Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs

11 Best (Highest Quality) Dog Foods for French Bulldogs in 2024


French Bulldogs are super cute with a personality to match. But, do you know what to feed your little Frenchie? There are so many choices! Should you select a food with or without grain? Is kibble or canned better for your munchkin? Does your dog need a special food for a food sensitivity or food allergy? How are you supposed to choose when the pet store is literally stocked from floor to ceiling with different brands?


35% Off at Chewy.com

+ Free Shipping

Save Now

Fret no more because we can help you choose the best dog food for your French Bulldog. We have gone over hundreds of dog foods and chosen the very best foods so you don’t have to wander pet stores in confusion. All you have to know is your dog’s age and health, along with your own personal preferences, to use our reviews to choose the best food for your Frenchie.

French Bulldogs typically weigh less than 28 pounds as adults (EasyPet, 2024). This means that they can eat dog food made for small dog breeds. Even though the French Bulldog is small, they are playful and active, as well as being smart and alert. Your little dog needs a good quality food that has the appropriate nutrients. However, Frenchies can be prone to obesity, so you will need to watch their calories, including their treats. The dog food you select will ultimately depend on your budget, your dog’s age, and your own feelings about the kind of food you prefer. So, let’s get started!

Key Nutritional Needs of a French Bulldog’s Diet

Small dogs like French Bulldogs do have some different nutritional needs from medium and large breeds but there are some key nutritional needs that are similar for all dogs.

  1. Dogs need to have a good source of protein; dogs digest meat protein more easily than plant protein
  2. Fats provide energy for your Frenchie and flavor to the food. Essential fatty acids support skin and coat health
  3. Carbohydrates can provide energy to your dog’s diet; they can also be a source of prebiotics and probiotics
  4. Fiber is often combined with carbohydrates. It helps the dog’s digestive system
  5. Vitamins and minerals help the body’s metabolic processes and growth
  6. Dogs need to have water readily available unless they are sick; however, a dog can go overnight without water while you are potty-training (many people ask this question)

6 Special Considerations for French Bulldogs

  1. French Bulldog puppies grow fast. Like other small breeds, Frenchies grow quickly and reach maturity early. They have a faster metabolism than larger dogs and need more calories per pound of weight than bigger dogs. They also have slightly different nutrient needs – requiring more protein and fat. Small breed puppy foods are formulated to meet these needs.
  2. Adult French Bulldogs do well on a diet for small breed dogs. Even after your French Bulldog becomes an adult, he still has slightly different nutrient needs than larger dogs. For example, he will need about 25-30 calories per ounce of food, compared to 20 calories per ounce for a dog like a Great Dane. If your adult Frenchie weighs 25 pounds, he would need between 625-750 calories per day, depending on the individual.
  3. French Bulldogs have a small stomach. Even though your French Bulldog needs more calories, especially as a puppy, he has a very small stomach. For this reason it’s necessary to feed your puppy at least three or four meals per day until he’s six months old. After this time you can cut back to two or three meals per day. We don’t recommend ever feeding a French Bulldog just one meal per day.
  4. Smaller dogs need smaller pieces of kibble. Since your Frenchie has a smaller mouth with smaller teeth, it can be difficult for him to chew some dog food kibble that’s made of big pieces. If you’re feeding kibble, look for formulas that have smaller kibble pieces so they are easy for your dog to chew.
  5. Don’t let your French Bulldog become overweight or obese. Frenchies are a breed that can be prone to obesity. Most Frenchies enjoy their food quite a bit. As they get older they are not always the most active breed so pounds can start to accumulate. We suggest that you measure how much food you give your Frenchie and count calories. Taking your Frenchie for walks and encouraging exercise will also help him stay slim and healthy.
  6. Skin allergies are possible with French Bulldogs. According to the AKC (AKC, 2023), French Bulldogs can have some skin allergies and autoimmune skin disorders. However, these problems are not always linked to food. For example, atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with allergies. It’s the second most common allergic skin disease seen in dogs. It can be caused by harmless things like grass or dust mites in the house and other environmental allergens. If your French Bulldog appears to have a skin problem, we recommend consulting your veterinarian before you start changing dog foods. There could be another cause.

