Dog owners only ever want the best for their four-legged friends; toys they can have plenty of fun with, love, affection, good food, and above all, good health. French bulldogs are sweet, friendly, loveable, small breed dogs that require plenty of care and attention to ensure they can live their best lives. Because of the breeding process with French bulldogs, they often suffer from issues with breathing and pregnancy. As well as struggling to maintain a healthy body weight owing to being so small and stocky. The best dog food for french bulldogs needs to be carefully balanced and promote healthy digestion to regulate their body weight and guarantee a healthy lifestyle.
But finding the right food can be tricky - that's where we come in! This guide has been written to help you pick the ideal food for your Frenchie by reviewing the different formulas and pros and cons of each of our top choices.
Key Takeaways:
- French Bulldogs are susceptible to excessive weight gain in adulthood and should be carefully monitored.
- A Frenchie's diet should have enough protein to support muscle growth and recovery.
- Fiber is essential to ease digestion as French Bulldogs can be prone to digestive difficulty.
- It's best to stick with food that is catered specifically for French Bulldogs or small breeds.
- Older French Bulldogs should have lower-calorie diets to reduce fat production.
A Quick Overview of Our Favorites
*Ratings are from Amazon and Chewy at the time of publication and can change.
The 10 Best French Bulldog Foods
1 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Pea Fiber
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 326 kcal/cup
- Allergens: Chicken, Barley, Oatmeal, Flaxseed, Salt (irritant), Garlic, Dried Yeast
- Flavor: Chicken & Brown Rice
- Type: Dry Food
- Life Stage: Adult
The Blue Buffalo Life Source formula is designed to provide dogs with the nutrition and antioxidants to encourage a strong immune system and better overall health. The Healthy Weight range specifically has been carefully formulated using high-quality, high-fiber chicken and easily digestible brown rice to enable smooth digestion and better nutrient absorption.
This food also helps to avoid the common problem of weight gain as well as ensures your Frenchie is less likely to develop problems with stool consistency, making them an all-around more comfortable pup. Just be mindful of the use of Garlic, yeast, and salt in this recipe. They aren’t allergens, but they can be potential stomach irritants for particularly sensitive pups.
For more information on the brand, check out our Blue Buffalo Dog Food review.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Pea Fiber, Pea Starch, Oatmeal, Peas, Potato Starch, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (Source of Omega 3 And 6 Fatty Acids), Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Potatoes, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Chicory Root, Choline Chloride, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Salt, Dl-Methionine, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic, L-Carnitine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice For Color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium
- This highly digestible food is great for dogs that frequently experience gastrointestinal difficulty.
- Provides support for the immune system with antioxidants.
- Allergens include; Chicken, Barley, Oatmeal, and Flaxseed.
2 Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food
- Brand: Royal Canin
- First 5 ingredients: Brewers Rice, Wheat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken
- Calories: 330 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
Better digestion has an impact on your dog’s overall health as the food being consumed is being broken down more easily, meaning your Frenchie is getting the full benefit of what they’re eating. This is where Royal Canin’s food for French bulldogs comes into play.
Royal Canin has utilized brewers’ rice and wheat in this formula in order to put a heavy focus on supplying a good amount of dietary fiber to ensure proper digestion. Not only does this food help your French bulldog to process its food more smoothly, but it is also a lean recipe with a relatively low caloric density.
Brewers Rice, Wheat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten, Natural Flavors, Pork Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Fish Oil, Vegetable Oil, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Fructooligosaccharides, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Inositol, Niacin Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin A Acetate, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), L-Tyrosine, L-Lysine, Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Tea, L-Carnitine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Rosemary Extract, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid.
- The kibble shape and size are easily manageable for Frenchies.
- A low caloric density for frenchies that struggle to maintain their weight.
- Major allergens (wheat and gluten) are listed within the first five ingredients of the recipe.
