Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for Bulldogs: Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food
“Nature’s Recipe Dry Dog Food is the answer to bulldog parents’ worries about giving their pup the healthy dog food needed to keep them healthy and fit. It’s grain free and doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients.”
Best For Young Bulldogs: Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food
“Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food is great for young bulldogs with its high-quality, all-natural ingredients that help build strong muscles. It has excellent nutrient contents that satisfy your pup’s needs as he gets older.”
Best For Seniors: Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food
“Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Dog Food is made from great-quality, human-grade ingredients. This dehydrated kibble is easy to digest making it a perfect option for your senior bulldog.”
Bulldogs are brachycephalic (short-nosed), heavy-breathing dogs. This physical feature comes with some unique health conditions. Their facial characteristics cause respiratory distress, which is quite common to dog breeds with the same condition. Aside from this, they’re also known to be susceptible to obesity which then causes problems in their spine, hip, and joints.
You need to consider these health issues when choosing the best dog food for bulldogs. We’ve rounded up some dog food products that don’t just cater the nutritional requirements of bulldogs but also have added supplements to address certain health conditions that your little pooch may have.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Food For Bulldogs
- 1. Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food
- 2. The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dog Food
- 3. Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 4. NUTRO Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 5. Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food
- 6. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
- 7. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 8. Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
- 9. Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 1. Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food
- Nutritional Requirements for Bulldogs
- Common Health Concerns in Bulldogs
- How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Bulldogs
- Questions & Answers
Best Dog Food For Bulldogs
Here are our top recommendation for the best dog food for Bulldogs:
- Best Overall for Bulldogs: Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food
- Best for Extra Sensitive Bulldogs: The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dog Food
- Best for Skin and Fur: Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best Low Protein Food: NUTRO Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best For Bulldogs With Sensitive Stomachs: Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food
- Best Value For Money: Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
- Best for the Heart: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best for Weight Management: Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
- Best for Healthy Digestion: Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
1. Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food
Best Overall for Bulldogs: Contains highly concentrated protein intended for extra muscle support and leaner body mass
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PROS
- High-quality, all-natural ingredients that’s clean and safe for Bulldogs
- Great fat level and Omega fatty acids for added energy and improved skin & coat health
- Totally grain free formula, avoiding problem ingredients that trigger allergies
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for extra hip and joint support
CONS
- Pricey
- Higher protein count than is necessary for dogs
Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food offers an excellent nutrient profile using all natural, freshly sourced ingredients.
It’s a great choice for young bulldogs or a bulldog puppy with its highly concentrated protein that will help build strong, healthy muscles as they develop into a healthy and strong adult. The low fat percentage will help avoid unnecessary weight gain which is crucial for this particular breed.
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This dog food is naturally preserved using mixed tocopherols, so you don’t have to worry about unhealthy preservatives which may trigger allergies in your dog. Flaxseed oil and salmon oil are natural, healthy Omega fatty acids, and the superfood fruits and vegetables add a much needed antioxidant boost to maintain a strong immune system. Glucosamine and chondroitin are always a welcome addition for breeds who are prone to hip dysplasia.
2. The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dog Food
Best for Extra Sensitive Bulldogs: Human grade food made from healthy produce that’s completely free from gluten and grains
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PROS
- Moderate in protein and fat content to help dogs loss a few pounds
- Great quality, human-grade ingredients that are 100% safe for Bulldogs with food sensitivities
- Dehydrated, easily digestible dog food for Bulldogs with digestive issues
CONS
- High-calorie content per cup
- Some varieties of this food contain grains
This dehydrated dry dog food uses free-range chicken as its main ingredient which is the source of its protein. It’s easily digestible, which makes it a great choice for senior bulldogs who may have sensitive tummies.
It has a moderate protein and fat content which comes in at 24% and 15%, respectively. These numbers are perfect if you’re trying to keep your pooch’s weight in check. The added fruits and vegetables round this meal quite nicely by adding vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that keep your Bulldog’s immune system strong.
