12 Best Dog Foods for English Bulldogs 2023 (Premium & Budget)

Last Updated on May 3, 2023

English Bulldogs are a beloved breed known for their distinctive wrinkly faces and stocky builds. However, their unique appearance is also linked to various health issues, such as breathing difficulties and skin problems. Due to these concerns, providing them with a high-quality diet that meets their specific nutritional needs is important.

Our research and analysis department has studied and compared the best dog food for English Bulldogs. We have found that these dogs have a relatively low activity level, requiring a diet tailored to their caloric needs. Additionally, they are prone to obesity, so monitoring their food intake is essential to maintain a healthy weight.

We have analyzed various dog food brands and found that the best options for English Bulldogs are those that contain a balanced mix of high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

This article will delve into the specifics of the best recipes for Bulldogs, including recommended brands and ingredients to look for.

Top 5 Picks for Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs

 

12 Best Dog Food Brands for English Bulldogs by Life Stage and Health

Choosing the best dog food brand for English Bulldogs can take some time, but it is worth it.

Focus on high-quality ingredients by reading the food label and your dog’s health and age – dogs in different life stages have different nutritional needs.

Best Dog Food for English Bulldog Puppies

For dog owners looking for the best English Bulldog puppy food, we have selected a few brands that meet their nutritional needs.

1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4.8
Top Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Beef Meal, Peas

After researching and analyzing various dog food brands for puppies, we highly recommend Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy recipe.

This grain-free puppy food is an excellent alternative to chicken recipes since its primary protein source is beef. It has high protein content while being rich in fiber content.

It also contains antioxidants to boost your puppy’s immune system.

Pros:

• High caloric content perfect for growing puppies
• Contains DHA and ARA fatty acids to support cognitive development
• Does not contain any artificial flavors and preservatives

Cons:

• Contains high amounts of peas 

CHECK PRICE HERE

2. Royal Canin English Bulldog Puppy

Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Brown Rice

This breed-specific puppy food is a good choice since it has a great balance of nutrients, including phosphorus and calcium for joint and bone growth. The kibble also has a unique wave shape that allows Bulldogs to eat it easily. 

Pros:

• Contains all essential nutrients for puppies to support growth
• Contains antioxidants to support a healthy immune system
• Includes probiotics for easy digestion

Cons:

• No whole protein sources are included in the formula

CHECK PRICE HERE

3. Whole Earth Farms Puppy Formula

Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal

High in calories for energy and growth, this puppy formula also has multiple whole protein sources. This kibble is rich in omega fatty acids, which is great for your Bulldog’s heart and skin health.

This recipe also contains apples that provide your pup with antioxidants to boost their immune system.

Pros:

• Fortified with Glucosamine and Chondroitin for healthy joint function
• More affordable compared to other dog foods for puppies
• It contains no wheat, corn, soy, or artificial flavors and preservatives

Cons:

• May cause loose stools in some puppies

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best Dog food For Adult English Bulldogs

When your English Bulldog reaches 12 months of age, it is time to switch to adult dog food. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Taste of The Wild Grain-Free High Prairie

Our Rating: 5
Top Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes

After analyzing the nutritional content of the Taste of The Wild Grain-Free High Prairie Dog Food and comparing it to others, we were impressed with the quality. This is why we chose them as our top choice for the Best Overall food for English Bulldogs.

This recipe features a high-quality protein source to support their muscle development and maintain lean body mass. It also has a controlled calorie content to help maintain a healthy weight.

Additionally, this dog food also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health, which can be a concern for Bulldogs with skin sensitivities.

Pros:

• Contains essential nutrients chelated with amino acids for better absorption
• Excellent for digestion, strong muscles, and skin and coat health
• Made in the USA using sustainably sourced ingredients

Cons:

• Contains some peas, which are not suitable for dogs with kidney problems

CHECK PRICE HERE

2. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Original)

Our Rating: 4.7
Top Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal 

After extensive research and ingredient analysis, we have found that Wellness Core Grain-Free Dog Food is the best for adult English Bulldogs.

This kibble contains high-quality proteins such as turkey, chicken, and salmon oil. It is also grain-free and without any artificial additives. The variety of ingredients can help your dog develop lean muscle tone and body mass.

Pros:

• Made from all-natural ingredients and without any harmful additives
• Fortified with omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin to maintain healthy skin and strong bones
• Includes high-quality carbs such as kale and broccoli to sustain your pup’s energy levels and provide them with fiber

Cons:

• Not suited for pups with chicken allergies or skin sensitivities

CHECK PRICE HERE

3. Royal Canin English Bulldog Adult

Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Oat Groats, Chicken By-Product Meal

Made specifically for adult Bulldogs, this kibble is designed for their unique jaws. This formula contains vitamins and nutrients to keep the skin and coat shiny and to manage the breed’s health issues.

