The 5 Best Dog Food For English Bulldogs

Dog Food Nutrition Popular December 3, 2023
Best Dog Food For English Bulldogs

The 5 Best Dog Food For English Bulldogs

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Best Dog Food For English Bulldogs

English bulldogs are medium-sized dogs with thick, muscular bodies and weigh about 40 to 50 pounds. They are not as active as other dogs because they often like to sit around rather than play all day.

They should be fed dog food that will not give them excess carbohydrates to make them fat. We must first know the things to consider while buying them, such as energy levels, AAFCO approval, fillers, and preservatives.

Compare Best Dog Food For English Bulldogs

OVERALL BEST
Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Adults & Seniors

1. Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Adults & Seniors

BEST FOR ALLERGIES
Purina Pro Plan Sport Active 27/17 Turkey & Barley Formula Dry Dog Food

2. Purina Pro Plan Sport Active 27/17 Turkey & Barley Formula Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food

3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food

BUDGET PICK
Eukanuba Adult Maintenance Dry Dog Food

4. Eukanuba Adult Maintenance Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR PUPPIES
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food

5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food

Protein
24% Min
Protein
27% Min
Protein
26% Min
Protein
25% Min
Protein
27% Min
Fat
14.5% Min
Fat
17% Min
Fat
11% Min
Fat
16% Min
Fat
16% Min
Fiber
4% Max
Fiber
4% Max
Fiber
6% Max
Fiber
3.8% Max
Fiber
5% Max
Calories
3600 Kcal/kg or 468 Kcal/cup.
Calories
436 kcal/cup
Calories
278 kcal/cup
Calories
346.77 kcal/cup
Calories
403 kcal/cup

Our Criteria When Buying The Best Dog Food For English Bulldogs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently put out a warning about dog foods containing peas, legumes, lentils, and root vegetables such as potatoes and sweet potatoes.

These are the alternative ingredients that are often used in grain-free dog foods.

An unusually high number of dogs eating grain free foods have been reported to have dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart problem. Many (but not all) of these dogs have also been found to have low levels of the amino acid taurine.

DCM is a genetic condition in a few breeds, but it is now being identified as a possibly diet-related problem in other dogs. Other criteria we have used to select dog food for English bulldogs are:

  • The food has research to back up its formulas.
  • The company has qualified veterinary nutritionists formulating their foods.
  • The company has rigorous quality control.
  • The food avoids the use of exotic ingredients because they can be hard to work with and lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Best Rated Dog Food For English Bulldogs

Not all dog food brands meet the standards of the considerations listed above.

This is why we have selected the best dog foods that you can feed your dog. These products take into consideration the dog’s breed and the nutrients that the dog needs. Also, dog food suitable for your dog’s current age is listed below.

OVERALL BEST
1.

Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Adults & Seniors

Product Info

  • Protein: 24% Min
  • Fat: 14.5% Min
  • Fiber: 4% Max
  • Calories: 3600 Kcal/kg or 468 Kcal/cup.
Pros
  • Ingredients are of high quality
  • Very affordable
  • Boosts dog’s immunities
  • Gives a lot of energy to senior dogs
Cons
  • Some dogs may not like the taste
  • Kibble size may be too small for big dogs
  • May cause some dogs to poop more
Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Adults & Seniors does not contain corn, wheat or soy that may disrupt your dog’s digestive system.

It contains turkey, lamb, chicken, and fish that will supplement your pet with good protein.

This is a dog food that can be eaten by English Bulldogs of all ages. All the ingredients are natural, so you will not have to worry about unnecessary chemicals that your dog will feed on.
BEST FOR ALLERGIES
2.

Purina Pro Plan Sport Active 27/17 Turkey & Barley Formula Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 27% Min
  • Fat: 17% Min
  • Fiber: 4% Max
  • Calories: 436 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Makes a great choice for active dogs of all sizes and ages;
  • Can be fed to growing puppies;
  • No corn, wheat, or soy; and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives;
Cons
  • The 17 percent fat could be too high for dogs that aren’t very active;
  • Most dogs can eat barley and oatmeal but it’s possible your individual dog could have problems with them.
Purina Pro Plan makes a number of formulas, including their Sport line of foods for active dogs.

