Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by
If you’re an English Bulldog owner that is looking for the best dog food for Bulldogs, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Randy, and I’m a blogger that covers all things dog-related. I’m a proud pet parent of a rescued American Bulldog named Obi. He’s a solid 95 pounds at just 9-months-old, so it’s critical that he eats healthy. That being said, I’ve spent hundreds of hours trying to figure out what is the best dog food for English Bulldogs.
The bottom line is that with the plethora of bad dog food choices out there, it’s essential to do your homework.Dogs are getting more complicated and so is their nutrition! For example, Bulldogs seem to be the breed of choice for many dog owners. A Bulldog is actually a compact English Bulldog which has been bred down in size over the years! And if you want a healthy pet, remember that food is one cornerstone of healthful living.
Dog food is pretty expensive, right? My dog food bill every month is more than my cellphone bill. So it makes sense to want to get the best value out of what you pay for. But what’s the worst dog food? That depends on your individual dog, but the ingredients that are always a good bet to stay away from when it comes to ‘worst’ are those which contain wheat gluten, soy and corn. Dogs do just fine with a small amount of grain in their diet – no need for the manufacturers to add wheat gluten, soy or corn for this purpose as there are healthier alternatives available. If your pet food has one or all of these ingredients listed in the first five or so ingredients on the label, then this may be a good indication that your dog is being fed unhealthy and unnatural foods which can cause inflammation and other issues in both our dogs and us.

Worst Dog Food For English Bulldogs
As an English Bulldog owner, you will know only too well how delicate their stomachs can be. They are renowned for being sick after certain foods, and far more than other breeds might be. It’s not always possible to keep your dog from reacting badly to certain foods, but you can eliminate a lot of sickness by not letting them eat foods that are bad for English Bulldogs.
I recommend you print this list off and stick it your refrigerator… some of the foods I list that your dog should avoid, aren’t just bad for your English Bulldog, they could even be fatal. Some will poison your dog and are foods that are toxic to English Bulldogs.
Because of this, I’ve put the most poisonous foods to English Bulldogs first on the list. It explains why they are toxic and even how much they might eat before you call a vet.
Bottom line though; if your English Bulldog eats anything they shouldn’t, don’t wait to read notes like this on the Internet – call your vet!
So, if you want to find out what food English Bulldogs can’t eat, plus some plants that are poisonous to them too – read on.
What foods are bad and poisonous foods for English Bulldogs
Like most dogs, English Bulldogs will eat whatever you put in front of them. If you happen to drop something on the floor and they gobble it up, in most cases, they should be fine with eating things in moderation.
However, there are some foods that are extremely toxic and not safe for English Bulldogs to eat, even in small amounts. Knowing what English Bulldogs cannot eat is really important in keeping your dog safe.
Here’s what foods are bad or dangerous for English Bulldogs, followed by things that they eat that are not poisonous as such, but are still bad.
- Chocolate
This is most commonly misunderstood food that English Bulldogs cannot eat, and the one that leads to most people having to call a vet.
What can English Bulldogs not eat
Chocolate is one of the most poisonous foods for English Bulldogs. Licensed from StoryBlocks.com.
It’s all due to the toxic theobromine substance in chocolate. Just small amounts can make your English Bulldog sick, so if chocolate drops on the floor, pick it up immediately. In large quanties your dog will vomit, and in more serious cases develop an abnormal heartbeat, tremors, seizure, and even death.
Dark chocolate is the most dangerous and poisonous to English Bulldogs as it contains more of the theobromine.
- Onions, garlic, leeks and chives
All of these foods are in the Allium family. Anything in this bracket is a poisonous food for English Bulldogs, whether it’s been boiled, cooked, or whatever – it’s not something your English Bulldog should eat ever.
These foods are said to makes dogs feel poorly and in larger amounts can lead to red blood cell damage. You won’t always see symptoms of poisoning straight away as it can take a few days for the toxic effects to take effect.
- Artificial sweetener (xylitol) in gum and mints
Xylitol is one of the most toxic things an English Bulldog can eat, and is commonly found in some mints and sugar-free gums.
According to research (see research published on MSU.edu), xylitol is 100 times more toxic than chocolate is for dogs. If they just eat one stick of gum with xylitol, a small dog could see their blood sugar levels dip considerably.
If the small dog went onto to eat a whole pack of gum with 10 sticks containing toxic xylitol, it could damage their liver irreparably and possibly even kill them.
