American Bulldogs are an intelligent and loyal dog breed that are slightly taller than the English Bulldogs. They are often mistaken for American Staffordshire Bull Terriers or Pit Bulls but they are a growing dog breed that is becoming more popular each year.

The best dog Food for American Bulldogs is the Orijen Adult Dog Food, which is high in protein and is a limited ingredient formula for sensitive stomachs.

American Bulldogs can weigh between 70 and 120 LBS when fully grown and they will need some feeding in order to maintain a healthy body weight. They love to eat too, which can cause obesity and increase the risk of health issue later on in life.

Best Dog Food For American Bulldogs

American Bulldog Food	Designed For	Grain Free
Orijen Original	Sensitive Stomach	Yes
Taste of the Wild	High Protein	Yes
Merrick	High Protein	Yes
Wellness Complete Health	Healthy Diet	No
Holistic Select	Easy Digestion	Yes

As with any breed, American Bulldogs do suffer from some health related issues including many that are hereditary. These include forms of bone cancer, dpsplsia in the hip and elbow, cherry eye and a few others.

With that said, they have an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years and are a relatively low maintenance dog breed. When choosing the food you feed them, you will want to base their calorie intake from their activity to maintain good health.

They often fall under both the medium and large breed size, so its important that you read the feeding quantities on the back. Below is a list of the best dog food for American Bulldogs that provide all the nutrients and protein for a healthy diet.

Orijen Original Dry Dog Food

If you’re in the market for a dog food that is biologically appropriate regardless of the life stage that your American Bulldog is in. It contains fresh free-run turkey and chicken, as well as well as nest-laid eggs, and wild caught fish.

As dogs are carnivores, they have a biological need for a rich diet filled with a variety of meats. Orijen’s Original Dry Dog Food has 38% of richly nourishing protein and 20% of low glycemic carbohydrates. The formula is formulated with 85% high-quality meat ingredients.

A brief overview of the pros and cons of Orijen Original include:

Pros:

• No rendered poultry
• Protein and meat-rich
• EPA and DHA from fresh fish
• Low glycemic
• No synthetic sources

Cons:

• Not ideal for senior dogs

A third of the meats in this formula come from turkey and dehydrated chicken to give your American Bulldog nourishing protein in a concentrated source. Your American Bulldog will get EPA and DHA through the fresh saltwater fish which are great for your dog’s nervous and immune systems.

It contains Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, and Folic Acid. The minerals in this formula include Sodium, Chloride, Potassium, Iron, and Iodine. The formula also contains botanicals, including chicory root, turmeric, rosehips, and juniper berries.

It is by far one of the best dog food for American Bulldogs you can buy and ensures they are getting all the nutrients they require.

Check it Out

Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dog Food

This formula is one of Taste of the Wild’s best sellers and has gained a lot of popularity over the years. It comes in a range of flavors, including boar, wildfowl, salmon, lamb, and the most popular, bison venison.

It does not contain any grains, but instead, it contains peas and sweet potatoes as part of a healthy diet. This will give them the carbohydrate energy that they need along with healthy fibers to support their digestive system.

The formula also contains a blend of fruits and vegetables to provide your American Bulldog with essential antioxidants to keep them healthy. The pros and cons of Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High-Protein Natural Dry Dog Food are:

Pros:

• Good blend of Omega Fatty Acids
• Easy to eat and chew kibbles
• Contains various antioxidants
• Available in different sizes
• Good source of amino acids, fibers, fats, and protein.

Cons:

• Pricey

The formula contains 30% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber with the addition to that, there are also plenty of Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc, and Omega Fatty Acids. To round it all off, there are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors in this formula nor are there any fillers, wheat, corn, or grain, making it ideal for even those dogs with sensitive stomachs, food sensitivities, or allergies.

Check it Out

Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food

One of the most important things to look for when searching for high quality dog food is the first ingredient. This formula proves to be a great example of that as the first five ingredients are deboned lamb, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes.

