What Can French Bulldogs Eat? Comprehensive 2024 Guide
Your Guide To: What Can French Bulldogs Eat?
Fact checked and reviewed by:
Dr. Joseph Menicucci, DVM, MBA
These affectionate canines are short in stature and have differing nutritional needs. What Can French Bulldogs Eat? Here are 10 thought starters to get you going.
Playful, alert, and irresistible, French Bulldogs make excellent companions. Their distinctive large bat-like ears and even disposition make owning one a privilege.
The unique physical structure makes them prone to obesity. Therefore, you must remain vigilant and watch your doggo’s diet to avoid overfeeding.
Dig in as we detail what you can feed your French Bulldog to keep them healthy and enjoy their companionship for years.
What Can French Bulldogs Eat? Some Basic Nutritional Needs
Like all dogs, French Bulldogs thrive on a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet. A balanced diet.
A healthy diet for a bulldog covers all the major food groups—proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Proteins support muscle growth and development, tissue repair, hormones, and production.
Feeding your Frenchie a diet with high-quality proteins helps safeguard its health. Great protein sources for all dogs include lean meats such as beef, chicken, turkey, and fish.
Besides energy production, dogs need fat to absorb fat-soluble vitamins. The best dog food for French Bulldogs contain healthy fats such as fish oil, chicken fat, or flax-seed oil.
Carbohydrates provide energy and are the primary source of dietary fiber for dogs. Quality carbohydrate sources for your French Bulldog include oatmeal and brown rice.
French Bulldogs need many vitamins, including vitamins A, D, K, and E, to thrive. They also need macro-minerals like calcium and potassium and trace elements like copper, iron, and zinc.
Can French Bulldogs Eat Commercial Dog Food?
Due to a Frenchie’s small size, you’re better off with quality commercial dog food for small breeds. Such dog foods strike the right balance between the dog’s nutritional and energy needs.
The best dog foods for small breeds use quality ingredients. They use quality meat sources such as chicken, beef, or fish as the primary ingredient.
Avoid brands that use vague terms such as meat meal or by-products. Ideally, you should settle for brands that meet the Association of America Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards.
AAFCO-certified brands provide complete and balanced diets for dogs. They’re formulated to meet the nutrient profile for all or specific life stages.
Always settle for small breed formulas when feeding your French Bulldog.
Besides matching their nutritional needs, dog food formulas for small breeds account for their small sizes. The kibble sizes are small to fit their tiny mouths.
Quality commercial dog foods for French dogs include Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Wellness.
Homemade Diets for French Bulldogs
Although commercial dog foods boast a balanced nutritional profile, they often contain filler ingredients. You may take the homemade diet if you wish to be in full control of your French Bulldog’s diet.
A homemade diet is healthier because you know the exact ingredients in it. Unlike commercial varieties, you know it doesn’t contain harmful preservatives, dyes, and fillers.
Ideally, you should consult a veterinary nutritionist when transitioning your Frenchie to a homemade diet. They can assess your furry companion’s nutritional needs and help you plan a balanced diet.
A homemade diet for French Bulldogs should include all major food groups. Lean meats such as chicken, beef, turkey, or fish should be the primary food source.
The meals should include whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice to provide energy and dietary fiber. Supplementing fruits and veggies provides additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
You’ll need to tread carefully when preparing homemade meals for French bulldogs. Cook all meat thoroughly to reduce the risk of bacterial infections.
Remove the small bones that may pose a choking hazard, and puree grains and veggies to enhance digestibility. Never add spices, seasonings, or salt when making homemade dog food.
Depending on your diet plan, you may include supplements to ensure nutritional completeness.
For instance, Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are crucial for a French bulldog’s skin and coat health.
After transitioning to a homemade diet, you’ll need to continually monitor your bulldog’s health, weight, and energy levels. That helps you adjust the diet to meet your furry companion’s nutritional needs.
Safe and Unsafe Foods For French Bulldogs
It’s tempting to share your favorite foods and snacks with your adorable furry companion. Unfortunately, some human foods are highly toxic to dogs. 8
Surprisingly, chocolate tops the list of toxic dog foods because they contain theobromine and caffeine. Chocolate may induce diarrhea, vomiting, and heart palpitations in dogs.
Other toxic dog foods include grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, and xylitol. Ideally, you should avoid sharing your food with your dog since spices and seasonings are harmful.
Feeding your Frenchie any of these foods may endanger not only its health but also its life. The effects of consuming toxic dog foods range from stomach upsets to seizures to kidney failure and coma.
Rather than take chances with your Frenchie’s health, you’re better off sticking to the recommended dog foods. Safe dog foods include lean meats, fish, fruits, eggs, vegetables, dairy products, and carbohydrates such as rice and pasta.
What Can French Bulldogs Eat? Should They Eat Fruit And Vegetables?
Although French bulldogs are carnivores, you should include fruits and veggies in their diets.
They make safe and healthy treats that provide a variety of essential minerals and vitamins.
- Apples are tasty delights jampacked with vitamins and fibers. Always core apples before feeding them to your dog because the seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide.
