Best Food for English Bulldogs: From Puppies to Seniors

The English Bulldog is an old breed, dating back to the 13th century where the breed was used in the sport of bull-baiting.

Today, this breed is one of the most popular for family dogs, gentle and loving to children. These dogs enjoy human interaction and are also courageous to make good watchdogs.

English Bulldogs are prone to weight gain because they are typically not very active. They also tend to have food allergies and joint problems that make getting the right food a whole lot harder.

If you have a bulldog of your own then you’ll want to get the best food that can keep him in good health.

Stay with us as we show you some of the best dog foods for English Bulldogs in the market.

Our top choice is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe. This is a high-quality formula packed with the nutritious goodness of salmon, complex carbs, and antioxidants to keep your English Bulldog healthy and without tummy troubles.

Best Food for English Bulldogs Are…

ProductDetails
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe

  • High-quality salmon protein as the first ingredient
  • LifeSource Bits to support overall health
  • Complex carbs for energy
  • Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids
  • Glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints
Check Current Price
2. Solid Gold Love At First Bark Puppy Recipe Dry Food

  • Cage-free chicken as the first ingredient
  • Whole superfoods and probiotics
  • Balanced levels of omega fatty acids
  • Gluten and grain-free formula
  • DHA fro cognitive development
  • Specially formulated for growing puppies
Check Current Price
3. Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food

  • Chicken, egg and oatmeal formula
  • No corn, wheat or soy
  • Features whole grains, fruits, and veggies
  • K9 Probiotics and prebiotic fibers
Check Current Price
4. AvoDerm Weight Support Dry Dog Food

  • Lower calories and fat content
  • Chicken meal as the first ingredient
  • Essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
  • Nutrient based superfoods
  • No preservatives, artificial colors, wheat or soy
Check Current Price
5. Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

  • Protein-rich first ingredients
  • Complex carbs with fruits and veggies
  • Grain-free and gluten-free recipes
  • Highly digestible recipes enriched with K9 probiotics
Check Current Price
6. Royal Canin Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food

  • Highly digestible proteins, fiber, and carbs
  • Enhanced with EPA and DHA
  • Exclusively designed kibble for bulldogs
  • Formula designed for adult bulldogs
Check Current Price
7. Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Recipes Dehydrated Dog Food

  • 100% human-grade pet food
  • Dehydrated and minimally processed food
  • High protein and whole foods ingredients
  • Beef, chicken and turkey recipes to choose from
  • Suitable for all life stages
Check Current Price
8. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Natural Dry Dog Food

  • Rich protein sources from bison meal and dried egg
  • Nutrient-rich veggies and fruits for vitamins, minerals, and fiber
  • L-carnitine compound for fat metabolism
  • Grain-free and gluten-free recipe
Check Current Price
9. Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food

  • Chicken as the first ingredient
  • Prebiotic fiber supports a balanced microbiome
  • Highly digestible formula
  • High content of Vitamin E and Omega-6
Check Current Price

1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe — Best Food for Olde English Bulldog

This grain-free formula is packed with delicious salmon as the first ingredient and is balanced with carbs and nutrients from high-quality ingredients to satisfy your bully’s natural cravings.

Created grain and gluten-free, this recipe is a healthy and nutritious option for pets with sensitive tummies and poultry allergies.

High-quality protein from salmon helps to develop strong bones and muscles. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids which keep his skin and coat healthy and also boost his immune system.

The recipe includes complex carbs such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas which provide long-lasting energy and keep him full for longer.

Also included is a precise blend of natural vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that offer a wide range of health benefits to support his immune and digestive system.

Specs

  • Dry kibble
  • Puppy formula
  • Small-sized Kibbles
  • Contains both EPA and DHA fatty acids

Pros

  • Features L-carnitine to help promote lean muscle mass
  • Great for bulldogs with skin and food allergies
  • Great tasting flavor for picky eaters
  • Chelated minerals optimize absorption of nutrients
  • Includes calcium and phosphorous for strong teeth and bones

Cons

  • Contains chicken by-products

This formula is great for English Bulldogs because it is formulated to address the most common digestive issues that this breed suffers from.

Overall Rating – 4.7/5

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

2. Solid Gold Love At First Bark Puppy Recipe Dry Food — Best Food for English Bulldog Puppies

If you’re looking for the best food for your English Bulldog puppy, this Solid Gold recipe is a good start.

