Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Wilderness
“Blue Buffalo Wilderness helps reduce the chances of your American Bulldog from getting hypothyroidism as it comes in flavors without beef. It has quality ingredients with real meat.”
Best Budget Option: Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete
“Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete is incredibly affordable for a premium quality dry dog food. It has great levels of Omega fatty acid that helps maintain your pup’s coat and skin soft and supple.”
Best For Puppies: Merrick Grain-Free Puppy
“Merrick Grain-Free Puppy contains puppy-specific fatty acids as well as a great protein and fat levels, which is excellent for your growing American Bulldog. This dog food makes a wonderful foundation for a healthy life.“
The large breed American Bulldogs are the most muscled and most energetic of all Bulldog varieties. The best food for American Bulldogs should provide support for their stocky bodies as well as their sharp minds.
They were bred to herd cattle so they’re active and highly intelligent, needing regular exercise.
If you’ve ever met one, you’ll know that they are gentle, loving, and affectionate with family, but won’t hesitate to be aggressive with someone they see as a threat.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- 10 Best Dog Food For American Bulldog
- 1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness
- 2. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete
- 3. Merrick Grain-Free Puppy
- 4. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato
- 5. Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Solutions
- 6. Canidae Pure Range
- 7. Orijen Dry Dog Food
- 8. Merrick Grain-Free Dry Food
- 9. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
- 10. Solid Gold Weight Control Dry Dog Food
- 1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness
- Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
- Questions & Answers
10 Best Dog Food For American Bulldog
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness
Premium Option
PROS
- All flavors avoid beef, which is great to reduce chances of hypothyroidism
- This dog food contains specially-formulated LifeSource Bits with vitamins and minerals
- Every flavor is grain-free and contains kelp
- Each recipe contains the same nutrient values, so you can switch easily between them
CONS
- All recipes contain chicken meal so if your dog is sensitive to chicken they may have to eat something else
American Bulldogs who are in great health already will benefit from Blue Buffalo Wilderness. The variety of flavors is nice for fussy eaters, although they all contain chicken products, which might be a problem in a food for American Bulldogs with sensitive stomachs.
They all contain 34% protein and 15% fat, which is perfect to keep your American Bulldog full of life and strong. Their added supplements will also keep your adult dog’s joints as sturdy as possible, and make sure their skin and coat stay healthy.
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Packed With Healthy Nutrition
This food contains quality ingredients, with real meat and meat meal making up the protein. There’s not a lot of veggies in this one, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing because what is included is premium stuff. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots offer plenty of vitamins.
Blueberries and cranberries are wonderful antioxidants, and there are some unusual little additions such as parsley and turmeric. Kelp is present, and the list is rounded out by chelated minerals to make digestion easy.
2. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete
Best Value For Money
PROS
- Incredibly affordable for a premium quality dry dog food
- Great protein and fat counts for active Bulldogs
- Higher than average Omegas
- Joint and metabolism supplements added
CONS
- No variety in flavours (might not be suitable for dogs sensitive to chicken)
Owners who are looking for a wholesome, healthy dog food for American Bulldogs that’s on the lower end of the budget spectrum, we recommend Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete. It’s packed with a whole of fantastic stuff for a lovely price, and it’s one of the best dog food options for American Bulldogs who are quite bouncy.
If you have an American Bulldog who suffers from hypothyroidism, this would be one of the best dog foods for them. The food contains kelp to help stimulate the thyroid, and avoids beef which can be a problem ingredient.
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Nutritional Value
For a “cheap” food, this one packs quite a punch. 32% protein is right in the zone for moderate to highly active American Bulldogs, and the fat content of 25% is the highest we’ve seen. If your dog is lazier, this food may not work for them as they won’t be able to work it off!
The Omega fatty acid levels are great, and will go a long way towards keeping your American Bulldog’s coat and skin soft and supple. Other things that you’ll find in this food that aren’t usually seen in more affordable kibble are glucosamine and chondroitin and L-carnitine.