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Hydration for Inactive Pups
One of the awesome things about this dog food is that it’s great for keeping your dog’s water intake up. Dogs who aren’t very active can sometimes not drink as much as they should, and the fact that you add water to this dog food is quite helpful for keeping your pooch hydrated.
3. Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best for Skin and Fur: Contains high levels of Omega fatty acids that promote healthy skin and fur
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PROS
- High levels of essential fatty acids that help boost skin and coat health
- High quality real meat as the main source of protein for muscle support
- Grain free formula that’s easy on the tummy
CONS
- Higher protein count than necessary for bulldogs
- Fairly pricey in comparison to others
There’s no denying the quality of Merrick’s dog food, as they use natural, healthy, whole ingredients and real meat to provide proper, well-balanced nourishment for your dog.
Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food Recipes, Texas Beef, 4 Pound satisfies your dog’s protein and carbohydrate needs, maintaining muscle mass and providing great energy.
It’s also incredibly high in Omega fatty acids which are essential in keeping your dog’s skin healthy and properly moisturized. This is important for dog breeds like Bulldogs who are prone to skin allergies.
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High Protein for Highly Active Pups
The ingredients in Merrick’s dog foods are easily digestible, as they’re whole, healthy foods. The fat content is pretty decent, at 15%. The protein content is high (38%), and comes from a few different sources. We’ve labeled this dog food as being best for active bulldogs – with a protein count in the high 30s and a high-calorie count, your bulldog will benefit best from it if he gets plenty of exercise. Inactivity will send those calories straight to your bulldog’s hips!
4. NUTRO Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best Low Protein Food: Ideal for Bulldogs who are having kidney troubles
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PROS
- High quality real lamb as main source of protein
- Limited ingredient formulation to protect sensitive Bulldogs from allergy-inducing ingredients
- No poultry by-products, no added artificial ingredients
- Contains a good amount of omega fatty acids that nourishes your dog’s skin and coat
CONS
- Lower protein count than grain free dog foods
- No glucosamine
- The fishy flavors smell quite strong
This limited ingredient dog food follows Nutro’s “Feed Clean” philosophy, and they aim to make all of their limited ingredient foods with 10 or fewer ingredients (excluding vitamins and minerals).
With 20% protein, this is below the average for bulldogs but it’s perfect if your dog needs a low protein diet to alleviate any kidney-related issues. 14% fat content is well within the recommended amount to provide enough fuel for your dog’s day to day fun and play.
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Easy Digestion
The presence of chelated minerals in this dog food helps with digestion. Mixed tocopherols and citric acids are used as preservatives, which are completely natural. It also excludes grains, artificial ingredients, potatoes, chicken and beef, in order to keep potential allergies to an absolute minimum.
5. Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food
Best For Bulldogs With Sensitive Stomachs: Made from highly digestible ingredients with added probiotics to aid in digestion
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PROS
- Uses lamb as a main ingredient with added probiotics to aid in digestion
- Loaded with natural prebiotic fiber that promotes growth of healthy intestinal bacteria
- Contains sunflower oil which is rich in omega fatty acids that nourishes your dog’s skin
- Comes with a good amount of glucosamine to help fortify hip and joints
CONS
- Not grain free
- No vegetables or fruits
- High-calorie
This Sensitive Skin & Stomach formula from Purina takes care of your Bulldog’s sensitive stomach and nourishes his skin and coat at the same time. It’s not entirely a grain free formula, but it avoids the main allergy culprits – wheat, corn, and soy.
26% protein content is well within the recommended amount for bulldogs. 16% fat content is enough to provide them the energy they need for day to day activities. It’s one of the highest calorie foods on the list at 490 calories per cup, so be careful to give your pup the right amount for his weight.
