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Best Dog Foods For English Bulldogs: Puppies, Adults & More

In this guide, we review the best foods for English Bulldog during each life stage. Whether you have a puppy, adult, or senior, we will hep you discover the optimal choice based on price, quality, nutritional value, and more!

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Last Updated: January 25, 2024 | 14 min read

Best Dog Food For English Bulldogs

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The English Bulldog, or just the Bulldog as some people refer to him, has been ranked as the 5th most popular dog in America by the American Kennel Club. Thanks to his distinctly adorable sourface, he is also a popular choice across the world too. He was once bred for his power and ferociousness and he was the original bull baiter. Now he is better known for his dopey playfulness and his gentle love of children.

In this guide we will provide you with all the information you need to know about English Bulldog nutrition. You’ll find out what he needs as a puppy, an adult and as a senior. While we’ve addressed the three main stages of life, there will undoubtedly come a time where he becomes a bit too porky. As a result, he will need to be placed on a diet, so we have an extra section for that too!

Our nutritional recommendations are all high-quality dry kibbles. We believe, amongst many other canine nutritionists, that this is the best nutrition for your dog. All of our recommendations are from well-known and reputable brands. Each brand adheres to the guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), who have set certain expectations for dog food regarding its nutritional content. You can be sure that your Bulldog will be getting the best nutrition that is perfectly suited to his needs.

At a Glance: Our Favorite Foods For English Bulldogs

 

Royal Canin English Bulldog Puppy Food
Our Rating

Best For Puppies

Royal Canin Bulldog

The Farmer's Dog Food Products (3 flavors)
Our Rating

Best For Adults

The Farmer’s Dog

Diamond Naturals Senior Formula
Our Rating

Best For Seniors

Diamond Naturals

Note: Clicking the above links will take you to Chewy.com, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Nutrients For Bulldog Puppies

Bulldog puppies have a lot of growing to do to reach their typical weight of 40 to 50 pounds. As such, they need around 1,500 calories per day. This means they need a kibble that is going to be slightly higher in calories and fat content. This will help support that extra growing power. However, because Bulldogs are prone to obesity, it is important to get the balance right and stick to the guidelines. Ideally, feed him across 3 meals per day to keep his energy and sugar levels consistent.

It is important to avoid ‘all life stage’ food unless you are on a budget. Puppies have different nutritional needs compared to an adult or a senior. If you aren’t meeting those needs, your puppy will miss out on the crucial nutrients during that particular life stage. Fat content is extremely important in all life stages, but even moreso in puppyhood for the extra calories. This is the most important developmental stage of your English Bulldog’s life, so be sure to feed your puppy ‘puppy formula’.

Nutrients For Adult Bulldogs

Typically, once your Bulldog reaches the age of 12 to 14 months you can switch him to adult food. Your Bulldog should now be fed two meals a day rather than three. At this stage, his blood sugar levels are easier to manage. A super active Bulldog will need around 1,500 calories per day. Less active adults will need 1,300 calories per day.  Because this breed is known for their coma-like afternoon snoozes, they tend to get lazier as they age. Bulldogs are known for chubby canine rolls, and their propensity to become overweight. Let’s not forget his stinky flatulence as well. This is why it’s critical to find the right nutritional balance. You want to keep him healthy and keep his gas to a minimum as an adult.

It is still crucial to feed your Bulldog high-quality kibble. Your adult’s calorie intake will depend on his size and activity levels. It’s almost guaranteed that he will not be as energetic as a Siberian Husky. Of course, there is not ‘one size fits all’ rule. If you are in any doubt then ask your Veterinarian. Every dog food will contain the nutritional ingredients on the package, and provide feeding guidelines as per your Bulldog’s weight. During his adult stage, it is important to look at high-quality proteins to support lean muscle. Nutrients like glucosamine can help bolster other health prone areas, like painful joints or hips. This is usually the case for purebred English Bulldogs and English Bulldog mixes, like the Beabull.

Nutrients For Senior Bulldogs

From the age of around 6 years, your Bulldog will be considered a senior. This is earlier than most other breeds because his lifespan is typically shorter. Senior Bulldogs will gradually become less active than they once were. This means you’ll want to restrict your Senior’s calories so that they don’t start rapidly gaining weight. A good target is 1,000 calories per day as an average for a senior Bulldog.

Seniors require nutrients such as extra Omega 3 fatty acids, Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Each of these nutrients help to care for his aging bones and joints. Also important are antioxidants and vitamins to strengthen his slowing immune system.  You’ll want to invest in high-quality dog food for your senior pup in order to keep him youthful and lively for as long as you can. Senior Bulldogs are definitely notorious for having less energy as they get older, unlike Pitbulls who will need more food as they age.


