What’s the Best Dog Food for My Bullmastiff Buddy?

PETSIDI – Hey there, friend! Your pup is part of the family, so you want to make sure they’re getting the best nutrition possible, am I right? As a dog nutritionist who’s always on the move, I’ve learned a thing or two about finding the perfect chow for our four-legged companions.

And let me tell you, when it comes to big bruisers like the Bullmastiff, getting their diet dialed in is crucial. These gentle giants need the right fuel to support their massive frames and energetic personalities.

So let’s dive into what makes a dog food great for Bullmastiffs and explore some top-notch options I’ve sniffed out in my travels. Get ready to seriously spoil that pupper!

Why Bullmastiffs Need Special Nutrition

Breed Traits	Nutritional Needs
Large Size	Higher calorie intake, glucosamine for joints
High Energy	Quality protein & fats for energy
Short Hair	Essential fatty acids for skin/coat health
Gentle Nature	L-tryptophan for mood/behavior

As you can see, the Bullmastiff’s size, energy levels, and other characteristics create some unique nutritional requirements. These big dogs burn a lot of calories just existing, so their food needs to be calorie-dense while still being highly digestible.

Protein is also a huge priority to support all that muscle mass. Plus, those natural guardians tend to be pretty rambunctious as puppies and young adults, so they need plenty of high-quality fats for lasting energy reserves.

With their short coats, Bullmastiffs also benefit from omega fatty acids to keep their skin and fur looking sleek and healthy. Some folks even add supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health as the breed is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.

And despite their imposing statures, Bullies are famous lover dogs with gentle temperaments. Including ingredients with calming properties like l-tryptophan can help manage anxious behavior or reactivity issues some individuals develop.

The bottom line? Your big buddy needs a premium dog food that’s:

• High in protein from animal sources
• Packed with calories for their size
• Rich in healthy fats
• Easy to digest
• Fortified with omega fatty acids
• Containing supplements for joints
• With ingredients that promote calm behavior

That’s a tall order, but don’t worry! There are some fantastic commercial dog foods out there that check all those boxes. Let me break down some of the ones I’ve tasted and approved on my travels.

Top 5 Dog Food Brands for Bullmastiffs

1. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused

You know I’m a big fan of raw feeding for its nutritional benefits and Limited Ingredient Diets (LIDs) to prevent allergies. Well, Merrick’s Backcountry Raw Infused line combines the best of both worlds!

This fantastic freeze-dried raw formula starts with deboned meat as the first ingredient. It’s then gently cooked to preserve the nutrients and mixed with fresh, locally-sourced fruits and veggies.

The end result is a high protein, all natural, and highly digestible kibble packed with lip-smacking flavors like beef, chicken, or salmon. It’s also grain-free making it ideal for Bullies with food sensitivities.

My Bullmastiff buddy Rufus went bananas for the beef recipe! The combination of raw meat, protein-rich legumes, and nutrient-dense superfoods like sweet potatoes and blueberries had his tail going a million miles an hour.

Key Benefits:

• High in premium animal protein (32%)
• Raw meat bites for nutritional punch
• Grain and gluten-free
• Antioxidant superfood ingredients
• Made with limited ingredients for sensitive stomachs

Drawbacks:

• More expensive than regular kibble
• Some dogs don’t like freeze-dried texture

2. Purina Pro Plan Sport

While I generally prefer grain-free, Purina’s Pro Plan Sport formula is a noteworthy exception for the calorie and nutrient density it provides active dogs. If your Bully loves to run, play, and get their zoomies on, this could be the perfect pick.

This performance dog food is absolutely stacked with premium protein from chicken and egg, plus glucosamine for joint support. But what really makes it special is the concentrated energy from nutrient-dense grains like whole wheat and brewers rice.

You’re looking at over 500 calories per cup of kibble — major fueling power for those high-octane activities Bullmastiffs thrive on! The added amino acids and antioxidants also help build lean muscle while naturally reducing inflammation.

My super athletic gal Tala was an unstoppable force while devouring this stuff on our hiking adventures. She had plenty of get-up-and-go without excessive bulk.

Key Benefits:

• Over 30% protein and 20% fat
• Glucosamine for joint health
• High calories for extreme energy
• Lean muscle building nutrients
• Utilizes some highly digestible grains

Drawbacks:

• Grain content may trigger allergies in some dogs
• Richer formula could cause weight gain in lazy Bullies

3. ORIJEN Puppy Large

Bullmastiff puppies are notoriously rambunctious rascals as they rapidly grow toward their full 100+ lb adult size. Keeping their boundless energy in check while fueling that huge growth spurt is a unique challenge.

That’s why I’m a huge fan of ORIJEN’s Puppy Large formula. This premium kibble closely replicates the WholePrey diet puppies would eat in nature — whole animal proteins from fowl, fish, and eggs combined with nutrient-dense fruits and greens.

The first 5 ingredients are fresh or raw animal sources like chicken, turkey, and whole mackerel. You’re getting a massive 38% protein from quality muscle and organ meats to build strong bones and lean muscle mass.

