So, I’ve got this English Bulldog, Winston. Cute as a button, but man, figuring out how much to feed him was a real head-scratcher at first. I mean, you look at those wrinkles and that stocky build, and you just don’t know if you’re giving them enough, or way too much.
First thing I did was hit up the vet. Figured they’d have the best info, right? They gave me some general guidelines based on his weight and age, but it still felt kinda vague. They said to start with a certain amount and watch his body condition. “Look for a waist!” they said. Winston’s kind of shaped like a loaf of bread, so that was easier said than done.
Then, I went down the rabbit hole of online forums and articles. Boy, there’s a lot of opinions out there. Some people swear by raw diets, others are all about kibble. Some say to feed twice a day, others say three times. It was overwhelming, to say the least.
After a lot of trial and error, here’s what I landed on. I started with the amount recommended on the dog food bag, which was a decent starting point. Then, I paid super close attention to Winston’s, uh, “output.” Too much, and he was probably getting overfed. Too little, and he might need more.
I also learned to feel his ribs. Apparently, you should be able to feel them with a little bit of padding, but not see them. If they’re too prominent, he’s too thin. If you can’t feel them at all, he’s probably packing on too many pounds.
Here’s the simple breakdown of what I did for my bulldog:
- Started with the recommended amount on the food bag. The bag told me to go with a cup and a half per day for his weight, so I divided that into two meals.
- Watched his body. I looked to see if I could spot his waist. I felt his ribs to check for chubbiness.
- Monitored his poop. I know, it’s gross, but it was a good indicator of whether I was over- or under-feeding him.
- Adjusted as needed. He seemed a bit thin at first, so I upped his food just a bit.
It is important to keep these tips in mind when feeding English Bulldogs:
- English Bulldogs are prone to obesity, so be careful not to overfeed.
- Puppies need more food than adult dogs.
- Senior dogs may need less food.
- Always provide fresh water.
My Feeding Schedule
Right now, Winston gets fed twice a day, morning and evening. I measure out his food carefully, and I don’t give him a ton of treats throughout the day. He gets a dental chew once in a while, and some small training treats, but I try to keep it minimal. He’s maintaining a good weight, and the vet’s happy with his condition, so I think I’ve finally cracked the code! I’d say don’t be afraid to experiment a little to find what works for your individual dog. Just keep a close eye on them, and adjust as needed.
It took some time, but I think I’ve finally figured out the right amount of food for Winston. It’s not rocket science, but it definitely takes some observation and adjustment. And let’s be honest, those adorable Bulldog faces make it all worthwhile!
