Are you familiar with the feeding requirements for Bulldogs? Bulldogs can be greedy eaters and will quickly gain weight if you do not monitor their dietary intake. While purchasing dog food, always look for high-quality options that fulfill your dog’s basic nutritional requirements. Bulldogs are prone to obesity and excess weight gain can stress their joints, leading to bone and joint related problems in the future.
Feeding Requirements for Bulldogs: Nutritional Requirements
Feed your dog a balanced diet, containing adequate amounts of nutrients. Bulldogs require a diet that is packed with a mixture of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrate essential nutrients. Do not forget to leave out a water bowl for them at all times so your pet remains hydrated. While protein is the only source of amino acids, carbohydrates act as fuel and provide the dog much-needed energy. Healthy fats result in a shinier coat and help your pet look their best.
Feeding Schedule: How Often Should You Feed Your Bulldog
Young puppies should be fed multiple times a day. As the dog starts to grow into an adult, feed your dog ½ to 2 cups of healthy quality dog food, divided into two meals. Following a feeding schedule will reduce the risk of your dog becoming obese and will prevent them from begging for food.
Different Types of Dog Food
While going pet food shopping, you may come across three different kinds of dog food:
- Wet Foods: As the name indicates, these foods have high moisture content and are usually cooked at high temperatures. Wet foods ensure your dog remains hydrated throughout the day but they can be messy and have a short shelf life once opened.
- Dry Foods: Dry dog foods have low moisture content and can conveniently be packed in a bag and used as treats. Some examples of dry food include dog biscuits, kibbles, and flaked cereals.
- Semi-Moist: These foods have a chewy texture and are usually packaged in sachets. Semi-moist foods are fairly popular and are the perfect solution if you cannot decide between wet and dry foods for your dog.
Feeding Puppies
Most new dog owners would think puppies probably need less food than adult dogs. However, that is not the case. Puppies need to be fed more frequently and are genuinely free fed.
Edible Treats
Treats are commonly used to encourage dogs to behave. While there are a variety of commercial dog treats in the market, most of them are contaminated with excess sugar, artificial coloring, and fats. Look for high-quality chew treats for your dog and do not make a purchase before reading the label and list of ingredients printed at the back. Chew treats can help prevent dental diseases in dogs.
As Bulldogs are prone to obesity, consider making them low-fat dog treats at home. Home cooked dog treats can be prepared to keep the dog’s dietary needs in mind. Avoid feeding your dog sugary goods and restrict them to chocolate. Chocolate is poisonous to canines and may even prove fatal.
Feeding Tips for New Dog Owners
If you are a new dog owner, here are a couple of tips that will help you feed your pet:
- Always purchase high-quality dog food for your pet. It may prove expensive but is definitely worth it.
- Giving your dog supplements is a good way to keep him healthy but seek the advice of a vet as over supplementing your dog can be detrimental to his health.
- The amount of food your adult Bulldog eats depends on their overall health, age, metabolism, and activity level. Active dogs require more nutrition and thus eat more than older and fragile dogs. If your pet has suddenly stopped eating or has started to overeat, consider taking them to the vet and seek professional dietary advice.
- If you are headed for a long drive and are planning to take your pet with you, consider feeding them an hour or two before the trip. This will reduce the risk of your dog getting car sick and throwing up all over the car.
- Do not abruptly change your dog’s diet without consulting a professional as it may affect their metabolism and overall wellbeing. If you want to start feeding your Bulldog home cooked meals, gradually encourage the change over a period of a few weeks.