If your English Bulldog is very active– you might consider Purina Pro Plan Sport Active 27/17 Turkey & Barley Formula Dry Dog Food.

This formula has slightly lower levels of protein and fat than the well-known 30/20 formula but the 27/17 formula should provide plenty of energy for most active dogs.

Turkey is the first ingredient. Barley and oatmeal are high quality, easily digestible sources of energy. This formula contains no corn, wheat, or soy; and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS
3.

Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 26% Min
  • Fat: 11% Min
  • Fiber: 6% Max
  • Calories: 278 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Improves coat condition
  • Prevents skin from being itchy
  • Good for finicky eaters
  • Great value
  • Regulates weight
Cons
  • Food can be greasy
  • Some dogs may not like various kibble flavors
  • Stool may smell bad
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Dog Food supports healthy weight management for your English Bulldog because it contains L-carnitine. It contains antoxidant-rich fruits and healthy fats that will supply your dog with the right amount of vitamins.

It is free from poultry by-products meals and wheat, two ingredients that usually cause your dog to gain more weight.

The main ingredient used in this product is farm-raised turkey, which is a healthy protein source for your dog.
BUDGET PICK
4.

Eukanuba Adult Maintenance Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 25% Min
  • Fat: 16% Min
  • Fiber: 3.8% Max
  • Calories: 346.77 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Contains a specialized fiber system with good prebiotics;
  • Has naturally-sourced glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support;
  • Provides optimal levels of omega-6 and omega-3 for healthy skin and coat;
Cons
  • If you have a larger English Bulldog, you may need a different Eukanuba formula designed for large breed dogs;
  • Eukanuba makes a good food for medium-sized dogs but it’s not widely available. This food is very similar, however.
Eukanuba makes a wide range of breed-specific dog foods but, alas, no food specifically for English Bulldogs.

We do like their Eukanuba Adult Maintenance Dry Dog Food in the chicken formula.

This adult formula has a specialized fiber system that’s made from natural beet pulp (a good prebiotic) and prebiotic FOS (a natural sugar).

These ingredients promote nutrient absorption and healthy digestion.

This maintenance dog food also contains naturally-sourced glucosamine and chondroitin to help support your dog’s joints.

Plus, it has optimal levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Eukanuba Adult Maintenance dog food is particularly good for medium-sized dogs.
BEST FOR PUPPIES
5.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 27% Min
  • Fat: 16% Min
  • Fiber: 5% Max
  • Calories: 403 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Regulates stool quality
  • Improves coat quality
  • Contains lots of fiber
  • Reduces gas
Cons
  • Causes frequent stools
  • Cay be hard to chew
  • May not be easily digestible to some dogs
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food supplies your puppy with good nutrients while being grain-free. It features real chicken as its main ingredient, which makes the protein rich and easy to digest.

This puppy food also has DHA, ARA, and Choline, which will help develop your pet’s brain. It does not contain artificial preservatives or flavors that will harm your puppy’s growth.

Nutritional Requirements

English bulldogs have the same requirements as other dogs, but the number of nutrients varies.

Since they are not working dogs and are a large breed, they may require less than active large breeds. They also have more muscles than an average dog, which requires more protein. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional requirements that your dog needs:.

