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Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs 2024
Written by Joe Holyoake
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 10/31/2023, edited: 03/22/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
A grouchy-looking face covered in loose skin, a stout body and an unmistakable shuffle — the English Bulldog is one of the most instantly recognizable dog breeds. For hundreds of years, they’ve been faithful companions to folk across the world who love their playful spirit and desire to be around their parents as much as possible.
If you’re considering introducing one into your life — or you’ve already made the big step — you’ll need to think long and hard about what you pour into their bowl come dinnertime. As with every breed, there are some unique attributes to consider.
For example, this is a breed that treads a fine line between muscular and overweight, so the best food for Bulldogs needs to be high in protein and low in fat. Some also suffer from Brachycephalic Syndrome due to their squished face — wet or fresh dog food might be easier for them to tolerate, as might smaller-sized kibble.
With this in mind, here’s our rundown of the best dog food for English Bulldogs.
Overview
The Farmer’s Dog
Best fresh dog food for English Bulldogs
It’s no overstatement to say that companies like The Farmer’s Dog have revolutionized the dog food world. How so? Well, parents can now have fresh dog food designed around their own dog’s dietary requirements delivered to their front door on a regular basis.
Better yet, this fresh dog food is made with human-grade ingredients that are only lightly cooked to retain as much of the nutritional goodness as possible. The team behind The Farmer’s Dog works with veterinary nutritionists to tailor portions around an individual dog’s needs — they would take your English Bulldog’s age, weight and activity level into account. Protein used in Farmer’s Dog’s meals include beef, turkey, pork and chicken.
When it comes to dog food for English Bulldogs, you can’t really ask for more.
The Farmer's Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- The subscription model is undeniably convenient for parents
- The human-grade ingredients and cooking method make the food more digestible
- The recipes are catered towards your pet’s exact nutritional needs
- The meals are cooked in US-based kitchen facilities that meet the USDA’s strict standards
Considerations & Concerns
- The higher price means it’s not an option for all parents
- The proclaimed benefits are exaggerated according to some critics
- The meals need to be kept in a fridge or freezer, so you need to have plenty of space available
What pet parents say about The Farmer’s Dog
“Farmer’s Dog food has made a tremendous difference in my dog’s health and vitality. I started my dog on this wonderful food when she was 11yrs old. You could see she was getting old in how she moved. She is now 13yrs old and people think she’s a puppy. She’s got a pep in her step, and she lost weight. I’m so glad I decided to try this product. It’s amazing. I’ve also gotten 4 other dog parents using it!”
Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
“My pups have sensitive stomachs and went through years of changing foods and tons of vet visits and bills. Once we switched to the Farmers Dog, my vet visits were cut in half. My dogs are happier and have fewer stomach issues. The food ingredients list is an amazing way to know all the fresh goodies that are in the food. It is a company that provides high-quality fresh food, and they CARE about their customers.”
Read more views on Better Business Bureau.
Product image of The Farmer's Dog sourced from The Farmer's Dog website. Copyright The Farmer's Dog.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Formula Grain-Free
Vet recommended
You won’t find many dog foods for which the first listed ingredient is water buffalo, but this recipe from Taste of the Wild is one of them. As well as that, there’s roasted venison and lots of fruit and vegetables, too.
Together, this makes for a dog food that contains a higher-than-average amount of protein, plus plenty of antioxidants, probiotics and Omega fatty acids, too. No wonder one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants is so enthusiastic about this English Bulldog food.
“Taste of the Wild offers both wet and dry dog and cat foods for all life stages incorporating species-specific probiotics, fruits and seeds, and omega fatty acids,” says Dr Georgia Jeremiah, pet nutrition expert.
Taste of the Wild Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- The first listed ingredient is real meat, rather than meal or byproducts
- The vegetables and fruit in the recipe are full of antioxidants
- The Omega fatty acids are great for healthy skin and coat
- The protein levels are high to encourage muscle growth and repair
Considerations & Concerns
- The brand has been subject to a recall before (but only once in 2012)
- The kibble size isn’t specifically designed for small breeds
- The crude fat level is 18%, which might be too much for chubby canines
What pet parents say about Taste of the Wild High Prairie Formula Grain-Free
“We were breeders of Bulldogs, so we used Taste of the Wild for a long time, probably 10 plus years. They had the best puppy food that we could use to grind up and soak…Our experience had been really good. Bulldogs have really sensitive stomachs and skin issues. But we never had any of that with Taste of the Wild… We used their puppy formula pretty much all year round ‘cause we had puppy litters every year. Then, we had the salmon formula and then a meat one with the bison. Those ones were good. We’d go with this bison for five months and then we’d switch it to the salmon. When they got the salmon, they would go nuts because it was different. Then when we brought the bison back, it would be the same thing.”
