Share This Article
French bulldogs may hail from the land of croissants and café au lait, but their dietary needs are anything but continental. These petite dogs have specific nutritional requirements that set them apart from other breeds, and it's crucial to understand these differences when selecting their food.
After all, wouldn't you want your Frenchie to be fueled for adventures, not afternoon naps (although those are important too)? However, with countless dog food options lining the shelves, each claiming to be the best, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
Should you go grain-free? Raw? Limited ingredient?
Don't worry; we're here to help!
In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the specific dietary requirements of French bulldogs, taking into account their unique physiology, common health concerns, and life stages. We'll also explore the importance of high-quality protein sources, the role of healthy fats, and the delicate balance of vitamins and minerals needed to keep your Frenchie in tip-top shape.
What to Think About When Buying Dog Food for Your French Bulldog
French bulldogs, like other dog breeds, have specific nutritional needs to stay happy and healthy. Here's a breakdown of the important things to consider for their diet:
Food Quality
Choose dog foods that offer a balanced mix of nutrients. You'll want something with a named animal protein source (chicken, salmon) listed as the first ingredient. At the same time, you must avoid high-carb foods (corn, wheat, and soy) to manage weight and prevent digestive issues.
Avoid dog foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Natural preservatives like tocopherols (vitamin E) are preferable. Considering their sensitive stomachs, you can choose dog food with prebiotics or probiotics to support gut health.
Food Allergies
French bulldogs can have sensitive stomachs and be prone to allergies that trigger digestive problems like chronic diarrhea or loose stools. So, look for easily digestible ingredients and consider dog foods formulated for sensitive stomachs.
Calorie Needs
French bulldogs can be susceptible to weight gain, due to their stature. This, coupled with their love for food, makes them more susceptible to obesity, so you’ll want to watch their calorie intake. A diet lower in carbohydrates and with controlled portions is crucial to prevent weight gain-related health problems.
French Bulldog’s Special Health Needs
Due to their short snouts, French bulldogs can struggle to breathe, especially during exercise or hot weather. This can make eating challenging and tiring for them. Choosing smaller kibble pieces or softer food options like wet food can make mealtime easier.
Life Stage
You wouldn’t feed your older dog puppy food! Take note of your pup’s life stage while you’re comparing and contrasting dog food options. Puppies typically need an extra boost of protein and vitamins that help them through their growth spurts.
Wet Versus Dry Food
Wet food can be an excellent option for French bulldogs because it’s easier for them to eat. A little wet food can also make a good supplement to kibble that’s not as nutrient-dense, just be sure to keep an eye on your pup’s calorie intake.
Your French Bulldog’s Preferences
French bulldogs have unique dietary requirements. Consider their age, weight, activity level, and any specific health issues they might have – but also consider which flavors your pup seems to like best. For example, if your Frenchie goes crazy for chicken over seafood, try to stick with the chicken to keep them happy.
The Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs
Our team researches popular dog products to provide reviews and insights. If you choose to purchase using the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which helps support our work at no additional cost to you.
When choosing the best dog food for French bulldogs, we focused on several key factors — nutritional quality, protein content, ingredient quality, and overall value. We also considered expert reviews, customer feedback, and specific dietary needs. Here are our picks:
1. Bully Max 26/14 Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
This kibble is super nutrient-dense and is specially shaped for small breeds – plus, it’s suitable for all life stages.
Key Notes
High Protein Content, Nutrient-Dense Recipe, No Fillers/By-Products.
Bully Max 26/14 boasts a high protein-to-fat ratio that supports your French bulldog’s muscular build and energy levels. The small, easy-to-chew kibble is perfect for their short snouts and smaller jaws. It also contains essential nutrients like antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and probiotics that promote immune health, a shiny coat, and optimal digestion.
The best part is that Bully Max 26/14 is suitable for all life stages and free of low-quality fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. However, the potentially higher price tag might be a drawback for some pet parents.
