English Bulldogs are stocky breeds, way larger than its Frenchie cousin. They are one of the most famous breeds due to their adorable personality that defeats the stereotype to their physical appearance. As much as English Bullies are excellent pets, they also have exquisite diet needs. As their hooman, it’s your responsibility to sustain the energy requirements of their bodies. The best dry dog food for English bulldogs will help suffice their nutritional requirements. Kibble is easier to feed and many dogs love it.

English Bulldog diet

A well-balanced diet helps to maintain the health of your Bully. It’s best to feed them twice a day or more, but make sure that your spread the day’s food allotment in numerous servings. This breed is omnivores which means they eat both meat and non-meat food items. But like any dog, make sure that you pack his meal with protein, carbs, and fats. You can look for dry food that has a combination of veggies, fruits, and meat for optimal nourishment.

Take note that English bulldogs are prone to flatulence if you feed them large amounts in one sitting. This increases the risk of gastric torsion. This is when the stomach gets overstretched due to excessive gas. With that, dry food is the best dog food for bulldogs since it’s not prone to spoilage which can piss their stomachs.

Here, dog expert Steve Pelletier discusses what you should know about the English Bulldog diet:

Why dry food?

There’s a constant discussion about wet food and dry food among pet owners. But what makes dry food is its convenience and non-spoiling characteristics. You can fill the dog bowl and your dog can munch it whenever he wants without spoilage. The kibble also bears a unique shape intended to clean the teeth of the bulldog. Vets recommend it as a dental care supplement, especially for large dogs with bigger chompers.

Dry food is also easy to store and cheaper than wet versions. Also, it has lower protein which is excellent since bulldogs need less of this food component. You can also leave the leftover kibble on your Bully’s dish bowl without worrying about spoilage. Unlike wet food that should be thrown after an hour, the best dry dog food for English bulldogs is preferable.

Choosing dry food for adult and senior Bulldogs

Take note that English Bulldogs have flat faces and short muzzles which makes it difficult for them to pick up food. Their mouths are smaller too and have less space for teeth. This may result in dental issues, especially if you feed them with the wrong food. Also, some Bullies find it hard to take in air while chewing.

The solution to this is to get a specialist food. This food is made for a specific dog breed. The formulation of the kibble factors in the size, age, breed, and condition of the doggo so pet owners can provide excellent nourishment.

Remember that older dogs will need less energy than growing pups. The best person to ask about your dog’s nutritional requirement is your veterinarian. He or she can assess the nutritional requirement of your Bulldog so you can find the best dog food for Bulldogs

Some food issues to keep in mind

English Bulldogs have very sensitive stomachs compared to other breeds. You should know what food items cause allergies and diseases. Here are some points to remember:

Toxic food

Never feed a Bully with raw bread dough. This will expand in their stomach and cause excessive flatulence. They will also find it hard to breathe. Also, raisins and grapes expose bulldogs to kidney diseases. Take note that these food items are also harmful to all dogs but bulldogs, for one, have a higher risk of kidney problems.

Flatulence

Again, bulldogs are notorious for farting. This isn’t just about the smell or noise. Excessive gas on their stomach can result in unintended consequences.

Excessive protein

Adult bulldogs need less protein than their pups and other dog breeds. But this doesn’t mean you will deprive them of enough supply. Bullies grow fast and too much protein will stress their musculoskeletal system. Too much protein will also damage their kidneys.

Best Food Options for English Bulldogs

CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food

Trusted by thousands of pet owners and vets, the CANIDAE All Life Stages is the best dry dog food for English bulldogs. It has a decent protein concentration from fish, lamb, turkey, and chicken. It doesn’t have corn, soy, or wheat that can piss the stomach of your English buddy.

Although this isn’t a specialist dog food, it has a formulation that works for a range of large dog breeds. It’s suited for puppies up to seniors; however, check the energy requirements of your dog before feeding him with this.

This is a vet-formulated dry food which makes it very safe for all doggos. Be mindful of your pooch’s food allergies – you know the drill.

Royal Canin Bulldog Breed Health Nutrition

Now, here’s a specialist and the best dog food for bulldogs we can’t recommend enough. The Royal Canin Nutrition has balanced fibers that target to reduce flatulence among bulldogs so there would be less farting and uneasiness. It also promotes bone health which is crucial for breeds like English Bulldogs.

What we’re obsessed about this kibble is its wavy shape that helps Bullies pick up food with their small muzzles. The formulation is also very effective in toning down stool odor and promoting skin health for the English doggo.

Just take note that this dry food is for bulldogs over 12 months old. Sure, this is not the most affordable option, but boy, you can’t find anything else like it.

The best dry dog food for English bulldogs is a bit tricky to find. You have to be finicky to avoid pissing the stomach of your adorable pooch. There are lots of options nowadays, but it’s important that you practice caution to evade misleading marketing ploys.

— Update: 08-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article The Best Foods For Bulldogs: The Ultimate Guide to What Bulldogs Can (and can’t) Eat from the website www.pawsgeek.com for the keyword worst dog food for english bulldogs.

When it comes to our dogs, one thing is true…we want the best for them. And the best can be anything from the best bed around to the best veterinarian care. However, often, the best starts with the basics, and nutrition is one of the first things where we can improve both our bulldog’s health and quality of life. But with all the options out there, many owners wonder what are the best foods that can my bulldog eat? And what foods should my bulldog stay away from?

Bulldogs can eat any well-designed diet whether it is homemade or a commercial blend. The answer is as varied as bulldogs can be. From dry dog food to RAW, what foods can my bulldog eat has never been such a complicated question to answer.

However, it isn’t as cut and dried as that quick answer. In fact, there is a lot of information every bulldog owner should know before they head out on the hunt for their bulldog’s perfect diet. These include understanding nutrition, how often they should eat, what are the best snacks and foods for a bulldog to eat…and most importantly, foods that your bulldog shouldn’t eat. When you have a firm understanding of feeding your bulldog, there is no limit to how amazing and varied his diet can be.

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Important Factors When Choosing the Best Food For Your Bulldog

Before we start looking at the actual food, it is important to really look at a few important factors when it comes to bulldog nutrition. These are areas that all bulldog food should have, whether homemade or commercial, to ensure that your bulldog is receiving optimal nutrition. Surprisingly, these factors only include 6 areas, which we will look at below.

• Proteins: While proteins can come from some plant-based foods, bulldogs require both animal proteins as well as plant-based proteins. These are very important for providing your bulldog with the building blocks of life. Proteins help with the growth of fur, nails, muscles and bones. They promote the production of antibodies, hormones and neurotransmitters in the body and they supply energy for a dog. Dogs should receive 2 grams of protein for every pound of weight, so a 50lb bulldog should have 110 grams of protein in his diet. Pregnant dogs and puppies require twice as much protein as an adult dog.
• Carbohydrates: Although some believe that carbohydrates are not healthy for bulldogs, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The best foods for bulldogs contain carbohydrates because they are integral in the providing the fuel needed for his body to function properly and to have the best energy supply for his needs. In addition, carbohydrates are often full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which offer a host of benefits for overall health.
• Minerals: At one time, the focus of bulldog food was on calcium alone, however, recent studies have brought to light a host of other minerals that are beneficial to a bulldog’s overall health. Some of the minerals your bulldog needs include iron, selenium, magnesium, sodium, zinc and potassium. Each offer a different benefit to your bulldog from the wound healing process to aiding in nerve transmission and promoting bone and teeth growth and health. Your dog’s diet should be full of mineral rich foods such as shellfish, like oysters and other foods.
• Vitamins: Like minerals, vitamins are an important part of your dog’s nutrition. The best foods for bulldogs include a variety of vitamins. These vitamins are crucial to excellent health and are used by your bulldog’s body to boost the immune system, aid in healing and blood clotting and working as antioxidants. Vitamins that you should offer your bulldog are A, C, E, K and Folate. Be cautious with adding vitamins on your own as fat-soluble vitamins can be toxic to dogs.

10-in-1 multivitamins are perfect for bulldogs.

• Fat: Important for healthy skin and coat, fat is also another nutrient that gives your dog his energy. Without the proper amount of fat, your bulldog won’t have enough energy to get through his day. In addition to energy, fat helps regulate body temperature, and is tantamount to a healthy nervous system.

• Water: Although we don’t think of water as a nutrient, it is one of the most important nutrients your dog can receive both on his own and in his food. 70 to 80% of a bulldog’s body mass is water and it is important in keeping your bulldog’s body running smoothly. It has many functions including flushing waste from your bulldog’s body, regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients and cushioning the nervous system. Always make sure your bulldog has access to clean, fresh water on a daily basis.

And those are the most important factors when looking at nutrients in your dog’s food and daily calorie intake.

The Best Food For BullDogs

Our veterinarian recommends Hill’s Science Diet brand dog food as the best food for bulldogs. Hill’s provides biology-based nutrition via a wide variety of dog foods for different ages, sizes, weights, and digestive health conditions. They even have a prescription diet line. If you want the best dog food for your bulldog backed by research, Hill’s Science Diet is the number one recommended brand.

How Many Times A Day Should A Bulldog Eat?

The number of times your bulldog should eat depends on the age of your bulldog. As adults, your bulldog should never eat fewer than twice a day. One large meal every day can be difficult to digest, and it can increase the risk of gastric torsion, commonly known as bloat. For that reason, you should try to aim for 2 smaller meals in a day.

That being said, the number of times your bulldog eats should vary depending on its age. See the below bulldog feeding chart for more information

Bulldog Feeding Chart

• 8 weeks to 3 months: 4 small meals per day
• 3 months to 6 months: 3 small meals per day
• 6 months to 1 year: 2 medium sized meals per day
• 1 year onward: 1 to 2 meals per day — ideally, 2 per day.

 What Foods Can Bulldogs Eat?

Now that we’ve looked at nutrition and how many times a day a bulldog should eat, let’s look at all the extras. Yes, you want to have your dog on a staple diet…however…that doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy a wide variety of foods that we enjoy. In fact, let’s look at a little snapshot of a large list of foods your bulldog can eat.