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The addition of fish oil and egg products gives the dog food a pretty nice Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids content, which promotes overall health and wellbeing. Fish meal (which also adds a little dose of protein) is a good source of glucosamine, which many of these foods don’t have on their guaranteed analysis list.
Their Sensitive Stomach formula come with either lamb or salmon as their protein source, which means the chances of allergies to the protein are far less as these two are great sources.
6. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
Best Value For Money: Well-rounded nutrition from high quality ingredients for an incredibly affordable price
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PROS
- Made from pasture-raised beef that provides highly concentrated amino acid profile
- Loaded with superfoods fruits and vegetables
- Amazing fatty acid blend that nourishes skin and coat
- Premium ingredients packed with antioxidants for an affordable price
CONS
- No real meat, only beef meal
- Contains chicken fat, so not suitable for pets who are sensitive to poultry
Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food is an extremely affordable diet that meets a bulldog’s dietary requirements. It is packed with premium ingredients and does not contain any low quality dog food fillers which most dog foods at this price point have. It also does not contain any corn, soy, or wheat, which usually triggers food allergies in most dog breeds.
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With 25% protein and 15% fat, you can guarantee your Bulldog is getting the proper nourishment he needs. At 337 calories a cup, this is also one of the lowest calorie foods on the market which is great for dog breeds that are prone to gaining weight easily.
Flaxseed and chia seeds make up an amazing fatty acid blend to help support skin and coat health. Proprietary K9 Strain probiotics are also added for easier digestion and absorption. The vegetables that are included in this formula are considered to be superfoods, which means they have antioxidant properties too.
7. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best for the Heart: Good amount of Taurine that help make your dog’s heart strong and healthy
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PROS
- Contains a good amount of taurine which is great for your dog’s heart
- Uses salmon as main ingredient that provides premium quality protein
- Packed with flavor and nutrients in every bite
- Crunchy kibble that helps promote clean and healthy teeth and gums
CONS
- Slightly pricey
- Lower protein count than some
This limited ingredient dry dog food is an excellent well-rounded diet for bulldogs, It’s low in fat and fairly low calorie so it’s a great meal if you want to keep your dog’s weight in check.
Aside from providing your dog the essential minerals that are vital in their day to day function, it also has a significant amount of taurine – an essential amino acid that promotes a strong and healthy heart.
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Low Protein, Low Calorie
This is a lower-everything kind of dog food, which is kind of the point of a limited ingredient product! The protein count sits at 21%, which is adequate, and the fat content is perfect for the average not-so-active bulldog, at 10%. At 350 calories per cup, this is also lower on the calorie count than some others, which is always good for less active pups.
Extra Benefits
Flaxseed and salmon oil add essential amino acids, which promote health, brain function, and a sleek and shiny coat! There aren’t many extra vitamins or minerals added (in keeping with the limited ingredient philosophy), but their foods are certified safe by qualified microbiologists and the results of tests are shared on their website.
8. Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
Best For Weight Management: Healthy dog food with reduced calories to help manage your dog’s weight
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PROS
- Great fat levels for bulldogs who are gaining unnecessary weight
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
- Real turkey as single protein source that provides premium quality amino acid blend
- High quality fruits and vegetables are great sources of carbohydrates, fiber, and antioxidants
CONS
- Slightly lower protein level than some
- NOT grain free
Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight formula is great for bulldogs who are overweight and may need to be on a more strict diet. It uses a single source protein (in two different forms – turkey meat and turkey meal), and contains a decent amount of carbohydrates.
It contains healthy grains, such as oatmeal and brown rice, in addition to fruits and vegetables. It’s relatively average in terms of calories, which is great as it’s just the right amount for dogs who need to lose weight or prevent weight gain.
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Great Nutrient Levels
A cup of Blue Buffalo Healthy Weight will give your pup around 350 calories, which is fairly average but over a long period of time will make quite a difference in your pup’s weight and health.
