Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs
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What’s the best dog food for English Bulldogs?
English Bulldogs can suffer from sensitive stomachs so may benefit from a limited ingredient diet. Look for dog foods that have a simple ingredient list with high-quality protein sources and easily digestible carbohydrates.
This dog breed requires a moderate amount of high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and overall health so choose a food where the number one ingredient is a named meat protein source like chicken, beef, or fish.
English Bulldogs are prone to obesity, so it’s important to choose a dog food with a controlled fat content to prevent weight gain. Aim for a moderate fat content that provides energy without excess calories.
As they can have sensitive digestive systems, select dog foods with easily digestible ingredients such as rice, oatmeal, or sweet potatoes. Avoid dog foods with excessive fillers or artificial additives.
English Bulldogs are also susceptible to joint issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia so foods that contain joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health are a must.
As English Bulldogs have a brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, eating and breathing can be a challenge. Choose a dog food with smaller kibble size or consider wet or moistened dog food to make it easier for them to eat and swallow.
Some English Bulldogs may have food allergies or sensitivities. If your Bulldog displays signs of a food allergy, such as itching, gastrointestinal upset, or skin issues, consider a limited ingredient or hypoallergenic dog food under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Below you can find a list of the best dog foods for English Bulldogs, recommended by our team of researchers, pet nutritionists and veterinarians.
Our Top Recommendations
On this page…
We’ll share The Dog Food Advisor’s safest and most recommended brands… each optimized for the age of your particular English Bulldog.
We’ll also answer the most frequently asked questions we get about this breed.
Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs April 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for English Bulldogs for April 2024.
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1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh
Fresh Pork is one of 4 fresh recipes rated in our review of the The Farmer’s Dog product line.
This Farmers Dog Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from fresh pork. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients USDA Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
"Our 14 year old could hardly get up and walk due to so much pain in her hips, after eating this food she’s now running again! I was hoping it would help her but I wasn’t expecting that big of an improvement. Good food reduced her inflammation. You truly are what you eat."
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2. Redbarn Grain-Free Dog Food
Redbarn Ocean recipe is one of 3 dry recipes covered in our review of the Redbarn product line.
Redbarn Grain-Free Dry Dog Food draws most of its animal protein from salmon and trout. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 18% fat and 42% estimated carbs…yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 55%.
Read our review of the full Redbarn Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Salmon, trout, salmon meal, ocean fish meal, menhaden fish meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
"I have tried countless dog foods. My dog has a sensitive stomach but after switching to Redbarn he has no more problems!! 10/10"
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3. Open Farm Pastured-Raised Lamb Recipe
Open Farm Lamb is one of 21 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Open Farm Pet product line.
This Open Farm recipe draws a better part of its animal protein from fresh lamb. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 16% fat and 43% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Lamb, chickpeas, ocean whitefish meal, peas, herring meal Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and small/medium breed puppies Sample buyer review...
"Dogs love the food. I love that they are eating more nutrient rich food."
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4. Jinx Chicken and Brown Rice Dog Food
Chicken, Brown Rice, and Sweet Potato is one of 5 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Jinx product line.
This Jinx recipe acquired most of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
Read our review of the full Jinx Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Organic Chicken, chicken meal, pearled barley, ground peas, brown rice Type Grain-inclusive (barley, brown rice) Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
"My boys are super picky about their food and they also tend to get bored easily. But they love their Jinx kibble. They are now so excited at meal times. Thank you Jinx for making my job as a pet parent a little easier by making my two stubborn boys actually want to eat their meals."
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5. Canidae Under the Sun Grain-Free Adult
Whitefish is one of 3 dry recipes included in our review of the Canidae product line.
Canidae Under the Sun Grain-Free Adult acquires a better part of its animal protein from whitefish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 12% fat and 52% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Read our review of the full Canidae Under the Sun Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Whitefish meal, yellow peas, garbanzo beans, green peas, canola oil Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
"We were advised by our vet to try a grain-free, potato-free food and to try to stay away from chicken and beef. This food has been a big hit with both of our girls and seems to be helping with the digestive issues we were going through!"
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6. Bully Max 30/20 High Performance
Bully Max 30/20 High Performance is one of 2 dry recipes contained in our review of the Bully Max product line.
Bully Max derives much of its meat protein from chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 36% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 67%.
Read our review of the full Bully Max High Performance Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, dried plain beet pulp, ground grain sorghum Type Grain-inclusive (sorghum) Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adults and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
"Been using this product for almost a year now for my pup and he loves it! He’s put on a lot of lean muscle, I highly recommend if you’re looking for a beefy bully."
