Best Dog Food For English Bulldogs: Puppy, Dry, Wet, Grain-Free
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English Bulldogs are an adorable and popular breed. They are devoted family pets, are very people-oriented, love human attention, and have a dependably kind personality. Bulldogs have thick bodies and are low-set to the ground. The breed is famous for their wrinkly skin, hanging jowls, and distinctive Bulldog gait. Bulldogs are famous for their love of food and often seek special treats. Bulldogs must eat a very healthy, well-balanced diet. Finding the best dog food for English Bulldogs is critical to keeping them healthy for years to come.
We explain the specific nutritional and dietary requirements for the English Bulldog at different life stages and discuss specific ingredients that benefit these canines’ overall health. Along with that, we will discuss the breed’s health and how their diet can impact their quality of life. Finally, we have researched hundreds of dog food brands and formulas to recommend the best dog food for English Bulldogs.
Nutritional Needs & Feeding Guidelines For English Bulldogs
English Bulldogs are extremely food-motivated and will eat just about anything they can get their droopy jowls on. Food motivation can lead to a whole host of problems, including digestive upset, gastrointestinal distress, and very stinky bowel movements. Keeping your English Bulldog on a healthy, high-quality diet is crucial. Going with the budget brand is a big mistake with this breed. While higher-quality nutrition may be more expensive, spending the extra buck pays off in the long run. A healthy diet means a healthier pup overall, fewer digestive issues, fewer trips to the vet, and less likelihood of becoming obese or developing diabetes. They are also prone to food allergies and intolerance, so a high-quality diet is essential for their overall well-being and daily comfort.
Along with keeping an English Bulldog healthy, the breed faces a few dietary concerns. Food sensitivity is common, even though Bulldogs will chow down on almost anything. Chicken allergies tend to be prevalent among the breed, so lamb, beef, and fish-based meals are a wise protein choice. An English Bulldog’s diet should always have a high-quality animal protein source providing amino acids and energy. Antioxidants, omega fatty acids, natural fibers, glucosamine and chondroitin, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential. While dogs do benefit from grain, only some grains are helpful. Because they have dietary sensitivities, it is best to stick to grains like brown rice and oatmeal.
In adulthood, English Bulldogs can reach between 40 and 50 or more pounds, so a large breed formula may be a good pick. These formulas ensure they get the proper nutrients to support their heavy frame. Portion and weight control are essential, and any extra weight can increase the risk of joint issues like hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, luxating patella, obesity, and diabetes. Avoid foods with fillers like soy, wheat, and corn. These are hard to digest, especially for breeds with sensitive stomachs like Bulldogs.
One thing that is important to point out is that the English Bulldog is a brachycephalic breed. They have short noses and very narrow tracheas. The flat-face anatomy can lead to respiratory and breathing issues but also impacts them while eating. These Bulldogs can suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome, and any extra weight on their frame can significantly impact their ability to breathe correctly. Because of their unique build, English Bulldogs should only ever be fed from an elevated or raised bowl. An angled setup can help them digest meals properly and avoid difficulty breathing, chewing, and swallowing. Pick a bowl that stands the proper height off the floor as your dog’s chin. It is best to measure the distance and then find an adjustable bowl so you can always have the perfect fit.
Beyond Basic Ingredients
Bulldogs do better on high-quality dog food. Do not skimp in the nutritional area. You will regret it later. All dog food should include protein, carbs, fat, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Several of the most nutritious premium dog foods are fortified with additional ingredients with significant health benefits for your furry friend. Here are a few you want to look for and how they support your pup’s health. For your convenience, we have listed these premium ingredients in our reviews.
- Fruits & vegetables: excellent natural sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support immune health
- Fish oil and/or flaxseed: sources of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is found along with Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) that supports brain and eye development and skin, coat, joint, and immune health
- Glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate (often from chicken meal*): maintain healthy joints
- Prebiotics & probiotics: support digestion and a healthy level of good gut bacteria (often includes dried chicory root, a powerful natural prebiotic)
- Taurine: supports cardiovascular, eye, and brain health, immune system function, and benefits many other body functions
- L-carnitine: an amino acid derivative that helps the metabolism of fats (particularly beneficial for older, less active dogs)
- Organ meats: excellent source of premium quality protein and fat as well as vitamins A, B, D, and E, copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc
- Chia seeds: rich in plant protein, fiber, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus
*A note about meat meal: Quality pet food brands often use meat meal in their recipes, which can be a very healthy source of protein for your pup (as long as the “meat” is named, e.g., chicken meal, lamb meal, etc.). A meal can be made from the meat, tissue, organ meat, bone, stomach, and intestines of the named animal. But meal does not include by-products like hair, feathers, beaks, heads, blood, hooves, hide trimmings, etc.