These nutrients don’t come from nowhere, either. The ingredient list is loaded with high-quality stuff, premium proteins, and superfood fruits and vegetables.
3. Merrick Grain-Free Puppy
Best For Bulldog Puppies
PROS
- Contains puppy-specific fatty acids (DHA)
- Great protein and fat levels for a growing American Bulldog
- High Omega fatty acid count
- Two different flavors makes it easy to avoid both beef and chicken
CONS
- Somewhat expensive option
American Bulldog puppies need the right amount of protein, fat, and supplements in a dry dog food to grow up as strong and healthy as possible. They also need some specific supplements to help them develop and turn into a muscly young dog!
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy is our pick for the best dog food for growing pups up to 12 months and will make a wonderful foundation for a healthy life.
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Perfect for Bouncy Puppies
Choose from Real Beef & Sweet Potato or Real Chicken & Sweet Potato. Each flavor completely excludes the other (ie. the beef flavor has no chicken products, and vice versa) so you can get an idea of and work around any allergies nice and early.
The protein counts are 28% and 30% respectively. Puppies don’t need super high protein levels as their muscles are still growing, so this is perfect. Each food contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which, along with a great calcium/phosphorus ratio, will allow your little one’s bones to grow at the right pace.
It also contains nice dose of Omegas and a good level of DHA, which is essential in the best food for American Bulldog puppies.
4. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato
Best for Hypothyroidism
PROS
- Most flavors avoids beef (a common problem ingredient for hypothyroidism)
- Good protein and fat counts for an average AmBull
- Contains dried kelp to stimulate iodine production
- Great protein that helps raise the Omega 3 fatty acid count
CONS
- The fat count may be too low for very active dogs
If your dog has thyroid problems, American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato is the dry dog food we would pick to improve his health and wellness. It’s just a coincidence that we’re recommending American Journey as one of the best dog food options for American Bulldogs! If you switch to other flavors you may find beef ingredients, but this one is free of anything beefy. The food contains the all-important kelp, which stimulates thyroid action and keeps it doing what it needs to do.
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Health-Promoting Ingredients
Although you could choose the Chicken or Lamb dog foods, we’ve chosen the Salmon for its superior protein quality and Omegas. Fish is amazing for adult dogs like American Bulldogs who suffer from skin and coat allergies, so this one will help that too.
This food contains great slow-burning carbs like sweet potatoes, peas, and chickpeas. Blueberries add a large dash of antioxidants that you can’t get in any other fruit. And of course, it also contains kelp.
With 32% protein and 14% fat, this is right in the zone for the average American Bulldog. You’ve got some joint supplements in there too, and a really nice addition is DHA, which will benefit your pup’s eyes and brain, for both puppies and adult dogs.
5. Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Solutions
Best Kibble Topper
PROS
- Plenty of choices available depending on what your dog needs
- High in protein and fat, so it’s best for energetic dogs
- Each flavour is fortified with extra vitamins and minerals
- Highly digestible, biologically-appropriate ingredient list
CONS
- Slightly expensive
- May take a few tries for pups to get used to the raw nutrition
For American Bulldogs who need some extra supplementation, Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s Solutions will be all he ever needs to get his nutrients. There are 5 different flavors, each specially formulated for a specific purpose.
They’re super high in protein and fat, so they’re also really nice if your dog needs some extra calories. This is raw nutrition, though, so it may take your pooch a few days to get used to the taste and texture.
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Recipe Range and Benefits
These dog foods cover most of the common problems pups have.
Digestive Boost (beef flavor) contains soluble and insoluble fiber and uses ingredients that improve gut health.
Healthy Heart Support (chicken) contains DHA, EPA, and L-carnitine for extra cardiovascular health.
Hip & Joint Boost (chicken) is something a Bulldog might need. It’s supplemented by DHA and EPA, and also contains glucosamine and chondroitin.
Immune Boost (lamb) contains plenty of antioxidants in the form of fruit and vitamin and minerals.
Skin & Coat Boost (lamb & salmon) is another one that may be useful for American Bulldogs. It has very high Omega levels and also contains vitamin E, linoleic acid, and biotin.