Can Bulldogs Drink Gatorade

A popular drink for many around the world, Gatorade is a safe option for your bulldog, however, it should only be given if your dog is needing extra electrolytes. If he isn’t, avoid this drink and just give Fido water.

• Benefits: Excellent for helping a dog overcome dehydration, Gatorade is a fast way to ensure recovery if your bulldog has not had enough water on a hot day or has begun showing symptoms of dehydration.
• Risks: Gatorade does have benefits; however, this sport’s drink does contain a lot of extra sugar, which can be a health risk for your dog. Because of this, never give your dog Gatorade unless it is absolutely necessary. In addition, make sure that you offer him a 50/50 blend of Gatorade with water or ice cubes.

Can Bulldogs Eat Bananas

When it comes to a healthy food for your bulldog, bananas are often found at the top of the list. In addition, bulldogs love the taste of them and will rarely turn them down as a treat.

• Benefits: Full of nutrients, bananas are an excellent alternative to fatty treats. They are high in B6, magnesium, potassium and Vitamin C. This makes them excellent at promoting bone growth, preventing some gastrointestinal issues in bulldogs.
• Risks: Bananas are high in natural sugars, which can upset your dog’s stomach. In addition, it can lead to obesity if they are given as treats too often. While not toxic, banana peels are hard to digest and bananas, in general, are high in fiber, which can lead to constipation if your dog eats too many.

Can Bulldogs Eat Chicken

Whether you offer it raw or cooked, chicken is a great treat and can even be a main ingredient in a well-rounded diet. Warning: never feed your bulldog cooked chicken bones.

• Benefits: Chicken is an excellent source of protein and is full of Omega 6 fatty acids. These fatty acids help ensure that your bulldog has healthier coats and skin. In addition, chicken can be used to help dogs suffering with diarrhea and are a great ingredient for a bland diet while your dog is recovering.
• Risks: There are no real risks to feeding your bulldog chicken. The only risk is the chicken bones and all cooked bones should be removed before you give chicken to your bulldog.

Can Bulldogs Eat Grains

Over the last decade or so, there has been a lot of debate on whether grains are healthy for a dog’s diet. The answer is that yes, they are perfectly healthy for dogs to eat on a daily basis. In fact, there are several healthy grains such as oatmeal and brown rice. The focus on grains is that your dog should eat a whole grain for the optimal benefits.

• Benefits: Whole grains are rich in vitamins and minerals and they are an excellent source of fiber. They have been linked to reducing the risk of kidney disease, obesity, heart disease and high cholesterol in bulldogs.
• Risks: No known risks, however, there have been some studies linking allergies to grains.

Can Bulldogs Eat Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is one of those foods that should be offered to your bulldog in moderation. It is a high fat treat and too much of a good thing can lead to obesity and other health problems.

• Benefits: An excellent source of protein, peanut butter can help with keeping your bulldog’s coat healthy and shiny. It is a main ingredient in many dog treats and can be fed to a dog on its own.
• Risks: While there aren’t a lot of risks with peanut butter, bulldog owners should be careful with the ingredients of their peanut butter. In recent years, more and more peanut butters are using xylitol as a sugar substitute, which is deadly for dogs even in small quantities

Can Bulldogs Eat Eggs

Eggs can be fed raw or cooked, however, feeding your dog raw eggs could put him at risk for salmonella poisoning, which can be very dangerous. For that reason, try to stick with the cooked version…eggshell and all.

• Benefits: Another snack that is high in protein, eggs are excellent for promoting good skin and bones in your bulldog. They help keep your bulldog’s coat shiny.
• Risks: As mentioned, raw eggs can increase the risk of salmonella poisoning.

Can Bulldogs Eat Carrots

Besides being a lovely treat to munch on, I have found that most bulldogs love carrots and will eat them every day if they could. Perfect on their own or in dog food, carrots are an excellent treat.

• Benefits: While we all know that carrots help eye health and improved vision, they are also an excellent source of fiber, which works as a laxative. Finally, they are very good for keeping your bulldog’s teeth clean.
• Risks: While you may not realize it, carrots are high in sugar, which can lead to obesity and other health complications if fed too often to your bulldog.

Can Bulldogs Eat Strawberries

Strawberries are considered one of those powerhouse treats and are great for dogs. However, due to sugar levels, limit the amount to 2 to 3 strawberries a day. Strawberries can be fed stem and all.

• Benefits: Believe it or not, strawberries are an excellent treat that will help whiten your dog’s teeth. In addition, they are full of powerful antioxidants that will fight free radicals in your dog’s body.
• Risks: Strawberries should only be fed to your dog in raw form. Never give him strawberries in syrup as there are higher levels of sugar. Feed occasionally and not as a regular treat due to sugar levels.

Can Bulldogs Eat Blueberries

Just like strawberries, blueberries are a powerhouse fruit that can offer a lot of benefits for your bulldog. Again, like all fruit, they should be fed in moderation.

• Benefits: Full of antioxidants, blueberries are linked to aiding in the fight against cancer in dogs.
• Risks: Blueberries can be a choking hazard for bulldogs so always watch your dog while he eats them. In addition, like many fruits, blueberries are high in sugar, which can lead to obesity if your dog eats them too often.

Can Bulldogs Eat Cheese

Cheese can be an excellent snack, but only when given in moderation. It does have some benefits but for many dogs, cheese can lead to severe stomach upset so always monitor your dog if you give him a small treat of cheese.

• Benefits: High in calcium and a great motivator for training, cheese can be excellent for bones and teeth.
• Risks: Avoid cheeses with a lot of mold in the processing. The mold in cheeses have been linked to vomiting, fever, seizures and diarrhea when fed in excess.

Can Bulldogs Eat Yogurt

Yogurt is mixed bag when it comes to dogs. While some love it and have no problems, other dogs can be allergic to it. In addition, you should only offer plain, whole dairy yogurts. Avoid any with fruit or flavoring added.

• Benefits: Yogurt can be an excellent treat to add to your dog’s dry food by one or two tablespoons a day. It can help with digestion and can add a little boost of probiotic to your bulldog’s diet.
• Risks: Some dogs can be allergic to dairy and yogurt can cause digestion problems such as diarrhea. However, the main risk for yogurt is that many have xylitol in it, which is toxic to dogs.

Can Bulldogs Eat Nuts

Whether your bulldog can eat nuts is dependent upon the nut. Some nuts are perfectly healthy for bulldogs to eat, including peanuts, Almonds, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts. Other nuts should be avoided completely as they are toxic for dogs. These include cashews, pistachios, walnuts, pecans, hickory nuts, and macadamia nuts. Regardless of the type of nut, they should only be fed in moderation.

• Benefits: There is some debate on whether nuts are healthy for dogs, however, we do know that nuts contain protein and Omega 3 fatty acids, which help your dog have a shiny coat and strong bones.
• Risks: Nuts can be a choking hazard for dogs and should only be fed in moderation due to their high fat content, which can lead to obesity. In addition, the nuts listed as toxic can cause hives, neurological damage, seizures, vomiting and diarrhea and have been linked to pancreatitis so it is imperative that you never offer them to your bulldog.

Can Bulldogs Eat Oranges

Oranges can be hit or miss with bulldogs with some bulldogs absolutely living for a slice of orange and others not wanting anything to do with them. Regardless of your dog, oranges should only be offered with one or two slices a day at the maximum. Never feed your bulldog that rind of the orange.

• Benefits: They are high in vitamin C and can help boost the immune system of your bulldog.
• Risks: While not a risk to dogs, too many oranges can lead to stomach upset, which includes diarrhea and vomiting. Only feed oranges in moderation.

Can Bulldogs Eat Kiwi

Kiwis should always be fed in moderation to a bulldog. In addition, always remove the skin as it can cause stomach upset in most dogs, although the skin is not toxic.

• Benefits: Often used as a laxative when a dog has constipation, kiwis are high in fiber, which have many health benefits for a dog.
• Risks: Kiwi is high in fiber and while not a risk for dogs, too much fiber can lead to constipation in dogs. Only feed kiwis in moderation.

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Can Bulldogs Eat Apples

Apples offer your dog a host of benefits from healthier teeth to a boost in vitamins, making them a great treat to give your dog. However, like all sugary treats, apples should be fed in moderation.

• Benefits: Filled with vitamins, apples are known for keeping bad breath at bay when it comes to bulldogs.
• Risks: When feeding apples, always remove the seeds from the apple. While the occasional seed is not harmful, apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, which accumulates over time. If your dog eats too many apple seeds over his lifetime, he could be affected by cyanide poisoning.

Can Bulldogs Eat Pears

Pears are a sweet snack that many bulldogs enjoy and are a great alternative to apples when you want to mix up his daily treats.

• Benefits: Pears are full of vitamins including vitamin A and C. They are also rich in fiber and can offer your bulldog fiber that may be lacking from his regular diet.
• Risks: Like apples, pear seeds contain small amounts of cyanide so avoid feeding your bulldog any pear seeds. In addition, pears can be a choking hazard so cut them into bite sized pieces for your bulldog.

Now these are just a few foods your bulldog can eat; however, you can offer other fruits and vegetables but make sure you take the time to research every food before you offer it to your bulldog.

The Worst Foods For Bulldogs To Eat?

While every food can have benefits and risks, these are the worst foods for bulldogs and you should not offer them to your pet. They can result in lasting health problems for your dog and may even be deadly to them.

Worst Foods For BullDogs #1: Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are very appealing to dogs and, when given a chance, bulldogs will scarf them down. While one or two won’t hurt your dog, you should avoid feeding them as they can be deadly for dogs and are very toxic.

Symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning are:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pain, especially in the abdomen
• Oral Ulcers
• Dehydration
• Seizures
• Lethargy
• Loss of Appetite
• Coma
• Kidney Failure
• Death

Worst Foods For Bulldogs #2: Tea and Coffee

While there is debate on whether tea and coffee are toxic to dogs, in general, you should try to avoid them. Caffeine is not good for dogs, although, in small amounts, one or two licks, are unlikely to cause harm. However, more than one or two laps of coffee or tea could result in caffeine toxicity.

Symptoms of caffeine toxicity are:

• Restlessness
• Abnormal Heart Rhythm
• Hyperactivity
• Seizures
• Hyperthermia
• Vomiting
• Hypertension
• Elevated Heart Rate

Worst Foods For Bulldogs #3: Chocolate

Dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate for the same reason as caffeine. Here is what to do if your dog happens to get their paws on some chocolate.

Worst Foods For Bulldogs #4: Kale

While Kale isn’t as toxic as caffeine or raisins, it isn’t helpful for our canine friends. In fact, kale is full of calcium oxalate and while it is healthy for people, in bulldogs, it leads to an increased risk of kidney and bladder stones. For that reason, it is important to avoid feeding it to your dog, even in small amounts.

Symptoms of kidney or bladder stones in your dog are:

• Straining to urinate
• Pain while urinating
• Blood in urine
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent urination
• Vomiting

Worst Foods For Bulldogs #5: Milk and Ice Cream

While it is not toxic to dogs, you should avoid giving milk or ice cream to your bulldog. In general, many dogs are lactose intolerant, which means that they will suffer digestion problems when eating milk or dairy products. If you choose to feed milk to your bulldog, use goat’s milk as it contains less lactose than cow milk.

In addition, ice cream can lead to the same discomfort. There are also many ingredients in ice cream that can be toxic to dogs, including xylitol.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance in dogs are:

• Severe Gas
• Bloating
• Abdominal Pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Worst Foods For Bulldogs #6: Pork

While cooked pork is safe for dogs, it is important to note that cooked pork bones are a hazard to them. In addition, uncooked pork can be extremely dangerous to dogs due to the parasite found in undercooked/raw pork known as trichinosis.

Symptoms of a trichinosis infection are:

• Muscle Inflammation
• Upset stomach
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Joint Pain
• Stiffness
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy

Worst Foods For Bulldogs #7: Tomatoes

While ripe tomatoes are generally considered safe for dogs, unripe and ripening tomatoes, along with leaves and stems, can be quite dangerous to dogs due to tomatoes containing an alkaloid named tomatine.  This alkaloid metabolizes in the tomato as it ripens, posing a risk to your bulldog if the tomato hasn’t ripened enough.

Symptoms of tomatine toxicity are

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Muscle Weakness
• Increased Heart Rate
• Abnormal Heart Rhythm
• Loss of Coordination
• Seizures

Worst Foods For Bulldogs #9: Alcohol

We’ve all seen the movies where the dog downs a beer with his owner, however, alcohol is very toxic to dogs and even small amounts can have devastating effects on your bulldog’s health and wellbeing. When it comes to beer, alcohol isn’t the only harmful ingredient for dogs. Beer hops are also toxic to your bulldog.

Symptoms of alcohol poisoning are:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Slow Heart Rate
• Abnormal Heart Rhythms
• Metabolic Acidosis
• Respiratory Distress
• Loss of Consciousness
• Loss of Bodily Control
• Depressed Mood
• Seizures
• Death

Just can’t resist enjoying a delicious beer with your pup? Check out Busch Dog Brew.

Before you decide on what to feed your dog or not, be sure to do the research to make sure that it is not harmful to your bulldog.

To learn more about your bulldog’s dietary needs, please WATCH the following video:

The Inside Information on Bones and Your Bulldog

While we looked at foods your bulldog can and can’t have, we didn’t touch on bones that you should feed your dog. So, before we answer a few remaining questions on bulldog nutrition, let’s look at a few of the inside information regarding bones.

Bones Your Bulldog Should Chew

When it comes to bones, the best bones to offer your bulldog are raw bones. They are generally less dangerous for your dog’s teeth and have less risks for your dog. When you feed bones, always monitor your bulldog. If the bone starts to splinter, take it away from your dog and offer them a different bone.

Bones that your bulldog can chew are:

• Edible Bones: With edible bones, you are looking at soft, pliable bones. The best are non-weight bearing bones of chickens, turkeys and other birds. They can be chewed easily with the meat, such as a chicken wing, and you can even grind up the bone and add it to their food as a meat grind.
• Recreational Bones: Another raw bone, these are excellent for mental stimulation. They are usually femur, hip or knuckle bones that offer big chunks of meat to chew off and lots of tendon and other goodies to chew.

Bones Your Bulldog Should Avoid

Although we have bones to offer your bulldog on a daily basis, it is important to look at other bones available on the market that you should avoid with your bulldog.

These include the following:

• Rawhide: Considered one of the most dangerous bones, or chew toys, you can give your bulldog, rawhide is full of chemicals that can have lasting health effects on your dog. In addition, it is not easy to digest. They are known for causing blockages, which can result in death if not caught early.
• Cooked Bones: These bones offer no nutritional value to a dog and are full of risks. They can easily chip and splinter, which can lead to perforation of the intestines as the splinters move through the digestive tract. This can lead to serious health problems and even death for your dog. In addition, those splinters can jam themselves into your dog’s gums, which can lead to dental problems. Avoid all cooked bones and not just cooked chicken or turkey bones.
• Marrow Bones: Marrow bones can be an excellent raw bone, however, they can be dangerous, so I recommend just avoiding them. Marrow bones can chip teeth, dislocate jaws and can even slip over a dog’s lower jaw when they are chewing on them. If you choose to offer them, always monitor your dog while he does.

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Alternatives to Bones for Your Bulldog

Finally, let’s look at a few options you have if you are looking for something other than a bone to give to your bulldog. Like bones, you should watch your bulldog when he is chewing on these to intervene if he chokes.

• Antlers: Antlers are a natural, odorless way to offer your dog a chew toy/bone. They offer mental stimulation and can clean and massage the teeth and gums. They are not recommended for voracious chewers as they are very hard and can break or crack teeth if a dog is not careful.
• Pig Ears: Just what they sound like, pig ears offer a great chew for your bulldog, but they should only be given in moderation. They are very high in fat and this can result in loose stools and obesity if they eat pig ears frequently.
• Fish Skin: Fish skins don’t offer a lot of chewing time, but they do offer a few minutes. The skins are like jerky and they are very healthy for your bulldog since they are full of protein and Omega 3 fatty acids. They make a great alternative for dogs who aren’t really into chewing.

And that should offer you many different options for bones and treats for your bulldog. As always, monitor your individual bulldog when offering anything on our list of safe foods and pick and choose the best foods for your bulldog.

For more information, take a look at our article Can Dogs Digest Bones?

Other Things to Consider When Feeding Your Bulldog

When feeding your bulldog, it is equally important to consider the following:

• How many calories should my bulldog get per day?
• How much should my bulldog puppy eat?
• Can RAW be a good diet for bulldogs?
• Will some foods make my bulldog fart more?

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How many calories should my bulldog get per day?

Although many people don’t really think of dog nutrition in terms of calorie intake, this is an important detail that all bulldog owners should know. In general, a bulldog of average energy levels should consume about 25 to 30 calories for every pound of weight. What this means is that a 50lb bulldog should consume 1250 to 1500 calories per day.

Dogs with higher energy levels – requiring over 3 hours of exercise a day, will have higher calories up to about 3 times the amount. In addition, low energy bulldogs may only need half of the recommended calorie intake to maintain their optimal weight.

If your bulldog happens to be eating grass, that is an unhealthy habit, and you can find out why in our article on grass eating.

How much should my bulldog puppy eat?

This answer is dependent on the type of food that your bulldog puppy is eating. Hopefully, you have him on a high-quality commercial diet or a high-quality homemade diet. If it is commercial, there are usually feeding guides for recommended amounts, however, the universal average that you will see is between ¾ to 1 cup-3 times per day.

Can RAW be a good diet for bulldogs?

There are many benefits for a RAW diet and there are risks involved with the diet as well. Before you feed a RAW diet, make sure you do your research so your bulldog is receiving the proper nutrition and the proper amount of calories per day. When fed correctly, RAW diets can be very good for bulldogs and will benefit their jaws, teeth, bones and coat quality.

Will some foods make my bulldog fart more?

— Update: 08-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article What Foods Are Bad, Poisonous, & Toxic to English Bulldogs? 25 Bad Foods! from the website doggysaurus.com for the keyword worst dog food for english bulldogs.

As an English Bulldog owner, you will know only too well how delicate their stomachs can be. They are renowned for being sick after certain foods, and far more than other breeds might be. It’s not always possible to keep your dog from reacting badly to certain foods, but you can eliminate a lot of sickness by not letting them eat foods that are bad for English Bulldogs.

I recommend you print this list off and stick it your refrigerator… some of the foods I list that your dog should avoid, aren’t just bad for your English Bulldog, they could even be fatal. Some will poison your dog and are foods that are toxic to English Bulldogs.

Because of this, I’ve put the most poisonous foods to English Bulldogs first on the list. It explains why they are toxic and even how much they might eat before you call a vet.

Bottom line though; if your English Bulldog eats anything they shouldn’t, don’t wait to read notes like this on the Internet – call your vet!

So, if you want to find out what food English Bulldogs can’t eat, plus some plants that are poisonous to them too – read on.

What foods are bad and poisonous foods for English Bulldogs

Like most dogs, English Bulldogs will eat whatever you put in front of them. If you happen to drop something on the floor and they gobble it up, in most cases, they should be fine with eating things in moderation.

However, there are some foods that are extremely toxic and not safe for English Bulldogs to eat, even in small amounts. Knowing what English Bulldogs cannot eat is really important in keeping your dog safe.

Here’s what foods are bad or dangerous for English Bulldogs, followed by things that they eat that are not poisonous as such, but are still bad.

1. Chocolate

This is most commonly misunderstood food that English Bulldogs cannot eat, and the one that leads to most people having to call a vet.