3 Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, Brewers Rice
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 352 kcal/cup
- Allergens: Chicken, Barley, Oatmeal, Flaxseed, Egg, Salt (irritant)
- Flavor: Chicken & Brown Rice
- Type: Dry Food
- Life Stage: Adult
Nutro’s Natural Choice is a more generalized dog food targeted at small breeds with a focus on the typical problems that small breeds dogs tend to encounter – weight issues and sensitivities. Most small dogs are actually highly energetic, as many small breeds were originally created for jobs such as rodent hunting. Therefore they often require a careful balance of rich protein and fiber to maintain the correct fitness level to match their natural energy levels.
This chicken and brown rice barley is another classic recipe that is known to help settle difficult stomaches, provide plenty of fiber for easy digestion, and give your dog a good amount of protein for better muscle development and growth. This is particularly helpful with French bulldog puppies who are known for being quite high maintenance and active.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Rice Bran, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Whole Flaxseed, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Citric Acid (preservative), Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Chia Seed, Dried Coconut, DL-Methionine, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Egg Product, Dried Pumpkin, Dried Kale, Dried Spinach, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Sodium Selenite, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
- The flavor range is extensive and also includes novel proteins.
- Doesn’t contain any GMOs, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- The kibble is very small which could be a problem for fast eaters.
4 Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Brand: Wellness CORE
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas
- Primary Protein Source: Turkey & Chicken
- Calories: 366 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey
- Life Stage: Adult
Wellness CORE’s reduced fat range is ideally suited to adult Frenchie’s that may be slightly less active or have a slower metabolism. Less fat enables your dog to develop a leaner, stronger muscle mass that can help to better support the body during high-energy activities and long exercise. Furthermore, a balanced diet and a healthy body weight result in healthier joints, meaning less strain on the body and a more active dog for longer.
The Wellness CORE grain-free range is also impressively low on potential allergens. When looking through the recipe we noticed only two potentially problematic ingredients. One of which being chicken, which is only a problem to dogs that have developed this particular protein allergy, and flaxseed, which is a low-risk ingredient whereby the risk is worth it for the nutritional value it holds.
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Ground Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Chicken Flavor, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
- Wellness Core prioritizes fresh deboned chicken as the first ingredient.
- A grain-free recipe ideal for dogs with particular food allergies.
- The flavor options are extremely limited with this particular range.
5 Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Recipe
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Whole Peas, Sweet Potato
- Primary Proteins: Deboned Salmon, Turkey, Menhaden Fish, Chicken
- Calories: 424 kcal/cup
- Allergens: Chicken, Yeast, Salt (irritant)
- Flavor: Salmon & Peas
- Type: Dry Food
- Life Stage: Adult
Many French Bulldogs are known to struggle with joint issues owing to the fact that selective breeding had led to their short stature and unusual skeleton. Most importantly, Frenchies need support for their hips and knees in order to remain active for as long as possible. French Bulldog puppies are very active, but run the risk of causing injury that could result in early-onset difficulties, but a supportive diet can help to support recovery and avoid this problem for longer.
Not only is it good for joints and promoting healthy skin, but the limited grain-free recipe is perfect for maintaining a carefully-balanced diet with less chance of food allergies forming. By sticking with the Nulo brand you can easily monitor what your dog is eating and ensure they’re getting the full benefit of this food. So for Frenchies with particularly sensitive stomachs, this is a range worth trying.
Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Whole Peas, Sweet Potato, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Chickpeas, Deboned Turkey, Lentils, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Yeast Culture, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Blueberries, Dried Apples, Dried Tomatoes, Dried Carrots, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Iron Proteinate, Niacin, Copper Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
- The recipe contains very few ingredients that could be problematic.
- Four antioxidant sources to help strengthen a dog’s immune system.
- Quite a high caloric density which is a problem for overweight dogs.
6 Purina ONE SmartBlend Formula Adult Dog Food
- Brand: Purina ONE
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Rice Flour, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal
- Primary Protein Source: Turkey & Chicken
- Calories: 320 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey
- Life Stage: Adult
The ideal Frenchie food enables them to maintain a good body weight, which has the knock-on effect of enabling them to be more active with one feeding the other – therefore requiring minimal human intervention such as dieting. The way in which Purina One’s Smart Blend is catered to the French bulldog breed definitely earns it a spot on our list, thanks to the high protein content and highly-digestible ingredients.
