Best Dog Food For American Bulldogs [2023 Update]: High-Protein Food for Lean Muscles

The American Bulldog is a formidable breed of dog that is large, muscular and has an adorably wrinkly face that their owners cannot resist.

This highly trainable athletic breed requires a diet that would sustain their energy needs and keep their muscles healthy. In this article, we aim to find the best dog food for American Bulldogs that will help them reach their full potential.

If you are considering getting an American bulldog puppy, you need to be able to give it regular non-impact exercises to prevent bone and joint damage.

When they are fully grown, these athletic dogs need playtime and activities that will not only stimulate their minds and develop their athletic abilities but will also help them stay fit. 

This affectionate large dog breed craves attention from its humans and does not do well being left alone in a yard. Exercise and training can help them utilize their high energy levels and keep them away from trouble.

OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR BEST DOG FOOD FOR AMERICAN BULLDOGS

All About the American Bulldog

Known for its strength and agility, this working breed is a descendant of the English bulldog. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the bulldog arrived in the US sometime in the 1800s. They were commonly used as working dogs at farms and ranches. They often worked as guard dogs, stock dogs, and catch dogs. 

The bulldog was the breed of choice for bull baiting. This brutal bloodsport involved pitting dogs against bulls. The dogs were trained to latch onto the bull’s nose and not let go until it successfully pulls the bull to the ground. The American bulldogs were also a popular choice for baiting animals like bears, boars, rabbits, and other animals.

After World War II, efforts to save the breed from extinction were made by war veteran John D. Johnson and Alan Scott. Today’s American bulldog is a cross between two lines that were created during the breeding efforts. 

Despite its history of being used in a brutal sport, today’s American bulldogs are friendly and are often large lap dogs that make great family pets.

Physical Attributes of American Bulldogs

The American bulldog is a muscular large breed dog who weighs between 60 to 120 lbs. A full-grown adult is around 20 to 28 inches tall. This breed has a large head, strong jaws, loose skin around the face, furrowed brows, and a short nose. 

These dogs have a short and soft coat that is easy to groom and requires an occasional brushing. Their smooth coats come in variations of colors, although the AKC states that the standard color is white with markings of different colors such as tan, black, brown, brindle, and red.

Is the American Bulldog the One for You?

American bulldogs are friendly, loyal, energetic, and courageous. It is well-suited for families or individuals that can give the dog a fairly active lifestyle. They are highly trainable dogs that do well with early training and activities that are mentally stimulating.

Activities such as tug of war, hiking, jogging, and hiking help prevent these high-energy athletes from getting bored. It is the best way to keep them out of trouble.

The gentle temperament of the American bulldog makes them great pets for families with children. They are loyal and protective of their family.

Obedience training and training exercises are highly recommended for young American bulldog puppies. Socialization is important as the breed can be reserved around strangers. 

These brave pups have been known to not hesitate to protect their owner or family members if they feel the need to. 

Health and Wellbeing of the American Bulldog

One of the healthier breeds of dogs, the American bulldog has a life span of 10 to 16 years.

That being said, some genetic conditions common with this breed can also be found in other dog breeds. Here are some of the diseases or health issues common to the breed:

• Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (a nervous system disorder with swelling and/or changes in some retinal cells)
• Disorders of the kidney and thyroid
• ACL tears
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Cherry eye (or a mass that protrudes from the eyelid)
• Entropion (a condition in which a portion of the eyelid is inverted or folded inward)
• Bone cancer

The breed’s smooth coat is easy to maintain and requires occasional brushing. They don’t require frequent bathing and can be given occasional baths when they get dirty. However, seasonal shedding is to be expected.

Because they slobber and drool, their faces need to be wiped with a soft cloth dipped in warm water to avoid the growth of bacteria in the folds of their loose skin. Their ears should be cleaned once a month or as needed, and their nails must be regularly trimmed every few weeks.

