French Bulldogs have become some of the most beloved canine companions in recent years.
These spunky little dogs fill our lives with joy and love – which is precisely why we should fill their bowls with hearty meals.
The best food for French Bulldogs is entirely dependant on their distinct, stout build and – because not all dogs are alike – your Frenchie’s individual needs.
These are some of our favorites!
With an array of dog food on the market, how can you find out which food is the best for your French Bulldog? Look no further, we’ve got the answer for you.
We’ve compiled a list of the best dog foods for French Bulldogs.
Review of The Best Food for French Bulldogs
#1 French Bulldog Food: Hill’s Science Diet – Small Paws
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is designed specifically for smaller sized dogs and is made with quality protein and natural fibers to help keep your dog satisfied between meals.
Hill’s Science dog food uses only high-quality, easily digestible ingredients including real chicken, lamb, or salmon protein that is specially formulated for smaller-sized stomachs.
The small kibble is suited for smaller muzzles, with high-quality protein for lean muscle maintenance, plus nourishing omega-6s and vitamin E to promote healthy skin and a healthy coat.
Hill’s Science dog food is #1 veterinarian approved. More than 220 veterinarians, food scientists, technicians, and Ph.D. nutritionists at Hill’s Science develop all of Hill’s pet foods.
Likes:
- Uses an antioxidant blend specifically for lifelong immune support in toy and miniature dogs.
- Never contains artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives or chicken by-product meal.
- Made in the USA with natural ingredients that you can trust.
Dislikes:
- A few customers found the kibble to be very small, which took their dogs longer to chew.
#1 Puppy Food For French Bulldogs: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Mini Puppy Food
- FORMULATED FOR SMALL BREED PUPPIES: Royal Canin Small Puppy Dog Food (formerly Mini Puppy) is...
- HEALTHY ENERGY: Meets the high energy needs of small breed dogs during their short, intense growth...
When choosing a puppy food for your Frenchie, it should have the nutrients needed to promote overall health and pack the calories needed for their energetic growing bodies.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition puppy food is specifically made for puppies who will reach an adult weight of between 9 and 22 pounds.
Likes:
- The kibbles are small, making it easy for little mouths to eat.
- Antioxidants to aid in immune health.
- Probiotics for digestive health and function.
- Special technology in kibble helps keep tartar from building up.
Dislikes:
- On the higher side when it comes to price/pound.
Other Great Food Options for French Bulldog
Runner-Up: Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult – Breed Specific
- BREED HEALTH NUTRITION DOG FOOD: Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog Adult Dog Food...
- CRUNCHY KIBBLE: Customized curved kibble shape specially designed for your French Bulldog's short...
Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult – Breed Specific dry dog food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred French Bulldogs 12 months and older.
This breed-specific food supports muscle tone with precise protein content and L-carnitine, ensuring your Frenchie receives a healthy, balanced diet.
Exclusive tailor-made and unique kibble shape helps French Bulldogs easily pick up and chew their food.
Nearly 50 years of scientific observation and research in tailor-made dog food ensures that you can put your trust into Royal Canin.
Likes:
- This food helps to reduce gas and stool odor as it contains highly digestible proteins and is made with a precise fiber content.
- This food helps to reinforce the skin’s barrier with essential nutrients to support healthy skin and soft coat.
- Royal Canin breed-specific formula is designed to meet the specific needs of that particular breed.
Dislikes:
- A few customers found that the kibble pieces were too big for their Frenchies’ mouths.
CANIDAE Grain Free Pure Petite Small Breed Raw Coated Dry Dog Food
- Contains 1- 10 lb. Bag of Canidae Pure Petite Lamb Recipe Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- Real food ingredients for your little pup. Crafted with real lamb as the first ingredient, paired...
CANIDAE Grain Free Pure Petite Small Breed Raw Coated Dry Dog Food is made with a limited ingredient diet in mind, using eight easily recognizable ingredients to ensure even the most sensitive of stomachs can easily digest it.
This dog food is made with simple ingredients, such as meat or fish, first before the food is coated with freeze-dried meat for added nutritional value.