Best Food For English Bulldog Puppies

Food For English Bulldog Puppies
The nutritional needs for puppies are far different than adults & seniors.

In this guide, we’ve chosen high-quality kibbles that are made from natural ingredients. Each of these dry kibbles offers the best overall nutritional content as guided by the AAFCO. They are also amongst the highest rated kibbles by dog lovers across the world. You can rest assured that they are tried and tested products from reputable brands, and they are perfect for the needs of your English Bulldog puppy.


Royal Canin English Bulldog Puppy

Royal Canin English Bulldog Puppy
  • Made for dogs up to 12 months of age.
  • Made specifically for the bulldog’s muzzle.
  • Antioxidants for immune system health.
  • Wave-shaped kibble is easier to pick up.
  • Calcium boost for bones and joints.
  • 338 calories per cup.
  • 28% Protein, 15% Fat, 4% Fiber.

This high-quality kibble supports your Bulldog puppy’s healthy bone and joint development with optimum calcium and phosphorus levels.  It also contains important nutrients and ingredients to support his short and stocky body. It also has enough calories to ensure that he has the much needed growing power. The calorie count is slightly less compared to other breeds as he can easily become too chunky. Royal Canin has a high protein content. This is great for his muscles. It also has dried Beet Pulp and Pea fiber which is great for his digestive system, as well as added prebiotics to ensure that his gut health is maintained which is important for his stools and gas.

The kibble is designed with the Bulldog’s unique face and jaw shape in mind. The specific shape enables him to pick up the pieces much easier than general kibble pieces. The recipe helps to support your Bulldog’s developing natural defenses and immune system thanks to antioxidants too. Royal Canin makes several breed-specific foods, including food for boxer pups.

We love that this recipe is Bulldog specific. As such, it has the ultimate nutrient profile perfect for all Bulldog puppies. This includes balanced calcium, fat, and calorie levels.


Whole Earth Farms Puppy Formula

Whole Earth Farms Puppy
  • All-natural ingredients.
  • Fortified with vitamins and nutrients.
  • Contains no corn, wheat or soy.
  • No poultry by-products.
  • Made in the United States.
  • 392 Calories per cup.
  • 27% Protein, 15% Fat, 3.5% Fiber.

This is made with a blend of multiple protein sources such as Chicken, Chicken Meal and Chicken Fat. These are great for his muscle growth and it is also full of Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Additionally, Salmon and Salmon Oil, which is full of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. This is great for his heart and skin health. It is also packed with Peas and Apples that provide him with the antioxidants for his developing immune system, and a vast array of vitamins and minerals.

In addition to Peas, Sweet Potato is great for his much-needed fiber. It’s grain-free and includes no corn, wheat, soy, by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. You can be sure that it’s made with earth’s finest ingredients.

We love that this recipe is grain-free. It’s a perfect recipe for those Bulldogs who have a sensitive stomach or are grain intolerant.


Merrick Raw Infused Puppy Food

Merrick Backcountry Puppy
  • Freeze-dried raw-diet puppy food.
  • Deboned chicken is the first ingredient.
  • Omega fatty acids for skin & coat health.
  • Grain and gluten-free.
  • Made in the United States.
  • 385 Calories per cup.
  • 30% Protein, 12% Fat, 3.5% Fiber.

This premium kibble has one of the highest protein levels as deboned Chicken and Chicken Meal are the first 2 ingredients. This is great for his muscle mass and repair as well as his energy levels. In addition to the kibble, there are freeze -dried raw pieces. These are both tasty and pumped with nutrition, and reflects the nutritional profile that he would get on a wild diet.

Thanks to the rich protein content and other high-quality ingredients such as Salmon, Salmon Oil, Liver and Turkey it is full of Glucosamine and Chondroitin. This is optimal bone and joint health, which will aid the healthy growth of joints. It is also full of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These help to support his coat, in both health and appearance, which is particularly important if he has demodectic mange. The recipe also lists plenty of naturally sourced antioxidants in the form of Apples and Blueberries.

We love that this premium recipe is infused with raw pieces of meat. These are not only great for his protein and nutrient needs, but it is also great for fussy eaters. The Bulldog is certainly known to be a fussy pup.


Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Recipe

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Puppy
  • DHA for brain development.
  • Grain-free formula.
  • Made with real vegetables and fruit.
  • Antioxidants to boost immune health.
  • Smaller kibble size for puppies.
  • 427 Calories per cup.
  • 32% Protein, 16% Fat, 5% Fiber.