Our 2023 Picks : Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs

Farmer's Dog Food
The Farmer’s Dog Customized Human-Grade Dog Food
  • Fresh food delivered monthly
  • Pre-portioned according to dog’s needs
  • Price: Varies
CHECK PRICE
Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food
  • Especially formulated for small dogs
  • Smaller kibble size made with delicious turkey, oatmeal and salmon
  • Price: $2.83/lb
CHECK PRICE
Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
  • Deboned chicken is the first ingredient, along with real fruits and veggies
  • Potato-free recipe provides a lower glycemic option
  • Price:  $4.49/lb
CHECK PRICE
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food
  • Wholesome whole grains have complex carbohydrates for all-day energy
  • Chelated minerals boost immune system
  • Price:  $0.30/oz
CHECK PRICE
Instinct by Nature’s Variety Be Natural Puppy Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
  • Crafted with cage-free chicken first
  • 100% free of fillers, corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal, brewer’s rice, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
  • Price:  $2.08/lb
CHECK PRICE
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • Grain-free recipe made with real buffalo as the first ingredient
  • Natural recipe with added vitamins and powerful antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables
  • Price:  $1.75/lb
CHECK PRICE
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Small Breed Bites Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • A grain-free recipe with limited protein and carbohydrate sources, scientifically formulated to provide high quality nutrition
  • Made with the wholesome ingredients of the highest quality for a healthy, naturally balanced lifestyle
  • Price:  $3.31/lb
CHECK PRICE
Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food
  • Provides 100% of the complete and balanced nutrition that purebred French Bulldogs puppies under 12 months need.
  • Distinctive formulation works to support a robust immune system
  • Price:  $6.59/lb
CHECK PRICE
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
  • Three lean animal proteins from farm-raised chicken, pasture-fed lamb and salmon provide unique and complementary Amino Acids that work together to promote strong, lean muscles
  • Made with absolutely no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
  • Price:  $2.25/lb
CHECK PRICE
Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Senior Deboned Turkey & Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food
  • Complete and balanced everyday nutrition for your senior small breed dog
  • Supports heart health with controlled sodium levels
  • Price:  $3.99/lb
CHECK PRICE
Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken Canned Dog Food
  • Featuring real deboned chicken as the first ingredient for a good, single source of protein
  • Gluten-free meal also contains a savory chicken broth for added flavor and moisture
  • Price:  $0.22/oz
CHECK PRICE

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh, Human-Grade Dog Food Delivery

Farmer's Dog Food

When it comes to high-quality dog food, nothing is better than fresh. Fresh dog food made with wholesome, natural ingredients is the foundation of a healthy diet for any French Bulldog.

The Farmer’s Dog is a fresh food delivery service that sends pre-portioned packages of fresh dog food right to your door on a monthly basis.

You simply fill out a profile online using your dog’s basic information and then choose from several protein-rich, low-carbohydrate recipes. All of The Farmer’s Dog recipes are loaded with animal ingredients and come in a wide range of nutrient ratios and calorie concentrations so you can choose the right one for your Frenchie.

You can rest easily knowing that every recipe is packed with premium protein and digestible grain-free carbohydrates with essential nutrients added for nutritional balance. Plus, your dog will love the natural flavor.

  • Pros: Fresh food delivered monthly, pre-portioned according to dog’s needs, rich in protein, low in carbohydrates, grain-free and low-glycemic, complete and nutritionally balanced
  • Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet, limited number of recipes

Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food

Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Dry kibble
  • Formulated for small dogs
  • Smaller kibble size
  • Adult maintenance formula

Overall Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs – Our choice for the best overall dog food for French Bulldogs is Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food. Turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal are the first three ingredients and supply lots of meat/fish protein – great for your little friend. This is lean, quality protein. Wholesome grains (oatmeal, ground brown rice, and ground barley) supply good carbohydrates for energy and fiber. And, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids keep your Frenchie’s skin and coat healthy and shiny. This formula has no corn, wheat,  or soy.

There are plenty of calories here to supply all of the energy your French Bulldog needs. This food has 420 kcal/cup.

Available in 4-lb and 12-lb bags.