Small kibble is designed for finicky eaters, as it is easier to pick up with their smaller-sized muzzles.
Contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to boost and maintain your Frenchie’s beautiful skin & coat.
Likes:
- Contain probiotics to aid and support healthy digestion.
- Made with antioxidants to support a healthy immune system.
- Does not contain corn, wheat, or soy.
Dislikes:
- A few customers claimed that the packaging could be improved.
Nulo Adult Dog Food: Grain-Free, All Natural Dry Pet Kibble – Lamb, Salmon, or Turkey Recipe
- 100% ALL NATURAL - Feed your furry family right. Nulo Grain-Free dry dog food is made with clean...
- GRAIN FREE - Nulo doesn't include allergy-triggering grains, corn, wheat gluten, soy, fake...
Nulo Adult Dog Food: Grain Free, All Natural Dry Pet Kibble for Large and Small Breed Dogs is made with clean ingredients that are 100% natural to ensure a healthy, balanced diet for your Frenchie.
Nuldo Adult Dog Food is specifically designed for larger small dogs.
The protein-rich, BC30 Probiotic, low-carb, small kibble formula is crafted for every adult breed, ensuring that your Frenchie receives the nutrients necessary for a long, active life.
This dog food is grain free, meaning that you can rest assured it does not contain any allergy-triggering ingredients.
Each salmon, turkey, and lamb grain-free dog food is made in the USA, meaning that there are no hidden,mystery ingredients that contain nasties sourced from elsewhere.
Likes:
- Promotes a healthy coat and lean muscle – features omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and helps to maintain a beautiful, shiny coat.
- Contains no artificial additives, colors, or flavors.
- Enriched to help your dog fuel their inner athlete.
Dislikes:
- A few customers noted that their dogs didn’t adjust to this food as quickly as they had hoped.
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Dog Food Appalachian Valley Small Breed – Venison
- Highly Digestible
- Tow Appalachian Small Breed 5# C=6; For Small Dogs
Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food is made with pasture-raised venison as the number one ingredient, which is rich in nutrients and energy and is easily digestible.
Each cup is packed full of 32% protein, meaning that this food is an excellent source of protein for lean and strong muscles.
Taste of The Wild uses ingredients from trusted, sustainable sources. Free from grain, corn, wheat, and filler.
Rich in minerals, protein, and fiber. Contains fiber from garbanzo beans, helping to support digestive health while prebiotic fiber from chicory root provides fuel for the probiotic bacteria in the digestive system.
Each pound of Taste of the Wild contains 80 million live active cultures! So rest assured that your Frenchie’s digestion will be supported.
Likes:
- Grain-free recipe designed for sensitive stomachs.
- Packed full of antioxidants that support your dog’s overall well-being.
- Designed with small breeds in mind! Provides the energy and nutrients your Frenchie needs to maintain their active nature.
Dislikes:
- A few customers found that the formula was inconsistent.
Head over heels in love with Frenchies? Be sure to check out all our French Bulldog articles to learn more about this adorable breed!
[mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” doNotOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”xylbru6pv5f0swalk8lp” ratio=”16:9″ thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/video/upload/xylbru6pv5f0swalk8lp.jpg” title=”What Can French Bulldogs Eat?” volume=”70″]
Options for Adults, Puppies, and Senior Dogs
For Adults: Purina Pro Plan Small & Toy Breed Formula
- Calcium, phosphorus and other minerals maintain strong bones and teeth
- Crunchy kibble and tender, shredded pieces for delicious taste and texture
A big name in the dog food game, the Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Formula is an excellent dry food choice for your adult Frenchie.
It contains the best of both worlds: crunchy kibble bits and softer, chewy pieces to give it varying texture and flavor for your French Bulldog to enjoy.
Purina’s Pro Plan dog food is loaded with essential vitamins such as vitamin E and A (to encourage a shiny coat), and powerful nutrients to keep your adult French Bulldog in the best of health.
Real lamb is used in this formula as the main ingredient, which would be wonderful for providing Frenchies with the high protein they need.