Other foods and household items that can contain xylitol include:
Toothpaste
Mouthwash
Peanut butter
Sugar-free candy
Sugar free breath mints
Fruit drinks
Jellies and jams
Cereals
Baked goods
Sugar-free puddings and Jello
Over the counter vitamin supplements
- Candy and sweets
It’s not just the foods above that come with toxic xylitol. Some candy brands do too, so always check the labelling.
To be frank, you shouldn’t be letting your dog eat candy anyway, even if it’s free of poisonous xylitol. Why? It’s due to the sugar levels plus there’s also the risk of choking or blockages in your English Bulldog’s digestive tract or tooth fractures.
- Certain peanut butter brands
Our English Bulldog loves peanut butter. It’s one of his favorite treats, especially when we put it in a Kong Toy.
What foods are toxic to English Bulldogs
Some brands of peanut butter can be dangerous. Licensed from StockUnlimited.com.
However, some peanut butter brands include xylitol. This substance is toxic to dogs and needs to be avoided at all costs due to poisoning.
- Corn on the cob
Corn on the cob is not among the poisonous foods for English Bulldogs, but it is dangerous due to the cob part. These can lodge in the throat of your dog and intestines, so should be avoided at all costs.
Sweetcorn is fine, as this will be easily digestible though.
- Cooked bones
Dogs love to eat bones. Everyone knows dogs love bones, but they are dangers with this food type.
When bones are cooked, they become brittle and can break apart. This means that when English Bulldogs eat cooked bones, small slithers can perforate their internal organs, leading to big risks to their health… with possible fatal consequences.
- Avocado
Fruit is a great food for English Bulldogs, but not all fruit! Avocado is one such, as it can be bad for English Bulldogs but only when prepared in a particular way.
Avocados contain a poisonous toxin called persin which when eaten in large quantities can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. However, persin is mostly concentrated in the avocado skin and pit, rather than the fleshy part.
So, should your English Bulldog eat an avocado, chances are you won’t have any problems. But, it’s still worth avoiding, especially the toxic parts – the skin and stone.
- Grapes and raisins
Another group of fruits that can be poisonous to your English Bulldog are grapes and raisins. They are a toxic food for English Bulldogs and can lead to kidney failure when eaten in large quantities. - Macadamia nuts and walnuts
All nuts should really be avoided in an English Bulldog’s diet, as they are just the right size and texture that lead to choking. However, these two nuts which are potentially toxic to dogs.
What is poisonous to English Bulldogs
What can English Bulldogs not eat? Walnuts are definitely on that list! Licensed from StoryBlocks.com.
When eaten at volume, both can result in diarrhea, sickness, and the possibility of canine pancreatitis.
The side effects of Macadamia nuts are very nasty and rank high on the list of poisonous foods for English Bulldogs… the poisoning can result in hyperthermia, tremors, vomiting, and lethargy.
- Cherry, peach, and plum pits
Due to the size of pips and seeds like this, they can become lodged in the intestines of smaller dogs like English Bulldogs. Blockages are a very real risk, so don’t let things like this anywhere near your dog’s mouth.
There are also trace elements of cyanide in the pits of some fruits like peach and plum. It would take a heck of a lot to poison your English Bulldog, but it’s a bad food either way.
- Mustard seeds
Mustard is so vomit-inducing to English Bulldogs that vets sometimes use it to make dogs sick up for medical purposes. The seeds in particular are very toxic as they contain poisonous elements to dogs. - Coconuts and coconut oil
A little bit of coconut is unlikely to harm your English Bulldog, but the milk and white flesh of a coconut is known to cause stomach upsets in dogs.
The reasons coconut water should be avoided is due to the potassium in it, at high levels too.
- Yeast dough
When ingested, yeast dough will heat up and then start to rise and create gas. This is very problematic in an English Bulldog’s digestive system, leading to extreme pain, bloating, and possibly the twisting of their gut.
It’s potentially fatal, so if your English Bulldog eats yeast dough, visit a vet immediately… the yeast can also change into ethanol, a highly potent alcohol.
- Alcohol
This is good time to talk about alcohol dangers and how dangerous this drink can be for dogs.
Drinks bad for English Bulldogs
Alcohol is the most toxic drink that would be bad for an English Bulldog. Licensed from StoryBlocks.com.
Alcohol consumption can make your English Bulldog have diarrhea, vomit, difficulty in breathing, tremors, a lack of coordination, abnormal blood acidity, central nervous system depression, and even a possible coma or death.
Giving your dog alcohol isn’t funny and can kill them.
- Hops
On a similar topic, the hops that are used in home brewing kits are also a dangerous ingredient for English Bulldogs to eat. There are compounds in the hops that lead to malignant hyperthermia.