Best Dog Food for American Bulldogs

1. Ollie Lamb Dish
2. PetKind Tripe Green Tripe & Wild Salmon
3. Blue Buffalo Large Breed Healthy Weight
4. Orijen Puppy Large
5. Nulo Freestyle Senior
6. Kinetic Performance Power 30K Formula
7. Gentle Giants 90% Beef
8. OrgaNOMics Salmon & Duck Dinner
9. Woof Beef Recipe
10. True Chews Premium Grillers with Real Steak

 

1. Ollie Lamb Dish With Cranberries

First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Butternut Squash, Lamb Liver, Kale, Rice

Guaranteed Analysis:

Ollie Lamb Dish With Cranberries is a fresh-cooked meal for dogs that is nutritionally complete and balanced. It combines the goodness of a freshly cooked homemade meal with the precise nutrition of commercially available dog food. 

The result is a highly nutritious meal that is fresh, delicious, and convenient for pet parents. Fresh meals like this are some of the best dog foods you can feed your pet.

Ollie formulates dog foods using a proprietary algorithm that they developed with a board-certified vet nutritionist. This algorithm helps them calculate the exact number of calories your dog needs based on her weight, breed, age, activity level, and body composition. It eliminates the guesswork on how much dog food to give to your pup.

Ollie’s fresh-cooked healthy dog food is highly recommended for dogs who need weight management. Whether your pup needs to lose a few pounds or if he or she is underweight, Ollie can help your pups achieve their target weights.

This fresh dog food has fresh lamb instead of lamb meal. Lamb meal is more commonly used in dry dog food and not in wet or fresh food.

Lamb offers a highly palatable and high-quality source of protein that is always free-range. Because lamb or sheep are raised in a healthier environment, the meat is also considered much healthier compared to other farmed meats.

Butternut squash gives this dinner for dogs soluble and insoluble fibers that aid digestion by helping food move through the digestive tract. Rice provides carbs that are easy to digest and are gentle on the stomach.

Kale, cranberries, and green beans are included as sources of vitamins and antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals.

Fresh, human-grade dog food such as this Ollie recipe has pet parents raving out their numerous health benefits. According to them, their pets are healthy as ever.

Owners of sensitive dogs make up most of the customer base of fresh-cooked dog foods. They have grown tired of switching between so many commercial dog foods that oftentimes were not able to produce good results.

According to them, not only does the fresh food not trigger allergies like other dog foods they have tried, but it has helped resolve symptoms such as itchy skin and gastrointestinal health issues as well. The dogs are more active and are able to move around with ease.

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2. PetKind Tripe Green Tripe & Wild Salmon

First 5 ingredients: Lamb Tripe, Salmon, Peas, Pea Starch, Turkey Meal

Guaranteed Analysis:

PetKind Tripe Green Tripe & Wild Salmon kibble is a grain-free formula that is suitable for dogs of breeds, sizes, and life stages. It has all the nutrients required in an American bulldog’s diet.

This premium dog food is loaded with lamb tripe – a superfood for dogs that has multiple health benefits and is incredibly tasty. It does not contain lamb meat or lamb meal. While dogs find green tripe irresistible, their humans may find the smell a bit too strong.

With lamb tripe as the first ingredient, this low-carb or low-glycemic meal can help your American bulldog maintain excellent overall health.

Tripe is naturally packed with essential amino acids, the perfect balance of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, an ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorous, and plenty of important vitamins and nutrients.

The nutrient-dense tripe can help improve dogs’ skin and coat health, relieve itchy skin, aid muscle recovery, and improve digestion as well as joint mobility. It is also great for stimulating dogs’ appetites.

As if lamb tripe isn’t tasty enough, this dry food also has salmon. The flavorful fish that dogs just love is naturally rich in omega 3 fatty acids that support the skin, coat, heart, and brain function of dogs.

It is also easy to digest and is gentle on sensitive tummies. Turkey meal and pea protein are also included as additional sources of protein.

