogs are a distinct breed known for their iconic appearance and unique personality traits.
They have remained popular pets in the United States over the years. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), which keeps track of dog registration statistics, English Bulldogs have consistently ranked within the top five most popular breeds in recent years.
Their distinctive appearance and friendly nature have contributed to their popularity among dog enthusiasts and families. English Bulldogs are often sought after as family pets, companions, and even as mascots for sports teams or organizations.
However, its important to note that popularity does not necessarily indicate suitability for everyone. English Bulldogs have specific care requirements, and potential owners should be aware of their potential health issues, such as breathing difficulties, skin problems, and obesity.
Responsible ownership, proper healthcare, and the right diet are crucial for providing a happy and healthy life for English Bulldogs.
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about English Bulldogs:
Frequently Asked Questions
What do English Bulldogs look like?
English Bulldogs have a distinctive appearance with a compact and muscular build. They have a large head with a wrinkled face, a pushed-in nose, and a pronounced underbite. Their bodies are low to the ground and sturdy, with a thick neck and broad shoulders.
They have a short and smooth coat that comes in various colors, including brindle, fawn, white, and pied. Regular brushing to remove loose hair and occasional bathing to keep their skin clean and healthy is usually sufficient. Wrinkles on their face should be cleaned and dried regularly to prevent infections.
What is the temperament of an English Bulldog?
English Bulldogs are known for their calm, friendly, and affectionate nature. They are typically docile, gentle, and good-natured, making them suitable as family pets and companions. They tend to get along well with children and are generally friendly towards strangers. English Bulldogs are known to have a humorous and sometimes stubborn personality, which can make training a bit challenging.
How much exercise does and English Bulldog need?
English Bulldogs have low to moderate exercise needs. They enjoy leisurely walks and play sessions but are not a high-energy breed. Their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure can make them prone to overheating and breathing difficulties, so its important to avoid excessive exercise in hot or humid weather. Regular exercise is still important to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
What health conditions can affect an English Bulldog?
English Bulldogs are prone to several health issues due to their unique physical characteristics. These may include breathing problems, skin allergies, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and a predisposition to obesity. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper diet, and weight management are crucial for their overall health and well-being.
Are English Bulldogs easy to train?
Early socialization is important for English Bulldogs to expose them to various people, animals, and environments. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with their sensitive nature. English Bulldogs can be stubborn at times, so patience and consistency are key during training sessions.
They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of the family. They are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They are generally not suited to being left alone for long periods and thrive in homes where they receive plenty of attention and love.
