20 Best Bulldog Dog Foods for Puppies, Adults & Seniors

Bulldogs are popular furry companions because of their unique appearance, gentle nature, and friendliness. They love kids, short walks, and long naps on the sofa in the sun. Unique, fun-loving, and sweet, Bulldogs hold a special place in the world. They even represent the U.S. Marines, Yale University, and the University of Georgia!

Though they’re low to the ground, Bulldogs tend to fall between medium and large breeds because they are so muscular. Their broad shoulders and chests, thick limbs, and massive jaws give them a larger-than-life (and sometimes ferocious) appearance, but they’re big softies at heart!

If you’re lucky enough to love one of these sweet pups, you know they love their daily meals. These muscular sweethearts can pack on the pounds if you’re not careful, so choosing the right food is critical. We did the research and compiled a list of the best foods for Bulldog. Here’s what we found.

Our Favorite (Also, the Most Expensive)

When it comes to selecting the best food for a Bulldog, I challenged myself to answer one simple question.

If I could choose any food for my dog, regardless of price…

What Would We Feed Our Bulldog?

The Answer: Nom Nom Chef-Prepared, Fresh Dog Food

Why We Like It

• Made with whole foods that are fit for humans
• High-quality meats, fruits, and vegetables
• Recipes created by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist

How can any processed food measure up to fresh, whole ingredients? They can’t. Nom Nom’s meals are so high-quality that you could share with your pup – but we don’t think your pup will agree to that!

These nutritious meals are packed with the protein, vitamins, and minerals your Bulldog needs. With Nom Nom’s combinations of high-quality ingredients, you should see improvement in your pup’s coat and skin, energy levels, and overall health.

Nom Nom meals, you don’t have to worry about bacteria from raw foods, artificial preservatives, fillers, or by-products. Also, the meals are all pre-portioned based on your pup’s age, weight, and activity level. They even account for weight loss or gain if necessary.

Do you have a picky eater? Nom Nom has you covered with a choice of four different meals – Beef Mash, Chicken Chow, Pork Potluck, and Turkey Fare. If you’re not sure which one your pup will love most, you can choose to receive a variety pack with all four meal options.

8 More Great Foods for Healthy Dogs

Best Dry –  Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Dry Dog Food

Why We Like It

• Formulated to promote joint and bone health in large breeds
• No artificial additives or byproducts
• Natural ingredients and super nutrients

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, ground brown rice, barley, peas

Wellness understands that your hearty Bulldog needs a little extra attention when it comes to bone and joint health. Their specially formulated chicken and brown rice recipe contains a balanced blend of proteins, vitamins, and minerals to promote strong bones and healthy joints.

Chicken is the first ingredient, but it’s not the only protein-rich food in this blend. Three additional sources of protein help your Bulldog build lean muscle and process food better. Wellness also includes Yucca Schidigera to reduce the smell of your pup’s stools.

Best Wet – Merrick Chunky Grain-Free Carver’s Delight Dinner Canned Dog Food

Why We Like It

• Chicken and turkey are among the first ingredients
• Grain-free
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken broth, deboned turkey, turkey broth, potatoes

If you’re looking for grain-free, wet dog food, Merrick is tough to beat. Full of flavor and nutritious ingredients, Merrick’s Carver’s Delight Dinner includes chunks of turkey, potatoes, and carrots that will have your Bulldog begging for mealtime.

Merrick claims to use quality ingredients and whole foods to create blends in their Hereford kitchen. Their blend includes Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids to help your Bulldog’s skin and coat, but they also incorporate Glucosamine and Chondroitin for bone and joint health.

Most Popular – Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Why We Like It

• Sustainably sourced salmon is the first ingredient
• Grain-free recipe
• Includes real fruits and vegetables

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, ocean fish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas

Smoked salmon, sweet potatoes, and peas are just the base for this nutritious, balanced dry food blend. Your Bulldog will love the flavor, and you can feel comfortable that they’re getting all of the nutrients they need.

The blend includes no grains, corn, wheat, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives to make your pup feel bad or trigger allergic reactions. Taste of the Wild can satisfy even the pickiest pups without compromising the nutrition they need.

Best Value – American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Why We Like It

• Protein derived from high-quality chicken
• Includes fruits and vegetables
• Grain-free and gluten-free with no corn or soy

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, sweet potatoes

Wholesome and delicious, American Journey’s chicken and sweet potato recipe provides your Bulldog with necessary proteins, vitamins, and minerals to build lean muscle and promote a healthy immune system. Salmon oil and flaxseed keep your pup’s coat healthy and enhance eye and brain development.

