With their wrinkly faces, stocky build, and sweet personalities, English Bulldogs deserve the very best care, starting with their diet. Feeding your Bulldog well isn’t just about filling their bowl; it’s about fueling their body, supporting their health, and giving them the best chance to thrive. Bulldogs are a unique breed with specific dietary needs, so understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different food options is essential. This article will explore the best diet plans for British Bulldogs, covering everything from puppyhood to their senior years.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Bulldogs
When it comes to nutrition, most dogs, regardless of breed, have surprisingly universal needs. While size, age, activity levels and health conditions can influence how much they eat or how they respond to certain nutrients, the foundations of a healthy canine diet don’t really change. Bulldogs need a balanced diet rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Given their moderate activity levels and tendency towards obesity, it’s essential to manage their calorie intake carefully.
Dogs are classified as facultative carnivores. That means meat is their biological staple, but they can survive by scavenging and eating other food types, including some plant matter. There’s a big difference between surviving and thriving. Modern dogs may appear different from their wild ancestors, but biologically, they remain remarkably close to wolves. Their digestive systems haven’t evolved to require carbohydrates or artificial additives, yet over the years, clever marketing and the rise of convenience-led feeding have convinced many of us otherwise. However, the truth is that the more we understand what dogs are naturally designed to eat, the easier it becomes to make choices that genuinely support their health.
The Importance of Proteins, Fats, and Carbohydrates
Proteins are vital for Bulldogs to maintain healthy muscle mass. Sources like chicken, lamb, fish, beef, and eggs provide essential amino acids necessary for their well-being. Fats are crucial for energy and coat health but must be balanced to prevent obesity. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in fish oil and flaxseed support skin health and contribute to a glossy coat. Carbohydrates provide Bulldogs with the necessary energy and should come from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These also offer fiber, which is essential for their digestive health.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Hydration
A balanced Bulldog diet should include vitamins and minerals to support various body functions, including bone health, immune system strength, and metabolic processes. Bulldogs need constant access to fresh, clean water. Adequate hydration is essential for their health and helps prevent urinary tract issues.
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Bulldog Feeding Chart: Tailoring Nutrition to Life Stages
English Bulldogs have unique nutritional needs at each stage of life. Having a reliable English Bulldog feeding chart is one of the best ways to care for your furry friend.
Puppy Stage
When your Bulldog is a puppy, they’re growing at lightning speed, and their diet needs to support that. English Bulldog puppies need about 3-4 meals per day to keep their energy stable. Look for puppy-specific formulas that are high in protein and healthy fats.
Adult Stage
Once your English Bulldog is around 12 months old, it transitions to adult food. Its growth slows down, and its caloric needs decrease. Choose a high-quality dog food with moderate protein and fat content. Monitor their weight closely. Bulldogs can gain weight quickly if overfed or given too many treats.
Senior Years
As your Bulldog enters their senior years (around 7 years old), their metabolism slows down, and their activity levels often decrease. Hydration is key for older Bulldogs, so always ensure they have access to fresh water.
Types of Food: Advantages and Disadvantages
Bulldogs are a unique breed with specific dietary needs, so understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different food options is essential. With so many choices, from canned dog food and kibble to grain-free formulas and the increasingly popular raw diet, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Read also: Feeding Your British Shorthair
Raw Diet (BARF)
A raw diet, often referred to as BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), consists of raw meat, bones, vegetables, and fruits. Raw dog food is whole food served in their most natural state with no heat processing. It’s the most biologically aligned option for dogs. It delivers nutrients in their most digestible and usable forms, with no need for synthetic additives, preservatives or mystery fillers. A raw, species-appropriate diet, also referred to as BARF diet for dogs (biologically appropriate raw food diet), includes muscle meat, organ meat, bone, raw fats, and a small amount of vegetables or berries.
Contrast that with ultra-processed commercial dog food. While convenient, it’s the exact opposite of raw. The high-heat manufacturing process depletes nutrients, denatures proteins, and creates inflammatory compounds. The added carbs, synthetic vitamins, and often rancid heated fats can contribute to a long list of chronic health issues that are now on the rise - not just in dogs, but in humans too.
Is it good for Bulldogs? Raw feeding offers significant advantages in terms of nutrient absorption and overall health. For safe growth, it’s important to feed a raw puppy-specific formula. However, raw food can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, so proper handling and hygiene are crucial.
Dry Kibble
Dry kibble is one of the most popular choices for feeding Bulldogs. However, not all kibble is created equal. Most commercial dry dog foods are loaded with carbohydrates, often making up more than 50% of the recipe. Why? Because carbs like grains, legumes and starchy fillers are cheap to bulk out food, not because they benefit your dog. That’s why more and more dog owners are turning to grain-free dog food or making the transition to feeding their dogs a fresh diet.
Is it good for Bulldogs? Yes, as long as you choose a premium brand that uses high-quality ingredients and avoids fillers like corn or soy.
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Wet Food (Canned Food)
Wet food, or canned food, is a soft and moist alternative to kibble.
Is it good for Bulldogs? Wet dog food (which is commonly canned or packaged in pouches) at least contains a bit more moisture than kibble and may be easier for bulldogs to eat since they are prone to overcrowded mouths and other dental problems.
Gently Cooked
Less processed than kibble or wet food, “gently cooked” brands you can get delivered to your door still contain higher-than-necessary levels of carbohydrates. However, these brands do tend to use higher-quality ingredients than kibble and canned food companies.
Homemade
If you enjoy cooking, you might choose to make your puppy’s food yourself. However, you MUST get a recipe from a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your puppy gets all the nutrients they need to grow and thrive.
