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10 Best Foods for English Bulldog Puppies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

feeding english bulldog puppy

feeding english bulldog puppy Full of charm, humor, and personality, English Bulldogs are among the most popular and well-known dog breeds in the world. All puppies are hard to resist, but the wrinkly skin and smooshed noses of baby Bulldogs make them even more desirable to cuddle. English Bulldogs can make enjoyable pets, but unfortunately, the breed is prone to some health issues. To help your Bulldog puppy get the strongest possible start to life, you can start by choosing just the right diet. There are a lot of puppy foods out there, but which one should you pick? To help you out, we’ve selected reviews for what we think are the best foods for English Bulldog puppies this year. Once you take a look at our choices, check out our buyer’s guide for even more help narrowing your options.

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A Quick Look at Our Favorite Choices in 2025

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe Fresh Dog Food The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe Fresh Dog Food
  • Recipes personalized to your dog’s needs
  • Made of fresh, simple ingredients
  • Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Purina One Natural High Protein Purina One Natural High Protein
  • Cost-effective and widely available
  • Contains DHA for brain development
  • Bulldog-friendly texture
  • Third place
    Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy Dry Food Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy Dry Food
  • Unique kibble shape designed for bulldogs
  • Breed-specific nutrition tailored for bulldog health needs
  • Resealable bag
  • Purina ProPlan Development Purina ProPlan Development
  • It may be easier to eat
  • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
  • Contains fatty acids for skin and coat health
  • Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Merrick Classic Healthy Grains
  • No ingredients from China
  • Contains quinoa, helpful for digestion
  • Contains fatty acids, glucosamine, and DHA
  • The 10 Best Foods for English Bulldog Puppies

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall

    Finny-with-the-farmers-dog-food

    Main ingredients: USDA chicken, Brussel sprouts, USDA chicken liver, Bok choy
    Protein content: 11.5%
    Fat content: 8.5%
    Calories: 590 kcal/lb

    Our choice for the best overall food for English Bulldog puppies is The Farmer’s Dog chicken recipe. If the ingredient list looks a lot like your weekly shopping list, well, that’s the idea. The Farmer’s Dog specializes in fresh food made from simple ingredients and cooked in USDA-certified kitchens. It’s as if you home-cooked meals for your Bulldog pup, except these are formulated with the help of veterinary nutritionists, so you know they’re getting all the nutrients they need to grow properly.

    The Farmer’s Dog will create a personalized diet for your puppy, based on their age, size, and activity level. They can also accommodate any special diet restrictions in case your Bulldog gets an early start on developing the allergies many members of the breed are prone to. The food is shipped fresh to your home, although if you live in Alaska or Hawaii, you won’t be able to order The Farmer’s Dog.

    Pros
    • Recipes personalized to your dog’s needs
    • Made of fresh, simple ingredients
    • Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
    Cons
    • Doesn’t ship to Alaska or Hawaii

    2. Purina One Natural High Protein Dry – Budget Buy

    Purina ONE +Plus Natural High Protein Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Puppy Food New

    Main ingredients: Chicken, rice flour, corn gluten meal
    Protein content: 28%
    Fat content: 17%
    Calories: 397 kcal/cup

    Our pick for the best food for English Bulldog puppies for the money is Purina One Natural Protein Plus. This recipe is made in the USA by a long-time, experienced pet food company. Purina One is typically easy to find on the shelves of many stores if your Bulldog pup’s appetite is more than you bargained for! Purina’s recipe is high in protein and contains added nutrients to help your puppy develop properly, including DHA, an ingredient found in a mama dog’s milk. The mix of crunchy kibble and softer morsels should be easy for a Bulldog to chew, even with their unusual facial anatomy. Users generally approved of their experience with this food, but some reported their dogs didn’t like the taste. It also contains chicken, a common source of food sensitivities in dogs.

    Pros
    • Cost-effective and widely available
    • Contains DHA for brain development
    • Bulldog-friendly texture
    Cons
    • Contains chicken, not good for dogs with food sensitivities
    • Some dogs don’t like the taste

    3. Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy Dry Food

    Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, brewer’s rice, brown rice
    Protein content: 28%
    Fat content: 15%
    Calories: 338 kcal/cup

    For a diet centered exclusively around the unique traits of this breed, try Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy dry food. For starters, the kibble features a special wave shape, making it easy for flat-faced Bulldog pups to pick up. The food is also fortified with antioxidants to boost immune health. It contains glucosamine to help strengthen joints as your Bulldog puppy grows into a robust, top-heavy adult. Added probiotics help maintain digestive health and decrease gassiness, another unfortunately common trait in Bulldogs. The food comes in a resealable bag, although some users noted that it doesn’t stick back together very well. Royal Canin Bulldog Puppy is also higher priced than most other diets on our list.

