Hard, tough, and muscular on the outside, but equally soft and loving on the inside; that best describes an American Bulldog. They are known to be hardworking and full of activity, quite agile and a great companion to have especially if you can give them all the time and attention this active breed needs.
While talking about love and attention to your pet, American Bulldogs have a very active lifestyle and hence require a diet rich in protein to fulfill their nutritional requirements. A lot of bulldog owners are their wit’s end as to what would be an optimum nourished meal for their dog.
For all those American Bulldog Parents and owners, we help you fix your pet’s nutrition-related queries by reviewing the 10 Best Dog Foods for American Bulldogs.
Taste of the Wild Roasted Bison and Venison High Protein Dry Dog Food
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food
American Bulldog Feeding Chart:
How Much I have to Feed my American Bulldog?
American Bulldogs may appear to be stout but one is not supposed to go on their appearance as they are a pretty fit and energetic breed. Therefore special attention has to be paid to their feeding habits and quantities. A dog parent who owns an American Bulldog as a dog breed needs to make sure that their diet is dense in nutrients and devoid of carbohydrates and excess fats. A small chunk of carbohydrates is essential but too much of it can lead to obesity. They require high amounts of fiber from carbs and most of their energy should be derived from proteins. 
Here is a feeding chart that will help you feed your bulldog in the right quantities:
| Weight of Dog (in lbs) | Feeding (cups per day) |
| 50-60 | 3 ¼ cups to 3 ⅔ cups |
| 61-70 | 3 ⅔ cups to 4 cups |
| 71-80 | 4 cups to 4 ½ cups |
| 81-90 | 4 ½ cups to 5 cups |
| 91-100 | 5 cups to 5 ⅓ cups |
| 101-110 | 5 ⅓ to 5 ¾ cups |
| 111-120 | 5 ¾ cups to 6 cups |
| 121-140 | 6 cups to 6 ¾ cups |
| 141-160 | 6 ¾ cups to 7 ⅔ cups |
| 161-180 | 7 ⅔ cups to 8 ⅓ cups |
The Average lifespan of American Bulldogs is 12-14 years
The age range of American Bulldogs is as follows:
- Puppies (up to 12 months)
- Adult (From 12 Months to 8 Years)
- Senior (Over 8 Years)
American Bulldogs are likely to overeat which may lead to obesity. Therefore, you must avoid feeding them in excess. Check your doggos activity levels and feed them accordingly. If they are agile, then providing them with a high protein and carbohydrate food is essential to meet their nutritional requirements. However, adult and senior dogs have reduced activity levels and hence need to consume a controlled diet. Here is a rough feeding guideline for the number of times you should feed your bulldog in order to manage their weight:
| Age | No. of Feedings Per Day |
| Up to 3 Months | 4 times a day |
| 3-6 months | 3 times a day |
| 6-12 months | 2 times a day |
| 1 year old | 1-2 times a day depending on activity levels |
In terms of calorie requirements:
Males: 2100-3600 calories per day Females: 1800-3000 calories per day
The 10 Best Dog Food for American Bulldogs 2022
While having to maintain their active lifestyle and high energy levels, we need to keep our American Bulldog’s special nutritional requirements in mind.
As discussed before, they get most of their energy from protein and fiber, and cannot survive on mere fillers offered by various low-quality dog food brands. The protein and the meat source has to be from reliable sources with a balanced level of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, pre, and probiotics.
We have it all covered for you with our reviews on the best dog foods for American Bulldogs.
These are the Best Dog Food for American Bulldog
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Purina One SmartBlend True Instinct Adult Dog Food
- Wellness Large Breed Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Halo Holistic All Life Stages Dry Dog Food
- Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
- Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe
- Country Vet Naturals Active Athlete Dog Food
1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Overall Best
Guaranteed Analysis:
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 32.0% |
| Crude Fat | 18.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.8 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.3 % min |
| Caloric Content | 3,719 kcal/kg, 370 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Bison, Roasted Venison
Product Review:
Made to satisfy the canine instincts of your dog, this grain-free dry dog food by Taste of the Wild had to be our Overall Best Choice amongst all. The roasted bison and venison recipe adds great taste that your canine is bound to relish.