Tailoring the Diet to Specific Bulldog Needs
The best diet for your Bulldog depends on their specific needs, age, and lifestyle. Many owners find that a combination of dry kibble and wet food works well, providing the balance of nutrition and convenience.
Addressing Common Health Issues Through Diet
Bulldogs, cherished for their lovable and gentle nature, are unfortunately predisposed to various health issues. Many of these concerns can be alleviated or managed with a proper diet, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in their care. Bulldogs are particularly prone to obesity, which can exacerbate health problems like joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes. A diet controlled in calories and fats and regular exercise is crucial.
Joint issues such as hip dysplasia are common in Bulldogs. Diets enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin can support joint health and reduce inflammation. Bulldogs often suffer from skin allergies that can lead to discomfort and infection. Hypoallergenic diets, or those with limited ingredients, can help identify and avoid allergens. Diets with easily digestible proteins and the right balance of fiber can promote gut health.
Bulldogs and Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
Due to their brachycephalic nature, Bulldogs often struggle with breathing issues. Their distinct anatomy puts them at a higher risk for several digestion-related conditions. Many suffer from BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome), which not only affects breathing and temperature regulation, but can also significantly impair digestion. All these issues increase the likelihood of food sensitivities and so-called “allergies.” This makes a species-appropriate, meat-based diet even more vital. A diet that’s easy to chew and digest can reduce the risk of respiratory distress during meals.
The Role of Supplements
Some Bulldogs might benefit from supplements such as glucosamine for joint health, omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health, and probiotics for digestive health. Omega-rich oils (like coconut or fish oil) in small amounts may support skin and coat.
Feeding Practices for Bulldogs
Feeding an English Bulldog isn’t just about filling their bowl - it’s about giving them the nutrients they need to thrive.
Establishing a Feeding Schedule
Bulldogs benefit from a structured feeding schedule, usually two meals per day. Consistency is key when feeding Bulldogs.
Portion Control and Avoiding Table Scraps
Portion control is essential to prevent obesity, a common issue in Bulldogs. Feeding guidelines on bags are starting points. Many Bulldogs need less than the chart suggests. For example, a 60-lb female thrives on about 2 cups per day (split AM/PM). Watch body condition and energy levels and adjust by ¼ cup at a time.
No table scraps, no “special bites,” and try to keep crumbs off the floor. If your Bulldog never learns that your food is up for grabs, begging won’t become a habit. Random people food is a common trigger for bad breath, gas/diarrhea, and itchy skin.
Creating a Comfortable Eating Environment
Give your Bulldog a consistent, low-distraction spot outside the kitchen. Short muzzles and broad chests make posture matter. Many Bulldogs eat more comfortably with bowls raised to an appropriate height and angled to reduce neck strain-especially for seniors.
If you wouldn’t eat or drink from it, your Bulldog shouldn’t either. Dirty bowls can harbor bacteria that contribute to chin acne and tummy upset. Rinse with hot, soapy water after meals and run bowls through the dishwasher a couple of times per week.
Transitioning to a New Diet
It’s best to gradually transition your Bulldog to a new diet over a week or more. During the transition, keep an eye on your dog’s poo (yes, really), energy levels, and appetite.
We Feed Raw: A Promising Option for Bulldogs
To give your bulldog puppy the best start in life, you should start them on We Feed Raw. Our species-appropriate raw patties are nutritionally complete and balanced for dogs of all life stages, including the growth of large-breed puppies. Plus, we use a high-pressure process to inactivate potential pathogens, making our food safe.
Benefits of Raw Dog Food for Bulldogs
You may have planned to feed your puppy kibble, but studies show that raw-fed puppies are much less likely than kibble-fed puppies to develop these conditions as adults:
- Digestive issues
- Skin allergies
- Ear infections
Bulldogs of all varieties are highly prone to all of the above conditions, so starting them on a raw diet when they’re young can help set them up for more healthy years down the road. Additionally, owners of raw-fed puppies report that their dogs have:
- Stronger immune systems
- Better weight control
- Improved digestion
- Cleaner teeth
- More mealtime excitement
- Softer, healthier skin and coat
- Smaller, firmer stools
- Fewer allergies
Effective Weight Control with Raw Diet
Bulldogs are highly prone to obesity, so controlling their weight as they grow is critically important. Carbs are the biggest contributor to obesity, which is why a naturally low-carb raw diet for dogs is the best thing you can feed to your growing bulldog puppy.
Additional Considerations
Understanding Bulldog Puppy Feeding Charts
Comprehensive Bulldog Puppy Feeding Charts should be used as general guidelines for puppy owners who choose to feed their dogs kibble. Keep in mind that each kibble brand may have a slightly different puppy feeding chart, and you should follow the one on the bag more closely than the chart below.
Additionally, know that other types of food (such as raw dog food) may not be measured in cups. (We Feed Raw, for example, tells you exactly how many ounces per day to feed your puppy and how to cut the patties we deliver to you to feed the correct amount of raw food per day.)
Food Allergies in Bulldogs
Signs of food allergies in Bulldogs can include itchy skin, ear infections, chronic diarrhea, and vomiting.
Safe Human Foods for Bulldogs
Certain human foods are safe for Bulldogs in moderation, including lean meats, some vegetables, and fruits.
Foods to Avoid
Random people food is a common trigger for bad breath, gas/diarrhea, and itchy skin. While some human foods are safe for Bulldogs in moderation, many are not. Some Bulldogs can tolerate small amounts of dairy, but many are lactose intolerant. Dairy can cause gastrointestinal upset in these dogs, so avoiding or limiting dairy products is best.