Top 10 Best Dog Food for Bullmastiff

Top 10 Best Dog Food for Bullmastiff

There are all kinds of dog breeds and varieties within those breeds. Although most dogs fall into a medium-sized category, some dogs fall into the extremes of the spectrum, both extremely small and some considered giants.

All these dogs have specific requirements according to their size and age to receive optimal nutrition. Giant breeds have specific dietary requirements, and Bullmastiffs are considered a giant dog breed. They need plenty of protein and a healthy balance of carbohydrates to keep them going. Muscle and joint development are also a high priority in a healthy diet.

If your pup is being especially finicky or needs a change, here are the top eight foods to try. Whether you prefer a grain-free or more typical diet, these options cover the bases.

The 10 Best Dog Foods for Bullmastiffs

American Journey Limited Ingredient Dry Food – Best Value

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes
Protein content: 25%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 327/cup

The best food for the money for Bullmastiff dogs is the American Journey Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe. The recipe is unique as it has limited ingredients for those dogs who might have any allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. It comes at an affordable price for a 25-pound bag and is a suitable option for all life stages. This recipe also contains all the essential vitamins and minerals to support an overall healthy immune system, including benefits like healthy skin and coat, easy digestion, balanced nutrition, and more.

With salmon listed as its first ingredient, you can be sure your dog is getting a great protein source.

Cons
  • Pungent fish odor
Pros
  • SALMON is the first ingredient
  • Included omega fatty acids
  • Limited ingredients
  • Suitable for all life stages

The Farmer’s Dog – Best Overall

The Farmers Dog Fresh Chicken Recipe

Main ingredients: Beef, turkey, pork, chicken, carrots, green beans, chickpeas
Protein content: 35%-40%
Fat content: ~30%
Calories: ~300-400/cup

The Farmer’s Dog is the best overall dog food for Bullmastiff dogs. This is because it uses high-quality and fresh ingredients in every recipe. Crafted in the USA and sourced locally, every recipe is made with the essential vitamins and nutrients required for optimal nutrition. All recipes are delivered straight to the pet owner’s door frozen, on a regular schedule. Every recipe uses real protein from chicken, beef, or pork as the main ingredient. They all also include fish oils, fiber, and vitamins to support an overall healthy immune system. The Farmer’s Dog stands out as the best option for your Bullmastiff delivering only the best in quality and flexibility.

Cons
  • Expensive
  • Difficult to store
Pros
  • Delivery included
  • Fresh ingredients
  • Made in the US

ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver
Protein content: 38%
Fat content: 18%
Calories: 449/cup

ORIJEN Original is the third choice for dog food for Bullmastiffs in 2022. With a higher price point but rave reviews, this is a great option for your pooch if you have extra to spend. This recipe contains a mix of proteins with animal proteins making up 85%. The food is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals to support healthy immune systems. It’s crafted in the US using only high-quality ingredients and whole animal parts for the best in protein.

An added benefit of this brand comes with using free-run and cage-free animals to source their protein. It’s also freeze-dried making it easy to become your pup’s favorite.

Cons
  • Expensive
Pros
  • High in animal protein
  • Natural ingredients
  • Suitable for all life stages

ACANA + Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food – Vet’s Choice

ACANA Free-Run Poultry Recipe + Wholesome Grains Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum
Protein content: 27%
Fat content: 17%
Calories: 371/cup386/cup

ACANA Poultry Recipe makes the list as the vet’s choice for Bullmastiff dog food. The ingredients are composed of animal proteins and healthy grains, vegetables, and fruits. With natural ingredients included, there are no artificial colors or flavors, no preservatives, and no filler ingredients. The first two ingredients are fresh chicken and turkey kept frozen for the utmost freshness. The grains provide high fiber content to support digestive health. The addition of vitamins and minerals supports overall wellness and balanced nutrition.

Crafted in ACANA’s kitchen housed in Kentucky, USA, their recipes are made in partnership with trusted farmers, ranchers, and fishers.

Cons
  • Might cause digestion issues in sensitive pups
  • Can be expensive
Pros
  • Fiber-rich grains included
  • High-quality animal protein
  • Free from artificial ingredients

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food – Best for Puppies

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Main ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
Protein content: 26%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 386/cup

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is the best dog food for Bullmastiff puppies. It contains a healthy balance of protein, nutrients, and minerals to support a wholesome diet and good immune system. Blue Buffalo puts its protein first with real meat listed as its first ingredient. Pet owners can be sure that this option will support their puppy in many ways, including brain and eye development, healthy skin and coat, and essential vitamins to support strong bones and teeth. Give your growing puppy Blue Buffalo for a healthy diet throughout their young life.