Healthy Additions
This recipe contains Blue’s LifeSource Bits, which are made up of a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This kibble also contains l-carnitine, which is a healthy amino acid which helps convert calories to energy. Glucosamine and chondroitin help reduce the chances of hip dysplasia.
9. Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best for Healthy Digestion: Loaded with species-specific probiotics that promote the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria for better digestion
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PROS
- Premium quality real meat ingredient that provides an excellent amino acid blend
- Good levels of Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Packed with fruits and vegetables with powerful antioxidants that help boost the immune system
- No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
CONS
- Some flavors are not suitable for dogs who are sensitive to poultry products
- The protein count is unnecessarily high for bulldogs
- No glucosamine added
Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a high-protein, grain free kibble that is ideal for active, energetic bulldogs.
This dog food aims to strike a balance between what your dog would eat if they were a wild, roaming canine, and the dog foods that domesticated pets eat, which makes it packed full of nutrients but also quite high in calories.
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High Calorie for Active Dogs
The protein in this dog food is at 32%, which is higher than your bulldog would need (especially if he only gets moderate exercise). The crude fat (18%) is also slightly on the high side which is perfect for highly active bulldogs.
The variety of protein sources and healthy fruits and vegetables is great, but the calorie count is what makes this one best for energetic bulldogs who get plenty of exercise.
Nutritional Requirements for Bulldogs
Because of their hefty stature and sedentary nature, bulldogs don’t live as long as other breeds. Thus, they adhere to a more controlled and specific diet.
Proteins
As the foundation of any high-quality dog food, proteins should be your priority when shopping for the right diet for your bulldog. Keep your bulldog’s organs and bodily functions healthy by selecting a dog food rich in amino acids.
High-quality and all-natural meats are also a must. These meats include chicken, beef, and fish—you’ll want to avoid any animal by-products.
Carbohydrates
Because of their propensity for weight gain, bulldogs should avoid consuming low-quality carbs. Instead of purchasing a brand chock-full of simple starches, consider one with slow-burning alternatives.
Ingredients such as brown rice, barley, and sweet potato help fuel your dog’s energy levels while allowing them to keep their weight in check.
Fats
Bulldogs are stocky and highly prone to rapid weight gain. Thus, while fat is a crucial component of any dog’s diet, bulldogs should only consume a small percentage, as too much can lead to obesity.
Fats you should introduce into your dog’s diet include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which decrease inflammation due to arthritis or obesity.
Other Considerations
Supporting your bulldog’s weight is no easy feat. As such, providing a dog food rich with probiotics can promote healthy digestion, while ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin can improve muscle and joint strength.
Other nutritional factors you’ll want to consider are calories. On average, a typical dog will require about 30 calories per pound of body weight a day. While some bulldogs may be larger than most, you’ll want to err onthe side of caution and feed them less caloric meals to prevent slipping into obesity.
Common Health Concerns in Bulldogs
Unfortunately, bulldogs don’t have long lifespans and are prone to contracting the following health problems.
Obesity
Bulldogs are non-active dogs that put on weight quicker than they can lose it. If you don’t have time to exercise your dog, the second best solution is to provide them with a strict diet.
When bulldogs put on too much weight, they become at risk of contracting:
- Exercise intolerance
- High blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Osteoarthritis
The average male bulldog should weigh 50 pounds, while females should weigh 45.
Hip Dysplasia
Bulldogs have a muscular body that is low to the ground, with the bulk of their body mass around the stomach. Because of this unusual body structure, heavy bulldogs tend to put too much pressure on their joints and limbs.
Without immediate treatment, the hips become misaligned, causing pain and mobility issues. Fortunately, foods high in glucosamine can help combat this issue, paired with regular exercise.
Allergies
Unfortunately, bulldogs are prone to numerous food allergies and may experience intolerance for:
- Proteins such as chicken, beef, and pork
- Eggs
- Corn
- Milk
These food allergies can cause reactions such as vomiting or indigestion. In worse cases, they can even trigger gastrointestinal illnesses and skin allergies, which manifest as red, dry, and flaky spots on your dog’s body.
