The Best Food for British Bulldogs

Who would want to own a dog that is prone to health problems, drools, slobbers, snuffles, snores, and frequently breaks wind? Who can manage owning a dog that can die from too much heat or too much exercise? Despite the extra care and exacting nutritional needs of an English bulldog, millions of English bulldog owners will insist that owning an English bulldog is worth every bit of the work and effort.

  1. English Bulldogs' Nutrition

    • English bulldogs are known for their easy temperament and loving nature. They are easily pleased and demand little. Caring for an English bulldog, however, takes more care and foresight than caring for the average dog. This includes the English bulldog's food. Like all dogs, English bulldogs require a balanced diet of proteins, minerals, vegetables and carbohydrates. This can be accomplished with commercial dog food, but many English bulldog owners prefer to prepare their dog's food themselves to insure the proper dietary mix. Veterinarians concur that this is a good practice, at least for part of the English bulldog's meal plan.

    Allergies

    • The constitution of English bulldogs is among the most delicate of all dogs. In addition to the conditions noted, English bulldogs are also highly prone to developing allergies. Owners must think carefully about how to insure that their dog's food is not allergenic, as well as which food will not exacerbate the dog's other physical vulnerabilities. In addition to hypoallergenic commercially prepared food, fresh cooked meat mixed with pasta and easily digestible vegetables is a popular option suggested by veterinarians. Soy products should never be added to an English bulldog's diet, as it is hard for bulldogs to digest soy.

    Dividing Meals

    • Although vets generally recommend feeding a dog once a day, English bulldog owners have, on the whole, discovered that feeding their dogs twice a day cuts down on the flatulence, as well as reduces the possibility of the dog developing gastric torsion. With this in mind, many vets suggest that English bulldog owners divide meals, feeding a balanced, home-cooked meal for one meal and a high quality commercial dry dog food for the second meal. This will give the dog one meal that has been carefully balanced by veterinary dietitians, while allowing her a second meal that will be more varied and keep her interested in her food.

    Loving Companion

    • Not everyone is able to own a dog like an English bulldog. The amount of nutritional care alone that owning one demands is considerable, and acquiring an English bulldog should be undertaken only after giving the matter a good deal of thought and consideration. If an owner is prepared to offer the proper attention and care, and feels that he can responsibly maintain the English bulldog's exacting dietary requirements, he will get a loving devoted companion in return--worth all the work, the snores and the slobbers of an English bulldog.