The only downside to this recipe is that there are quite a few allergens as it’s not a grain-free dog food. Though keep in mind this is only a problem for dogs that experience sensitivities towards these ingredients – otherwise, these potential allergens do provide a plethora of health benefits when kept in the formula, including omega fatty acids, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Turkey, Rice Flour, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Oat Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Germ Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Soybean Germ Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Natural Flavor, Glycerin, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Caramel Color, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Dried Carrots, Dried Peas, Potassium Chloride, VITAMINS [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], MINERALS [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Choline Chloride, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride. F417519.
- Low caloric density ideal for dogs with weight problems.
- This SmartBlend has fresh chicken as the first ingredient.
- Soy and gluten are both listed within the first five ingredients.
7 AvoDerm Weight Support Chicken Meal & Rice Dog Food
- Brand: AvoDerm
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Rice Bran, Oatmeal
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken
- Calories: 329 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: All
AvoDerm’s weight support recipe is specifically designed to maintain the body weight of small, typically overweight breeds such as pugs, and English and French bulldogs. This is dog food that not only has your dog’s weight in mind but also their overall health and body function. AvoDerm is easily one of the best dry dog food choices on this list because of the well-balanced diet they have formulated.
This balanced formula includes antioxidants for a stronger immune system, fatty acids to care for their skin and coat, and brown rice, bran, alfalfa, and many other highly digestible ingredients. However, whilst they have avoided some troublesome ingredients such as soy, corn, and wheat, there are still a few that have a limited chance of triggering a reaction such as yeast, oatmeal, and flaxseed.
Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Rice Bran, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Avocado, Natural Flavor, Alfalfa Meal, Dried Tomato Pomace, Flax Seed (Source of Omega 3), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Kelp Meal, Avocado Oil, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, a-Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Niacin, Biotin, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Source of Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Iodate), Rosemary Extract, Sage Extract, Pineapple Stem, Papaya Extract, Dehydrated Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Bifidobacterium Thermophilum Fermentation Product, Dehydrated Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product.
- Free from corn, wheat, soy, by-product meals, and artificial colors and flavors.
- The high protein content helps to support muscle recovery for active pups.
- Not all dogs take well to the flavor or may take longer to adjust.
8 Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Corn Gluten Meal, Rice, Poultry By-product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal
- Primary Proteins: Lamb, Beef
- Calories:396 kcal/cup
- Allergens: Beef, Gluten, Wheat, Corn, Egg, Yeast, Soybean, Salt (irritant), Garlic
- Flavor: Lamb & Rice
- Type: Dry Food
- Life Stage: Adult
Purina Pro Plan’s lamb and rice formula is not only delicious and a refreshing change from the norm of chicken, but it is also centered around the focus of strengthening your French Bulldog’s bones – something that is key to Frenchie development. With Calcium Pantothenate high up the list of ingredients alongside a plethora of other bone-strengthening ingredients such as Vitamin A, Potassium, and Vitamin D to name a few.
Fortunately, lamb is high in both fiber and protein meaning it aids in the digestibility of this food as well as helping Frenchies to develop stronger muscle mass which further reinforced the skeleton. This is a particularly good formula for young adults just moving over from Frenchie puppy food, as the heightened calcium will ensure they’re supported until their development is complete.
Lamb, Corn Gluten Meal, Rice, Poultry By-product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Wheat, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Corn Germ Meal, Dried Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Glycerin, Dried Yeast, Calcium Carbonate, Wheat Bran, Soybean Oil, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Choline Chloride, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (Vitamin C), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Garlic Oil. D439419.
- Great calcium levels to support a strong skeleton.
- Lamb is listed as the first ingredient which reflects the recipe quality.
- Changes to the kibble shape and size could make it tricky to eat.
9 Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Turkey, Salmon
- Calories: 404 kcal/cup
- Allergens: Chicken, Barley, Oatmeal, Quinoa, Flaxseed, Salt (irritant)
- Flavor: Chicken
- Type: Dry Food
- Life Stage: Adult
Merrick’s small breed recipe dry dog food utilizes the use of healthy grains such as quinoa, flaxseed, alfalfa meal, and chia seed alongside fruits and vegetables such as carrots, and apples to provide multiple rich sources of vitamins and minerals for the best body function support possible through a healthy, well-rounded diet.
