This is our review of the best dog food for Bulldogs in 2024.
Bulldogs are known for their wrinkly nose, stock body, and friendly personality.
Unfortunately, this chunky breed is also known for its predisposition to several health problems. They need a moderate-protein, low-fat diet that is suitable for sensitive stomachs.
These unique dogs were some of my favorite patients when I was a veterinary technician. And now, I’ve researched the best dog foods to help your Bulldog live a long and healthy life.
I found that Wellness Simple Healthy Weight Dog Food is the best overall choice for providing Bulldogs with superior nutritional support.
But every pup has unique needs. So I’ve also reviewed the best dog food for English Bulldogs in every category.
Let’s get started.
Our Best Dog Food for Bulldogs
- Wellness Simple Healthy Weight Dog Food (Best for Adult Bulldogs)
- Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy Dog Food (Best for Bulldog Puppies)
- Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dog Food (Best for Senior Bulldogs)
- Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Dog Food (Best Budget Food for Bulldogs)
- Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Dog Food (Best Premium Food for Bulldogs)
- Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy Wet Dog Food (Best Wet Food for Bulldogs)
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Best for Bulldogs With Allergies)
- Royal Canin Bulldog Adult Dog Food (Best for Digestive Health)
- Blue Buffalo Jolly Joints Mobility Support Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Joint Health)
- Canidae Pure Healthy Weight Dog Food (Best for Weight Management)
10 Best Dog Foods for Bulldogs Reviewed
All dog foods included on this list meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.
Wellness Simple Healthy Weight Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes
- Key feature: Simple recipe that supports joint health and weight management
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 8% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 394 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion, Limited-Ingredient Diet, Weight Control, Gluten-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Chicken-Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Overall
This dog food provides a 26% protein content from a single source. Salmon is an ideal animal protein for Bulldogs because it boosts healthy fats in a low-calorie formula. A low 8% fat content also helps limit the risk of obesity in Bulldogs.
The formula features a simple recipe that eliminates common allergens such as chicken, soy, and corn. Bulldogs have sensitive stomachs and often suffer from food allergies.
A predisposition for obesity and a stocky build can put excess stress on joints in short legs. Chondroprotective ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin help manage pain in Bulldogs with joint conditions.
Your Bulldog’s sensitive stomach can also easily experience digestive upset. A 6% fiber content helps regulate your pup’s gastrointestinal tract and satisfy hunger.
Bulldog owners recommend this dog food as the best option for overweight pups with sensitive stomachs.
Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten
- Key feature: Specialized formula exclusively designed for Bulldog puppies
- Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 338 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Breed-Specific
- Life Stage: Growth
- Best for: Bulldog Puppies
Puppy nutrition is critical for the long-term health of your dog. Nutrient imbalances or deficiencies can cause chronic health conditions. And adequate protein is necessary to support growth.
The 28% crude protein content of this puppy food is higher than what most adult Bulldogs need. Puppies require more protein to provide the basic building blocks for muscle development while they grow.
This formula has a balanced calcium and phosphorus ratio for healthy skeletal development. Mineral deficiencies can cause skeletal diseases that are problematic for stocky dog breeds.
A 15% fat content provides healthy omega-fatty acids from fish oil that support healthy brain development. But the caloric content of this food is still low enough to prevent obesity.
Puppy owners appreciate the wave-shaped kibble that is designed explicitly for Bulldogs. Breeds with short muzzles can have a difficult time grasping and chewing regular kibble.
Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Barley, Split Peas, Whole Brown Rice
- Key feature: Non-GMO nutritional support for aging Bulldogs
- Guaranteed Analysis: 23% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 317 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Non-GMO
- Life Stage: Senior
- Best for: Senior Bulldogs
Older Bulldogs need additional nutritional support for their aging bodies. This dog food is a non-GMO formula that does not contain corn, wheat, or soy.
Senior Bulldogs have especially sensitive stomachs, so eliminating potential food intolerances is critical.
Real chicken provides 23% crude protein, which is adequate for elderly Bulldogs. And fiber from beet-pulp acts as a prebiotic to nourish the good bacteria in your older pup’s gut.
Concentrated antioxidants like vitamin E help protect tissue from oxidative damage associated with aging.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil also help reduce inflammation in the body.
Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin provide the building blocks of healthy cartilage to help manage joint pain caused by arthritis.
Sometimes appetites slow down in older dogs. But most Bulldog owners who feed this food report that their seniors enjoy the taste.
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat
- Key feature: Quality formula with an affordable price tag
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 2.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 368 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
- Life Stage: All Life Stages
- Best for: Budget Bulldog Food
The 26% crude protein content of this food comes from cage-free chicken. It can be challenging to find a budget dog food with real meat as the first ingredient. This lean animal protein is ideal for Bulldogs.
