Bulldog Obesity Navigating Food Allergies and Sensitivities

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Boyce JA, Assa'ad A, Burks AW, Jones SM, Sampson HA, Wood RA, et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy in the United States: report of the NIAID-sponsored expert panel. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;126(6 Suppl):S158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2010.10.007.
Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
Food Intolerance. In: Information for patients, consumers and carers. Australian society of clinical immunology and allergy. 2019.
Google Scholar
Gupta RS, Warren CM, Smith BM, Jiang J, Blumenstock JA, Davis MM, et al. Prevalence and severity of food allergies among US adults. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(1):e185630. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.5630.
Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
Berin MC, Sampson HA. Mucosal immunology of food allergy. Curr Biol. 2013;23(9):R389400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2013.02.043.
Article CAS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
Anvari S, Miller J, Yeh CY, Davis CM. IgE-mediated food allergy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2019;57(2):24460. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-018-8710-3.
Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar
Atkins D, Bock SA. Fatal anaphylaxis to foods: epidemiology, recognition, and prevention. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2009;9(3):17985. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-009-0027-0.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Feuille E, Nowak-Wgrzyn A. Definition, etiology, and diagnosis of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014;14(3):2228. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACI.0000000000000055.
Article CAS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
Katz Y, Goldberg MR, Rajuan N, Cohen A, Leshno M. The prevalence and natural course of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome to cow's milk: a large-scale, prospective population-based study. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2011;127(3):64753.e1-3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2010.12.1105.
Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar
Lake AM. Food-induced eosinophilic proctocolitis. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2000;30(Suppl):S5860. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005176-200001001-00009.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Fasano A, Sapone A, Zevallos V, Schuppan D. Nonceliac gluten sensitivity. Gastroenterology. 2015;148(6):1195204. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2014.12.049.
Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar
Leonard MM, Sapone A, Catassi C, Fasano A. Celiac disease and nonceliac gluten sensitivity: a review. JAMA. 2017;318(7):64756. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.9730.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Jensen ET, Martin CF, Kappelman MD, Dellon ES. Prevalence of eosinophilic gastritis, gastroenteritis, and colitis: estimates from a National Administrative Database. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2016;62(1):3642. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000000865.
Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
Hill DA, Spergel JM. The immunologic mechanisms of eosinophilic esophagitis. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2016;16(2):9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-015-0592-3.
Article CAS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
Kinoshita Y, Oouchi S, Fujisawa T. Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Allergol Int. 2019;68(4):4209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.alit.2019.03.003.
Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar
Zopf Y, Baenkler HW, Silbermann A, Hahn EG, Raithel M. The differential diagnosis of food intolerance. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2009;106(21):35969; quiz 6970; 4 p following 70. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2009.0359.
Storhaug CL, Fosse SK, Fadnes LT. Country, regional, and global estimates for lactose malabsorption in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;2(10):73846. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-1253(17)30154-1.
Article PubMed Google Scholar
Misselwitz B, Butter M, Verbeke K, Fox MR. Update on lactose malabsorption and intolerance: pathogenesis, diagnosis and clinical management. Gut. 2019;68(11):208091. https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318404.
Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar
Cohen SA. The clinical consequences of sucrase-isomaltase deficiency. Mol Cell Pediatr. 2016;3(1):5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40348-015-0028-0.
Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar
Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):118596. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/85.5.1185.
Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar
Marcobal A, De las Rivas B, Landete JM, Tabera L, Munoz R. Tyramine and phenylethylamine biosynthesis by food bacteria. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2012;52(5):44867. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2010.500545.
Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar
Feng C, Teuber S, Gershwin ME. Histamine (Scombroid) fish poisoning: a comprehensive review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2016;50(1):649. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-015-8467-x.
Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar
Staudacher HM, Whelan K. The low FODMAP diet: recent advances in understanding its mechanisms and efficacy in IBS. Gut. 2017;66(8):151727. https://doi.org/10.1136/gutjnl-2017-313750.
Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar
Gibson PR. Use of the low-FODMAP diet in inflammatory bowel disease. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;32(Suppl 1):402. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.13695.
Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar
Spiller R, Garsed K. Postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2009;136(6):197988. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2009.02.074.
Article PubMed Google Scholar

6 Best Diets for English Bulldogs with Skin Allergies (2023) Vet reviewed

Whether youre a proud owner of an English bulldog or simply thinking of getting one soon, knowing which food to feed him is important. This is because many English Bulldogs are prone to skin allergies. Whats more, certain types of dog food can cause sensitivities and give your pooch digestive problems. Lets take a look at some of the best dog foods specifically recommended for English Bulldogs with skin allergies.