This grain-free natural formula is great regardless of what life stage your American Bulldog is at as it’ll give them a balanced diet with locally sourced whole food. The Pros and Cons of the Merrick Dry Dog Food include:

Pros:

• Farm fresh ingredients
• Nutrient-rich
• Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids
• Chondroitin and glucosamine for maintaining joint health
• Grain free

Cons:

• The scent might be too strong for some

The formula is comprised of 55% of fish and lamb ingredients that are great for building and maintaining healthy and lean muscle tissue. The omega fatty acids support a healthy coat and skin while the glucosamine supports joint health.

On top of that, there are 45% of fresh produce, including blueberries, apples, peas, sweet potatoes, and potatoes along with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. The carbohydrates are easily digestible to offer your dog with the most sustained energy possible without upsetting any bodily systems.

Check it Out

Wellness Complete Health Natural

This formula has plenty of great ingredients, including protein and supplements to help support your American Bulldogs joints and growth. It contains protein from four different animal sources, all designed to help your dog to have the optimal daily calorie intake.

It is formulated to help larger breed support their digestive health. The key ingredients are chicken, carrots, and spinach. The chicken offers a high-quality protein as well as fatty acids. The carrots provide a source for beta-carotene, which is great for protecting against heart disease and cataracts. The spinach provides a great source of iron and magnesium. Pros and Cons of this dry dog food include:

Pros:

• High-quality brown rice, salmon, and deboned chicken
• Gives your dog a complete and balanced diet
• Contain calcium
• Contain phosphorus
• Well priced

Cons:

• Not ideal for dog sensitive to grains

There is an ideal amount of phosphorus, calcium and other minerals to help your large breed to maintain their strong bones. The unique formula keeps your American Bulldog in the best condition possible. it contains mixed tocopherols to protect them against any potential eye diseases.

There is also optimal protein levels and moderate amounts of fat to help maintain their weight. It promotes your dog’s joint to remain healthy, while the Yucca Schidigera helps to reduce their stool odor.

Check it Out

Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food

Holistic Select formulates dry dog foods to contain ingredients that offer a balanced nutrition and digestive support for your American Bulldog. It contains the optimal levels of protein, natural fibers, digestive enzymes, live yogurt cultures, probiotics, and prebiotics.

The potato free recipe uses highly digestive carbohydrate sources to provide your dog with continuous energy. It is available in three sizes, which are 41 lbs., 30 lbs., and 15 lbs. Below are some of the Pros and Cons that you can expect from this food.

Pros:

• Potato free recipe
• Contains probiotics and prebiotics
• Live yogurt cultures for better digestion
• Natural ingredients for better nutrition
• Antioxidant-rich superfood

Cons:

• Pricey

The formula contains various ingredients to offer your American Bulldog with better digestion, including prebiotics, probiotics, natural fibers, live yogurt cultures, and digestive enzymes.

The prebiotics and probiotics help to stimulate the growth of the healthier gut bacteria that help to break down and absorb key nutrients. The natural fibers move through food in the digestive tract to maintain a healthy output. There are also nutritious vegetables and fruits, antioxidant-rich superfoods, and the use of natural ingredients that give your dog better nutrition.

Check it Out

American Bulldog Food Buying Guide

Finding the best dog food for your American Bulldog, or any breed really can be one of the most difficult decisions that you have to make. There are tons of products available on the market currently, with everyone having different opinions about them all.

American Bulldogs are some of the most appreciated and liked breeds due to their calm and gentle nature. Surprisingly, they are also great for playing security guard. They have a stouter build with a large amount of muscle mass. They need a diet that is free of fillers but contains high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fat.

All of the dog foods that have suggested are suitable for medium-sized breeds, like the American Bulldog. We have stated the five best products, along with their pros and cons to offer you with a well-rounded view. Below are some factors that you should consider before purchasing any dog food for your American Bulldog.

How Much Food To Feed American Bulldog?

Though there outwardly appearance might say otherwise, American Bulldogs are actually quite a healthy breed. However, they are susceptible to gaining excess weight easily if left to their own devices. It is important to set them up on a diet plan, and not be too liberal with their feeding.

