Best dog foods for American Bulldogs – According to Wikipedia, “the American Bulldog is a large breed of utility dogs descended from the now-extinct Old English Bulldog.” In some places, they are also known as White English Southern Bulldog or just bulldog. It is assumed that the name bulldog is not only a reference to its stocky built but also to the nature of work its ancestors engaged in. Within the American cultural system, they appear as more than dogs, often representing patriotic American courage and strength.
On physiology, American bulldogs can vary in appearance. They often have large heads, are heavily built, have an athletic look, and are significantly taller than the English bulldog. The types include the classic or bully type, and the standard or performance type. American Bulldogs nowadays are known as working or active dogs and are mainly kept as family companions.
These series of newly assigned duties seems a stretch for them as they have been often used in guarding livestock, and as hunting dogs in the past. Typically, this breed of dogs are friendly, jovial and playful creatures. They perfectly blend into family systems being the perfect pet dogs when showered with care and attention.
However, subjecting them to obedience and territorial trainings and allowing them socialize is very important as they are prone to aggressive reactions and triggered fear towards things or people they are not familiar with. In addition, this breed of dogs do not fare well with separation or long hours of zero activity. They should be given free spaces like a big fenced yards where they can roam and play. Walking them from time to time or taking them along while jogging or running can be beneficial to them too.
On nutrition, American Bulldog generally have high energy requirements due to their physical preoccupations, however the needed amount of energy may vary depending on the extent of physical exertion. An American bulldog that is averagely active will require 1900 calories daily, while another that is extremely active will need 2700 calories per day. The level of protein and calories needed by American bulldog may be influenced by certain factors like:
- Life stage
- Health condition/Issues
- Level of physical engagement
- Other health factors like neutering and spaying
In addition, American bulldogs need other essential nutrients in addition to protein and calories, nutrients like omega fatty acids (for maintaining skin and coat quality), vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants and probiotics. They need more of protein and fats though, in order to maintain the muscle mass and provide energy needed for physical activities, and less of calories.
This is because this breed of dogs easily get overweight and so their carbs intake should be seriously monitored. To further combat the issue of overweight common among bulldogs, they can be placed on veterinarian-prescribed diets.
Feeding American Bulldog Puppies
American bulldog puppy are naturally healthy (with a life span of 10 to 15 years) and lively, and this dispositions is even more conspicuous as puppies. As puppies, from weaning to 14 months they should be placed on wholesome large breed puppy food.
This is because they have high growth rates and so feeding them foods other than large breed dog foods might lead to growth and mental retardation. But large breed dog food promotes slow-paced and continuous growth and development. Also, they are heavy eaters and their high energy requirements should be considered when choosing food brands and food types.
Furthermore, American bulldog puppies should not be placed on calcium supplements or fed foods containing calcium until after 12 months, when they transition to adult dog foods. Under 4 months, puppies need more food than adults and so should be fed twice as they would be fed as adults (i.e. three to four times of regulated cup portions a day). And as they get older, this ration should be slightly reduced.
As greedy eaters, bulldogs should never be left to free-feed. Regulation is important while feeding bulldogs, because they are greedy and are always hungry. Also, bulldogs cannot self-regulate with regards to feeding routine like other dogs.
Your search for the right dog food brand and dog food type that offer all the right nutrients (in their required proportions) your bulldog needs is made easier with this list of the best dog foods for American Bulldogs. They include:
For Puppy Bulldogs
1. Pedigree Puppy Growth And Protection Chicken And Vegetable Dry Dog Recipe
Just as the name states, Pedigree Puppy Growth and Protection Chicken and Vegetable dry dog food formula is a complete meal specially crafted by experienced veterinarians and nutritionists to meet your puppy bulldog’s all-round nutrition and rapid growth needs, seeing that it mimics the nutritional profile of breast milk. With chicken by-product meal as its base protein source, it also contains nutrients like phosphorus and calcium, DHA, omega fatty acids, Vitamin E and dietary fibers, that guarantee the growth and sustenance of strong bones, teeth and sound brain, promote digestive functions, and strengthen the immune system of your puppy.
