Best Dog Foods For Bullmastiffs
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British gamekeepers developed the bullmastiff in the 19th century to prevent poachers from estates. These powerful, loyal giant dogs can weigh up to 130 pounds and can be prone to bloating, making selecting good dog food crucial.
Compare Best Dog Foods For Bullmastiffs
BEST FOR ALLERGIES  3. Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food | BEST FOR SENIOR  5. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food | BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS  6. Farmina Natural And Delicious Ancestral Low-Grain Formula Dry Dog Food | |||
Protein 30.0% Min | Protein 44% Min | Protein 20.0% Min | Protein 23% Min | Protein 26.0% Min | Protein 30.0% Min |
Fat 14.0% Min | Fat 28% Min | Fat 11.5% Min | Fat 15% Min | Fat 18.0% Min | Fat 18.0% Min |
Fiber 4.5% Max | Fiber 8% Max | Fiber 4.0% Max | Fiber 4% Max | Fiber 3.9% Max | Fiber 2.9% Max |
Calories 3600 kcal/kg | Calories 1,390 kcal/kg | Calories 363 kcal/cup | Calories 331 kcal/cup | Calories 427 kcal/cup | Calories 465 kcal/cup |
Our criteria
Dogs are often viewed as wolves and should consume meat, but these beliefs are based on pet food marketing rather than nutritional research. To choose the best dog foods for bullmastiffs, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) guidelines are used.
These include AAFCO-approved dog foods, companies investing in nutritional research, staff with canine or veterinary nutritionists, and strong quality control measures.
The FDA has also warned about a possible link between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. The FDA has reported 276 cases of DCM since July, affecting a wide range of breeds.
As a result, grain-free dog foods are not recommended at this time. However, if a veterinarian recommends a grain-free dog food for health reasons, it should be discussed with the veterinarian. The recommended dog foods are based on the FDA’s recommendations for bullmastiffs, as they are prone to heart problems and may have a genetic form of DCM.
The Best Rated Dog Foods For Bullmastiffs Reviewed
Open Farm Homestead Turkey & Chicken Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 30.0% Min
- Fat: 14.0% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 3600 kcal/kg
- Humanely raised turkey and chicken as main ingredients
- Several sources of supplemental animal-based protein
- Made with 100% human-grade and ethically sourced ingredients
- No fillers, by-products, or vaguely named ingredients
- Contains a significant number of plant-based ingredients
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs
In addition to being packed with animal protein, this dry food formula contains a blend of superfoods which provide natural sources for essential vitamins and minerals. These superfoods are supplemented with vitamin and mineral additives, including chelated minerals which are chemically bonded to protein molecules, making them easy for your dog’s body to absorb.
Ollie Dog Food Healthy Turkey Feast Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 44% Min
- Fat: 28% Min
- Fiber: 8% Max
- Calories: 1,390 kcal/kg
- Real ground turkey as main ingredient
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat
- May be too high in fiber for some Bullmastiff dogs
- Grain-free recipe
This Healthy Turkey Feast features ground turkey as a novel source of protein unlikely to trigger food allergies and, while it is a grain-free recipe, it only contains one carbohydrate ingredient high in plant proteins (lentils).
Overall, this recipe is loaded with fresh fruits and veggies, omega fatty acids, and beneficial supplements.
It will provide your Bullmastiff with plenty of protein to maintain lean muscle mass with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and lots of fiber for healthy digestion.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 20.0% Min
- Fat: 11.5% Min
- Fiber: 4.0% Max
- Calories: 363 kcal/cup
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Contains healthy grains and natural fibers
- Provides natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin
- Hill’s canned dog food was previously recalled because of excess Vitamin D.
This formula has natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support your Bullmastiff’s joint health. Omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and other nutrients nourish your dog’s skin.
A clinically-proven blend of antioxidants and vitamins C, A, and E help keep your dog’s immune system healthy. This food contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 23% Min
- Fat: 15% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 331 kcal/cup
- Specialized fiber system promotes better nutrient absorption and healthy digestion
- Contains naturally-sourced glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
- The 3D DentaDefense System reduces tartar build-up in 28 days
- This is a maintenance dog food so it’s not appropriate for puppies or pregnant dogs
- Meets AAFCO guidelines based on nutrient profile
This food also has a larger kibble size that makes it easier for big dogs to eat. Eukanuba 3D DentaDefense System is proven to reduce tartar build-up in 28 days.
This large breed dog food uses a specialized fiber system made from natural beet pulp and prebiotic FOS (ructooligosaccharides), a natural sugar, to promote nutrient absorption and healthy digestion. This formula is made with no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26.0% Min
- Fat: 18.0% Min
- Fiber: 3.9% Max
- Calories: 427 kcal/cup
- Larger kibble so it’s easier for big dogs to eat
- Contains glucosamine and chondrotin for joint support
- Contains nutrients and taurine for your Bullmastiff’s heart
- Not suitable for puppies
We like all of these foods for Bullmastiffs at various ages.
For adult Bullmastiffs, we can recommend Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food. This food is specifically made for adult dogs that weigh over 100 pounds.
The giant adult formula is also a good choice for dogs that can be prone to gaining weight. Weight gain is especially problematic in giant dogs since excess weight can lead to bone and joint problems.
This Royal Canin dog food contains an exclusive complex of antioxidants and a combination of nutrients, including taurine, to support your dog’s heart.
This formula also supports your giant dog’s digestion with proteins that are easy to digest and a balanced blend of fibers.