It’s all due to the toxic theobromine substance in chocolate. Just small amounts can make your English Bulldog sick, so if chocolate drops on the floor, pick it up immediately. In large quanties your dog will vomit, and in more serious cases develop an abnormal heartbeat, tremors, seizure, and even death.

Dark chocolate is the most dangerous and poisonous to English Bulldogs as it contains more of the theobromine.

2. Onions, garlic, leeks and chives

All of these foods are in the Allium family. Anything in this bracket is a poisonous food for English Bulldogs, whether it’s been boiled, cooked, or whatever – it’s not something your English Bulldog should eat ever.

These foods are said to makes dogs feel poorly and in larger amounts can lead to red blood cell damage. You won’t always see symptoms of poisoning straight away as it can take a few days for the toxic effects to take effect.

3. Artificial sweetener (xylitol) in gum and mints

Xylitol is one of the most toxic things an English Bulldog can eat, and is commonly found in some mints and sugar-free gums.

According to research (see research published on MSU.edu), xylitol is 100 times more toxic than chocolate is for dogs. If they just eat one stick of gum with xylitol, a small dog could see their blood sugar levels dip considerably.

If the small dog went onto to eat a whole pack of gum with 10 sticks containing toxic xylitol, it could damage their liver irreparably and possibly even kill them.

Other foods and household items that can contain xylitol include:

• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Peanut butter
• Sugar-free candy
• Sugar free breath mints
• Fruit drinks
• Jellies and jams
• Cereals
• Baked goods
• Sugar-free puddings and Jello
• Over the counter vitamin supplements

4. Candy and sweets

It’s not just the foods above that come with toxic xylitol. Some candy brands do too, so always check the labelling.

To be frank, you shouldn’t be letting your dog eat candy anyway, even if it’s free of poisonous xylitol. Why? It’s due to the sugar levels plus there’s also the risk of choking or blockages in your English Bulldog’s digestive tract or tooth fractures.

5. Certain peanut butter brands

Our English Bulldog loves peanut butter. It’s one of his favorite treats, especially when we put it in a Kong Toy.

However, some peanut butter brands include xylitol. This substance is toxic to dogs and needs to be avoided at all costs due to poisoning.

6. Corn on the cob

Corn on the cob is not among the poisonous foods for English Bulldogs, but it is dangerous due to the cob part. These can lodge in the throat of your dog and intestines, so should be avoided at all costs.

Sweetcorn is fine, as this will be easily digestible though.

7. Cooked bones

Dogs love to eat bones. Everyone knows dogs love bones, but they are dangers with this food type.

When bones are cooked, they become brittle and can break apart. This means that when English Bulldogs eat cooked bones, small slithers can perforate their internal organs, leading to big risks to their health… with possible fatal consequences.

8. Avocado

Fruit is a great food for English Bulldogs, but not all fruit! Avocado is one such, as it can be bad for English Bulldogs but only when prepared in a particular way.

Avocados contain a poisonous toxin called persin which when eaten in large quantities can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. However, persin is mostly concentrated in the avocado skin and pit, rather than the fleshy part.

So, should your English Bulldog eat an avocado, chances are you won’t have any problems. But, it’s still worth avoiding, especially the toxic parts – the skin and stone.

9. Grapes and raisins

Another group of fruits that can be poisonous to your English Bulldog are grapes and raisins. They are a toxic food for English Bulldogs and can lead to kidney failure when eaten in large quantities.

10. Macadamia nuts and walnuts

All nuts should really be avoided in an English Bulldog’s diet, as they are just the right size and texture that lead to choking. However, these two nuts which are potentially toxic to dogs.

When eaten at volume, both can result in diarrhea, sickness, and the possibility of canine pancreatitis.

The side effects of Macadamia nuts are very nasty and rank high on the list of poisonous foods for English Bulldogs… the poisoning can result in hyperthermia, tremors, vomiting, and lethargy.

11. Cherry, peach, and plum pits

Due to the size of pips and seeds like this, they can become lodged in the intestines of smaller dogs like English Bulldogs. Blockages are a very real risk, so don’t let things like this anywhere near your dog’s mouth.

There are also trace elements of cyanide in the pits of some fruits like peach and plum. It would take a heck of a lot to poison your English Bulldog, but it’s a bad food either way.

12. Mustard seeds

Mustard is so vomit-inducing to English Bulldogs that vets sometimes use it to make dogs sick up for medical purposes. The seeds in particular are very toxic as they contain poisonous elements to dogs.

13. Coconuts and coconut oil

A little bit of coconut is unlikely to harm your English Bulldog, but the milk and white flesh of a coconut is known to cause stomach upsets in dogs.

The reasons coconut water should be avoided is due to the potassium in it, at high levels too.

14. Yeast dough

When ingested, yeast dough will heat up and then start to rise and create gas. This is very problematic in an English Bulldog’s digestive system, leading to extreme pain, bloating, and possibly the twisting of their gut.

It’s potentially fatal, so if your English Bulldog eats yeast dough, visit a vet immediately… the yeast can also change into ethanol, a highly potent alcohol.

15. Alcohol

This is good time to talk about alcohol dangers and how dangerous this drink can be for dogs.

Alcohol consumption can make your English Bulldog have diarrhea, vomit, difficulty in breathing, tremors, a lack of coordination, abnormal blood acidity, central nervous system depression, and even a possible coma or death.

Giving your dog alcohol isn’t funny and can kill them.

16. Hops

On a similar topic, the hops that are used in home brewing kits are also a dangerous ingredient for English Bulldogs to eat. There are compounds in the hops that lead to malignant hyperthermia.

That means your English Bulldog’s temperature can rise rapidly, possibly causing permanent damage to the organs and brain or even death.

17. Coffee, caffeine, and tea

Drinks with in are bad for English Bulldogs. It’s all down to the methylxanthines in the caffeine which causes similar bad reactions in dogs to chocolate.

If your English Bulldog has licked up a couple of coffee granules, chances are he will be fine. But in large amounts such as loose tea and coffee beans, it could be very harmful and require vet’s help.

18. Nutmeg

Myristicin us a toxic substance with trace amounts found in nutmeg. When dogs eat it in large amounts it can lead to various problems including abdominal pain, increased heart rate, seizures, and even the possibility of hallucinations.

19. Moldy food

If your dog has access to trash, be very careful. Moldy food is bad for English Bulldogs as it can contain mycotoxins. Mycotoxins grow on moldy food and make it poisonous when ingested.

Bad food for English Bulldogs

In addition to the foods that are bad for English Bulldogs, there are others. Whilst they are not strictly considered poisonous and toxic, you should avoid them due to the potential negative side effects. For example, weight gain.

20. Milk and dairy products

Many English Bulldogs will be lactose intolerant, meaning dairy products can make them sick. Dogs don’t have the same digestive system as us and can find it hard to break down lactose in milk, meaning runny diarrhea issues!

21. Blue cheese

Given that you know dairy is bad option for dogs, it should come as no surprise that some cheeses can be dangerous. Avoid the blue cheeses, Roquefort, and Stilton. They have roquefortine C which is known to cause very bad reactions in dogs.

This can include symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. In more extreme cases your English Bulldog could develop seizures and tremors if they eat a lot of blue cheese.

22. Meat and eggs that have not been cooked properly

Many owners now feed their English Bulldog a raw diet, and there’s nothing wrong with that providing they get all the nutrients and goodness required.

However, there is some research to suggest that bacterial infections such as Salmonella and E. coli can be contracted by dogs eating raw meat.

23. Food and drinks with high sugar content

Sugary food and snacks aren’t good for us, so they certainly aren’t for your dog. In fact, this is one of the worst foods for English Bulldogs, and can result in a range of health problems.

Dogs that have too many snacks with sugar content are at risk of developing diabetes, weight gain, and even decayed teeth and gums. Sugar can also upset delicate English Bulldog tummies too, so something to avoid at all costs.

24. Food high in salt and sodium content

Just like lots of sugar, the same applies to salt content. Food that is high in sodium can potentially poison your English Bulldog… but is most likely to lead to them getting extreme thirst and increased urination in the volume it would be in dropped food.

If your English Bulldog does eat lots of salt, the warning signs are very severe and include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, high body temperature, and seizures.

25. Fatty foods

Fatty foods such sausage, bacon, burgers, and fried food can result in upset stomachs. If your English Bulldog gets to eat these tasty snacks over a prolonged period of time, it could even result in pancreatitis.

Yes, it’s hard to say no to those pleading eyes when they beg for your food, but often the tastiest food is the worst for English Bulldogs.

What plants are poisonous to English Bulldogs?

There are also things your English Bulldog should not eat outdoors including the following toxic plants.

• Aconitum
• Amaryllis bulbs
• Asparagus fern
• Azalea
• Citrus
• Cyclamen
• Daffodil bulbs
• Day lilies
• Delphiniums
• Dog’s Mercury (Mercurialis perennis)
• Foxgloves
• Hemlock
• Hibiscus
• Hostas
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Ivy
• Laburnum
• Lily of the valley
• Lupins
• Morning glory
• Mushroom plants
• Nightshade
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Rhubarb leaves
• Sweet pea
• Tomato leaves and stems
• Tulip bulbs
• Umbrella plant
• Wisteria
• Yew

This list contains just the most common plants that are poisonous to English Bulldogs. For a more comprehensive list, please download this print out from the Dogs Trust.

Conclusion

The reality is, most of the time if your English Bulldog has just eaten a very small amount of any of the bad foods listed here, they “should” be ok.

But, please never leave anything to chance and also consult with a professional veterinarian for advice.

I am not a vet, just a dog owner so all I have written here today is what I have personally learned and research myself. It should not replace veterinarian advice.

Read more  Why Did the Vet Prescribe Pimobendan?

You might also like…

In addition to this list of foods toxic to English Bulldogs, I also write individual guides about other things they can eat, and the health implications. Here’s a small sample of recent content.