The bison and venison have been pasture-raised and it provides highly digestible protein for muscle development. They also use a proprietary K9 strain that is species-specific to enhance digestion. The Omega and Fatty Acid blend work together to support a healthy and shiny coat. The formula has proven to be great for Adult Dogs including your American Bulldog.
Dried Chicory Root is the source of prebiotic fiber and is a part of the diet. It provides fuel to the probiotic bacteria and helps them thrive in your dog’s digestive system.
Veggies, legumes, berries, fruits, etc make for a great source of antioxidants and help support your dog’s immunity and overall well being.
Feeding Instructions
| Weight | Daily Feeding for Adult Dogs (cups) |
| 3-5 LBS | 1/3 – 1/2 |
| 5-10 LBS | 1/2 – 3/4 |
| 10 – 20 LBS | 3/4 – 1 1/2 |
| 20 – 30 LBS | 1 1/2 – 2 |
| 30 – 40 LBS | 2 – 2 1/3 |
| 40 – 60 LBS | 2 1/3 – 3 |
| 60 – 80 LBS | 3 – 3 3/4 |
| 80-100 LBS | 3 3/4 – 4 1/3 |
| 100-125 LBS | 4 1/3 – 5 |
| 125-150 LBS | 5 – 5 3/4 |
| 150-175 LBS | 5 3/4 – 6 1/2 |
Pros
- Flavorful and has real, rich ingredients
- Natural recipe enhanced with Omega -3 and Omega -6 fatty acids
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- Uses a proprietary probiotic blend to support gut bacteria
Cons
- Users complain that the food tastes bad
- The food is not grain-free as it claims
About Taste of the Wild
Taste of the Wild is a part of the family-owned Diamond Pet Food Company and has its manufacturing headquarters in Missouri. They use high quality and advanced facilities to curate quality dog food for your canine. These foods meet the official high nutrition standards. The grain-free recipes offered by Taste of the Wild combine fruits, vegetables, berries, legumes to satisfy your pet’s natural cravings of the wild.
2. Purina One SmartBlend True Instinct Adult Dog Food – Popular Brand
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 30.0% |
| Crude Fat | 17.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.0% max |
| Moisture | 12.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 1.7 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.5 % min |
| Glucosamine | 350 ppm min |
| Caloric Content | 3,717 kcal/kg, 343 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Corn Gluten Meal, Rice Flour, Soy Flour, Chicken Meal
Product Review
Purina is a renowned pet food brand in the industry and is trusted by many pet owners across the globe. This SmartBlend Dog Food by Purina One is a tailored meal suitable for adult dogs of all breeds. The true instinct smart blend is formulated with Salmon as its first ingredient along with tuna to provide maximum and quality meat protein in your dog’s diet.
The meat protein helps in building muscles along with Omega -3 fatty acids that make healthy skin and coat. The dog food is meaty and juicy, your canine is sure to love it. Moreover, it is packed with immunity-boosting antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for a complete and balanced meal.
The food is manufactured in USDA approved facilities with high quality and digestible ingredients that are inspired by nature to keep your dog’s natural instincts alive.
Feeding Instructions
| Weight | Daily Feeding (cup) |
| 3 – 12 LBS | 1/2 – 1 1/4 |
| 13 – 20 LBS | 1 1/4 – 1 3/4 |
| 21 – 35 LBS | 1 3/4 – 2 2/3 |
| 36 – 50 LBS | 2 2/3 – 3 1/4 |
| 51 – 75 LBS | 3 1/4 – 4 1/3 |
| 76 – 100 LBS | 4 1/3 – 5 1/4 |
| OVER 100 LBS | 5 1/4 plus 1/3 for every additional 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs |
Pros
- Tailor-made meals for targeted nutrition
- 30% protein is from meat source
- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids for a lustrous shiny coat
- Food belongs to a highly reputable brand
Cons
- Dogs avoid eating spongy pieces
- Food does not taste well
About Purina One
Purina is trusted upon by many pet parents and they have maintained their reputation as the number one and most trusted food brand in the pet industry. They strive to provide the best in class nutrition for dogs and cats. Their constant innovation and research have led to the formation of these SmartBlend formulas that mix the right quality of ingredients to achieve the perfect blend and taste that dogs love.
3. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Dog Food – Premium Pick
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 26.0% |
| Crude Fat | 12.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.0 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.75% min |
| Glucosamine | 750 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 340 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Ground Brown Rice, Salmon Meal, Ground Flaxseeds, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Blueberries
Product Review
If you want to keep your pooch in good and tip-top shape, then you should definitely consider the Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Dog Food for your American Bulldog. This definitely makes it to our premium choice due to its unique range of ingredients and the right amount of nutrients.
It not only imparts balanced nutrition but also has a great taste. The food uses 4 sources of proteins and a low amount of fat to keep your fido fit and in good shape. It has the right amount of minerals like Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, etc.
The unique blend of high protein and low fat ensures maximum absorption of food and nutrients that helps in building lean muscles and repair the wear and tear of the body easily. The moderate fat content keeps your fido from getting obese.
The unique blend also includes mixed tocopherols for guarding against eye diseases. Yucca Schidigera is a microbial strain used that helps in proper absorption of nutrients thereby reducing odor from the stool.
Additionally, the complete dry dog formula includes Omega-3 and Omega -6 fatty acids for a healthier and shinier coat. The food blend also has Vitamin A and Vitamin E to enhance the immune system.
Feeding Instructions
| Weight | Daily Feeding (cup) |
| 50 – 60 LBS | 3 1/4 – 3 2/3 |
| 61 – 70 LBS | 3 2/3 – 4 |
| 71 – 80 LBS | 4 – 4 1/2 |
| 81 – 90 LBS | 4 1/2 – 5 |
| 91 – 100 LBS | 5 – 5 1/3 |
| 101 – 110 LBS | 5 1/3 – 5 3/4 |
| 111 – 120 LBS | 5 3/4 – 6 |
| 121 – 140 LBS | 6 – 6 3/4 |
| 141 – 160 LBS | 6 3/4 – 7 2/3 |
| 161 – 180 LBS | 7 2/3 – 8 1/3 |
Pros
- Wellness uses fresh whole food ingredients
- Number of varieties and flavors available
- Supports digestive health
- Nutritionally enriching kibbles for overall dog wellness
Cons
- The dog food does not taste well
- Kibble does not appear to be good for dogs
About Wellness
Wellness is a pioneer brand in dog food and always looking for innovative ways for pets to survive and thrive. They believe in offering wholesome nutrition to pets for their wellness. Their diverse team of animal lovers, veterinarians, and nutritionists believe in one motto: to provide your pet a healthy, happy, and longer life.
Wellness is particular about each step they follow, right from sourcing ingredients to manufacturing to packaging to deliver a nutritious recipe for your pet’s wellness.
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 24.0% |
| Crude Fat | 14.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.0% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.5% min |
| Glucosamine | 400 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 3,627 kcal/kg, 378 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Flax Seeds, Dried Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries
Product Review
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food is curated specifically for the holistic health and well being of your bulldog. The nutritional composition of the recipe has been carefully formulated that helps your dog thrive.
The carefully selected blend of ingredients includes deboned chicken, whole grains, garden veggies and fruits, and unique LifeSource Bits which makes a precise wholesome nutritional formula for your pooch.
The protein-rich meal helps in overall muscle development and carbohydrates provide energy for maintaining your dog’s active lifestyle.
Moreover, it also has Calcium, phosphorous, and other essential vitamins for developing strong bones and teeth.
Glucosamine aids in joint health maintenance and supports your dog’s mobility. Vitamins and chelated minerals along with a blend of antioxidants help in developing long-lasting immunity.
The life protection adult dog food formula is devoid of any artificial additives, flavors, or preservatives, which make it extremely safe for your dog to consume.