Puppies need more calories in their diet to help them grow, so their diet should have higher fat and calorie content.

This Solid Gold recipe is specially formulated for puppies and it features nutritious and highly digestible ingredients that will give your fur baby a well-balanced diet.

It is free from grains and gluten to minimize allergies but also provides probiotics from whole superfoods like pumpkins and blueberries to support healthy digestion.

The recipe contains cage-free chicken as the first ingredient to provide the protein content for strong muscles.

Fish by-products provide DHA to help in cognitive development that makes them smarter and easier to train.

The formula also provides balanced levels of fatty acids to protect his skin and coat.

Specs

  • Cage-free chicken as the first ingredient
  • Whole superfoods and probiotics
  • Balanced levels of omega fatty acids
  • Gluten and grain-free formula
  • DHA fro cognitive development
  • Specially formulated for growing puppies

Pros

  • Round kibble design for easy eating
  • Higher fat and calorie content to support growth
  • Probiotics support good digestive health
  • Superfoods provide the essential nutrients
  • Good quality food made with natural ingredients

Cons

  • High calorie and fat content may cause excess weight

This Solid Gold recipe features high-quality natural ingredients that are easily digestible and nutrient-rich.

The formula is supplemented with probiotics and chelated minerals to help your puppy digest the food properly and absorb nutrients.

Overall Rating – 4.5/5

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

3. Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Dry Dog Food — Best food for Older English Bulldogs

As your English Bulldogs age, they become less active and are more likely to get overweight if their diet is not monitored.

They may also be suffering from food allergies and digestive problems or they may have developed problems with their joints.

In any case, it is important to meet your pup’s nutritional needs in his sunset years.

English Bullies became seniors at about 6 or 7 years of age at which point they should be transitioned into a senior’s diet.

The Diamond Naturals Senior Formula offers superior nutrition from quality chicken meat with real fruits and vegetables.

This recipe is enhanced with superfoods and probiotics to support the pup’s digestive health.

Prebiotic fiber plus soluble and insoluble fiber will give extra digestive support so that his body absorbs all the nutrients in the food.

The formula has low-fat content and includes whole grains to provide energy. This ensures that your senior lovebug keeps his weight at a healthy level and also that he feels full for longer.

Diamond Naturals has a grain-free formula for dogs that have problems digesting grains and all their formulas are gluten, corn, and soy-free.

Specs

  • Chicken, egg and oatmeal formula
  • No corn, wheat or soy
  • Features whole grains, fruits, and veggies
  • K9 Probiotics and prebiotic fibers

Pros

  • Reduced fat and calorie content for sedate dogs
  • Probiotics and prebiotics ensure good digestion
  • Glucosamine included for joint health
  • Good for seniors with sensitive tummies
  • Improves skin and coat condition

Cons

  • It has a bad smell

This formula has one of the lowest-calorie contents which is great for English Bulldogs who normally have low activity levels.

It also includes all the necessary nutrients and supplements to ensure great overall health and digestion.

Overall Rating – 4.4/5

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

4. AvoDerm Weight Support Dry Dog Food

Help your overweight furry pal lose some weight with this nutritious weight management recipe. English Bulldogs tend to add weight easily because they are a low activity breed.

Excess weight leads to poor joint health and a variety of other health issues. A low-fat diet with high protein will help him lose the extra weight while helping him maintain lean muscle mass and overall health.

The AvoDerm formula for weight management is a great recipe to get your bully to a healthy weight while providing the protein and essential nutrients he needs.

The formula has a lower crude fat content which provides the essential fatty acids needed for protecting the skin and coat.

Chicken meal is the first ingredient that provides plenty of nutritional benefits. It is an excellent source of protein needed for developing healthy muscles and glucosamine which helps to maintain healthy cartilage for their joints.

Whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal provide healthy sources of energy and provide a satisfying meal.

