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What’s the best dog food for English Bulldogs?
English Bulldogs can suffer from a sensitive stomach so may benefit from a limited ingredient diet. Look for dog foods that have a simple ingredient list with high-quality protein sources and easily digestible carbohydrates.
This breed requires a moderate amount of high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and overall health, so choose a food where the number one ingredient is a named meat protein source such as chicken, beef, or fish.
English Bulldogs are prone to obesity too, so it’s 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 have sensitive digestive systems, select dog foods with easily digestible ingredients such as rice, oatmeal, or sweet potatoes. Avoid dog foods with excessive fillers or artificial additives.
English Bulldogs are also susceptible to joint issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, so foods that contain joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to 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 a limited ingredient or hypoallergenic dog food under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Below you can find a list of the best dog foods for English Bulldogs, recommended by our team of researchers, pet nutritionists and veterinarians.
We’ll also answer the most frequently asked questions we get about this breed.
Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs November 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for English Bulldogs for November 2024.
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1. Best Dry Dog Food For English Bulldogs: Redbarn Ocean Recipe
Redbarn Ocean is one of three dry recipes in our review of this grain-free product line.
Many English Bulldogs are sensitive to common meats such as chicken or beef, but this particular recipe draws most of its animal protein from salmon and trout. As a result, it contains omega 6 & 3 fatty acids which support your dog’s immune system, skin and coat, and joint mobility.
This formula also includes prebiotics and probiotics to support your Bulldog’s digestion. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 18% fat and 42% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
Read our review of the full Redbarn Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids
- Probiotics & prebiotics
- Made in the USA
Main Ingredients Salmon, trout, salmon meal, ocean fish meal, menhaden fish meal Texture Dry 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"
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2. Best Wet Dog Food For English Bulldogs: PetPlate Barkin' Beef Entrée
PetPlate Barkin Beef Entree is one of six dog foods in our review of this fresh product line.
A five-star rated grain-free food made from human-grade ingredients, all vet-designed and tailored specifically for your dog.
PetPlate Barkin Beef Entree derives the bulk of its protein from ground beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 22% fat and 39% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.
Gently cooked with high-quality proteins and vitamin-rich carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes and carrots, this food is easily digestible. It’s also a highly palatable option for picky eaters. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full PetPlate Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Vitamin-rich carbohydrates to aid digestion
- Human-grade ingredients
- Vet-designed formula
Main Ingredients Ground beef, sweet potatoes, potatoes, beef liver, carrots, Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 31.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at PetPlate.com"My pups love pet plate! I know it will extend their life for sure."
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3. Best Fresh Dog Food for English Bulldogs: The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Pork Recipe
The Farmer’s Dog Pork recipe is a high protein dog food made from easily digestible human-grade ingredients, perfect for bulldogs that are prone to have sensitive digestive systems.
This pork recipe is one of four fresh formulas rated in our review of The Farmer’s Dog product line. It derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh pork, which contains minerals, fats, amino acids, B vitamins, and other essential nutrients.
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 Farmer’s Dog range here
Things we like
- Human-grade ingredients
- Easy to digest
- Lightly cooked
Main Ingredients USDA pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Texture Wet 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 she’s now running again! I was hoping it would help her but I wasn’t expecting that big of an improvement. Good food reduced her inflammation. You truly are what you eat."
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4. Best Dog Food For English Bulldog Puppies: Bully Max 30/20 High Performance
Bully Max 30/20 High Performance dry dog food is one of two recipes in our review of this product line. Free from corn, wheat, or soy, this food is a good option for bulldogs with sensitivities.
Bully Max derives much of its meat protein from chicken meal which is 300% higher in protein than fresh chicken. 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%.
A high-protein, high-calorie food, perfect for English Bulldog puppies that need energy to grow into a large breed dog.
5 stars, highly recommend.
Read our review of the full Bully Max High Performance Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Free from wheat, soy, and corn
- High in calories
- High protein
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, dried plain beet pulp, ground grain sorghum Texture Dry 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 Chewy.com"Been using this product for almost a year now for my pup and he loves it! He’s put on a lot of lean muscle, I highly recommend if you’re looking for a beefy bully."
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5. Best Affordable Dog Food For English Bulldogs: Eagle Pack Original Chicken Meal And Pork Meal
Eagle Pack Original Chicken and Pork Meal is one of four recipes rated in our review of the dry food range.
Chicken meal is the main protein source in this recipe with dry matter label analysis revealing it contains 29% protein, 16% fat and 48% estimated carbs. This results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
An affordable food, Eagle Pack Original offers a blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to keep your English Bulldog energized. It also contains glucosamine to support their joints along with omega fatty acids for their skin and coat. Free from corn, wheat, or meat by-products, this formula contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
A top pick for your Bulldog.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains glucosamine
- Omega fatty acids
- Free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, dehulled barley, oatmeal Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 31.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Eagle Pack is a quality dog food at a fair price. Both of our dogs love it."
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6. Best Dog Food For English Bulldog with Allergies: The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Turkey Recipe
This 100% human grade limited ingredient dog food made with cage-free turkey and five other whole foods is perfect for dogs with allergies or food sensitivities.
The dehydrated formula is easier for dogs to digest, as it doesn’t contain artificial preservatives, by-products, and other filler ingredients that English bulldogs often struggle with. It’s one of eight recipes rated in a range by The Honest Kitchen.
Dehydrated turkey is the only meat protein in this food. The single-source meat makes it a great option for Bulldogs with allergies.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 19% fat and 46% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 76%.
Read our review of the full The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Things we like
- Single-source meat
- Free from artificial preservatives, by-products, and fillers
- Human-grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Dehydrated turkey, dehydrated parsnips, dried navy beans, dried organic coconut, dehydrated pumpkin Texture Dry Type Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Protein Percentage 26.1% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For All Adult English Bulldogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheHonestKitchen.com"When I found out my dog has quite a few allergies, this was one of the very few foods that met his requirements. Not only does it have all the necessary nutrients for a healthy and balanced diet, but my dog really loves it. I can see a noticeable difference in his energy levels and overall health since transitioning to this food"
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7. Best Grain Inclusive Dog Food For English Bulldogs: Jinx Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe
Chicken, Brown Rice, and Sweet Potato is one of five dry recipes in our review of the Jinx product line. Although this is a grain-inclusive recipe, it is free from corn, wheat, soy and animal by-products which many English bulldogs are allergic to.
This Jinx recipe acquired most of its meat protein from fresh chicken. It also includes brown rice and sweet potato for energy and fiber, supporting your Bulldog’s digestion. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
Read our review of the full Jinx Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Free from corn, wheat, and soy
- Includes brown rice
- High in fiber
Main Ingredients Organic chicken, chicken meal, pearled barley, ground peas, brown rice Texture Dry 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 Chewy.com"Both my dogs and I love Jinx’s chicken, brown rice, and sweet potato kibble! I love how every ingredient has been thought out for my pets, and they love how delicious it tastes. They ate it right up without hesitation! "
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, it’s 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 it’s 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.
Final word
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