Feeding Instructions
| Weight of Dog | Daily Feeding (Cups) |
| UP TO 15 LBS | 1/2 – 1 1/4 |
| 16 – 25 LBS | 1 1/4 – 1 3/4 |
| 26 – 40 LBS | 1 3/4 – 2 1/2 |
| 41 – 60 LBS | 2 1/2 – 3 1/2 |
| 61 – 80 LBS | 3 1/2 – 4 1/4 |
| 81 – 100 LBS | 4 1/4 – 5 |
| OVER 100 LBS | Feed 5 cups, plus 1/2 cup for each additional 20 lbs |
Pros:
- Deboned chicken and brown rice offers a great taste
- Glucosamine is the key ingredient that supports joint and bone health
- Highly suitable formula for adult muscular dogs
- No artificial fillers or additives
Cons:
- Your dog may not be willing to transition to the dog food
- Dog Food barely contains any LifeSource Bits
About BLUE Buffalo
BLUE Buffalo Dog Food begin with this one breed, which is the Airedale and is known to be a large breed. The manufacturers of this adult dog formula had a clear vision, to be able to give the same love and attention to their pets as they would give their family members. Therefore, they carefully created the #1 natural pet specialty food to nurture pets and provide them healthy happy lives for years.
5. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 36.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 16.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.0% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.5% min |
| Glucosamine | 250 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 396 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Salmon Oil, Ground Flaxseed
Product Review
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food strongly goes by the fact that dogs survive on raw meat since ancestral times. Each recipe by Wellness CORE is made of high-quality animal protein and is devoid of any grains and fillers.
To make it a nutritionally enhanced and rich diet, each ingredient is carefully controlled in aspects of quality and quantity. It has a balanced blend of protein-rich meat to support your American Bulldog’s high energy levels.
Moreover, the grain-free formula is also enhanced by Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint and muscle development as well as probiotics that improve metabolism and aid digestion.
As the name suggests, the dog recipe supports your canine from the core of its health and also has botanicals with nutritional supplements. The unique formulation nurtures your pet’s health from its core and brings about the overall wellness of your pet.
Feeding Instructions
| Weight | Daily Feeding (Cup) |
| 2 – 4 LBS | 1/4 – 1/2 |
| 5-8 LBS | 1/2 – 3/4 |
| 9-12 LBS | 3/4 – 1 |
| 13-16 LBS | 1 – 11/4 |
| 17-20 LBS | 11/4 – 11/2 |
| 21-25 LBS | 11/2 – 1 3/4 |
Pros:
- Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
- Has high-quality protein-based ingredients
- Complete and Balanced Diet for everyday feeding
- Supports a dog’s optimal health to the core
Cons:
- The dog food has had several recalls
- The food does not taste great
About Wellness
Wellness is known to be a pioneer in pet nourishment and is always looking to formulate innovative recipes to help dogs thrive. They have a diverse team of veterinarians, nutritionists, and animal lovers who understand each breed’s individual needs.
They are involved and passionate about each step that goes into making their brilliant recipes that are rich in protein and provide optimum nutrition to the core.
6. Halo Holistic All Life Stages Dry Dog Food – Most Affordable Pick
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 27.0% |
| Crude Fat | 17.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.75% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.90% min |
| Caloric Content | 3,760 kcal/kg, 413 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Soy Protein Concentrate, Oatmeal, Pea, Barley
Product Reviews
The whole holistic formula Chicken and Chicken Liver formula by Halo Holistic Dry Dog Foods provides high-quality ingredients at such a low price. This makes it our most affordable choice amongst all.
The food is made with sustainably raised cage-free chicken as their first ingredient along with a wholesome variety of non-GMO vegetables and fruits.
The non-GMO range of fruits and veggies includes blueberries, carrots, and cranberries that provide essential antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.
The food is manufactured in the USA with the finest quality ingredients and having no fillers, artificial ingredients, or preservatives. Additionally, the formula is highly digestible and tasty for your dog to absorb the food well, meaning firmer stools and less clean up for you in the backyard.
Feeding Instructions
| Weight of Dog | Cups |
| 5 LBS | 1/2 cup |
| 10 LBS | 3/4 cup |
| 15 LBS | 1 cup |
| 20 LBS | 1 1/4 cups |
| 25 LBS | 1 1/2 cups |
Pros
- Highly digestible formula
- Suitable for small breed adult dogs and American Bulldogs
- No artificial colors, fillers or preservatives
- Non-GMO vegetables used.
Cons
- The food is delivered with moths and not fresh
- Taste of dog food is compromised
About Halo
Halo follows the particular motto, “WHOLE Makes a Whole Lot of Difference”. It’s more than just words and stands true in providing whole food. This belief drives their holistic approach and helps them in making recipes with high nutritional value. For over 30 years, Halo believes in creating holistic recipes that rely on whole meat, poultry, fish, and not rendered meat meal. This belief sets them apart and makes them a premium food brand.
7. Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 38.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 15.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.5% max |
| Moisture | 11.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.0% min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.8% min |
| Glucosamine | 800 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 3585 kcal/kg, 380 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Flaxseed, Apples, Blueberries
Product Review
Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food offer a guaranteed balance of animal proteins, healthy fats, fresh produce, vitamins, and minerals. The adult dog recipe comprises USDA inspected deboned meat, poultry, or fish as its first ingredient.
The quality protein in the dog formula provides necessary amino acids for strong muscle development and maintaining a healthy metabolism. The formula is crafted in the USA and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives.
It has a range of ingredients right from sweet potatoes which make an excellent source of carbohydrates providing energy. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C,
Salmon Oil makes up for the Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids which help in enhancing immunity and provide your dog a shiny coat, whereas organic Alfalfa makes for a good source of fiber, vitamins, and carotene.
Free of any grain or gluten, the adult dog recipe by Merrick compensates for your canine’s overall health and development.
Feeding Instructions
| Weight | Daily Feeding (Cup) |
| 3 LBS | 1/3 |
| 6 LBS | 2/3 |
| 10 LBS | 1 |
| 15 LBS | 1 1/4 |
| 20 LBS | 1 1/2 |
| 30 LBS | 2 |
| 40 LBS | 2 1/2 |
| 50 LBS | 3 |
| 60 LBS | 3 1/3 |
| 70 LBS | 3 3/4 |
| 80 LBS | 4 1/4 |
| 90 LBS | 4 2/3 |
| 100 LBS | 5 |
Pros:
- USDA approved meat used as the first ingredient
- Has a high amount of protein
- Grain and gluten-free recipe
- High levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for increased mobility
Cons:
- Users complain of the packaging being poor and damaged
- A high amount of sweet potatoes and peas used as a carbohydrate source
About Merrick
Merrick believes in providing wholesome nourishment with its range of whole foods that additionally offer a blend of nutrition and taste. Therefore, Merrick has been formulating recipes for over 30 plus years in their finest kitchens. They ensure the delivery of the finest quality nutrients.
Each product is manufactured in small batches and closely monitored to take care of the ingredients being added and matching the labels. Merrick believes that food is fuel to dogs, not mere fillers. They offer a wide variety of protein-rich dry dog foods and treats that your pet is bound to relish.
8. Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 28.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 15.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Glucosamine | 743 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 3713 kcal/kg, 338 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brown Rice, Wheat Gluten, Oat Proats, Pork Meal
Product Review
Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food has been specifically designed for bulldogs with the perfect kibble size which is best suited for a bulldog pup. Bulldog pups have a short muzzle which makes it difficult for them to chew their food. Therefore, these kibbles are shaped like a wave, to perfection for them to pick and ingest their food comfortably.
The food has been formulated such, it supports your pup’s digestive health and helps maintain their natural gut flora. It has specific L.I.P. proteins to help maintain their gut health. The food has an exclusive blend of antioxidants that boosts your pup’s immune system.
Royal Canin is known for making breed-specific formulas as it understands that each breed is different and has unique nutritional needs as per lifestyle and body requirements.
Feeding Instructions
| Age
|
Adult Target
Weight 39.7 lbs Daily Feeding (cup) |
Adult Target
Weight 52.9 lbs Daily Feeding (cup) |
Adult Target
Weight 66.1 lbs Daily Feeding (cup) |
| 2 Months | 2 1/2 | 2 3/4 | 3 |
| 3 Months | 3 | 3 3/8 | 3 3/4 |
| 4 Months | 3 1/4 | 3 3/4 | 4 |
| 5 Months | 3 1/4 | 3 7/8 | 4 1/2 |
| 6 Months | 3 1/4 | 4 1/8 | 4 7/8 |
| 7 Months | 3 | 4 1/8 | 4 7/8 |
| 9 Months | 2 5/8 | 3 1/4 | 4 1/4 |
| 11 Months | 2 3/8 | 2 7/8 | 3 1/2 |
Pros:
- Wave-shaped kibble for easy handling and digestion
- Helps maintain a balanced intestinal flora
- Appropriate levels of Calcium and Phosphorous to support Joint and Bone Health
- Antioxidant complex present to support bulldog’s natural defences
Cons:
- Low protein content as compared to other dog foods
- The kibble pieces are delivered broken
About Royal Canin
Royal Canin understands that each dog breed requires a particular amount of nutrition and formulates breed-specific formulas.