Blue Buffalo produces high-quality kibbles. They are specifically known for their high-quality premium recipes. This recipe is packed with real Beef and other red meats such as Lamb and Venison. This makes it a great alternative to the majority of Chicken recipes out there. It has DHA and ARA ingredients which are found in mothers’ milk so it is great for his natural development and eye health.

It is also full of Fish Meal, Egg products, and Flaxseed which provide him with the Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that he needs. This Blue Buffalo recipe also contains Peas, Sweet Potatoes, and Carrots which are a great source of fiber. This recipe has the highest fiber content as well. This can be helpful if your Bulldog suffers from gas. It is also full of LifeSource bits which are full of life-stage appropriate nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

We love that this recipe is poultry and grain-free. It’s great for Bulldogs who are allergic to the most common kibble protein ingredient. It also has the highest protein and fiber content on this list. This means Blue Buffalo’s puppy recipe is the best option if you have a highly energetic Bulldog.


Wellness Natural Puppy Food

Wellness Complete
  • Deboned chicken is first ingredient.
  • Contains flaxseed for skin health.
  • Omegas for skin and coat health.
  • Taurine for heart health.
  • Made in the United States.
  • 450 Calories per cup.
  • 29% Protein, 18% Fat, 4.5% Fiber.

All of the recipes on this list have a little bit of everything included. Wellness offers this complete health recipe that focuses on skin, coat, energy, digestive health, eyes, teeth, gums, and immunity so you can be sure that nothing is missed for your puppies development. It has natural sources of DHA which is great for his cognitive development. It also has optimum calcium and phosphorus levels for his bone health.

The ingredients list Chicken, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Salmon Oil, and Flaxseed which are great for his muscles, bones and coat. This is important for preventing unfavorable health conditions. It also lists Spinach and Blueberries for his antioxidant requirements. There’s a vast list of vitamins needed for his early immunity development as well. It contains no meat by-products, wheat, corn, soy, colors, flavors or preservatives.

We love that this recipe offers the highest fat and calorie content which is great for those energetic Bulldogs.


Best Food For Adult English Bulldogs

Food For English Bulldog Adults
Adult English Bulldogs usually need less calorie-dense foods.

Just like our puppy recommendations, our adult kibble picks are all AAFCO compliant.  Each brand makes food that contains high-quality food ingredients, and each food is highly rated by other dog owners.  As your English Bulldog ages, nutritional requirements will start to adjust.  Typically as puppies exit their puppy stages and enter into being adults, they will start to get less energetic and slow down a bit. This is especially common in English Bulldogs. Matching their energy levels with the right dog food for an adult is a must.


The Farmer's Dog

The Farmer's Dog Food Products (3 flavors)
  • Cooked fresh, flash-frozen, and shipped to you.
  • Personalized meal plans.
  • 4 healthy, vet-designed options: beef, chicken, turkey, or pork.
  • Made with human-grade ingredients (no fillers or preservatives).
  • Manufactured in the United States.
  • Calories and nutritional values vary based on recipe.

The Farmer’s Dog recipes are perfect for Bulldogs who require more fiber than the average kibble. With fresh vegetables in every bite, your pup’s digestive system should stay in great shape. Fiber also helps to keep your dog’s tummy feeling full longer than a ton of empty carbohydrates and fillers, something that is crucial for those droopy Bulldog eyes that are always begging for more!

Whether you choose Beef, Chicken, Turkey, or Pork, these four recipes always start with meat as the first and most prominent ingredient. And since every component is human-grade, you know your dog is getting the very best possible. Even if you cooked it yourself, you would not have the nutritional guarantee that it provides a fully balanced diet like The Farmer’s Dog’s veterinary and dietary consultants ensure.

We love that this includes fresh produce for healthy fiber content. This is essential for Bulldogs who struggle with their digestive systems and flatulence. The all-natural ingredients also ensure that your dog is getting the most nutritious food your money can buy.


Royal Canin English Bulldog Adult

Adult English Bulldog Royal Canin
  • Tailor-made for adult English Bulldogs.
  • Reinforces skin barrier with nutrients.
  • Improves gut health and stool odor.
  • Supports skin and coat health.
  • Easy to eat for brachycephalic breeds.
  • 277 Calories per cup.
  • 22% Protein, 12% Fat, 4.1% Fiber.

Royal Canin developed this recipe with the optimal blend of precise fibers and carbohydrate sources to reduce flatulence and improve his digestive system. The kibble is still that perfect shape, and it is fortified with essential nutrients and fish oil to help reinforce his skin health. This aids in the defense of wrinkle infections and demodectic mange.

We love that this recipe is specifically designed with the Bulldog in mind. It’s been created by Veterinarians and Nutritionists to achieve that perfect blend for his skin, bone joint and gas.


