Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

9 Best Dog Foods for English Bulldogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

English Bulldog eating

If anyone loves their food, it’s the English Bulldog. This guy loves many things, but his food is his first love.

So, not only is it essential to pick the right food for him to keep him happy, but it is also important to get it right for his health. Unfortunately, the English Bulldog suffers from poor health. He is also known to have a sensitive digestive system and quickly piles on the pounds, so finding the right kibble can make all the difference to his health.

With all the different food products out there, all claiming to be the next best thing since sliced bread, it can feel like you’re drowning in dog food options.

This is why we have created this guide to the best dog food for English Bulldogs. Not only will we run you through eight of the best foods, all with reviews, but we will explain how to pick the best food for your English Bulldog buddy.

So, just like the English Bulldog, let’s get rolling.

Divider-Dog Paw and Bone- New

A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
  • Fresh, nutritional ingredients
  • Eco-friendly packaging
  • Personalized meal plans
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Taste of the Wild High Prairie Taste of the Wild High Prairie
  • High protein content
  • Natural ingredients
  • Probiotic k9 strain
  • Best for Puppies
    Third place
    Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy
  • English Bulldog puppy specific
  • Omega fats for skin
  • Wave-shaped for brachycephalic jaw
  • Royal Canin Bulldog Royal Canin Bulldog
  • Wave-shaped for easy pick-up
  • Easy digestability
  • Low calories
  • Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato
  • High glucosamine
  • Protein-rich
  • Lots of omega fats
  • The 9 Best Dog Foods for English Bulldogs

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Human-Grade Dog Food Subscription — Best Overall

    Two dogs waiting to be fed with The Farmer's Fresh dog food recipe

    Adding dog food to your grocery list has its downsides. There’s no certainty that your local store will keep your Bulldog’s favorite food in stock. Also, if you don’t have time for a shopping trip, you can quickly run out of dog food completely. 

    The Farmer’s Dog takes the pressure off with its subscription-based delivery service. As the best overall dog food for English Bulldogs, it uses fresh ingredients for a healthier, more nutritional diet. The Farmer’s Dog also tailors recipes to your dog’s needs by referring to veterinarian nutritionists.

    Along with the eco-friendly packaging, the food is organized into clearly labeled, ready-made portions to eliminate waste. It also makes it clear whose food is whose for multi-dog households. The delivery to your door is completely free, saving time and fuel.

    While other dog food can be found in physical and online stores, The Farmer’s Dog is only available through the website. You also need to sign up for the subscription plan to use the service.

    Pros
    • Fresh, nutritional ingredients
    • Free delivery
    • Eco-friendly packaging
    • Personalized meal plans
    Cons
    • Only available through the website

    2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Taste of the Wild High Prairie

    Taste of the Wild has created this kibble with three things in mind. That is a well-balanced diet, high-quality protein, and a variety of probiotic ingredients that will soothe his stomach. With this in mind and the fantastic price, we have crowned this kibble as the best dog food for English Bulldogs for the money.

    The protein content is one of the highest on this list, and the first three ingredients are buffalo, lamb meal, and chicken meal. They are all nutritious and full of big meaty flavors that your English Bulldog will love.

    Yucca schidigera extract is known to reduce stool odor, and fermentation ingredients such as lactobacillus acidophilus promote friendly bacteria in his gut. As such, this kibble is gentle on his stomach.

    Sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries, and raspberries provide antioxidants, which are boosted by the vitamin and mineral supplements listed too. Which keeps him feeling strong and healthy. All in all, this is the best dog food for English Bulldogs for the money on the market this year.

    Pros
    • High protein content
    • Natural ingredients
    • Easily digestibility
    • Probiotic k9 strain
    Cons
    • Can be too rich for some

    3. Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best for Puppies

     

    Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy

    This is our top choice for English Bulldog puppies, and just like the first recommendation, this kibble is specific to English Bulldogs. This kibble is the best choice for puppies aged between 8 weeks to 12 months, which is when you’d switch to the adult pick.