The carb and fiber sources in this grain-free dry dog food are highly nutritious plant-based ingredients such as flaxseed, quinoa, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, cranberries, banana, and others.

These superfoods contain antioxidants that help protect dogs from free radicals. They also have fiber that improves digestion and stool quality.

According to reviews, this lamb tripe, salmon, and turkey dog food are beloved by many dogs including the fussy ones. The flavorful kibbles of this dry food are sure to be a hit among American bulldogs who live for tasty food and treats.

This Canadian-made grain-free recipe has been gentle on sensitive stomachs as well. Many purchased this product for sensitive dogs, and according to them, the pups are doing quite well on this dry dog food.

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3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Healthy Weight Formula

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Peas

Guaranteed Analysis:

Life Protection Formula Large Breed Healthy Weight recipe is a grain-inclusive dry food that is formulated to help large breed adult dogs maintain healthy weights. 

Made of real deboned chicken as well as chicken meal, this adult dry dog food is highly digestible and rich in amino acids that help dogs maintain a lean muscle mass. Chicken meal is muscle meat that has been rendered to remove the moisture content. This lower-calorie formula is also low in fat at only 9%.

The main sources of carbs and fiber in this dry food are brown rice, barley, peas, and oatmeal. These healthy ingredients are rich in vitamins and fiber that support dogs’ digestive health. Flaxseed provides both omega fatty acids (3 and 6), while chicken fat is added for optimum levels of omega 6 fatty acids.

To help dogs’ bodies utilize fat efficiently, L-carnitine is included in this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula. It is an important amino acid that helps dogs maintain healthy weights by supporting their metabolic health. 

To help keep large dogs’ joints healthy, this adult dry dog food is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Both are naturally occurring compounds that benefit dogs’ joint health and rebuild joint cartilage.

Like all Blue Buffalo dry formulas, this recipe has the unique LifeSource Bits. LifeSource Bits have a precise blend of antioxidants to help strengthen your pup’s immune system.

Formulated by holistic vets and nutritionists, these cold-formed pieces contain a unique blend of nutrients that is tailored for the specific life stage of the dogs.

Feedback has been great for this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for large breed dogs. Those who needed to lose excess weight were able to reach their target weights within a few months. 

As a result, there is less strain on their joints and they have shown higher energy levels and better mobility.

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4. ORIJEN Puppy Large Formula

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver

Guaranteed Analysis:

ORIJEN Puppy Large Recipe is a dry, grain-free, puppy food formulated specifically for the growth of large and giant breed puppies. Larger dogs have different developmental needs compared to small breed puppies who mature faster. 

It is recommended that American bulldog pups be kept on a diet of large breed puppy food till they reach 14 months of age. 

Chicken, turkey, and fish such as flounder and mackerel are the main sources of amino acids in this dry dog food. They give this recipe loads of digestible proteins, vitamins, and minerals that are essential to the development of puppies’ muscles and organs.

Instead of cheap fillers like wheat or corn, this dry dog food has lentils, peas, and chickpeas as the main sources of carbs and fiber. They help young pups feel fuller for longer and improve digestion by helping food move through the digestive tract. This helps prevent upset tummies in young puppies.

Pollock oil is included in this puppy food as an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) are two types of omega 3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve allergy symptoms and develop brain and eye functions in growing puppies.

Because American bulldogs can be voracious eaters, the larger kibble size makes this a great American bulldog puppy food. It encourages them to chew their food and prevent indigestion. It stops them from inhaling their food straight from their bowls. 

Based on comments from buyers, it appears that this Orijen dry dog food for large breed puppies has helped resolve digestive system health issues among many puppies. From gas to loose stools, many pet parents credit this dry puppy food for resolving their puppies’ upset tummies.

Other puppy owners find that their pups feel satisfied until their next meal with this food. They don’t seem to be hungry all the time compared to when they were on a different dog food brand.

