Does your English bulldog have never-ending hunger? If you feed your dog large-sized food portions, but they never seem full, you are not alone in this dilemma as a dog owner. You might risk the health of your dog by overfeeding them. It is crucial to know why your Bulldog is constantly hungry. You might be asking how many cups of food should I feed my English Bulldog? Bulldogs have an insatiable hunger because of their evolutionary ancestry passed down from canines in the wild. In their natural environment, a dog will not know where their next meal will come from. Because of this, they are wired to eat as much as they could when food is available. This trait is carried over today despite food consistently on hand.
How Many Cups of Food Should I Feed My English Bulldog?
When it comes to adult English Bulldogs, the feeding must include around ½ cup to 2 cups per mealtime. Provide approximately 3 to 4 cups each day. You may need to adjust the amount due to their physical activity, age, weight, and size. Bulldog puppies will naturally require less and will need about 1 to 2 cups a day.
Similar to humans, dogs will eat even if they are not hungry. Dogs cannot distinguish when they have consumed enough food or not. It will help if you understand the psychology of your dog and how much to feed them. You must also know other issues that can cause their never-ending appetite.
Behavioral Reasons Behind Your English Bulldog’s Insatiable Appetite
English Bulldogs are not the only breeds that are plagued by uncontrollable hunger. Every canine has a reputation for eating everything in front of them. Dogs are descendants of wolves and still retain wolf-like behavior and mentality. In the wild, dogs could survive for weeks without eating. Any meal they find will be consumed for sustenance. In hunter-gatherer societies, humans and wolves coexisted and competed for resources. Wolves typically had to scavenge for food.
According to experts, after modern humans populated Europe thousands of years ago, every large carnivore that existed were wiped out. This includes the saber to the cat and the giant hyenas.
According to the biological ancestry of dogs, canines and wolves were nurtured by humans. They were domesticated to help with the hunt. The compromise was wolves would receive some of the rations of their human owners. Because of this, the relationship between man and beast was born.
Thousands of years later, dogs are still eating voraciously whatever is placed in front of them.
Is It Possible to Overfeed Your English Bulldog?
Yes, it is highly possible to overfeed your dog. Some of the health concerns and issues will result in the following:
- Irritation in the digestive system
- Quick weight gain
- Pain in the joints
- Skeletal diseases such as osteochondrosis
- Hip dysplasia
Another thing to consider is that your dog is voracious all the time because of habit. Dogs are hungrier because you consistently offer them treats every time they beg you. It is a cycle of them knowing they can get what they want because you are always giving more. Because of this, you are inadvertently training your dog to be hungry all the time.
How Much Can You Safely Feed Your English Bulldog?
Animals will not be able to self-regulate their feeding. This is true for English Bulldogs. The following is the best feeding schedule for this breed:
- Provide four smaller mealtimes for your puppy English Bulldogs
- Three mealtimes around three months of age
- For adults, provide them two mealtimes per day
Steer clear from grain-filled dog foods. It is an unnatural food for canines and hard for them to digest. It is the argument that supports the raw diet trend.
Check the food packaging to get precise directions from the manufacturer on the recommended serving size according to your dog’s weight. Rely on your instinct so you can visualize how much food is too much for your English Bulldog.
If you have doubts, make sure you’re providing them at least 3 cups per day. It can be separated into three meals. It helps keep them full longer and less hungry in between meals.
Serious Medical Issues Behind Your English Bulldog’s Hunger
If your English Bulldog seems to be a bottomless pit, it can be something serious than just simply hunger pangs.
If your vet suggests that your Bulldog is healthy, you will know he’s only asking you for food out of gluttony. But if the condition can be traced to something more serious, you will want to know the health issue before it worsens.
A few possible health-related issues when your dog is incredibly hungry are the following:
- Your dog is not absorbing enough nutrients from their food optimally. Their body is rejecting the nutritional components within the food, which results in malabsorption.
- They are not getting optimum proteins, or they may require a partial raw diet.
- You’re providing them a high grain food.
- Your dog is entering their senior years, and their appetite is changing.
- They are suffering from a bacterial infection in the gut.
- Cushing’s Disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
- Diabetes
- Your dog has a reaction to medication treatments.
Experts say that unquenchable hunger can be traced to the biology of dogs. But it can also be a result of medical issues, diabetes, or Cushing’s disease.
If you observe dramatic or sudden shifts in your dog’s appetite, always ask your vet to be sure it is not something severe. It may be nothing, but you will feel more secure if your dog gets examined by a professional.
Food aggression is never okay
If your dog is exhibiting the following behaviors at mealtimes, it may be a symptom of food aggression:
- Defensive
- Angry
- Hostile
- Protective over food
- Growling when you come near the bowl
- Snaps and shows teeth
Food aggression is never tolerable behavior. It is not related to medical conditions or nutrients not being absorbed optimally. Instead, food aggression is 100% a behavioral problem. It needs to be treated because you have a Bulldog that is going wild. This behavior comes from Wolfpack ancestry when the alpha dog will eat before the other members.