With extensive and science-based knowledge about dog foods for about 45 years, their tailor-made dog formulas are made with extreme attention by the finest of nutritionists and veterinarians in the pet food industry.
Each formula has a unique blend of almost 50 plus perfectly balanced nutrients to provide the most effective diet to your pet. They also invest in the finest of quality control and assurance systems to ensure your pet eats right.
9. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 37.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 20.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0 % max |
| Moisture | 9.0% max |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.35% min |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 3.2% |
| Caloric Content | 4,427 kcal/kg, 508 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Fish Meal, Herring Meal, Pumpkin Seeds, Freeze-Dried Chicken Liver, Salmon Oil, Blueberries
Product Review
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food suggests a better way to feed kibble by going raw on your bulldog’s diet. Instinct likes to keep its dog food raw as they believe that raw keeps the nutrients intact.
Instinct grain-free raw dog food is rich in proteins and features bites of freeze-dried raw meat throughout. The raw meal is made with cage-free chicken as its first product to boost your dog’s protein levels naturally.
The raw dog food also has high levels of probiotics for a better digestive health, and a high amount of Omegas for maintaining healthy skin and coat health. The level of antioxidants in the raw food help in maintaining immunity and the food is sourced and made from the finest of ingredients around the world.
The best part, freeze-dried raw food does not contain any fillers or preservatives like corn or soy meal. The dog formula is manufactured in the U.S.A.
Feeding Instructions
| Weight | Adult Maintenance Daily Feeding (cup) | Adult Weight Loss Daily Feeding (cup) |
| 5 – 15 LBS | 1/2 – 1 | 1/4 – 1/2 |
| 16 – 25 LBS | 1 – 1 1/4 | 1/2 – 3/4 |
| 26 – 50 LBS | 1 1/4 – 2 1/4 | 3/4 – 1 1/2 |
| 51 – 75 LBS | 2 1/4 – 3 1/4 | 1 1/2 – 2 |
| 76 – 100 LBS | 3 1/4 – 4 | 2 – 2 1/2 |
Pros:
- Blend of dog kibble plus freeze-dried raw meat
- Grain-free chicken recipe suitable for all life stages
- Minimally processed and uncooked ingredients for intact nutrition
- Made in the USA with the finest of ingredients
- No fillers or preservatives used
Cons:
- Most dogs don’t prefer eating the raw boost pieces
- Low quality and highly-priced
About Instinct
Instinct believes that pure and real nutrition for pets comes in raw food and they take the sole responsibility of feeding raw food to pets. This makes pet parents believe in their formulas that have helped transform the lives of many dogs and made dog parents happier. What’s better than transforming the lives of millions of dogs across the world with their enriched, raw diet.
10. Country Vet Naturals Active Athlete Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 30.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 20 % min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.0 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | 0.08% min |
| Omega-6 fatty acids | 3.0% |
| Glucosamine | 300 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 4,427 kcal/kg, 508 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Pork Meal, Fish Meal, Whole Flax Seeds
Product Reviews
Since American Bulldogs are known to be naturally athletic and energetic, Country Vet Naturals Active Athlete Dog Food caters to the need of the active dog just right. The protein-packed complete and balanced formula offered by Country Vet is designed for high-performance dogs and increases their stamina ten folds.
In order to boost digestion, there are high levels of probiotics and prebiotic cultures to support your dog’s gut health. The food is devoid of any artificial colors, flavors or ingredients like wheat or soy.
Moreover, it has a blend of highly digestible vitamins and minerals to boost your dog’s health and fulfill their overall nutritional requirement. The 30% to 20% protein to fat formula also is suitable to meet the demands of lactating and gestating dog females.
The active athlete food has a chicken meal and brown rice as its first ingredients that help maintain a balance between protein and active energy required by your pet.
