best allergy free dog food for french bulldogs
5 Best Dog Foods For French Bulldogs (2024)
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs
The comical French Bulldog is a delightful addition to any home. A breed known for its clown-like ways and adorable bat-ears, the French Bulldog, often affectionately referred to as a Frenchie, makes friends wherever it goes.
A breed with low activity requirements and that can suffer from a number of health issues including breathing problems and skin conditions, the Frenchie requires a high-quality diet fed in correct proportions to encourage a healthy body weight and prevent weight gain. The best dog foods for French Bulldogs are nutritionally balanced to support optimal canine health and wellness.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for French Bulldogs
Because the French Bulldog can easily become overweight, it is very important to measure this dogs food very carefully and monitor all intake. The average adult French Bulldog typically requires 400-550 calories per day. This will vary depending on activity level and whether the dog is spayed or neutered.The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remember to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information.To keep the French Bulldog feeling satisfied, these calories should be divided out over two meals with one feeding in the morning and the other at night.
400-550 calories is equivalent to approximately 1-1 cups of the best dog food for French Bulldogs, though this will vary depending on the formulation.
Dietary Requirements for French Bulldog Foods
As a general rule of thumb, French Bulldogs benefit from a diet that consists of a minimum of 18 percent lean protein and 5 percent fat. Whole proteins are the preferred choice, but meat meals are equally as acceptable and can pack a powerhouse punch of nutrition. Lean sources of protein are best such as poultry or fish.
The correct amount of fat is critical to ensure the French Bulldogs body has the fuel to keep up with its development and daily routine. Healthy fats from animal sources such as chicken fat or fish oils are best and can help assist with digestion.
Frenchies can be prone to gas problems, meaning carbohydrates should come from sources that are easy for the dog to digest. The French Bulldog does well on a diet that includes whole grains or that is based on fruits and vegetables. The Frenchie can experience skin and stomach sensitivities to both proteins and carbohydrates and certain individuals may benefit from a hypoallergenic hydrolyzed protein or novel protein/carbohydrate diet.
The best dog foods for French Bulldogs place a high emphasis on ingredients that are easy to digest.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a French Bulldog:
Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
Protein is the foundation of any diet appropriate for the French Bulldogs needs. Lean proteins in whole form are the ideal choice; however, meat meals are also a good addition to any high-quality food for this breed.
Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
The addition of supplements to a high-quality food can help promote optimal health in the French Bulldog. Glucosamine and chondroitin strengthen joint functionality.
Since the French Bulldog can suffer from a sensitive stomach, a diet that includes probiotics and prebiotics is an excellent idea as both aid digestion.
Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the French Bulldog should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.
Allergies are not necessarily influenced by a dogs gender, size, breed or age but some breeds are certainly more susceptible to both food and environmental allergies.
Do French Bulldogs get allergies?
Like many other breeds, French Bulldogs have been known to be sensitive to allergens found in food or the environment around them, so learning to recognize the signs of an allergic reaction will help your Frenchie enjoy a healthy life.
The rest of this article will look at the most common French Bulldog allergies and how you can go about treating them.
Types of French Bulldog Allergies
Food Allergies
There are many food allergies French Bulldogs have in common with other breeds of dog.
Food allergies in dogs are caused when the antibodies inside the dogs intestine suffer an interaction with a particular allergen in the food. When this happens, dogs have a histaminic response, just like humans, and their body responds with symptoms that are typically visible.
The most common food allergy is related to certain proteins, which requires your Frenchie to have more lean meat.
The foods below are known to cause allergic reactions to French Bulldogs and other dogs which irritate their immune system:
- Dairy Products
- Chicken
- Beef
- Some fish
- Wheat
- Lamb
- Corn
- Soy
- Chicken eggs
Environmental Allergies
In addition to food allergies, Frenchies and other canines can be allergic to environmental factors as well.
Environmental allergies react pretty much like food allergens. A dogs antibodies can become hypersensitive when your dog comes into contact with the allergen that doesnt mix with their makeup.
When this happens, the oversensitive antibodies release an excessive amount of histamine resulting in an allergic reaction.
The environmental agents below are known to cause allergic reactions:
- Dust mites
- Animal dander
- Airborne pollen
- Mold spores
How Do You Know If Your Frenchie has An Allergy?
Food Allergy Symptoms
Food allergies in French Bulldogs and other canines can appear at any given moment just like humans. The symptoms vary depending on how serious the allergic reaction is.