6. Canidae Pure Range
Best Limited Ingredient
PROS
- Many recipes allow dogs to avoid ingredients they are sensitive to
- 10 or fewer ingredients in each recipe
- All contain high Omega levels
- Added joint-fortifying supplements
CONS
- Might not suit pets and pet parents on a budget
American Bulldogs are known for being sensitive to certain dry dog foods. If your dog is one of those who struggles with their tummy, a limited ingredient food like the Canidae Pure Range could be the best dog food choice for your pup.
Every one of these recipes contains fewer than 10 ingredients. There’s a surprising range of flavors, each one with a different combination. It’s super easy to find something to suit your dog and avoid just about all common allergens.
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Wider Variety Than Expected
One of the disadvantages of feeding your pup limited ingredient dog foods is that many of them come in only one flavor and nutrient profile. Not so with this range! There are 7 flavors (plus 4 chicken recipes specific to puppies, seniors, small breeds, and weight management). You should be able to find at least 2 that work for your dog!
The protein counts are generally decent, with most of the flavors at 32%. Wild boar and bison come in at 25%, but that’s still sufficient. Every one contains high levels of Omega 3 and 6s, and joint supplements too. Your dog won’t be short of anything, despite being on a limited ingredient diet!
7. Orijen Dry Dog Food
Best For Active Bulldogs
PROS
- Packed with wholesome, natural ingredients
- High in both protein and fat, great for active dogs
- Contains everything necessary to promote health
- High Omega levels and inclusion of DHA and EPA
CONS
- Only available in one flavor
- One of the more pricey on the market
Dog food for American Bulldog adults or puppies should be loaded with premium quality meat, veggies, fruits, and supplements. We definitely recommend Orijen Dry Dog Food for American Bulldogs who get daily exercise, though, because the protein and fat counts (38% and 18%) are the highest on this list.
Orijen dog food is biologically appropriate, so your dog will be eating like he would in nature. There’s some raw stuff in there, which adds a nice layer of amino acids that should benefit adult dogs immensely.
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Premium Quality
Although there’s only one flavor available, it’s got a lot of great stuff in it. Not only are the ingredients fantastic, the supplements cover everything your dog might need. There’s a multitude of proteins including chicken, turkey, flounder, and various kinds of liver and heart muscle.
It’s crammed with vegetables like lentils, beans, and peas which add more protein. If your dog doesn’t deal well with legumes, you may need to find another choice. DHA, EPA, glucosamine, chondroitin, and great Omegas round this dog food out very nicely.
8. Merrick Grain-Free Dry Food
Runner-Up Option
PROS
- High quality proteins that make it easy to avoid problem ingredients
- Joint-strengthening supplements
- Above average Omega fatty acid levels
- Contains superfood ingredients
CONS
- Slightly pricey
- Come contain chicken meal
If our top pick is slightly too high in protein for you or your dog, Merrick Grain-Free Dry Food may be better. Packing 34% protein and 14% fat, it’s great for American Bulldogs who are healthy and get regular exercise.
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Whole Food Ingredients + Supplements
One of the best things about these dog foods from Merrick is that you can easily avoid beef or chicken if necessary. You’ll need to check because some flavors contain chicken meal, but it’s one of the best dog food options for pups with food allergies and thyroid problems.
Each formula contains a real meat and a meat meal, vegetables, and fruits. On that great foundation we have joint supplements and a really good Omega number.
9. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
Best For Bulldog Seniors
PROS
- Easy to digest and adds moisture to your dog’s diet
- Various flavors to choose from
- Dehydrated organic ingredients
- No by-products, preservatives, or GMOs
CONS
- A little pricey
- No mention of Omega levels or extra additions on label
- No joint supplements added
Senior American Bulldogs can encounter some digestive health issues that they never had before. Their digestive system can become fussy and if their activity level has decreased it can be easy to pile on weight.
The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food is perfect for seniors. It’s easy to eat and even easier to digest, and the ingredients are dehydrated to eliminate the need for any kind of preservatives.