  • Protein: Typically, a normal English Bulldog needs about 23 percent of its energy sources in its diet to survive. This is because they have a large body that is packed with muscles. However, you should not feed them more than 23 percent of protein unless they are more active. This is because excess protein could make them overweight.
  • Carbs: Unlike other dog breeds, English Bulldogs need only about 28 percent carbs daily. This is because they are not heavy eaters, nor are they active dogs. Excess carbohydrates are bad for any dog because they lead to diseases. Thus, you should limit the number of carbs to this percentage only.
  • Fats: Fats are what make a dog energetic, and English Bulldogs need about 18 percent daily. This is fairly average for a large dog breed, as most large dog breeds need a high amount of fat. If you plan to feed your dog fatty foods, it is necessary that your dog get more exercise. However, senior dogs would need less than this.
  • Fiber: English bulldogs require about 15 percent of fiber to have a regular stool. Given that they have a high requirement for other nutrients, they would need this as much in order to poop regularly. A high-protein diet usually yields hard stool, and a lot of fiber can really help. Not only that, fiber will help your dog feel fuller throughout the day
  • Minerals and Vitamins: Unlike other dogs, English Bulldogs require about 16 percent of minerals and vitamins to survive. Partly because they are prone to a lot of diseases. Giving them the right amount of vitamins and minerals will keep them healthy. Genetic diseases may also be alleviated with the right vitamins and minerals.

How Much Should You Feed Your English Bulldog By Age?

English bulldogs have a moderate appetite because they are not as active as other dogs.

However, not all English bulldogs are made the same and may eat more than others. Here is a general guideline on how much you should feed your English Bulldog. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle and weight, it may need more or fewer calories.

  • Puppy: Since English Bulldog puppies are very energetic and have developing bodies, they need approximately 1497 calories per day. Nutrients that are found in dog’s milk are also essential to keeping their energy at optimal levels. Ideally, when a pup grows bigger, their serving portion should be lessened. This will help them adjust to an adult’s normal serving size.
  • Adult: Typically, adult English Bulldogs require approximately 1100 calories per day to maintain their energy levels. This is because they have a large body that is packed with many muscles. Unlike puppies, they do not need additional nutrients unless they have special conditions. They just require more fiber in case their stool gets too dry.
  • Senior: Senior dogs of this breed need less—about 800 calories at the most—when they need to eat. Unlike adult English bulldogs, they usually require additional vitamins to help maintain themselves. Some of these are essential for a senior dog because they will help fend off diseases. Senior dogs may require less protein but will require more fiber and vitamins to survive.

English Bulldog Food Allergies And Food-Related Health Issues

English bulldogs are more susceptible to allergies to grain products such as soy. As they have a more relaxed temperament, feeding them too much can result in them becoming overweight. Being overweight is usually an issue for most dog owners because it can lead to illness. However, not all diseases are a result of being overweight, such as these ones.

  • Skin Rashes: Skin rashes are quite common for dogs of this breed, and one of the most common reasons is an allergy. Some allergies that English Bulldogs may suffer from are food allergies due to chicken, beef, soy, and corn. Even though your dog may not be genetically predisposed to become allergic, it may still happen.
  • Thyroid Diseases: Thyroid diseases are usually preventable if your dog consumes enough iodine through its diet. However, some dog food products lack the iodine that your dog needs. This may not manifest into an issue immediately, but it can get overboard with time. Thus, supplementing your dog’s diet with iodine is ideal if you cannot see it on the list of food ingredients.
  • Heart Diseases: An ultra-grain-free diet is actually bad for this dog breed because it puts them at risk of heart disease. Thus, it is advisable for dog owners to feed their dogs wholesome grains if possible. Although dogs may get this despite not eating grains, eating grains results in a higher risk. It will usually not manifest until your dog’s health is in great decline.

Final Thoughts

English bulldogs can be the best companion dogs you can have, as they are very affectionate pets. If you feed your dog the right dog food, you are sure to keep your pup happy as they grow. These are only recommendations for what you should feed your English bulldog and should not serve as a strict guideline. It is always best to consult a veterinarian to ensure that your dog gets the best nutrition possible.

Kate Barrington holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and is the published author of several self-help books and nutrition guides. Also an avid dog lover and adoring owner of three cats, Kate’s love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. Kate holds a certificate in fitness nutrition and enjoys writing about health and wellness trends — she also enjoys crafting original recipes. In addition to her work as a ghostwriter and author, Kate is also a blogger for a number of organic and natural food companies as well as a columnist for several pet magazines.
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