• Why English Bulldogs get runny noses
• How to stop your bulldog from snoring so much

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/english-bulldog-bulldog-smile-4247037/

— Update: 10-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article What’s the Best Food for my Bulldog? from the website www.redwhiteandbulldogs.com for the keyword worst dog food for english bulldogs.

Last updated on 2/11/17

“What kind of food should I give to my Bulldog?” It’s definitely one of the most prevalent questions being asked in the world of Bulldogs. Most never would have thought it was even a big deal until their Bulldogs’ began developing rashes, dry/itchy skin, chronic ear infections and excessive hair-loss and flatulence etc. There’s a good chance you’re reading this page because you too have suddenly found your bully’s food just isn’t working anymore.

Well, these are all excellent reasons to examine the food your feeding your bully, but there are even bigger issues at hand.

Use These Links Below to Zoom to the Results!

• See Our 3 Picks For Best Bulldog Food
• For Bulldogs With Allergies
• Puppy Formula
• Best Overweight Bulldog Food Formula
• Top 3 Treats For Bulldogs

Recently, I was floored to learn that 50% of k-9s are dying of cancer and 1 in every 4 dogs will develop a tumor in their lifetime.

Facts like these can leave us worried sick about our Bulldogs! 1 in every 4 dogs will have a tumor!! My anxiety is having anxiety! Oh to think, the kind of health problems we could be inflicting on our beloved pet with every new bowl of kibble!

Whatever the reason, you’re looking for the best available dog food for your bulldog and so am I.

In this article we’ll outline the benefits of supplying our bulldogs with a healthy and nutritious dog food. You’ll learn a few ingredients that should never enter your bully’s mouth.

Finally, you’ll get an inside look at a few of our favorite brands and the ones recommended by pet food specialists. In all my research I’m going to critically analyze the food we give to our own Bulldogs and I hope you will too. We currently give our Bullies Diamond Naturals.

Comment below the brand of dog food you give to your Bulldog and Why!

Does Having a Good Dog Food Really Matter?

Surely, there’s a whole slew of reasons why a pet owner would want to lavish upon their Bulldog the best food possible with the most considerable reason being the health of their pet. A good dog food plays an extremely important role in many facets of every dog’s health. Your bulldog’s diet will affect his muscle tone and energy, joint strength, coat and skin health, digestive wellness and even the ability to fight off and prevent sickness.

Does your Bully shed a lot? Does he often have loose stool? It could be the food.

Coconut Oil For Bulldogs? YES!!

Serving a quality food to your Bulldog can ensure your family enjoys the privilege of hearing him pleasantly snoring and passing gas while you all gather in front of the boob tube years from now. I’ve no doubt anyone who wasn’t already convinced of the gravity of this topic, suddenly has been made well aware. Oh wait a minute….we’re trying to get rid of the flatulence, not keep it. Actually, there have been certain weirdos out there in the Bulldog community that have told me they(clears throat) enjoy hearing and smelling their Bulldog’s farts. That’s another story…lol

So how do you know which dog food is the real deal?

We all know the most popular dog food brands. These include Purina, Iams, Pedigree, and Kibbles and Bits. Seriously though, most popular doesn’t necessarily mean best. These brands are all the most well-known brands on the scene, but only because they are also the brands that spend the most on fancy shmancy advertising and cute commercials.

There are hundreds of dog food brands out there, and nearly every single one has a gimmick to try and help them sell their product to pet owners. One television commercial even narrates the adaptation of dogs from their ancestors and how they used to hunt for real meat. (Though I don’t think ol’ Tank could catch a caribou by himself) All of these strategies try to draw attention away from what you’re buying: dog food.

So how do you narrow down the field to only the healthiest and most beneficial dog foods? Read On.

You may say, “What about the brand with the picture of a beautiful Bulldog on it?” It’s totally understandable a person with an English Bulldog would consider that food to be most fitting for their Bully. Let me just say, if the test of a good dog food was to pick the one with your favorite dog breed on the bag we’d have a sure winner, but this is merely another dead end. Whether or not your dog’s picture is on the bag should never be a determining factor in finding the best dog food; you know this.

Royal Canin comes to mind. Sorry to be “that guy”, but did you know Royal Canin Bulldog first few ingredients are:

1. Brewers Rice  -Rice is a quality grain, but the most prevalent ingredient in dog food should be meat.
2. Chicken By -Product Meal -These are inedible pieces left over from animal processing like, feet, spleen, stomach, brain,  and intestines.
3. Brown Rice  -More grain. Remember the Wendy’s commercial? “Where’s The Beef?”
4. Wheat Gluten  -Gluten is sort of a grain by-product. It’s what you get when the good stuff has been stripped. See what DogFoodAdvisor.Com has to say about this “protein imposter.”

[blockquote cite=”Bulldog Enthusiast, Mitch Haynes”]I’m glad you laid Royal Canin to rest. Thank you for that. Just because it has a happy bulldog on the front, and it is expensive, does NOT mean it is good food!!!
The same with Science Diet. Unfortunately our vet carries it exclusively, and recommends It. When I looked at the ingredients, I knew then that they were paid to carry it. Unfortunate.[/blockquote]

Lot’s of people think, “I’ll just play it safe and buy the super expensive brand, that way I know I’m getting the best food.” This reminds me of a time my younger brother, a huge Cleveland Browns fan, showed me his prized Jim Brown trading card.

This card was autographed by the Hall of Fame Running Back and flawless! Clearly, the autograph was a fake, the signature was only a copy, but my little brother steadfastly proclaimed, ” No, it’s definitely real, I paid a lot of money for this card!”

So you see, just because something costs a lot of money…. does not mean it’s the best. This is true with dog food!

Decipher the Ingredients.

Ever Consider the BARF Diet?

When choosing a dog food provider you’ve absolutely got to get a good look “under the hood”. Every used car salesman’s desire is that their perspective customers become mesmerized by the shiny clear coat finish or the well kept interior while totally neglecting their duty to check out the most important thing. The: engine compartment! Like the used car salesman, disingenuous dog food manufacturers aim to win your business based on outside appearances and empty phrases like, “made with real, meaty bits.” What in the world is a “meaty bit” anyway?

It’s not science. No college degree needed here.  Just take a quick gander at the small square on the back of every bag of dog food before you make your purchase. This is the “engine compartment” I referred to. It’s here we get to see what’s really been put into the bag.  It tells dog owners exactly what went into the pouch before the picture of the smiling Bulldog was stamped on the front. Just because he’s smiling doesn’t mean the food was good. He got paid to be the happy face on that bag.

I chose to use the word “decipher” above because lots of times the big dog food companies like to be a bit deceptive. Ever heard of “ingredient splitting”? Splitting is basically the manufacturer’s practice of playing musical chairs with the bag’s list of ingredients in order to make you believe a desirable additive like whole chicken breast is more prevalent in the food than a far less desirable one like corn or wheat.

Here’s an Example on Ingredient Splitting:

Let’s say a certain dog food contains 20% Corn as the first ingredient and 15% Lamb as the second. Any dishonest dog food producer may lawfully divide or “split” the corn additive into two parts on the list; corn meal and corn flour. Voila, the Lamb(15%) can now move up to the top element on the list of ingredients followed by corn meal, now 10% and corn flour, 10%. There is still more corn in this bag of dog food than Lamb and many times the consumer is none the wiser! This is a common practice among dog food manufacturers.

Ever wonder just how prevalent a named ingredient such as chicken actually is in the food you’re buying? Here’s another way in which the manufacturers can cheat their way to a sale using clever wording and still abiding by the rules. If on the front of a bag of dog food it says, “chicken and rice,” it lawfully must contain at least 26% chicken. “Rich in chicken”- it must contain a minimum of 14% chicken. If it says, “made with chicken,”  it needs only 4% chicken and if it says, “chicken flavor,” it can contain 0% chicken. These facts are astounding!

Run From These Dog Food Ingredients…..RUN!

With so many ingredients in each bag of dog food, which ones should we steer clear of? Harmful ingredients most commonly found in dog food include corn, wheat, soybean meal/soy flour, grain fractions and flours, nut/grain/bean hulls, and synthetic preservatives. Corn often times makes up as much as 70% of a low quality dog food and holds very little nutritional sustenance.

Don’t allow your Bulldog to eat food with generic meat sources, digests, by-products, meat and bone meals. Generic meat sources are any meat ingredients that don’t specifically name which animal has been put into the food. You don’t want your dog eating squirrels right? (Other than the ones they catch for fun anyway) Can you believe it! Our Bulldog, Lily, actually caught a squirrel once. Try to imagine a Non-Sporting Bulldog…running quick enough to catch a lighting fast squirrel!! We’re pretty sure the squirrel saw the Bulldog up close and just flat out died of a heart attack -Little side story for ya.

Some other ingredients to look out for are lard, tallow, and other low-quality fat sources. While these ingredients are extremely tasty to dogs, they offer nearly nothing beneficial in regards to a healthy diet . Gluten is another ingredient you don’t want in your dog food if it can be avoided. Gluten is basically leftover material from human food production. It’s difficult to digest for dogs, which is why it is something to look out for.  Heavy sugars, sweeteners, colors, and dyes are all ingredients that aren’t necessary in dog foods and are usually only added to enhance taste or appearance; some dyes can even cause allergic reactions. This is just not necessary in our Bulldogs’ food!

Tip: Remember to Always Wash Your Hands After Handling Dry or Raw Dog Food to Avoid salmonella Contamination to yourself or family members.

3 Best Foods for Bulldogs

The search for the best food for English Bulldogs has not been an easy one! Over the coarse of a 3 months we’ve purchased and introduced different foods to our bullies including, Wellness Core, Taste of The Wild, Castor and Pollux Organix and Merrick. Obviously, we could never test each and every brand, but we did carefully scrutinize many of the 4-5 star foods and their manufacturer.