Real fruits and vegetables provide natural sources of antioxidants like vitamin C, which help protect tissue from oxidative stress.
Salmon oil is an excellent source of omega fatty acids to support coat health and immune function. This food has a higher fat content than some formulas, but it does not have a high-caloric content unsuitable for Bulldogs.
Sensitive Bulldogs who may react to diets that contain corn, wheat, or soy can also safely eat this dog food. Included probiotics also help boost nutrient absorption and regulate digestion with a concentration of over 80 Billion CFU.
Some picky eaters may not like the taste of this dog food. But most Bulldogs will happily eat this formula.
Solid Gold Fit & Fabulous Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Pollock, Pollock Meal, Pea Fiber, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice
- Key feature: Premium formula for breeds prone to weight gain
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 6.5% Crude Fat, 10% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 330 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Weight Control
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Premium
Fresh-caught Alaskan pollock is the first ingredient in this premium dog food. This omega-rich fish provides a lean source for the formula’s 26% protein content.
The omega fatty acids from this fish also boost overall immune health while maintaining a low 6.5% fat content.
Whole grain sources of digestible carbohydrates like pearled barley and brown rice also provide fiber and rich B vitamin sources. This formula does not contain any wheat or other common allergens.
Concentrated nutrition meets your dog’s daily nutrient requirements in a low-calorie recipe.
This food also includes live probiotics to maximize nutrient absorption. Probiotics also help minimize the risk of bloat, a digestive disorder common in deep-chested breeds like Bulldogs.
Owners who feed this dog food recommend it for Bulldogs who need a low-fat formula with a premium protein source.
Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy Wet Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Water for Processing, Chicken, Meat By-Products, Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten
- Key Feature: Highly-digestible wet food formula
- Guaranteed Analysis: 8% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 326 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Wet Food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Wet Food
The deceivingly low 8% crude protein content results from the high moisture content of wet food. Real chicken and beef still provide good protein content for Bulldogs.
Unique ingredients include organ meats like pork liver. Organ meats can provide concentrated sources of nutrients like Vitamin A.
Nutrient-rich ingredients help meet your Bulldog’s nutritional needs without causing weight gain.
Extra oils and minerals found in this food also help promote a healthy coat.
The taste and texture of wet food is generally more appealing to dogs. If your Bulldog is picky about food, wet food may be the best choice for his diet.
Be sure to slowly transition your dog from dry food to wet food to avoid digestive upset. Bulldogs and other sensitive breeds may have mild diarrhea when first introduced to a wet diet.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Pea Protein, Lamb Meal, Chickpeas, Peas
- Key feature: Limited-ingredient diet for dogs who suffer from allergies
- Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 338 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: High-Protein, Limited-Ingredient, Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Sensitive Digestion, Chicken-Free
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Bulldogs with Allergies
Limited ingredient dog foods eliminate common allergens from your pet’s diet to help manage allergic reactions.
This formula is an authentic limited-ingredient dog food. It uses only one protein source and two primary carbohydrate sources.
Lamb is the primary protein ingredient, providing 32% crude protein. Although higher in protein than other formulas, lamb is an ideal protein source to avoid common allergies in Bulldogs.
Sensitive Bulldogs will benefit from the exclusion of corn, wheat, and soy. This dog food is also grain-free. But, digestible carbohydrates from peas and chickpeas still meet your dog’s energy requirements without grain.
Most Bulldog owners experience success in managing their pet’s allergies with this food. If your pup still experiences allergic reactions to this formula, try a recipe with different ingredients.
Royal Canin Bulldog Adult Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Oat Groats, Chicken By-Product Meal, Brown Rice, Wheat Gluten
- Key feature: Breed-specific formula prioritizes the digestive health of Bulldogs
- Guaranteed Analysis: 22% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4.1% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 277 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Breed-Specific
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Bulldog Digestive Health
This breed-specific dog food features a formula designed exclusively for adult Bulldogs.
English Bulldogs are known for having susceptible digestive systems. They can also suffer from flatulence. My neighbors had a Bulldog, and he could clear a room.
A 22% protein content comes from highly-digestible forms of chicken. This recipe also features an appropriate amount of healthy fiber and high-quality carbohydrates from whole grains.
All ingredients are chosen to reduce the intestinal fermentation responsible for digestive disorders, flatulence, and stool odor. Reducing fermentation is also critical for preventing bloat.
The kibble of this formula is uniquely shaped for your Bulldog’s brachycephalic facial structure. Their flat face makes it difficult to grasp and chew food.
Bulldog owners recommend this formula for pets struggling with smelly flatulence. They also appreciate the wave-shaped kibble designed explicitly for Bulldogs. But, this formula does contain some common allergens.