Best Food for English Bulldogs with skin Allergies

Ok, so you might be wondering what is the best dog food for English Bulldogs with allergies? Well, it would be ideal to find a dog food that ticks the below boxes

The protein source is novel. It does not contain the most common food allergens such as
Contains Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to help reduce inflammation from scratching. Research shows that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce itching in dogs with allergies.
Added nutrients that support the skin such as Omega-6 fatty acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and antioxidants
Tastes great

Not all dog food brands available on the market are up to the standards of the considerations weve listed above. This is why we have narrowed it down to the best products. Here is a quick review of each of them in case you dont have the time to go over the entire guide.

The Best Dog Food for English Bulldogs with Skin allergies Review

Best Overall: Zignature Limited Ingredient Formulas: venison, white fish, duck and kangaroo

Zignature Limited Ingredient Diets may be beneficial for Bulldogs that are allergic to typical proteins such as chicken or beef, and require a limited ingredient diet. This grain-free food is prepared with several novel protein sources such as venison, duck, and kangaroo as well as limited carbohydrate sources.

Venison is a great source of protein and iron, and it has high amounts of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), which has several health advantages including supporting the skin. Kangaroo is a highly novel protein that most dogs would not have been exposed to before. Its also free of most common canine food allergens, making it an excellent choice for bulldogs that do tend to have more skin allergies.

Comes in multiple novel proteins including venison, white fish, duck and kangaroo plus several more.

Best Dry Dog Food For Adult English Bulldogs with allergies including food allergies, environmental allergies (atopy), and food intolerance.

Pros

High protein at 30% dry matter basis so good for an active adult dog to support lean muscle mass
Omega-6 fatty acids from flaxseed and sunflower oil for skin and coat health.
Limited carbohydrate sources of chickpeas and peas. These carb sources are also high in protein and fiber for digestive health.
Very high omega-3 fatty acids at 4% to help soothe itchy skin. This is one of the main reasons it is the highest rated by us.
Highly rated by reviewers for effectiveness and palatability

Cons

Expensive. In our opinion, all quality limited ingredient diets are more expensive otherwise they are using low-quality ingredients or cutting corners on nutrition. The whitefish formula is the best value for a 25-pound bag. The more novel the protein typically the more scarce and hence more expensive such as the kangaroo.

Check Price on Chewy

Runner Up: Nutro Sensitive Limited Ingredient: Lamb, Venison or Salmon

A healthy diet is important for all animals, and that includes our furry friends. Thats why Nutro makes nutritious, limited ingredient dog food using only the best ingredients.

Their first ingredient is venison, lamb or salmon, which is packed with amino acids to help build muscle and maintain a healthy metabolism. And because they believe that less is more, their recipes always contain 10 ingredients or less.

Nutro Sensitive Limited Ingredient also promotes optimal digestive health in dogs with sensitive stomachs and helps to nourish sensitive skin and deliver a shiny coat. Plus, their clean recipe is expertly tailored for adult breeds using non-GMO ingredients. And because theyre based in the USA, you can be sure that their food is of the highest quality.

Good choice For English Bulldogs with Food allergies rather than Environmental Allergies

Pros

Ingredients that commonly cause food sensitivities, like chicken or beef, as well as corn, wheat, soy, and dairy protein, are all left out of these grain-free recipes
Made with non-GMO natural ingredients
High in linoleic acid an omega-6 fatty acid that is great for the skin and coat
Made in the USA

Cons:

Low to medium protein content range of around 22-24% dry matter basis
No added omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil so unless you purchase the salmon recipe the omega- 3 fatty acid content will be low. This is not ideal for dogs with Atopy (environmental allergies).

Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy

Most Affordable: Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

The Sensitive Skin & Stomach Formula Dry Dog Food from Purina Pro Plan is a high-protein dry food for adult dogs that is ideal for your English Bulldogs sensitive skin and stomach. Nutrient-rich salmon is the first ingredient in a highly digestible recipe that includes rice and oatmeal, making this food easy on your dogs stomach. Additionally, this formula contains omega-6 fatty acids and zinc to nourish your English Bulldogs coat and maintain healthy skin.

Feeding your dog this food will help improve their digestive and immune health. It is enhanced with live probiotics and prebiotic fiber to help keep their gut healthy. It also includes omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A to help keep their skin and coat looking healthy, as well as omega-3 fatty acids to promote joint health and aid to reduce itching.

Best For English Bulldogs with skin allergies and stomach sensitivities that need a more affordable option.

Pros

Made in the USA
No wheat, corn or soy
Salmon is the main ingredient
No artificial flavors, additives or colors
No other animal protein sources other than salmon and fish meal
High levels of omega 3 fatty acids from fish oil, salmon and salmon meal
Good levels of omega-6 fatty acids from Sunflower Oil a great source of linolenic acid to help improve the skin barrier.
High protein at 29.5% dry matter

Cons

Fish based diet of salmon can cause fishy breath. Quite a few people note this about the diet.

Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Chewy

Best for Bull Dog puppies with skin allergies: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Duck & Potato Puppy

So what do you do if your English Bulldog puppy may be showing signs of a skin allergy such as red, itchy skin? There are very few diets designed for skin allergies with puppies in mind. The one that stands out is Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Puppy.

It is a dry food formula specifically designed for puppies featuring the novel protein of farm-raised duck as the first ingredient. This food is produced in the USA and does not contain any added peas, pea protein, lentils, legumes, corn, wheat or soy.

There has been a loose link between grain-free carbs such as peas and pea protein and heart disease in some dogs. Since English Bulldogs are prone to heart disease it is best to steer clear of these types of carbohydrates in young dogs.

Potatoes and sweet potatoes are used as the carb sources instead which are great energy sources for growing puppies. The kibble is also specifically shaped for smaller jaws to make eating easier for this flat-faced breed. It also contains fish oil from marine sources to help support neural and eye development.

Formulated by a team of board-certified clinical veterinarians and animal nutritionists, this food is perfect for puppies who are searching for a nutritious and delicious meal option that is easy on their skin and tummies.

Pros

Appropriate for food-sensitive puppies or puppies with skin allergies under 12 months of age
Utilizes naturally sourced ingredients
Moderate to higher protein at 27.8% dry matter basis to support growing dogs
Specifically designed for growth and development

Cons

None. This is a great option

Check Price on AmazonCheck Price on Chewy

Best for Senior bulldogs with allergies: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Turkey & Potato Recipe Senior Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Turkey & Potato Recipe Senior Dry Dog Food is specifically tailored to meet the needs of senior dogs. The limited ingredient formula contains turkey, potatoes, peas, and pumpkin, making it easy on your dogs digestive system.

In addition, the blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals helps to support your dogs immune system and overall health. With no chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy or eggs, this food is a great option for senior dogs with food sensitivities.

Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Turkey & Potato Recipe Senior Dry Dog Food is formulated to provide your senior dog with everything they need to thrive.

The Food is available in 4lb, and 24lb sizes.

Best For senior Bulldogs dogs with skin allergies and/or stomach sensitivities

Pros

Limited ingredients
Highly digestible protein makes is a good option for senior pets
Grain-free formula
High in dietary fiber to support an aging digestive system
Contains Fish oil and flaxseeds for essential fatty acids including Omega-3.

Cons

Protein is low at 20% While senior pets do not require as much protein as active adults and puppies, this is on the lower end for senior pets.

Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Chewy

Best Fresh Food: Pet Plate Lean and Mean Venison

A limited ingredient diet is essential for bulldogs with food allergies or food sensitivities. By using only a few, high-quality ingredients, dogs are less likely to experience allergic reactions or digestive problems.