Cons
  • Pricey
  • Might cause stomach issues in some pups
Pros
  • Smaller kibble size
  • Animal protein as the first ingredient
  • Added essential vitamins and minerals

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum
Protein content: 20%
Fat content: 11.5%
Calories: 363/cup

Hill’s Science Diet is a brand of dog food known for specialty recipes to address different health concerns, however, this general option is suitable for all size breeds at the adult life stage. With added omega fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin, plus the added benefit of vitamins and minerals to support an overall healthy diet, choosing Hill’s Science dog food ensures a healthy pup.

It also has antioxidants, vitamins, and easy-to-digest ingredients for puppies who might have sensitive stomachs. This formula has no artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives to keep only the important ingredients in their food.

Cons
  • Not for picky eaters
Pros
  • High quality
  • Natural ingredients
  • Added vitamins and minerals

Iams Adult Large Breed High Protein Dry Dog Food

Iams Adult Large Breed Real Chicken High Protein Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal
Protein content: 22.5%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 351/cup

IAMS Adult Large Breed dog food is curated specifically for large breed dogs so it is perfect to list as an option for Bullmastiffs. It has ingredients added to support large breed nutritional needs. The first ingredient is farm-raised chicken so you can be sure your dog is getting real, high-quality protein. Chicken has the benefit of providing protein that supports strong muscles in large dogs. The food also provides bone and joint support for active dogs. This blend of ingredients promotes healthy digestion and balanced nutrition with added fiber and prebiotics. You can be sure that this recipe will cater to all your large dog’s needs!

Cons
  • Can cause excessive weight gain
Pros
  • Supports strong muscles
  • Crafted for large breeds
  • Affordable

Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Chicken, Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat, Ground Grain Sorghum
Protein content: 23%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 331/cup

Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is a great option for Bullmastiff dogs as their daily meal. On the higher end of protein content, it supports the growth of lean muscle and growing bones. It’s suitable for the Bullmastiff as it’s crafted for larger dogs, a profile which the Bullmastiff definitely fits! Perfect for active dogs, these ingredients include glucosamine and animal protein for joint and muscle health. It also contains DHA and vitamin E to support healthy brain function and mental sharpness.

The fat and carbohydrate content also supports dogs with high energy levels. Chicken is listed as the first ingredient as a quality protein source.

Cons
  • Can cause bloating in some dogs
Pros
  • Suitable for large breeds
  • High-quality protein
  • Packed with vitamins

Purina Pro Plan Focus Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Giant Breed Formula Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food is made not just to provide all the necessary nutrition for a large breed dog but to also give them something that tastes great. The food is meant for giant dog breeds of 100 pounds or more.

It is formulated with glucosamine to support the joints that tend to get overworked in giant breeds. Chicken is the primary ingredient in this dog food blend. Brewer’s rice, corn gluten meal, and oatmeal follow this up. Unfortunately, the ingredients list also includes poultry by-product meal, which isn’t the healthiest form of glucosamine.

To promote a healthy digestive system, Purina includes prebiotic fibers. Natural sources of antioxidants support a thriving immune system that keeps your dog on their feet for many years. The inclusion of omega-6 fatty acids promotes great skin and coats.

Purina’s Pro Plan dog food is manufactured in the U.S.A. and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or preservatives.

Cons
  • Contains poultry by-products
  • Doesn’t contain chondroitin
  • Fit only for giant breed dogs (100+ pounds)
Pros
  • Contains glucosamine for healthy joints
  • Produced in the U.S.A.

Solid Gold Hund-n-Flocken Whole Grain Adult Dry Food

Solid Gold Hund-n-Flocken Lamb, Brown Rice & Pearled Barley Recipe Whole Grain Adult Dry Dog Food
Main ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal
Protein content: 22%
Fat content: 10%
Calories: 335/cup

Solid Gold Hund-n-Flocken dog food for Bullmastiffs is a decent option to provide whole grains and a balanced overall diet. This recipe contains ingredients to support healthy digestion and stomach function. With superfoods to support healthy gut bacteria, living probiotics to help balance, and essential omegas to support healthy skin and coat, this recipe has all the ingredients for a healthy pooch. The recipe uses pasture-raised lamb listed as its first ingredient and with rice and barley, there is also added fiber to support digestion.

Providing a balanced diet for your dog, this recipe will work to support an overall healthy immune system and long-lasting health.

Cons
  • Can cause digestive issues in some dogs
Pros
  • Lamb as the first ingredient
  • Packed with vitamins and minerals
  • Fiber-rich

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food for Bullmastiffs

We all wish that picking out food for our furry friends was as easy as ticking a couple of boxes for their size and age. However, it is more than that — it’s practically individualized for each and every pup. You can only hope that they will like it and keep eating it.

