BRONZE ICON BULLDOGS
What goes in, must come out.
Diet.
So you've bought a bulldog have you? Now you need to know what to feed it. There are a ton of dog foods on the market and a ton of opinions. And in our opinion diet is directly responsible for up to 90% of bulldog health ailments, so we're going to share with you what works for us and our bulldogs and hopefully it will work for you too.
Every Bulldog is different, some do well on high protein, some on lamb or turkey or beef.....99% have allergies or sensitivities to chickened eggs, 75% are sensitive to salmon, 99% are sensitive to grains and 90% are sensitive to shellfish. At the end of the day as long as you are doing your research on a brand and determining its quality and authenticity, you are looking at at least a 4 out of 5 star food rating and on average $75 a month per 25 lb bag. We do not reccommend buying a bulldog and then feeding it Puppy Chow or Costco brand food, cheap food is like McDonalds for dogs and contribute to obesity, improper nutrition and poor skin and coat including allergies. As your dog matures you will likely have to try a few different foods and suppliments out, these are our current favorites.
Acana has recently launched its Ranchlands Singles formula which is grain free. There are a variety of proteins to pick from, so a sensitive bulldog should be able to find something thats suits its needs. As well, it is Canadian made and produced (we love Canadian foods) so not only are you supporting Canadian business but Canadian agricultural traditions as well.
It rates 5 out of 5 stars on Pet Advisor and so far is working well for our dogs.
Read about the brand and its diversity of foods on www.acana.com
Boreal is a great new Canadian made food on the market. The Wild Salmon formula has no chicken fillers and has works really well for dogs with skin or allergy sensitivity. It is Canadian made and produced (we love Canadian foods) so not only are you supporting Canadian business but Canadian agriculture as well.
It rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on PEt Food Advisor and so far we love it.
Read about this brand at
Canned Tripett has always been a staple in our home for all pregnant and nursing females, puppies and sick dogs. Green Tripe is a miracle food and the equivilent to a power bar for dogs.
It is not a balanced nutritional food and we do not reccommend feeding it as a main diet, but for growing puppies, as a treat and sick dogs or dogs recovering from surgeries - it is a wonderful product.
Fresh green tripe from your local butcher works as well.
Raw Diet.
A raw diet has worked incredibly well for our dogs and we share our recipe with all our adoptive families. Making it yourself ensures the quality and lessens the cost. As Venison is our main choice due to its purity and benefits for dogs prone to skin sensitivity, we gratefully accept scraps from hunters when that time of year arrives. We use all scraps including the legs, ribs and skulls. If you hunt or have access to local hunters, we encourage you to do the same. Not only are you supporting the ethical harvesting and use of wild game, but you are feeding your dogs top quality meat without anti-biotics or hormones added.
If you choose to adopt one of our dogs from us we will provide you with our raw dog food recipe. If you are already a bulldog owner and are interested in affordable raw meat or a complete diet please contact Greg at Grand Dog Essentils for an easy and affordable selection of raw.
BRONZE ICON PROVIDES DISCOUNTS TO ADOPTIVE FAMILIES THAT DONATE USABLE WILD GAME MEAT TO OUR PROGRAM.
Supplements.
There are a plethora of supplements marketed and available to you for your dogs health. Unless your dog has specific medical or allergy related conditions, these are the basic supplements all our dogs regardless of age, have added to their food daily.
Coconut Oil is a daily staple in our dog food due to its diversity of health benefits for dogs. The lauric acid in coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. Capric and caprylic acid have similar properties and are best known for their anti-fungal effects.
In addition, MCTs are efficiently metabolized to provide an immediate source of fuel and energy, enhancing athletic performance and aiding weight loss. In dogs, the MCTs in coconut oil balance the thyroid, helping overweight dogs lose weight and helping sedentary dogs feel energetic.
According to most nutritionists, coconut oil gently elevates the metabolism, provides a higher level of energy and vitality, protects you from illness, and speeds healing. As a bonus, coconut oil improves any dog’s skin and coat, improves digestion, and reduces allergic reactions.
Salmon Oil is another daily staple in our house hold. The list of benefits of Salmon Oil for dogs is long and in short consists of the following:
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Improves the coat and skin, making it soft and shiny.
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Reducing inflammation that can lead to conditions such as arthritis.
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Helps to prevent skin allergies.
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Helps with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
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Regulates the immune system.
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Calming overactive immune systems for dogs with allergies or autoimmune diseases.
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Aiding in mental development of fetuses and puppies.
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Improves cognitive function in older dogs.
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Lowers blood pressure and triglycerides.
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Provides support for dogs with kidney disease.
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Fights heart disease.
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Is preventative against cancer.
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Helps promote weight loss in overweight dogs.
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Helps in producing more collagen.
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Useful in the treatment of kidney problems (frequent urination, loss of appetite)
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Appearance of joint problems is lessened.
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Can help to slow cancer cell growth.
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Helps cachexic (the muscle wasting associated with some cancers).
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Promotes better brain development in fetus's and puppies
If you have a bulldog than Glucosamine is essential for maintainance and prevention.
Glucosamine is a natural substance found in your pet's body, with the highest concentration found in healthy cartilage. The glucosamine in your dog's body produces glycosaminoglycan, which is used to help form and repair body tissues such as cartilage. As your dog ages, the natural production of glucosamine in the body slows. As a result, the natural repair process in the body slows, eventually leading to joint pain and stiffness. The ongoing wear and tear on your dog's joints, combined with the slowed repair time of the cartilage, leads to the development of painful arthritis. The good news is that research has found that providing supplements of glucosamine for dogs can help rebuild cartilage, which can help restore your dog's joint function and activity levels.
We highly reccommend that all bulldog puppies have Glucosamine in their diet for the first year of their life to help reduce the damage of any joint injuries that might be sustained in their developing years, or the weight of rapid bone and muscle development.
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