Feeding Instructions
| Weight | Daily Serving Amount |
| UP TO 25 LBS | 1 1/2 cups |
| 26-50 LBS | 1 1/2-2 1/2 cups |
| 51-100 LBS | 2 1/2-3 1/2 cups |
| OVER 100 LBS | 3 1/2 cups |
Pros:
- Suitable formula for dogs with sensitive digestive systems
- Natural Ingredients with added vitamins and minerals
- Suitable formula for pregnant and gestating dogs
- Suitable for all life stages
Cons:
- A high amount of fat as compared to other dog food brands
- The food is completely bland
About Country Vet
Country Vet believes that their high-performance high protein digestible formulas are loved by pets and dog owners across the globe. The source their ingredients from the finest places and proudly boast about their list in the labels. They believe in making customers and consumers fully aware of their ingredients used and do not use any manufacturing tactics. Each product is freshly delivered from its plant in Sioux City, Iowa with its extensive delivery services serving since 1956.
Why Quality Food Matters for Your American Bulldog?
American Bulldogs are an active and working breed. With such agility and activity, and possessing a busy lifestyle, they require high-quality food rich in protein.
While choosing their dog food, make sure to choose a high-grade formula wherein the protein content should be no less than 20% and the fiber content needs to be high too, as much as 4%.
With such intense dietary requirements, only high-quality dog foods, and preferably dry kibble or dog formulas work best for them.
While looking for high quality, many dog parents also give them BARF diet or home-cooked food. Ideally, a formula for active breeds is a good choice for them.
The size of kibble and type of dog food also depends upon the age as puppies, adults, and senior bulldogs all have different dietary needs.
Do American Bulldogs Have Special Nutritional Requirements?
Due to their evergoing, hardworking, and active lifestyle, American Bulldogs need to have food with specifically curated nutrition. This includes a rich in fiber and rich in protein diet that is very different from other dog breeds.
The food should suit their digestive systems and meet their daily nutritional requirements. Here are a few special nutritional requirements that American Bulldogs require in their daily diet.
Proteins: Most of their energy is absorbed from protein and due to their high activity levels, their high-quality food should be rich in protein. It is recommended to feed them grain inclusive food having about 28-30 % of protein.
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates comprise of simple sugars and starch that make up for their brain functions.
Complex carbohydrates control the sugar levels by regulating your Bulldog’s glucose levels. They also make your dog feel fuller and keep them going throughout the day.
Moreover, the fiber content that is ingested along with the carbohydrates also helps regulate your dog’s digestion and metabolism.
Fats: Fat content in an American Bulldog’s diet should be kept to as low as 5%. Small puppies and pregnant Bulldogs require a high fat percent, around 8% of their diet should comprise of fat.
Note: As a bulldog parent, you have to be extremely careful and keep a watch on their fat content as if they turn overweight, they can suffer from problems due to obesity and other related disorders.
Fiber: American Bulldogs should have a food rich in fiber, irrespective of the fiber they absorb from carbohydrate-rich ingredients. The fiber has to be insoluble as it aids in digestion and metabolism, unlike soluble fibers which slow down digestion by retaining water.
Make sure to check the quality of their stool before incorporating high amounts of fiber in their diet as too much of it can cause digestive issues.
Prebiotics and Probiotics: These are two important components that your dog’s food must-have. Prebiotics help in the growth and cultivation of good bacteria in your dog’s gut, that aids in digestion. The two most common prebiotics found in dog food are chicory and inulin.
Probiotics, on the other hand, are living organisms that are added to your dog’s food that form multiple colonies in your dog’s system helping in overall digestion and metabolism.
Common Health Issues of American Bulldogs
They may look tough on the outside and possess high activity levels, but every dog breed may face some of the other health issues, including an American Bulldog.
A good diet and exercise can certainly be beneficial for their health. American Bulldogs are generally considered to be a healthy breed. However, they are most prone to bone deformities and eye conditions.
Common health issues include:
Hip Dysplasia: Lower activity levels in American Bulldogs can cause a deformity in their bones, specifically the hips. If their hip joints did not develop normally, they can face lifelong issues that can start right from birth.