And, if you remember us mentioning the importance of these compounds earlier, phosphorous and calcium are a main priority in this doggy meal choice; promoting strong teeth and bones.
As an added bonus, Pro Plan includes live cultures in the food to keep your Frenchie’s digestive system running smoothly and comfortably.
Likes:
- Lamb, a bland (as not to upset your pet’s stomach) and dependable meat protein, is the main ingredient
- Loaded with vitamins that produce healthy coats and skin
- Phosphorous, calcium and other nutrients are included to promote healthy teeth and bones
- Includes both hard and meaty pieces to give your Frenchie variety in taste and texture
- Made with live cultures to encourage a well-running digestive system
- Affordable, even for those who may be on a budget
- 6 pounds of kibble per bag
Cons:
- Because of the densely packed nutrients, this formula may cause your Frenchie to vomit if their diet is quickly transitioned. It’s a good idea to introduce a new diet to your dog slowly over a period of weeks to months.
For Adults: Merrick Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
- ALL LIFE STAGES
- ADDED DHA FOR HEALTHY GROWTH
A wet dog food option for adult Frenchies, Merrick’s Grain-Free Dog Food is a natural option consisting of 96% real, high-quality, high-protein chicken.
The remaining 4% is added beneficial nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin E, and others to keep your French Bulldog healthy and strong while also encouraging a shiny, soft coat.
This pack comes with 12,13.2-ounce cans at an affordable price (for natural dog food choices, anyway).
The large amount of protein is blended into an easily chewable consistency for a taste and texture your Frenchie won’t be able to get enough of!
Likes:
- Made with ingredients sourced from the U.S of A
- Manufactured with 96% real chicken for the high protein your Frenchie needs and deserves
- Purchase includes 12, 13.2-ounce cans at an affordable, price for natural dog foods
- A range of vitamins are included to keep your French Bulldog strong and healthy
- A grain-free option for Frenchies that have sensitive stomachs
- A soft, chewable dog food option for adult dogs who may have tooth sensitivity
Dislikes:
- Like all wet dog foods, this dog food will have a strong odor and need to be refrigerated
- More expensive than conventional, more processed wet dog food options
For Puppies: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Puppy Food
- GRAIN-FREE RECIPE: Made with complex carbohydrates like potatoes and sweet potatoes, and none of the...
- PACKED WITH REAL CHICKEN: Starts with real chicken to satisfy your puppy’s cravings, part of a...
When it comes to puppies, many Frenchie owners look for a natural, more gentle food choice – and that’s where Blue Buffalo Wilderness’ Natural Puppy Food comes in.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness is known for its exceptional quality, holistic, carefully-crafted dog food varieties and this puppy food is no different.
Made with the same essential fatty acids that are found in your puppy’s mother’s milk, this may be an ideal choice for Frenchies who are recently weaned.
It’s manufactured with high protein compounds in the form of real chicken (and not just chicken flavor).
Not to mention the kibble is crafted with potent vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to promote the healthiest Frenchie puppy possible.
Though a bit on the expensive side, this could be a great transition food for very young French Bulldogs.
Likes:
- All-natural formula made without dyes and by-products
- Loaded with real chicken to give your baby Frenchie the protein they need to develop healthily
- Approved and made with key nutrients hand-picked by holistic veterinarians and dog nutritionists
- Crafted with essential fatty acids similar to those found in a mother Frenchie’s milk
Cons:
- Definitely pricey, but if you’re looking for a trustworthy, highly nutritious, and natural dog food option, it’s worth considering
For Seniors: Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food for Senior Dogs
- Balanced minerals for heart & kidney health
- Made with high quality ingredients to ensure optimal nutrient absorption
Made specifically with senior dogs in mind, the Hill’s Science Diet for Senior Dogs is a soft, soupy Frenchie food that’s easy on fragile teeth and specifically selected to be gentle on an older dog’s digestion.
Vitamins C and E help protect and strengthen an elderly dog’s immune system, encouraging them to fight disease in their old age.
Balanced minerals are included to target and strengthen the heart and kidneys for better function.
The high-quality protein in this doggy stew is braised beef mixed along with diced carrots and whole peas for a taste and texture senior dogs love.