“We have an English Bulldog puppy who "had" skin issues. We kept in touch with one of the other buyers who purchased a sibling of our pup and he said he was experiencing the same issue but worse. He told us he purchased a different dog food called "Taste Of The Wild" so we tried it. It was almost instantly that we saw a change in our pup's coat. No more skin issues & a nice thick coat. We couldn't be happier.”
Read more reviews on Consumer Affairs.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet Food
Vet recommended
If you’ve decided to go for wet dog food over a dry equivalent, you really can’t go wrong with Blue Buffalo’s Wilderness range. This features a wide variety of meat-heavy recipes, ranging from beef stew to chicken and turkey grill.
We don’t just like the impressive range of flavors, however.
“Blue Buffalo dog food products cater to different life stages, sizes, and breeds of dogs. They offer formulations containing limited ingredients, which may be beneficial for dogs with certain dietary sensitivities," says Dr Jeremiah.
With this versatility and high protein content, you can see why we’ve named it among the best dog food for English Bulldogs.
Recipes in the Blue Wilderness range include:
- Denali Dinner
- Flatland Feast
- Trout and Chicken Grill
- Snake River Grill
- Beef and Chicken Grill
- Duck and Chicken Grill
- Turkey and Chicken Grill
- Salmon and Chicken Grill
- Puppy Turkey and Chicken Grill
- Senior Turkey and Chicken Grill
- Small Breed Turkey and Chicken Grill
- Healthy Weight Turkey and Chicken Grill
Blue Buffalo Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- The first listed ingredient is meat, meaning protein levels are high
- The recipes have the approval of Dr Georgia Jeremiah, one of Wag!’s veterinary consultants
- The wide range of recipes means even fussy eaters should find something to suit them
- The grain-free options could be more suitable for sensitive stomachs
- The puppy, senior and weight management versions make it easy to transition between different recipes depending on a dog’s changing needs
Considerations & Concerns
- The brand has been subject to recalls in the past (although not since 2017)
- The fat-to-protein ratio in some recipes might be a bit too high for English Bulldogs on a diet
- The range is slightly pricier than many other wet dog foods (but for good reason, we feel)
What pet parents say about Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet Food
“My two Alapaha Bulldogs love all the varieties of Blue Buffalo canned dog food mixed with Blue Buffalo dry food.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
“My dog absolutely loves the chunks of meat in the Blue Buffalo Blue Wilderness Wolf Creek Stew. I like the food as it comes in gravy. That way I can mix with blue wilderness hard food to get my dog to eat. She isn't a fan of hard food, however it's much better on her teeth. It's a win-win situation for both my dog and I”
Read more reviews on Petco.
Product image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Blue Buffalo Company Ltd.
We Feed Raw
Best raw dog food for English Bulldogs
You might not see much of a wild animal in your English Bulldog when he’s curled up asleep on the sofa. However, don’t let that fool you — this dog will happily chow down on a raw diet that’s more similar to that of their primitive ancestors.
However, feeding your dog a raw diet doesn’t require daily trips to the butcher’s shop. Instead, parents can use a subscription service — we’d recommend We Feed Raw. The company prepares meals made of human-grade meat, bones and fat, which are packed full of protein, amino acids and enzymes.
If you’ve been feeding your dog kibble or canned food, it’s a big change, but many parents notice marked improvements in energy levels, digestion and coat health. What’s more, the limited ingredients mean that it could be the best dog food for English Bulldogs with allergies.
We Feed Raw meal flavors include:
- Venison patty
- Duck patty
- Beef patty
- Lamb patty
- Chicken patty
- Turkey patty
We Feed Raw Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- The subscription model is handy for busy parents
- The variety of recipes makes it easier to feed a picky pup
- The fact food isn’t cooked means nutrients are more digestible
- The food is supplemented with necessary vitamins and minerals
Considerations & Concerns
- The cost is quite a bit higher than kibble or canned food
- The food has to be kept in the fridge, so parents will need space for this
- The above-average fat levels might not be great for English Bulldogs on a diet
What pet parents say about We Feed Raw
“It’s been 4 days since starting WFR. My 13 year old French Bulldog is fat…He looked swollen in the belly and wouldn’t really do much throughout the day. Just sleeping all day unless needing to go out to potty. He wouldn’t cooperate on walks. We would tug and pull to try and get him going only to end up carrying him. The very first morning after eating WFR, he was awake most of the day, happily chewing his bone and even greeting the other dogs when they woke up. He now trots along on walks with even a little pep in his step! He no longer looks swollen and will even play with the other dogs. Again, it’s only been 4 days but so far I truly believe that THIS is the correct way to feed our dogs. It seems he feels much better and is more alert. I wish I made the decision sooner to feed raw.”