Your Bulldog won’t want for energy with this fiber-rich blend. It also avoids fillers so that it’s easily digestible for even the most sensitive stomachs.

Best Grain-Free – Instinct Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Why We Like It

• The first ingredient is cage-free chicken
• Includes a blend of nutritious fruits and vegetables
• Excludes grains, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors, and preservatives

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, peas, chicken fat, tapioca

You can’t go wrong with a grain-free blend that relies heavily on animal ingredients. Instinct claims that their dry dog food blend includes “70% real animal ingredients and oils combined with 30% vegetables, fruits, and other wholesome ingredients.”

This dog food includes live, natural probiotics, omegas, and antioxidants, so it’s easier to digest and promotes healthy skin and coat while supporting your Bulldog’s immune system.

Best Super Premium – The Farmer’s Dog

Why We Like It

• Fresh, whole ingredients, including human-grade meat and veggies
• Made in USDA approved kitchens
• Pre-made and pre-portioned for your pup

First 5 Ingredients: Varies because each meal is based on the plan for your Bulldog

Does your Bulldog perk up more for your meal than their own? The Farmer’s Dog Meal Plan provides your pup with human-grade food that fits their nutritional needs. Every recipe is created by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and they even test their recipes on humans!

If you’re looking for tasty, nutritious food for your Bulldog, it’s hard to go wrong with a custom meal plan that’s made fresh and arrives at your house within a few days. Plus, serving these meals is as easy as thawing and opening a package.

Honorable Mentions

Gentle Giants

Why We Like It

• Made with farm-raised chicken
• Includes non-GMO fruits and vegetables
• Prebiotics and probiotics aid in digestion, even for sensitive stomachs

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken meal, pearled barley, brown rice, oatmeal, dried plain beet pulp

Loaded with protein and twelve non-GMO fruits and vegetables, this nutritious blend is easily digestible and provides the nutrition your Bulldog needs. Vitamins and antioxidants promote a healthy immune system.

The Gentle Giants recipe is veterinarian-approved and works for pups of all ages, even those with sensitive stomachs. As far as dry foods go, this is a reasonable option, especially if your pup has problems digesting other foods.

Stella & Chewy’s

Why We Like It

• Made with cage-free chickens raised without hormones and antibiotics
• Includes 100% organic-certified fruits and veggies
• Grain-free, gluten-free, pea-free

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken with ground bone, chicken liver, chicken gizzard, pumpkin seed, organic cranberries

Stella & Chewy serves natural, sustainably sourced raw ingredients in freeze-dried patties that can be served as-is or rehydrated with water. Their high-quality ingredients include cage-free chicken and organic fruits and vegetables that will appease even the pickiest Bulldog.

These patties are easy to serve; they deliver the balanced nutrition your Bulldog needs for healthy skin and coat, a strong immune system, and proper bone and joint development. There are no fillers or artificial preservatives, but they retain the probiotics necessary for digestion.

4 Foods for Bulldogs with Diet Restrictions

Best Raw – Darwin’s Pet Natural Selections Raw Dog Food

Why We Like It

• Five, high-quality protein options – chicken, duck, turkey, beef, and lamb
• Organic fruits and vegetables
• Grain-free and gluten-free

First 5 Ingredients: Depends on the protein you choose

Darwin’s Pet is protein-rich without unnecessary fats and fillers that disrupt digestion and pack on extra pounds. Your Bulldog will love the flavor, and you’ll rest easier knowing the meat comes from free-range animals.

The custom nutrient mix includes oils and minerals that support thyroid health, boost your pup’s immune system, and manage glucose levels. Easy-to serve meals make your life easier and allow your Bulldog to feast on delicious, raw food.

Best for Weight Loss – Blue Buffalo Limited Ingredient Diet Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Why We Like It

• Real turkey is the first ingredient
• No chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs included
• Contains LifeSource Bits, a custom blend of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins

First 5 Ingredients: deboned turkey, oatmeal, brown rice, potatoes, peas

Whether your Bulldog has food sensitivities or needs to manage their weight better, Blue Buffalo’s Limited Ingredient formula can satisfy them. Delicious and digestible, the high-protein blend is lower calorie and all-natural.

Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits ensure your pup gets the antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins they need for a strong immune system. Veterinarians and animal nutritionists created the custom blend with active dogs in mind.