Plus, it’s made with natural ingredients and veterinarian approved and recommended (what’s not to love about that?).
Likes:
- Vet approved and #1 dog food brand recommended
- Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins C and E as support for your senior Frenchie’s immune system
- Well-balanced minerals that target and strengthen the kidneys and heart
- Comes in an affordable pack of 6, 12.5-ounce cans
- Soupy, chewable consistency making it easy on tender teeth and fragile digestive systems
- Made with natural ingredients such as beef, peas, and carrots (among others)
Dislikes:
- This is wet food, so it does have an unpleasant odor and will need to be refrigerated if left out
Buyer’s Guide
There are a few things that you should take into consideration when buying food for your French Bulldog, but it primarily revolves around the fact that Frenchies are prone to developing health issues if their diet is not maintained properly.
Most importantly, you should always consult with a veterinarian before upending your Frenchie’s diet, as they are prone to developing obesity and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease).
Also consider picking up our new French Bulldog guidebook, The Owner’s Guide To The Perfect French Bulldog, for important facts and advice specific to Frenchies.
Raise your puppy the right way from the very beginning! This book is the only resource you’ll need – the one you turn to again and again. After all, isn’t your Frenchie worth it?
Although Frenchies’ coats are low maintenance to manage (see our Frenchie Grooming Guide here), when it comes to food, they require a high-quality, balanced diet to maintain a healthy body weight.
We’ve created a list of factors that you should always consider before switching your Frenchie’s food, and what will help you maintain their health.
Here is our list below.
A French Bulldog’s Build
Like Boxers, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs are brachycephalic (or short-nosed) dogs.
Because of the shape of their skull, Frenchies can develop issues with their breathing when fed a diet that results in canine obesity.
Being small to midsized dogs, French Bulldogs require a diet that is made with dogs of their size in mind. A French Bulldog should weigh anywhere between 18 to 28 pounds.
That may seem like a large weight range, but generally male Frenchies should be on the higher end of the spectrum (between 20 and 28 pounds) and females should be on the lower end (between 18-26 pounds).
Of course, their weight should also be in accordance with their height.
Ideally, French Bulldogs, both male, and female should be around 12 inches tall at the withers (more on size here).
If you happen to have a Frenchie that is below average height, consult with your veterinarian for a diet specifically tailored to your special little pup.
Health & Maintenance
As Frenchies are prone to developing health issues (learn what to look for in this article), they generally require a lot of maintenance.
With regards to your Frenchie’s food, you need to ensure your dog’s nutritional needs are met without overloading them with a high-calorie intake.
Overweight Frenchies can suffer from heart disease, diabetes, and often struggle to breathe.
French Bulldogs are also prone to obesity, so for them to gain a few pounds could easily escalate to more serious, chronic health problems.
Dog foods that contain wholesome ingredients with no by-products, artificial additives, or flavors with a moderate calorie content work well to help maintain your Frenchie’s balanced diet.
Nutrition: Protein, Fats, Calories
Another huge factor in food-selecting is the age. Young and old Frenchies alike require a selective group of nutrients to keep them in tip-top shape.
Like many dogs, protein is incredibly important in a Frenchie’s diet to maintain their muscle mass, strength, and fitness, though exercise is critical as well.
Find out how much they need here.
When looking for dog food for your Frenchie, it is important to find one with a low-to-moderate fat content, including omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and to maintain their healthy coats.
The best way to ensure that your Frenchie’s basic needs for calories and nutrition are met is to choose a high-quality dog food formulated specifically for smaller breeds.
As we’re sure most of you know, various dog foods are available specifically for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
It’s important to select food for your dog that will benefit them during whichever stage of their life they’re in.
Let’s take a look at some of the nutritional specifics geared towards Frenchies of varying ages.
Puppies
Puppies need a more concentrated amount of nutrients than adult dogs do, because of their rapidly developing bodies.
Nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus are focused heavily on in puppy foods, as they promote healthy bone growth.
If these nutrients lack in your puppy’s diet, it could result in skeletal problems later in life.