This dog food can also help reduce bloating and flatulence in your pup.

Pros:

• Low in calories to prevent weight gain 
• High in fiber to improve your dog’s digestive health
• Contains EPA and DHA to improve joint health to avoid hip dysplasia

Cons:

• Doesn’t include whole protein sources

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best Dog Food for Senior English Bulldogs

If your English Bulldog is six years old or more, he should be eating dog food made for senior dogs. Here are some of our favorites in this category:

1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior

Our Rating: 4.7
Top Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Fish Meal, Peas

We highly recommend Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior Dry Dog Food for older English Bulldogs due to its high-quality ingredients and optimal balance of nutrients.

This dog food contains high-quality protein sources and essential nutrients for joint health, suitable for older dogs. It also includes taurine, an essential amino acid that benefits the heart and protects against brain aging.

Pros:

• High fiber content for seniors with digestive issues
• Contains real red meat as its main ingredient
• Includes LifeSource Bits, which is a precise mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals suited for senior dogs

Cons:

• Some dogs don’t like the taste of this kibble

CHECK PRICE HERE

2. Nulo Freestyle Senior Formula

Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Deboned Trout, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal

This grain-free premium kibble is great for aging dogs. It has glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint health. It also contains L-carnitine to help the dog’s slowing metabolism.

Pros:

• Has lower glycemic ingredients and fewer carbohydrates
• Rich in calcium and phosphorus for bone and joint health
• Packed with probiotics to help with their digestive health

Cons:

• A bit high in calories for senior dog food 

CHECK PRICE HERE

3. Diamond Naturals Senior Formula

Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice

This senior dog food offers support for your dog’s joints, bones, and coat. It’s protein-rich and has fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin for healthy skin and joints.

It also includes various superfoods for the immune system and probiotics for a healthy gut.

Pros:

• Low caloric content ideal for less active senior dogs 
• Made with no corn, wheat, fillers, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• Contains vitamins A, E, and Taurine to support your dog’s overall health

Cons:

• Some dogs suffered digestive issues after eating this kibble

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs with Health Issues

English Bulldogs are known for having various health issues, which makes the proper diet even more important.

Choosing a dog food for English Bulldogs with health problems

Some of the most common health issues that Bulldogs suffer from include hip dysplasia, cherry eye, breathing problems, sensitive stomach or skin, food allergies, and obesity.

A well-balanced diet can prevent some of these issues, especially those related to your dog’s body weight, food sensitivities, or allergies.

For example, if your dog is allergic to certain foods, you will notice symptoms like itchy skin or digestive problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Take your dog to the vet to determine what foods are causing the allergic reaction.

Best English Bulldog Dog Food for Sensitive Stomachs

English Bulldogs are a breed that is prone to digestive problems, and finding the best dog food for sensitive stomachs can be challenging.

To help you address this concern, we have researched and analyzed various dog food brands and have identified the best option for you.

Hill’s Science Diet: Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin

Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal

Focused on preventing stomach upset, this dog food is also full of high-quality proteins, plus vitamin E and fatty acids for skin and coat health. In addition, it is rich in probiotics and prebiotic fibers for digestion.

Pros:

• Promotes healthy digestion, skin, and coat
• Made from natural ingredients only

Cons:

• Too many ingredients for food made for dogs with sensitive stomachs

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best English Bulldog Dog Food for Sensitive Skin

English Bulldogs are known for their distinctive wrinkly faces, which can make them more susceptible to skin sensitivities. Finding the best dog food for sensitive skin is essential to help keep him healthy and happy.

Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Dog Food

Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Bison Meal, Peas, Pea Protein
Type: Dry

With bison and beef meal as the leading protein sources, this dog food can help your dog maintain lean muscles and a healthy weight. More importantly, it is rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

Pros:

• Made from lean protein sources to avoid weight gain
• Includes fatty acids and other nutrients essential for skin health

Cons:

• Doesn’t have any whole protein sources
• Contains controversial ingredients such as tomato pomace

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best Dog Food for Overweight English Bulldogs

English Bulldogs are famous for gaining weight quickly. Choosing the right food for your pooch can help you keep his weight under control.

AvoDerm Weight Control Recipe (Adult – Favorites For Overweight English Bulldogs)

Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice

This dog food has plenty of protein from chicken meals, but it’s also made with different types of rice to keep your dog fuller for a longer time. It is low in calories and fat content, which is great for overweight dogs.