Specs

  • Lower calories and fat content
  • Chicken meal as the first ingredient
  • Essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
  • Nutrient based superfoods
  • No preservatives, artificial colors, wheat or soy

Pros

  • Low fat and calorie content for weight loss
  • Essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for good immunity
  • High-quality protein as the first ingredient
  • High quality and good value for money
  • Excellent for dogs with allergies

Cons

  • Includes white rice as a top ingredient

A key ingredient in this recipe is avocado which packs a huge amount of vitamins and minerals for good health, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

Overall Rating – 4.5/5

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

5. Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

This grain-free adult dog food is formulated with real buffalo meat as the first ingredient along with real fruits and vegetables to provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Taste of the Wild recipes are popular for their great-tasting formulas that will satisfy your bully’s natural craving for wild meat.

This protein-rich recipe also includes bison, roasted venison, and beef to help keep your bulldog’s muscles strong and healthy.

The formula contains sweet potatoes and legumes that provide long-lasting energy and keep him feeling full for longer.

These complex carbs also provide fiber which works with prebiotics and probiotics to support healthy digestion.

Every recipe is enriched with chelated minerals that help your bulldog absorb all the essential nutrients in this food.

The recipes are also packed with anti-oxidant rich superfoods that boost his immune system.

Specs

  • Protein-rich first ingredients
  • Complex carbs with fruits and veggies
  • Grain-free and gluten-free recipes
  • Highly digestible recipes enriched with K9 probiotics

Pros

  • High-quality variety of animal proteins
  • Complex carbs provide a healthy source of energy
  • Prebiotics and K9 probiotics support healthy digestion
  • Appetizing recipes for picky eaters

Cons

  • Sweet potatoes may cause gas in their tummies

Taste of the Wild formulas are made with real meat enriched with veggies, fruits, and legumes to make great tasting recipes that your bulldog will love.

Overall Rating – 4.7/5

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

6. Royal Canin Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food

This formula is tailor-made for purebred adult English Bulldogs. It is made with carefully selected ingredients that cater to the specific dietary needs of bulldogs.

The formula has a high crude protein content which is derived from Brewer’s Yeast and chicken by-products.

Brewer’s Yeast is a high-quality protein that provides all nine of the essential amino acids required by dogs.

It is also one of the best sources of B Vitamins which offer a wide range of health benefits to bulldogs such as supporting their nervous system and keeping their eyes, skin, and coat, healthy.

Poor digestion is a major health issue that many bulldogs suffer from so it is a big consideration when looking at the best food for them.

A good amount of fiber will help prevent this problem because it helps reduce digestive disorders that cause flatulence.

Another issue that this product will resolve is joint pain. This formula helps your bulldog maintain a healthy weight by having a low balance of healthy fats and carbs enriched with EPA and DHA supplements that promote healthy bones and joints.

Bulldogs have short and broad muzzles that need extra consideration when determining the kind of food he will eat.

The kibbles in this formula are specially designed to help your pup easily pick them up to eat.

Specs

  • Highly digestible proteins, fiber, and carbs
  • Enhanced with EPA and DHA
  • Exclusively designed kibble for bulldogs
  • Formula designed for adult bulldogs

Pros

  • Helps to reduce the causes of poor digestion and gas
  • An exclusive complex of nutrients to maintain skin and coat health
  • Kibble design helps bulldogs eat better
  • Whole grains provide added nutrition

Cons

  • The formula is not recommended for sensitive dogs

Royal Canin breed-specific formulas are specifically formulated to the specific nutritional needs of pure breeds.

This formula helps your bulldog deal with poor digestion, joints and weight maintenance, and skin issues.

Overall Rating – 4.8/5

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

7. Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Recipes Dehydrated Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen whole grain recipes are made with natural, whole-food ingredients that are dehydrated to remove moisture while preserving the nutrients and flavors.

The recipes are easy to prepare and by just adding warm water to the serving, the meals are ready to eat. 

The recipes use human-grade ingredients and are ready to serve as a complete meal or as a topper.

Each recipe includes high-quality protein from beef, chicken, or turkey sources complemented with whole grains and carbohydrates for a nutritious and complete meal.

The chicken recipe contains oats, potatoes, and barley to provide healthy sources of energy.

Flaxseed provides a high content of omega fatty acids that provide a range of health benefits beyond keeping your bulldog’s coat shiny and skin healthy.

Flaxseed also contains linolenic acid which is an essential fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to improve your dog’s immune system.

Oats contain high fiber which will help his digestive system while barley and potatoes provide healthy carbs and valuable nutrients.