Adults
Adult Frenchies are a little simpler and generally require an uncomplicated food source with a wide range of balanced nutrients including proteins, fatty acids, fibers, and carbohydrates.
Specific nutrients aren’t usually focused on, as the goal for food for adult dogs is simply to maintain health.
There’s no need for excess nutrients because mature dogs are in their prime of health (compared to pups and seniors).
Seniors
Senior French Bulldogs benefit most from foods that contain higher levels of antioxidants, fatty acids, and higher amounts of protein.
Large amounts of protein are essential to the well being of a senior dog, compared to that of an adult or a puppy.
This is due to the fact that their bodies are becoming more fragile and susceptible to disease.
Our Ultimate Guide to the Best Dog Food and Treats is a terrific source for info on canine nutrition and explanations of common dog food ingredients.
Feeding & Eating Schedule
Something to consider is a feeding and eating schedule for your Frenchie to monitor their eating habits.
However, if you are thinking of creating a feeding schedule you should always consult with your vet first, as they will know how often your dog should be eating.
Generally speaking, smaller sized dogs burn calories faster, so they need to be fed more regularly.
Some French Bulldogs may experience spikes in energy and digestion issues when they are limited to two meals per day.
Keep your Frenchie and their tummy happy by sticking to three or four smaller meals.
A Frenchie that seems tired between meals might need an extra meal. You can experiment with three or four meals per day to find out what works best for your little one!
Hydration: Dry Vs. Wet Food
Dehydration in French bulldogs is a fairly common problem but is one you want to avoid as they are prone to overheating and developing sunstroke, particularly in the hotter months.
The amount of water a Frenchie needs will differ from day to day depending on how active they’ve been.
However, as Frenchies have flat faces and small muzzles, it is important to make sure that they are hydrated enough throughout the day as they struggle to regulate their own temperature.
When deciding which dog food to choose, something you should take into consideration is how much water is in the food you choose as well as how much water your Frenchie generally needs.
That being said, there are significant benefits to both dry and wet dog food.
Smaller sized dogs are more disposed to develop dental problems because of their smaller muzzles.
Frenchies may have an easier time eating soft wet foods, but more importantly they need the hard, dry kibble to help keep their crowded teeth clean.
As a result, dry kibble is generally perceived to be better, as it often provides the benefit of keeping any plaque buildup on your dog’s teeth at bay.
However, generally speaking dry dog food only contains 10% water which is significantly less than wet food, which usually consists of around 80% water.
If you are worried about your Frenchie’s water intake, you could always try a mixture of wet and dry food for an added boost of hydration.
If you would rather just stick to dry food, make sure to monitor their water intake alongside their meals and avoid very long walks in the hot weather to ensure your pooches’ health!
[mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” doNotOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”wfd2imrmult4k28r1ljv” ratio=”16:9″ thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1607185216/p009j6gjagpz9gefbvez.jpg” title=”Meet 6 Adorable French Bulldogs” volume=”70″]
Weight
Although they are adorable, Frenchies can be greedy pups!
As Frenchies are prone to developing obesity, something to keep in mind and to monitor is their weight and how their food and calorie intake is contributing to it.
Generally speaking, a male Frenchie should weigh between 20-28 pounds, whereas a female should weigh between 16-24 pounds.
Though weight does differ between dogs, your Frenchie could be at risk of obesity if they exceed this, and you should take them to a vet if you’re worried about them gaining weight.
Your vet may recommend that you switch up their food if it is particularly high in calories or suggest that you cut out one of their meals to get them to a healthier weight, but don’t change their diet without consulting your vet.
Your Frenchie’s Activity Level
Aside from the build of their body, a French Bulldog’s individual activity level plays a key role in determining the diet they’ll need.
Your Frenchie’s activity level generally reflects their weight. If your pet can’t tolerate even a small amount of activity, that could mean that he’s a tad bit overweight.
This 149-page ebook is the ultimate owner’s guide for the breed – packed with tips, tricks, and answers to the most popular and frequently asked questions. Avoid the frustration, lost time, and wasted money that comes with not knowing how to properly and easily care for your Frenchie.
