The robust American Bulldog, a strong and active breed, is a widely recognized and beloved pet companion. Known for their strong build and down-to-earth personality, they’ve become the first choice for many families. However, proper nutrition is critical to maintaining the health and happiness of this breed, so here’s how to easily choose the best dog food for your American Bulldog and the dos and don’ts for keeping your American Bulldog.
1. 5 Key Nutrients Your American Bulldog Needs
Protein
Protein is the building block for building and repairing muscle tissue, and is a key component in the synthesis of enzymes and hormones. The American Bulldog is very active and has a very robust and muscular body structure. Due to their high muscle mass, in order to maintain that muscle mass, American Bulldogs need to consume adequate protein and maintain muscle strength and flexibility through proper training and exercise.
Fat
Fat provides the energy your dog needs and helps maintain its body temperature. Additionally, fat plays an important role in the American Bulldog’s skin and coat health. However, excessive fat intake may lead to obesity, so the owner needs to pay attention to controlling the fat intake when feeding.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are another great source of energy for the American Bulldog. They need carbohydrates to provide the quick energy the body needs and to support normal gastrointestinal function. Hosts can choose high-quality carbohydrate sources, such as whole grains or vegetables, to meet their needs.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamin A is essential for your dog’s vision and immune system, and vitamin D helps with calcium absorption and healthy bone development. Other important vitamins include vitamin E and vitamin C, which are important for antioxidant effects and immune system support. In addition, minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc are also vital to the health of the American Bulldog. They not only support the development of bones and teeth, but are also involved in many biochemical reactions.
Special Situation: Pit Bulls Overweight
If your pit bull is overweight or needs to maintain weight, you may want to choose a dog food that has fewer calories and is lower in protein. For example, fish-based dog foods, often made with salmon, tuna, anchovies, or sardines, may naturally contain additional health-promoting antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins. This type of dog food may also be lower in calories.
2. Teach you how to easily choose a good dog food
Follow the principle of high, medium and low: high animal protein, medium animal fat, low carbohydrate.
A good dog food needs to meet the following basic characteristics:
- Can meet the daily nutritional needs of dogs
- The list of raw materials is transparent and clear
- No cheap protein
- No Controversial Additives
- Scientific nutritional composition ratio
How to choose a high-quality dog food:
Step 1: Exclude dog food with no ingredient list and no official website.
The dog food label will list the ingredients of the dog food, including protein, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals, etc.
Protein Content: The American Bulldog is a strong and active breed that can weigh up to 50 pounds. So their bones and joints need a high-protein diet to keep them growing. It is the best choice to choose dog food with a protein content between 20% and 30%.
Fat Content: Fat is an important source of energy and helps maintain the health of the American Bulldog’s skin and coat. The fat content should be between 10%-15%.
Fiber content: Fiber is key to maintaining a healthy digestive system. Choosing a dog food with the right amount of fiber can prevent digestive issues like constipation, so you need to determine how much fiber your dog needs. If you are unsure, you may want to consult your veterinarian.
Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins and minerals are necessary to maintain the good health of the American Bulldog. The amount of these nutrients will be listed on the dog food label, making sure the dog food you choose contains the right amount of vitamins and minerals to meet your dog’s needs.
In addition to the above main ingredients, you can also pay attention to whether the dog food contains natural antioxidants and probiotics. Natural antioxidants help dogs fight free radical damage and maintain their health. Probiotics can promote the balance of the digestive system and enhance immunity.
Step 2: Exclude dog foods that contain garlic and onions.
Garlic and onions belong to the Allium genus and contain aliphatic sulfides, which can cause a decrease in hemoglobin, red blood cells and the formation of Heinz bodies in the dog’s blood, resulting in hemolytic anemia.
Step 3: Exclude dog food that contains meat and grains from unknown sources.
Grains are easy to cause allergies. Dogs are carnivorous animals with omnivorous tendencies. Too much grain will cause digestive burden, increase the amount of feces and affect health. You can look at the color of the grain. If the color is darker, it means more meat content. On the contrary, if the color is lighter and yellower, it means more grain. Always make sure the foods you choose don’t cause rashes or upset stomachs. Gluten-free dog food can be made with potatoes, sweet potatoes or chickpeas.
Step 4: Exclude dog food that contains a lot of vegetable protein.
Protein is the most important part of dog food. It can be divided into plant protein and animal protein. Animal protein is better for dogs to absorb than plant protein.
For example: corn, grains, and rice in the ingredient list provide vegetable protein.
Step 5: Exclude dog food that contains artificial additives.
Pay attention to the types and contents of additives and preservatives in dog food, and avoid choosing dog food that contains flavoring agents, artificial colors and preservatives. If the meat content in the raw material list is very small but the color is very dark, it is suspected that coloring agents are added. The unreal smell may be due to the addition of too many additives, too fragrant may have added food attractants/flavor enhancers, long-term consumption of food containing food attractants will cause dogs to picky eaters.