Pros:

• Contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for overall health
• Packed with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat 

Cons:

• No whole protein sources, only chicken meal

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best Bulldog Food Buyer’s Guide

A well-balanced diet is essential for English Bulldogs due to their proneness to food allergies and weight gain. Let’s take a look at some benefits of a high-quality diet:

• Weight Maintenance – Dog food for Bulldogs should include nutrient-dense ingredients to ensure your dog maintains a healthy body weight.
• Allergy Reduction – Look for dog foods that don’t contain many ingredients and have no artificial additives, colors, or preservatives. It is best to avoid grains and choose food with other fiber sources, like fruits and vegetables.
• Overall Health – The right diet with complete nutrition can improve your dog’s overall health.
• Aging – Proper diet can help alleviate the effects of aging. For example, senior dogs should eat food enriched with glucosamine to improve joint and bone health.
• Budget – Choosing the right dog food can also have long-term effects on your finances since it can save you money on vet bills.

Many dog owners are unsure whether to go for a big-name brand or choose a smaller dog food manufacturer. Both choices have certain advantages, but big-name brands often use artificial colors, flavors, and additives.

In any case, focus on the quality of the ingredients and choose brands that stick to the AAFCO guidelines.

Is a grain-free diet preferable for English Bulldogs?

As we already mentioned, English Bulldogs are prone to food allergies. With that in mind, it is advisable to stick to grain-free dog foods for your Bulldog, but it is not necessary.

After all, grain-free options are usually more expensive, and even dogs with food allergies aren’t always allergic to grain.

Grains are a good source of carbs in dog food, and there is no reason to avoid them if your dog isn’t sensitive to grain or gluten.

If you decide to go with dog food that includes grains, stick to whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal.

Should you give your English Bulldog dry kibbles, wet food, raw diet, or homemade?

Choosing the right kind of diet for your English Bulldog can be tricky, especially since they all have certain benefits.

For example, wet food is chewy, tasty, and easily digestible, but it can cause runny bowels if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

On the other hand, dry kibble is good for your dog’s dental health since it can prevent gum disease and tooth decay by cleaning your dog’s teeth. Plus, it is more affordable and has a longer shelf life.

Feeding your pooch a raw diet can make his coat look better and shinier. It can also ensure higher energy levels and cleaner teeth, but a raw diet for dogs can be dangerous.

Homemade dog food is certainly the best option if you have the time to cook, but you must be careful about meeting your dog’s nutritional needs.

With all this taken into account, we suggest dry dog food for English Bulldogs. In the long run, it is the most affordable option that also offers plenty of benefits.

What Kind of Diet is Best for an English Bulldog?

English Bulldogs are not the healthiest dogs out there, so their nutritional needs will vary slightly from other breeds. Even the French Bulldogs, their close relatives, are much healthier, although they share the propensity for obesity.

Watch Lola the English Bulldog gobble up every food in front of her:

The most important is protein, but pet food for Bulldogs should also include carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotic fibers, etc.

• Proteins are the foundation of any dog food, and the best sources of protein come from real meat. High-quality proteins that come from chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, fish, and other animals are full of amino acids and crucial for your dog’s well-being and energy.
• Carbohydrates also provide energy, but Bulldogs don’t do well on a high-carb diet since they gain weight easily. Likewise, low-quality carbs like simple starches found in corn are also not good for them.
• Fats contain important fatty acids. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are important for healthy skin and coat. Dog foods for Bulldogs should have a low percentage of fat content and only include healthy fats found in flaxseed oil, fish oil, and animal fats.
• Vitamins and minerals are found in fruits and vegetables and provide many essential nutrients.

Nutritional requirements in different life stages

Dogs have different dietary needs in each life stage. Unless you are on a budget, avoid “all life stages” dog food and focus on your dog’s specific nutritional requirements.

Bulldog puppies – Before they reach maturity and their usual weight of 40-50 pounds, English Bulldog puppies first have to grow.

Bulldog puppies require around 1,500 calories per day to support their growth. 

This means that puppies need food high in calories and fat content and rich in phosphorus and calcium for bone and joint development. Feed your pup 3-4 times per day to manage his energy and sugar levels.

Adult Bulldogs – English Bulldogs reach maturity at around 12-14 months of age. Depending on size and activity level, adult Bulldogs need from 1,300 to 1,500 calories per day.

You can feed your adult Bulldog 2 times per day since adult dogs maintain sugar levels easier than puppies.

As they get older, Bulldogs usually become lazier, so you need to make adjustments when necessary to maintain the right dietary balance.