Pros:

  • Special Offer! Save 30% on New Autoship Only valid on New Autoship orders for Wellness items. Must select Autoship at checkout for offer to automatically apply. Limit 5 per customer. Can be combined with First Autoship offer.
  • Quality meat protein
  • Especially formulated for small dogs
  • Smaller kibble size makes it easy for small dogs to eat
  • Contains chondroitin sulfate for healthy joints
  • Has four protein sources

Cons:

  • Since this is an adult maintenance formula you cannot feed it to puppies

Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Dry kibble
  • Formulated for small breeds
  • Adult maintenance dog food

Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food is another top food for French Bulldogs. This formula is potato-free for dogs that need a lower glycemic food. Deboned chicken is the first ingredient, along with chicken meal. It also contains turkey meal, salmon meal, and chicken liver. Carbs come from brown rice, barley, oatmeal, and quinoa. Glucosamine and chondroitin help with increased mobility; and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids encourage your dog to have a healthy skin and coat. This formula contains no corn, wheat, or soy.

With 398 kcal/cup, This Merrick formula will have plenty of calories for your little Frenchie.

Available in a 4-lb bag.

Pros:

  • Very reasonably priced, especially among good quality dog foods
  • Good quality meat proteins with deboned chicken as the first ingredient
  • Potato-free – helpful for dogs that need to avoid potatoes in their diet
  • Added glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy hip and joint functionality
  • No grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors, or preservatives

Cons:

  • This is an adult maintenance formula so it can’t be fed to puppies

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Canned/wet food
  • Formulated for small breeds
  • Adult maintenance dog food

The Best Canned Food – Blue Buffalo Homestyle recipes are favorites for many dogs and French Bulldogs are no exception. This formula – Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Small Breed Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food – is especially formulated for small breeds. Chicken is the first ingredient while chicken broth and chicken liver make it even tastier to your little Frenchie.

Canned foods do tend to cost more than kibble but that’s not usually such a problem for people with small dogs. (It is a problem if you’re trying to feed a Saint Bernard on a diet of canned food! That gets expensive!) Most dogs really love canned dog food since it has more flavor than kibble. Even if you feed kibble most of the time, you can use a good canned food as a topper or mix to make the kibble tastier.

This canned formula also contains brown rice, barley, and oatmeal as healthy whole grains for energy and fiber. Blueberries and cranberries provide antioxidants for urinary tract health. No corn, no wheat, no soy.

Sold in 5.5 ounce cans in cases of 24.

Pros:

  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Formulated for small breeds
  • Wholesome grains provide complex carbs for plenty of energy
  • L-Carnitine metabolizes fat and keeps your dog at a healthy weight
  • Has chelated minerals that are easier to absorb

Cons:

  • This is an adult maintenance food so it can’t be fed to puppies

Instinct by Nature’s Variety Be Natural Puppy Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Instinct by Nature's Variety Be Natural Puppy Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Dry kibble
  • Puppy formula
  • DHA from real fish to support healthy brain and eye development
  • Optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones

The Best Food for Puppies – Our choice for the best food for French Bulldog puppies is Instinct By Nature’s Variety Be Natural Puppy Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food. This formula is loaded with protein from chicken, menhaden fish meal, chicken meal, white fish meal, and lamb meal. It also has good complex carbohydrates from barley, oatmeal, and brown rice for extra energy – just what your little growing Frenchie puppy needs!

Top these foods with DHA from real fish to support healthy brain and eye development; and optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth – and you have a very good puppy food. Plus, this food has no fillers, chicken/poultry by-product meal; and no corn, wheat, soy, brewers rice, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. We think your Frenchie puppy will be strong and healthy eating this food.

Available in 4.5-lb and 24-lb bags.

Pros:

  • Made with cage-free chicken (first ingredient)
  • Contains no fillers, corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meal brewers rice, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
  • Provides DHA for good brain and eye development
  • Contains desired levels of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth

Cons:

  • Not exactly a “con,” but Be Natural used to be Prairie by Nature’s Variety. If you liked Prairie, you will probably like this line of foods. We’re not sure if they have changed the formulations or not, though it would be surprising if they had not changed them some.