To get a general idea of how much movement your Frenchie needs, a puppy requires 5 minutes of light exercise (such as short walks and playtime) per month of their life.
For example, a puppy that is 9 months old will need around an hour of exercise twice a day.
Alternatively, adult French Bulldogs should get at least 20 minutes of continuous exercise (such as walking) a day.
Be sure to keep a close eye on your Frenchie and watch out for signs of exhaustion, no matter the age.
Dry Food, Wet Food, or Both?
The consistency of the food your Frenchie eats is entirely dependent on their needs. Let’s go over a few of those:
For puppies, it’s usually a good idea to stick with small, dry kibbles, especially if they’re just now beginning to wean off of nursing.
Kibbles can be less upsetting to a puppy’s delicate stomach.
If you notice that your puppy is having a difficult time chewing the food, you can add some water to make the pieces softer.
Alternatively, you can introduce a plain, wet food into your puppy’s diet, as wet food is far easier to chew.
Adult Frenchies can either eat dry food, wet food, or a combination of both.
Of course, it’s important to slowly introduce new products into your pet’s diet, as a quick change isn’t a good thing and will most likely upset their digestive system.
Lastly, Senior dogs may benefit from wet foods.
When Frenchies get older, their teeth and gums become more sensitive, often leading to tooth decay and eventually partially-toothless doggy smiles.
Soft, wet foods are easier to chew and therefore a better option than hard kibble choices.
Now, let’s take a look at some overall advantages and disadvantages of wet and dry foods for French Bulldogs:
Wet Frenchie Food
Pros:
- Wet food contains more water, and is, therefore, more hydrating than dry dog foods.
- It’s less processed than kibbles.
- May contain a higher amount of nutrients than alternatives.
- Has a more desirable consistency to adult and senior Frenchies.
Cons:
- Wet food will spoil extremely quickly, unlike dry foods. Any leftover bites will need to be refrigerated (which, in turn, may stink up your refrigerator).
- If your dog is a mess in the kitchen, you can expect smelly, wet dog food to be all over the place.
- Quality wet food can be on the more expensive side of the spectrum.
Dry Frenchie Food
Pros:
- Affordable and usually costs less than wet food alternatives.
- Though more affordable, dry food still contains decent amounts of nutrients that are essential for a healthy French Bulldog.
- Unlike wet food, kibble won’t spoil or need to be refrigerated.
- Makes less of a mess than wet food.
- Less odorous than wet food options.
Cons:
- Extremely cheap brands of kibble contain unnecessary fillers and ingredients that could possibly pose a threat to your dog’s health.
- Can be harder for some puppies and senior Frenchies to chew.
- Is more processed than wet food options.
Consult With Your Vet
The most important thing to know before purchasing new dog food for your Frenchie is to consult with your vet before you make any drastic changes to their diet.
Although your own research is important when buying a new dog food, the vet should be your first point of contact as they will be able to advise you on what ingredients to avoid, how often you should be feeding your Frenchie, and how to manage their weight too.
As Frenchies are predisposed to develop health issues, your vet will also be able to advise you on the best way to keep your Frenchie a happy and healthy pup!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are French Bulldogs Prone to Food Allergies?
Allergies in dogs do change from dog to dog, but in short – yes, Frenchies can be prone to food allergies.
As a result, some owners opt to give their Frenchies grain-free food in fear of them developing an allergy, but you should always figure out what works best for your dog as it isn’t a one-size fits all situation.
In some cases, severe allergic reactions can escalate to what is known as French Bulldog IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease).
IBD in bulldogs can affect both their stomach and intestinal tracts.
Though inflammatory bowel disease is most commonly treated with a special diet and anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive agents, it is important to note that you should always consult with a veterinarian when it comes to your dog’s health if they should develop a medical condition.
Are French Bulldogs Fussy Eaters?
French bulldogs like their food and are not generally fussy eaters, which can make them quite greedy!
This is why they can put on too much weight if they are not correctly exercised and fed the right amount of food every day depending on their weight and age.