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5. Nulo Freestyle Senior Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Trout, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, Yellow Peas, Sweet Potato

Guaranteed Analysis:

Nulo Freestyle Senior Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe is a high-protein dry food formulated for mature dogs of all breeds and sizes.

This multi-protein dry dog food features easy-to-digest animal protein sources such as deboned trout, turkey meal, and salmon meal.

High-quality animal protein sources like fish and turkey are not only highly digestible but are also packed with amino acids and essential omega fatty acids that help older pups maintain a lean muscle mass and healthy organ function. 

Trout and salmon are naturally high in omega 3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve aching joints and itchy skin in mature pooches. They also promote healthy cognitive function in dogs.

The main carb and fiber sources in this grain-free dry dog food are yellow peas and sweet potato. Both are complex carbs that not only provide fiber and vitamins but also add protein. 

To help aging pups utilize fat more efficiently, this grain-free dry dog food is enriched with L-carnitine. This helps them maintain a healthy weight and turn fat stores into energy.

Joint support is very important in senior dogs, especially in large breed ones like the American bulldog. This is why this food has glucosamine and chondroitin to help dogs maintain their joint health.

Numerous senior pups enjoy this fish and turkey dry dog food. High palatability is very important in a senior dog’s diet, as dogs tend to become fussy with flavors and textures as they grow older.

Mature pooches of all kinds of breeds and sizes are thriving on this senior adult dry dog food. Even those with allergies and sensitive stomachs are doing well on this grain-free and chicken-free dry food. They have healthier skin, glossier coats, higher activity levels, and even better stool quality.

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6. Kinetic Performance Power 30K Formula

First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Brewers Rice, Ground Sorghum

Guaranteed Analysis:

Kinetic Performance Power 30K Formula is a grain-inclusive food formulated to sustain the high energy demands of working and athlete dogs.

This high-protein formula helps dogs build lean, healthy muscles, as well as provides fuel for strength – making it the best American bulldog food for active pooches.

The protein sources in this adult dry dog food are ones with a high concentration of protein: chicken meal and chicken by-product meal.

As a source of supplementary protein, menhaden fish meal and dried egg product are also included in the recipe. All of these animal protein sources are easy to digest and packed with meaty flavors that dogs enjoy.

Chicken fat provides omega 6 fatty acids and gives the kibble a boost of rich, chicken goodness. Fish oil and sunflower oil are sources of healthy fats that active dogs need to fuel their energy demands. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of omega fatty acids help with the dogs’ muscle recovery. This dry food also has a proprietary blend of electrolytes to support fast recovery.

Healthy grains such as brewers rice, ground sorghum, and brown rice gives working dogs the carbs and fiber that they need to help keep them full throughout their busy, activity-filled days. These fiber-rich food promote a healthy gut environment.

Owners of working and sporting dogs are very pleased with the results that this Kinetic formula was able to deliver to their dogs.

According to them, the hard-working pups are healthier than ever. They are muscular, strong, and filled with energy. The dogs have also grown soft and shiny coats since being switched to this nutritious formula.

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7. Gentle Giants 90% Beef Canned Formula

First 5 ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Chickpeas, Natural Flavor, Sweet Potatoes

Guaranteed Analysis:

Gentle Giants 90% Beef canned formula is a nutrient-dense pate that is formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition to dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. This single-source protein dog food is all-natural and free from artificial preservatives and cheap fillers.

Real beef is the most plentiful ingredient in this wet dog food. Beef is naturally abundant in protein, iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamins B12, B3 and B6. Dogs instinctively crave this flavorful red meat. Iron-rich foods can help prevent hip dysplasia in dogs.

To make this pate hydrating and even more delicious, beef broth is added to the recipe. Feeding your pooch wet dog food not only increases his moisture intake but also helps stimulate their appetites. You can serve this wet food on its own as a meal, or as a kibble-topper.

Chickpeas and sweet potatoes are the main sources of fiber in this wet food. The non-GMO plant-based ingredients in this dog food are carefully selected for their high nutritional value.