    Pros
    • Unique kibble shape designed for bulldogs
    • Breed-specific nutrition tailored for bulldog health needs
    • Resealable bag
    Cons
    • Resealing ability is questionable at times
    • Can be expensive

    4. Purina ProPlan Development Canned Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan Development Puppy Chicken & Rice Entree Canned Dog Food New

    Main ingredients: Chicken, liver, meat by-products
    Protein content: 10%
    Fat content: 7%
    Calories: 475 kcal/can

    If your Bulldog puppy struggles to chew dry kibble, consider a canned option like Purina ProPlan Development Chicken & Rice diet. This diet contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and features real chicken as its protein source. Along with DHA and antioxidants, this food also contains fatty acids to support skin and coat health. Skin troubles are another common complaint about Bulldogs, so they can use all the help they can get. Canned food might be easier to eat, but it also can get quite messy, especially for extra short-nosed pups. You may need to provide a good face wipe after each meal. Overall, canned food tends to be less cost-effective than dry as well.

    Pros
    • It may be easier to eat
    • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
    • Contains fatty acids for skin and coat health
    Cons
    • May be messy
    • Less cost-effective overall than dry food

    5. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Dry

    Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Puppy Recipe New

    Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice
    Protein content: 28%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 406 kcal/cup

    Made in the USA with no ingredients from China, Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy dry food is a good option for those who pay close attention to the origin of their dog’s food. This diet features a mix of protein sources, although chicken is the primary meat. As you might guess from the name, the food also contains several grains, including quinoa, which is helpful in digestive health. This diet is an excellent choice for Bulldog puppies because it contains nutrients that address common health issues of the breed, including fatty acids for skin support and glucosamine for joint strength. This food is only available in two different sized bags, the largest of which is only 12 pounds. You may be buying a lot of this food if your Bulldog’s appetite is as big as its head. Some users also complained that the kibble size is small, although this may be less of a problem for Bulldog pups.

    Pros
    • No ingredients from China
    • Contains quinoa, helpful for digestion
    • Contains fatty acids, glucosamine, and DHA
    Cons
    • 12 pounds is the largest available bag
    • Small kibble size

    6. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Dry Food

    Hill_s Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food New

    Main ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley
    Protein content: 25%
    Fat content: 15%
    Calories: 374 kcal/cup

    If you’re looking for a highly digestible diet, consider Hill’s Science Diet Chicken Meal and Barley Puppy food. Manufactured in the USA, Hill’s food is often recommended by veterinarians and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This puppy food is packed with beneficial additives, including DHA and antioxidants. It does not contain any by-products, which some pet owners prefer to avoid. The food is available in three different size bags for your convenience. Most ingredients are sourced from the USA, although not all. This diet receives mainly positive reviews from users. Some mentioned that the food tends to have a strong smell and the kibble size is a bit small.

    Pros
    • Highly digestible, good for sensitive stomachs
    • No by-products
    • Available in three bag sizes
    Cons
    • Small kibble
    • Strong smelling food
    • Not all ingredients are from the USA

    7. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula

    Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food New

    Main ingredients: Water buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes
    Protein content: 28%
    Fat content: 17%
    Calories: 415 kcal/cup

    If you’re looking for puppy food with an outside-the-box protein source, consider Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula. Buffalo, bison, and venison are all found in this dog food, with no by-products or chicken. Although not a true allergy diet, this food may be useful for Bulldog puppies with early suspected food sensitivities. For your Bulldog puppy, Taste of the Wild High Prairie contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and a blend of probiotics to keep their gut balanced. This is a grain-free diet, which some owners prefer, although you should check with your vet to determine if your pup must avoid grains. Like many grain-free foods, this one contains peas: one of the pet food ingredients under investigation for a potential link to heart disease.

    Pros
    • Made with unusual proteins
    • Made by a family-owned company
    • Contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics
    Cons
    • Contains legumes (peas)

    8. Purina ProPlan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach

    Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Dry Dog Food New

    Main ingredients: Salmon, rice, barley
    Protein content: 28%
    Fat content: 18%
    Calories: 428 kcal/cup

    For the English Bulldog puppy that’s already showing signs of sensitivity, consider Purina ProPlan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach. This puppy food is made with salmon as a protein source and contains no chicken. Rice is an easily digestible grain, perfect for sensitive tummies. Besides featuring gentle ingredients, ProPlan also contains other healthful additions like fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics, prebiotics, and DHA. Most users were pleased with this food and found that it was helpful to their sensitive dogs. However, they mentioned that the kibble has a fairly strong fishy smell. Also, some of the nutrient ingredients are sourced from China.

    Pros
    • Contains no chicken or poultry
    • Easily digestible grains
    • Includes prebiotics and probiotics
    Cons
    • Strong fish smell
    • Contains some ingredients from China

    9. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Puppy Diet

    Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food New

    Main ingredients: Lamb, brown rice, lamb meal
    Protein content: 24.5%
    Fat content: 12.5%
    Calories: 365 kcal/cup

    Another option if you’re looking to avoid feeding your English bulldog chicken is Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Diet. This diet relies on a single protein source, lamb, and keeps the other ingredients simple and similar. If you’re trying an elimination diet to see what your pup is sensitive to, this one makes things a lot simpler. It also contains DHA and features kibble small enough for puppy mouths. Natural Balance Lamb and Rice has a lower fat content than many puppy foods on our list, which may help keep your Bulldog slim. Some customers complained that Natural Balance is sometimes inconsistent in quality, and others disliked a recent change in the shape of the kibble.