When your dog suffers from a food allergy, they will begin to show the following signs:
- Gastrointestinal response. The most common abdominal response to food allergies is diarrhea, vomiting and non-stop flatulence that will have you reaching for cover! Dogs may also not digest their meal and can develop pancreatitis, dehydration or other dangerous medical conditions.
- Skin conditions. Like humans, dogs can suffer irritable skin conditions from their food allergies. Their skin will erupt and burst into itchy, painful hives, rashes, bumps, sores, hyperpigmentation and more. Open skin sores are prone to developing bacterial and fungal infections that must be tended to in order to prevent the open wound from becoming infected.
Environmental Allergy Symptoms
Dogs usually develop hereditary chronic environmental allergies between the ages of three and six. Like humans, these environmental allergies present themselves as atopic dermatitis causing the skin to be hypersensitive to allergens that manifest themselves as hay fever, asthma, or irritated scabbed skin, and rashes.
Environmental allergies are permanent and have no cure. However, they can be controlled with medication.
When Frenchies suffer from an environmental allergy, they will scratch, rub, and lick their effected areas excessively.
The most inflamed parts of the body that dogs will chew, lick or scratch are:
- Groin area or stomach
- Toes and feet
- Ears
- Eyes, nose or face
You should be particularly careful if your Frenchies face is irritated, because their skinfolds can mask painful allergies or rashes!
How to Treat Allergies Affecting French Bulldogs
Food Allergy Treatment
In order to determine if your Frenchie is allergic to a specific food,the simplest way to figure it out is by doing an elimination diet. Remove any potential food allergens from your dogs diet for 7-10 days and see if the symptoms subside. If they do, slowly add items back into their diet until you find the culprit.
If that doesnt work, and symptoms are escalating, your pup may require a physical examination that includes blood and urine tests. If a disease is not present in the blood work, then the vet will likely designate prescription food, probiotics, and medication if necessary.
Sadly, this is hard for dogs who are used to always having their treats.
If youre unsure always opt for seeing a vet, they will guide you in the right direction.
Environmental Allergy Treatment
In order to treat environmental allergies, the vet will usually prescribe corticosteroids and antihistamines to prevent your Frenchie from scratching. Depending on the severity of the allergic reaction, the strength of the medication will be determined by your dogs vet.
In addition, topical ointments prescribed, or over-the-counter, will help heal the scabs or open wounds on your dogs skin and reduce their irritation. These can be a bit tricky if your dog loves to lick, so make sure you apply the treatments at a time when your Frenchie is sleepy or you can distract them for 15-20 minutes.
Allergy Supplements
One popular allergy maintenance solution for Frenchies is to feed them chewable allergy supplements. Our pick is theZesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites, a product witha whopping 1,800+ positive reviews on Amazon.
These bitesare chewable grain-free treats that contain digestive and immune-boosting ingredients to promote a healthy response to food, skin, seasonal, and environmental allergies.
Wrapping up
Dont let food or environmental allergies influence your decision to offer a Frenchie a happy home.
Because all dogs, regardless of breed, could develop food and environmental allergies. Frenchies arent alone!
Plus, just about all allergies are manageable and your pup can live a happy life.
Allergies shouldnt stop you from making an adorable and loving Frenchie part of your family.
Will is the proud co-owner of Frankie, a Female Brindle French Bulldog, with his wife Michelle. We share our Frenchie experiences with the world to help health-conscious French Bulldog owners who want a happy, healthy, and long-living dog.
Best Dog Food for French Bulldog 2024: 10 Top Brands Revealed!
The Frenchie is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming and exercise requirements. Like any dog, however, French Bulldogs needs a high-quality and balanced diet to maintain a healthy body weight and to reduce his risk for certain health concerns like obesity, skeletal issues, and breathing problems.
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To keep your dog happy and healthy, it's important that you feed them a well-balanced diet suited to their needs.As French Bulldogs are unfortunately prone to numerous health complications later in life, a hearty meal routine is a priority for this breed.
In this article, well take a closer look at the nutritional needs of French Bulldogs and provide tips for choosing the best dog food for your Frenchie. Youll also see our picks for the best dog food for French Bulldog.
Overall Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs
What Is The Best Dog Food For French Bulldog?