To illustrate: Propylene glycol, often added as a humectant to semi-moist foods to prevent drying out, can cause irritation and even organ failure in large amounts. Food coloring can cause allergies, ADHD, and cancer in dogs.
Step 6: For wet food, exclude products containing gravy and excess water.
The FDA stipulates a maximum moisture content of 78% for dog wet food, and in fact many companies’ products exceed this standard.
Products that contain gravy in wet food may cause indigestion or an upset stomach in dogs.
Wet food with excess water may cause dogs to take in too much water, which can easily cause frequent urination and urinary incontinence. Wet food with excess water is troublesome to store and preserve, and it is easy to breed bacteria and mold, which is not good for the dog’s health, so it is also a factor to be excluded.
Step 7: Exclude dog food with inconsistent product quality.
Many pet food companies will develop various dog food with different raw materials, different production processes and different prices in order to meet the needs of customers.
For example: PureVita Grain dog food has 5 different flavors – duck, three-flavored fish, turkey, beef, venison, and their packaging is almost the same. 3 of them had garlic added, 1 had artificial additives and the remaining one was perfectly fine. But when the shit shoveler is buying dog food, it is easy to make the wrong choice.
3. Tips for buying dog food:
Consider branding and word of mouth
A. Brand reputation: Choose a dog food brand with a good reputation and reputation.
B. Word-of-mouth reviews: Learn about the quality and effectiveness of the brand by looking at what other dog owners have said about the brand.
Price and cost
A. Domestic and foreign markets: compare domestic and foreign prices and costs, and choose dog food that suits your economic situation.
B. Quantity and quality: weigh the price and quality of dog food, and choose the most cost-effective dog food.
Try and observe
A. Try a small package: buy a small package of dog food for a trial, and observe the dog’s appetite and digestion.
B. Observe the effect: observe the health and mental state of the dog after using the dog food, and judge whether it is suitable.
4. White list of American Bulldog dog food brands:
Blue Buffalo: This brand is known for offering high-quality dog food that contains natural meats, fruits, and vegetables in its ingredients and is free of artificial additives and fillers.
Orijen: is a high-protein, low-carb dog food brand known for offering ingredients similar to a dog’s natural diet.
Taste of the Wild: This brand offers dog food ingredients that include high-quality meat and protein, as well as natural fruits and vegetables, suitable for dogs who like natural food.
Merrick: This brand offers a variety of flavors and nutrients for dogs of all ages and weights.
Wellness: This brand offers dog food made with organic ingredients and a variety of nutrients for dogs with different special needs.
Canidae: Known for providing a single protein source and hypoallergenic dog food, it is suitable for dogs with certain food allergies.
Acana: This brand offers high-protein, low-carb dog food with natural ingredients to provide balanced nutrition for dogs.
Nutro: This brand offers dog food in a variety of flavors and formulations to suit a variety of dogs with different preferences and needs.
Natural Balance: This brand offers formulated dog food that can meet a dog’s specific nutritional needs, such as for gastrointestinal sensitivities, sensitive skin, or weight management issues. This brand is known for using high-quality natural ingredients and is free of artificial colours, flavors and preservatives.
These brands all have strong reputations in the dog food market, known for providing balanced nutrition, high-quality ingredients, and catering to the specific needs of dogs. Choosing between different brands depends on your dog’s preferences, special needs, and your own budget.
5. Feeding time and frequency
The timing and frequency of feeding an American Bulldog should be based on its age, weight, and activity level.
Here are some suggestions:
Puppies (8-12 weeks): Feed about 1/2 to 1 cup of dog food 4-6 times a day.
Puppies (3-6 months old): Feed about 1/2 to 1 cup of dog food 3-4 times a day.
Young dogs (6-12 months old): Feed 2-3 times a day, about 1-2 cups of dog food each time.
Adult dogs (over 1 year old): Feed 1-2 times a day, about 1-2 cups of dog food each time.
Benefits of following regular feeding times:
Maintains a stable digestive system: Regular feeding can help the American Bulldog establish a stable digestive system. The dog’s digestive system needs time to adapt and process food. Regular feeding can help the dog’s stomach and intestines develop regular working habits and improve digestion.
Avoid Digestive Issues: Irregular feeding times can cause digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, and more in American Bulldogs. Regular feeding can prevent dogs from eating too much or too little, maintain a moderate sense of hunger and reduce the risk of digestive problems.
WEIGHT CONTROL AND HEALTH: Regular feedings can help your American Bulldog manage weight and avoid obesity or malnutrition. Regular feeding can ensure that dogs eat the right amount of food, maintain good health, and avoid some health problems related to weight, such as heart disease, joint problems, etc.
BUILD GOOD BEHAVIOR: Regular feedings can help your American Bulldog develop good behavior. If your dog knows when he can get food, it will be easier for him to grasp the training rules and expected behaviors, and reduce unnecessary behavior problems.