As Frenchies are prone to developing diabetes and obesity, their diet is incredibly important.
Caution should be taken when feeding a Frenchie as it is fundamental to their health that they maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
If your Frenchie is a fussy eater or you notice that they are having new aversions to food, it could mean they have a food allergy or intolerance that you need to get checked out.
Symptoms of a food allergy may include:
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
- Rumbling stomach and increased flatulence.
- Bloody stool.
- Weight loss.
- Lack of normal appetite.
- Itchy or inflamed skin.
If your Frenchie is displaying any signs of a food allergy it is important that you get them checked out by a vet immediately.
Should I Feed My Frenchie Grain or Grain-Free Food?
There is a common misconception that grain-free food is better for dogs, but this isn’t necessarily true.
The answer to this question entirely depends on your preference and your dog’s health, but there is no simple answer unless your dog is definitely allergic to an ingredient or experiences food aversions.
French bulldogs are prone to suffering quite a few health issues, but these differ from dog to dog. Generally speaking, Frenchies can be quite gassy.
Some dog foods can either ease or exacerbate this issue, so be mindful of that when buying your dog’s food.
When in doubt, speak to your vet.
Unless you notice a significant or negative change in your dog or a veterinarian confirms that your dog has a grain allergy or sensitivity, there’s no need to exclusively follow a grain-free diet.
Experiment until you find the right fit for your Frenchie!
How Much Should I Feed My French Bulldog Puppy
When you bring your French Bulldog puppy home, he should be fully weaned off his mother’s milk and used to eating puppy food.
It’s important that young puppies eat dog food designed for puppies.
Some dog owners who bring a French Bulldog puppy into a home where an adult dog already resides are tempted to feed the puppy the adult dog’s food because it’s easier and they won’t have to purchase two different kinds of dog food.
This is a huge mistake because adult dog food does not have the same nutrients, proteins, fat, and vitamins as is needed by puppies.
French Bulldog puppies from 8 weeks to 12 weeks of age should be fed three or four times a day, although most feed their puppies three times a day for a total of 1 and ½ cups of puppy food.
Each feeding the puppy should get ½ of a cup of puppy food.
French Bulldogs do have a tendency of continuing to eat as long as food in front of them, so it’s important to spread the food out into three times a day.
Another reason for feeding them three or four times a day rather than once a day is to prevent their blood sugar levels from rising and falling too drastically.
They can get this amount of food daily until they’re almost six months old. If you were feeding the puppy four times a day, you can reduce it to three times a day at this time.
Once French Bulldogs get to be six months and older, they should have about 25 to 30 calories for each pound of the dog’s weight.
For instance, a 20-pound dog should get 500-600 calories (20 x 25 or 20 x 30) per day. A 30-pound French Bulldog should get 750-900 calories per day (30 x 25 or 30 x 30).
Many find this method to be difficult and time-consuming and choose to use the amount-per-pound method.
Here is a chart showing amounts of food, in cups, the puppy should be fed daily based on its weight:
- 17-pound dog – 1 + 3/8 cups
- 19-pound dog – 1 + ½ cups
- 22-pound dog – 1 + 5/8 cups
- 24-pound dog – 1 + 5/8 cups
- 26-pound dog – 1 + ¾ cups
- 30-pound dog – 2 cups
How to Introduce New Foods to Your French Bulldog Puppy
Every dog owner has a different preference regarding what brand or type of dog food they feed their dog.
Some may choose the cheapest brand while others may be looking for a certain protein/fat percentage, and others may go strictly by the best-known brands.
Although it’s important to feed your French Bulldog puppy high-quality dog food, it’s up to you to choose the type of food you want to feed your puppy.
It may not be the same brand that the breeder was feeding him.
While it may be perfectly all right to switch your puppy to the brand you want to use, it’s vital that you transition the puppy to the new food gradually.
Failure to do so can result in the pup getting diarrhea or becoming sick.
When you begin the transition, give the pup a mixture of ¾ of the old food and ¼ of the new food.
If you normally give the puppy ½ of food at a feeding, give him 1/8 cup of the new food and 3/8 of the old food.