Best Pea & Legume Free – ZiwiPeak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Dog Food

Why We Like It

• Made with grass-fed lamb and ethically sourced blue mackerel
• Air-dried raw food that doesn’t need to be rehydrated
• No peas, legumes, grains, soy, corn, potatoes, rice, fillers, glycerins, or preservatives

First 5 Ingredients:  Mackerel, lamb, lamb heart, lamb tripe, lamb liver

If you want a farm to bowl experience for your Bulldog’s mealtime, you may want to give Ziwi Peak a try. Made in New Zealand from fresh ingredients, the natural food undergoes a twin-stage air-drying process to kill harmful bacteria without losing nutrients.

This food is a great choice for pups who need a diet free from peas, grains, and legumes. It’s highly digestible but retains the best nutrients for joint and heart health.

Best for Skin Allergies – Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Why We Like It

• Made from farm-raised turkey sourced in America
• Includes peas and chickpeas
• Excludes ingredients that trigger many allergic reactions and digestive problems

First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, turkey meal, chickpeas, peas, sunflower oil

Zignature Limited Ingredient Formula only contains one protein source and none of the usual canine allergens, like corn, wheat, and soy. Turkey is low in saturated fat but rich in several vitamins and minerals that your Bulldog needs.

This blend is a hypoallergenic, low-glycemic food that appeases picky eaters and soothes sensitive stomachs because all pups need proper nutrition that doesn’t aggravate their allergies. It doesn’t skimp on flavor either, so even picky eaters will race to every meal.

Best for Sensitive Stomach – Solid Gold Holistique Blends Dry Dog Food

Why We Like It

• Made with ocean fish meal
• Uses healthy whole grains
• Includes a custom blend of superfoods

First 5 Ingredients: Oatmeal, pearled barley, ocean fish meal, dried eggs, chicken fat

Solid Gold balances ocean fish meal with healthy whole grains to create nutritional, tasty dog food that works for even the most sensitive canine stomachs. If your furry friend struggles with digestive issues and needs something a little different, Solid Gold may be the choice for your family.

Whole grains replace fillers, like corn and potatoes, so your Bulldog gets the most from their food without the upset stomach. The custom blend of superfoods promotes gut health and supports a strong immune system.

Best Puppy Food for Bulldogs

	Ollie Lamb Recipe Human-grade ingredients Convenient delivery service High protein content Price: 50% Off First Order	CHECK PRICE
	Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food Made with real chicken and turkey Includes taurine for heart health Price:  $2.99/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health Lamb Meal & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food Made with lamb and oatmeal Includes superfoods, like blueberries and pomegranates Price: $2.99/lb	CHECK PRICE

When you welcome a Bulldog puppy into your family, you need to pay special attention to your food choices. Bulldog puppies need protein to develop strong bones and joints while building lean muscle.

Pay attention to foods with empty calories because obesity can be a problem for Bulldogs, even when they’re active puppies. You also want to pay attention to the type of food you choose, because Bulldogs can struggle with picking up food, chewing, and swallowing.

Ollie Lamb Recipe

Why I Like It

• Made with lamb
• Includes butternut squash and kale
• Limited ingredients make for an allergy-friendly option

First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, lamb liver, butternut squash, kale, chickpeas

Skip the fillers, forget artificial flavors, and say hello to minimally processed meals for your Bulldog pup. If lamb doesn’t appeal to your pup, choose beef, chicken, or turkey instead.

Ollie is an excellent choice for Bulldog pups with sensitive stomachs or signs of allergies. These meals are easy to serve, and they all rely on high-quality, human-grade ingredients.

Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food

Why I Like It

• Made with real chicken and turkey
• Includes taurine for heart health
• Uses low-glycemic grains

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oats, barley, brown rice

Bulldogs benefit from a little extra love during the puppy years, and that means healthy food. The combination of lean proteins and low-glycemic grains can help curb excess weight gain and promote lean muscle building. They also include taurine to help your Bulldog’s heart and probiotics for better digestion and a boost to the immune system.

Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health Lamb Meal & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food

Why I Like It

• Made with lamb and oatmeal
• Includes superfoods, like blueberries and pomegranates
• Uses high-quality, natural ingredients

First 5 Ingredients: Lamb meal, chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, barley

If your Bulldog pup has a sensitive stomach, Holistic Select may be a good choice for your furry friend. Holistic Select incorporates a custom blend of superfoods, active probiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes to help your pup’s digestive system. This blend also includes DHA fatty acids to help brain and eye development.