6 More Top Rated Dog Food For French Bulldogs

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Dry Kibble
  • Adult Maintenance
  • Grain-free, gluten-free

Although it’s not specifically made for small dogs, we think that Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a good food for French Bulldogs. In fact, we like it better than TOTW’s small breed food, TOTW Appalachian Valley. High Prairie features buffalo, lamb meal, and chicken meal as the first three ingredients. It also contains roasted venison and beef, as well as ocean fish meal. Vegetables and fruits provide antioxidants for your dog’s immune system; and dried chicory root offers prebiotics for good digestion. Essential fatty acids help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. It even has chelated minerals so your dog can absorb the mineral content better.

Available in 5-lb, 14-lb, and 28-lb bags.

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced
  • Plenty of meat protein
  • Grain-free, gluten-free
  • Probiotics and prebiotics for better digestion
  • Includes natural antioxidants and omega fatty acids

Cons:

  • This is an adult maintenance food so you should not feed it to puppies

Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Small Breed Bites Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Small Breed Bites Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Dry kibble
  • Single animal protein source
  • Limited carbohydrate sources
  • Adult maintenance formula
  • Formulated for small breeds
  • Smaller kibble size

The Best Food with Limited Ingredients – Formulated for small breeds, Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Chicken & Sweet Potato Formula Small Breed Bites Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a good choice if your French Bulldog needs a limited ingredient diet. Many dogs do well with a limited ingredient diet if they have a food allergy or food sensitivity and need to avoid some of the common dog food ingredients. Chicken and chicken meal are the only meat proteins in this food. Dried sweet potato and dried potatoes provide most of the carbohydrates.

If chicken is a problem for your dog, Natural Balance has many other limited ingredient formulas including a sweet potato and fish formula for small breeds, a potato and duck formula for small breeds, a grain-free beef formula for small breeds, and a lamb and brown rice formula for small breeds.

This formula has no corn, wheat, or soy, and it’s grain-free. It contains no fillers and no artificial colors or flavors.

If you believe that your French Bulldog has a food sensitivity or food allergy, it’s best to see a veterinarian so you can find out what food items might be causing a problem.

This Natural Balance food is available in 4.5-lb and 12-lb bags.

Pros:

  • Limited meat proteins
  • Limited carbohydrates
  • Formulated for small dogs
  • Small kibble pieces for easier chewing
  • No fillers or artificial colors or flavors

Cons:

  • This is an adult maintenance food so it cannot be given to puppies
  • Like many limited ingredient diets, the protein percentage tends to be low

Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Dry kibble
  • Puppy formula
  • Formulated especially for French Bulldogs
  • Small, specially-designed kibble especially for flat-faced Frenchie puppies

If you like the idea of a food that formulated especially for French Bulldogs, Royal Canin makes a line of dog food that’s just for Frenchies. We particularly like Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food. Not only is the food made for Frenchies but the kibble is small and designed to make it easy for little short-nosed Frenchie puppies to be able to eat it easily.

Royal Canin is one of the companies that invests in canine nutritional research. They also have veterinary nutritionists on staff to formulate their foods – not all companies do.

Pros:

  • An exclusive complex of antioxidants, including vitamin E, helps protect your puppy’s developing immune system
  • Supports healthy skin and coat
  • Highly digestible protein and precise fiber content help reduce gas and stool odor
  • Exclusively-designed kibble makes it easy for Frenchie puppies to pick up and chew the pieces
  • Can be fed to Frenchie puppies up to one year of age

Cons:

  • Royal Canin doesn’t provide AAFCO statements, saying that they meet their own in-house standards which surpass AAFCO requirements. This appears to be true but some people would prefer to see the AAFCO statement.

Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Dry kibble
  • Adult maintenance formula
  • Formulated for small breeds

Nutro Ultra has been a favorite brand for many dog lovers for years. Their Nutro Ultra Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is formulated specifically for small breeds such as French Bulldogs. It has a good mix of chicken, chicken meal, lamb meal, and salmon meal so your dog will get lots of premium protein. Contains antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and beneficial whole grains, along with healthy oils.

This food contains no corn, wheat, or soy. And it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. The ingredients are non-GMO and made in the manufacturer’s own facilities for safety and quality.

Available in 4-lb, 8-lb, and 15-lb bags.