Pros
- Good for any life stage
- No fillers or by-products
- Easy to eat and digest
Cons
- More expensive than other options
2. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog Adult
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This kibble was made for French bulldogs specifically, from the kibble shape to the nutritional chemistry, making it an ideal dog food.
Key Notes
Breed-Specific Formula, Specialized Kibble Shape, Supports Overall Health.
Royal Canin’s breed-specific formula is designed with the nutritional needs of French bulldogs in mind. It provides a balanced diet with optimal protein levels to support muscle mass and nutrients like EPA and DHA for healthy skin and coat. The specialized kibble shape further helps reduce digestive issues.
It’s an excellent choice for French bulldogs, backed by Royal Canin’s reputation for quality. However, some owners may find the kibble a bit small and the price point on the higher side.
Pros
- Breed-specific for Frenchies
- Nutrient-dense with optimal protein levels
- Easy to digest
Cons
- A bit pricy
- Kibbles may be a little small
3. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Dog Food With Probiotics
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Purina Pro Plan offers a solid level of protein in this kibble, in addition to live probiotics which can be helpful for Frenchies.
Key Notes
High Protein, Live Probiotics, Bite-Sized Kibble.
Purina Pro Plan offers a small breed formula that prioritizes sensitive digestion. Its blend of prebiotics and probiotics promotes gut health, which can be beneficial for French bulldogs prone to digestive issues. The smaller kibble size is also suitable for their short snouts.
Although not specifically formulated for French bulldogs, this high-quality option provides excellent value for the price. It’s a solid choice for Frenchies, but it may not address all of their breed-specific needs.
Pros
- Live probiotics, promoting gut health
- Good value for the price
- Excellent source of protein
Cons
- Not formulated for Frenchies – may need nutritional supplements
4. Hill’s Science Diet Light
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This protein-packed kibble is an excellent choice for Frenchie owners who are managing their pup’s weight.
Key Notes
Weight Management, Lean Protein, Clinically Proven Antioxidants
Hill’s Science Diet Light is excellent for French bulldogs prone to weight gain. The recipe features lean protein to support muscle mass while limiting excess calories. Clinically proven antioxidants support immune health.
Some owners may prefer a grain-free option, which this food does not provide. Additionally, the kibble size may be a bit large for some Frenchies. However, for those looking to manage their Frenchie’s weight, this food is a reliable choice backed by scientific research.
Pros
- Excellent for weight management
- Supports immune health with antioxidants
- Nutrient-dense
Cons
- Kibble may be a bit big
- Not grain-free
5. Nulo Freestyle Adult Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Nulo Freesyle offers a grain-free kibble packed with protein – a great choice if your pup has been recommended a grain-free diet!
Key Notes
Grain-Free, High Meat Content, Patented BC30 Probiotic
Nulo Freestyle’s Adult formula boasts an impressive 80% animal-based protein content, ensuring your French bulldog gets the high-quality protein they need. The grain-free recipe includes a patented BC30 probiotic to support digestion and immunity. Be sure to talk to your vet about going grain-free, though, as it can sometimes have adverse effects for pups.
On the downside, the higher price point may be a deterrent for some owners. Additionally, the high protein content may not be suitable for all French bulldogs, particularly those with kidney issues. Nonetheless, this grain-free, protein-rich food is a top-notch choice for healthy, active Frenchies.
Pros
- Very high protein content
- Includes probiotics for digestion
- Good grain-free option
Cons
- Grain-free diets are not always suitable for Frenchies
- More expensive than other options
- May be too much protein for some pups
Your Guide to Buying Dog Food for French Bulldogs
Selecting the right dog food for your French bulldog can be daunting, especially with the many options available and confusing labels.
Remember, there’s no single “best” dog food for all French bulldogs. By understanding their special needs and consulting your veterinarian, you can choose a food that keeps them healthy, happy, and ready to take on the world.
What Do French Bulldogs Need for Nutrients?
French bulldogs are muscular little guys, so protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Look for a dog food that lists a high-quality animal protein, such as chicken, beef, or lamb, as the first ingredient.