I also made a point to try and pick three foods of varying price ranges. This because I understand there are those of us who don’t care about the money as long as the food is tops and still others who want the best food at the lowest possible price. You’ll notice each of these recommendations are easily accessible on popular websites and in box stores too.

Merrick Back Country Raw Infused

This has got to be the most fun food we tried with our bullies! I should have recorded our Bulldog, D.C. while eating this because it was hilarious watching him pick out the soft, larger pieces of freeze dried raw bits he found on the top of the kibble. I can only imagine how he enjoyed the different texture, feel and taste of those cubed bits of meat! This stuff is like the doggie version of Lucky Charms cereal!

Back Country is probably as close as you can get to a raw diet while still enjoying the convenience of pouring it straight out of the bag. How many brands can you think of that offer whole pieces of freeze dried meat in them!

This food is heavy laden with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. As stated before, these omegas are so helpful when it comes to keeping a Bulldog’s coat and skin healthy.

Just listen to these ingredients! Deboned beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes! What do you know about lamb and fish meal? When I first began researching dog foods I thought less of proteins with the word “meal” after them. Eventually, I found that a protein like whole chicken breast contained far less protein than chicken that had been processed into a “meal.” Most foods we’ve reviewed include just one named protein in their long list of ingredients. Back Country has listed three awesome meats right off the bat making this a top-notch dog food!

So much good stuff in this bag! Back Country is loaded with glucosamine and chondroitin which we all know is just awesome for our heavy Bulldogs and their need for healthy joints.The addition of salmon oil can’t be overlooked.

One other great addition to this food that I think really sets it apart are the ingredients at the bottom of the list. You know, the ones that are impossible to pronounce. Here’s one of them: Enterococcus faecium. This is a living bacteria added to the food for the purpose of bolstering your Bulldog’s digestive health and over-all health in general, actually. This bacteria is naturally found in a healthy dog so it’s inclusion is nothing to worry over. Basically, this is a probiotic and there are plenty of them listed in the ingredients. The Enterococcus serves in this food as an aid to digestion as well.

Merrick is produced in Texas and the company is a stalwart in quality products and customer satisfaction. I like that there are more than a few different recipes of this Back Country Raw available so that a person can switch between them allowing their Bulldog a change in taste from time to time.

Wellness Core Grain Free

For our review of Wellness, we chose to use the Turkey and Chicken formula. Right away, I appreciated the tough plastic bag with the resealable zip top. All brands should do this with their bags! This one detail allows the user to keep the food in the bag after opening instead of being forced to transfer the kibble to a plastic container. The resealable bag holds in the freshness all on it’s own.

Why Wellness

Of course, this food, like all the others in our trial is grain, corn and soy free. The first five ingredients are deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, peas and potatoes. This is a nutrient rich food including antioxidants, omega fatty acids, glucosomine and probiotics.

Some ingredients or details that really make this food stand out are ground flax seed, chicory root and that it’s mineral ingredients are chelated. Let me explain.

“Chelated” means the minerals have been chemically attached to protein in production thus rendering them far easier to absorb by the dog. Many of the lower end dog foods include minerals that are eliminated without much benefit to the dog because they have not been chelated.

Chicory root has been added to this food in order to aid in the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal system. Chicory helps create a robust G.I. system primarily through the use of it’s own inulin. Inulin, is a excellent at producing prebiotics which then promote the growth of helpful bacteria.

Flax seed is an amazing source of omega-3 fatty acids and is a heck of a lot easier to absorb after it’s first been ground.  These fatty acids help give a Bulldog a shiny coat.

Taste of The Wild

Let me explain why TOTW, an American Made product, is an excellent food for your bully!

I love the direction TOTW has taken with it’s food! The first 5 ingredients included are bison, lamb meal, chicken meal, egg product(supports a healthy coat) and sweet potatoes. It’s quality ingredients like these that make a clear statement about this dog food manufacturer’s main objective.

What is TOFTW’s goal? It’s right there in their slogan, Your Dog Craves a Taste of The Wild…Go Ahead and Give Him One!  It’s perfect! They’ve cut out all the non-essential additives, chemicals and controversial fillers leaving only the finest components for an above average dog food.

Why TOTW

Taste of The Wild is grain, corn, wheat and soy free.  I was pleased to see the inclusion of Salmon oil, a naturally rich omega-3 fatty acid which encourages a healthy coat and skin.

Again, like with Wellness Core, we see the inclusion of “Chelated Minerals.” Previously discussed above, it was noted chelated minerals are a particular type ingredient typically found only in higher quality foods. You’ll see it listed as an ingredient in each bag of TOTW.

Chelated minerals are minerals like calcium, copper, zinc and iron that have been made up to 15% easier to absorb thanks to their being chemically combined with amino acid. This means the necessary minerals every dog needs to thrive can now be absorbed and used by the body rather than being thrown out as waste.

We picked TOTW not only because of it’s superior food quality and it’s a great choice no matter what stage of life your Bulldog is in. It’s filled with amino acids, fruits and vegetables and antioxidants.

To put it simply, I always say Taste of The Wild is a 5 star dog food at a 4 star price. There is no other dog food in it’s price range that compares.

[blockquote cite=”Taste of the Wild User”]I buy this for my two Bulldogs, Dozer + Dotty. I mix in a can of wet totw food twice a week as a treat. My English Bulldogs have always had severe allergies and skin problems that seemed to get out of control with other foods. It’s been 1 year now and I’ve noticed an improvement with both my bullies since switching. Through Amazon it’s cheaper than anywhere else, I get free shipping and I don’t have to go to the store carrying 30lb bags all over the place!![/blockquote]

Store Bought Foods Just Not Working for Your Bulldog? Consider the BARF Diet!

Taste of The Wild is one of the more favorable products we’ve found in our research that’s received commendations by veterinarians and their faithful customers alike. So how can Taste of The Wild’s manufacturer produce such high quality dog food in comparison to their snidely competitors? Maybe they see the value in spending less money on cheesy advertisements and more on wholesome products?

Best Food For Bulldog Puppies

We recommend you use a puppy formula dog food like Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula with Bison and Roasted Venison until your Bulldog has become fully grown. This is usually about 12-14 months for females and 14-16 months for males. Why? So many reasons. Simply put, puppy foods contain a higher amount of calories and protein to assist growing puppies in achieving maximum size and health as he approaches adulthood. The kibble is smaller as well so it’s not as tough to chew and swallow.

Taste of the Wild is also wildly beneficial to a Bulldog puppy’s GI tract because of the inclusion of pro-biotics in the food. They say that 70% of a dog’s immune system is in the GI tract so having a healthy intestine is so important for our young bullies. Especially with young puppies ages 6-16wks receiving anti-biotic treatments from the vet, loose and runny stools can be a problem until healthy bacteria can again propagate the digestive system. Young puppies also have the added stress of transitioning to a new home.

It’s just as important you make the switch from puppy formula to adult when necessary as these higher concentrations of calories can lead to an adult dog becoming over-weight.

Tip: For puppies 8 weeks – 16 weeks of age you might prepare the kibble by first adding just a bit of water over the top. This will allow the kibble to soften up and be easier to chew and digest.

Food For Bulldogs With Allergies

About 10-20% of Bulldogs will suffer from food allergies, while seasonal allergies to grass, weed or tree pollen and bug bites are the source of most other allergic reactions. Excessive licking, biting, gnawing and scratching of the paws, legs, belly and face are common side-effects to seasonal allergies. Symptoms brought on by food allergies can appear similar, but are almost always coupled with more frequent, softer bowel movements and chronic yeast infections in the ears and on the skin.

Food or Contact Allergy

Ask yourself whether your Bulldog’s symptoms are always present, or if they come and go. Is your bully truly experiencing food allergies or allergies caused by coming in contact with something environmental? Plastics, carpet fibers, household chemicals like carpet cleaner or softener sheets, bug bites and pollen are all seasonal or temporary. For instance, a Bulldog with a seasonal allergy to ragweed pollen might be feeling itchy every Fall season. This could be called a “contact allergy” because it’s been caused by something the dog has come into physical contact with, not from eating his food.

This sort of allergy cannot necessarily be remedied with any special food, but there are methods of control that can help. A cool bath with a medicated shampoo, a steroid injection from your vet, the use of hydrocortisone, or a simple dose of Benadryl (1mg/lb/8hrs) may help to sooth your Bulldog’s seasonal allergies. 

True Food Allergies

If you think your bully is allergic to something in his food you’ll need to identify which ingredients are causing all the trouble. Soy, grains, wheat, corn and dairy are the most common offenders. Some Bulldogs can even be allergic to proteins like chicken and beef. There are blood and skin tests your veterinarian can do. These tests aren’t extremely accurate, but still can be helpful at pointing a person in the right direction. Possibly a more proven method is the process of elimination or trial diet.

Try a limited ingredient food containing none of the above listed ingredients. It should be something simple. This can be done with store bought kibble or by implementing the Bulldog Specific BARF diet, or raw food diet. The BARF diet demands more effort due to the fact you must prepare the food yourself, but it is easier in that you can precisely control the ingredients going into your bully’s bowl allowing you to accurately pin-point those foods his body disagrees with.  

Best Food For Allergies

This Zignature Grain Free Trout formula is what I would recommend. I love the simplicity of this food. I’ve scarcely heard of a Bulldog that’s allergic to salmon or trout which are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Sunflower oil and flaxseed are also named among the ingredients and they are fatty acid powerhouses!

Flaxseed is thought to be the #1 source for omega-3s! What’s the big deal about fatty acids? Well, scientists believe that fatty acids play a big role in slowing down the growth of yeast infections like the ones our bullies so often get in their ears and on the skin. Fatty acids are also thought to prevent allergic reactions to airborne pollens.

See how your bully does on the new food you’ve chosen. Symptoms from food allergies can take up to 8 weeks to subside so be patient. Once you’ve found a food that’s successful in curbing the symptoms of his food allergies you may add a new ingredient to your Bulldog’s kibble. If say, after adding rice back into the food, your Bulldog breaks out with a rash on his legs, paws and face, you would then be sure he is allergic to rice.