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7. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Formula
High Prairie is one of 9 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
This Taste of the Wild recipe obtains much of its meat protein from water buffalo. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Water Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs only Sample buyer review...
"I switched to this food after my 10 year old bully was diagnosed with lymphoma. While it can’t be blamed solely on food the vet recommended, I try to find something healthier for my dogs. They LOVE it!!! If they love it, I love it."
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8. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health
Puppy Health is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Holistic Select product line.
The Holistic Select recipe mentioned receives the lions share of its animal protein from lamb meal and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 17% fat and 48% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
Read our review of the full Holistic Select Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Lamb meal, chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, barley Type Grain-inclusive (oatmeal, brown rice, barley) Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For All puppies Sample buyer review...
"A good friend of mine recommend this food for my English Bulldog. My little Ellie is satisfied with her meals, the breeder had her on another brand that seemed to cause her digestive issues. I switched and she is all good now."
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9. Nature’s Logic Canine Beef Meal Feast
Beef Meal Feast is one of 11 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Nature’s Logic product line.
This Nature’s Logic recipe draws much of its animal protein from beef meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 16% fat and 38% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Read our review of the full Nature’s Logic Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Beef meal, millet, chicken fat, pumpkin seed, yeast culture Type Grain-inclusive (millet) Protein Percentage 37% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult and puppies (including large breeds) Sample buyer review...
"I have researched many top brands and I highly recommend Nature’s Logic for dogs that require a higher protein diet. My dog is perfectly healthy and she loves the food and the variety of flavors offered."
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10. Merrick Grain Free Real Texas Beef Dry
Texas Beef and Sweet Potato is one of 12 dry recipes contained in our review of the Merrick product line.
This Merrick recipe gets a major part of its animal protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 37% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Read our review of the full Merrick Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Deboned Beef, pork meal, salmon meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
"My husband and I tried several different brands for our pups. Because their stools were soft and not consistent. I read up on why that was happening and I found it to be their diet. They were not getting the correct nutrition. Merrick dog food has given them what they need to be healthy. They are adult dogs now and have had zero health problems. I highly recommend Merrick!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
English Bulldogs are a distinct breed known for their iconic appearance and unique personality traits.
They have remained popular pets in the United States over the years. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), which keeps track of dog registration statistics, English Bulldogs have consistently ranked within the top five most popular breeds in recent years.
Their distinctive appearance and friendly nature have contributed to their popularity among dog enthusiasts and families. English Bulldogs are often sought after as family pets, companions, and even as mascots for sports teams or organizations.
However, it’s important to note that popularity does not necessarily indicate suitability for everyone. English Bulldogs have specific care requirements, and potential owners should be aware of their potential health issues, such as breathing difficulties, skin problems, and obesity.
Responsible ownership, proper healthcare, and the right diet are crucial for providing a happy and healthy life for English Bulldogs.
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about English Bulldogs:
Frequently Asked Questions
What do English Bulldogs look like?
English Bulldogs have a distinctive appearance with a compact and muscular build. They have a large head with a wrinkled face, a pushed-in nose, and a pronounced underbite. Their bodies are low to the ground and sturdy, with a thick neck and broad shoulders.
They have a short and smooth coat that comes in various colors, including brindle, fawn, white, and pied. Regular brushing to remove loose hair and occasional bathing to keep their skin clean and healthy is usually sufficient. Wrinkles on their face should be cleaned and dried regularly to prevent infections.
What is the temperament of an English Bulldog?
English Bulldogs are known for their calm, friendly, and affectionate nature. They are typically docile, gentle, and good-natured, making them suitable as family pets and companions. They tend to get along well with children and are generally friendly towards strangers. English Bulldogs are known to have a humorous and sometimes stubborn personality, which can make training a bit challenging.
How much exercise does and English Bulldog need?
English Bulldogs have low to moderate exercise needs. They enjoy leisurely walks and play sessions but are not a high-energy breed. Their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure can make them prone to overheating and breathing difficulties, so it’s important to avoid excessive exercise in hot or humid weather. Regular exercise is still important to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
What health conditions can affect an English Bulldog?
English Bulldogs are prone to several health issues due to their unique physical characteristics. These may include breathing problems, skin allergies, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and a predisposition to obesity. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper diet, and weight management are crucial for their overall health and well-being.
Are English Bulldogs easy to train?
Early socialization is important for English Bulldogs to expose them to various people, animals, and environments. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with their sensitive nature. English Bulldogs can be stubborn at times, so patience and consistency are key during training sessions.
They thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of the family. They are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They are generally not suited to being left alone for long periods and thrive in homes where they receive plenty of attention and love.