This post is about the best dog foods for french bulldogs
As any new dog owner you want the best for your pup am I right and you need to know what the best is for your french bulldog.
That means you need to know things like what they can and cannot eat, whats good for their diet, and even some of the brands to avoid.
We hear and understand your pain of searching and we wanted to provide you with a simple guide to which dog foods is the best for your french bulldog.
Therefore where gonna dive in and look at some of the factors a new french bulldog owner should look into for the health and care of their new pup.
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
A French Bulldog’s Weight and Nutrition
Let’s start with their composition.
The typical weight for a french bulldog is around 28lbs while females weigh slightly less and they can reach a height of about 11-13in high.
That’s just a little over a foot tall!
So as you can already see they won’t need much, or will they…
that is why you’re here right?
Normally french bulldogs eat foods that are made for small and medium size breeds. It all depends on the size and age of your pup, which you can see from the chart below provided by petmd.
However, as a breed that stems from the Brachycephalic family in which they are prone to certain health issues, where you can read more about it here, it is best to take precaution when caring for them.
For example, due to them being from the Brachycephalic breed, or short nosed, being overweight can cause breathing issues because of their narrowed nostrils.
Therefore it is recommended to follow a feeding measurement, like above, so you can keep track of your frenchies nutritional intake.
What to look for in your pups nutrition
Ok so what should you look for when feeding your french bulldog.
Here is a formula you can follow on what to include to receive several benefits for their muscular frames.
Meat Protein: They got there name bulldogs for a reason right, so be sure to feed them protein such as chicken, beef, or fish. According to the AAFDC they recommend 22% for pups and 18% for adults.
If percentages aren’t your thing just be mindful how much you give because french bulldogs can have sensitive stomachs.
Fats: Not all fats are bad, in fact chicken fat and canola oil can provide many health benefits to their diet.
Fun fact fats help to absorb the nutrients.
Omega-3s: If you read our article on the best supplements for dogs then you will know that omega-3 is a fatty acid that aids your pup to have a healthy skin and coat.
DHA: You remember that Omega-3 we JUST mentioned? Well here is one of the fatty acids that make up the 3 in Omega-3s, DHA, which supports your dogs brain and eye development.
Carbs: Ok when it comes to carbs its important to keep their blood sugar steady therefore keep their foods low in carb.
A great alternative to their carb intake is the low-glycemic form of carbs, known as sweet potatoes.
Proper Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio: Ok so what this means is that their dog food should contain a good ratio of supplements to help support their calcium.
If not, a deficiency, or excess, can lead to orthopedic (bone) problems, which they already can be prone to.
As a note since french bulldogs are known to have stomach sensitivities it is best to avoid these 3 things:
- Excess protein
- Animal by-products, fillers, and preservatives
- Common allergens like grains, soy, and wheat
What Food Should French Bulldogs Eat?
As we continue on with this post and we recommend these different options for the best foods for your french bulldog we want to make a disclaimer.
When you start your pup on these new foods it is your responsiblity to pay attention how your french bulldog will respond to what they eat.
We cannot stress enough how every dog is truly different and yours is no exception.
You will notice what ingredients your pup is sensitive to or any allergies that may flare up.
Consult with your veterinarian and the can guide you to which ingredients are affecting them and give you the ultimate guidance to the best for your pup.
Also remember that a pups intake and dog food is different than an adult french bulldog.
A french bulldog puppy around 4-12 months (in my announcer voice) coming in at a whopping 12 lbs, sorry I got a little carried away with my intro.
But seriously if they meet these measurements then they will need about 500 calories split between 3-4 meals.
Now let’s get on to the good stuff shall we.
The 20 Best Dog Foods For French Bulldogs
Ok so we broke down this list into 3 different sections all depending on what stage your frenchie is at.
You can select which section you want to view first from the list below:
French Bulldog food for puppies
1. VeRUS
First up is VeRus Puppy advantage which is an easy to digest holistic food perfect for small puppies. Free of unhealthy chemicals or additives, this formula contains DHA which makes for proper brain development and also includes probiotics.
2. Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula
If your looking to build your pups immune system then the Canidae pure formula is filled with antioxidants and probiotics to help digestion. We can’t forget those Omega-3 and fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coats.
This particular formula is actually made specifically for puppies with sensitive digestion so its like it was made just for french bulldogs.
Just a pre-warning, this formula is nutrient dense and high in calories so try to serve in smaller amounts.
3. Royal Canin
Now can you go wrong when they actually have a picture of the very same breed on the bag? Seriously, if you look into this brand they are very specific when it comes to making dog foods for a specific breeds.
They create this version for the french bulldog puppy and they do have one for adults as well.
The recipe is made up of chicken and rice along with dried beet pulp, is it kind of weird, but I’m actually getting hungry writing this lol.
The vitamins and minerals made in this formula helps to promote a healthy coat as well as strong bones and teeth.
4. Blue Buffalo
Want to start your pup off right?
Then this real rich in protein meat and whole grain will get them started with a healthy and balanced nutrition.
5. Nutro Wholesome Essentials
Filled with farm raised chickens for lean protein the wholesome natural recipe is fully packed with fatty acids, brown rice and remember that low carb we talked about earlier?
Yes that’s right sweet potato!
So you know this formula was definitely going on our list.
6. Farmina Natural & Delicious
French bulldogs can walk the line between small and medium breeds so this blend makes it ideal balance for them. With high levels of protein and limited carbs it’s a good starting place for your pup.
7. Wellness core
If grain free is what you’re looking for then you’re in luck. The high in protein deboned chicken and turkey is ideal for young developing muscles.
The salmon oil, where DHA is contained, provides the necessary nutrient for their brain development all pups need.
French Bulldog food for Adults
8. Nulo Adult Grain Free
Nulo is one of the newer nationally known brands and is packed with huge benefits. It has one of the highest percentage of animal based protein, around 80 – 84% than any other dog food.
You can rest assured when you give your frenchie a formula that is free from artificial colors, flavors, and any preservatives.
9. Fromm
If your looking for a family owned company that intentionally puts their heart into the product than its “fromm” this family 😆.
Seriously, if your frenchie can handle grains than this is a formula to consider. It also contains probiotics to help with digestion and is completely free of wheat, corn, and soy.
10. Taste of the Wild
Here is a formula that is living up to their name. If you want to give your french bulldog a taste of the “wild” outdoors with bison and venison meat then give this brand a taste…
you see what I did there, ok I’m sorry I’ll digress.
It’s also great for frenchies with skin allergies and stomach sensitivity since it doesn’t include common allergens.
11. Organix
Calling all the dog owners who love organic products, this ones for you. This formula is free of grain, soy, corn, and wheat making it safe and easy to digest.
12. Blue
If your looking for on option to help maintain your french bulldog’s weight then here it is. It contains all the essential ingredients like deboned chicken, oatmeal, and not to mention those Omega-3 fatty acids thats good for all dogs.
With all that nutritional goodness packed inside who can say no?
13. Purina Pro plan
Here is another option for helping to manage your french bulldog’s weight.
Since they are not very active, or rather don’t require much exercise, having a dog food that can manage their weight can be very beneficial.
This formula will help your dog shed the weight, get the required nutrients as well as feeling fuller longer.
14. Nutro Ultra Weight Management
Continuing on with the foods to help manage weight, here comes the Nutro.
Equipped with the right blend of meat, grains, and minerals, nutro allows your dog to lose the weight without them going hungry.
But don’t just think it helps to lose weight, on the contrary the lean meat is packed with amino acids to help build their muscles which helps in cutting down the fat.
15. Merrick
Looking for a wholesome balance of protein, grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables? Then get ready for a powerful punch of nutrition and natural flavor your frenchie will love.
16. Canidae Pure Weight Management
Dogs will love this formula not just because of the real chicken and turkey, but because of its delicious taste. This formula is a simple recipe that’s perfect for all dogs.
No need to worry about allergens affecting your frenchie because there are none in this bag.
17. Avoderm
Low in calories and protein you can count on a nutrient packed formula with brown rice and wholesome grains and the superfood avocado.