They are quite deceptively energetic, so they need sufficient amounts of protein to keep their energy up. As their hairs are harsh and short, you will not have to focus on finding foods that contain omega fatty acids. Instead, you should find food that is less carb heavy, nutrient dense meals.

In terms of how much you should feed them, males need around 2,100 calories to 3,600 calories per day to keep them healthy. On the other hand, female American Bulldogs need around 1,800 calories to 3,000 calories per day to keep them healthy. You will need to be very careful to not feed them excess food as they do not have any self-control towards food.

Below we are adding an estimate feeding chart that gives you a rough idea of how much to feed your adult American Bulldog (for an American Bulldog puppy feeding chart, look further down). Please note that the amount that your American Bulldog needs to be fed will vary depending on their activity level, age, and individual metabolism. Keep an eye on them to make sure that they are eating the right amounts.

The Weight of Dog	Feeding (cups per day)
50 lbs. to 60 lbs.	3 ¼ cups to 3 ⅔ cups
61 lbs. to 70 lbs.	3 ⅔ cups to 4 cups
71 lbs. to 80 lbs.	4 cups to 4 ½ cups
81 lbs. to 90 lbs.	4 ½ cups to 5 cups
91 lbs. to 100 lbs.	5 cups to 5 ⅓ cups
101 lbs. to 110 lbs.	5 ⅓ to 5 ¾ cups
111 lbs. to 120 lbs.	5 ¾ cups to 6 cups
121 lbs. to 140 lbs.	6 cups to 6 ¾ cups
141 lbs. to 160 lbs.	6 ¾ cups to 7 ⅔ cups
161 lbs. to 180 lbs.	7 ⅔ cups to 8 ⅓ cups

How Frequent Should You Feed An American Bulldog?

It’s not recommended for you to free-feed your American Bulldog as they are likely to overeat, leading them to obesity. However, you should keep their water dish full at all times. Keep monitoring their activity level and weight to adjust their portions accordingly to maintain a healthy weight. They should be fed puppy food until around ten to twelve months of age, at which point they should be switched to adult dog food.

Up until they are three months old, they should be fed four times a day with equal portions. When they are around three months to six months old, you can decrease that to three times a day with equal portions. As they reach six months to twelve months, you can decrease it again to two times a day with equal portions. After they are a year old, you can either feed them once or twice a day, depending on their individual metabolism, age, and activity level.

How Much Food To Feed An American Bulldog Puppy?

Generally, puppies eat more than adults as they are rapidly growing and need all the sustenance that they can get. American Bulldog puppies, especially, need more food, in comparison to other breeds. They grow quite quickly, so they need the nutrition to get strong muscles.

The Weight of Dog	Feeding (grams per day)
2 months old	231 grams to 271 grams*
3 months old	276 grams to 341 grams*
4 months old	297 grams to 371 grams*
5 months old	304 grams to 410 grams*
6 months old	304 grams to 446 grams*
7 months old	282 grams to 446 grams*
8 months old	240 grams to 387 grams*
9 months old	216 grams to 320 grams*
10 months old	215 grams to 318 grams*
11 months old	476 grams to 991 grams*
12 months old	434 grams to 941 grams*
* depending on your puppy’s build and activity level

If you get your American Bulldog puppy from a breeder, then it’s important to stick to the feeding schedule that they had the puppy on to avoid any stomach sensitivities. If you do wish to change their diet, you’ll need to do it gradually to avoid any digestive upsets.

What Is The Ideal Weight Of An American Bulldog?

The American Bulldogs are cousins of the English Bulldogs, but they are more agile and taller. Male American Bulldogs can be anywhere from 20 inches to 28 inches tall. Female American Bulldogs can be anywhere from 20 inches to 24 inches tall. In terms of their weight, male American Bulldogs can weigh anywhere between 70 lbs. to 119 lbs., while their female counterparts can range between 60 lbs. to 90 lbs.

Factors To Consider For American Bulldog Food

The diet of your American Bulldog should have some main components in order to provide them with a healthy and balanced diet. The main, and most important, one is protein. The AAFCO states that this breed needs to have at least 22% of protein for puppies and 18% of protein for adults.