- Blueberries and strawberries are safe for French Bulldogs. They’re low in calories and packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Bananas are a good source of potassium and fiber, not to mention they’re nutritious and energy-packed.
- Carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes make the best veggies for your French bulldog. They make tasty, low-calorie, and nutritious treats with vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidants.
Depending on your dog’s preference, you may serve veggies raw or cooked. Remember the number one rule—no spices, condiments, or salt.
Protein Sources
Protein is an essential component of any dog’s diet, including a French bulldog. But not just any protein—you should only feed your furry friend quality proteins.
Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, beef, rabbits, pork, duck, and lamb are hands down the best protein sources for dogs. If your French Bulldog is prone to allergies, you can lean towards white meats such as pork, chicken, and rabbit.
Other quality protein sources include fish such as salmon, trout, and sardines. Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which improves your Frenchie’s overall health and gives them a shiny coat.
You can serve meat cooked or raw. Proponents argue that raw meat is healthier and highly beneficial to French bulldogs.
Commercial dog foods from reliable brands are specially formulated to provide high-quality protein. The best brands use animal protein sources such as turkey, beef, chicken, or fish as the primary ingredient.
Here Are Some Tasty Treats and Snacks To Try
As a dog parent, the temptation to dot on your good boy or girl can be overwhelming. However, be mindful not to go overboard with the treats and snacks.
Ideally, you should follow the 10% rule—limit treats and snacks to 10% of your Frenchie’s daily calorie intake. With so many treats to offer, this rule may seem harsh and cruel.
But it’s your best chance at keeping your dog strong, healthy, and at optimum weight.
Be careful when buying treats to ensure they’re dog-specific. The best dog treats and snacks are nutritionally balanced and don’t contain artificial additives, excess sugars, or fillers.
Observe your French Bulldog’s preferences and choose the treats accordingly. Pick breed or size-specific treats to reduce choking hazards.
If you lean towards homemade treats, be mindful of portion control and stick to healthy, nutritious snacks.
Feeding Schedule and Portions
Portion control and strict feeding schedules are core requirements if you own a French Bulldog. You can easily overfeed them due to their small size and active nature.
- Schedule 2-3 small to sized meals for adult French Bulldogs. Puppies require 3 to 4 meals daily to support their rapid growth and high-energy needs.
- Ensure that you follow instructions on the dog food packaging for feeding guidelines.
- You can always vary the portions to suit your dog’s activity level and metabolic rates.
Consult a veterinarian to help determine the best portions for your French Bulldog if you prefer homemade dog food. You’ll also need to continually monitor the dog’s health and adjust the feeding habits as required.
What Can French Bulldogs Eat? Always Consider Hydration Needs
Water is essential to your French Bulldog’s health and well-being. Water supports your dog’s overall health by maintaining proper body function and regulating body temperature.
Place an accessible water bowl with reach to ensure your Frenchie has a steady supply of clean water throughout the day. Pick a size-appropriate water bowl that accommodates their drinking habits.
Clean the water bowl regularly to prevent bacterial growth and contamination. French Bulldogs are notorious and may refuse to drink from a dirty bowl.
Always factor in the weather and your dog’s physical activity when rationing water. Be sure to carry water and a portable water bowl when traveling with your pet.
Special Dietary Considerations
French bulldogs may require special dietary considerations to manage allergies, sensitivities, or digestive issues like other dog breeds. Some concerns are breed-specific, while others are common across all dogs.
French Bulldogs are susceptible to recurring dental issues because of their short muzzles.
Besides espousing excellent dental hygiene, you may need a specialized dental diet or offer dental chews.
French Bulldogs are susceptible to joint problems such as arthritis or hip dysplasia. You may need a diet rich in joint-supporting ingredients such as chondroitin and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Some French Bulldogs may have allergies and sensitivities to common allergens such as beef, dairy, soy, wheat, and chicken. You may need to switch to a limited-ingredient diet if you suspect your dog has food allergies or sensitivities.
Need More Information Regarding What Can French Bulldogs Eat?
Always Consult With A Qualified Veterinarian
Working with a veterinarian can help you create a diet that fits your French Bulldog’s dietary needs. A vet will assess your dog’s age, weight, body condition, and activity levels to provide tailored dietary recommendations.
If your Frenchie has any known health conditions, you’re better off seeking guidance from a vet.
They can help you pick the best commercial dog diet or formulate a balanced homemade diet.
Remember, every dog is unique, so what works for one French Bulldog may not work for your companion. A vet can help you understand your dog’s dietary requirements and offer guidance and support.
Looking For Some Healthy, Homemade Dog Food Recipe Inspiration?
So, What’s The Verdict!? What Can French Bulldogs Eat?
Due to their unique stature, French Bulldogs have uniquely specific nutritional requirements. Getting a Frenchie’s diet just right keeps them healthy and reduces the likelihood of being overweight.
You must establish a regular feeding schedule and control the food portions to give your prized Frenchie a healthy lifestyle. Consulting with a veterinarian can help you assess and meet your dog’s specific needs.
Working with an expert can help you get the dog meal plan to help you avoid or manage health challenges unique to the French Bulldogs.If you’re looking for more nutritional advice for your pet, The American Canine Club is a great starting point for all things in canine health.
