Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for American Bulldog: Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food
“This dog food keeps your pet’s immune system strong and reduces the chances of developing diseases like bone cancer and hypothyroidism.”
Best Value for Money: Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
“The Extreme Athlete variety from Diamond Naturals is an incredibly affordable, premium quality dry dog food. It has great levels of Omega fatty acids that maintains your pup’s healthy skin and shiny coat.”
Best For American Bulldog Puppies: Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
“This puppy-specific dog food contains fatty acids, ideal protein and fat levels – all essential nutrients for your growing American Bulldog. This dog food will help them build a strong foundation for a healthy life.“
American Bulldogs are a fit and healthy breed. One look at this fur ball gives you the impression that it’s one of the toughest breeds out there. And while that may be true, these little guys are still predisposed to diseases that plague their genetic line. One of which is bone cancer.
Bone cancer is a disease that affects any dog breed but American Bulldogs are more vulnerable to it. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disease. It can, however, be prevented by making sure your beloved pooch is properly nourished and well taken care of from a young age.
If you want your dog to live a long and comfortable life, give him the best food specifically formulated for American bulldogs.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- 10 Best Dog Food For American Bulldogs
- 1. Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food
- 2. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
- 3. Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
- 4. American Journey Grain Free Dog Food
- 5. Stella & Chewy’s Raw Dog Food Toppers
- 6. Canidae Pure Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 7. Orijen Dry Dog Food
- 8. Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 9. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
- 10. Solid Gold Weight Control Dry Dog Food
- 1. Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food
- Dog Food Buying Guide for American Bulldogs
- Common Health Concerns for American Bulldogs
- Questions & Answers
10 Best Dog Food For American Bulldogs
Here are our top picks for the best dog food for American Bulldogs:
- Best Overall for American Bulldogs: Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food
- Best Value For Money: Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
- Best For American Bulldog Puppies: Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
- Best for Hypothyroidism: American Journey Grain Free Dog Food
- Best Kibble Topper: Stella & Chewy’s Raw Dog Food Toppers
- Best for Dogs with Allergies: Canidae Pure Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best For Active Bulldogs: Orijen Dry Dog Food
- Best High in Protein: Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best For Bulldog Seniors: The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
- Best For Weight Management: Solid Gold Weight Control Dry Dog Food
1. Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food
Best Overall for American Bulldogs
PROS
- Avoids beef and beef products which reduces any chance of hypothyroidism
- This dog food contains specially-formulated LifeSource Bits with vitamins and minerals
- Every flavor is grain free and contains kelp
- Each dog food 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
Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food has a variety of flavors that’s pretty consistent in terms of nutritional profile across the range.
They all contain 34% protein and 15% fat, which is perfect to keep your American Bulldog’s muscle strong and provide him with sufficient energy for his daily activities. There’s also added supplements which keep your adult dog’s joints strong and healthy, their skin moisturized, and coat shiny.
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Packed With Healthy Nutrition
This food contains quality real meat and meat meal making up majority of its protein content. There’s not a lot of veggies in this one but it does have potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsley, turmeric, and carrots to provide carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Blueberries and cranberries are wonderful additions as well that add extra antioxidants. Kelp is also present. The list is rounded out by chelated minerals to make digestion easy.
2. Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food
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 for healthy skin & coat
- Joint and metabolism supplements added for a well-rounded diet
CONS
- No variety in flavours (might not be suitable for dogs sensitive to chicken)
Dog parents who are looking for an inexpensive, wholesome, healthy dog food for their American Bulldog should have a look at Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Dog Food. It’s packed with healthy, premium quality ingredients that makes up an ideal diet for active dogs like your pooch.
Additionally, if you have an American Bulldog who suffers from hypothyroidism, this would be one of the best dog foods to feed them. The food contains kelp to help stimulate the thyroid while avoiding beef at the same time which can trigger this disease.
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Excellent Nutritional Profile for a Dog Food at its Price Range
For a “cheap” food, this one packs quite a nutritional punch. There’s a total of 32% protein in this food which is ideal for moderate to highly active American Bulldogs. The fat content at 25% is slightly above the recommended amount for bulldogs so if you have an active pooch, this product will give them enough energy and some more for some extra play.
The Omega fatty acid levels are present in a significant amount to support coat and skin health. Other nutrients that you’ll find in this food which aren’t usually seen in more affordable kibble are glucosamine and chondroitin and L-carnitine. All these substances make up a well-rounded food from premium proteins and superfood fruits and vegetables.
3. Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
Best For American Bulldog Puppies
PROS
- Contains puppy-specific fatty acids (DHA) for brain development
- Great protein and fat levels for a growing American Bulldogs
- High Omega fatty acid count for healthy skin and coat
- 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 healthy, energetic adult dog. This puppy food from Merrick comes highly recommended for growing pups up to 12 months.
The protein and fat counts are 28% and 30% respectively. Puppies don’t need super high protein levels as their muscles are still growing, so this is well within the appropriate amount. Each food contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which, along with a great calcium/phosphorus ratio, will allow your little one’s bones to grow strong and healthy.
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Perfect for Bouncy Puppy American Bulldogs
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 that your dog may have early on.
It also contains a good dose of Omega fatty acids and a significant amount of DHA, which are essential nutrients that should be included in the best dog food for American Bulldog puppies.
4. American Journey Grain Free Dog Food
Best for Hypothyroidism
PROS
- Most flavors avoid beef which is 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 Grain Free Dog Food is is highly recommended to support thyroid function and generally improve his quality of life. This particular dog food recipe does not contain any beef or beef products and has the all-important kelp, which stimulates thyroid action so it keeps secreting the hormones that support metabolism.
With 32% protein and 14% fat content, the nutritional profile of this dog food is well within the recommended amount for the average AmBull. There’s some joint supplements in there too, and a really nice addition of DHA, which aids in your pup’s eyes and brain development.
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Health-Promoting Ingredients
The Salmon that goes into this dog food is considered a superior protein source because of the quality of amino acids that can be found in it, not to mention the level of Omega Fatty Acids that it supplies. Fish is an amazing protein choice for American Bulldogs who suffer from skin and coat allergies.
This dog food also contains great slow-burning carbs like sweet potatoes, peas, and chickpeas. Blueberries add a good amount of antioxidants that you can’t get in any other fruit.
5. Stella & Chewy’s Raw Dog Food Toppers
Best Kibble Topper
PROS
- Plenty of available flavor options for your fussy eater dog
- High in protein and fat, so it’s best for highly active dogs
- Each flavor 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 Raw Dog Food Topper not only adds extra texture in his meal, it also provides additional nutrients that may be missing from his diet. There are 5 different flavors which are all extremely high in protein and fat, so they’re recommended if your dog needs some extra calories.
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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 Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best for Dogs with Allergies
PROS
- Various flavor options 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 experience some stoomach sensitivities, a limited ingredient dog food like this one could be the best dog food choice for your pup.
Each one of these dog food recipes contains fewer than 10 ingredients which reduces any risk of your dog ingesting some ingredients that they may not agree with. There’s a surprising range of flavor combinations which make it super easy to find something that will suit your dog while avoiding most common allergens.
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Wider Variety Than Expected
There are 7 flavors (plus 4 chicken recipes specific to puppies, seniors, small breeds, and weight management) available in this recipe range. It shouldn’t be hard to find something that your dog will love.
The protein content is consistent at 32% across most of the flavors with the exception of Wild boar and bison flavor which only has 25%. Each recipe also contains high levels of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, with an added dose of joint supplements that makes it a well-balanced meal for your little pooch.
7. Orijen Dry Dog Food
Best For Active Bulldogs
PROS
- Packed with wholesome, natural ingredients from quality sources
- High in both protein and fat, great for active dogs
- Contains immune system health promoting substances
- 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 Bulldogs should be loaded with premium quality meat, veggies, fruits, and supplements. That’s why the Orijen Dry Dog Food comes highly recommended especially for American Bulldogs who get daily exercise because the protein and fat counts (38% and 18%) are one of the highest you’ll find in a dog food.
Orijen’s dog food formula is biologically appropriate and is formulated after a dog’s typical diet in the wild. 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 Dog Food
Although there’s only one flavor available, it does contain only high quality ingredients and supplements that cover everything your dog might need. There’s a multitude of protein sources including chicken, turkey, flounder, and various kinds of liver and heart muscle.
It’s loaded with vegetables like lentils, beans, and peas which add more protein and carbohydrates. DHA, EPA, glucosamine, chondroitin, and a good amount of Omegas can be found in this dog food and rounds it up quite nicely.
8. Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best High in Protein
PROS
- High quality proteins that make it easy to avoid problem ingredients
- Added joint-strengthening supplements
- Above average Omega fatty acid levels for skin and coat health
- Contains superfood ingredients packed with fiber and antioxidants
CONS
- Slightly pricey
- Come contain chicken meal
Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food packs 34% protein and 14% fat which are 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 this dog food from Merrick is that you can easily avoid beef or chicken if your dog is a bit sensitive to any of them. Some flavors may contain chicken meal, but it’s still 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 as the main ingredient, with added vegetables and fruits.
9. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
Best For Bulldog Seniors
PROS
- Easy to digest ingredients with extra moisture that helps them to process their dog food better
- Various tasty flavors to choose from
- Dehydrated organic ingredients that avoids artificial preservatives
- 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 easy to eat and even easier to digest, which makes it ideal for senior American Bulldogs. The ingredients are dehydrated which eliminates the need for any kind of preservatives that may cause allergic reactions for your pooch.
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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.
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 at optimum level
- 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 AmBull is a little stodgy at the moment and needs to slim down, this weight control formula 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.
Dog Food Buying Guide for American Bulldogs
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.
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 dog food. The quality of their poop is a good indication of how much dog 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.
3) Omega Fatty Acids
AmBulls also tend to suffer from skin problems. They have very short fur, so their skin is more exposed to the environment compared to other long-haired breeds like shih tzuh or cocker spaniels, 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 pooch.
4) Added Supplements
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 dog 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 food for American 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.
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!
Common Health Concerns for American Bulldogs
Though generally healthy, American Bulldogs are prone to specific health conditions due to their small, dense stature and lower activity levels. Some of these might include:
Dysplasia
Dysplasia in the hip or elbows is a degenerative disease that keeps the joints from developing correctly, causing mild to severe pain and trouble with mobility. When left untreated, this disease can develop into arthritis. Because of their short legs, American Bulldogs with joint problems tend to deteriorate quickly. You can prevent this disease from worsening by feeding them a low-calorie diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Obesity
The most commonly occurring issue in American Bulldogs is obesity. American Bulldogs gain weight relatively quickly but—unfortunately—don’t lose it as easily. Obesity in this breed can worsen joint problems and become difficult to reverse. You can tell your dog is overweight if you can no longer see or feel their ribs.
Brachycephalic Syndrome
American Bulldogs 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.
Questions & Answers
What should I look for in the best dog food for American Bulldogs?
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. Also, making sure the dog food isn’t high in sodium is important to ensure.
The average 85-pound male AmBull 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).
How can I make sure my Bulldog doesn’t become overweight?
Bulldogs are known for not exactly enjoying exercise. AmBulls, 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!
What are common food allergies in American Bulldogs?
Despite their robust and resilient immune systems, American Bulldogs also experience food allergies and aversions. The most common food allergies that occur in American Bulldogs are:
- Grains: Like most dogs with sensitive stomachs, American Bulldogs have a low tolerance for grains and gluten, which can exacerbate irritable bowels.
- Carbohydrates: While complex carbohydrates play an essential role in helping your dog manage its energy levels, common ingredients like sweet potato can cause an allergy.
- Soy: Dogs allergic to soy will experience diarrhea, itching and might even develop skin lesions.
- Beef: Contrary to popular belief, some dogs can become allergic to animal proteins like beef. Safe alternatives for your American Bulldog are lamb and salmon.
- Nuts: Nuts aren’t just irritating to your pet’s stomach—they can also become toxic when ingested!
Some of these allergies can develop over time. If your dog appears to be allergic to their food, eliminate specific ingredients until you can determine the culprit.
How much should you feed your American Bulldog?
American Bulldogs are favored by generally laid-back owners who prefer to lounge over going for a daily run. While these dogs can quickly adjust to a less active lifestyle, they are prone to becoming overweight.
The typical American Bulldog should weigh no more than 50 pounds and have a daily caloric intake of roughly 1,358 calories. Depending on your dog’s weight, conditions, and activity levels, older American Bulldogs might require a lower calorie count. On the other hand, younger, developing American Bulldogs can consume 1,451 calories a day.
When selecting the right dog food for your American Bulldog, consider how many calories there are in a single serving and calculate your dog’s daily intake accordingly.
If your dog needs to lose a few pounds, remove 100g from its daily meal every few days until it achieves its target weight.