- Ollie Fresh Pet Food Delivery
- Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Formula
- American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Grain-Free Duck & Potato
- CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
- VICTOR Yukon River Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduce Fat Turkey & Chicken Recipe
- Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
- Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Ollie is a veterinarian created raw food system designed to give your pet optimum nutrition in a limited ingredient formula. If youve got the extra budget, it is worth it.
Ollie is human-grade dog food delivered right to your door step. This super premium food is our top choice for French Bulldogs because its formulated to specifically target skin, eye and heart health.
The beef recipe contains helpful ingredients that offer nutritional benefits. Sweet potatoes are high in essential nutrients and dietary fiber, while peas are a good source of lutein. And rosemary naturally supports your Frenchies immune system.
Ollie is a fresh, minimally processed dog food. Ingredients are gently cooked to preserve flavor and nutrients. For French Bulldogs with sensitive stomachs, Ollie doesnt contain any soy, corn or wheat.
Although humans could enjoy this food with a fork, we recommend saving this exceptional delicacy for your pampered pooch!
Pros
- Customizable meal plans
- No fillers like soy, corn or wheat
- Ingredients support skin, eye and heart health
- Each order comes with a customized feeding guide
- Fresh, human-grade dog food delivered to your door
Cons
- Requires a freezer, and may take up a good chunk of space
- This type of food will not scrape plaque and tartar off teeth like kibble will
2. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Formula
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Made from novel proteins like venison and lamb, this protein-rich kibble is designed into smaller kibble sizes to suit the needs of small breed dogs.
Taste of the Wild is an extremely popular food among dog parents. This balanced diet is made with novel proteins, such as venison and lamb, to give your French Bulldog the flavor and nutrition he craves.
This grain-free recipe contains peas and sweet potatoes to promote an active lifestyle, as well as natural antioxidants from additional fruits and veggies. Plus dried chicory root offers prebiotic support and regular digestion, so you can keep your Frenchies farting to a minimum!
Taste of the Wild is nutrient-rich and highly digestible. This recipe is made with a K9 strain probiotic blend to help support your French Bulldogs digestive health.
The ingredients come from trusted, sustainable sources with no grain, corn, wheat, fillers or artificial flavors. This quality dog food is made in the USA by a family owned company using the most advanced food safety protocols.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Three bag sizes available
- Superfood ingredients offer immune boosting properties
- Grain-free recipe with buffalo as the first ingredient
- Contains additional antioxidants, vitamins and omega fatty acids
Cons
- This dog food is on the expensive side
3. American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe (Puppy)
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This grain free formula is just what your need in order to fuel your puppy's needs for his daily adventures. Made from real deboned lamb along with fiber, fruits, vegetables and essential nutrients, makes this product a great choice.
Your developing French Bulldog puppy needs a nutritious food that will promote overall health as they continue to grow.
This American Journey puppy food is formulated with all of your furry friends needs in mind. Deboned lamb and amino acids support the healthy growth of lean muscle mass, while sweet potatoes and chickpeas provide energy for your active puppy.
Omega fatty acids are plentiful in this food, and they come from several sources like salmon oil and flaxseed. These omegas help keep your French Bulldogs skin and coat healthy.
This recipe is grain-free and has no corn, wheat or soy, which makes it a great choice for puppies that are prone to food sensitivities.
Pros
- Promote brain and eye development
- Great for puppies with sensitive digestion
- Contains fiber-rich chickpeas and sweet potatoes for all of that puppy energy
- Crafted with fruits and vegetables like blueberries, carrots and dried kelp to provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
Cons
- More expensive than some of the other options
4. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Potato Recipe
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
If your Frenchie have food sensitivities, then consider this item here from Natural Balance. This grain free goodness is made from premium duck with natural fibers and farm grown veggies making it a balanced meal.
This recipe is a premium dog food that is specially formulated for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies. This unique recipe features limited ingredients, including high-quality duck and potato, making it a suitable option for dogs with dietary restrictions.
The use of limited ingredients helps minimize the risk of triggering food allergies or sensitivities, making it ideal for dogs with digestive issues or skin conditions. The grain-free formula avoids common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy, making it suitable for dogs with grain sensitivities.
The inclusion of duck as the main protein source provides a novel protein option for dogs that may have developed sensitivities to more common proteins like chicken or beef. Duck is also a lean protein that is rich in essential amino acids and promotes healthy muscle development.
Potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates that provide energy to active dogs. This recipe also contains essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health, and the absence of artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors makes it a natural and wholesome option for your dog.