Best Dog Food For English Bulldogs (All Life Stages): The Farmer’s Dog Review
Our top pick for the best dog food for English Bulldogs at all life stages is the Farmer’s Dog. The Farmer’s Dog is one of our favorite brands offering fresh, human-grade dog food delivered directly to your door. Recipes use human-grade elements, including whole food USDA animal proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and are fortified with plenty of vitamins and minerals. The farmer’s dog works on a subscription basis, and owners can create a feeding plan developed around their dog’s unique needs.
Fresh, human-grade dog food is an excellent pick for the English Bulldog. These whole food, natural, fresh ingredients are far better than overly processed proteins, unnamed by-products, and fillers. The English Bulldog breed needs top-quality nutrition, and The Farmer’s Dog is dedicated to providing canines with the best nutrition possible. Recipes are vet-designed and cooked in human-grade kitchens.
The Farmer’s Dog recipes are grain-free. Protein choices include beef, pork, chicken, and turkey. For Bulldogs, we recommend the grain-free beef recipe. Recipes have ample protein, fat, and fiber. It also includes fish oil, which provides omega-3 fatty acids that support bone and joint health and the immune system and skin.
- First 5 ingredients: USDA beef, sweet potato, lentils, carrots. USDA beef liver
- Formula highlights: human-grade & whole-foods, organ meat, limited ingredient, fish oil, kale, and taurine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 39% (min), crude fat 29% (min), crude fiber 2% (max)
- Calories: not available
Price
Our readers have access to 50% off your first box. No code is needed, just use this link, and the discount will be applied! You can also visit our dedicated The Farmer’s Dog coupons page.
Best Puppy Food For English Bulldogs
English Bulldog puppies grow quickly and need nutritional support with high calories, healthy protein, and ample fat to support healthy development. Their diets should include a healthy balance of calcium and phosphorus to promote healthy bones. It is best to stick to higher-quality food formulated specifically for puppies. Puppies should eat a mixture of high-quality kibble and fresh or wet foods. The combination provides enough moisture, flavor variety, and complete nutritional balance.
Open Farm Puppy Gently Cooked Recipe Review
Open Farm makes a slow-cooked recipe developed precisely to support healthy puppy growth and development. The use of fresh and limited ingredients helps promote healthy digestion as well as prevents allergies. The formula is crafted to support healthy joint development and includes prebiotic fibers to aid digestion. Open Farm uses wholesome, human-grade foods, including 100% animal welfare-certified chicken, wild-caught salmon, organ meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Open Farm is very transparent about its ingredient sourcing and provides information on every recipe element on its website.
The gently cooked formula is perfect for the highly sensitive stomach of the English Bulldog puppy. Though it does include chicken, there are other proteins, and the higher ingredient quality makes meals easier to digest. There are absolutely no artificial elements or fillers, and we appreciate that these human-grade meals are developed specifically to support puppies. Open Farm’s product is sold in some stores but can be set up to auto-ship from the Open Farm website. Auto shipping customers receive an additional 5% off every order.
- First 5 ingredients: Humanely-raised chicken, wild-caught salmon, humanely-raised pork, chicken liver, carrots
- Formula highlights: human-grade & whole foods, organ meat, apples, kale, chicken bone broth, pumpkin, flaxseed, coconut oil, sunflower oil, salmon oil, chia seeds, dried kelp, and turmeric
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 10% (min), crude fat 8.5% (min), crude fiber 2% (max)
- Calories: 39 kcal/oz
Price
- $99 for 8 lbs. $ 159.99 for 16 lbs.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Review
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English Bulldog puppies also need high-quality kibble. The Rocky Mountain Wilderness recipe is a red meat-based, premium puppy kibble with high protein developed to support healthy muscles and growth. DHA and ARA support eye health and cognitive development. Kibble contains no chicken or poultry by-products, no by-product meals, and no corn, soy, or wheat gluten—artificial flavor and preservative-free.