The second should be fat. It is recommended that your dog gets roughly 5% of fat for adult dogs and 8% of fat for puppies. Fat is also great for adding flavor to their food, which makes it tastier and more appealing to your dog.

Health Issues

The average American Bulldog is likely to have a life expectancy of around ten to fifteen years if they properly fed and cared for. Similar to other breeds, American Bulldogs are also likely to have their fair share of health issues, some of those being hereditary.

• Allergies
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
• Certain Bone Cancer Forms
• Cherry Eye
• Ectropion (Eyelids Roll Outwards)
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Entropion (Eyelids Folding Inwards)
• Gastric / Digestive Issues – Bulldogs are known for passing gas, however, if they are experiencing excessive gassiness, it can hint towards something serious. In some cases, it could be bread and soy products that cause their stomachs to expand and cause gastric torsion. Fatty foods, milk products, and filler foods can cause flatulence.
• Hip Dysplasia – A condition which hinders the hip joints to develop normally. It gradually deteriorates them until there is a complete loss of function.
• Ichthyosis – A skin condition which is often seen in newborn puppies. It can be either moderate or severe, but there are not too many cases of it being life-threatening. These dogs just need to be bathed more frequently and need ointments applied to their skin.
• Joint Issues – As American Bulldogs have heavier bodies and shorter legs, there is a fair bit of stress that’s placed on their joints and hips, especially if they get overweight. For this, it is recommended that they digest natural forms of glucosamine.
• Kidney Disorders
• Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) – Though this a not too common of a disorder with this breed, it can be quite serious when they are around two years old. The condition negatively impacts your American Bulldog’s hindquarters, which leads to them not being able to move.
• Thyroid Issues
• Vision – Eyesight is a common problem among American Bulldogs. If your dog has corneal ulcers, dry eyes, and cherry eyes then they’ll need surgery to rectify it otherwise it could cause blindness. You should look for dog foods that contain beta-carotene or carrots to boost eye health.

Ingredients To Avoid

In addition to controlling how and what American Bulldogs eat, it’s also important to know which ingredients you should avoid at all costs. These foods can cause body temperatures to increase which makes them susceptible to heatstroke. As American Bulldogs carry more weight, they might not be able to burn these ingredients off, which can cause them to become obese.

• Chocolate – Though it is a human favorite, it is a common item on the list of foods to avoid. Consumption of chocolate can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and seizures. Theobromine and caffeine are stimulants in chocolate, both of which are not good for them.
• Garlic and Onions – The chemical inside of garlic and onions can cause anemia. In addition to that, they have a hard time digesting it, making it very dangerous.
• Nutmeg – If ingested, it can cause them to experience tremors or seizures due to the chemicals inside that are highly toxic to dogs.
• Plums, Peaches, Cherries, and Apples – These fruits seeds and stems contain a chemical that can cause difficulty in breathing.
• Yeast Dough – If ingested, this can cause your dog’s stomach to expand at a rapid rate, which makes it too easy for them to become bloated. Thus, making it more difficult for them to breathe.

Conclusion

Being the lovable pups that they are, American Bulldogs need the best nutrition possible to keep them functioning at their best. You’re sure to get rowdy enthusiasm, slobbering, and jumping. With their bulky and big body, you’ll need to give them a little bit more attention, including their food and exercise. You will need to be careful about what you buy for them to ensure that they are getting the highest quality food possible.

As we mentioned above, you should not free-feed this breed as it is not likely to go well. They will eat whatever is placed in front of them, so you’ll need to be the one who controls their food. They are susceptible to a fair bit of health concerns, so you’ll also need to pay close attention to them to ensure that they are at the healthiest.

Our article is designed to offer you with the most information possible to get you ready to buy your American Bulldog dog food. With the sheer number of products in the market currently, our top five picks are picked to give you a decent range. So, you’re sure to find one that fits everything that you’re looking for.

The post 5 Best American Bulldog Dog Foods 2018 appeared first on Top Dog Hub.