    Pros
    • Limited ingredients
    • No chicken or poultry
    • Lower in fat than many other puppy foods
    Cons
    • Some issues with consistency
    • Some dogs are not fans of a recent change in kibble shape

    10. Halo Holistic Puppy Dry Food

    Halo Holistic Complete Digestive Health Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Puppy Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, dried egg product
    Protein content: 28%
    Fat content: 18%
    Calories: 421 kcal/cup

    For the Bulldog owner who tries to eat clean and wants their dog to do the same, consider Halo Holistic Puppy Chicken & Chicken Liver dry food. This food appeals to those who pay attention to where their food comes from. The company reports they use only non-GMO ingredients and cage-free “whole” chicken. You should be aware that the term “holistic” is not regulated by the FDA and is primarily an advertising strategy rather than a measure of the healthiness of a food. Halo contains fatty acids and antioxidants but no DHA like most puppy foods. This recipe also contains legumes (peas), which are ingredients of concern in canine diets, as we mentioned in a previous review. Halo can also get expensive, especially because it doesn’t come in a large bag.

    Pros
    • Made with cage-free chicken and non-GMO ingredients
    • Contains fatty acids and antioxidants
    Cons
    • Contains peas
    • Not very cost-effective

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    Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Foods for English Bulldog Puppies

    English Bulldogs can be complicated to care for, so here are some points to consider that might make your search for puppy food a little easier.

    Learn What Matters on a Pet Food Label

    We put 10 puppy foods on our list, but we had dozens to research. You’ll see diets labeled as “premium,” “all-natural,” and yes, “holistic.” Grain-free food for dogs became trendy as gluten-free diets did for humans. However, as we mentioned earlier, those fancy terms are primarily for advertising, not an actual reflection of the nutritional quality of the food. Some dogs (English Bulldogs being one of them) suffer from food sensitivities and might have allergies to grain, but until those cases are confirmed, there’s generally no reason to avoid foods that contain grains. Also, grain-free diets come with their own cause for concern due to the high legume content. Although pet food makers use various sources for protein, dogs tend not to care whether the meat in their diet is cage-free or what form it comes in (whole, meal, or by-product.)

    Watch the Calorie Content

    Puppy food usually has more calories per cup than adult food because growing puppies need fuel. The foods on our list vary somewhat in their calorie and fat content, which you’ll want to pay attention to when selecting a new brand. English Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which is not healthy for any dog but is particularly dangerous for this breed. Flat-faced dogs, including Bulldogs, are prone to breathing issues related to their unusual anatomy. Being overweight makes these problems worse. Most foods come with a suggested feeding guide, but to be safe, ask a vet to help you calculate the ideal daily calorie intake for your bulldog.

    If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

    PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

    Consider Any Health Concerns

    As we’ve mentioned already, English Bulldogs are unfortunately not the healthiest of breeds, even as puppies. Your food choice may be somewhat dictated by any emerging medical concerns your pup is experiencing. Allergies, with their accompanying skin and ear problems, are one of the most common issues. We listed several allergy-friendly diets on our list for this reason.

    Do Your Research Before You Buy (A Puppy)

    Yes, you want to feed your English Bulldog puppy a healthy diet, but food can only do so much if your little dog comes with a host of inherited medical conditions. It’s easy to be swayed by adorable videos of skateboarding Bulldogs or wrinkly puppies and wind up buying one of these dogs without knowing what you’re getting into. Make sure you’re aware of all the potential health problems you could encounter, and look for a breeder who performs all recommended genetic screenings on their parent dogs. It’s a good idea to have pet insurance lined up for your pup before you bring them home as well.

    Olde English Bulldogge puppy tilting head
    Image by: leadfoot, Shutterstock

    Our Selection Process for These Foods for English Bulldog Puppies

    To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog foods we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog foods. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog foods to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.

    Why Trust Dogster?

    Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.

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    Conclusion

    As our best overall food for English Bulldog puppies, The Farmer’s Dog offers custom-tailored meals for your dog. Our best value pick, Purina One, is both cost-effective and convenient. Royal Canin Bulldog features breed-specific nutrition. Purina ProPlan Chicken And Rice Canned is an easy-to-eat, if messy option. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains is free of ingredients from China and loaded with nutritious extras perfect for the Bulldog. We hope our reviews of these puppy diets help you navigate the crowded landscape of the pet food industry as you search for the best option for your wrinkly baby dog.


    Featured Image Credit: WilleeCole Photography, Shutterstock

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