Why are hard chews not ideal for bulldogs?

A bulldog's flat face and compact jaw can make gnawing on a very hard, dense chew less comfortable and less effective than for a longer-muzzled breed. Softer treats or chews sized for easier gnawing tend to suit this breed better.

Are English bulldogs prone to weight gain?

Yes, partly because vigorous exercise is less comfortable for this build, and partly because many bulldogs are strongly food-motivated. Choosing lower-calorie treats and keeping portions genuinely small helps manage weight, which matters for this breed's joint and breathing health.

Should I give my bulldog treats after exercise?

It is better to wait until they have cooled down and settled first. Bulldogs can overheat more easily than many breeds because of their airway shape, so giving them time to recover before treats or a meal is a sensible habit.

Best treats for an English bulldog

An English bulldog's distinctive flat face and stocky build shape what makes a good treat for this breed more than for most dogs. A brachycephalic skull changes how comfortably a bulldog can chew, and a tendency towards weight gain in a breed that already carries a lot of muscle mass on a low-exercise frame means portion control matters as much as the treat itself.

Why texture matters for this breed

Bulldogs' flat faces and shortened airways can make very hard, large chews harder work to manage than for a longer-muzzled dog, and some bulldogs are less efficient chewers as a result. Softer treats, or chews sized and textured for easier gnawing, are generally a better fit than a large, dense chew aimed at a working breed.

Dental health is worth paying attention to as well, since the bulldog's compact jaw can mean crowded teeth, similar to many other short-muzzled breeds — a dental-specific treat or chew alongside regular brushing supports this without needing an especially hard texture to be effective.

Managing weight through treats

English bulldogs are prone to carrying extra weight, partly because their build makes strenuous exercise less comfortable and partly because, like many breeds, they are often very food-motivated. Choosing lower-calorie treats and genuinely limiting quantity — treats should stay a small fraction of daily food intake — matters more for this breed's long-term joint and breathing health than for a more naturally active dog.

Splitting a treat into smaller pieces for training, rather than giving whole treats each time, is a simple way to reward frequently during training sessions without the calories adding up as fast.

Treats worth avoiding

Very hard, dense chews meant to last a long time are worth avoiding for bulldogs who struggle to gnaw effectively, since a hard chew that is not comfortably managed can become more of a frustration than a reward, and in some cases a dental risk if a dog bites down awkwardly.

Rich, fatty treats are worth limiting for the same weight-management reasons as any high-calorie extra, and any treat given during or straight after exercise should be offered once your bulldog has had a chance to cool down and settle, since this breed can overheat more easily than most.

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Common questions

Why are hard chews not ideal for bulldogs?: A bulldog's flat face and compact jaw can make gnawing on a very hard, dense chew less comfortable and less effective than for a longer-muzzled breed. Softer treats or chews sized for easier gnawing tend to suit this breed better.
Are English bulldogs prone to weight gain?: Yes, partly because vigorous exercise is less comfortable for this build, and partly because many bulldogs are strongly food-motivated. Choosing lower-calorie treats and keeping portions genuinely small helps manage weight, which matters for this breed's joint and breathing health.
Do bulldogs need dental treats?: Many benefit from them, since a compact jaw can mean crowded teeth similar to other short-muzzled breeds. A dental-specific treat or chew alongside regular brushing is a sensible addition to their routine.
Should I give my bulldog treats after exercise?: It is better to wait until they have cooled down and settled first. Bulldogs can overheat more easily than many breeds because of their airway shape, so giving them time to recover before treats or a meal is a sensible habit.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.