Best Reduced Fat/Low Calorie Formula Bulldogs

Do you suspect your English Bulldog is a bit “chunky” these days? The average weight for a male Bulldog is 50-65lbs. and 45-55lbs. for females. If you’ve got a 7o pound male Bulldog it doesn’t necessarily mean your boy’s over-weight; he may just have a larger frame.

Obesity is very rarely a problem for Bulldogs 2 years and younger, but very common for those over 4 years of age. This probably because of their natural Bulldog ability to lay around for days totally content. Also, just like us humans, a Bulldog becomes less active as he ages. Compare the non-stop energy your Bulldog had as he was a puppy to the increasing amount of time he spends lying on the couch today. He’s consuming the same or more amount of calories he always has, but in his older age he’s become half as active.

Remember to exercise your bully at least 15 min. a day whether he wants to or not. Table scraps should be kept to a minimum. Dog treats can be high in fat too and their ingredients should be just as carefully scrutinized as your Bulldog’s main food choice.

Sometimes even when you’ve been doing everything else right, environmental or genetic circumstances can make a Bulldog heavy. In this case, you can gain a lot of ground by cutting down on the calorie/fat intake your Bulldog is getting every day from his kibble.

Read more  What Small Bumps on Dogs Can Mean

The most commonly prescribed dog food for over-weight dogs is Purina Veterinary Diets OM Overweight Management, but many of the ingredients included in this food (wheat, corn, soy, animal by-products) are sub-par to say the least. I would encourage you not to take your vet’s word for it on this one.

Instead, go for a specialized weight management food like Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free, Reduced Fat Recipe. It’s a 5 star food that’s got everything we recommend in this article for giving your bully a healthy diet and 25- 50% less fat than regular food. Unlike popular veterinarian prescribed weight management kibble, Wellness doesn’t include any harmful ingredients like wheat, corn, soy and by-products.

See Our Most Popular Article: Top 9 English Bulldog Hygiene HeadAches & Their Solutions!

The Final Word

Keep in mind that all dogs are different and may need special ingredients. Some dog food brands carry special diet dog foods that cater to the needs of every animal. There are different recipes that consider weight-loss, allergies, and individual diet options to allow the best selection for any pet. If your Bulldog is having digestive or health issues, his diet could be a factor. Make sure to let your veterinarian know your Bully’s diet and the ingredients in their food. They’ll be able to help you select the correct meal plan for your pet to make sure they get the necessary nutritional value.

Tip: When changing a Bulldog’s diet it’s not recommended you switch his food all at once. This can cause diarrhea, gas, unsettled stomach etc. Instead, gradually change his food over a span of 7-10 days to ensure your bully’s digestive system can keep up with the change. Just mix in small amounts to begin and larger amounts as you near the 5 day mark.

So, like I said, I decided I had better analyze the food (Diamond Naturals , Chicken and Rice ) we give to our Bulldogs. Clearly it’s not the best dog food available, but I want to make sure I’m at least giving a food with quality ingredients like some of the a fore mentioned. Here’s what I found.

According to DogFoodAdvisor.Com, there are some “controversial” fillers like beat pulp. I also read that although the grains in the food are high quality grains, two of them are forms of rice. I’m a victim of “splitting!” There apparently is concern that when the two forms of rice are combined, they would outweigh the first meat ingredient. This makes it likely that the meat content is low on our brand of dog food.

The good news is that we knew most dog foods are low in total protein content. To make up for this we’ve been supplementing our Bulldogs’ diets with cooked chicken breast. We’re also considering switching to the grain free version of this food.

What food do you trust and how does it stack up to other brands on the market?

Comment Below!

— Update: 10-02-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Top 10 Worst Rated Dry Dog Food Brands of 2021 from the website www.alphapaw.com for the keyword worst dog food for english bulldogs.

The Worst Dog Food to Avoid: The Healthy Pup Guide

If you’re wondering about the top 10 worst dog foods to avoid, you’ve come to the right place. Your pooch is a voracious little beastie. If it were up to them, they would eat anything they find. Once they empty their food bowl, they’ll wiggle their tail for more. Unfortunately, feeding them food that doesn’t have nutritional value can result in changes in their health, mood, and immune system. In the long run, poorly made dry food and cheap ingredients can

1. Make your dog sick
2. Upset their little stomach
3. Compromise their health and happiness

To prevent this, you need to familiarize yourself with all the products that you should not put in your shopping cart. Regarding their nutrition, we have one rule—better safe than sorry! 

High-quality food can affect your canine’s development and

1. Increase their longevity
2. Improve the standard of living
3. Maintain their good health throughout the years

This also depends on the treats they eat, so make sure you avoid purchasing the worst dog treat brands.

We know that finding the best dry dog food for your pooch is a challenging task, especially with myriads of advertisements you stumble upon daily. Walking into a store can also be confusing once you reach the never-ending aisle with dog food. To make this process easier for you, we have conducted thorough research, and we’re displeased to present you with the worst dog food which you should avoid at all costs.

First things first. You should know that we’re not associated with any affiliate links or sponsored to promote or badmouth products. We chose these products because we believe, from the bottom of our hearts, that you should not consider them for your pets. We’re not funded by paid sponsorship.

Before we begin our assessment, we do have our very own Alpha Paw dog food called Natural Vitality™ that is vet-approved and fast becoming the go-to brand for pet parents. Our chicken and sweet potato recipe is made to support all dog breeds for all of their life stages. Formulated with purposeful ingredients in accordance with AAFCO guidelines, our dog food is a natural source of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Shipped directly to your door, it’s as delicious for dogs as it is convenient for pet parents. We have two formulas, one for all dogs and one specifically designed for Dachshunds.

We highly recommend our very own dog food. In spite of this, we still want to be a resource for you and discuss what’s in the marketplace for pet parents such as yourself.

How We Evaluated the Worst Dog Food Brands

For this research, we consulted numerous veterinarians who give their honest and professional opinion. Veterinarians have in-depth knowledge of food brands that can keep your dog healthy and happy. Our community of dog lovers also teamed up, generously shared their experiences, and helped us round out the research. Together, we joined all our findings to present you with the worst dog food foods available today. 

How We Chose Our Top Picks

We researched hundreds of food products to see if they meet our quality criteria. We checked the ratio of high-quality and low-quality food and did online research to compare the results. We are not affiliated with any brand, so the results are purely based on our findings and detailed analysis.

Top 10 Worst Dog Foods

Worst Overall: Dog Chow Complete Adult with Real Chicken Dog Food

Source: purina

A single look at the ingredients will tell you everything you need to know. The first ingredient is whole grain corn, which pups usually find very hard to digest. Feeding them this type of food will cause some digestive problems after some time. We don’t know the meat source listed as number two, so it could be anything. The bone meal should not be used in the dogs’ nutrition in large quantities. It can cause constipation, which can end up in surgery. 

Ingredients: Whole grain corn, meat and bone meal, corn gluten meal, beef fat naturally preserved with mixed-tocopherols, soybean meal, poultry by-product meal, chicken, egg and chicken flavor, whole grain wheat, animal digest, salt, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, mono and dicalcium phosphate, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, choline chloride, MINERALS [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Yellow 6, Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, garlic oil. E-4101.

Runner-Up: Kibbles ‘n Bits Original Savory Beef & Chicken Flavors Dry Dog Food

Source: kibbles n bits

Dogs’ digestive system can’t process corn easily, and if your pup eats a lot of corn-based foods, it can be harmful to their health. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is an additive used in preserving dog foods. It can often cause kidney damage, and it’s not safe to eat it in large quantities. Kibbles ‘n Bits is also full of carbohydrates and by-products. You should avoid this formula if you want your hairy companion to stay healthy. Wheat is also among the first five ingredients. It has the same side effects as corn. If compared to other dry foods, this one contains below-average protein, below-average fat, and too many carbs.

Ingredients: Corn, Soybean Meal, Beef & Bone Meal, Whole Wheat, Animal Fat (BHA Used as Preservative), Corn Syrup, Wheat Middlings, Water Sufficient For Processing, Animal Digest (Source Of Chicken Flavor), Propylene Glycol, Salt, Hydrochloric Acid, Potassium Chloride, Peas, Caramel Color, Sorbic Acid (Used as a Preservative), Choline Chloride, Sodium Carbonate, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin a Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin), Dl-Methionine, Calcium Sulfate, Carrots, Green Beans, Wheat Flour, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 40, BHA (Used as a Preservative), Blue 1.

Worst Dry Food: Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food

Source: iams proactive health

IAMS ProActive contains a lot of minerals and vitamins, but they are mixed with synthetic proteins. Chicken by-product meal means that this product contains the leftovers of slaughtered chickens that humans don’t use. It is quite affordable, though, so many dog owners turn to this brand out of necessity. If you can, invest a little bit more into higher-quality dog food, or prepare your dog’s food at home. Dogs who already have some allergy issues shouldn’t go near this product as it can cause or boost dog allergies. Corn offers only modest nutritional value to your pooch, and it’s controversial regarding dogs’ nutrition. The same goes for beet pulp, which is fifth in the ingredient list. 

Ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Carrots, Choline Chloride, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Fructooligosaccharides, Calcium Carbonate, Brewers Dried Yeast, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, L-Carnitine, Sodium Selenite, Mixed Tocopherols (a preservative), Ascorbic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (source of vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Rosemary Extract, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid

Worst Wet Food: Cesar Filets Delight Porterhouse Steak Flavor with Peas and Carrots Dog Food Tray

Source: cesar

This is canned dog food whose first ingredient is water, which is fine. The fifth ingredient is the most controversial one. Meat by-products contain all leftovers of slaughtered animals that people don’t use in their nutrition. The problematic part here is that it doesn’t state which meat is included in the ingredients. In case your little friend suffers from allergies or skin problems, don’t consider buying this product.