Fortunately, the Merrick range uses deboned chicken as the key ingredient alongside brown rice – making it high in healthy fiber and particularly good for dogs that may struggle with the consistency of their stools. Furthermore, this is a higher caloric-content recipe than some of the others on our list, meaning you won’t need to feed your dog as much as many other brands, making the bag last longer.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat, Quinoa, Salmon Meal, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Salt, Sunflower Oil, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Carrots, Apples, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Taurine, Chia Seed, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Citric Acid for freshness, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product.
- Available in a range of three flavors – great for picky dogs.
- High nutritional density which supports overall health and development.
- This is not suitable for dogs that struggle with excessive weight gain.
10 CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Healthy Weight Formula Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 409 kcal/cup
- Allergens: Chicken
- Flavor: Real Chicken & Pea
- Type: Dry Food
- Life Stage: Adult
The Canidae Pure Goodness range uses premium quality protein as the first ingredient to emphasize the type of quality you can expect with this food. Looking more closely at the recipe we can see that they have not used any artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors and have opted to avoid grains altogether with not a single allergen in the formula besides chicken (which is a very specific and slowly developed low-risk allergy).
We also like the fact that Canidae is so proud of its recipe that the first nine ingredients are listed for all to see right on the front of the bag. This is something many dog food companies tend to avoid for fear of putting off the buyers. However, we can see plainly that the first ingredients provide plenty of protein, with sweet potatoes being used as delicious carbohydrates to provide energy and additional fiber. This is a well-balanced dog food with a lot to offer.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Garbanzo Beans, Potatoes, Suncured Alfalfa, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Taurine, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract. Contains A Source Of Live (Viable) Naturally Occurring Microorganisms.
- The selection of flavors also includes multiple novel protein choices.
- This is a grain-free recipe ideal for dogs with common digestive distress.
- Recent changes in the recipe can make it difficult for fussy pups to adjust.
Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs: Buying Guide & FAQs
Key Nutritional Needs of a French Bulldog
Every dog breed has one or two specific dietary requirements that should be taken into account, but even more importantly, each individual dog had its own dietary quirks and potential sensitivities or allergies that you must look out for. Some French bulldogs are hypersensitive, some are picky, and some have allergies that can result in skin irritation and an upset stomach. This means there is no definitive guide to French bulldog nutrition.
However, we can still offer you some guidance and friendly advice that should hopefully help you to prepare your French bulldog’s diet to the best of your abilities. This is done by taking a look at what we already know of the breed as a whole, focussing on any potential problem areas, using what we know of the breed as a whole to help you select what you feel is right for your pup.
What to Look for When Buying Food for Your French Bulldog
There are a few common issues that French bulldog owners encounter when it comes to dietary requirements. Being aware of these problems ahead of time and planning how you would adapt their diet accordingly can help you to avoid too many hard-to-fix issues in the future:
Weight Gain
The most important thing to remember with feeding a French bulldog is that Frenchies are a small, stocky breed that is highly susceptible to gaining excess weight. Therefore you need to try and focus on purchasing food that is relatively low in fat but high in dietary fiber and meat protein. This will help them to build better muscle mass, digest their food more easily, and maintain a healthy body weight. Fortunately, most small breed dog foods keep that in mind and are formulated to suit the sensitive metabolism of little pups such as French bulldogs.
Skin Problems
Another thing you will want to remember is their tendency to develop hives when reacting to food-based allergies. So the best dog foods for French bulldogs that struggle with skin issues would be foods that introduce plenty of essential nutrients and omega fatty acids in your dog’s diet. Healthy fats as part of a balanced diet will help to condition your Frenchie’s skin and coat.
Sensitive Stomach
You may even want to consider going for a grain-free formula, as grain-free dog food is designed to minimize allergens and help you to narrow down the possible culprit for your dog’s reactions. If you find that grain-free food isn’t having the desired effect, you may want to start looking towards the animal protein in the recipe you have selected. An adult Frenchie can develop allergies to certain animal proteins if they have been eating that same protein for extended periods. For more options check out our guide on dog food for sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients to Avoid Feeding Your Frenchie
Every dog has its own individual limits when it comes to how well they digest their food. There are a few well-known allergies and sensitivities that are more likely to occur in dogs which could affect their gastrointestinal health and cause problems with digestion as well as potential skin issues. Allergies and sensitivities aren’t a problem with every dog, however, and some are capable of eating pretty much anything you put in front of them without a hitch. However, as the French bulldog is a purebred breed, allergies are more likely to occur as pure breeds frequently have delicate digestive systems.