Blue Buffalo’s tasty kibble contains red meat flavor, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It contains Blue Buffalo LifeSource bits, which provide a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It was developed to fill those ancestral cravings, support growth, and is easy to digest.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned beef, beef meal, salmon meal, oatmeal, barley
- Formula highlights: Limited-ingredient formula, brown rice, dried egg, chicken fat, flaxseed, fish oil, dried kelp, blueberries, cranberries
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 36% (min), crude fat 16% (min), crude fiber 5% (max)
- Calories: 428 kcal/cup
Price
Stella & Chewy’s Super Blends Raw Puppy Review
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Stella & Chewy’s makes raw coated, crunchy kibble with a blend of superfoods. It is created with healthy, wholesome grains, superfoods, probiotics, and bone broth. Minimally processed, small batch cooking, and oven-baked. Whole-prey elements include muscle and organ meats. 82% of the protein in the recipe comes from animal sources.
The freeze-dried kibble uses whole prey foods and has no artificial flavor or preservatives. Supports healthy weight, digestive health, skin and coat health, and joint support. Easy to digest and full of natural meaty flavor. For Bulldogs who handle chicken well, Stella & Chewy’s is a delectable and nutritious pick.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, barley, chicken fat
- Formula highlights: Salmon, chicken liver, flaxseed, chicken gizzard, salmon oil, fresh fruits and vegetables, pumpkin, turmeric, New Zealand green mussels, chicken bone broth, taurine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 29% (min), crude fat 14.5% (min), crude fiber 5% (max)
- Calories: 450 kcal/cup
Price
Best Dry Food For English Bulldogs (Adults)
Dry kibble is an essential element of any dog’s diet. It provides nutrients and minerals, as well as helps scrape plaque food off your pup’s teeth. English Bulldogs need kibble free of fillers or hard-to-digest grains. Steer clear of chicken by-products or unnamed meats as these are harder for the breed to digest, and many develop chicken allergies.
Spot & Tango Unkibble Review
Spot & Tango makes gently dehydrated kibble from human-grade ingredients. UnKibble is a perfect pick for the sensitive English Bulldog. The Beef & Barley recipe is a wonderful pick due to the high quality of the ingredients. The Cod & Salmon UnKibble is also a top pick. UnKibble is full of flavor, has a nice mouth feel, and even can get very picky dogs to clean their bowl. It offers top nutrition and is very easy to digest,
Spot & Tango will customize a plan based on your dog’s specific dietary needs. Certified vet nutritionists develop all recipes, and all recipes meet AAFCO guidelines. Ingredients are sourced from local farms, and recipes are dehydrated under low temperatures.
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, barley, flax, carrots, green beans
- Formula highlights: Limited ingredients, beef hearts, beef liver, beets, cranberry, kelp, safflower oil, fish oil, spinach, pumpkin
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 27% (min), crude fat 22% (min), crude fiber 4% (max)
- Calories: 4,426 kcal/kg
Price
Personal Experience With Spot & Tango
“I have tried Spot & Tango UnKibble for my Pitbull Lab mix Daisy. She is a larger-sized pup who was experiencing low energy and less interest in her food. She loves the stuff and gets excited about mealtimes as soon as she hears that bag crinkle. Daisy went from not wanting to eat to looking like she wants more in just a few weeks of Spot & Tango food. The Beef & Barley is her favorite. We have noticed more energy, a better mood, and less stinky poops. I highly recommend the UnKibble for any breed, especially older dogs and those who are picky or have digestive issues.”
–Danielle DeGroot, rescue dog parent
Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness Review
Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend all-natural dog food is another top selection for the sensitive stomach of the English Bulldog. Nature’s Blend mimics a dog’s natural, wild diet, focusing on macronutrients and high-quality ingredients. The food is freeze-dried, using a variety of proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables, with no artificial additives, chemicals, or fillers.
Dr. Marty is a real-life practicing veterinarian with over 45 years of experience. He is an integrative veterinarian who developed the pet nutrition line after experiencing his health struggles and changing his diet. Meals use named animal proteins, fish, as well as organ meats, and other added elements like flaxseed. Best for adult dogs, freeze-dried, raw food is grain-free and offers top nutritional value and flavor.