Farmina Natural And Delicious Ancestral Low-Grain Formula Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 30.0% Min
- Fat: 18.0% Min
- Fiber: 2.9% Max
- Calories: 465 kcal/cup
- No peas, lentils, or pea protein
- 60 percent animal ingredients
- Lower in fiber
- All life stage formula
- There have been shortages in some places because of the recent increased demand for the ancestral, low-grain formulas
These foods have been doing exceptionally well with the dogs that have been tested for dilated cardiomyopathy. Farmina’s low-grain formulas contain no peas, lentils, or pea protein.
Also of interest to Bullmastiff owners, these formulas are slightly lower in fiber than most other kibbles which could be beneficial in reducing gas in your dog’s stomach.
Farmina’s low-grain dog foods are made up of 60 percent animal ingredients such as chicken or fish; 20 percent organic spelt (an ancient form of wheat) and organic oats; and 20 percent vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and minerals. The company uses no artificial preservatives.
Most of the protein in the foods comes from animal sources. The ancestral, low-grain formulas come in puppy, adult, light, and senior recipes. Most of the foods also come in mini, medium, and maxi options which refer to the kibble size.
If a maxi option isn’t available for your Bullmastiff, Farmina considers a medium-size kibble to be suitable for most dogs.
What Kind of Diet Should You Feed Your Bullmastiff?
Bullmastiffs have health issues that can be affected by their diet, but most should be able to eat a normal diet for dogs. They need a minimum of 18% protein in their daily diet, with larger breeds needing more easily digestible protein. Large/giant dogs need a diet with a protein percentage between 22 and 26% for better stool quality and digestion.
Fat is essential for large and giant-breed dogs, as they burn up more calories per pound than small dogs. Dog foods formulated for these breeds generally have fewer calories than expected, as they have a slower metabolism. However, fat is necessary for taste, energy, and some vitamins, which are fat-soluble.
Adult dogs need a minimum of 5 percent fat for maintenance, while pregnant/nursing female dogs and puppies need at least 8 percent fat per day.
A moderate fat percentage is between 12 and 16 percent, as some bullmastiffs may be prone to obesity.
Carbohydrates are important for your dog’s digestive system, providing energy and nutrients and preventing glucose levels from spiking after meals. For giant dogs like bullmastiffs, they do well with dog foods with less fermentable and gelatinized starches.
Fiber is important for digestion, and ingredients like chicory, inulin, and beet pulp are often listed in dog foods. Soluble fibers draw water into the dog’s digestive tract, slowing its digestion process, while insoluble fiber adds bulk and speeds up the passage through the system.
Prebiotics and probiotics are becoming standard additions to many dog foods, helping your dog’s gastrointestinal system function well and strengthen its immune system. About 70% of your dog’s immune system is located in their gastrointestinal system, so prebiotics and probiotics can help your dog stay healthy.
Vitamins and minerals are added to pet food after cooking to ensure it is nutritionally complete.
What To Look For When Choosing The Best Dog Foods For Bullmastiffs?
When selecting dog food for Bullmastiffs, it is recommended to use kibbles with a grain content of 18–26%, a moderate fat percentage of 12–16%, and a fiber percentage of 3–6%. If your dog has health issues requiring grain-free food, consult your veterinarian.
Food allergies in dogs are not as common as people believe, but they do occur. Consult your veterinarian for a diagnosis, which may include a food elimination diet and a food trial. It may take time to identify the source of your dog’s allergy and triggers, but a good diagnosis is crucial for addressing the problem.
Special Considerations For Feeding A Bullmastiff
Bullmastiffs, being giant breeds, can suffer from various health issues due to their diet. They need appropriate food with appropriate protein, fat levels, and joint supplements to prevent growth issues. Food allergies and sensitivities, such as chicken, beef, dairy, and eggs, can cause symptoms like itching, reddened skin, and secondary skin infections.
Bullmastiffs can also suffer from bloat, a life-threatening condition if not treated promptly. Factors to consider include feeding one large daily meal, feeding only dry food, fat, citric acid, and moistened food.
Bloat can be reduced by feeding dry food with rendered meat-and-bone meal, mixing table or canned food into dry food, and using a slow feeder bowl. Bullmastiffs may have a genetic predisposition to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which is a genetic predisposition found in Doberman Pinschers. It is crucial to avoid feeding Bullmastiffs food that falls under the FDA’s current warning.
Obesity is another potential health issue for bullmastiffs as they age. Regular monitoring of food intake and regular exercise are essential, as being overweight or obese can increase the likelihood of bone and joint problems, including arthritis.
How Much Should You Feed Your Bullmastiff?
An adult male bullmastiff weighs 110–130 pounds, while an adult female weighs 100–120 pounds. To determine the right amount of food, use calories instead of cups or other measurements.
A three-month-old male needs 1849 calories per day, while a six-month-old male needs 1975 calories.
An adult bullmastiff needs 2608 calories per day.
Female puppies typically weigh less. Adjust the amount based on body condition and growth spurts. Consult a veterinarian or breeder for advice on feeding size and condition.
Final Thoughts
We hope the information provided here will help you select the best dog foods for Bullmastiffs. As a breed, bullmastiffs have several health issues that can be affected by their diet, including bloating, DCM, allergies, and bone and joint issues. With luck, if you are mindful of these issues when choosing your dog’s food, you can help your dog stay healthy and live a happy life.