Though a whole-grain recipe, it is made entirely with natural ingredients and does not contain low quality fillers, common allergenic ingredients (like sugar, fructose corn syrup), preservatives, colours, and other additives. It comes in the shape of small chewable kibble bits which promotes good oral health. In addition, it is very palatable and so is a great choice for picky eaters.
This wholesome puppy recipe is a first-class choice and is slightly affordable. It comes available in 3.5, 16.3 and 36 pounds bags.
2. Orijen Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
With a world-class reputation in formulating premium pet formulas, the Orijen Dry Puppy formula does not fall below expectation. With a dense protein profile featuring six animal sources that include: free-fed turkey and chicken, wild-caught herring, mackerel and flounder, and cage-free eggs. It also includes a host of locally sourced and sustained ingredients rich in nutrients like vitamins and minerals, essential fats, antioxidants, fibers, and probiotics. This grain-free recipe is biologically perfect for bulldog puppies and supplies the needed natural nutrients that nourish, nurture, and promote general growth and development. With a nutrient profile similar to that of pre-evolution wild dogs, it is made up of 85% meat, 15% vegetables, and 0% grains.
Furthermore, it is formulated without plant-based proteins, artificial fillers, antibiotics, preservatives, flavours and colours. Also, it offers nutritional diversity that is guaranteed to keep your hound in optimal health and a steady thriving state. Though slightly expensive than most food choices on this list, this protein-rich recipe offers an exceptional nutritional value to match its high cost. This recipe is intended for puppies, pregnant and lactating mothers.
However, its multi-sourced protein list makes it unsuitable for dogs with food allergies and gastrointestinal problems. It comes available in 340 gram, 2kg, 6kg, and 11.4 kg sizes.
3. Taste Of The Wild Prairie Puppy Formula
Duly formulated with the nutritional needs of your growing puppy in mind,Taste of the Wild Prairie Puppy formula comes packed with novel protein and all natural and sustainable ingredients. The protein-rich formula has buffalo as its base protein, along with roasted venison, bison, and beef. This protein mix guarantees a steady supply of energy needed for daily activities, for the growth of lean muscles, and for cell repairs. In addition, this wholesome formula contains starchy carbohydrates and dietary fibers like potatoes and green peas that aid bowel movement and speed up the digestion and breakdown of food to release energy. The presence of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants offer prebiotic support, improve coat and skin quality, and support overall growth functions.
Specially crafted to taste like the meals of ancestral dogs, this holistic and tasty dry food is a popular choice for picky eaters. Also, it is grain-free and gluten-free, and without artificial colours, fillers, and preservatives. This high-quality formula has a slightly above average protein and fats concentration of 28% and 17% respectively, and is perfect for puppies, pregnant and lactating dogs of the bulldog breed.
However, its multi protein sources and inclusion of protein by-products makes it unsuitable for dogs with food sensitivities and intolerances. Nevertheless, it is an expensive option that is totally worth it, and comes available in 5, 14 and 28 pounds sizes.
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Puppy Food
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain dry food recipe for puppies replicates the meal pattern of carnivorous dogs from the past, but with a more sophisticated touch. This formula contains plant-based meat sources like deboned beef, venison, and lamb. There is also the inclusion of the ever-popular LifeSource Bits, a rich mixture of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. These exclusive bits regulate oxidative balance, promote immune health, and support growth and development activities. Shaped in exclusive chewable bits, it makes feeding easier and promotes good oral health.
With its much defined emphasis on real protein, it is grain-free and is crafted without chicken by-products meals and other low-quality protein sources. Also, it is free of allergens, artificial colour, fillers and preservatives. This high-protein formula is highly noted for its strong appeal and palatability, so your puppy is in for a sensational rollercoaster ride.