Do be mindful that frenchies don’t do well with avocados so be careful if you choose this for your formula.
18. Wellness Core
Ok so here is the adult version of this formula. Again another great choice and this one can be placed with the others under the category of weight management as well.
If you’re up to date with your facts on your french bulldogs then you know they are prone to obesity. So a lot of these formulas are designed to help reduce fat as wellness core is focused on.
19. Purina
Ok to wrap up the last in the line up for french bulldog foods for adults we have purina. The smart blend provides better weight management to pups that are vulnerable to obesity.
Purina boasts of having 25% less fat and 15% fewer calories. A formula that is worth giving a try with its high in protein and low fat contents.
French Bulldog foods for Seniors
20. Orijen Senior High-Protein
With natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin this formula is made to support joint health in senior dogs.
Made with quality protein and created to be low-glycemic and low-carb so you have all you need to help keep your older dog’s blood sugar stable.
How Much Dog Food Should A French Bulldog Eat?
So if you have been reading along then we referred to a chart in order for you to know how much you should feed your french bulldog.
However, let’s get into some of the specifics and the nitty gritty, if you would like you can also use Merrick’s Pet Calculator which is a great tool to determine your pets exact proportions.
Typically a french bulldog should eat approximately 25-30 calories per pound of body weight.
What this means is if your dog weighs 28lbs then they should be eating approximately 840 calories split into 2 -3 meals throughout the day.
Therefore on average an adult french bulldog should get anywhere from 550 – 800 calories per day.
According to the chart thats about 1 3/4 cups if measuring calories is hard enough to do.
In order to manage your french bulldog’s weight always weigh them every few weeks so they can maintain a healthy weight.
You should never see your french bulldog’s ribs, if any concerns arise always consult your local veterinarian and they will guide you on the numbers as well as proper nutrition.
Another good option for regulating how much your dog eats is through the bowls they eat from.
They make bowls, like these, specifically for aggressive eaters and to regulate how fast they eat which can significantly improve weight management.
Note: We are or do not claim to be a canine nutritionist so always check with your local veterinarian for more information.
What Foods Are Bad For French Bulldogs?
We know that fruits and veggies are good for us as humans, but is it the same for french bulldogs?
On the contrary some veggies can be poisonous to them and even cause upset stomachs, especially since french bulldogs have sensitive stomachs
Here is a quick list of the foods that french bulldogs should avoid, which you can find more on which vegetables are good for dogs here.
We broke the list into the 2 categories of fruits and veggies for easier navigation.
Vegetables the shouldn’t eat:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Chive
- Corn on the cob (the cob can be a choking hazard, but if its off the cob then it’s ok)
- Large quantities of peas beans and potatoes
- Asparagus
- Mushrooms
Fruits they shouldn’t eat:
- Grapes
- Avocado
- Cherries
- tomatoes
- Unpeeled pineapple
For the record grapes are bad for your frenchie because they can actually cause kidney failure according to the AKC.
Be sure if the fruits you want to give your pup contain seeds then dispose of the seeds ahead of time so it won’t be a chocking hazard for them.
Cuteness also has a great article on more of the foods french bulldogs can eat.
What Vegetables Can French Bulldogs Eat?
So we mentioned the vegetables you should avoid, but what are some of the permissible vegetables? Again we created a simple list of the vegetables that are good for french bulldogs.
When introducing your pup to these new foods always remember to do it in moderation because an overload of these foods can actually result in an increase of their farts 😁.
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Carrots
- Celery
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Spinach
Conclusion
Ok to wrap things up on this post of the top 20 best foods for your french bulldog.
You should now be well on your way to understanding what foods you should be looking for in your formulas, how much you should feed them, and even the kinds of foods your french bulldog can eat.
Knowing the foods that are toxic to your frenchies health is good for if you want to make your own dog food recipes, which is always a great option.
Remember that every french bulldog is different and these foods can still affect them each differently. So consult your veterinarian for any specifics and the ultimate best solution for your dog and any allergies they may be prone to.
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*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