    This is a grain-inclusive pick that relies heavily on ingredients such as brewer’s rice and brown rice. This product still uses chicken by-products rather than real chicken, but here it is the most prominent ingredient which fuels your puppy’s growing needs. It is packed full of vitamins and minerals to help his immune system develop. And DHA and ARA are listed in the form of fish oil and meat meals for healthy brain and cardiac development.

    The only thing that we aren’t a fan of with this product is that it is not 100% natural, which can be a problem for some sensitive dogs. However, this is not an issue for most.

    Pros
    • English Bulldog puppy specific
    • Wave-shaped for brachycephalic jaw
    • DHA and ARA for puppy development
    • Omega fats for skin
    Cons
    • Chicken by-product meal
    • Not natural product

    4. Royal Canin Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food 

    Royal Canin Bulldog Adult

    Royal Canin has designed this kibble specifically for the English Bulldog, so you can be sure that it is going to be one of the best kibbles for him. The kibble pieces are S-shaped so that his brachycephalic jaw can pick them up with ease.

    It is a grain-inclusive diet that uses easy-to-digest fibers that his sensitive stomach can handle. The easier it is to digest means it should decrease flatulence and odorous poops. Hurrah for easy-to-digest ingredients! This kibble contains omega fatty acids, which are essential for his skin health—particularly his skin rolls and the various skin conditions that he faces. Meat meals and eggs provide DHA and ARA for healthy cardiac and brain function too.

    The only thing that we don’t like about this kibble is that it uses chicken by-products rather than real chicken. We would typically state that meat protein should always be the first ingredient, but because this is made with the English Bulldog in mind, we are happy to recommend this dog food for English Bulldogs.

    Pros
    • English Bulldog breed-specific
    • Wave-shaped for easy pick-up
    • Easily digestibility
    • Low calories
    Cons
    • Uses chicken by-product

    5. Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

    Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato

    This kibble has leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, which is essential for the English Bulldog and his heavily laden joints. So, if you have a big or weighty Bulldog, this could be an excellent option for him. The protein content is the highest on this list, and the first three ingredients are tasty deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. Salmon meal, salmon oil, and sunflower oil also provide omega fatty acids for healthy supple skin and joints.

    Apples, blueberries, and vitamin and mineral supplements provide his body with the nutrients it needs to stay fighting fit. Taurine is listed for his heart health. Probiotic ingredients are also listed in this product to aid his digestive system. And yucca schidigera is also present, which will hopefully reduce stool odor.

    The only real concern that we have for this product is that it doesn’t suit all English Bulldogs, only because it can be too rich in meat and fats for some.

    Pros
    • High glucosamine
    • Protein-rich
    • Lots of omega fats
    Cons
    • Too meaty for some
    • Low fiber

    6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain

    This kibble has made it into our top list of recommendations because it is chicken- and poultry-free. This is a rare feature as they are the most common meat proteins used in kibbles. Because English Bulldogs are known to have sensitive stomachs, this is an excellent recipe for your Bulldog if he is allergic to these ingredients.

    It has a high protein content, and instead uses beef and fish as the primary meat sources. They are full of amino acids for his stocky body, and glucosamine for his pressurized joints. And again, full of a big meaty taste. This recipe contains Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits. These are cold-formed pieces that contain seven superfood antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that all canines need to stay healthy. Meat meals, canola oil, and flaxseed provide omega fatty acids for his overall health.

    The only real downside to this product is that it relies heavily on peas, which, although nutritional, increase the overall protein content.

    Pros
    • Chicken and poultry-free option
    • LifeSource Bits nutrient-rich
    • Rich in omega fats
    Cons
    • Pea content high
    • Some dogs eat around LifeSource Bits

    7. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

    Natural Balance LID

    This is our option for those English Bulldogs who have super sensitive stomachs and need a limited-ingredient diet. It is grain-free and also free from peas, legumes, corn, wheat, and soy. The primary protein sources are salmon and menhaden fish meal. This makes it tasty and full of omega fats to help keep his skin supple and healthy, as well as improved overall wellness.