6. Food Transition
Stomach upset can be avoided by introducing new foods gradually, and experts recommend introducing new foods gradually. This multi-day process involves slowly exposing your dog’s digestive system to new ingredients. Start with a ratio of 25% new food to 75% old food. Over the next few days, slowly increase the proportion of the new food until it reaches 100%. Try to keep your dog on a regular feeding schedule. If your bulldog is a picky eater, you may need to encourage it by adding warm water to the bowl or by hand feeding it new kibble.
7. Matters needing attention
Pay attention to whether the packaging commitment value is AAFCO compliant
AAFCO requirements and guidelines:
Accuracy: Package Promises must accurately reflect the composition and nutritional content of the pet food. Any claimed value must be scientifically validated and matched with actual ingredients and nutritional content.
Legibility: The package promise must be clear, easily identifiable, and presented to consumers in an understandable manner. Use standard units and terminology and avoid vague or misleading descriptions.
Authoritative: Packaging Promises must be based on sound scientific research and data, traceable to demonstrable sources. Any unsupported promise value should be avoided.
Restrictive: Package Promises cannot refer to medical claims for specific diseases or health problems unless authorized and reviewed accordingly.
Consistency: The package promise should be consistent with the actual ingredients and nutritional content of the food. Any committed values that do not match reality should be fixed or removed.
Regular diet checks:
Observe the intake of dog food and the quality of excrement every day to know whether the dog eats normally and digests well. If you notice decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or other abnormalities, consult your veterinarian immediately.
Avoid feeding human food:
The digestive characteristics of the American Bulldog may differ from other breeds. Some American Bulldogs may be allergic to certain foods or have digestive issues. To ensure the health of their digestive system, owners need to choose a dog food that is suitable for their gastrointestinal sensitivities and avoid feeding too much human food or food that is not suitable for dogs to digest. Certain human foods are poisonous to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions. Additionally, some human foods may contain large amounts of salt or flavorings, which are not good for your dog’s health.
Do not feed finished dog food to puppies after heating
The biggest disadvantage of heating dog food is that a large amount of vitamins are destroyed, and the structure of vitamins will change under high temperature, so they cannot play a normal role. In the process of making dog food, the destroyed vitamins will be supplemented to a sufficient level. If the heating temperature is too high, it will be destroyed again.
Dog food is roughly divided into two categories: canned and dry food
1. For cans, there is no need to heat the newly opened cans, because they are strictly sterilized before sealing. Generally, eat it once after opening the can. If there is any leftover, put it in the refrigerator and keep it sealed. When taking it out, it should be heated at 40-50oC before feeding.
2. Dry food does not need to be heated at all. The heating of dry food usually requires adding water, which will destroy the original nutrition of dog food. Dog dry food is puffed, similar to children’s food, not only cooked, but also carefully prepared with appropriate crispness, which is good for digestion and exercise teeth.
Control your snack intake:
While treats can be used to reward your dog for good behavior and training, overconsumption of treats can lead to obesity and other health problems.
The amount of treats should be based on the American Bulldog’s weight, age and activity level. Generally speaking, no more than 10% of your daily diet should come from snacks.
8. Treats for American Bulldogs
Vegetables: Vegetables and fruits like carrots, broccoli, apples, and blueberries can be given to American Bulldogs as treats. These foods are rich in vitamins and fiber to help keep your dog healthy.
Low-fat meats: Some cooked low-fat meats, such as chicken breast, turkey, and beef, can serve as treats for American Bulldogs. These meats are high in protein, which helps maintain muscle health.
Dry dog treats: There are many dry treats on the market that are specially made for dogs, such as dog bones, dog jerky, and dog biscuits. But be careful to choose low-salt and low-fat versions and avoid products with artificial additives and preservatives.
Beef tendon and nuts: Moderate amounts of tendon and nuts can be a good treat for American Bulldogs. These foods are high in protein and healthy fats, but make sure to eat them in moderation to avoid potential calorie overload.
One question per article: What to do if the dog does not eat dog food
Set a time to eat dog food, take it away if you don’t eat it, and eat it naturally when you are hungry.
Dog food is mixed with meat buns, egg yolks, yogurt, etc., and other non-dog food time, all kinds of snacks, etc. are not given.
Take the dog to exercise, and increase the amount of exercise will naturally lead to hunger. At this time, except for water and dog food, nothing else will be given, but the dog food will be given after a while after the exercise.
To change dog food, you can buy a variety of dog food samples, let it choose, and buy whichever you like.
Summarize
In conclusion, to ensure the health and good nutritional intake of American Bulldogs, owners should choose a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their dog’s age and activity level, and follow a gradual transition and regular diet review. Control the intake of snacks, choose appropriate snacks, pay attention to comply with AAFCO’s packaging commitment value requirements, and avoid feeding human food. Finally, if the dog does not eat dog food, some measures can be taken, such as specifying the time to eat dog food, taking the dog to exercise to increase hunger, changing dog food, etc. By following these recommendations, you can ensure balanced nutrition and healthy growth for your American Bulldog.