Brachycephalic Syndrome
Like pugs, shih tzus, and pekingeses, bulldogs have short noses that can cause respiratory obstructions. Severe conditions can create extreme pressure on the throat, neck, and chest, causing either part to collapse.
Generally, dogs with this disease will have trouble exercising for extended periods, tend to gag or retch, and collapse or faint in hot weather. While severe cases will most often require surgery, you can cater to the syndrome by ensuring your dog is on a low-calorie diet.
A fitter bulldog will relieve pressure on the joints and bones and have an easier time breathing.
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Bulldogs
1) Excellent Ingredient Quality
The quality of what goes into your dog’s food cannot be understated! Would you feed your kiddie food that had zero nutritional value? Most likely not … Why would you do the same to your pet?
The dog food industry is, unfortunately, plagued with cheap, low-quality products that really do your dog more harm than good. The quality of the ingredients is the single most important factor in determining whether or not it is good for your dog’s health.
All-natural, fresh ingredients are always the winner here, and real meat, fruits and vegetables are number one. Low-quality ingredients can have a negative impact on your pet’s health but also on your pet’s mood. Who wants a grumpy pup when you can have a cheery one?
2) Easy Digestibility
Bulldogs have more sensitive stomachs than most people realize, so this is a key factor when it comes to choosing the right food for them.
Digestibility really refers to the amount of nutrients that are absorbed into your dog’s body when they eat the food. Although most foods don’t display the info, a digestibility level of 82% or above is considered high quality.
As the info is not readily available, we looked at general health and wellness of dogs eating the food, as well as the quality and quantity of their poop. Yep – this is a good sign of how easily digestible your dog’s food is!
3) Premium Quality Protein Source
Bulldogs are not the most active of pets out there, and are prone to overeating and putting on weight fairly easily. A protein content of between 24% and 30% is a great number as it’s enough to keep them strong and muscular without adding too much excess weight.
Real meat is the best, but meat meals are also a great choice. Make sure they’re identified, though, such as fish meal or chicken meal. “Animal meal” or by-product meals are not acceptable.
4) Great Flavour Variety
Our pets have more human qualities than we tend to give them credit for, and they do sometimes get bored with eating the same flavor! They also have their own tastes so while beef flavor might be great for one, another pup might prefer chicken, and so on.
While a dog food may be high-quality, some dogs just don’t deal well with certain ingredients. Even if we aren’t completely aware of which specific thing they’re reacting to, a flavor variety is helpful for cases like this, where you can keep the high-quality product, just change the taste.
Questions & Answers
What ingredients should I be looking for in the best dog food for bulldogs?
Whole, natural ingredients are always essential if you want to choose the best dog food. Bulldogs’ stomachs can be sensitive, so it’s best to avoid grains and artificial ingredients. Real meat should always be the first ingredient, and fruits and vegetables are the best carb sources.
Grain free dog food for bulldogs is always a good idea, as grains can aggravate their stomachs.
What is a balanced diet for bulldogs?
Bulldogs are not the most active of dogs, so they need a dog food with a moderate protein count (24 – 30%), and a fat content on the lower side (15% or lower). The lower the calories, the better, to prevent weight gain.
Protein should be animal and not plant-based. Real meat or meat meal is all right, as long as the meal is named, such as chicken meal or fish meal. The carbohydrates should be natural fruits and vegetables – grain free is best.
Feeding your dog a balanced diet with the best dog food for them also depends on their individual needs and things like age, weight, and general health.
How much food does a bulldog need?
This really depends on your individual bulldog – their weight, health, and activity level – and the calorie content of the dog food that they’re eating. Most foods have a handy guide that you can follow to work out exactly how much you should be feeding your dog. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to consult your vet.