Though not a budget-friendly option, this holistic recipe is packed with essential nutrients and cold-formed to retain nutrients and ensure a longer shelf-life. It is an expensive option and comes available in 4 and 22 pounds sizes.
5. Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy
Just like its adult variant, the Royal Canin Bulldog puppy recipe is uniquely crafted for puppies from 2 to 12 months. At its base, it has chicken by-product as its main protein source and a rich composition of other essential nutrients like essential fats, vitamins and minerals, fibers, prebiotics, and antioxidants. These core nutrients aid the growth and development of strong muscles and cognitive faculties, strengthen your puppy’s immune defenses, promote good skin and coat health, aid the growth of teeth, bones and flexible joints, help with swift digestion and absorption, and guarantee overall good health. With an insoluble fiber consistency, it improves stool odour and colour.
This kibble brand comes in exclusive chewable sizes that encourage chewing and are shaped to fit the mouth size of puppies. On composition, this recipe consists of 28% protein, 15% fat, 4% dietary fiber, 1.15% calcium, 0.96% phosphorus, and 420 kg vitamin E.
On the other hand, this recipe contains low-quality chicken by-products and so might not be perfect for puppies with sensitive stomach. Regardless, Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy recipe is a budget-buy that averagely meets the nutritional requirements of your puppy. It comes available in 6 and 30 pounds sizes.
Feeding Adult American Bulldog
Adult American bulldogs are the opposite of picky eaters, and would eat anything edible they lay their paws on. This voracious appetite makes them prone to obesity and other health conditions related to being overweight. Unlike American bulldog puppies, the adults should be fed fewer times with larger portions. The portion size however is determined by the dog’s musculature and physical activities.
Adult American bulldogs are low maintenance and averagely weigh between 70 to 120 pounds when fully grown and so need to be fed sizeable portions of whole and nutritional foods containing all the right nutrients.
6. Royal Canin Bulldog Adult Breed Specific Dog Food
Royal Canin Bulldog adult breed is an affordable and high-quality recipe specially formulated for purebred adult bulldogs, especially from 12 months upwards. With regards to composition, it contains highly digestible meat proteins sourced from pork, chicken and chicken fat, and a host of other nutrients. It contains dietary fibers like dried beet pulp, which promote optimal digestive health and aid quicker digestion. Also, the presence of EPA, DHA, and other nutrients aid the maintenance and improvement of a glossy coat and healthy skin, and promote the growth stronger bones to support their bulky frame. This wholesome kibble dog food comes in wave-shaped chewable pieces that are easily digestible.
In addition, its rich composition of premium-quality carbohydrates, dietary fibers and probiotics add to its appeal as it regulates stool odour and reduces gas in dogs. This dog food variant is economical and comes available in 6, 17, and 30 pounds bags.
However, this recipe is grain-inclusive and contains chicken by products. The addition of grains and nutritionally- controversial chicken by products lowers its quality and makes it unsuitable for dogs with food allergies and sensitive stomachs.
7. Instinct Variety Raw Boost
This popular raw boost wholesome recipe from Nature’s Variety contains a highly-nutritious blend of protein-rich kibble bits and freeze-dried pieces of raw grass-fed venison. This grain-free and high-protein recipe has a novel protein type as its main protein source, and is saturated with probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and omega fatty acids. It is barely processed and is an ideal choice for American bulldog puppies.
Made with the finest natural ingredients, it promotes optimal digestive and immune health, improves cognitive functions, and aids the growth of strong teeth, bones, and flexible joints. With its rich composition of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, it guarantees a sustained healthy skin and beautiful coat for your puppy.
On price, this product is very expensive but offers a nutritional value that is worth every penny spent. It is formulated without the addition of allergens like grains and gluten, potatoes, flavours, preservatives and fillers. And this attribute makes it ideal for American bulldogs with sensitive stomachs. This high-protein formula meets the dietary requirements of your dog’s physical engagements and repair functions.