That means your English Bulldog’s temperature can rise rapidly, possibly causing permanent damage to the organs and brain or even death.
- Coffee, caffeine, and tea
Drinks with in are bad for English Bulldogs. It’s all down to the methylxanthines in the caffeine which causes similar bad reactions in dogs to chocolate.
If your English Bulldog has licked up a couple of coffee granules, chances are he will be fine. But in large amounts such as loose tea and coffee beans, it could be very harmful and require vet’s help.
- Nutmeg
Myristicin us a toxic substance with trace amounts found in nutmeg. When dogs eat it in large amounts it can lead to various problems including abdominal pain, increased heart rate, seizures, and even the possibility of hallucinations. - Moldy food
If your dog has access to trash, be very careful. Moldy food is bad for English Bulldogs as it can contain mycotoxins. Mycotoxins grow on moldy food and make it poisonous when ingested.
Bad food for English Bulldogs
In addition to the foods that are bad for English Bulldogs, there are others. Whilst they are not strictly considered poisonous and toxic, you should avoid them due to the potential negative side effects. For example, weight gain.
- Milk and dairy products
Many English Bulldogs will be lactose intolerant, meaning dairy products can make them sick. Dogs don’t have the same digestive system as us and can find it hard to break down lactose in milk, meaning runny diarrhea issues! - Blue cheese
Given that you know dairy is bad option for dogs, it should come as no surprise that some cheeses can be dangerous. Avoid the blue cheeses, Roquefort, and Stilton. They have roquefortine C which is known to cause very bad reactions in dogs.
What food is bad for English Bulldogs
Blue cheese is a food that can make English Bulldogs sick. Licensed from StoryBlocks.com.
This can include symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. In more extreme cases your English Bulldog could develop seizures and tremors if they eat a lot of blue cheese.
- Meat and eggs that have not been cooked properly
Many owners now feed their English Bulldog a raw diet, and there’s nothing wrong with that providing they get all the nutrients and goodness required.
However, there is some research to suggest that bacterial infections such as Salmonella and E. coli can be contracted by dogs eating raw meat.
- Food and drinks with high sugar content
Sugary food and snacks aren’t good for us, so they certainly aren’t for your dog. In fact, this is one of the worst foods for English Bulldogs, and can result in a range of health problems.
Dogs that have too many snacks with sugar content are at risk of developing diabetes, weight gain, and even decayed teeth and gums. Sugar can also upset delicate English Bulldog tummies too, so something to avoid at all costs.
- Food high in salt and sodium content
Just like lots of sugar, the same applies to salt content. Food that is high in sodium can potentially poison your English Bulldog… but is most likely to lead to them getting extreme thirst and increased urination in the volume it would be in dropped food.
salt bad for English Bulldogs
Salt can be deadly to dogs when eaten in large amounts. Licensed from StoryBlocks.com.
If your English Bulldog does eat lots of salt, the warning signs are very severe and include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, high body temperature, and seizures.
- Fatty foods
Fatty foods such sausage, bacon, burgers, and fried food can result in upset stomachs. If your English Bulldog gets to eat these tasty snacks over a prolonged period of time, it could even result in pancreatitis.
Yes, it’s hard to say no to those pleading eyes when they beg for your food, but often the tastiest food is the worst for English Bulldogs.
What plants are poisonous to English Bulldogs?
There are also things your English Bulldog should not eat outdoors including the following toxic plants.
Aconitum
Amaryllis bulbs
Asparagus fern
Azalea
Citrus
Cyclamen
Daffodil bulbs
Day lilies
Delphiniums
Dog’s Mercury (Mercurialis perennis)
Foxgloves
Hemlock
Hibiscus
Hostas
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Ivy
Laburnum
Lily of the valley
Lupins
Morning glory
Mushroom plants
Nightshade
Oleander
Rhododendron
Rhubarb leaves
Sweet pea
Tomato leaves and stems
Tulip bulbs
Umbrella plant
Wisteria
Yew
This list contains just the most common plants that are poisonous to English Bulldogs. For a more comprehensive list, please download this print out from the Dogs Trust.
Conclusion
The reality is, most of the time if your English Bulldog has just eaten a very small amount of any of the bad foods listed here, they “should” be ok.
But, please never leave anything to chance and also consult with a professional veterinarian for advice.
I am not a vet, just a dog owner so all I have written here today is what I have personally learned and research myself. It should not replace veterinarian advice.