Merrick Raw Infused Adult Food

Merrick Great Plains Recipe
  • Freeze-dried formula.
  • Deboned beef is first ingredient.
  • Made with lamb and rabbit.
  • Higher protein count for muscle growth.
  • Made in the United States.
  • 392 Calories per cup.
  • 38% Protein, 17% Fat, 3.5% Fiber.

The first ingredient in this premium recipe is deboned Beef. After including Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Pork Meal, Lamb and Rabbit it is easy to understand why the protein content is so high. It has a fat content of 17%, which is a good source of natural fats if your Bulldog is energetic. If not, he could easily put on a bit of weight with this recipe. Beef Liver and Salmon Oil offer him his Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are great for his heart as well as his sensitive skin, along with Biotin.

Sweet Potatoes and Peas provide him fiber. They also help keep him full. Blueberries and Apples offer his antioxidants to keep his immune system operating as it should and to balance his oxidative state. Riboflavin and Thiamine are also listed which is great to maintain his eye health. In addition to the kibble pieces it also has freeze-dried raw pieces, which mirror what he would eat in the wild, so you can be sure he is getting everything he needs just as nature intended it.

We love that this premium recipe offers the highest levels of protein which is great for those Bulldogs who are energetic and extra stocky, as well as being poultry and grain-free for those with particular taste buds or intolerances.


Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain

Blue Buffalo Rocky Mountain Recipe Adults
  • Grain-free adult formula.
  • Antioxidant boost for immune health.
  • Complex carbs help keep a healthy weight.
  • No harmful additives used.
  • Free from chicken meat or any by-products.
  • 393 calories per cup.
  • 30% Protein, 15% Fat, 6% Fiber.

This premium recipe offers a higher protein content, which is great in retaining your Bulldog’s lean muscle mass. It is made with deboned Beef, Fish Meal, Beef Meal, deboned Lamb and deboned Venison, so there is plenty of meaty goodness to keep him interested and keeps his muscles strong.

It is grain-free, and therefore gluten-free. This is good for Bulldogs who suffer from sensitive stomachs or intolerances.  Including Blueberries, Carrots and Cranberries offer antioxidants to keep your Bulldog’s immune system strong.

We love that this recipe has extra added LifeSource bits which not only add flavor but are also packed full of optimum nutrients for your adult Bulldog, which keep him as healthy as he can be.


Science Diet Sensitive Stomach

Science Diet Sensitive Stomach
  • Prebiotic fiber for digestive health.
  • Made with natural ingredients.
  • Omegas acids for skin & coat health.
  • Made specifically for sensitive stomachs.
  • Hill’s is trusted by Vets.
  • 382 Calories per cup.
  • 21% Protein, 12% Fat, 4% Fiber.

This recipe is made by Veterinarians and Nutritionists who have designed the perfect recipe for adult dogs who suffer with their digestive system and sensitive skin, so it is almost perfect for the Bulldog. It is full of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as Vitamin E and Biotin which nourishes his skin from the inside out and promotes healthy hair follicles and a shiny coat. It is also made with highly digestible ingredients such as Brown Rice and dried Beet pulp that promotes a healthy gut flora which helps him to produce healthier stools and much less gas.

We love that this recipe is made specifically for sensitive skin and a sensitive digestive system, which are two of the most common health issues faced by Bulldogs.  Science Diet is one of the brands we recommend for several breeds with sensitive stomachs, which includes the mastiff.


Best Food For Senior English Bulldogs

Food For English Bulldog Seniors
Senior English Bulldogs should be monitored as they age so they don’t get overweight.

As English Bulldogs age, they become increasingly sedentary.  Matching the nutritional requirements to your senior is extremely important, as you don’t want your pup to start becoming overweight.  There’s a real chance your pup can put on some extra pounds if they start overeating and don’t get enough activity on a daily basis.  The three below will help you to meet the nutritional needs of your aging pup.


Nulo Premium Senior Formula

Nulo Senior Dog Food
  • Grain-free senior formula.
  • Contains probiotics for gut health.
  • Glucosamine & chondroitin boost.
  • Amino acids that support older metabolisms.
  • Free of chicken and egg proteins.
  • 396 Calories per cup.
  • 30% PRotein, 12% Fat, 5% Fiber.

This premium kibble is made with ingredients that mirrors his canine ancestor’s diet, and it is full of Fish and natural oils which is great for his aging bones, joints and drying skin. It has lower glycemic ingredients and fewer carbohydrates, without losing any of the flavor or nutrients. It is also packed with extra nutrients and a blend of probiotics, which is believed to be 100 times stronger than other leading strains, which is not only great for his gut and aging metabolism but his overall resilience as he ages.