8. Purina One Smart Blend True Instinct With Real Salmon And Tuna Adult Dry Food
This first-grade dry dog food formula from Purina comes packed with the finest fresh ingredients, with real salmon and tuna being its base protein sources. With a dense 30% protein proportion and meaty morsels two times what the chicken and lamb variant offers, it is an investment that is guaranteed to meet your American bulldog’s high protein requirements. In addition, it is infused with a smart blend of essential fatty acids, probiotics, dietary fibers, minerals and vitamins, and antioxidants. These nutrients in turn support your hound’s biological and maintenance functions.
This economical dog food can be fed as dry kibble or a bit moistened with water or goat milk. Purina One Smart Blend is a whole and complete dog recipe specially crafted without poultry by-product meal, potato, grains, fillers, artificial colours, and preservatives. This attribute makes it an ideal choice for bulldogs with sensitive stomachs.
In addition, it is a budget-friendly choice and comes available in 7.4, 15, 27.5, and 36 pounds.
9. Merrick Grain Free Real Lamb And Potatoes Dry Dog Food
Merrick Grain Free Real Lamb and Potato is one out of twelve dry food formulas for adult dogs in the grain free product line. This premium dog food for adult bulldogs is specifically crafted with the best trusted locally sourced natural ingredients. With its five incredible ingredient that include: lamb meal, deboned lamb, potatoes, sweet potatoes and peas. In general, 55% of this food consists of protein sources and essential fats that support the formation of strong muscles, steady energy supply for life functions, and the maintenance of a healthy skin and coat health, while the remaining 45% contains antioxidant-filled fruits and vegetables, dietary fibers, minerals and other beneficial nutrients. With high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, your adult bulldog is totally safe from bone and joint health complications.
With regards to its unique nutrients list, it is easily digestible and is made without grains, gluten, poultry by-products, artificial preservatives and fillers. This recipe is ideal for dogs that are allergic to poultry products and dogs with gastrointestinal issues.
In conclusion, it offers balanced and complete nutrition, and is a fairly affordable option. It comes available in 4, 10, 12 and 22 pounds sizes.
10. Diamond Naturals Grain Free White Fish And Sweet Potato Recipe
This uniquely crafted grain free recipe from Diamond Naturals contains high-quality animal-based proteins, fruits and vegetables, minerals, fibrous materials, and antioxidants. With protein and fat levels of 24.0% and 14.0%, it presents impressive amino acids level that meets your hound’s daily energy and muscular growth needs. In addition, the presence of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, selenium and vitamin E promotes healthy skin and coat health, supports healthy digestive and immune systems, and improves overall wellbeing.
Diamond Natural’s zero grain and gluten dietary profile makes it ideal for dogs with dog allergies and sensitive stomachs. In addition, it does not contain fillers, artificial preservatives, flavours and colours. In general, it is formulated with natural healthy products that meet your dog’s nutritional needs and is easily digestible. This holistic kibble dog food is very affordable and comes available in 5, 14, and 28 pounds sizes.
11. Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food
This premium grain-free dry dog food comes in a wide range of flavours, like Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream, Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Canine, Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Canine, Taste of the Wild Wetlands Canine, Taste of the Wild Pine Forest, and the more nutritious Taste of the Wild High Prairie dry food. This wholesome recipe has roasted bison and venison as its main meat-based protein sources. In addition it contains sweet peas, potatoes, and a healthy mixture of essential fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, selenium, proprietary probiotics, zinc, vitamin E, etc.
With a minimum protein, fats and fiber composition of 32%, 18% and 4% respectively, it meets the high dietary requirements your adult hounds needs to sustain and to thrive. In addition, it is highly digestible and is made outstanding by its high palatability. Rich with omega fatty acids and antioxidants, it generously improves coat and skin health, and ensures seamless digestion and subsequent assimilation by the body. This high-quality recipe meets AAFCO nutritional standards and comes available in 5, 24, and 28 pounds bags.