Instead of setting your eyes on one specific food or brand, use our buyer’s guide to develop a list of potentials. Figure out which options meet all their needs, then determine their preferences.

Grain vs. Grain-free

  • There are not only options for size and age, but also the type of diet you prefer giving your pup. A food whose carbohydrates are grains is one option, and the other is grain-free. Some people feel more comfortable feeding them a raw diet, although this often involves preparing most of it.
  • From common dog mixes, there are plenty of grain and grain-free options. Figure out which would be healthier for your pup, as both have pros and cons.
  • While grain-free was presumed to be healthier for a while, there have been recent studies citing grains like wheat to be a better source of certain vital nutrients. Others believe that the substitutes for the commonly included grain benefit dogs more.

Age

  • Even if you find a formula that markets itself as appropriate for a large or giant breed dog, you also need to verify the appropriate age.
  • These large or giant breed dogs are often quite fluffy, but they are largely muscular. They need plenty of resources to keep their extra-sized functionalities running smoothly.
  • As dogs age, they also need a different set of vitamins and nutrients. They require fewer fats and carbohydrates because their body won’t be able to use them as efficiently. Feeding an aging dog the same food that they have always eaten practically guarantees them to struggle with weight issues. These are especially troublesome for older dogs because it puts extra strain on their joints.

Nutrition

Here is a list of nutritional information to be aware of while shopping for the best option for large breed dogs.

Protein Content
  • As a general rule, all dogs need 1 gram of protein per pound of their ideal weight. Notice that the word “ideal,” since if a dog is over or underweight, the protein content doesn’t change.
  • Typically an adult dog requires 18% protein in their total diet, and their puppy counterparts need about 22%. Large breed puppies have more bulking up to do, so they require around 30% protein.
  • There are also different qualities of protein that are easier for them to process effectively. Better protein sources are a part of what paying for a premium food buys you.
Fat Content

Fat content varies from breed to breed. Large breed dogs need a bit more fat than other breeds might. They should receive about 8% of fat in their overall diet. Remember, just like for us, some fats are better or worse for dogs.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are practically a swear word when it comes to a human’s diet. However, just like they are for us, they are essential for dogs. Carbs break down into energy to keep them ready for whatever their daily life throws at them.

Grains or their alternatives are often major sources of carbohydrates in a dog’s diet. A blend of them is important to keep your pup’s energy high.

Caloric Intake

Calories convert directly into energy. They are a part of almost every piece of food. Bigger animals tend to have slower metabolisms. Giant dog breeds are incapable of processing their food as quickly as others. Too many calories can add too much weight to their overall frames.

For most dogs, you should be able to stick to about 20 calories per pound of ideal weight each day. Adjust according to what your vet might recommend or at your own discretion.

Calcium to Phosphorus Content

The amount of calcium to phosphorus should be considered as a ratio. It should be a ratio of 1.1:1 to 2:1 for a hormonal balance.

Illnesses

Sometimes, it doesn’t just amount to their breed and their age. You might need to focus on the individual pup more than these general specifications. Do they have any specific illnesses or allergies? Some dogs won’t digest grain-free food well if they have a sensitivity to any of the replacements.

Mobility Support

A large breed dog like a Bullmastiff often struggles with joint issues, especially if they are overweight. They already have more pressure building up on these sensitive areas. Without the right care, they can lose mobility as they age.

Two vital compounds that address this issue are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These work almost as lubrication and keep your dog strong. With enough of these in their diet, yoru dog can stay mobile and avoid typical joint issues as they age.

Price

Price is important for food because you have to buy it more frequently. While it is true that you get what you pay for, it is also true that the brand name has a great deal to do with pricing.

Some premium brands hike their prices because they genuinely use higher quality ingredients. If you are committed to giving your dog the best, though, some research is necessary. Figure out if it is worth your money by knowing how a brand sources its food.

Some brands can keep premium ingredients while still keeping the price down. Feeding your dog well doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

With all the reviews provided across these brands, the best overall is The Farmer’s Dog with all-natural recipes. American Journey is the best value with its affordable price tag, and ORIJEN comes in as the premium option for Bullmastiff dog food, plus tops the list as the best option for puppy food. ACANA is our vet’s choice for Bullmastiff dog food with an affordable price and ingredients to support wellness.

Whether you want natural and raw ingredients crafted in a kitchen, freeze-dried nuggets as a treat, or good old kibble, hopefully, you can find the best fit for you and your dog from this list.

Edward Hollon is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Edward has been writing for petdii for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Edward has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Edward knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.