“What kind of food should I give to my Bulldog?” It’s definitely one of the most prevalent questions being asked in the world of Bulldogs. Most never would have thought it was even a big deal until their Bulldogs’ began developing rashes, dry/itchy skin, chronic ear infections and excessive hair-loss and flatulence etc. There’s a good chance you’re reading this page because you too have suddenly found your bully’s food just isn’t working anymore.
Well, these are all excellent reasons to examine the food your feeding your bully, but there are even bigger issues at hand.
Recently, I was floored to learn that 50% of k-9s are dying of cancer and 1 in every 4 dogs will develop a tumor in their lifetime.
Facts like these can leave us worried sick about our Bulldogs! 1 in every 4 dogs will have a tumor!! My anxiety is having anxiety! Oh to think, the kind of health problems we could be inflicting on our beloved pet with every new bowl of kibble!
Whatever the reason, you’re looking for the best available dog food for your bulldog and so am I.
In this article we’ll outline the benefits of supplying our bulldogs with a healthy and nutritious dog food. You’ll learn a few ingredients that should never enter your bully’s mouth.
Finally, you’ll get an inside look at a few of our favorite brands and the ones recommended by pet food specialists. In all my research I’m going to critically analyze the food we give to our own Bulldogs and I hope you will too. We currently give our Bullies Diamond Naturals.
Comment below the brand of dog food you give to your Bulldog and Why!
Does Having a Good Dog Food Really Matter?
Surely, there’s a whole slew of reasons why a pet owner would want to lavish upon their Bulldog the best food possible with the most considerable reason being the health of their pet. A good dog food plays an extremely important role in many facets of every dog’s health. Your bulldog’s diet will affect his muscle tone and energy, joint strength, coat and skin health, digestive wellness and even the ability to fight off and prevent sickness.
Does your Bully shed a lot? Does he often have loose stool? It could be the food.
Coconut Oil For Bulldogs? YES!!
Serving a quality food to your Bulldog can ensure your family enjoys the privilege of hearing him pleasantly snoring and passing gas while you all gather in front of the boob tube years from now. I’ve no doubt anyone who wasn’t already convinced of the gravity of this topic, suddenly has been made well aware. Oh wait a minute….we’re trying to get rid of the flatulence, not keep it. Actually, there have been certain weirdos out there in the Bulldog community that have told me they(clears throat) enjoy hearing and smelling their Bulldog’s farts. That’s another story…lol
SO HOW DO YOU KNOW WHICH DOG FOOD IS THE REAL DEAL?
We all know the most popular dog food brands. These include Purina, Iams, Pedigree, and Kibbles and Bits. Seriously though, most popular doesn’t necessarily mean best. These brands are all the most well-known brands on the scene, but only because they are also the brands that spend the most on fancy shmancy advertising and cute commercials.
There are hundreds of dog food brands out there, and nearly every single one has a gimmick to try and help them sell their product to pet owners. One television commercial even narrates the adaptation of dogs from their ancestors and how they used to hunt for real meat. (Though I don’t think ol’ Tank could catch a caribou by himself) All of these strategies try to draw attention away from what you’re buying: dog food.
So how do you narrow down the field to only the healthiest and most beneficial dog foods? Read On.
You may say, “What about the brand with the picture of a beautiful Bulldog on it?” It’s totally understandable a person with an English Bulldog would consider that food to be most fitting for their Bully. Let me just say, if the test of a good dog food was to pick the one with your favorite dog breed on the bag we’d have a sure winner, but this is merely another dead end. Whether or not your dog’s picture is on the bag should never be a determining factor in finding the best dog food; you know this.
Royal Canin comes to mind. Sorry to be “that guy”, but did you know Royal Canin Bulldog first few ingredients are:
- Brewers Rice -Rice is a quality grain, but the most prevalent ingredient in dog food should be meat.
- Chicken By -Product Meal -These are inedible pieces left over from animal processing like, feet, spleen, stomach, brain, and intestines.
- Brown Rice -More grain. Remember the Wendy’s commercial? “Where’s The Beef?”
- Wheat Gluten -Gluten is sort of a grain by-product. It’s what you get when the good stuff has been stripped. See what DogFoodAdvisor.Com has to say about this “protein imposter.”
Lot’s of people think, “I’ll just play it safe and buy the super expensive brand, that way I know I’m getting the best food.” This reminds me of a time my younger brother, a huge Cleveland Browns fan, showed me his prized Jim Brown trading card.
This card was autographed by the Hall of Fame Running Back and flawless! Clearly, the autograph was a fake, the signature was only a copy, but my little brother steadfastly proclaimed, ” No, it’s definitely real, I paid a lot of money for this card!”