    It lists vitamins and minerals, which will keep his immune system healthy and strong despite the limited ingredients. As well as taurine to strengthen his cardiac health.

    It is lower in fats and calories compared to most recipes, which makes it an excellent option for less active English Bulldogs. The only negative that we can think of regarding this recipe is that it is lower in protein compared to most. However, it is still well above the recommended pet food standards.

    Pros
    • Simple and gentle recipe
    • Rich in omega fats
    Cons
    • Strong fishy smell
    • Few dogs didn’t like it

    8. CANIDAE All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula Dry Dog Food

    CANIDAE All Life Stages Multi-Protein

    This formula offers a variety of proteins so that you can be sure he will receive all the amino acids he needs for a healthy body and lifestyle. Chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish meals also mean lots of taste and omega fats. It is a grain-inclusive option that uses rice, oatmeal, and barley as the primary grains, which are nutritious and good for regular digestion. This is our main criticism of this product, in that it relies heavily on rice ingredients. However, many dogs do very well on this formula.

    There is a long list of vitamin and mineral supplements, and it also lists exotic fruits such as pineapple and papaya, which are packed with antioxidants.

    This option also offers a ‘family size’ bag, meaning that if you are lucky enough to have more than one English Bulldog, this bag will keep you going for a while.

    Pros
    • Variety of meat proteins
    • High in vitamins and minerals
    Cons
    • High in calories
    • Relies heavily on rice

    8. Wellness CORE RawRev Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Wellness CORE RawRev

    This is a premium recipe that is made with high-protein kibble and raw meat pieces for extra taste, texture, and nutrients. It is also a convenient way to add raw meat to his diet without the mess or risk. It also lists other rich protein ingredients such as chicken liver. It is a grain-free recipe that follows an ancestral diet, meaning it includes everything that nature intends him to eat and nothing that it doesn’t.

    It lists plenty of fruits and veggies, such as broccoli, carrots, kale, and blueberries, as well as a long list of vitamin and mineral supplements. Chicory root extract, yucca schidigera, and probiotic fermentation ingredients are also listed, ensuring that his sensitive digestive system is cared for.

    The only reason that this product is the lowest on our list is that it is higher in fats and calories. Meaning it is only suited to the more active English Bulldog or younger ones who need the extra energy. But for those that are, this is a fantastic option.

    Pros
    • High-protein
    • High in vitamins and minerals
    Cons
    • High in fats and calories
    • Raw meat is too much for some

    Divider 1-Dog bone- New

    Buyer’s Guide – Finding the Best Dog Food for an English Bulldog

    Finding the best dog food for your English Bulldog is a difficult decision to make, especially with so many options out there. Unless you have a degree in canine nutrition, what ingredients should you look for? Or, more importantly, what should you avoid?

    Here we are going to run you through the most important things to think about when finding the right food for your English Bulldog. Although the above products are ranked in order, it might be that one of the last choices is the better option for your pooch.

    Choose a High-Quality Product

    Yes, budget is a deciding factor for every dog owner, but you should always buy the best food that you can afford. Good nutrition can make a real difference in his health and happiness. A high-quality product will provide a well-balanced diet, including meat sources, healthy carbohydrates, fiber, omega fats, vitamins, and minerals.

    Natural products are also a better idea for the English Bulldog because he might be sensitive to harsher additives and preservatives. Natural preservatives include rosemary oil, mixed tocopherols, and citric acid, so be sure to look out for these.

    Read the Ingredients List Yourself

    Just because a product label states something, it doesn’t mean it is necessarily 100% true. Or it could be that other facts have been missed. For example, a product label might say “made with real chicken,” and although this is true, it could also be made with chicken by-products. Or it could say “chicken free,” while still listing chicken fat.