12. Fromm Beef Frittata Dog Food
Fromm Beef Frittata dry dog food is a modest option that gets the bulk of its protein from a blend of beef, beef broth, dried egg product, pork meat meal, and chicken liver. In addition, it contains a wholesome blend of sweet potatoes, potatoes, flaxseed, lentils, cheese, fruits and vegetables packed with antioxidants, and Fromm blend of proprietary probiotics.
This grain-free recipe is a well-balanced and complete meal with protein, fat and fiber levels of 30%, 18% and 6.5 respectively. Also, it meets the nutritional standards of the AAFCO and meets series of advanced food safety tests, and is easily digested and used by your dog’s system. However, it contains staple protein and poultry products and so might not be perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs and gastrointestinal issues. This feature earns it a 4-stars rating. It is an economical choice and comes available in 4, 12 and 26 pounds sizes.
13. Rachael Ray Nutrish Dry Dog Food
Though seemingly modest, this dry food option for bulldogs is a premium limited ingredient formula that contains lamb meal as its main protein source and number one ingredient. Like the name implies, it is formulated with only six wholesome ingredients that include lamb meal, ground rice, brown rice, chicken fat, beet pulp, and natural chicken flavour.
Lamb meal is an ideal protein choice marked by its easily digestible feature and additional nutrients like vitamins B, amino acids (chondroitin and glucosamine) and chelated minerals. In turn, they promote strong bones and healthy joints. Its impressive ingredients list supplies your bulldog with the needed level of energy it needs for daily activities, promotes a healthy digestive and immune health, and supports the growth and nourishment of a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Due to its limited ingredients and easily-digestible feature, this inexpensive dry kibble formula is ideal for dogs with food allergies and sensitive stomachs. Also, it is made without grains, gluten, poultry by-products, low-quality fillers, flavours and other synthetic additives.
Inspired by Racheal’s culinary philosophy, this recipe is ideal for adult bulldogs. It comes available in 6, 14, 28 pounds sizes.
ALSO SEE: 15 Best Dog Foods For Active Dogs
Feeding Bulldogs-Guidelines And Measurements
American bulldogs are not like most dogs as they have a higher tendency of being overweight, and are likely to suffer elbow or hip dysplasia, bone cancer, cherry eye, etc. This fact about them makes portion control and guidelines while feeding them very important.
From 0 to 4 months
During this stage, they should be feed dog foods that are specially formulated for large breed puppies. They need to be fed more too, smaller portions up to four or five times a day. The recommended total food quantity should be from 231 to 371 grams daily.
From 4 to 7 months
Still puppies with growing needs, they need to be fed slightly bigger portions for lesser times. Portion control is very necessary at this point so as to checkmate obesity and other associated weight issues. At this point they should be fed 2 to 3 times daily, with a food volume of 371 to 446 daily.
7 to 12 months
At this stage your puppy is likely to be more physically active, and this might lead to a slight decrease in body weight. They need to be feed twice a day in order to maintain a healthy body size. The portion should be slightly bigger than what they were once fed at 4 to 7 months. In general, they need 282 to 941 grams daily. However, this is dependent on the level of physical engagement and the weight of the dog.
Allergies
American bulldogs are strong, perhaps one of the strongest dog breeds in the world but this attribute still does not make them unsusceptible to food allergies and other related gastrointestinal complications. Here is a list of some food-related allergies that are common among American Bulldogs:
- Carb allergy (mostly triggered by potatoes)
- Chicken allergy
- Grain allergy
- Beef allergy
- Soy allergy
Essential Nutrients Needed By American Bulldogs
American bulldogs like other active or working dog breeds need nutrients to function and to grow. This however does not mean that they should be fed any dog food you randomly pick at the pet food mart. They need foods with particularly high protein and fats levels. To ensure that the chosen dog food choice remits the necessary nutrients that meet the dietary requirements, bulldogs can be placed on breed-formulated recipes. For every choice, it is necessary that they contain these essential nutrients and in their right proportion.