Blue Buffalo Jolly Joints Mobility Support Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Barley
- Key feature: Mobility formula that provides nutritional support for joints
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 7% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 395 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, Noy Soy
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Bulldogs with Joint Problems
Bulldogs have a stocky conformation that can stress their joints and make them predisposed to arthritis. This dog food provides nutritional support for canine joints to promote mobility.
This formula includes higher concentrations of glucosamine and chondroitin. These popular chondroprotective ingredients help build the healthy cartilage needed for joint comfort. Shrimp meal acts as a natural source of these ingredients in this recipe.
Fish oil provides additional support to combat joint inflammation. This healthy fat is high in EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties.
A 26% crude protein content comes from chicken. Chicken is a lean source of animal protein ideal for dogs who may suffer from weight gain. Oatmeal and other whole-grain sources of carbohydrates also provide adequate energy without excess calories.
Weight management is critical for joint health. Extra pounds place unnecessary stress on joints.
Owners with sensitive Bulldogs prefer this joint-protection formula. Unlike other mobility foods, this formula excludes fillers, corn, wheat, and soy.
Canidae Pure Healthy Weight Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
- Key feature: Weight management formula promotes healthy weight loss
- Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 409 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, Noy Soy, Sensitive Digestion, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Weight Control, Limited-Ingredient Diet
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Overweight Bulldogs
Helping your overweight bulldog lose weight with the correct diet is vital for his overall health. And feeding a simple weight-management formula can help chunky Bulldogs shed the extra pounds while keeping their tummies happy.
Real chicken is the first ingredient in this formula, providing a 28% protein content. This dog food also contains turkey, so it is not a proper limited-ingredient diet.
But a simple recipe of 9 whole-food ingredients helps eliminate the fillers responsible for weight gain and intolerances.
A viable blend of HealthPLUS probiotics support nutrient absorption. This ensures your dog receives the nutrition he needs in a small serving size. The low-fat content is also ideal for sedentary dogs who do not need additional energy.
This dog food has a demonstrated ability to help Bulldogs lose weight. But, it can also increase the amount of bowel movements your pup has every day.
Guide to Buying Dog Food for Bulldogs
Nearly everything about your Bulldog is unique. Their stocky conformation, sensitive stomachs, and predisposition for obesity mean they need specialized nutrition to ensure they stay healthy throughout their lives.
Nutritional Needs of Bulldogs
Every dog needs a diet with a balanced ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. However, Bulldogs have some more specific macronutrient requirements.
Moderate Protein
Protein is a crucial macronutrient in canine diets. Adequate levels of protein should provide the basis for your dog’s diet. Look for formulas that feature real meat as one of the primary ingredients.
Bulldogs are not sporting dogs. So they do not need excessively high amounts of protein in their diet. Dog foods that offer a moderate amount of protein from lean animal sources are ideal.
Puppies need a minimum of 22% protein in their diet. Protein is essential in growing dogs because it provides the building blocks for muscle development.
Adult Bulldogs need a minimum of 18% protein in their diet to meet their needs. Keeping the protein below 30% can help keep energy levels lower for this energetic breed.
Look for food that contains L-Carnitine. This amino acid can help promote lean muscle development without large amounts of protein in the diet.
Low Fats
Fats are a primary source of calories and energy for dogs. Bulldogs are predisposed to obesity and can quickly pack on the pounds. Overweight dogs have an increased risk of several health ailments, so weight management in Bulldogs is critical.
The best dog foods for this breed are low-fat formulas. Look for recipes that contain 5-15% fat content. Healthy sources of fat like fish oil provide omega fatty acids that help improve overall health.
Digestible Carbohydrates
Healthy carbohydrates come from digestible sources like whole-grains, fruits, and vegetables. This macronutrient is an excellent source of energy as well, but Bulldogs do not need excessive amounts.
Refined carbohydrates can encourage weight gain and cause allergic reactions. If your Bulldog suffers from allergies, consider wheat-free formulas.
You can also choose a grain-free formula for your Bulldog. The best grain-free recipes provide adequate digestible carbohydrates from alternative sources like peas and potatoes.
Vitamins and Minerals
Any dog food you consider should meet AAFCO’s nutrient profile guidelines for dogs. Refer to these guidelines to determine your dog’s daily requirements of vitamins and minerals.
Some vitamins can act as antioxidants to help protect tissue from oxidative stress and support the immune system. And essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus play a critical role in skeletal development.
Deficiencies in your dog’s diet can have a significant impact on a puppy. Growing dogs that do not receive the recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals can suffer from developmental disorders.
How Much Food Should You Feed Bulldogs?
This breed generally weighs around 40-50 pounds when mature. The average bulldog needs about 1145 calories per day to meet his needs. But this amount will vary depending on age and activity level.
An active Bulldog will need around 1300 calories per day to support his lifestyle. When dogs age, they slow down and require fewer calories. Senior Bulldogs should eat about 940 calories per day to limit weight gain.