“Highly impressed! Our picky eater, who made us stand at her bowl while she unwillingly nibbled for about 15 minutes every feeding, no matter what we fed her, has gobbled this up in 30 seconds every time it is placed in front of her. Arrived frozen - great packaging and feeding instructions. They have checked on us several times to make sure our dog is happy with it. Will be a repeat customer!”
Read more reviews on Trustpilot.
Product image sourced from the We Feed Raw website. Copyright We Feed Raw.
Merrick Grain-Free Dog Food
Best dry dog food for English Bulldogs
Since starting in a family kitchen in a small Texan town, Merrick has become a byword for quality in the dog food world.
“Merrick products are made with high-quality, whole food ingredients, and they use no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors,” says Dr Jeremiah.
While the company also makes wet food, we’ve got particularly kind words for the grain-free dry range. There’s a wide range of flavors available — all with real meat as the
leading ingredients — and some recipes are catered towards puppies, senior canines and those that need to watch their weight.
Recipes in the Merrick Grain-Free range include:
- Real Lamb and Sweet Potato
- Real Duck and Sweet Potato
- Real Bison, Beef and Sweet Potato
- Real Turkey and Sweet Potato
- Real Salmon and Sweet Potato
- Real Chicken and Sweet Potato
- Real Texas Beef and Sweet Potato
- Healthy Weight
- Senior Real Chicken and Sweet Potato
- Puppy Real Chicken and Sweet Potato
- Puppy Real Texas Beef and Sweet Potato
- Large Breed Real Chicken and Sweet Potato
Merrick Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- The variety of flavors is useful for parents trying to feed fussy pets
- The grain-free recipes could be easier on sensitive stomachs
- The first ingredient is always real meat, rather than meals or byproducts
- The Omega fatty acids are good for healthy skin and coat
- The added glucosamine and chondroitin is beneficial for a dog’s joints
Considerations & Concerns
- The kibble might be challenging for English Bulldogs with Brachycephalic Syndrome to eat
- The company has been subject to recalls in the past (although only dog treats)
- The protein levels in dry dog food usually aren’t as high as raw, fresh or wet options
What pet parents say about Merrick Grain-Free
“This is expensive, but possibly because of not having filler ingredients, my dog does not need to eat as much of it. What a task to try and find a grain-free dry food that did not contain canola oil or meal, a definite NO-NO for this household. I very much appreciate that Merrick did not compromise and use canola. We've only had it for a few days but my dog seems to like it very much.”
“Excellent food for an active terrier. Have used this brand for several years and very satisfied with this product.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
“We feed our English bulldog this because everything else we've tried makes him throw up. This limited-ingredient product has made our lives so much easier and our dog is healthy!”
“My [English Bulldog] looks shiny and healthy with this food!! You must try it…”
Read more reviews on Petco.
Product image sourced from the Chewy website. Copyright Merrick Pet Care.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat
Best weight management dog food for English Bulldogs
When it comes to the question of what do Bulldogs eat, the answer can often be “anything within reach”. As a result, it’s not unheard of for English Bulldogs to be carrying a little bit too much weight.
If this happens to your pet, don’t panic — it’s possible to find good-quality dog food that encourages a healthy weight. The reduced fat recipe in the WELLNESS CORE is a great example of dog food for English Bulldogs in need of a slightly lighter diet.
Real turkey is the main protein source, which is one of the leanest meats around. The high fiber levels and probiotics encourage healthy digestion, while the added glucosamine and chondroitin make joints stronger.
Who said diets have to be miserable?
Wellness CORE Dog Food
Why Wag! Loves It
- The high protein levels and reduced fat are great for a weight loss regimen
- The first ingredient is real Turkey, followed by fruit, veg and salmon oil
- The added glucosamine and chondroitin helps support joints
- The absence of artificial flavors and preservatives is always welcome
Considerations & Concerns
- The kibble might not be suitable for dogs with Brachycephalic Syndrome
- The fact there’s only one flavor could be bad news for dogs that need variety
- The protein levels can be beat by wet, fresh and raw dog foods
What pet parents say about Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat
“We have a very picky girl [Bulldog] that we switched to this…she likes the food! I like the ingredients. I also like the variety. I think next time I will order the senior food. I have found limited stock near me but it’s easy to get online and shipped to my home. We will be sticking with Wellness Core!”
Read more reviews on Petco.
“My small, picky dog loves this food. We switched him to this from puppy food and it's the first food he actually wants to eat. We even use it as treats on walks and in training and he's all in. I was worried the pieces were too big for him at first, but not at all!”
“I use this as a portion of my puggle’s diet. It has become a bit pricey, but I have had very good experiences with Wellness customer service, and years of quality product.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Product image from Chewy. Copyright Wellness Pet Company.
FAQ
Should I choose dry, wet, raw or fresh dog food for my English Bulldog?
Do English Bulldogs need different foods at different life stages?
Does an English Bulldog need small-breed dog food?
How does Wag! determine paw ratings for dog food?