Specs

  • 100% human-grade pet food
  • Dehydrated and minimally processed food
  • High protein and whole foods ingredients
  • Beef, chicken and turkey recipes to choose from
  • Suitable for all life stages

Pros

  • Dehydration process retains nutrients and flavors
  • Easily digestible and highly concentrated formula
  • Versatile serving options for wholesome nutrition
  • Organic grain provide added nutritional benefits
  • Good for sensitive dogs with digestive issues

Cons

  • It’s expensive
  • Heavy on the carbs for bulldogs

Dehydrated foods offer a healthier alternative to raw diets and kibble because it has minimal processing and the food has a higher content of nutrients.

They are dense and compact which means you can easily carry for feeding on a trip.

Overall Rating – 4.4/5

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

8. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Natural Dry Dog Food

Earthborn Holistic recipes use carefully selected ingredients to create wholesome, delicious meals.

All their recipes are nutrient and protein-rich to support your dog’s health and well being. The Great Plains Feast recipe contains bison meal as the first ingredient and egg protein.

Bison is a lean meat protein that is rich in amino acids that help in cell growth and regeneration.

These rich protein sources help to develop lean muscle mass and also provide a healthy source of energy.

This recipe includes a well-balanced ratio of omega fatty acids from flaxseed to nourish the pup’s skin and coat as well as antioxidant nutrients and minerals from fruits and veggies.

Natural fibers from these vegetables and fruits provide excellent digestive health and help in the maximum absorption of nutrients.

Also included in this recipe is the l-carnitine compound that will enable your bulldog to metabolize the fat content into energy.

This will keep his weight at healthy levels and promote weight loss in overweight dogs.

Specs

  • Rich protein sources from bison meal and dried egg
  • Nutrient-rich veggies and fruits for vitamins, minerals, and fiber
  • L-carnitine compound for fat metabolism
  • Grain-free and gluten-free recipe

Pros

  • Great for dogs with allergies and sensitive tummies
  • Great tasting flavors for picky eaters
  • Natural fibers help with good digestion and bowel movement
  • L-carnitine helps to promote healthy weight

Cons

  • Fat content may be high for English Bullies

The Earthborn brand has been around since 1926 and has been producing high-quality nutritional dog food.

They’ve also never had a recall on their dog food to date. It is an indication of the quality of their formulas.

Overall Rating – 4.6/5

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

9. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Dog Food

Food allergies and poor digestion are some of the common health issues that afflict English Bulldogs.

Loose stool and itchy skin are some of the physical indicators that your pup’s tummy doesn’t agree with the diet he is on.

Hill’s Science Diet is specially formulated for adult dogs with sensitive stomachs to give them good nutrition that is digestible and delicious.

This recipe features real chicken as the first ingredient with brewers rice and chicken meal to provide high-quality protein.

High-quality ingredients provide prebiotic fiber which helps to support healthy digestion and improve the absorption of nutrients.

The formula also includes vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to help nourish your pet’s skin and coat.

Whole grains provide a healthy source of energy and make for a satisfying meal. It contains lower fat content which helps to keep your bully’s weight healthy and antioxidants that boost his immune system.

All ingredients are natural and carefully selected for flavor and nutrition.

Specs

  • Chicken as the first ingredient
  • Prebiotic fiber supports a balanced microbiome
  • Highly digestible formula
  • High content of Vitamin E and Omega-6

Pros

  • A highly digestible formula for optimal nutrient absorption
  • Prebiotic fiber promotes probiotics to improve gastronomical health
  • Promotes and protects great skin and coat
  • Nutritious and great tasting flavor
  • Made with wholesome, quality ingredients

Cons

  • Small kibble size may be difficult for bulldogs to eat
  • It’s expensive

This formula has a wide selection of quality ingredients that complement each other in adding nutritional value to the meal. It is designed to focus mainly on good digestion and healthy skin.

Overall Rating – 4.6/5

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Best Food For English Bulldogs Buying Guide

The English Bulldog is a medium-sized breed that can weigh up to 55 lbs when fully grown. It features a thick neck with a short face that has heavy wrinkles and thick folds.

These dogs are very laid back with low activity levels and just require about 40 minutes of exercise every day. These dogs make excellent companion pets with their gentleness and dependable personality.

However, they can be somewhat high maintenance because they are predisposed to various health issues such as the ones highlighted below:

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a condition common in bulldogs which may lead to arthritis later in life. It is caused by abnormal movement of the ball inside the socket leading to a progressive loss of the joint cartilage.

