English Bulldogs are famous for their cuteness, courage, and friendly personality.
They are initially from England and were common dogs during fights and war, but today they are prone to health issues and obesity making them unique and need special care.
There are a variety of foods to feed English Bulldogs like wet, dry, and raw. However, some have limitations, and some may be toxic.
Here are some potential dog foods for your English Bulldog:
What can I feed my English Bulldog?
How much food to give an English Bulldog is measured using calories rather than volume. This depends on the dog's age and activity level.
Incorporating probiotics and ingredients in the dog’s food goes a long way. Safe Guard’s probiotic is one of the best as it feeds healthy bacteria to support intestinal flora and promote digestion.
Different brands and formulas have other product ingredients that vary in calorie amounts.
Here are some insights on the best dog foods for English Bulldogs;
Royal Canin Bulldog Adult Dog Food
It is formulated specifically for English Bulldogs with specially shaped kibbles, making it easier for the dogs to pick.
They can be easily digested, reduce gas, and ensure the dog produces healthy stool. It also advocates for shinier coats, healthy skin, and body weight. This is premium-priced dog food, so it may not be ideal for all budgets.
However, it is premium-priced dog food and may not be ideal for all budgets.
Merrick Texas Beef and Sweet Potato
Merrick is loaded with fibre, healthy fats, protein, and naturally nutritious ingredients, which include: lamb meal, sweet potatoes, deboned beef, potatoes, and salmon.
It has no poultry or artificial ingredients, corn, soy, and is additive-free.
Its glucosamine and chondroitin protect and support healthy joints. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids enhance heart health, skin, and coat. It's fortified with B vitamins, folic acid, and health-boosting minerals.
Canidae is made for all dogs, from puppies to adults to seniors. Its high-quality ingredients consist of lamb, turkey, fish, and chicken meals. It has no fillers nor artificial ingredients and is free of soy, corn, and wheat.
Its carbohydrates are from peas, healthy brown rice, and papaya. Probiotics, Omega 3, and 6 acids also aid in the dog's overall health.
Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This is perfect for English Bulldogs who need a little weight control. It uses lean bison as its protein and contains L-Carnitine to convert a dog's fat into muscle.
This fat has a lean nature, and when mixed with flaxseed oil, it helps with bodily functions and perfect coat. Some fruits like carrots and vegetables are also included.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight
The delicious recipe provides English Bulldogs with necessary ingredients without calories, including chicken meal, deboned chicken, pea fibre, barley, and brown rice.
It has a variety of protein, vitamins, and minerals that support the dog's healthy bones, joints, and teeth. However, it has grain but with low-calorie content for sensitive bulldogs.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach
This is the perfect pick for English Bulldogs since they are prone to skin and stomach issues. It has salmon, a good omega fatty acid source, for joint health, skin, and clear coats.
It also contains probiotics and prebiotics that support the dog's immunity and digestive health.
In addition, Purina Pro Plan is budget friendly and free of soy, corn, and wheat, but it contains beef fat, which is probably not the best option for beef-sensitive English Bulldogs.
Is chicken bad for English Bulldogs?
Chicken is excellently rich in protein and is safe for English Bulldogs to eat. It is high in Omega 3 fatty acids that rejuvenate the dog's coat and skin.
However, cooked chicken bone can be dangerous for the dog's health.
Many other foods can be toxic to English Bulldogs because of their delicate stomachs, like grapes, which may cause kidney failure or, worst case scenarios, death.
English Bulldog owners should be aware of the toxic foods. Although dogs can't react badly to certain foods, it is better to be careful to avoid some complications.
Below are some toxic foods to avoid:
Milk and dairy products
English Bulldogs are mostly lactose intolerant and will find it hard to break down lactose in milk. Dairy products may make them sick, causing runny diarrhoea issues.
Macadamia Nuts
These nuts have unknown toxins that might lead to muscle weakness, tremors, depression, vomiting, and hyperthermia when eaten, even in small amounts. They also have a high-fat content that may trigger triglyceride levels leading to pancreatitis.
Alcohol
This is the most toxic drink for English Bulldogs because it causes tremors, central nervous system depression, diarrhoea, abnormal blood acidity, difficulty breathing, vomit, and a lack of coordination. In severe cases, it could result in a coma or death. Ensure to contact your vet as soon as possible.
Yeast dough
Yeast dough starts rising when eaten, creating gas in the process. This can be a problem for the English Bulldog's digestive system. It can cause bloating, extreme pain, and possible twisting.
The yeast can change into ethanol which is highly potent alcohol so if the dog eats yeast, contact a vet immediately.
Can English Bulldogs eat raw meat?
Yes! These English Bulldogs can eat raw meat included in a raw diet. Raw diets can be freeze-dried, dehydrated, homemade, or store-bought.
These diets include raw eggs, whole or ground bone, fresh fruits, muscle meat, organ meats, dairy products, and vegetables. They are with benefits such as smaller stools, shinier coats, improved dental health, healthier coats, and increased energy.
Knowing the safe handling, sanitation, and formulations of the dog's raw diet is essential. You should consult a vet nutritionist for a proper dietary plan if it is a pregnant or sick dog.
Alternatively, one can opt for a kibble diet or dry food, which is compacted with essential nutrients for your dog's health.
