Here is my Olde English Bulldog. His name is Guss and is about 2 years old now.
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He is the most loveable and emotional dog you will ever see. I got him when my son was not quite 2yrs old. I did this so they would grow up together. My son is so rough with him, they are like brothers. You DO NOT, not even me go ANYWHERE near his food!
My Bro-n-law has the same dog as you do and he is the same exact size and age as Guss. Well, when they were pup's, not even a year old we were feeding them on the back porch, a mixture of vegy's and eggs etc. Guss approached the other dogs bowl (after finshing his) and it was on! It was hard to break them appart.
Anyway, Guss is so protective of my son that we have to disipline my son in a seperate room. If not, Guss will try to attack us. lol
It's normal. Just worn people not to go near or involve food with the dog.