Ingredients: Sufficient Water For Processing, Beef By-Products, Animal Liver, Meat By-Products, Beef, Peas, Carrots, Chicken, Chicken By-Products, Calcium Carbonate, Added Color, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Carrageenan, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Natural Flavor, Xanthan Gum, Dried Yam, Salt, Guar Gum, Erythorbic Acid, Cassia Gum, Porterhouse Steak Flavor, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Monocalcium Phosphate, Sodium Nitrite (For Color Retention), Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement.

Worst for Senior Dogs: Purina Senior 7+ Healthy Morsels Soft & Crunchy Bites Dog Food

Source: purina

Our senior dogs are perhaps the ones who require healthy nutrition the most. As they get older, they are not as active as they used to be. This makes them susceptible to gaining a lot of weight. If your hairy friend has back issues, there’s an even greater concern as the extra weight will put too much pressure on their spine. They need food that’s low in calories as it will prevent obesity. They also require higher-fiber diets that will promote bowel health.

Purina Senior is considered to be the worst product for senior dogs as it doesn’t contain ingredients of nutritional value. Instead of improving your grey-coated dog’s health, it makes it even worse. It consists of a lot of bone meals and animal fats. GMO corn, ground wheat, soybeans are all ingredients that you need to keep your pup’s muzzle away from. 

Ingredients: Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Germ Meal, Oat Meal, Medium-Chain Triglyceride Vegetable Oil, Whole Grain Wheat, Fish Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Pea Fiber, Poultry And Pork Digest, Beef Fat Naturally Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Glycerin, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Dried Egg Product, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Caramel Color, Potassium Chloride, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Choline Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Sulfur, Garlic Oil.

Worst For Puppies: Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken

Source: purina

Although this product contains chicken protein, it also includes ingredients such as corn and grain, which are pretty much the worst ingredients you can have in dog food. By-products are high on the list of ingredients. Synthetic protein is included to replace natural protein, and the formula also has many artificial dyes. Soybeans can be extremely dangerous for your pups. They can’t be digested properly and can cause severe bloating.

This product is ranked among one of the worst dog foods on the market as it’s cluttered with dangerous fillers. Purina Beneful Original was accused of using the ingredients that cause skin and allergy problems in dogs. If your pooch eats too much of this food, they’ll be prone to gastrointestinal issues and liver disease. Letting your dog eat Purina Beneful Original Formula every day is the same as if fast-food was included in all of your meals.

Ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn, barley, whole grain wheat, rice, soybean meal, beef tallow preserved with mixed-tocopherols, poultry by-product meal, glycerin, egg and chicken flavor, mono and dicalcium phosphate, fish oil, natural flavor, salt, calcium carbonate, oatmeal, dried peas, dried carrots, potassium chloride, iron oxide (color), MINERALS [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Vitamin B-12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin D-3 supplement, riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), biotin (Vitamin B-7)], choline chloride, L-Lysine monohydrochloride, DL-Methionine.  K409318

Dishonorable Mentions

Kal Kan Complete Adult Dog Food

Source: kal kan

Kal Kan does not hold up when it comes to ingredient quality. By-products are in the first five ingredients, while the main one is corn. Artificial proteins are present in large quantities. Meat and bone meal is listed as the second ingredient. The greatest concern here is that we can’t know what meat they used, making it hard to predict whether this food can cause any allergies.

Ingredients: Ground yellow corn, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, ground wheat, chicken by-product meal, animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid, source of Omega-6 Fatty Acids), wheat middlings, corn gluten meal, natural flavor, salt, dl-methionine, potassium chloride, choline chloride, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, Vitamin E supplement, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, niacin, manganous oxide, Vitamin A supplement, biotin, d-calcium pantothenate, Vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of Vitamin K activity), riboflavin supplement, calcium iodate, folic acid, cobalt carbonate, Vitamin D3 supplement.

Gravy Train Beef Chunks In Gravy Wet Dog Food

Source: gravy train

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)  is used to prevent spoilage, but it can contribute to kidney issues. The Gravy Train at one point proclaimed voluntary recall on each Gravy Train wet dog product after hints of pentobarbital—a euthanasia drug—was detected. Although this brand is one of the most affordable ones on the market, you should steer clear of purchasing it. We rank it as a below-average canned product.

Ingredients: Water Sufficient for Processing, Soybean Meal, Meat By-Products, Wheat Flour, Animal Fat (preserved with BHA), Beef, Modified Food Starch, Soy Flour, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Caramel Color, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Iron Oxide (Color), Vitamins (Vitamin E supplement, Vitamin A supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Sodium Selenite, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate).

Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition Grilled Steak & Vegetable Flavor

Source: pedigree

Pedigree Adult is a very unpopular brand among dog owners. Many accusations were raised against this product. They mostly came from the pet owners who stated that their canines vomited after eating this food and that they had some issues with their intestines as well. Pedigree even confirmed that their kibble has pig hair. We don’t recommend this product for your canine.

Ingredients: Ground Whole Grain Corn, Meat And Bone Meal (Source Of Calcium), Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat (Source Of Omega 6 Fatty Acids [Preserved With Bha & Citric Acid]), Soybean Meal, Natural Flavor, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Wheat, Choline Chloride, Dried Peas, Dl-Methionine, Natural Grilled Steak Flavor, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Tryptophan, Red 40, Yellow 6, Dried Carrots, Blue 2, Yellow 5, Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate [Source Of Vitamin B5], Sodium Selenite, Niacin [Vitamin B3], Potassium Iodide, Riboflavin Supplement [Vitamin B2], Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Ol’ Roy Complete Nutrition

Source: ol’ roy

This product consists of a high amount of ground yellow corn. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) preservative is in the first five ingredients, and there are way too many by-products. Keeping Ol Roy off of your dog’s food bowl is probably the best decision. 

Ingredients: Ground yellow corn, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, poultry by-product meal, animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), corn gluten meal, natural flavor, brewers rice, salt, potassium chloride, color added (titanium dioxide, yellow #5, yellow #6, red #40, blue #2), choline chloride, zinc sulfate, vitamin E supplement, ferrous sulfate, calcium carbonate, zinc oxide, niacin, copper sulfate, vitamin A supplement, biotin, manganous oxide, calcium pantothenate, vitamin B12 supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), riboflavin supplement, sodium selenite, calcium iodate, folic acid, vitamin D-3 supplement, cobalt carbonate

What Are the Differences Between the Best Dog Food and the Worst Dog Food?

Almost all dog foods you find in stores are labeled as completely natural and 100% balanced. Let us tell you a secret—they’re not, at least not all of them! The first thing you have to do when choosing food for your furry one is to check if the ingredients have nutritional value. The list you see on the back of the package will tell you everything you need to know. The first five ingredients are essential, and what you find listed as the number one ingredient is what the pet food is made up of the most.
High-quality food consists of natural ingredients such as meat, whole grains, and vegetables. The first ingredient on the list should be a healthy protein source, like chicken or fish. Low-quality food has animal by-products or grains listed as number one. 

If you come across meat-meals in the ingredient list, also pay attention. High-quality food brands will have meat meals such as: 

• Chicken
• Lamb  
• Beef

Low-quality brands will list meat by-products such as beef by-product meal. Meat by-products are usable parts derived from slaughtered animals, mostly consisting of kidneys, brain, bones, blood, lungs. Within these products are often 4-D meats, which can’t be used by humans— roadkills or euthanized animals. 

Be careful if you see any artificial fillers listed. Cheap ingredients also involve fillers, which are often used to replace food with larger nutritional value. Corn, for instance, is used as a replacement for natural meat protein. It’s difficult for dogs to digest corn, and it’s considered to be harmful and unhealthy as a part of their diet. The same goes for grain, rice, and wheat. Chemicals and dyes that are used to extend the shelf life of a product have a low-priced formula and can be dangerous for your canine’s health. Always be on the lookout for dangerous ingredients such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which are used in preserving dog foods. And remember, the best measure of dog food quality is if in its first five ingredients there are no:

• By-products

• Fillers

• Additives

If your precious canine has any health issues, you must strictly look for healthy ingredients. Some of the worst dog foods you could see above don’t have a meat source listed. So if your pup has allergies or sensitive skin, you need to be careful with food choices.

What Kind of Food Should Puppies Eat?

Your little munchkin needs to eat high-quality food because puppies are at risk when it comes to nutrition. Dangerous food ingredients can increase their chances of ending up with hip dysplasia. They need food that is easy to digest, especially if they are in a transition period when they start eating solid foods. You need to know how to switch dog foods! In this period, you can soak high-quality kibbles in warm water and blend it into gruel. 

What Kind of Food Should Senior Dogs Eat?

The senior dogs need to have good, well-balanced nutrition which is low in calories but consists of greater amounts of fiber. It should contain adequate protein and fat. Older canines require the best senior dry dog food, as they lose muscle mass as they age. Their nutritional need is to eat food that contains little fat, as they usually have problems with weight as they get older. Food that’s low in fat will protect them from obesity. Make sure you avoid the worst dry dog food brands. 

Final Thoughts on the Worst Dog Food 

As you’ve seen, there are a lot of things to keep an eye out for when it comes to your dog’s nutrition. You need to have your dog’s needs in mind when opting for their food. Senior dogs shouldn’t eat food such as , and it’ll be extremely harmful to your puppy to have included in their diet plan. There are many great food brands out there whose ingredients are high-quality ones, so feel free to avoid as well as . Whether you have a puppy or a grandpa dog, you need to look out for their needs. You can find some ideas in the best dry dog food and the best canned dog food lists. 

Provide your hairy companion only with the best! 

References: 

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_food
2. Dael, Peter Van. “Trace Element Speciation in Food: A Tool to Assure Food Safety and Nutritional Quality.” , pp. 232–240., doi:10.1039/9781847552204-00232.
3. Dael, Peter Van. “Trace Element Speciation in Food: A Tool to Assure Food Safety and Nutritional Quality.” Trace Element Speciation for Environment, Food and Health, pp. 232–240., doi:10.1039/9781847552204-00232.