So you see, just because something costs a lot of money…. does not mean it’s the best. This is true with dog food!
DECIPHER THE INGREDIENTS.
Ever Consider the BARF Diet?
When choosing a dog food provider you’ve absolutely got to get a good look “under the hood”. Every used car salesman’s desire is that their perspective customers become mesmerized by the shiny clear coat finish or the well kept interior while totally neglecting their duty to check out the most important thing. The: engine compartment! Like the used car salesman, disingenuous dog food manufacturers aim to win your business based on outside appearances and empty phrases like, “made with real, meaty bits.” What in the world is a “meaty bit” anyway?
It’s not science. No college degree needed here. Just take a quick gander at the small square on the back of every bag of dog food before you make your purchase. This is the “engine compartment” I referred to. It’s here we get to see what’s really been put into the bag. It tells dog owners exactly what went into the pouch before the picture of the smiling Bulldog was stamped on the front. Just because he’s smiling doesn’t mean the food was good. He got paid to be the happy face on that bag.
I chose to use the word “decipher” above because lots of times the big dog food companies like to be a bit deceptive. Ever heard of “ingredient splitting”? Splitting is basically the manufacturer’s practice of playing musical chairs with the bag’s list of ingredients in order to make you believe a desirable additive like whole chicken breast is more prevalent in the food than a far less desirable one like corn or wheat.
Here’s an Example on Ingredient Splitting:
Let’s say a certain dog food contains 20% Corn as the first ingredient and 15% Lamb as the second. Any dishonest dog food producer may lawfully divide or “split” the corn additive into two parts on the list; corn meal and corn flour. Voila, the Lamb(15%) can now move up to the top element on the list of ingredients followed by corn meal, now 10% and corn flour, 10%. There is still more corn in this bag of dog food than Lamb and many times the consumer is none the wiser! This is a common practice among dog food manufacturers.
Ever wonder just how prevalent a named ingredient such as chicken actually is in the food you’re buying? Here’s another way in which the manufacturers can cheat their way to a sale using clever wording and still abiding by the rules. If on the front of a bag of dog food it says, “chicken and rice,” it lawfully must contain at least 26% chicken. “Rich in chicken”- it must contain a minimum of 14% chicken. If it says, “made with chicken,” it needs only 4% chicken and if it says, “chicken flavor,” it can contain 0% chicken. These facts are astounding!
RUN FROM THESE DOG FOOD INGREDIENTS…..RUN!
With so many ingredients in each bag of dog food, which ones should we steer clear of? Harmful ingredients most commonly found in dog food include corn, wheat, soybean meal/soy flour, grain fractions and flours, nut/grain/bean hulls, and synthetic preservatives. Corn often times makes up as much as 70% of a low quality dog food and holds very little nutritional sustenance.
Don’t allow your Bulldog to eat food with generic meat sources, digests, by-products, meat and bone meals. Generic meat sources are any meat ingredients that don’t specifically name which animal has been put into the food. You don’t want your dog eating squirrels right? (Other than the ones they catch for fun anyway) Can you believe it! Our Bulldog, Lily, actually caught a squirrel once. Try to imagine a Non-Sporting Bulldog…running quick enough to catch a lighting fast squirrel!! We’re pretty sure the squirrel saw the Bulldog up close and just flat out died of a heart attack -Little side story for ya.
Some other ingredients to look out for are lard, tallow, and other low-quality fat sources. While these ingredients are extremely tasty to dogs, they offer nearly nothing beneficial in regards to a healthy diet . Gluten is another ingredient you don’t want in your dog food if it can be avoided. Gluten is basically leftover material from human food production. It’s difficult to digest for dogs, which is why it is something to look out for. Heavy sugars, sweeteners, colors, and dyes are all ingredients that aren’t necessary in dog foods and are usually only added to enhance taste or appearance; some dyes can even cause allergic reactions. This is just not necessary in our Bulldogs’ food!
Tip: Remember to Always Wash Your Hands After Handling Dry or Raw Dog Food to Avoid salmonella Contamination to yourself or family members.
3 Best Foods for Bulldogs
The search for the best food for English Bulldogs has not been an easy one! Over the coarse of a 3 months we’ve purchased and introduced different foods to our bullies including, Wellness Core, Taste of The Wild, Castor and Pollux Organix and Merrick. Obviously, we could never test each and every brand, but we did carefully scrutinize many of the 4-5 star foods and their manufacturer.