    So, the best way to find the right food for your English Bulldog is to ignore the labels and read the ingredients list yourself.

    Always Look for Named Ingredients

    All meat sources should be named. For example, if a product lists poultry meals, it should be avoided for dogs with sensitivities like the Bulldog. Various ingredients fall under the poultry category, and if your Bulldog is allergic to certain ingredients, you cannot be sure whether it is included.

    Ultimately, there is no reason for it not to be named, and it also suggests that it is of lesser quality if the brand cannot name its ingredients.

    Additionally, many people think that meat meals are not a good source of protein. But they are a fantastic source of protein, and full of fats and glucosamine for joints too.

    Omega Fatty Acids Are Key

    Although this guy can pile on the pounds quickly, you shouldn’t skip omega fatty acids. They play a crucial part in his diet, support joint health, brain, eye, and heart function, and keep his skin healthy and supple.

    The English Bulldog, with his excess rolls, is known to suffer from a variety of skin conditions. Omega fatty acids help to nourish his skin, in turn decreasing skin irritation and inflammation. Look for ingredients such as meat meals, fish oils, flaxseed, chicken fat, sunflower, and canola oil. Omega fatty acids also help with vitamin and mineral absorption, and they improve his overall wellness too.

    The above ingredients, along with egg products, also provide docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). These are crucial for healthy cognitive function and eye health, especially during puppyhood, when his body is growing.

    English bulldog puppy eating
    Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock

    Consider Your Pooch’s Needs

    Many dog owners think that just because something says it is recommended by veterinarians that it is going to be right for their English Bulldog. But this isn’t always the case. Think about your English Bulldog’s own needs, and if he doesn’t do well on grains, find him a grain-free recipe. If he needs a high-fiber diet, find him a kibble that provides at least 6% fiber. If you are in any doubt, always speak to your vet, who will be able to offer you tailored advice.

    Getting nutrition right can make him healthy, and equally, getting it wrong can make him unwell. You might need to try a few kibbles before you find the right one, but always follow what his body is telling you.

    English Bulldogs Have Sensitive Guts

    The English Bulldog is known to have a sensitive digestive system, so it’s important to look for kibbles that are easy to digest. Kibbles that are easy to digest list prebiotic fibers, such as sweet potato, pumpkin, and dried chicory root. Also, look for probiotic ingredients such as lactobacillus acidophilus and casei fermentation products. These promote friendly gut bacteria and aid regular digestion.

    When you find the right nutrition for your English Bulldog, his gas and poops will be less odorous. This is because his gut has to work less and produces fewer fumes. Yucca schidigera is a fantastic ingredient to look out for because research shows it reduces canine waste odor.

    Although good quality kibbles will never stop his gas completely, finding the right kibbles can make it less smelly for everyone.

    English Bulldogs Can Put On Weight Easily

    English Bulldogs are known to eat a lot and move, well, not a lot. So unless your English Bulldog is super active, you should look for a kibble that doesn’t have too many calories or fat. If you notice that your boy is putting on weight, you either need to decrease the amount he eats, or switch him to a weight management kibble. Weight management kibbles have fewer calories and fats, and they have higher fiber content to keep him feeling fuller for longer.

    Divider-Dog Paw and Bone- New

    Conclusion

    And there you have it, everything you need to know about what foods to feed your English Bulldog, and how to pick the best diet for him. We have also found the very best dog food on the market for English Bulldogs, all with reviews so that you know precisely why we have recommended them. So now, by picking one of our recommendations above, you can spend less time trawling through hundreds of products, and more time fussing with your Bulldog bestie.

    Our best product is the Farmer’s Dog, and our best value pick is Taste of the Wild’s High Prairie recipe. It’s essential to think about your pooch, but thanks to this nutritional guide, there is something here for every English Bulldog.


    Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

    Related Articles

    Further Reading

    Vet Articles

    Latest Vet Answers

    The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database