Fats provide energy and help your Frenchie absorb essential vitamins. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat. Good sources of healthy fats for French bulldogs include fish, flaxseed, and coconut oil.
Carbohydrates provide energy for your Frenchie’s daily activities. Opt for complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes or brown rice for sustained energy. However, French bulldogs are prone to weight gain, so avoid foods high in carbohydrates, such as corn, wheat, and soy.
French bulldogs need a variety of vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, just like any other dog. Look for dog food that contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth and vitamin-E for a healthy immune system.
How Do I Read Dog Food Labels?
When you’re deciding between dog foods, you’ll want to look at the “Guaranteed Analysis” to get nutritional information. The Guaranteed Analysis provides information on the nutrient content of the food. Look for:
- Protein: At least 18-22% for adult dogs and higher for puppies.
- Fat: Around 8-12% for adults, slightly higher for puppies.
- Fiber: Moderate fiber content (3-6%) can aid digestion.
You must also review the ingredient list printed on the pack. In case you didn’t already know, ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. So, make sure to verify that high-quality protein is at the top of the list and that there are no unidentified meat by-products.
In addition, you’ll want to look at the claims on the label. Most dog foods make many claims — some verified, some just marketing gimmicks. Look for labels like:
- Complete and Balanced: Indicates that the food meets the nutritional standards set by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) for a particular life stage.
- Natural: The food is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- Grain-Free: It doesn’t contain grains like wheat, corn, or soy, which can benefit dogs with allergies. Be sure to check with your vet about going grain-free, though!
Do French Bulldogs Have Health Issues Outside of Breathing and Digestion?
Most Frenchie owners know that this breed is prone to breathing problems, overeating, and other digestive issues. However, there are a couple of other issues to keep in mind when feeding your Frenchie.
The first is dental health, which is the most common chronic health problem in dogs. French bulldogs are more susceptible to it due to their underbite and brachycephaly (overcrowded teeth). Dry kibble can help maintain dental health to some extent, but you must also look for dog foods specifically formulated for dental care.
You’ll also want to be on the lookout for heat sensitivity. French bulldogs can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively due to their short snouts and flat faces. Therefore, avoiding high-fat diets during hot weather is advisable, as fat takes more energy to burn and can contribute to overheating.
How Do I Feed My French Bulldog the Healthy Way?
Feeding your French bulldog the right way is essential for their overall well-being. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:
- Stick to a Schedule: Feed your Frenchie two to three times daily to maintain a healthy digestive system. Free-feeding can lead to overeating and obesity, so stick to scheduled meals. When giving treats, opt for healthy options like small pieces of cooked chicken or dog-friendly fruits and vegetables.
- Control Portions: Use a measuring cup to ensure you feed the appropriate amount based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Avoid feeding your French bulldog table scraps, as many human foods can be harmful or lead to weight gain.
- Provide Fresh Water: Always have a bowl of clean water available for your Frenchie to stay hydrated.
- Choose the Right Bowl: Use a shallow, wide bowl to accommodate your Frenchie’s flat face and prevent discomfort while eating.
- Monitor Weight: Regularly check your French bulldog’s weight and adjust their food intake to maintain a healthy body.
- Introduce New Foods Gradually: If you decide to change your Frenchie’s food, do so gradually over a week to avoid digestive upset.
By following these feeding tips, you can help ensure your French bulldog maintains a healthy weight, enjoys its meals, and receives the nutrition it needs to thrive. We recommend working closely with your veterinarian to create a tailored feeding plan that meets your dog’s needs.
Craft the Perfect Menu for Your French Bulldog
Your French bulldog relies on you to make the right choices for their well-being. So, take pride in being a responsible and loving pet parent. With a balanced diet, plenty of love, and regular check-ups with your veterinarian, your Frenchie will be by your side, snorting, snuggling, and bringing joy to your life for years to come.
Now, go forth and fill that bowl with the perfect combination of nutrients and deliciousness. Your French bulldog’s tail will be wagging in anticipation, and their tummy will thank you for your dedication to their health.