When it comes to keeping your American Bulldog healthy and happy, selecting the right dog food is crucial. The nutritional needs of your American Bulldog are unique, and finding the best dog food can contribute to their overall well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key aspects of selecting the ideal food for your American Bulldog. From understanding their dietary requirements to exploring the top ingredients, we’ll provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Everything you need to know about dog food
1. All dog period/all stage/full price food/universal type
The whole dog period and the whole stage have the same meaning, which means that dogs can be eaten at all ages, including juvenile, adult and old age.
Complete food refers to the scientific and reasonable mixture of various energy raw materials and protein raw materials plus a certain proportion of additives according to the requirements of feeding standards; the nutrients and energy contained in it can meet the daily nutritional needs of pets.
Universal type means that all dogs can eat it, regardless of breed and size. For example, Teddy of small dogs can be eaten, and Border Collie and Golden Retriever of medium and large dogs can also be eaten.
2. Puppy food/adult dog food/elderly dog food/universal dog food
Puppy food, each dog food has different measurement standards, for example, some are 2-10 months old, some are 2-12 months old, and generally dogs under 12 months old are considered puppies.
For adult dog food, dogs over 12 months old and dogs under seven or eight years old can be counted as adult dogs.
Senior dog food is senior dog food. Generally, after the age of seven, a dog will be judged as a senior dog. In fact, this situation varies with different breeds and sizes, not by age. Many giant dogs may also be considered senior dogs at the age of five or six.
Universal dog food or general dog food for all dogs is dog food suitable for all dogs, regardless of age or breed.
The Dietary Needs of Your American Bulldog
Caloric Requirements: American Bulldogs are energetic and muscular dogs that require an adequate amount of calories to maintain their activity levels. On average, they need between 1,700 and 2,200 calories per day, depending on their size, age, and activity level.
Protein Intake: Protein is essential for muscle development and repair. Look for dog foods with a high protein content, ideally sourced from animal-based ingredients like chicken, beef, or fish. Aim for a minimum of 20-30% protein content in their food.
Healthy Fats: Healthy fats provide a concentrated source of energy and support their skin and coat health. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are particularly beneficial. Ingredients like fish oil and flaxseed can contribute to a glossy coat.
How to choose high-quality dog food ？
Tip 1. Look at the list of raw materials
The first raw material is fresh meat>frozen meat>meat powder>grain.
Fresh meat refers to meat that has not been cooked, dried, frozen, hydrolyzed or any other similar treatment process except refrigeration, and does not contain sodium chloride, preservatives or other feed additives. Few dog food brands use fresh meat. Even if it says fresh meat, I don’t know if it’s true or not.
Frozen meat
Meat powder, meat powder is graded, there are good meat powder and bad meat powder. The protein of meat powder is higher than that of fresh meat/frozen meat, and only fresh meat/frozen meat is put in dog food. If there is no meat powder, it cannot be made into dog food unless starchy raw materials are added.
If the first raw material is grains such as rice and corn, it means that a large part of this grain is rice, which is the so-called rice grain, and it is not necessarily good rice, which is not nutritious for dogs. This kind of food is not necessarily poisonous dog food, but it is definitely bad dog food.
Tip 2. Look at the nutritional content table
It is mainly crude protein and crude fat. The difference in other elements is basically not very big, and even if they are released, they must all meet the standard.
Vegetable protein: corn protein, potato, pea, sweet potato, etc.
Animal protein: Not to mention conventional meat, some will add feather meal and blood meal to pile up protein, such things have a low absorption rate, which is manifested as more pulling and large tear marks. Not long ago, there was a cat food that added feather powder, and it still had feathers in the packaging bag.
Crude fat: 20% crude fat will make the dog gain weight quickly; 10% crude fat will make the dog lose weight quickly. So in view of the two, it is better to choose according to the dog’s own situation.
Dogs are omnivores and can digest a little bit of plant protein. Although dog food is not as harsh as cat food, and very few dog food protein can reach 40%, basically more than 20%, if it reaches more than 30%, it is freeze-dried food.
Tip 3. External conditions
Mainly reflected in: test report/raw material traceability/trial effect/negative evaluation
The test report has probably become a must-have trend for new brands, which shows that more and more pet owners pay attention to the issue of pet food.
The traceability of raw materials involves the issue of meat powder in raw materials. If there is no traceability of raw materials, how do we know where the meat powder used in this grain comes from, and whether it is good or not. Imported meat powder is much better than domestic meat powder.
The effect of the trial, eating a certain type of food for a period of time, one month or two months, from the beginning of the trial to the subsequent trial, there will always be some effects on the body shape. For example, tear stains are reduced, stools are not soft, hair becomes better, etc.
Negative comments, in fact, there is no perfect grain, there will always be a few negative comments that are not good. But it is not generally said that it is not good, or that there are no major problems, that is fine and acceptable. However, if there is such a problem as infestation, even once, I am not willing to accept it.
Special Considerations for American Bulldog Health
Joint Health: American Bulldogs are prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia. Foods with glucosamine and chondroitin can help support joint health and mobility.
Allergies and Sensitivities: Pay attention to any food allergies or sensitivities your American Bulldog may have. Limited ingredient diets or hypoallergenic formulas might be necessary.
Weight Management: Obesity can lead to various health problems in American Bulldogs. Choose a dog food that helps maintain a healthy weight through proper portion control and balanced nutrition.
Age-Appropriate Formulas: Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors have different nutritional requirements. Select a dog food formulated for your American Bulldog’s life stage.
Recommended Dog Food Brands for American Bulldogs
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Bulldog Formula: This formula is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of Bulldogs, including American Bulldogs. It contains a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and specialized nutrients.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Dog Food: Known for its protein-rich content, this brand offers various flavors that can appeal to your American Bulldog’s palate while providing essential nutrients.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Recipe: If you’re looking for grain-free options, Wellness CORE offers a high-protein formula that supports your Bulldog’s energy needs.
Transitioning Your American Bulldog to a New Food
Gradual Transition: When introducing a new dog food, do so gradually over 7-10 days to prevent digestive upset. Mix a small amount of the new food with the old food, gradually increasing the ratio.
Monitor Their Response: Pay attention to your American Bulldog’s response to the new food. Look for signs of improved coat quality, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Conclusion:
Selecting the best dog food for your American Bulldog involves careful consideration of their unique dietary requirements and health considerations. By understanding their nutritional needs, choosing the right ingredients, and paying attention to their individual health requirements, you can ensure that your American Bulldog enjoys a healthy and fulfilling life. Remember, consulting your veterinarian is essential to make the most suitable choice for your beloved companion.