Seniors can also reduce their water intake without realizing when they become less active. The fact that you have to add water to this food to make it gives your aging pup an extra, helpful portion of water every day.
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Options for Every Senior
This is the best dog food for its tastiness and digestibility. There are four flavors, each with a different nutrient profile.
Turkey formula contains 29% protein and 18% fat, which makes it great for older dogs who are still very active. Beef flavor has 31% protein and 14% fat, which is a great middle-of-the-range option. Chicken has the lowest protein count, at 24%, but retains a good fat count of 15%. Lastly, fish flavor is high in protein (32%) but low in fat (8,5%), making it just right for those older dogs who prefer the couch.
Human-Grade
Seeing “human-grade” on a dog food shows the supremely high quality of this unusual food. It contains dehydrated ingredients so the need for preservatives is non-existent.
It also shows that there’s no artificial stuff or dodgy ingredients that we wouldn’t eat ourselves. For the ultimate pet parent/dog bonding experience, you can share this as a meal!
10. Solid Gold Weight Control Dry Dog Food
Best For Weight Management
PROS
- Low calorie and low fat to help reduce weight and keep it off
- Contains a variety of superfoods for extra immune boosting
- Added probiotics and prebiotics to improve health
- No potato, wheat, corn, or soy
CONS
- Low in Omega 6 fatty acids despite being fish-based
- May be too low in protein to be a long-term meal
- Doesn’t contain glucosamine
American Bulldogs are notorious for getting pudgy if they don’t get enough exercise! They love to eat, so their weight can get out of control pretty quickly. If your American Bulldog is a little stodgy at the moment and needs to slim down, Solid Gold Weight Control Dry Dog Food can help them do just that.
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Low Fat For Weight Loss
Fat is the primary nutrient that dogs use to give them energy during their day. For the average AmBull, a higher fat count is necessary but for one that needs to trim down a bit, lowering the fat count can help them burn fat that their body is holding onto.
When there isn’t enough fat to burn to see them through their day, your dog’s body will start to burn off the extra fat they’ve accumulated, leading to them losing some extra weight.
Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Criteria 1 – High Protein Count & Quality
These muscled dogs may fall under the less-active Bulldog breed, but they’re the most active of the bulldogs and need a regular workout to keep them healthy. A protein count of between 24% and 30% is perfectly fine for them, and you can choose which end of the spectrum depending on how active your dog is.
The most important thing is that the protein in dog foods comes from high-quality, natural ingredients. Real meat is always first prize. Multiple kinds of meat aren’t usually a problem, although if your dog has a sensitive tummy you may prefer to stick to a single-source protein.
Meat meal is also acceptable provided it has been identified, for example, chicken meal, lamb meal, etc. Although we do recommend real meat for dogs with sensitive stomachs, meat meal isn’t a bad choice if your Bulldog can handle it.
Criteria 2 – Digestibility
American Bulldogs have notoriously sensitive stomachs. Digestibility is information that you won’t typically find on a dog food label, but it’s important when it comes to dogs who have a fussy digestive system.
The digestibility of a dog food refers to how much of it is actually absorbed into your dog’s body when they eat a helping of it. Obviously, the higher this number is, the more good nutrients your dog is getting. If your dog is eating a full bowl and only digesting half of it, then they’re really not getting the best out of their food. The quality of their poop is a good indication of how much food is being digested!
The best dog foods have a digestibility score of 82% and above. We’ve done the research for you and made sure each of these dog foods falls within the acceptable numbers.
Criteria 3 – Omega Fatty Acids
American Bulldogs also tend to suffer from skin problems. They have very short fur, so their skin is more exposed to the environment than some other breeds, and can become inflamed and tender either due to exposure or because of food allergies.
A great dose of Omegas in a dog food will help keep the coat healthy and the skin hydrated and itch-free. We’ve checked out the Omegas on each of these dog foods and made sure they’re at a good enough level to benefit your American Bulldog.