This is a high-quality dog food that provides balanced nutrition for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, helping them thrive and live their best lives. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations based on your dog's specific needs.
Pros
- Natural fibers promote gentle digestion
- Zero artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- Suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies
- Provides a novel protein option for sensitive dogs
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- May not be suitable for all dogs
- May not be widely available in all locations
5. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Boasts with real salmon, this formula is made with just 8 wholesome ingredients. This is a perfect match for your sensitive or picky buddy.
Keep meal time simple yet delicious with this limited ingredient dog food from CANIDAE. This food is a wonderful option for your French Bulldog if they battle allergies or a sensitive stomach.
Made with just 8 ingredients, this dog kibble still contains all of the nutrition, vitamins and minerals that your Frenchie needs to thrive. Even if your pup doesnt have delicate digestion or food sensitivities, they will absolutely love the taste of this formula.
French Bulldogs have several health considerations to account for, and this limited ingredient food for sensitive stomachs will provide optimal nutrition for your pups overall wellbeing.
With 8 key ingredients and salmon as the first ingredient, you can rest easy knowing exactly what your Frenchie is devouring at meal time.
Pros
- Supports healthy digestion
- A premium food for dogs with allergies
- Formulated with just 8 ingredients
- Doesnt contain any gluten, wheat, grain or soy
- Contains a blend of probiotic mix, vitamins and minerals
Cons
- An expensive dog food, but you are paying for simplicity and quality
More Top Rated French Bulldog Foods
1. VICTOR Yukon River Salmon & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dog Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Crafted from premium quality fish sources such as dehydrated salmon and menhaden fish meal, this is the perfect hypoallergenic meal for your Frenchie.
Offer your French Bulldog the nutrition he needs with the taste he loves by pouring him a bowlful of VICTOR Select Yukon River Canine Recipe!
This dry dog food recipe is crafted in the USA with premium-quality, fish-based protein sources such as menhaden fish meal and dehydrated salmon.
Its also completely free of common food allergens like grains, which means its especially great for Frenchies with sensitivities or allergies. VICTOR also contains selenium yeast, pre and probiotics and mineral complexes to promote your pups overall health.
2. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduce Fat Turkey & Chicken Recipe
French Bulldogs are prone to obesity, especially as they reach their golden years. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Formula has 25% less fat than the original formula and a great turkey taste sure to satisfy even your Frenchies hearty appetite.
Gluten-free ingredients help maintain a proper weight in a kibble that guarantees big taste without any fillers, and taurine supports heart health.
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This reduced fat recipe is specifically designed to help maintain your Frenchie's weight. It is a grain free formula that contains real turkey as the top ingredient along with organic vegetables, grains and fruits making it a hearty meal.
This food is a good option for lazy French Bulldogs, injured pups who arent getting much exercise, or senior dogs who are slowing down.
3. Merrick Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
With ingredients sourced from locally trusted farmers, this kibble boasts real, deboned beef as its first ingredient along with fruits, fibers, veggies and minerals making it a perfect meal for all breeds.
This Merrick dry dog food combines allergy-friendly nutrition with a grain-free recipe that features real, deboned beef, along with sweet potatoes, peas, apples, blueberries and more.
Formulated with vitamins and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition, it also contains high levels of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
For French Bulldogs who may have hip dysplasia, glucosamine and chondroitin help aid healthy hip and joint function.
This quality dog food is proudly made in Merricks Texas facility using the worlds best locally-sourced ingredients from farmers they know and trust.
4. Instinct by Natures Variety Raw Boost Recipe
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This is a high protein kibble which includes raw, freeze-dried meat. It also contains high levels of omega fatty acids and fiber to promote overall wellness.
Instinct Raw Boost Recipe is made with highly palatable animal protein plus it offers boosted nutrition which includes bites of freeze-dried raw meat in every bite.
Carefully crafted to unlock your Frenchies potential, and enjoy the benefits of raw nutrition in every meal, its crafted with real organic, farm-raised chicken as its foremost ingredient to promote lean and strong muscles.
It also includes a probiotic boost for digestive health, higher levels of omegas for healthy skin and coat, plus more antioxidants for immune health.
This Instinct formula has zero grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors or preservatives. Made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the world.
5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe is formulated with tons of protein, just the right amount of carbohydrates, and plenty of antioxidant-rich fruit.
It includes exclusive BLUE LifeSource Bits a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immune system health, life stage requirements and healthy oxidative balance.