Puppies need higher concentrations of calories in puppy chow to support their growth. But the amount you feed a growing dog will change as he ages.
Here is a chart with examples of how much food you may feed a Bulldog throughout their life.
| Bulldog Age | Cups of Food per Day |
|---|---|
| 2 Months | 2 ½ |
| 3 Months | 2 ¾ |
| 4 Months – 6 Months | 3 |
| 7 Months – 11 Months | 3 ¼ |
| 12 Months – Adult | 3 ½ |
| Senior | 3 |
How Often Should You Feed Bulldogs?
Bulldogs generally have very poor self-control when it comes to food. I’m sure a few of us can relate.
It’s vital to split your dog’s daily ration into multiple meals to reduce how much he eats in one meal. If your Bulldog overeats too quickly, he can suffer from bloat.
Bloat is a dangerous condition that involves the expansion of your dog’s stomach. To reduce the risks of bloat, split your Bulldog’s into multiple meals per day. Adults should eat two meals per day, while Puppies should eat at least three meals.
Health Issues and How Diet Can Help
Unfortunately, Bulldogs have a shorter life expectancy than other breeds. While some small dogs can live up to 15 years, Bulldogs may only reach the age of 8-10.
Providing proper nutrition to manage common health ailments can help your pup live a full life.
Weight Management
I met a lot of overweight Bulldogs in the clinic I worked at as a vet tech. This stocky breed can quickly accumulate extra pounds when they eat an improper diet.
Obesity also contributes to the development of several other common health problems. Helping your Bulldog lose weight with an appropriate diet is the first step toward improving his overall wellbeing.
Choose a healthy-weight formula with a low caloric content and low fat to encourage weight loss.
Bone and Joint Health
The Bulldog’s stocky build and short limbs make this breed predisposed to a variety of joint problems.
Hip dysplasia is a common disorder in bulldogs that involves the malformation of the hip joint. This condition can develop when growing dogs do not consume enough calcium and phosphorus.
Managing your dog’s weight can also help limit his risk of developing joint issues. Extra weight places additional stress on your dog’s joints and can cause arthritis.
Look for formulas that include glucosamine to help manage joint discomfort. This ingredient provides building blocks for healthy joint cartilage.
Eye Problems
Bulldogs have droopy eyes that can suffer from a variety of problems. Eye conditions are serious, and limited vision can have a severe impact on your pup’s quality of life.
Cherry eyes are the most common eye problem in young Bulldogs. This condition involves a prolapsed gland on the third eyelid.
You can identify this condition by irritated fleshy tissue in the inside corner of the eye. Go to your vet if you suspect your Bully has a cherry eye.
Ingredients rich in vitamin A and omega fatty acids can help protect vision and eye health. Look for formulas that feature organ meat and fish oil as ingredients.
Digestion and Bloating
There’s no polite way to say it; Bulldogs have exceptionally smelly flatulence. Choosing a dog food that promotes digestive regularity with probiotics and healthy fibers can help reduce gassiness.
Bulldogs are also susceptible to Bloat. Bloat is a serious digestive condition that impacts deep-chested dogs. The situation occurs when your puppy’s stomach enlarges due to excess food or gas.
An enlarged stomach can twist and cause gastric torsion. And this torsion can be fatal when it cuts off blood supply.
The best kibble encourages your Bully to eat slowly. And be sure to split his food into multiple meals per day. Probiotics can also help prevent gas buildup by regulating digestion.
Allergies
This breed has a sensitive stomach and often suffers from food allergies. Allergic reactions occur when your dog’s immune system attacks itself after identifying an allergen.
There is no cure for allergies. But feeding a limited-ingredient diet can protect your pup from exposure to common allergens.
Choose a dog food with a simple recipe and single protein source. Bulldogs with allergies can also benefit from formulas that do not include corn, soy, gluten, or other common allergens.
Our Verdict
Bulldogs suffer from a lot of health risks.
But managing their weight with an appropriate diet for sensitive dogs can help this breed enjoy a full lifespan.
Wellness Simple Healthy Weight Dog Food is the best overall low-fat, limited-ingredient dog food for Bulldogs.
We may not deserve their wrinkly faces and adorable personalities. But all Bulldogs deserve nutrition that will help keep them healthy.
Work with your veterinarian to create the best diet for your stocky four-legged friend.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about feeding Bulldogs.
Is a grain-free diet good for bulldogs?
Bulldogs can thrive on both grain-inclusive and grain-free diets. Grain-free diets can help manage food allergies and reduce the risk of bloat. Just be sure that the formula you feed contains adequate amounts of digestible carbohydrates and taurine for heart health.
What foods are common allergens for bulldogs?
Proteins cause most typical food allergies in Bulldogs. Common food allergens include dairy, chicken, eggs, wheat, soy, and gluten.