Thyroid deficiency: The inability of the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (T3) and triiodothyronine (T4), can cause thyroid hormone deficiency. This leads to lowering of metabolic activities which can lead to a range of problems. These include lower heart rate, lethargy, dry, puffy skin, etc.
Bone Cancer: American Bulldogs are the most common breed that is vulnerable to bone cancer. The most common form of bone cancer found in them is Osteosarcoma. Indications to the condition include lameness and excessive pain in the bones and joints.
Eye Conditions: Common eye problems in American Bulldogs include entropion where a part of their eyelid gets folded inward or is inverted. Eventually, entropion can lead to partial as well as complete loss of vision.
Other eye conditions may include Ectropion, Cherry eye wherein you would observe a pink mass in their eye, which can lead to a blurred vision.
Apart from these conditions, American Bulldogs can also suffer from other genetic disorders like neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) and Ichthyosis.
NCL is a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease that happens due to excessive accumulation of lipopigments in body tissues. These lipopigments are made of proteins and fats.
Ichthyosis on the other hand is a type of skin disorder that causes itchy and patchy skin. It happens due to improper metabolism of keratin.
However, your dog can undergo genetic screening before giving birth to a litter or before breeding. A reputable breeder would keep these aspects in mind before undergoing breeding for an American Bulldog.
Ingredients to Avoid in Your American Bulldog’s Dog Food
While choosing high-quality dog food for your American Bulldog, it is very necessary to observe the list of ingredients that determine the nutritive quality of food. While we saw what are the special dietary requirements of American Bulldogs, wonder what’s to be avoided?
We help you figure out what’s not good and the ingredients that your American Bulldog must avoid.
Unknown Meat and Protein Sources: The source of meat and protein in dog food should be very specifically mentioned. Look for labels that explicitly mention meat ingredients like beef, chicken, salmon, etc.
As per the dog food industry, high-quality dog food is considered to be human grade. Therefore, it is necessary to check whether the meat used and the overall dog food is of human-grade quality or not.
Meat and protein from any other sources should be rejected as they may be of extremely low quality and equivalent to fillers in dog food.
Grains and Corn: Grains like brown rice are considered safe in minute quantities as they aid in digestion.
Too much of grains and corn should be avoided as they form no real source of protein and are mere fillers in your dog’s food.
If the majority of your dog’s food is comprised of grains and fillers, you may want to avoid it for your American Bulldog.
Excessive Carbohydrates: While carbohydrates form a major source of energy, American Bulldogs get most of their energy from proteins.
Excessive carbohydrates will only contribute to your dog getting obese and cause other related health problems.
Ingredients rich in carbohydrates include potatoes, peas, starchy grains, etc. While they are good in minute quantities, they only act as fillers and do not have any major nutritional contribution to your dog’s food.
Can American Bulldog Eat Chocolate?
No, American Bulldog or another dog breeds can’t eat chocolate.
Related Buying Guide
- Best dog foods for goldendoodles
- Best dog food for great danes
- Best dog food for beagles
- Best dog food for labradoodle
- Best dog food for dobermans
Personal Opinion on American Bulldog Food:
With their high activity levels, American Bulldog is one such dog breed that thrives on high-quality dog food that is rich in nutrients and proteins. After giving a detailed review of the top brands formulating high-quality food to cater to the needs of your bulldog, our personal favorite would be the Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.
It has high amounts of digestible protein whereas the bison and venison formula imparts great taste and flavor. It has a blend of probiotics that helps the gut bacteria to flourish and aids in your bulldog’s digestion, enhances their immunity, and is grain and gluten-free.
Make sure to read our reviews on the best dog foods for American Bulldogs in order to give them a high quality nourished diet.
Don’t forget to post your comments on what you think about American Bulldogs and their diet !!
Dr. Aram Baker has been with Santa Clarita Animal Hospital since 1995 and his special interests include behaviour medicine and dermatology. He graduated from the Cleveland Humanities Magnet Program in Reseda, CA and attended California State University at Northridge where he received a Bachelor’s degree in biology. He went on to pursue his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis. He also spent time in the zoological medicine department at U.C. Davis during his Junior and Senior years. He is dedicated to caring for all pets big or small, young or old with compassion, patience, kindness, and love.