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Made from 100% natural ingredients, this kibble contains real chicken as its topmost ingredient. Blue Buffalo has designed this product line in order to satiate your pet's inner wolf.
This powerful recipe is specially crafted to support your French Bulldogs overall health and well-being. This delicious dog food contains Calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins help promote strong bones and teeth, glucosamine helps support joint function and overall mobility and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids helps promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
6 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations
French Bulldogs require approximately 500 to 780 calories per day, although your pups calorie needs will depend on their age, size, and activity levels.
This breed doesnt need as much food or as much protein as high-performance dogs, but a healthy blend of high-quality meat ingredients should be the cornerstone of a French Bulldogs diet.
AAFCO recommends a minimum of 18% proteinwith the digestibility of that protein estimated to be near 100%. To ensure that your French Bulldog is getting highly-digestible protein, look for foods made with named meats and meat meals and minimal high-protein plant ingredients.
Unfortunately French Bulldogs are known for having a slew of health problems, but many of them can be potentially reduced and/or avoided with a good diet.
Here are some health concerns to take into consideration when choosing a food for your Frenchie:
- Hip dysplasia: While hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition, you can help to ensure healthy development by feeding your Frenchie a proper food during puppyhood. A calorie-limited diet promotes balanced growth if your dog grows too quickly, it can place too much weight on their developing joints. Youll also want to look for a puppy food made with the appropriate balance of calcium and phosphorus.
- Obesity: The French Bulldog is extremely prone to obesity. Excess weight on the skeletal structure can exacerbate any other health problem. Its crucial that you feed your Frenchie a proper diet on a schedule to prevent obesity.
- Flatulence: Nobody is comfortable talking about flatulence, but any Bulldog parent knows that this breed is known for letting go of some rancid gas. Frenchies tend to gulp or gobble their food down rather than chewing it effectively. In the process, they often swallow plenty of air, hence the gassiness.To avoid excess farting, choose foods that dont contain fillers and common irritants like corn, wheat, and soy. Keeping your Frenchie in shape can also help reduce flatulence.
- Skin problems: Allergic skin disease is also a huge problem among French Bulldogs, who commonly suffer from food and environmental allergies. Skin allergies cause serious inflammation and can lead to hair loss, hives, swollen glands, and infections of the skin and ears. Minimally processed foods supplemented with probiotics and prebiotics can help to keep your dogs immune system in great shape. Its also a good idea to avoid low-value ingredients and fillers. If your dog suffers from food sensitivities or food allergies, avoid common allergens and try a limited ingredient french bulldog diet.
- Respiratory issues: Most French Bulldogs suffer from some form of Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS). It is characterized by greatly shortened upper jaws and noses, but the soft tissues of the nose and throat remain unchanged, thus these tissues are squeezed into a substantially smaller space. This leads to narrowing and increased resistance in the upper respiratory tract. Feeding your French Bulldog a properly sized kibble will help them breathe regularly when eating.
French Bulldogs grow to around 30 inches tall and should weigh up to 28lbs. They are small to medium-sized dogs with short, smooth coats and a solid, muscular body that looks particularly compact.
French Bulldogs have an average lifespan on 10 to 12 years,though they can live longer this is dependent on the debilitating health issues that the breed is likely to develop later in life.
5 Key Nutritional Needs of a French Bulldog Puppy
Young Frenchies have high caloric and nutrient needs. French Bulldogs aged anywhere from 8-12 weeks of age need a total of 1.5 cups of puppy food per day. Thismustbe spread out into 3 meals equaling 1/2 cup each. Spreading the meals out will maintain a healthy amount of energy and nutrients in your puppys belly.
French Bulldog puppies are some of the most adorable beings with the funniest personalities. They are incredibly hyperactive but gentle. This breed also loves to spend their time snoozing, so its a good thing to keep them active and provide a clean french bulldog diet so they dont become overweight.
Below are some nutritional needs to consider when creating a feeding routine for your French Bulldog puppy:
- Your puppy needs a food with high caloric intake to promote healthy growth. A high calorie puppy food also supports your Frenchies high energy needs. A food formulated specifically for puppies will be made with the proper calorie amount for your growing furry friend.
- Nutritional value is everything when establishing a meal routine for your puppy. Youll want a food that is made with wholesome, hearty ingredients with no fillers or artificial preservatives.