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey, beef, salmon, duck, beef liver
- Formula highlights: Macrobiotic nutrition, turkey liver, turkey heart, flaxseed, sweet potato, egg, pumpkin seed, spinach, dried kelp
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 37% (min), crude fat 27% (min), crude fiber 4% (max)
- Calories: 256 kcal/cup
Price
Instinct Raw Boost Whole Grain Real Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe Review
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Raw-coated, nutrient-rich kibble includes bits of freeze-dried raw meat. These provide organic flavors, a meaty taste, and plenty of high-quality protein. The Raw Boost recipe includes whole, healthy grains and uses grass-fed lamb as the first ingredient. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Raw Boost contains no corn, wheat, potato, soy, pea, lentil, or meat by-products. It is highly digestible and easy on the sensitive stomach.
Whole grains like oatmeal are included to promote healthy digestion. Meat pieces are 100% freeze-dried raw. Recipes are packed with protein, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and beneficial nutrients.
- First 5 ingredients: lamb, Manhattan fish meal, oatmeal, barley, millet
- Formula highlights: Organ meats, freeze-dried raw bits, turkey meal, ground flaxseed, freeze-dried beef, freeze-dried beef liver, freeze-dried beef heart, freeze-dried beef kidney, freeze-dried beef spleen, freeze-dried lamb, apples, cranberries, vitamin E, taurine
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 25.5% (min), crude fat 15% (min), crude fiber 6.5% (max)
- Calories: 414 kcal/cup
Price
Best Wet Food For English Bulldogs (Adults)
English Bulldogs need wet food in their diet and do their best on those made with the highest quality nutritional elements. Fresh, human-grade options are always available but are expensive. However, they are our top pick for such a sensitive breed. For convenience, owners may prefer a canned or shelf-stable option. Be sure that any wet meals you purchase for your Bulldog start with high-quality, named animal proteins, preferably those other than chicken.
Ollie Fresh Review
Ollie is another fresh pet nutrition company that makes recipes crafted just for dogs out of limited, premium ingredients. The company offers 7 recipes to choose from, for the English Bulldog lamb is an excellent choice. Owners are provided multiple subscription options, including full or half-portion fresh meals and a selection of gently baked dry kibble made from the same ingredients as fresh recipes. Ollie dry chow is another top pick for Bulldogs.
Recipes contain no corn, soy, or wheat, and meats are sourced from family-run farms located in the US and Australia. Every recipe includes high-quality protein, vegetables, and added superfoods, including cod liver oil and chia seeds. Recipes are formulated with veterinarians, and customers can create a meal plan based on their pet’s specific breed, activity level, age, weight, allergies, and more.
- First 5 ingredients: Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale
- Formula highlights: includes green beans, potatoes, chia seeds, salmon oil, taurine, vitamin E supplement, amino acids, and more
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 10% (min), crude fat 7% (min), crude fiber 2% (max)
- Calories: Not available
Price
JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh Review
JustFoodForDogs makes fresh human-grade meals but also offers a shelf-stable line with the same level of top nutrition and ingredient quality. Recipes have minimal cooking and maximum nutrition. They are cooked at low heat and high pressure. These meals are ready to open and serve. Pantry fresh packaging has a two-year shelf life, so shelf-stable food is an excellent long-term investment. Recipes are gluten and grain free.
These recipes use high-quality ingredients and are formulated to meet the needs of dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. Pantry Fresh comes in human-grade beef, turkey, lamb, and chicken. Below, we break down the beef recipe.
- First 5 ingredients: ground beef, beef heart, russet potatoes, carrots, sweet potato
- Formula highlights: includes green beans, safflower oil, egg whites, apples, cod liver oil, proprietary nutrient blend, spinach, limited ingredients, human-grade shelf-stable products
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 6.5% (min), crude fat 6.5% (min), crude fiber 2% (max)
- Calories: 36 kcal ME/oz
Price
- Starting at $59.97 for 8 x 12.5 oz packs
Best Grain-Free Dog Food For English Bulldogs
Grains can be challenging for some dogs to digest, especially those prone to food allergies. Sometimes a grain-free diet can be beneficial.
Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Review
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Kibble is grain-free, enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin, fortified with vitamins, and uses high-quality natural ingredients. The Texas Beef & Sweet Potato recipe is tasty, poultry-free, and uses no soy, corn, wheat, or gluten.