All Pet Plates meals are made with 100% human-grade ingredients and are kettle-cooked in a USDA kitchen, following the same safety standards used to make human food. This ensures that the meals are highly digestible and packed with nutrients.

In addition, Pet Plate meals are low in fat and rich in antioxidants, making them perfect for dogs who are overweight or at risk for heart disease. And because the ingredients are all-natural, they are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. Whether your dog has allergies or is simply in need of a nutritious meal, the limited ingredient diets made by Pet Plate may be just the ticket.

Best For Dog owners who want to home cook without the hassle!

Pros

Formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist so you know this diet is complete and balanced
One high-quality protein source: Venison which is quite a novel protein for many pets. Novel means that the pet has not previously eaten the protein.
Pet Plate has other protein sourced diets including turkey and pork
Can be fed to dogs with pancreatitis or liver issues consult your vet before feeding
Key ingredients include meat, pasta, fruits and vegetables are the first EIGHT ingredients
Great for dogs prone to weight gain
Grain-free recipe
Highly palatable for all life stages

Cons

Expensive especially for large breed dogs where they need one full container per day or more

Click Here to Get 50% off Your First Box!

Facts You Should Know About Feeding your English bulldog

So, before you jump in and buy your bulldog there are a few things you should know about this wonderful breed when choosing a diet.

Basically, English Bulldogs have very short noses and are called a brachycephalic breed. This can cause two main problems when it comes to eating first, they find it quite difficult to pick up their food, and second, they have a lot of trouble breathing when they eat.

For this reason, youll want to get your English bulldog food that is easy for them to eat and also provides them with all the nutrition they need. Feeding them from a flatter bowl with short sides can help them shovel their food.

When it comes to finding the best food for your English bulldog, youll want to make sure that the food is easy for them to eat and also provides them with all the nutrition they need.

There are a few things youll want to keep in mind when choosing the best food for your English bulldog:

First, youll want to make sure that the food is high in protein and low in fat. English Bulldogs are prone to obesity, so youll want to make sure that their diet is not too high in calories and a lot of calories come from fat.

Second, youll want to make sure that the food is easy for them to digest. English Bulldogs have sensitive stomachs and are prone to flatulence (farting), so youll want to make sure that the food you choose is easy for them to digest.

Third, youll want to make sure that the food is high in fiber. English Bulldogs need a moderate amount of fiber in their diet for digestive health.

Finally, youll want to make sure that the food is high in antioxidants. English Bulldogs are prone to a number of health problems (such as allergies!) that can impede the immune system and cause free radical damage so youll want to make sure that their diet is high in antioxidants to combat this.

Considerations when choosing the best dog food for Bulldogs with allergies

1. Does your dog need a limited ingredient, hydrolyzed diet, or a diet designed for canine atopic dermatitis?

Your veterinarian is the best person to recommend the right diet for your dog. Your bulldog will need an accurate diagnosis as to what type of skin allergy they have as each requires a different type of diet.

2. Has the company conducted any research on the diet?

Skin allergies can be complicated. A reputable food company will have conducted research and identified the best ingredients to include in the diet based on this research. Ideally, the diet had been tested on pets that live in a home environment that suffer from canine allergic dermatitis and/or food allergies.

3. Does the diet include only one to two protein sources?

Dogs that have a true food allergy, will need to be on a hydrolyzed or limited ingredient diet. If the food is a limited ingredient diet then it should only contain one animal protein source ideally but two can be OK as well.

On the ingredient panel on the back or side of the bag examine the animal protein sources carefully as they sometimes occur further down the list. The diet should also only contain one to two carbohydrate sources such as potato, sweet potato, or rice.

4. Does the company do further testing on the diet?

Ideally, the diet is manufactured in a plant that endeavors to avoid protein cross-contamination. Most over-the-counter diets are manufactured in facilities that do not test the raw ingredients or test the end product for other protein sources.

5. Limited Ingredient or novel protein diets?

Limited Ingredient dog foods

These diets contain a small number of ingredients or only use ingredients that your dog has not been exposed to before which can be beneficial in dogs with food allergies.