- Frenchie puppies should be fed a few small meals per day. This process will minimize the peaks of energy your French Bulldog will experience due to dramatic rises and decreases in blood sugar levels between meals.
- A good puppy food for your French Bulldog will be formulated with DHA for healthy brain and eye development.
- A puppys immune system is building as they grow, so a food made with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is helpful.
When determining what amount to feed your Frenchie puppy, we suggest you follow the portion guide on the food brand package, which usually offers guidance based on your dogs age and weight.
If you feel like your puppy isnt eating enough or is gaining weight too rapidly, talk with your vet about altering how much you are feeding them. You may also need to switch to a different brand of food.
French Bulldog Puppy Feeding Chart
Before discussing the French Bulldog feeding guidelines, you might want the quick answer to how many cups of food to feed your French Bulldog. As a general rule of thumb, you should feed a French Bulldog puppy aged 8 to 12 weeks around 1 and a half cups of food a day, in 3 separate meals.
It can usually take about 2 to 3 weeks for a French Bulldog puppy to be weaned off of their mothers milk and adjust to dry and/or wet food. Its important to keep in mind that your puppy may be a little stubborn about eating dry and wet food if they were only just recently weaned.
- 8 week old French Bulldog: Your Frenchie should now be completely weaned from their mother, and the transition to dry food should be taking place. Your puppy should be eating about 1.5 cups of food per day.
- 12 week old French Bulldog: The dry food your Frenchie is eating should be high in calories since they need extra nutrients that they are no longer getting from their mother. The amount of food should remain around 1.5 cups a day.
- 3 month old French Bulldog: Its time to start feeding your Frenchie based on their weight. The general rule of thumb is that for every pound, your French Bulldog should be fed between 25 and 30 calories.
- 6 months: Your Frenchie should now be used to their normal eating routine. Its important that you are measuring their food based on weight and activity level.
- 1 year: Your French Bulldog is now full grown. They probably weight anywhere between 20 and 25lbs. They can be eating around 2 cups of food a day if they are sitting at a proper weight.
Our French Bulldog Feeding Guide
Protein provides your Frenchie with the building blocks for healthy muscle and lean mass. It should come from high-quality animal sources like poultry, meat, and fish. Fat provides a concentrated source of energy in the form of calories as well as omega fatty acids for skin and coat support. It too should come from animal sources to ensure digestibility.
According to theMerck Veterinary Manual, adult dogs require a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat in their diet. These needs are higher for growing Frenchie puppies, but protein remains the most important nutrient, followed by healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some basic guidelines for feeding your French Bulldog:
- Puppy Diet: Your French Bulldog puppy should be eating 3-4 times a day. Each meal should equate to about cup each. Your Frenchie needs a specific puppy food to promote overall healthy growth of the brain, eyes, bones and joints without becoming overweight.
- Adult Diet: French Bulldogs are highly food motivated and they will overeat if given the opportunity. Your adult Frenchie needs to stick to a meal routine. A typical, average weight French Bulldog will need to eat about 550-600 calories per day. If your pup is highly active, they will need to consume about 750-825 calories per day.
- Senior Diet: Senior Frenchies need to eat a little less food than an active adult. Feed your older pup roughly 20-25 calories per pound (if theyre within the nominal weight range or below) and if they leave food in the bowl, its okay to let them snack on it midday or so. You cant go wrong with 1-1.5 cups in the morning and 1-1.5 cups at night.
If your French Bulldog looks thinner than usual, you can add 5 calories of food per pound of weight until you find a magic number. Every French Bulldog is different, and our suggestions are based on average weights.
Conclusion
Frenchie is a breed that not only captures hearts with its charming personality but also stands out due to its unique coat colors. French Bulldogs exhibit a wide range of coat shades, patterns, and markings, including fawn, brindle, pied, white and rare colors like blue and lilac. These distinctive color variations add to the breed's individuality and appeal, making them even more endearing to dog enthusiasts.
French Bulldogs are sturdy dogs that make excellent family companions. The breed is incredibly affectionate and gentle, making them an extremely popular small dog, especially among city dwellers. While Frenchies are alert, playful and adorable, they do have several health considerations to take into account when starting them on a plentiful diet.
Since they are prone to obesity and other problems with their small skeletal structure, a great food is imperative to getting your pup started on a healthy life journey. Remember to always consult your veterinarian if you have specific questions and concerns regarding your French Bulldog.