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced
  • Real chicken is the first ingredient
  • Wholesome grains such as whole brown rice and whole grain oatmeal provide good carbohydrates
  • Formulated especially for small breeds
  • Vegetables and fruits provide antioxidants
  • No corn, wheat, or soy

Cons:

  • This is an adult maintenance dog food so it can’t be fed to puppies

Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Senior Deboned Turkey & Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food

Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Senior Deboned Turkey & Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Dry Kibble
  • Adult Maintenance/Senior formula
  • Formulated for small breeds
  • Hip & Joint Support
  • Weight Management for chubby seniors

Like other Wellness Complete Health foods, Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Senior Recipe uses nutrient-rich whole foods to support your dog’s unique health needs. This recipe is formulated especially for small breeds like the French Bulldog. It’s a good choice for older Frenchies that have put on a few pounds over the years since it’s also a weight management food.

This senior food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help maintain your dog’s hip and joint health. Older dogs are apt to have some mobility problems as they age and these supplements can help. Controlled sodium levels support your dog’s heart health while essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) help support healthy skin and coat.

Available in a 4-lb bag.

Pros:

  • Save 30% on New Autoship Only valid on New Autoship orders for Wellness items. Must select Autoship at checkout for offer to automatically apply. Limit 5 per customer. Can be combined with First Autoship offer. 
  • Contains no meat by-products
  • No corn, wheat, or soy; no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
  • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint support
  • Prebiotics, probiotics, and healthy fiber encourage good digestion

Cons:

  • Not the best choice for older dogs that are already thin

Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken Canned Dog Food

Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken Canned Dog Food

Key Features:

  • Canned/wet food
  • Pea-Free
  • No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
  • All Life Stages

It’s normal to be concerned about the ingredients in your dog’s food. There has been some concern recently about dog foods that contain lots of peas. If you’re looking for a food that is pea-free, there are some good pea-free kibbles. We also like this canned/wet food from Merrick. Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken Canned Dog Food is pea-free with no corn, wheat, or soy. It’s also grain-free and gluten-free. Plus, it’s an all life stage food so you can feed it to Frenchies of all ages.

Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient. Salmon oil adds a healthy fat. You can use this food as a meal by itself or add it to your dog’s kibble as a topper or mixer to make it tastier. Merrick makes their own foods in small batches in their kitchens in Texas.

Available in 12.7-oz cans in a case of 12.

Pros:

  • Pea-free
  • No corn, wheat, or soy
  • Grain-free, gluten-free
  • All Life Stages
  • Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient

Cons:

Some dogs are allergic or sensitive to chicken. Merrick has several other pea-free canned foods, if you’re interested.

Our 2023 French Bulldog Feeding Guide

French Bulldog Puppies – If you think French Bulldogs are adorable, wait until you see the puppies! They are hard to resist. But, contrary to what you might think, they are not especially high maintenance. Frenchies can have a few health issues https://frenchbulldogclub.org/breedinformation/ (French Bulldog Club of America, 2023) that you need to watch for throughout their lives, but most puppies and dogs don’t have any problems, especially if you are careful about where you obtain your dog.

As far as feeding a Frenchie puppy, we can take a look at how a puppy grows during the first year (Belpatt, 2023). These are estimates. You will need to weigh your puppy often to make sure he is growing as expected. Your veterinarian will also weigh your puppy when you take him for vaccinations and check-ups. If you have a female puppy, you can expect her to weigh slightly less.

  • At 3 Months: between 8.6 and 12.9 lbs
  • At 6 Months: between 15.5 and 23.6 lbs
  • At 12 Months: between 19.8 and 30.4

With these weights in mind, we can tell you how much you should be feeding your Frenchie. As said earlier, we do recommend feeding a small breed puppy food because of the faster metabolism https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/jcoates/2012/feb/nutrition_differences_for_small_toy_large_breeds-12459 (PetMD, 2012) and nutrient needs of small breeds like the French Bulldog.

  • 0-3 Months: 4-6 Meals Daily Totaling between 584 and 791 Calories
  • 3-6 Months: 3-4 Meals Daily Totaling between 605 and 830 Calories
  • At 12 Months: 2-3 meals Daily Totaling between 655 and 903 Calories

As with other breeds, most of the growth for a French Bulldog puppy occurs in the first several months of his life. During this time his brain and body are developing rapidly. After the first few months his growth will begin to slow and the need for intense calorie intake will also slow until your puppy is eating an adult ration when he’s about a year old.