Criteria 4 – Helpful Additions
American Bulldogs can suffer from some specific health conditions that can be helped by certain additions to dog foods. Hypothyroidism is a common condition in this breed, so food that contains kelp gets a thumbs-up. It helps stimulate the thyroid to do its thing, and can keep your Bulldog healthier and happier.
Another thing that plagues American Bulldogs is eye problems. DHA is a fatty acid should be found in dog foods for Bulldog puppies. Glucosamine and chondroitin are always good to see and will keep your dog’s joints strong and reduce the chances of joint dysplasia.
Criteria 5 – Affordability
This will always be a criterion we look at, because a happy dog parent makes for a much happier dog. Choosing the best dog food for American Bulldogs doesn’t have to be a money-burning experience. Some of the foods on this list are quite pricey, and we can vouch for their quality.
But there are high-quality, fantastic dog foods for budget-conscious Bulldog owners too. Our Best Value For Money choice ticks all the boxes and comes at an extremely nice price. There’s something for everyone on this list!
Questions & Answers
What should I look for in the best dog food for American Bulldog?
Dog food for American Bulldogs should contain premium quality, natural ingredients that are wholesome and healthy. Real meat sources are essential and should be the first ingredient. It doesn’t really matter which sources are included, but make sure to avoid any ingredients that your Bulldog might be sensitive to. Common problem proteins in dog food for American Bulldogs may be chicken and beef (particularly for those with thyroid problems), so you may want to stick to others.
Fruits and vegetables are fantastic carbohydrate sources. It’s best to avoid grains (although brown rice is acceptable) and potatoes to limit the chances of allergies and intolerances. Sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, chickpeas, and peas are some great options, provided your pup isn’t sensitive to legumes. High levels of Omegas, joint-strengthening supplements, kelp, and vitamins, minerals, and probiotics are always super ingredients.
The average 85-pound male American Bulldog will need around 1800 – 1900 calories per day. Based on that average, you can adjust up or down for your dog. Females will generally eat less than males. Older dogs will also typically eat less, but it depends quite a bit on their energy levels.
If your Bulldog is very active, they can eat up to 2600 per day. If they’re more of a couch potato, they could eat as little as 1400. The job of the dog parent is to figure out what the sweet spot is for their own dog! Dog food for American Bullies should be high in quality protein (24% – 30% or more), packed with healthy fruits and veggies, and have a moderate to high fat count (in the mid to high teens).
What are health concerns for American Bulldogs?
American Bulldogs are at risk for some serious health issues. Firstly, they are (borderline) brachycephalic, so they’re automatically in the zone for a group of conditions called brachycephalic syndrome. It’s important to note that although American Bulldogs are less flat-faced than their English and French counterparts, they can still suffer from related conditions.
All Bulldogs tend to struggle with food allergies and intolerances. This can lead to digestive issues and skin problems, as well as dry and dull fur. Hypothyroidism is also common.
American Bulldogs in particular can be prone to cataracts and an eye condition called cherry eye. They also tend to be inclined towards thyroid problems. If your dog is white in color, you may be alarmed to see tear stains, although this isn’t inherently unhealthy in itself.
Joint dysplasia is a common problem especially in breeds as stocky and heavy as these guys! They also can become obese very easily, which leads to a host of other health issues.
How can I make sure my Bulldog doesn’t become overweight?
Bulldogs are known for not exactly enjoying exercise. American Bulldogs, though, are the most active of the lot. They were bred as working dogs, so making sure they get enough exercise is essential to not only keep them healthy, but also stop them from getting bored.
They should have enough space to allow them a free run during the day when you aren’t around. When you do exercise them, make your activities challenging and exciting, as these guys are also highly intelligent!
There are plenty of ways to provide some fun activity for your AmBull. A long walk, good wrestle, or a mind-stimulating game will get them excited! In addition to keeping him active, make sure you’re feeding the right amount. It can be easy to overestimate and keep your Bulldog fat.
Just remember – give your dog time to rest and catch their breath between games. Flatter-faced Bulldogs can have trouble breathing and are susceptible to heat stroke if they can’t release enough heat when panting!