Bull Arabs are built for performance, with the muscle and drive of a true working dog. But behind their powerful frame lies a set of nutritional needs that go far beyond protein alone. From joint health to skin sensitivities and body condition, the right diet can make all the difference to your Bull Arab’s long-term health and happiness.
In this guide, we unpack what really matters in their bowl — guided by expert insight and breed-specific know-how. Whether you’re feeding a growing pup or refining your adult dog’s routine, you’ll find practical tips to help your Bull Arab stay strong, balanced, and thriving.
Read more: Bull Arab breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
How nutrition can help common Bull Arab health concerns
Joint problems
Due to their large, athletic build, Bull Arabs are prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia and arthritis. These conditions can affect mobility and comfort, particularly in older dogs or those with an active lifestyle.
Try this:
Omega-3-rich ingredients like fish and fish oil help reduce inflammation and support joint health. Ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric and ginger can also be beneficial.
Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog’s diet help?
Skin irritations
Bull Arabs may be susceptible to skin allergies, which can cause itching, rashes, and hair loss. These can be triggered by environmental factors or dietary allergens or intolerances.
Try this:
A novel protein diet, such as Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro with goat, can help identify and eliminate allergens. It's also free from common allergens like chicken, beef, wheat, corn, soy, dairy, and egg.
Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment (with photos)
Obesity or weight gain
Bull Arabs can gain weight if they are overfed or under-exercised (or a combination of both), which can exacerbate existing health issues like joint stress. Managing their weight through portion control and high-quality nutrition is essential.
Try this:
Opt for custom-portioned, high-protein, low-carbohydrate meals to keep your dog satisfied, support steady energy release, and promote lean muscle maintenance for a healthy weight, like Lyka. When it comes to treats, a handy rule of thumb is no more than 10% of their daily caloric needs. Low-fat, single-protein treats like Lyka’s Chicky Chews are ideal.
Read more: Lyka's vet guide to healthy dog weight (with charts and video)
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How to choose the best food for your Bull Arab
Fresh food, raw, wet or dry? Supermarket, pet shop, or delivered to your door? There are so many dog food options on the market — where do you begin?
Complete and balanced
Bull Arabs, like all pups, need a complete and balanced diet containing the right nutrients in the right proportions.
Australia has pet food standards, but they’re largely unregulated. Many brands follow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines.
Meeting AAFCO and FEDIAF standards is just the start. Lyka meals are formulated by a team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to ensure they’re complete and balanced for all life stages.
Read more: Dog food ingredients: a glossary of common and confusing terms
Optimal nutrition for your Bull Arab
Not all dog food is created equally. Variety and quality of ingredients and cooking methods can all impact the nutrient availability of your dog’s food.
Many raw dog food options present a good balance of high-quality protein, fresh produce, and superfoods. But not all dogs can easily digest raw food, especially pups with a weakened immune system, or digestive issues.
Dry food (kibble) often contains high amounts of carbohydrates and synthetic vitamins and minerals. The animal protein used in kibble is often pet-grade, like meat meal or meat by-products, that vary in quality and are not subject to the same checks as human-grade meat. Kibble is usually cooked at high temperatures which can reduce digestibility and can lead to the potential formation of harmful compounds, like acrylamides.
Home cooking can be a great option for your dog, but making sure each mouthful is complete and balanced is not easy to do without expert guidance.
Lyka meals are made using human-grade ingredients and are gently cooked then snap-frozen to retain their nutritional value and digestibility. Each meal is high in protein and custom-portioned to meet your dog’s daily needs.
Want to dig deeper into which type of food is best for your Bull Arab? We’ve created a series of guides to help you make an informed choice.
Read more: Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs raw meat for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Fresh vs home cooking for your dog: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs wet food for dogs: which is better?
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How much food does a Bull Arab need?
Serving size recommendations based solely on weight don’t tell the full story. Your dog’s energy level, lifestyle and body condition score are all part of the picture.
That’s why Lyka calculates your Bull Arab’s portion sizes based on their personal profile, not just on their weight.
Establish a consistent feeding routine with your Bull Arab to support their digestion, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
Do Bull Arab puppies and senior dogs need special food?
Not necessarily. Nutrient-dense, real food meals formulated for all life stages — like Lyka — cover the daily requirements of both growing pups and dogs in their golden years.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development
Read more: Why real food is the healthiest choice for senior dogs
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting a Bull Arab comes with plenty of decisions. Choosing what’s in their bowl is one of the most important.
Designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, Lyka meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Bull Arabs across Australia are already thriving on Lyka — yours could be next.
Join our pack of proud Bull Arab parents today.