Dry food is usually a storage convenience since, once opened, it doesn't need refrigeration. Choosing a kibble brand with high-quality ingredients free of added fillers is essential.
Here is some kibble to look out for.
Taste of the Wild Limited Ingredient Dog Food
This formula helps keep the Bulldog fit and trim with water buffalo, chicken and lamb meal, sweet potatoes, and peas.
It has limited ingredients best for English Bulldogs prone to allergies. Angus beef is the main protein and has high-quality vitamins and minerals for the dog's health while avoiding common allergens such as grain.
This product ensures to give your English Bulldog premium quality ingredients, including grain-free carbohydrates, probiotics, prebiotics supplements, and real chicken and duck.
Probiotics help digestion while other ingredients like Omega 3 & 6 sourced from fish oils and flax seeds promote healthy skin and soft coats. It also has no fillers and by-product meals.
Can English Bulldogs eat fruit?
English Bulldogs are carnivores and, like most dogs, have no particular need for fruits or vegetables as a regular part of their diet. However, an occasional treat goes a long way.
Below are some fruits safe for English Bulldogs in moderation:
Watermelon
Except for the watermelon rinds and seeds to avoid intestinal blockage, it is safe for English Bulldogs to eat. Watermelon flesh is a good source of potassium, vitamin A, B-6, C, and potassium. It also has a 92 percent water content that helps keep the dog hydrated all summer.
Banana
Bananas have numerous health benefits and are great for English Bulldogs. They are high in potassium, which helps support heart and kidney function. Also full of vitamins, copper, fibre, and biotin, bananas are famous for being a good motivator during training. However, bananas are high in sugar, so moderation is key. Ensure to peel off the banana skin as they are difficult for dogs to digest.
Pineapple
In moderation, pineapples are full of nutrients for English Bulldogs because of their high fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Excessive consumption may cause symptoms such as diarrhoea and nausea.
Mango
Mangos flourish with four different vitamins: E, B6, A, and C. Potassium, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene are also included. It is best to peel off its skin and offer it as an occasional treat because mangoes are high in sugar.
Oranges
Oranges offer English Bulldogs potassium, vitamin C and fibre. In small quantities, peeled off skins and removed seeds, orange flesh is juicy and a tasty treat. The peels and seeds can be rough on these do's digestive systems and may cause blockage.
Berries
Berries are excellently high in antioxidants. Blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries aid in preventing cell damage and boosting the immune system. Alternatively, they have low sugar, high vitamin C, and fibre for dental health. Blueberries are primarily anti-inflammatory, reducing the risks of cancer and heart diseases. However, they may be choking hazards for your English Bulldog, so keep an eye on them while they eat.
Apples
Apples are calcium, vitamins A and C, and fibre rich, essential for bone and tissue health. They have a crisp texture and sweet taste making them popular for dogs. This trait helps with the Bulldog's teeth, keeping them clean and with fresh breath. Cut the apples into small pieces to prevent the dog from choking, ensuring all seeds and cores are removed.
Some safe vegetables for English Bulldogs include:
Broccoli
These are among the safest veggies for English Bulldogs. Rich in vitamins K and C, folic acids, minerals, and fibre, broccolis helps prevent heart diseases, keeps the dog's skin, coat and bones healthy, and boosts their immune system. They can be offered cooked or raw, with the stalks chopped into small pieces.
Carrots
Carrots are high in fibre and beta-carotene (which produces vitamin A) and also low in calories. Crunching on carrots is excellent for your English Bulldog's teeth, making it a popular treat for most dog foods.
What human food can I feed my English bulldog?
When feeding human food to English Bulldogs, remember they can't handle spices and seasoning as humans can.
Avoid feeding them table scraps as they may have more calories than contained in their average meal intake per day.
Below is a recap of human foods that can be safe for English Bulldogs:
Beef
Beef is a good source of protein for English Bulldogs since it provides the energy they need. It has essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins that work for joints, skin, muscles, and coat health. In addition, all beef should be lean, salt-free, and seasoning-free.
Popcorn
Popcorn without extra ingredients is perfect for English Bulldogs as an occasional treat. Limit its salt content to avoid severe complications for your dog. Oil and butter are high in fat and, if excessive, may lead to pancreatitis. Ensure to feed fully-popped kernels to avoid chocolate and plain, air-popped popcorn.
Cheese
Most dogs can safely eat cheese. The same goes for English Bulldogs, but it should be in small quantities. Introducing cheese into the dog's diet gradually is good because its fat and lactose content may cause digestive problems.
Eggs
Cooked eggs provide proteins, almost every mineral, and vitamins perfectly safe for English Bulldogs. It is essential not to feed the raw dog eggs as they may develop bacteria (salmonella) that can spread to their owners, increasing the risk of other infections. Cooked eggs are perfectly safe and nutritious for dogs to eat.
Final Thought
English Bulldogs are distinct in appearance and are very lovable family dogs. However, their uniqueness poses various health concerns.
English Bulldogs are best-given food high in protein but low in fat and carbohydrates because their obesity rate is high.
One should avoid feeding the dog treats from the dinner table and, if possible, have low-calorie dog treats to prevent sharing whatever you're eating.
It is essential always to contact a vet when your dog starts showing strange symptoms to its diet.