I also made a point to try and pick three foods of varying price ranges. This because I understand there are those of us who don’t care about the money as long as the food is tops and still others who want the best food at the lowest possible price. You’ll notice each of these recommendations are easily accessible on popular websites and in box stores too.
Merrick Back Country Raw Infused
This has got to be the most fun food we tried with our bullies! I should have recorded our Bulldog, D.C. while eating this because it was hilarious watching him pick out the soft, larger pieces of freeze dried raw bits he found on the top of the kibble. I can only imagine how he enjoyed the different texture, feel and taste of those cubed bits of meat! This stuff is like the doggie version of Lucky Charms cereal!
Back Country is probably as close as you can get to a raw diet while still enjoying the convenience of pouring it straight out of the bag. How many brands can you think of that offer whole pieces of freeze dried meat in them!
This food is heavy laden with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. As stated before, these omegas are so helpful when it comes to keeping a Bulldog’s coat and skin healthy.
Just listen to these ingredients! Deboned beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes! What do you know about lamb and fish meal? When I first began researching dog foods I thought less of proteins with the word “meal” after them. Eventually, I found that a protein like whole chicken breast contained far less protein than chicken that had been processed into a “meal.” Most foods we’ve reviewed include just one named protein in their long list of ingredients. Back Country has listed three awesome meats right off the bat making this a top-notch dog food!
So much good stuff in this bag! Back Country is loaded with glucosamine and chondroitin which we all know is just awesome for our heavy Bulldogs and their need for healthy joints.The addition of salmon oil can’t be overlooked.
One other great addition to this food that I think really sets it apart are the ingredients at the bottom of the list. You know, the ones that are impossible to pronounce. Here’s one of them: Enterococcus faecium. This is a living bacteria added to the food for the purpose of bolstering your Bulldog’s digestive health and over-all health in general, actually. This bacteria is naturally found in a healthy dog so it’s inclusion is nothing to worry over. Basically, this is a probiotic and there are plenty of them listed in the ingredients. The Enterococcus serves in this food as an aid to digestion as well.
Merrick is produced in Texas and the company is a stalwart in quality products and customer satisfaction. I like that there are more than a few different recipes of this Back Country Raw available so that a person can switch between them allowing their Bulldog a change in taste from time to time.
Wellness Core Grain Free
For our review of Wellness, we chose to use the Turkey and Chicken formula. Right away, I appreciated the tough plastic bag with the resealable zip top. All brands should do this with their bags! This one detail allows the user to keep the food in the bag after opening instead of being forced to transfer the kibble to a plastic container. The resealable bag holds in the freshness all on it’s own.
WHY WELLNESS
Of course, this food, like all the others in our trial is grain, corn and soy free. The first five ingredients are deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, peas and potatoes. This is a nutrient rich food including antioxidants, omega fatty acids, glucosomine and probiotics.
Some ingredients or details that really make this food stand out are ground flax seed, chicory root and that it’s mineral ingredients are chelated. Let me explain.
“Chelated” means the minerals have been chemically attached to protein in production thus rendering them far easier to absorb by the dog. Many of the lower end dog foods include minerals that are eliminated without much benefit to the dog because they have not been chelated.
Chicory root has been added to this food in order to aid in the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal system. Chicory helps create a robust G.I. system primarily through the use of it’s own inulin. Inulin, is a excellent at producing prebiotics which then promote the growth of helpful bacteria.
Flax seed is an amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids and is a heck of a lot easier to absorb after it’s first been ground. These fatty acids help give a Bulldog a shiny coat.
Taste of The Wild
Let me explain why TOTW, an American Made product, is an excellent food for your bully!
I love the direction TOTW has taken with it’s food! The first 5 ingredients included are bison, lamb meal, chicken meal, egg product(supports a healthy coat) and sweet potatoes. It’s quality ingredients like these that make a clear statement about this dog food manufacturer’s main objective.
What is TOFTW’s goal? It’s right there in their slogan, Your Dog Craves a Taste of The Wild…Go Ahead and Give Him One! It’s perfect! They’ve cut out all the non-essential additives, chemicals and controversial fillers leaving only the finest components for an above average dog food.
WHY TOTW
Taste of The Wild is grain, corn, wheat and soy free. I was pleased to see the inclusion of Salmon oil, a naturally rich omega-3 fatty acid which encourages a healthy coat and skin.
Again, like with Wellness Core, we see the inclusion of “Chelated Minerals.” Previously discussed above, it was noted chelated minerals are a particular type ingredient typically found only in higher quality foods. You’ll see it listed as an ingredient in each bag of TOTW.
Chelated minerals are minerals like calcium, copper, zinc and iron that have been made up to 15% easier to absorb thanks to their being chemically combined with amino acid. This means the necessary minerals every dog needs to thrive can now be absorbed and used by the body rather than being thrown out as waste.
We picked TOTW not only because of it’s superior food quality and it’s a great choice no matter what stage of life your Bulldog is in. It’s filled with amino acids, fruits and vegetables and antioxidants.
To put it simply, I always say Taste of The Wild is a 5 star dog food at a 4 star price. There is no other dog food in it’s price range that compares.
[blockquote cite=”Taste of the Wild User”]I buy this for my two Bulldogs, Dozer + Dotty. I mix in a can of wet totw food twice a week as a treat. My English Bulldogs have always had severe allergies and skin problems that seemed to get out of control with other foods. It’s been 1 year now and I’ve noticed an improvement with both my bullies since switching. Through Amazon it’s cheaper than anywhere else, I get free shipping and I don’t have to go to the store carrying 30lb bags all over the place!![/blockquote]
Store Bought Foods Just Not Working for Your Bulldog? Consider the BARF Diet!
Taste of The Wild is one of the more favorable products we’ve found in our research that’s received commendations by veterinarians and their faithful customers alike. So how can Taste of The Wild’s manufacturer produce such high quality dog food in comparison to their snidely competitors? Maybe they see the value in spending less money on cheesy advertisements and more on wholesome products?
BEST FOOD FOR BULLDOG PUPPIES
We recommend you use a puppy formula dog food like Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula with Bison and Roasted Venison until your Bulldog has become fully grown. This is usually about 12-14 months for females and 14-16 months for males. Why? So many reasons. Simply put, puppy foods contain a higher amount of calories and protein to assist growing puppies in achieving maximum size and health as he approaches adulthood. The kibble is smaller as well so it’s not as tough to chew and swallow.
Taste of the Wild is also wildly beneficial to a Bulldog puppy’s GI tract because of the inclusion of pro-biotics in the food. They say that 70% of a dog’s immune system is in the GI tract so having a healthy intestine is so important for our young bullies. Especially with young puppies ages 6-16wks receiving anti-biotic treatments from the vet, loose and runny stools can be a problem until healthy bacteria can again propagate the digestive system. Young puppies also have the added stress of transitioning to a new home.
It’s just as important you make the switch from puppy formula to adult when necessary as these higher concentrations of calories can lead to an adult dog becoming over-weight.
Tip: For puppies 8 weeks – 16 weeks of age you might prepare the kibble by first adding just a bit of water over the top. This will allow the kibble to soften up and be easier to chew and digest.
Food For Bulldogs With Allergies
About 10-20% of Bulldogs will suffer from food allergies, while seasonal allergies to grass, weed or tree pollen and bug bites are the source of most other allergic reactions. Excessive licking, biting, gnawing and scratching of the paws, legs, belly and face are common side-effects to seasonal allergies. Symptoms brought on by food allergies can appear similar, but are almost always coupled with more frequent, softer bowel movements and chronic yeast infections in the ears and on the skin.
FOOD OR CONTACT ALLERGY
Ask yourself whether your Bulldog’s symptoms are always present, or if they come and go. Is your bully truly experiencing food allergies or allergies caused by coming in contact with something environmental? Plastics, carpet fibers, household chemicals like carpet cleaner or softener sheets, bug bites and pollen are all seasonal or temporary. For instance, a Bulldog with a seasonal allergy to ragweed pollen might be feeling itchy every Fall season. This could be called a “contact allergy” because it’s been caused by something the dog has come into physical contact with, not from eating his food.
This sort of allergy cannot necessarily be remedied with any special food, but there are methods of control that can help. A cool bath with a medicated shampoo, a steroid injection from your vet, the use of hydrocortisone, or a simple dose of Benadryl (1mg/lb/8hrs) may help to sooth your Bulldog’s seasonal allergies.
TRUE FOOD ALLERGIES
If you think your bully is allergic to something in his food you’ll need to identify which ingredients are causing all the trouble. Soy, grains, wheat, corn and dairy are the most common offenders. Some Bulldogs can even be allergic to proteins like chicken and beef. There are blood and skin tests your veterinarian can do. These tests aren’t extremely accurate, but still can be helpful at pointing a person in the right direction. Possibly a more proven method is the process of elimination or trial diet.
Try a limited ingredient food containing none of the above listed ingredients. It should be something simple. This can be done with store bought kibble or by implementing the Bulldog Specific BARF diet, or raw food diet. The BARF diet demands more effort due to the fact you must prepare the food yourself, but it is easier in that you can precisely control the ingredients going into your bully’s bowl allowing you to accurately pin-point those foods his body disagrees with.
Best Food For Allergies
This Zignature Grain Free Trout formula is what I would recommend. I love the simplicity of this food. I’ve scarcely heard of a Bulldog that’s allergic to salmon or trout which are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Sunflower oil and flaxseed are also named among the ingredients and they are fatty acid powerhouses!
Flaxseed is thought to be the #1 source for omega-3s! What’s the big deal about fatty acids? Well, scientists believe that fatty acids play a big role in slowing down the growth of yeast infections like the ones our bullies so often get in their ears and on the skin. Fatty acids are also thought to prevent allergic reactions to airborne pollens.
See how your bully does on the new food you’ve chosen. Symptoms from food allergies can take up to 8 weeks to subside so be patient. Once you’ve found a food that’s successful in curbing the symptoms of his food allergies you may add a new ingredient to your Bulldog’s kibble. If say, after adding rice back into the food, your Bulldog breaks out with a rash on his legs, paws and face, you would then be sure he is allergic to rice.
Best Reduced Fat/Low Calorie Formula Bulldogs
Do you suspect your English Bulldog is a bit “chunky” these days? The average weight for a male Bulldog is 50-65lbs. and 45-55lbs. for females. If you’ve got a 7o pound male Bulldog it doesn’t necessarily mean your boy’s over-weight; he may just have a larger frame.
Obesity is very rarely a problem for Bulldogs 2 years and younger, but very common for those over 4 years of age. This probably because of their natural Bulldog ability to lay around for days totally content. Also, just like us humans, a Bulldog becomes less active as he ages. Compare the non-stop energy your Bulldog had as he was a puppy to the increasing amount of time he spends lying on the couch today. He’s consuming the same or more amount of calories he always has, but in his older age he’s become half as active.
Remember to exercise your bully at least 15 min. a day whether he wants to or not. Table scraps should be kept to a minimum. Dog treats can be high in fat too and their ingredients should be just as carefully scrutinized as your Bulldog’s main food choice.
Sometimes even when you’ve been doing everything else right, environmental or genetic circumstances can make a Bulldog heavy. In this case, you can gain a lot of ground by cutting down on the calorie/fat intake your Bulldog is getting every day from his kibble.
The most commonly prescribed dog food for over-weight dogs is Purina Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management, but many of the ingredients included in this food (wheat, corn, soy, animal by-products) are sub-par to say the least. I would encourage you not to take your vet’s word for it on this one.
Instead, go for a specialized weight management food like Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free, Reduced Fat Recipe. It’s a 5 star food that’s got everything we recommend in this article for giving your bully a healthy diet and 25- 50% less fat than regular food. Unlike popular veterinarian prescribed weight management kibble, Wellness doesn’t include any harmful ingredients like wheat, corn, soy and by-products.
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THE FINAL WORD
Keep in mind that all dogs are different and may need special ingredients. Some dog food brands carry special diet dog foods that cater to the needs of every animal. There are different recipes that consider weight-loss, allergies, and individual diet options to allow the best selection for any pet. If your Bulldog is having digestive or health issues, his diet could be a factor. Make sure to let your veterinarian know your Bully’s diet and the ingredients in their food. They’ll be able to help you select the correct meal plan for your pet to make sure they get the necessary nutritional value.
Tip: When changing a Bulldog’s diet it’s not recommended you switch his food all at once. This can cause diarrhea, gas, unsettled stomach etc. Instead, gradually change his food over a span of 7-10 days to ensure your bully’s digestive system can keep up with the change. Just mix in small amounts to begin and larger amounts as you near the 5 day mark.
So, like I said, I decided I had better analyze the food (Diamond Naturals , Chicken and Rice ) we give to our Bulldogs. Clearly it’s not the best dog food available, but I want to make sure I’m at least giving a food with quality ingredients like some of the a fore mentioned. Here’s what I found.
According to DogFoodAdvisor.Com, there are some “controversial” fillers like beat pulp. I also read that although the grains in the food are high quality grains, two of them are forms of rice. I’m a victim of “splitting!” There apparently is concern that when the two forms of rice are combined, they would outweigh the first meat ingredient. This makes it likely that the meat content is low on our brand of dog food.
The good news is that we knew most dog foods are low in total protein content. To make up for this we’ve been supplementing our Bulldogs’ diets with cooked chicken breast. We’re also considering switching to the grain free version of this food.
What food do you trust and how does it stack up to other brands on the market?