A diet featuring glucosamine and chondroitin supplements will help to manage this condition.

Food Allergies

English Bulldogs are also prone to food allergies. Some of the most common symptoms include poor digestion, itchy and scaly skin, shedding, and abnormal stools.

Finding out what your dog is allergic to requires a process of elimination but, generally, it is advisable to stick to diets that have few ingredients.

Another suggestion is to get formulas that feature prebiotic fiber and probiotics, along with high digestion ingredients to reduce the chances of digestive disorders such as bloating.

Excessive Weight

Due to their low activity levels, English Bulldogs can easily put on the extra weight. For this type of dog, excess weight will put a strain on his structure which can cause arthritis and joint issues when they are older.

In this case, formulas with lower calories and fat content are preferable so that your pet can maintain a healthy weight.

Look out for formula that includes compounds such as l-carnitine which help to metabolize fat into energy and formula with low glycemic carbs.

Nutritional Tips For English Bulldogs

Most of these health problems can be resolved with a good diet that caters to their special nutritional needs.

Focus on formulas that utilize high-quality natural ingredients to create the recipes. Here are a few nutritional tips to help you pick the best formulas:

Protein

Proteins provide amino acids that boost the dog’s immunity as well as developing healthy muscle mass.

The protein content in the dog food should be high to help burn calories and fat. It will also keep him feeling full for longer thereby reducing his food intake.

Some formulas use brewers yeast which has a high content of amino acids but it shouldn’t be the first ingredient. High-quality protein from real meat or meal should be the first ingredient of any dog food. It is highly digestible and it is the primary source for amino acids.

Common animal protein sources include meat, poultry, and fish. Other sources include brewers yeast, dried egg, and meat meal.

Having meat meal such as chicken meal as the first or second ingredient is fine because it does not contain any animal by-products such as bones or feet. 

Carbohydrates

For a low active dog such as the English Bulldog, choosing the right amount of carbs is important.

Carbs are added to the diet to provide the energy required. Sources for carbs include sugars, starch, and insoluble fiber.

Commercial pet foods normally include carbs from different sources and they are one of the cheapest ingredients to put in dog food.

Simple carbs such as wheat and corn should be avoided because they are easily digested and absorbed which keeps your dog feeling hungry quickly.

They are also the top causes of food allergies and are known to cause diabetes in dogs.

Instead, look for formulas that utilize complex carbs in their recipes. These kinds of carbs such as whole grains take longer to digest which gives the dog long-lasting energy.

They also provide essential minerals and vitamins that wouldn’t be found in other ingredients such as fruits and veggies.

When your pooch consumes more carbs than what is needed in the body, the excess carbohydrates are converted into fat and stored, which in turn makes the dog overweight.

Whole grains are healthy and easily digestible but if your dog is allergic to grains, opt for recipes that include sweet potatoes and peas.

Fat

Fats are a good source of dietary energy and they provide more energy than proteins and soluble carbs for dogs.

Dogs can manufacture non-essential fats from dietary carbs but will require essential fats to be included in their diet.

Omega-3 and 6 are an example of essential fats that need to be included in the dog’s diet.

These fatty acids offer a range of health benefits such as nourishing his skin and coat. Fats also help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and also makes the food more palatable.

To prevent excess weight, pancreatitis, and heart disease, go for formulas that contain a low-fat content in the recipe.

Most commercial dog foods contain 5 to 20% crude fat while a low-fat diet would have between 8 to 12%.

Inadequate fat in the diet can lead to dry skin which may expose the pup to skin infections and hot spots.

Conclusion

All dogs are different and what works for one dog will not work for another. However, it is important to consult your vet first so that you are aware of the dietary needs of your pet.

And because they are sensitive to food, it is recommended that you change his diet gradually with a formula such as Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe to minimize digestive issues such as bloating and tummy discomfort.

This recipe contains delicious salmon as the primary ingredient. It is a high-quality protein source that does not trigger allergies.

Let us know which formula works for English Bulldog in the comments section below.

About the author

Sarah Andrews

Hi I'm Sarah, dog lover and blogger. I was born into a dog-loving family and have been a proud doggy mommy ever since I can remember. I love sharing my dog knowledge and love being an active part of the dog-loving community.