Some common proteins used in these limited ingredient diets are:

Kangaroo
Venison
Lamb
Duck
Rabbit

Hydrolyzed or Hypoallergenic Diets:

Hydrolyzed diets are commonly called hypoallergenic diets and are becoming more popular among veterinary professionals and pet owners due to the many benefits they offer.

These diets are made with proteins that have been extensively broken down to a size thats virtually unrecognizable by the immune system. This minimizes the risk of reaction to the proteins. And helps to reduce skin reactions that may be due to sensitivities to common proteins found in pet foods.

Whether your dog is needing a short-term elimination diet or long-term nutrition, a hydrolyzed diet may be the best option for them. Talk to your veterinarian if you feel your dog needs a hydrolyzed diet.

Some common hydrolyzed proteins used in these diets are chicken and soy and need to be prescribed by your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to finding the best dog food for your English bulldog, just remember to pay attention to his health problems. That said, here are answers to some of the common questions most English bulldog owners tend to have.

Q: How often should I feed my English bulldog?

A: If its a puppy, you should feed him at least four times a day until he is three months old. Then from 3 to 6 months of age, just feed him three times a day and two times from 6 to 12 months.

In addition, English Bulldogs that are over one year of age should be fed once or twice a day.

Q: Can English Bulldogs eat human food?

A: Yes they can eat foods like salmon, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, and white fish. Be careful with fatty foods or high-calorie foods such as cheese as bulldogs are prone to obesity which is a serious health issue for them.

Q: Is chicken good for English Bulldogs?

A: Chicken is a great protein source. It is highly digestible and provides key amino acids (the building blocks of muscle, red blood cells and hormones).

If your bulldog has a true food allergy chicken is one of the more common protein sources they may be allergic to after beef. Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect your English bulldog has a food allergy.

Q: Do bulldogs need grain-free food?

A: No, they dont. In fact, grain-free food may not be the best choice as it can contain higher amounts of starchy high glycemic carbs such as potatoes which are not as beneficial as whole grains.

Q: What is the best way to transition my English bulldog to a new food?

A: To help prevent digestive upset, its best to slowly transition your bulldog to new food over 7-10 days. This can be done by mixing the old and new food together, gradually increasing the amount of new food while decreasing the old until you are feeding 100% of the new food.

Q: Are Bulldogs allergic to chicken?

No, Bulldogs are no more allergic to chicken than other dogs with food allergies. Chicken is the second most common protein that dogs are allergic to as it is a common protein source. So it will be an important protein to rule out if you suspect your bulldog is food allergic. Talk to your vet if you suspect your bulldog is suffering from food allergies.

Q: What dog foods are English bulldogs allergic to?

A: None. English bulldogs are most likely to suffer from environmental allergies. True food allergies only account for 10% of all skin allergies. If your bulldog is diagnosed with a food allergy it is best to work with your vet to figure out what proteins they are allergic to.

The most common allergens are (in order) beef, chicken, dairy, wheat and soy. This is because these are the most common proteins (other than dairy) that they are exposed to when they are young.

Dogs are all naturally dairy intolerant, as are cats.

Which is the Best Food for English Bulldogs with skin Allergies?

Well, in our opinion, the Zignature Limited Ingredient Diets are the overall best. Ther are a limited ingredient diet with a high protein level to help build as well as maintain your dogs lean muscle mass. They also have many other key nutrients such as fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin E for skin health.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best food for your English bulldog can be a daunting task. But if you remember to focus on his health problems and what ingredients will help alleviate those issues, then youll be well on your way to finding the perfect food for him. Just make sure to talk to your veterinarian first and get their professional opinion before making any decisions.

Dr. Elly has always loved animals, and she knew from a young age that she wanted to be a veterinarian. After studying hard in veterinary school, she practiced in several different countries before moving to North Carolina with her husband and young family. She currently works part time as a veterinarian while caring for her 4 busy children and writing this blog. Dr. Elly genuinely cares about the welfare of her patients. She currently has three dogs, two cats, 5 chickens and 2 rabbits (yes a bit of a zoo!)