We love that this recipe is grain free for those older Bulldogs with allergies or a sensitive stomach.


Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior

Rocky Mountain Senior Blue Buffalo
  • Grain-free formula.
  • Red meat is the first ingredient.
  • Made with real vegetables and fruit.
  • Taurine supports a healthy heart.
  • No corn, soy, wheat or by-products.
  • 383 Calories per cup.
  • 28% Protein, 12% Fat, 7% Fiber.

In keeping with the puppy and adult recommendations, we also recommend Blue Buffalos senior kibble, as it is still full of the high deboned Beef and Fish Meal protein that offers him plenty of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to cushion his weakening joints. It is lower in calories to reflect your senior Bulldog’s less active lifestyle, without compromising on any nutrient content or flavor. Also listed is Taurine, which is an amino acid that helps to maintain his heart’s health, which is beneficial for all senior pooches. It is poultry and grain-free which is important for those with sensitive stomachs, and the LifeSource bits are full of all the antioxidants and immune system boosting ingredients to support his overall resilience.

We love that this recipe is great for those Bulldogs who need a high-fiber content in their aging years, or those who have always been on this Rocky Mountain recipe and do not want to change their kibble because they love it so much.


Diamond Naturals Senior Formula

Diamond Naturals Senior Formula Bulldogs
  • Made with real chicken.
  • No corn, wheat or fillers.
  • Increased glucosamine for joint health.
  • Probiotics for gut health.
  • Made in the United States.
  • 318 Calories per cup.
  • 25% Protein, 11% Fat, 3% Fiber.

 

This recipe is packed full of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, and omega 3 fatty acids which all help to support his bones, joints, and healthy skin and coat, which are all essential for the aging Bulldog. His immune system is also strengthened with superfoods, such as Pumpkin, Kale and Blueberries to name a few, which provides your senior Bulldog with all the nutrients and vitamins that he needs. It is also pumped with probiotics which support a healthy gut, firmer stools and less flatulence.

We love that this recipe contains the lowest amount of calories per cup, which is great for inactive or aging Bulldog.


Favorites For Overweight English Bulldogs

Food For Overweight English Bulldogs
If your English Bulldog has put on some pudge, it’s time to start feeding him/her a low calorie food.

It is inevitable that at some point you will need to consider reducing your Bulldog’s weight, and this is quite normal for him so don’t go getting dog-mom or dog-dad guilt over it! It is important to feed him a diet that has a lower fat and calorie content, while still ensuring that he gets the protein he needs to maintain a healthy and lean body mass.


AvoDerm Weight Control Recipe

Advoderm Weight Management
  • Lower-calories for weight management.
  • Essential antioxidants for immune health.
  • Omega fatty acids for skin & coat health.
  • No corn, wheat or soy.
  • No by-product meals or artificial colors.
  • 329 Calories per cup.
  • 20% Protein, 8% Fat, 5% Fiber.

This recipe is made with Brown Rice to keep him fuller for longer. The Chicken Meal will satisfy his protein needs, as well as supporting his bones and joints. This is important if your pup is currently struggling under those extra pounds. It has an 8% fat content and 329 calories per cup, which is key to reducing his weight. This recipe is also perfect for the Bulldog as it is made with a small amount of Avocado and Avocado Oils which nourish his skin and promote a healthy coat, which is one of the main health issues he faces.


Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight

Instinct Raw Boost Healthy Weight
  • Made with raw & freeze-dried ingredients.
  • Higher protein kibble for muscle retention.
  • Grain-free formula.
  • Lower calories for weight management.
  • Made in the United States.
  • 368 Calories per cup.
  • 32% Protein, 15% Fat, 7.5% Fiber.

Instinct Raw created a recipe with freeze-dried raw bits. This covers all of his nutrient needs as well as providing extra flavor to keep him interested. You can easily trick your Bulldog into believing he is not on a diet at all! It has an 11% fat content and 368 calories per cup. It lists plenty of fibers that keep him feeling full for longer, whilst L-carnitine, a fat-burning compound, helps to maintain a healthy metabolism. In addition to this, the recipe is 100% grain free which great for Bulldogs with a sensitive stomach or grain intolerances.


Final Thoughts

So there it is, everything that you need to know about the English Bulldog and his nutrition, and the perfect recommendations for him and his unique set of needs. As the lifespan of the Bulldog is only 8 to 10 years, it is important to feed him the very best nutrition because it is one of the easiest ways to keep any pooch healthy, so by making the right choices and following our advice, you could lengthen your best friend’s lifespan!

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