French Bulldog Adults – By the time your Frenchie is a year old, he or she should be about as big as he’s going to get, give or take a month or two. At this time you can start to consider making a switch to an adult dog food. Your French Bulldog won’t need to eat a food that’s as rich or that has the kind of nutrients that a puppy food has. (Purina, 2023).

The adult dog food you choose is really up to you. You can select an adult maintenance food or one that is for all life stages. Choices such as grain-free or with healthy grains, kibble or canned/wet, usually depend on your dog’s preferences and health, along with your own preferences and budget.

French Bulldog Seniors – As long as your Frenchie is healthy, there is no particular reason to switch him to a senior dog food. There are no special nutritional guidelines for senior dog foods at this time so each manufacturer follows their own ideas about “senior” foods.

Many foods sold as “senior” dog foods also have a “weight control” component and they are lower in fat than regular foods. Some of them are also slightly lower in protein. These foods can be good for an overweight older dog. However, if you have a senior dog that has lost weight and muscle tone, these foods would not be a good choice. Above all, most senior dogs need foods that have proteins and nutrients that are easy to digest since this can start to become a problem as they age.

Frenchies usually live to be 10-12 years old – or older. So, you may not notice your dog slowing down until he’s 7-8 years old. We suggest that you have your dog seen by a veterinarian for senior dog check-ups on a regular basis as he gets older so any small problems can be spotted before they became big problems. Losing weight or refusing to eat can be signs that something is definitely wrong.

FAQs

Should a French Bulldog eat dry or canned food?

Frenchies can eat either kibble or canned food. They are small enough that you won’t break the bank if you regularly feed your dog a canned food diet. Canned foods usually cost more than kibble because they have more meat protein per ounce. But you also have to feed more of these foods. Be careful with canned foods, however, because they can be high in fat, too. You can compromise and mix a little canned food in with your Frenchie’s kibble to make it taste better.

Should my French Bulldog eat a grain free diet?

Feeding a grain free diet is a personal decision. There is no scientific evidence that grain free dog foods are better for dogs than foods that contain grains. In fact, recent evidence shows that dogs have evolved to have genes for amylase so they can digest some of the same starches we eat. (Livescience, 2013) If your dog has a food sensitivity or an allergy to a certain grain, then you will certainly need to avoid it. Otherwise, it’s up to you whether you feed a grain free diet to your Frenchie or not.

Do French Bulldogs have sensitive stomachs?

This subject seems debatable. We found people online (mostly rescues) who complained about Frenchies having sensitive stomachs but it mostly seemed to come down to “flatulence.” It seems that French Bulldogs fart quite a bit. Someone (YourPurebredPuppy.com, 2023) theorized that this was due to the breed’s “deformed” face (ouch!), though it’s unclear if this is true or not. The breed does have a short muzzle and an underbite so maybe they do suck in some air when they eat. It seems more likely that too much fiber in the diet might be a cause of gasiness.

Why does my French Bulldog fart so much?

See above. Frenchies do seem to fart a lot and we suspect that it’s more food-related than because of their conformation. Food that has lots of fiber or that is hard to digest can lead to a lot of gas. If you are switching to a new food, you can expect gas. If it doesn’t get better, if your dog is uncomfortable, or if it seems really bad, see your vet. It could indicate a problem such as inflammatory bowel disease. (Wag!, 2023)

Is a French Bulldog considered a small breed?

We consider Frenchies to be a small breed but some people might think of them as a medium-sized breed. The breed standard says that they should be up to 28 pounds in weight. In reality, some dogs are a little bigger; and some are a little smaller.

French Bulldog Food – RECAP

Frenchies are playful, adaptable, smart, and fun dogs. In the last decade they have become one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. They make wonderful pets. If you haven’t met a French Bulldog, you should try to meet one because a Frenchie is just a great dog. When it comes to feeding a Frenchie, many of the good quality small breed dog foods can be a good choice. Whether you choose a kibble or canned/wet food is largely a personal decision. We do suggest that you count calories for your Frenchie because this is usually a breed that likes his meals. Don’t let these little dogs become overweight.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *