You love your bulldog and want him to live a long, healthy life. So what should you feed that cute, wrinkly face? As a bulldog owner, you know these dogs have some special nutritional needs with their flat faces and stocky bodies. In this article, we’ll talk about the best diet and foods for your bulldog buddy. We’ll cover everything from puppy food to senior diets. You’ll learn about ingredients to embrace and ones to avoid when shopping for your Frenchie. We’ll also discuss portion control, supplements, allergies, and obesity. Get ready to become a bulldog nutrition whiz so you can keep your best friend happy and healthy!
Best food for our Bulldog
Your bulldog deserves the best diet to keep them happy and healthy. When choosing a dog food for your bulldog, look for a few key things:
- Bulldogs are prone to obesity, so select a high-quality dog food for bulldogs that is specifically formulated for weight management or control. Look for named meat like beef, chicken, or fish as the first ingredient. Meat-based proteins should make up at least 30-50% of the food.
- Bulldogs can be gassy, so choose a dog food with digestible, high-quality ingredients and added probiotics or prebiotics to support gut health and digestion. Avoid artificial additives, byproducts, and fillers which can upset their stomach.
- For most bulldogs, a diet with moderate calories, around 300-400 kcal per cup, is a good place to start. However, every dog is different, so you may need to adjust based on your bulldog’s age, size, and activity level. What to feed your Bulldog? It’s best to start with the recommended amount for their weight and then increase or decrease by 1/4 cup at a time to achieve a healthy weight and body condition.
Bulldogs require certain nutrients for bone and joint health like glucosamine, chondroitin, and essential fatty acids (EFAs). Look for dog food specifically for large-breed dogs or supplements to add to their diet. This will help support their joints and mobility as they age. What to feed your Bulldog? It can be tricky to find dog food that checks all the boxes for your bulldog. Some highly-rated brands for bulldogs include:
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Weight Management – High in protein, low in calories, with glucosamine and probiotics.
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed – Nutrient-dense, high in protein with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids.
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed – Limited ingredients, whole grains, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
By choosing a high-quality dog food tailored to bulldogs, watching your dog’s weight and body condition, and providing joint supplements as needed, you’ll keep your bulldog happy, active, and by your side for years to come.
Recommended Ingredients for Bulldog Diets
As a bulldog owner, one of the most important things you can do for your bulldog’s health is to feed them a balanced, nutritious diet made of high-quality ingredients. Some key ingredients to look for and include in your bulldog’s diet are:
Meat-Based Protein
Bulldogs are carnivores and require a diet high in animal-based protein like:
Chicken: A lean meat that is easy to digest. Chicken meal, byproducts, and fat are also good sources.
Beef: Look for a beef meal, fat, or byproducts. Beef provides iron, B vitamins, and fatty acids.
Fish: Fish meal, oil, or byproducts provide omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Salmon, herring, or menhaden are good options.
Healthy Carbohydrates
While bulldogs don’t require a high amount of carbs, small amounts of highly digestible, fiber-rich carbs are beneficial. Some good options include:
Sweet potatoes: High in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are starchy yet easy to digest.
Brown rice: A whole grain that provides B vitamins, manganese, and natural carbohydrates.
Oats: High in soluble fiber to help maintain stable blood sugar levels and keep your bulldog feeling full. Look for oat flour or oat bran.
Essential Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids play an important role in your bulldog’s health. Fish oil, flaxseed oil, or plant oils like canola oil provide a good balance of these EFAs.
Probiotics
Probiotics or “friendly” bacteria are important for bulldog digestion and a healthy immune system. Look for dog food that contains live, active probiotic cultures.
Natural Preservatives
Avoid artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin. Natural preservatives to look for include:
Mixed tocopherols: A natural antioxidant and form of vitamin E
Rosemary extract: A natural extract that prevents oxidation and rancidity of fats
Citric acid: A natural acid that inhibits bacterial growth
Feeding your bulldog a diet with wholesome, natural ingredients will help keep them happy and healthy for life. Be sure to also provide constant access to fresh, clean water to keep your bulldog properly hydrated.
How Much and How Often You Should Feed Your Bulldog
As a puppy, your Bulldog will need to eat more frequently. For Bulldogs under 6 months of age, feed them 3 meals a day. From 6 months to a year, you can switch to 2 meals a day. For adult Bulldogs, it is best to stick with 2 meals a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
When it comes to how much to feed your Bulldog, this will depend on their age, size, build, metabolism, and activity level. As a rough guide:
- For puppies (3-12 months), feed 3-4 cups of high-quality puppy food per day, split into 2-3 meals.
- For adult Bulldogs, most owners feed 2 to 4 cups of high-quality adult dog food per day, split into two meals.
The key is to keep an eye on your Bulldog to make sure they are staying at a healthy weight. You should be able to see a waistline behind the ribs when viewed from above. What to feed your Bulldog? If your Bulldog looks overweight, cut back by about 1/4 cup per meal and reassess in a couple of weeks.
What to feed your Bulldog?