According to dog behaviorists, dogs do not know where their next meal will come from in the wild. Because of this, their instinct developed so they will gobble up food in front of them. It makes them protective from threats that approach.
Reassert Your Position as Alpha
It is crucial to position yourself as alpha and treat these issues:
- Have a consistent time to feed your dog every day, so they stop feeling insecure about food. Assure them that another meal is always coming by sticking to a schedule.
- Train them to perform tricks to earn the food. It helps you assert yourself as a leader to be followed. Make it known that the food comes from you.
- If your dog is afraid, let them know that they can feel safe eating with humans.
- Avoid lifting their bowl or interrupting mealtimes. Make sure they are finished eating and leave the bowl by their own choice.
What Are Recommendations About English Bulldog Feeding Amounts?
How many cups of food should I feed my English bulldog? When you first got your English bulldog, your vet should make recommendations on the amount of food and how many times per day to feed your pet.
Puppies require less food than an adult Bulldog. As your dog grows, you will gradually add to the amount of food you provide them.
Another crucial factor is the energy level of your English Bulldog. Dogs with higher energy require more food since they will be burning off the calories when they run around.
English Bulldogs as a breed aren’t exactly athletic compared to other dogs. Most of the time, they will be sitting around; they do not require additional amounts of food.
There are several forms of food available for Bulldogs. Each will have its advantages and disadvantages. Every dog will have its preferences.
Dry food
This type will include kibble as well as flaked cereals. It has extremely low moisture content meaning you will need to feed your dog more to keep them satisfied. Typically, dry food is turned into dog treats and dog biscuits. It can be an awesome in-between meal snack to keep your dog interested or served as a reward for following commands.
Wet food
It is better to keep your dog hydrated. Wet food is cooked at high temperatures and tastes fresh. But wet food tends to have a short shelf life once opened and can be messy for overeager dogs and eat fast.
Semi-moist
This type of food combines the chewiness of dry food without the moisture of wet food. It is packed in sachets. It is an ideal alternative for dog owners unsure whether dry food is the best choice for their dog.
What Is the Ideal Amount of Food to Feed My English Bulldog Puppy?
Feeding a puppy is entirely different compared to feeding an adult dog. Puppies will require smaller amounts of food fed consistently throughout the day. However, their eating habits may change as they become adults.
English Bulldogs tend to eat whatever is put in their food bowl. Be watchful of your dog’s appetite as well as the appearance of their stool. It helps you judge how much you should feed your dog.
Your vet should recommend optimal amounts per day to feed your Bulldog puppy.
Typically, English bulldog puppies are fed three times a day. They will require a handful of kibbles, about a third of a cup per portion, until they reach six months. But your veterinarian may recommend larger amounts if they think your puppy is not getting enough nutrition.
When you feed your English bulldog puppy, make sure the food can be easily accessed. The food must be served on a bowl or tray that is not too high, or they might struggle to eat from it. English Bulldogs have short muzzles compared to other breeds, and they might struggle to lift their heads. Set the bowl at a lower height to make it easier to access.
If your puppy is a picky eater, make sure you enhance it by hydrating it before experimenting with a mixture of dry and wet foods. Every dog will have a different preference for food, so you must discover what your puppy likes. It can help you prepare a meal that will satisfy them. It is easier and less stressful for you and your dog.
What Are Some Human Foods English Bulldogs Can Eat?
In some cases, you will want to share your food with your English Bulldog. But you have to be cautious since several foods humans eat can be toxic and even fatal to your furry companion.
Besides meat, some other human foods you can give your dog occasionally are the following:
White and brown rice. A majority of dog foods contain some rice ingredients.
There are dairy products that can be served in small quantities. But make sure not to give dairy to lactose-intolerant dogs since they should never be fed with these products at all.
Serve your dog fish such as salmon, tuna, and shrimp. These are amazing sources of Omega three fatty acids, which can help your dog’s immune system functioning and keep their skin and coat healthy.
Peanut butter is a top favorite of many dogs. Make sure the peanut butter is natural and has zero sugar or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol. This substance can be toxic to dogs.
Fruits such as blueberries, bananas, cucumbers, and watermelon are all awesome for dogs. Make sure that any watermelon you give them has no seeds.
Humans will require five servings of veggies each day. English Bulldogs are no different. Delicious vegetables such as green peas, carrots, and peas are all safe for your dog to consume. In many cases, these are already included in commercial dog food.
Final Thoughts – How Many Cups of Food Should I Feed My English Bulldog?
Obesity and weight gain are a health issue in many dogs. It is easy to overfeed your dog, especially when they start begging you with their imploring eyes. How many cups of food should I feed my English bulldog? If you don’t check yourself, you may be feeding your dog numerous treats and snacks throughout the day. Remember that every treat you give your dog should be factored in as part of their total calories for today. Your English Bulldog must maintain a healthy weight. They are a robust and muscular breed, and extra weight can cause stress in their bones and joints. Help your English Bulldog live a happy and quality life by providing them with high-quality, nutritious food at the right portions.