Fats
Hounds of the American bulldog breed have varying fats requirements depending on life stage. On an average, adult American bulldogs need 5 to 6 percent fat content in their food, while pregnant mothers and puppies of the same breed need 8 to 9 percent. It is important then to settle for foods with high fat levels. Fat as a food component also increases the food palatability, aids nervous health, and improves joint flexibility.
On the other hand, it is crucial to remember that American bulldogs have a tendency to become obese or develop health conditions related to digestion. So it is advised that dog owners practice portion regulation while feeding them, and encourage more physical activity. Some essential fatty acids your hound needs are omega 3 fatty acid, omega 6 acid, and linoleic acid.
Protein
American bulldogs are athletic and very active by nature. This personality trait leads to higher energy exertion and the need for higher protein levels in foods consumed. To guarantee their optimum performance, feed them premium recipes with novel meat sources, either grain inclusive or grain-free. According to the AAFCO, they need 20 to 32 percent protein level daily depending on size and stage in order to function well. Protein as essential macro nutrients aid repair functions and enzymatic activities, and also improve the immune system. Therefore, your hound needs wholesome and balanced foods that will supply them with the 10 amino acid variants their bodies cannot produce.
Carbohydrates
While considering carbohydrate levels, dog recipes containing starchy and complex carbohydrates should be prioritized. In addition to supplying sugar and starch needed for physical and mental activities, they also promote metabolism and improve the overall digestive health of bulldogs. Also, complex carbohydrates aid the regulation of glucose in the blood stream and prevent sugar rushes. The two main sources of carbohydrates in dog foods are vegetables and grains.
Fibers
In as much as most starchy carbohydrates contain fibrous materials, it is still required that bulldogs are feed materials containing viable amounts of fiber, either in its soluble or insoluble form. Both fiber forms are beneficial to the internal system of your hound. Whereas soluble fibers aid slower rate of metabolism, insoluble fibers (often gotten from cellulose) speed up the process of digestion, and both come in handy depending on the digestive situation. Overweight bulldogs can be fed meals containing insoluble fibers. This will help to curb excess weight as it speeds up the rate of digestion and absorption. Some of this dietary fibers include inulin, beet pulp, chicory, etc. They are also known as prebiotics.
Vitamins And Minerals
Vitamins and minerals perform crucial roles and so should be compulsorily contained in your choice of food. These essential nutrients are actively involved in series of chemical reactions, and promotes the growth of strong bones and general wellbeing. In addition, there is no requirement for vitamin C because their bodies produce it.
Some Ingredients To Avoid
Dogs are omnivores but they do not eat everything humans eat. This is because their digestive tracts are structured differently than that of humans and so are more sensitive than that of humans. For some it is highly advised that you do not feed them with these listed food items or foods containing any of them. While for others, they can be consumed but in minuscule quantities.
Onions-onions are not easily digestible by dogs, and this attribute adds them to the list of food items that should be avoided. In addition, they contain chemical substances that can cause anaemia in dogs when consumed.
Alcohol– alcohol is a no-no for dogs. Allowing dogs consume alcohol can lead to kidney diseases.
Chocolate –chocolate is top on the list of dangerous food sources. They contain stimulants like caffeine and theobromine that are nutritionally detrimental to dogs. Feeding them chocolate or foods containing chocolate can cause vomiting, seizures, heart complications, and diarrhoea.
Fruits like cherries, apples, and plums-extra care should be taken while feeding dogs these fruits. It is not really that they are dangerous to dogs, but their seeds contain chemicals that are. Otherwise fruits are beneficial to dogs because of their antioxidant properties.
Yeast dough– yeast dough is bad for dogs. When consumed by dogs, it can cause bloating problems making it extremely difficult for dogs to breathe.
Nutmeg– nutmeg like most spice contain chemical substances that can induce spasms and seizures in dogs.