Best Senior Food for Bulldogs

	Spot & Tango UnKibble Duck & Salmon Includes lean proteins (including organ meats) Contains vegetables and herbs Convenient home delivery Price: Varies	CHECK PRICE
	Canidae All Life Stages Less Active Formula Dry Dog Food 77% animal-based protein provides amino acids that support lean muscle mass and healthy heart. Made without pea and potato protein powders. Price:  $1.83/lb	CHECK PRICE
	Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food Includes antioxidant-rich superfoods such as blueberries and pomegranate to provide natural support to cellular health Contains DHA fatty acids which have been shown to support healthy brain and eye development Price: $1.64/lb	CHECK PRICE

As your Bulldog ages, obesity and weak joints can develop. Choosing the right dog food can help give your best friend the best golden years possible. You want to look for lower-calorie, protein-rich foods.

Spot & Tango UnKibble Duck & Salmon

Why I Like It

• Made with human-grade ingredients
• Personalized plans for your pup
• Only includes natural ingredients, no artificial additives

First 5 Ingredients: Duck, salmon, flax, tapioca, sweet potatoes

Spot & Tango’s UnKibble looks like dry dog food, but it’s completely different. Made with all-natural ingredients and cut into kibble-like shapes, this dog food is healthy and easy for your senior Bulldog to pick up, chew, and swallow.

There are two other flavors of UnKibble available and a selection of fresh food recipes to choose from. All of Spot & Tango’s meals are made with human-grade ingredients but with a canine’s needs in mind.

Canidae All Life Stages Less Active Formula Dry Dog Food

Why I Like It

• Specially formulated for less active and senior dogs
• Made with animal proteins, low-glycemic grains, fruits, and vegetables
• Contains Canidae’s HealthPLUS solution for easier digestion

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken meal, brown rice, white rice, rice bran, peas

Canidae tackles some of the tougher issues facing older dogs with their All Life Stages formula. While it satisfies younger dogs, this blend limits the fat and calorie intake for older dogs. Provide the nutritional value your senior Bulldog needs without the unnecessary calories that can lead to obesity.

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

Why I Like It

• The first ingredient is farm-raised chicken
• Includes non-GMO ingredients
• Formulated specifically for large breed, senior dogs

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole brown rice, brewers rice, split peas

Ease your Bulldog into their senior years with food to support their body. Nutro’s blend includes ingredients that promote healthy joints, boost the immune system, and support easier digestion. This blend also includes antioxidants, plenty of fiber, and the necessary vitamins for senior dogs.

What to Look for in a Good Dog Food

• High-quality ingredients
• Proteins from animal sources
• Fewer ingredients is better

Bulldogs run the risk of obesity because they tend to be less active, especially in hot and humid weather, so calorie-dense foods are not good options. It’s also important to look for foods that contain ingredients to support joint health. Bulldogs also grow and develop slower than other breeds, so keep that in mind when choosing their food.

Ingredients to Avoid

• Meat byproducts
• High-fat ingredients
• Artificial additives
• Sugars and other sweeteners

Bulldogs are sweet and unique, which makes them wonderful companions. Making sure they eat well and can digest the proper nutrients from food is one of the best things you can do for your furry friend. Avoiding artificial ingredients and high-calorie foods can limit allergic reactions, digestive issues, bad flatulence, and hip problems.

How Much to Feed Bulldogs

Puppy Diet & Feeding Chart

Average Weight = 11-17 pounds (at six months)

There are two primary concerns for feeding Bulldog puppies. First, they are prone to excess weight gain. Second, they grow and develop slower than other breeds, which means they may not achieve full height until after their second birthday.

You want to support their slower growth rate without adding excess weight to their growing bones. Try to use a lower calorie food with plenty of nutrients to support bone and joint development. Follow the recommended feeding chart closely to limit weight gain.

• Up to three months of age – feed up to three cups per day divided into four meals
•  Three months to six months – feed two cups of food divided into three meals
• Six months to one year – feed one cup of food twice per day
• One year and older – feed up to two cups of food all at once or divided into two meals

Adult Diet & Feeding Chart

Average Weight = 35-50 pounds

Adult Bulldogs only need to be fed once or twice per day. It remains important to choose foods that support their bones and joints while helping them maintain a healthy weight. Adults can eat up to 2 cups per day, all at once or divided into two meals. You may want to adjust your Bulldog’s eating patterns based on the amount of daily activity they get.

Senior Diet & Feeding Chart

Average Weight = 35-50 pounds

Senior Bulldogs are at risk for obesity and joint problems as their activity decreases. You may need to reduce the amount of food you give them or switch to a lower-calorie dog food. Pay close attention to your Bulldog’s reaction to foods. Speak with your veterinarian to make appropriate adjustments if necessary.