Some tips for feeding your Bulldog:
- Choose a high-quality Bulldog-specific or large breed puppy or dog food. Bulldog puppies especially need extra nutrition to support their growth.
- Measure out portions carefully and be consistent with timing. Free feeding can lead to obesity which Bulldogs are prone to.
- Always have fresh, clean water available. Bulldogs need to stay well hydrated, especially in warm weather.
- Avoid feeding too many treats, table scraps, or human foods. While the occasional treat in moderation is fine, too many extras can quickly lead to weight gain and other issues.
- For the best digestion, avoid exercising your Bulldog right after they eat. Take them out 30-60 minutes before mealtimes instead.
- Be prepared to adjust amounts and possibly switch to a diet formulated for weight loss or senior Bulldogs as your dog ages. The needs of Bulldogs change over their lifetime.
By providing your Bulldog a consistent feeding schedule, appropriate portions of high-quality food, and keeping a close eye on their weight and body condition, you’ll be setting them up for a long, healthy, and happy life.
Tips for Preventing Obesity and Bloat in Bulldogs
Bulldogs are prone to obesity and bloat, so it’s important to carefully monitor their diet and eating habits. Here are some tips to help keep your bulldog at a healthy weight:
- Feed your bulldog a measured amount of high-quality dog food twice per day, rather than leaving food out all the time. Follow the recommendations on the packaging for your bulldog’s age and size. Measure out portions to avoid overfeeding.
- Choose a dog food specifically for bulldogs or large-breed dogs. These formulas have the proper nutrition and calorie levels for your bulldog. What to feed your Bulldog? Look for dog food with a named meat like beef, chicken, or fish as the first ingredient.
- Limit treats, table scraps, and people’s food. These extra calories add up and contribute to obesity. Only give one or two small treats per day for training purposes.
- Provide exercise and play for at least 30 minutes per day to keep your bulldog active and promote weight loss. Walks, playing fetch, tug-of-war, and interactive dog toys can all provide exercise and mental stimulation for your bulldog.
- Have your vet examine your bulldog regularly. Get advice from the vet on whether your dog’s weight is healthy and on target. The vet can also check for any medical issues that could be contributing to weight gain or loss of appetite.
- To prevent bloat, do not feed your bulldog very large meals. Split the daily amount of food into two or three smaller meals instead of one big meal. Also, do not exercise your bulldog immediately after eating, to avoid stomach twisting.
By measuring out portions, choosing a breed-appropriate diet, limiting treats and table scraps, providing daily exercise and play, and taking your bulldog for regular vet checkups, you can help keep your bulldog at a healthy weight and reduce the risks of obesity, bloat, and other weight-related health issues. Maintaining an ideal weight and body condition will allow your bulldog to live a long, happy, and active life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding Bulldogs
Bulldogs have some unique needs when it comes to their diet. Here are answers to common questions bulldog owners have about feeding their wrinkly companions:
High-quality dog food specifically formulated for bulldogs or other similarly sized breeds with a brachycephalic head shape. Look for a formula with digestible ingredients, as bulldogs can be prone to gastrointestinal issues. Meat-based proteins like chicken, fish, or lamb should be the first ingredient. Also look for glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, as bulldogs are also prone to arthritis.
How much should I feed my bulldog?
Follow the recommendations on the bag based on your bulldog’s age, size, and activity level. Bulldogs are prone to obesity, so measure out portions carefully and watch your bulldog’s body condition to make sure they stay at a healthy weight. Most adult bulldogs will do well eating 2-3 cups of high-quality dog food per day, split into two meals.
Should I give my bulldog supplements?
In some cases, supplements may benefit bulldogs. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can help support joint health and mobility. Probiotics or digestive enzymes may help improve digestion and gut health. Fish oil supplements provide omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat and to support the immune system. What to feed your Bulldog? However, always talk to your vet before starting any supplements to make sure they are right for your bulldog and the proper dosage.
How often should I feed my bulldog?
Most bulldogs do best eating two or three smaller meals throughout the day rather than one big meal. Splitting up feedings can help prevent digestive upset and make it easier for bulldogs to eat at a slower, healthier pace. For adult bulldogs, a typical feeding schedule would be twice a day, morning and evening, about 12 hours apart.
Should I give my bulldog treats?
Treats in moderation are fine, but keep in mind that bulldogs are prone to obesity and treats contribute extra calories. Choose natural, healthy treats formulated for bulldogs or similarly sized breeds. Only give 1-2 small treats per day, and be sure to account for them when determining your bulldog’s daily calorie needs.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a bulldog feeding 101! Keep those wrinkly pups happy and healthy with a nutritious diet full of lean proteins, healthy grains, fresh fruits, and veggies. Just remember to keep portions small and feed them slowly to avoid gas and bloating. And of course, give them lots of clean, fresh water and plenty of love! Following these bulldog feeding tips will help your pooch live their very best life. Now go snuggle up on the couch with your furry friend for a nice belly rub – you both deserve it after all that learning about proper bulldog nutrition!