This canned dog food has parsley, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, and apples. Like sweet potatoes, they are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help strengthen the immune system.

Dandelion greens are included in this dog food for its liver and gastrointestinal health benefits. It also has New Zealand green-lipped mussels which are naturally rich in compounds that help support dogs’ joint health – something that is very important in keeping American bulldogs happy and healthy.

Buyers of this canned dog food are quite pleased with its quality. Their dogs happily eat the soft pate as well. Its soft and smooth texture makes it easy to chew even for young puppies and senior pups. They enjoy its rich, red meat flavor and lick their bowls clean.

Those with sensitive tummies are also able to enjoy this moisture-rich pate without issue. Even those with skin issues caused by allergies are thriving on this nutritious dog food.

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8. OrgaNOMics Salmon & Duck Dinner

First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Duck, Organic Carrots, Organic Peas, Organic Sweet Potatoes

Guaranteed Analysis:

OrgaNOMics Salmon & Duck Dinner is a high-protein pate that is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. Made with organic, natural ingredients, this pate smells and looks like real food, instead of the unrecognizable sludge commonly seen in commercial canned dog food.

Salmon and duck are two of the most flavor-rich animal proteins that you can feed to your adult American bulldog. These are excellent animal protein choices, especially for picky dogs.

They are highly digestible and are less likely to trigger allergies in sensitive dogs compared to chicken or beef. Organic egg is also included as an additional source of protein.

This grain-free dog food has nutritious organic produce as its sources of carbs and fiber. Free from cheap fillers like corn, wheat, or soy, this dog food has organic carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes. These superfoods naturally contain vitamins and minerals that benefit many aspects of dogs’ health.

This salmon and duck dinner also has organic coconut oil. Coconut oil helps ease inflammation, has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and promotes healthy skin and shiny coat.

Dogs are loving the rich flavor and soft texture of this Organomics wet food. Some dog parents even use it to hide pills. The tasty recipe is easy to chew even for pups who have a few teeth left.

The natural, organic ingredients not only impress the dog owners. The pooches themselves seem to be thriving on this food that has only carefully selected nutritious ingredients.

The grain-free recipe does not trigger food allergies in sensitive dogs. Those with sensitive digestion are also doing quite well on this salmon and duck dinner.

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9. The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co. Woof Beef Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Tripe, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney

Guaranteed Analysis:

The New Zealand Natural Pet Food Co. Woof Beef Recipe is a nutrient-dense recipe that can be served on its own as a meal, or given as treats or meal-toppers. This food can also be rehydrated with some water.

This meaty dog food has beef muscle meat and organs from the first to the fifth ingredient. Beef heart and kidney are packed with iron and B vitamins that are beneficial for active dogs’ stamina and help reduce fatigue.

Beef liver is one of the most concentrated nutrient sources you can find in animal meats. Not to mention, dogs absolutely love its rich flavor.

Superfoods like kale, kelp, carrot, broccoli and manuka honey are included in this dog food for their high nutritional value and fiber content. Kelp has multiple health benefits for dogs. It helps support thyroid function, digestive health, and even dental health.

The sources of healthy fats in this premium-quality dog food are organic virgin coconut oil and hoki oil. Both are high in essential fatty acids that help promote healthy skin, coat, immune, and cognitive functions. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help dogs suffering from allergies.

Made in small batches in New Zealand, this dog food is freeze-dried raw for maximum flavor and nutrient retention. It is nutritionally complete and balanced for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and life stages. 

It is a great introduction to raw food if you wish to transition your pup from kibble to raw dog food. The shelf-stable recipe combines the convenience of kibble with the dense nutrition of a raw diet.

Dogs absolutely love this Woof beef recipe. The freeze-dried raw pieces are crumbly and easy to chew even for senior dogs. It is so rich in meat content, that many pet parents give them as a healthy treat to their pups.

Many pet owners also use this as a topper to enhance the nutritional value of their dog’s food. It also makes their food extra flavorful.