ORIJEN also packs in healthy fats like pollock oil for DHA to support brain development. The low-glycemic lentils, peas, and berries provide sustained energy without the blood sugar spikes and crashes of cheaper filler grains.

My sweet pup Raja absolutely demolished this recipe. It gave him the fuel he needed to thrive through that chaotic puppy stage without becoming an overweight bully!

Key Benefits:

• Ultra high protein for muscle development
• All meat ingredients from WholePrey sources
• Low-glycemic fruit/veggie energy sources
• Rich in DHA for brain health
• Made from locally sourced ingredients

Drawbacks:

• Very expensive compared to standard puppy food
• High protein content may be too rich for some puppies

4. Wellness CORE Large Breed

When it comes to affordable quality, it’s hard to beat Wellness CORE Large Breed. This all-natural premium kibble is everything a big dog like a Bullmastiff needs at a reasonable price point compared to some boutique brands.

The first ingredient is nutrient-dense deboned turkey providing over 30% protein for lean muscle maintenance. It’s also loaded with nutritious veggies, berries, and supplemental superfoods like flaxseed, coconut oil, and salmon oil.

You’re getting glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support and mobility along with anti-inflammatory Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for skin/coat health.

Key Benefits:

• Rich in animal protein (34%)
• Glucosamine & chondroitin added
• Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for skin/coat
• No wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products
• Nutrient-dense superfoods like flaxseed

Drawbacks:

• Some dogs dislike the pea protein
• Slightly higher risk of allergies from multiple protein sources

I fed this to my buddy Bronx during a stint housesitting in Colorado. The elevation did a number on his mobility at first, but the glucosamine really helped keep those big Bully joints nice and loose on our hikes. His coat also stayed incredibly shiny!

5. Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie

If your Bullmastiff has food sensitivities or you just want to mix things up, Taste of the Wild’s Ancient Prairie formula is a great choice with its use of novel proteins. It’s grain-free but utilizes highly digestible ancient grains like sorghum as carb sources.

The main proteins are buffalo and bison – two lean red meats your pup’s ancestors definitely didn’t munch on back in the day! They provide all those essential amino acids in a hydrolyzed form that’s easy on sensitive stomachs.

On top of that, you get the benefits of prebiotics from chicory root plus probiotics to support healthy digestion and nutrient absorption. The antioxidant-packed greens and berries like raspberries don’t hurt either.

My princess Ella was a total sock thief until I switched her over to this recipe. I swear the combination of those unique proteins and gut-healthy ingredients did wonders for her stool quality and behavior. She chilled right out!

Key Benefits:

• Novel proteins like buffalo & bison
• Contains ancient grains like sorghum
• Pre & probiotic digestion support
• Antioxidant fruits and veggies
• Ideal for dogs with food allergies

Drawbacks:

• Proteins may be too novel for some dogs
• Doggy bags get stinky fast on this diet!

Those are my top 5 dog food recommendations for big’uns like Bullmastiffs! But of course, every pup is a little different in their nutritional needs. Let’s go over some quick tips to help you pick the absolute best chow for your special pal.

How to Choose: 7 Quick Tips

1. Consult Your Vet: Especially for puppies or seniors, get professional guidance on ideal protein/calorie levels, joint supplements, etc.
2. Consider Allergies: If your Bully has food sensitivities, stick to limited ingredients or novel protein sources like bison.
3. Prioritize Protein: Muscle-bound breeds like Bullmastiffs need at least 25% protein from whole, high-quality animal sources.
4. Mind the Calories: These bigguns require a minimum of 350-500 calories per cup depending on energy levels.
5. Go for Grains?: Grain-free is great, but some ancient grains provide fiber without triggering allergies.
6. Supplement Wisely: Glucosamine, omegas, and probiotics can benefit big active breeds when added.
7. Do a Slow Switch: Transition to any new food over 5-7 days to avoid digestive issues.

At the end of the day, you know your furry bestie better than anyone. Listen to their cues and don’t be afraid to test out different recipes until you find that tail-wagging, bowl-licking perfection!

The Final Dog Food Verdict

Whether you go with a premium kibble, raw diet, or rotational variety, the key is selecting a high-quality food that meets your Bullmastiff’s substantial nutritional needs. As long as it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients, that big lug is guaranteed to thrive.

I know the process can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. But hopefully this guide has given you a “leg up” on finding that ideal nosh that delivers complete and balanced nutrition for your beloved Bully.

If you can afford it, any of my top recommended brands like Merrick Raw Infused or ORIJEN would be an amazing choice. Their nutritional profiles are basically tailor-made for large breed power houses.

For those on a tighter budget, Wellness CORE or Taste of the Wild provide excellent bang for your buck with wholesome, easily digestible formulas. And Purina Pro Plan is a solid fallback option for extremely active Bullies that can handle grain-based diets.

No matter which food you go with, I’m confident your gentle giant will be one spoiled pup.