To be more precise, an average adult Bulldog should consume 25-30 calories per day for every pound of body weight.

Senior Bulldogs – Once they reach six years of age, Bulldogs are already considered seniors because they have a shorter lifespan than most breeds.

Since they will become less active and gain weight easier, around 1,000 calories per day is a good target for senior Bulldogs.

Senior dogs should also eat food rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, and Omega 3 fatty acids like DHA because these nutrients can improve the state of their aging joints and bones.

Ingredients and things to avoid when feeding your English Bulldog 

Feeding your Bulldog pet food made from high-quality ingredients is essential, but you should also try to avoid certain ingredients and elements. 

For example, stay away from foods that don’t contain whole protein as the first ingredient.

While meat meals like chicken meal, lamb meal, fish meal, etc., are good, they should support the main source of protein, such as real chicken or real beef.

Foods that contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, fillers, and other additives can be harmful in many ways, especially since they can act as allergens. 

There is some debate on animal by-products and whether they are bad for your dog.

While some say that by-products can include hooves, hair, horns, etc., others point to laws in the USA and claim that by-products are not harmful. 

In any case, by-products include organ meat, intestines, blood, and other animal parts that are rich in vitamins and minerals. So, don’t avoid dog foods that contain animal by-products, as long as they are a limited ingredient.

And since we mentioned laws in the US, avoid dog food made in countries with inadequate food-safety protocols and quality control.

Instead, stick to foods made in the USA, Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Fruits and vegetables your English Bulldog can and cannot eat

Dogs are omnivores, which means that they need fruits and veggies in their diet.

Vegetables and fruits included in commercial dog foods are usually safe, but you should be careful to avoid some of them if you cook at home or give your Bulldog fruits and veggies as treats.

Some of the best fruits for dogs are berries like cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc. They are rich in antioxidants, which can slow the aging process and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Fruits like bananas, apples, pears, and peaches are also good for dogs.

English Bulldogs can eat a wide variety of vegetables, including sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, peas, green beans, kale, spinach, broccoli, etc.

However, kale and broccoli can cause stomach distress in dogs with sensitive digestive systems, so be careful with them.

Here are some fruits and vegetables to avoid: 

• Grapes 
• Raisins
• Onions
• Garlic
• Certain nuts like Brazil nuts, walnuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts

A homemade recipe you can try

As we already mentioned, home cooking is a great way to feed your English Bulldog, as long as you are careful of meeting their nutritional needs.

When you prepare the food yourself, you can be sure that the ingredients are high-quality and that no artificial additives are used.

Here’s one simple recipe you can try at home:

Ingredients:

• 32 oz of plain or vanilla yogurt
• One cup of peanut butter

Instructions:

1. In a microwave, melt the peanut butter until its creamy
2. Mix the melted peanut butter with the yogurt
3. Scoop the mixture and place in baking cups or cupcake paper
4. Put in the freezer to set

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do English Bulldogs need supplements?

As long as your Bulldog doesn’t have any health issues and eats balanced dog food, he won’t need supplements. Senior Bulldogs may need joint supplements to maintain healthy joints and added calcium for bone health.

How to transition your Bulldog from puppy to adult dog food?

You should start to transition your English Bulldog from puppy food to adult dog food when he reaches 12 months of age.

Start by mixing the two foods to make a gradual change and avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach. 1/4 of adult food and 3/4 of puppy food is a good start.

Increase the dosage of dog food by 1/4 week after week until your dog eats only adult dog food.

What are the best dog treats for English Bulldogs?

Weight issues are common in English Bulldogs, so you need to be careful with dog treats for your pup. Avoid commercial dog treats that are high in sugar and contain artificial additives, flavors, and colors.

Our suggestion is to give your pooch fresh fruits and veggies as treats. You can even slice some chicken or turkey breasts into cubes to treat your English Bulldog.

What Makes Dog Food Good For English Bulldogs?

The best dog food for English Bulldogs must contain high-quality proteins and a range of other essential nutrients for the dog’s overall health.

Taste of The Wild High Prairie is our top choice for English Bulldogs since it has great and unique protein sources, in addition to being more affordable than most competitors.

Whatever food you like from our list, talk to your vet first to ensure that it’s safe to make changes in your dog’s diet.

Do you have an English Bulldog? What is your favorite food for this breed? Share your experience with others in our comment section.

Further Reading: Other Dog Foods for Other Dog Breeds

• Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs
• Best Dog Food for Maltese
• Best Dog Food for Siberian Huskies

Reference

• https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-raw-pet-food-diets-can-be-dangerous-you-and-your-pet
• https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/05/dont-be-bothered-by-by-products/