Mix the food together so the puppy doesn’t pick out one and leave the other. Every couple of days you can add more of the new food and less of the old.
The transition should take about two weeks. It could take longer if the puppy has a sensitive stomach.
Which “Human Foods” Are Safe to Feed Your Frenchie?
Back in the day, leftovers and table scraps were what made up most of the family dog’s diet.
At least, this was the case until vets and nutrition specialists started saying that table scraps weren’t good for your dog – at least not a steady diet of table scraps.
For as long as dogs have been around, they’ve enjoyed eating “people food”. Your French Bulldog puppy will be no exception.
Despite many vets saying not to give dogs people food, there are some foods that are not only okay to give your French Bulldog but also are actually healthy for him.
Here is a list of 10 foods that are okay to give your Frenchie and also foods they might enjoy.
YES! Frenchies can try these:
- Certain fruits – These include apples, blueberries, blackberries, bananas, oranges, peaches, pineapple, mango, raspberries and cranberries.
- Certain vegetables – These include spinach, green beans, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cucumbers, celery, sweet potatoes, peas and carrots.
- Peanut butter – Many dog owners make homemade dog treats with peanut butter.
- Yogurt – Dogs love yogurt, and it is a healthy food for your Frenchie, it should be given in moderation.
- Cheese – Cheese is an excellent choice of vitamin A, calcium, protein and B-vitamins but should also be given in moderation. Like humans, some dogs may have difficulties with dairy products.
- Chicken, turkey or beef – Any of these items are good for your dog, whether as part of the family’s leftovers or as part of some dog scraps.
- Fish products – Salmon and tuna are excellent sources of protein, and dogs usually enjoy them.
- Popcorn – Don’t be afraid to share your bowl of popcorn with your Frenchie because they love popcorn!
- Rice – Rice not only tastes good but is also really good for an upset stomach.
- Pumpkin – Pumpkin is great for diarrhea or upset stomach and also tastes very good. Vets recommend fresh pumpkin over canned pumpkin.
While some human foods can be safe for your Frenchie to eat, other foods may be not just unsafe but even fatal to the dog. Here is a list of 10 foods your Frenchie should not have.
NO! Not for any dogs, including French Bulldogs:
- Avocados – Avocados contain persin, a toxin that can be harmful and even fatal to your Frenchie.
- Onions – This includes onions, chives, shallots and garlic.
- Corn on the cob – The corn may be healthy, but the cob can pose a choking risk.
- Grapes and raisins – These two foods can cause damage to your Frenchie’s kidneys.
- Pineapple skin – Pineapples may be good for the dog, but the outer skin can cause intestinal blockage or scratch the inside of the dog’s mouth.
- Beer – Hops, an ingredient in beer can cause high body temperatures, and Frenchies are susceptible to heatstroke.
- Apple seeds – While apples may be good for a Frenchie, apple seeds can cause cyanide poisoning in the dog.
- Chocolate – A small amount of chocolate may be a treat, but too much can be fatal to dogs.
- Salt – Too much salt in your Frenchie’s diet can cause numerous health problems.
- Foods with xylitol – Products such as toothpaste, diet foods, gum and certain candies, contain a sweetener called xylitol, which can cause lethargy, vomiting, liver failure and even death.
The important thing to remember when giving your dog food other than dog food is moderation.
Also, if you’re introducing your Frenchie to a new type of “human food”, give a small amount until you’re sure the dog can handle it well.
Read more about what foods are okay for Frenchies in this article.
Final Thoughts
Frenchies are without a doubt a unique breed – and unique dogs have unique nutritional needs.
When it comes to French Bulldogs, high-protein foods packed with essential vitamins and minerals are a must.
But, as with all things, the best dog food for your Frenchie will come down to his or her specific needs.
Consider your dog’s physical abilities, whether they’re overweight or underweight, their age, and health concerns (if any) as you shop around for a suitable diet.
We hope we were able to give you some insight on the best food for French Bulldogs!
* Before starting your Frenchie on any supplements, always first check with your veterinarian. *
Last update on 2024-12-09 at 16:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API