Deboned beef and sweet potato recipe, fresh protein from animal sources. The recipe is formulated to support joint, skin, coat, and brain health. Kibbles are cooked in small batches to keep the quality high. Developed for easy digestion and to support healthy hips and joints. Texas Beef stew also comes in a canned formula, so your pup can have the best of both worlds.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned beef, pork meal, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes
- Formula highlights: Pork fat, sunflower oil, flaxseed, salmon oil, apples, blueberries
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 34% (min), crude fat 15% (min), crude fiber 3.5% (max)
- Calories: 389 kcal/cup
Price
Wellness Core Grain-Free Ocean Kibble Review
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Wellness offers a premium grain-free kibble packed with flavors of the ocean. 100% poultry-free, easy to digest, and rich in fish protein. Ingredients are thoughtfully picked and blended to make a flavorful and healthy meal. Contains no meat by-products, no poultry, no corn, soy, wheat gluten, or artificial elements. The recipe is formulated with glucosamine, taurine, probiotics, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and more to provide complete nutrition.
Wellness recipes are based on a canine’s ancestral diet, offering meat-based kibble, high in protein and free of anything unnecessary. All natural ingredients, superfoods, and, of course, real animal meat. Fish is an easy-to-digest protein choice that works well for Bulldogs.
- First 5 ingredients: Whitefish, herring meal, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, peas
- Formula highlights: Lentils, ground flaxseed, pea fiber, spinach, broccoli, kale, taurine, glucosamine, omega fatty acids
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 34% (min), crude fat 15% (min), crude fiber 7% (max)
- Calories: 414 kcal/cup
Price
Best Food For Senior English Bulldogs
Senior dogs need fewer calories and fat but still need protein and energy to support their activity and health. Fresh or human-grade food is best. As they age, digestive problems tend to worsen. Always go with a premium brand for your senior Bulldog.
Nom Nom Beef Mash Review
Many of the foods we have presented are suitable for senior pups, especially the fresh and freeze-dried human-grade options. Another excellent fresh pick is Nom Nom. We like the Beef Mash recipe for seniors, as chicken and poultry are hard to digest. Nom Nom also has a lower fat content than some other recipes, which is better for senior pups.
Nom Nom offers grain-inclusive and grain-free recipes and several protein choices. Ingredients are all-natural and always fresh. New meals are made every week. Nom Nom is a subscription delivery service that offers customizable and half-portion meal plans. Recipes are specially formulated to aid digestion, skin health, and overall well-being. These recipes are a fantastic pick for older dogs and those with sensitive stomachs.
- First 5 ingredients: Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas
- Formula highlights: Fish oil, sunflower oil, vitamin E supplement, limited ingredients, single animal protein
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 8% (min), crude fat 4% (min), crude fiber 1% (max)
- Calories: 182 kcal/cup
Price
- Starting at $2.40 per meal, the cost varies based on each dog
Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Senior Dog Food Review
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Nulo makes a limited-ingredient formula free of troublesome chicken products. The senior recipe includes trout and sweet potatoes. No chicken or egg proteins. Includes glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint health. It also has L-carnitine to support metabolism—probiotics for digestion, and calcium and phosphorus to support bone health.
Fresh ingredients, no fillers, no gluten. Kibble formula offers high protein and is easy to digest. Components are selected carefully and include many low-glycemic carbohydrates. Recipes are crafted by veterinarians and pet nutritionists, focusing only on giving pets what they need.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned trout, turkey meal, salmon meal, yellow peas, sweet potato
- Formula highlights: Deboned turkey, lentils, dried carrots, dried blueberries, calcium, phosphorus, antioxidants, vitamin E supplements
- Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 30% (min), crude fat 12% (min), crude fiber 5% (max)
- Calories: 396 kcal/cup
Price
Should I Consider A Dietary Supplement For My Dog?
Some dogs may need supplements, especially breeds that carry a lot of weight, like the English Bulldog. Supplements include vitamins and special blends for joint health, allergies, and more. Supplements can help with sore joints, calming moods, stiffness, pain, and more. Always discuss your concerns with your veterinarian before starting a supplement. Your vet may want to rule out any underlying health issues, especially if your dog has not been eating.
Planning Ahead For Health Problems
While adorable and generally healthy, English Bulldogs are prone to certain health conditions. These include hip dysplasia, luxating patella, allergies, cherry eye, cardiovascular disease, hypothyroidism, arthritis, and food allergies. While not all are diet-related, the health of any dog is dependent on eating a healthy diet. The English Bulldog is one breed that cannot do well on cheap dog food, so it is best not to try. You and your pup will regret it. Consider pet insurance, as it can help with long-term care. Most pet insurance providers do not cover preexisting conditions, and all pets must be established customers before an emergency, so it’s best to research if pet insurance is right for you when your pup is young.
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