Common Health Problems for a Bulldog

Obesity

Since Bulldogs love to eat as much as they love to nap, obesity can be a huge problem for them. Excess weight can complicate other issues, like joint problems, which can make life difficult and painful for Bulldogs. It’s critical for a Bulldog’s human companion to carefully monitor their food intake to prevent excessive weight gain.

Bone and Joint Disease

A Bulldog’s unique build is part of their charm, but it can also stress their bones and joints. Hip dysplasia is common in Bulldogs and causes pain, which makes exercise difficult.

Bulldogs are also susceptible to joint and ligament injuries, especially if they exercise too much. As the joints and ligaments breakdown, Bulldogs may develop arthritis.

Respiratory Complications

Bulldogs are brachycephalic, which means they have shortened facial features and narrow breathing passages. One of the most common complications for Bulldogs is Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) due to their facial features. It can be complicated by weather conditions and obesity.

Their features make Bulldogs susceptible to breathing conditions, especially during hot and humid weather. Panting does not cool Bulldogs like it does for other breeds, so monitor your furry friend closely during these conditions.

Eating may be a challenge for Bulldogs because of their facial features. It’s important to choose foods with smaller pieces that are easy to pick up, chew, and swallow.

A Word About Canine DCM

Canine DCM, or dilated cardiomyopathy, is the most common cause of canine heart failure. The heart muscle breaks down, causes the muscle walls to thin, and results in an enlarging of the heart.

Though severe congestive heart failure can occur within hours, the disease generally develops over time. The first signs generally involve rapid breathing during periods of rest or while sleeping, difficulty breathing, and coughing or gagging. However, some dogs may not exhibit symptoms until the condition is severe.

If you suspect your furry friend has Canine DCM, see your veterinarian as soon as possible. They will perform a series of tests to evaluate your pup’s heart for signs of the disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I feed my Bulldog? What’s the correct schedule?

Since Bulldogs are susceptible to obesity, sensitive stomachs, and excessive gas, you may want to embrace a regular feeding schedule. Monitor their eating habits closely for signs that their dog food isn’t working for them.

Puppies eat far more than adults because they are growing and overall more active. You can plan on three to four cups per day until your pup reaches six months of age. At that point, you want to dial it back to around two cups per day.

Keep a schedule at all ages, so your pup knows when to expect mealtime. Even adults benefit from a regular feeding schedule, like when you eat breakfast and dinner.

Is grain-free dog food bad for Bulldogs?

In recent years, some veterinarians noticed an increase in cases of Canine DCM. The FDA launched an investigation and discovered that a lot of the affected dogs ate grain-free diets.

The connection between Canine DCM and grain-free foods remains unproven, and some dogs see other benefits from the diet. However, if you choose a grain-free diet for your furry companion, you may want to notify your veterinarian and monitor them closely for signs of heart disease.

How do I transition my Bulldog from one dog food to another?

There are many reasons to switch your Bulldog’s diet, but you don’t want to do it all at once. Sudden transitions can lead to digestive issues for your pet, and messes for you to clean up. Try following a set transition schedule that looks something like this:

• Start by swapping ¼ of their daily intake with the new food and ¾ of the old food.
• On day three, mix the old food and new food in a 50/50 blend.
• By day five, if there are no issues, serve ¼ of the old food with ¾ of the new food.
• If all goes well, by day seven, your Bulldog should be able to tolerate the new food.

Remember, Bulldogs are prone to sensitive stomachs, so they may take a little longer to adjust to a new food. If you notice your pup struggling with one step, go back down to the previous blend for a little longer.

What is the Dog Food for Bulldogs? – RECAP

1.     Nom Nom Chef-prepared, Fresh Dog Food – Hands-Down Favorite
2.     Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Dry Dog Food – Most Popular
3.     American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food – Best Value
4.     Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Dry Dog Food – Best Dry
5.     Merrick Chunky Carver’s Delight Dinner – Best Wet
6.     Ollie – Best for Puppies
7.     Spot & Tango – Best for Seniors

Conclusion

Full of personality, adorably wrinkly, and fiercely loyal, Bulldogs will thrill you with their talents and hijinks. If you choose a Bulldog for a furry companion, you want to feed them right to keep them healthy and happy.

This guide explores the best dog foods for Bulldogs and details some of the things to consider before choosing one for your furry friend. Whichever food you choose, it’s sure to be a hit with your Bulldog for years to come!