If you’re wanting to avoid the majority of allergens and irritants which could cause potentially wreak havoc on your Frenchie’s digestion, then a grain-free diet is usually a good place to start. Grain-free means avoiding the following ingredients wherever possible:
- Barley
- Corn
- Soy
- Wheat
- Flaxseed
- Oats
- Garlic
- Onion
- Gluten
- Yeast
- Sorghum
Some dogs can also develop protein allergies over time which cause the same symptoms as grain allergies. Your veterinarian will likely recommend a grain-free diet to start with, and if nothing seems to change they may way to investigate removing certain proteins from your dog’s diet to see if it had any effect. The most common proteins to cause a reaction are:
- Chicken
- Pork
- Beef
- Fish
- Egg
FAQs:
French Bulldogs don’t so much need special food as they do balanced food. You will notice that there are a lot of small breed dog foods on the market. They are catered specifically for small breed dogs because the recipe is formulated with a more delicate balance of fats to proteins. Small dogs are generally very active and require a good amount of protein to help them maintain such a lifestyle. But something also worth considering is the fact that wanted weight gain is a common problem with small dogs including Frenchies. Therefore their food needs to be low in fat and carefully balanced to avoid the weight gain issue.
French bulldog puppies are very active and energetic (despite the docile reputation of Frenchies in adulthood) with a high enough metabolism to avoid weight gain problems for the first year or two, however, they should still be fed carefully. Whilst they are younger than 6 months you should strive to feed them 3 times a day with carefully balanced french bulldog puppy food (or small breed puppy food) in order to help them maintain proper development, growth, and energy levels. However, once they are past the 6-month mark you can begin to look at feeding your Frenchie twice a day in the morning and evening.
Every brand has its own suggested portion size depending on the weight and size of the dog in question. Be sure to closely monitor your French bulldogs growth during the early development stages so that you can ensure they’re getting the proper amount of food without being overfed. Things get a lot easier once you have an adult French bulldog, as you will just have to maintain a steady diet that matches their full-grown weight.
French bulldogs are not overly-muscular dogs. Therefore they don’t need any more protein in their diet than the average elderly dog. However, in comparison to the kind of food they will have eaten in their early years, you do need to reduce the fat levels. This is usually done by upping the protein to assist in muscle recovery and lowering the fat to maintain a healthy weight. High-quality dog food should reflect these requirements.
Yes. Many dog foods tend to contain eggs in the recipe, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It is possible for some dogs to develop allergies to eggs, much like humans can develop food allergies over time. However, generally speaking, French bulldogs can happily eat eggs. In fact, and perhaps surprisingly, Frenchies can enjoy eating eggs in any form, including raw with the shell!
Yes. Like eggs, chicken is a commonly recognized protein for food allergies developed over time. However, it’s not something you should worry about unless your dog is showing signs of an allergic reaction. A lot of food for French bulldogs contains chicken as a primary protein because chicken provides a high level of protein and fiber. Furthermore, boiled chicken is often recommended to help settle an upset stomach. Therefore you shouldn’t worry about chicken with your Frenchie unless you are given a reason to.
French bulldogs, like many dog breeds, are quite robust when it comes to food. But you should still avoid giving them anything that isn’t specifically designed for canine consumption. This is mainly to avoid the possibility of the food causing gastrointestinal distress. However, if you’re just interested in knowing the best human foods for french bulldogs to use in a pinch, try to stick with a grain-free diet rule – this means avoiding bread and grain-based foods and sticking with what you know to be dog-friendly.
This would include meats such as ham, burgers, unseasoned sausages, chicken, and steak. If you’re wanting to add something extra as a meal-filler, you could also include white or brown rice, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, normal potatoes, and pasta to name a few.