Just looking at the ingredient list, it is no surprise that dog owners are very impressed with this product. Not only is it all-natural, but it is packed with real beef and beef organs as well as superfoods.

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10. True Chews Premium Grillers with Real Steak

First 5 ingredients: Beef (Includes Sirloin Steak), Potatoes, Vegetable Glycerin, Natural Flavors, Salt

True Chews Premium Grillers with Real Steak are chewy treats that American Bulldogs are sure to love. Made of real beef, these meaty chews make the perfect training treat and snacks for your American bulldog.

The high-protein treats suit the breed well. The chewy texture is also a winner for American bulldogs as they love to chew. Because it has very few ingredients, True Chews are ideal for sensitive American bulldogs.

According to reviews from pet parents, their pups go nuts for this smoky, meaty treat. They look just like slices of steak, and the smell makes their dogs come running. The size and soft, chewy texture of the treats make them perfect for pups of all ages.

The dog owners also love that it is made of natural ingredients. Unlike many commercially available dog treats, True Chews is free from artificial additives.

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What to Look For in the Best Dog Foods for American Bulldogs

High-protein

This breed of dog has a well-developed muscular system. Because of this, some of the best dog foods you can give these athletic dogs are high-protein ones that are low on carbs.

A high-protein diet not only helps them maintain a healthy and lean muscle mass but also helps young puppies’ growth and development.

American bulldog puppies should be on a diet of large breed puppy food for the first 14 months of their life. This ensures the healthy development of their bones and muscles.

Keeping them on puppy food specifically for large breed dogs means that the requirements for the body-building phase are satisfied. It allows the full expression of the genetic potential of the dog.

Because this breed is known for being food-driven, a low-carb diet helps keep them fit and maintain a healthy weight. Regularly feeding them food that is high in starch and carbs can make them gain excess weight pretty fast.

High-quality Animal Proteins

The right dog food for your pooch will largely depend on his health, age, and activity levels. That said, any dog would benefit from high-quality dog foods with natural ingredients.

Look for dog foods that are made with high-quality animal proteins such as lamb, beef, turkey, salmon, or even named meat meals like lamb meal, chicken meal, and menhaden fish meal. Named meat meals are rendered muscle meat with or without skin that is a highly concentrated source of protein. 

Avoid sub-par protein sources such as unnamed animal ingredients. Examples are meat by-products, liver, or animal fat. The animal source should be specified, such as beef liver, lamb fat, pork plasma, etc. 

This is especially important if you have a dog that is allergic to certain proteins. Try feeding your sensitive dog a limited ingredient dog food to minimize the risk of allergic reactions

 

Nutritious Carbohydrates and Fiber Sources

No matter what breed of dog you have, a complete and balanced diet is a must at every life stage. Select a dog food that has easy-to-digest, high-quality sources of carbohydrates and fiber. Examples of this are healthy fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potato, leafy greens, kelp, apples, pumpkin, berries, etc. 

Having grains is not necessarily bad. Wholesome grains such as brown rice, oats, sorghum, millet, barley, and many others are not only packed with nutrients but also benefit a dog’s digestive system. 

Some dogs can be sensitive to ingredients like wheat, corn, or soy. Because these ingredients are often used in large amounts as fillers in cheap commercially available dog foods, some dogs have developed food allergies to them.

Joint Support

Like most large dog breeds, American bulldogs can be prone to joint problems especially as they get older. The AKC recommends that American bulldog puppies should not be given added calcium until they are advanced to adult food. 

Adult dogs should be fed a good quality large-breed food along with added supplements for joint, muscle, and coat care. You can also give them high-quality food that is formulated for adults of all breed sizes.

Green-lipped mussels are one of nature’s natural sources of joint supplements for dogs. Look for dog foods that are enriched with glucosamine and/ or chondroitin. 

If the food your dog likes do not include these, there are many joint support supplements available on the market. You can easily find them in the form of chews, powders, or liquid food toppers.