best dog food for allergies french bulldogs

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.

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.

18 Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs 2023 (Premium & Budget)

We may earn a small commission when readers buy products through links on this page. It supports our team to keep posting great content. Learn more about this

here

.

Last Updated on April 24, 2023

French Bulldogs are among the most popular breeds in the United States. However, they are prone to quite a few diet-related health problems.

It is essential to feed your canine the best dog food for French Bulldogs to avoid these common health problems and food allergies.

Well discuss some of the best foods in this article.

Top 5 Picks for Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs

The 18 Best Dog Food Brands for French Bulldogs by Stage

There are many different types of dog food brands out there. It is important to pick the right dog food for your pets stage.

Best Puppy Foods for French Bulldogs

The answer to what food you should feed your Frenchie puppy is a bit more complicated than you might think. Some of them are quite nutritious, but others are full of fillers and preservatives.

Puppy foods should be formulated to support healthy puppy growth and often include extra vitamins like DHA.

Choosing the correct food for your French Bulldog puppy helps ensure that they grow in tip-top condition. It also decreases the chance that they might develop health problems later on.

1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Small Breed Chicken & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 5Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Menhaden Fish MealType: Dry

This puppy food is specifically formulated for smaller breeds. It contains antioxidant-rich ingredients, as well as calcium, phosphorus, and other essential vitamins.

Plenty of DHA and ARA are included for eye and brain development. Minerals are chelated to improve absorption.

Pros:

• DHA and ARA included for brain development
• Whole chicken
• Plenty of omega fatty acids

Cons:

• Includes lots of oatmeal
• High in carbohydrates
• With peas on the ingredient list

CHECK PRICE HERE

2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Puppy Recipe with Roasted Bison & Venison

Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Egg Product, Pea ProteinType: Dry

At first glance, this dog food looks very high-quality. It includes rare proteins like water buffalo and lamb meal which is highly recommended for dogs with sensitivities.

Most dogs with allergies are allergic to things like chicken and beef common proteins. However, much of this foods protein comes from peas, which may be linked to certain health problems.

Pros:

• Rare proteins included
• Grain-free
• Made with real fruits and veggies for an active immune system
• Provides plenty of omega fatty acids

Cons:

• Includes pea protein and peas high on the ingredient list
• Low in protein and animal fat

CHECK PRICE HERE

3. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, OatmealType: Dry

While dogs thrive on a diet of mostly animal protein, they have evolved to eat grain. Therefore, the correct grains can add quite a bit of nutrition to our pets diets.

This dog food includes real deboned chicken, as well as a variety of whole grains.

Pros:

• Deboned chicken
• Whole grains included
• Plenty of DHA, omega fatty acids, chondroitin, and glucosamine

Cons:

• Low in carbohydrates
• A bit too much grains

CHECK PRICE HERE

4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free High Protein Chicken Recipe Puppy Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca StarchType: Dry

Packed with chicken, this dog food is very high in protein. It is highly digestible and well-balanced that meets your pups unique needs as they grow. The added DHA and ARA will support your pups eyes and cognition.

Pros:

• Grain-free
• Deboned chicken as the first ingredient
• Fatty acids for eye and brain development

Cons:

• Includes quite a bit of pea protein
• Expensive
• The company is prone to recalls

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best Dog Food for French Bulldog Adults

Once your Frenchie grows up, it is time to switch to adult dog food. Preferably, you want an adult dog food thats low in fat and with a moderate level of protein since Frenchies are prone to obesity.

While dogs can eat grains, they do not provide all the nutrients your canine needs. Check for dog foods that have high-quality animal protein on the list. Preferably, it should be the first few ingredients!

Well take a look at some of the most popular French Bulldog adult dog foods on this list.

5. CANIDAE PURE Petite Adult Small Breed Grain-Free with Salmon Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 5Top Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon meal, Peas, LentilsType: Dry

This freeze-dried kibble is formulated with plenty of animal protein, including real salmon and salmon meal. It includes plenty of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-fatty acids as well.

It is grain-free and is not made with any corn, wheat, or soy.

Pros:

• Low in fat and with a moderate level of protein
• Probiotics and omega-fatty acids included
• Limited ingredients, making it perfect for dogs with sensitivities
• Overall the best dog food for French Bulldog

Cons:

• Includes a large amount of peas

CHECK PRICE HERE

6. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, LentilsType: Dry

This adult dog food is designed for small dogs and is suitable for many French Bulldogs. It is made with protein-rich ingredients, including lamb, egg, and duck. Much of the protein comes from peas, however.

Pros:

• Made in the USA
• Grain-free
• Includes venison and lamb meal

Cons:

• Very high levels of peas, beans, and lentils on the ingredient list

CHECK PRICE HERE

7. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey MealType: Dry

This delicious dog food contains all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to thrive. It is made with deboned chicken as the first ingredient.

It included high levels of omega fatty acids, chondroitin, and glucosamine, which will help protect your canines brain, eyes, and joints.

Pros:

• Deboned Chicken
• Plenty of vitamins and minerals included
• Does not include any peas

Cons:

CHECK PRICE HERE

8. AvoDerm Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken FatType: Dry

This kibble is made with smaller pieces and designed for smaller dogs. It is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Rich, high-quality fats and oils are included to increase the amount of omega-3s and omega-6 fatty acids in this product.

Pros:

• Made for small dog breeds
• Includes plenty of omega fatty acids
• 100% free from corn, wheat, and soy

Cons:

• Chicken meal as the only animal-protein source
• Lots of grains included

CHECK PRICE HERE

9. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, PeasType: Dry

This grain-free formula is formulated to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. It includes plenty of protein and a reduced-fat recipe, helping your canines maintain or get to a healthy weight.

Pros:

• Fortified with omega fatty acids
• No by-products, fillers, corn, soy, or wheat gluten
• Made with premium proteins, fruits, and vegetables

Cons:

• Includes quite a bit of peas

CHECK PRICE HERE

10. Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult Breed Specific Dog Food

Our Rating: 4Top Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Wheat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Wheat GlutenType: Dry

This dog food is one of the best for Frenchies with sensitive stomachs. Brewers rice aids in reducing flatulence and other digestive problems.

However, the wheat gluten on its ingredients may cause allergic reactions.

Pros:

• L-Carnitine and other amino acids are included
• DHA and EPA help decrease inflammation
• Easily digestible

Cons:

• Includes a lot of grains
• Expensive

CHECK PRICE HERE

11. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, PeasType: Dry

This grain-free dog food includes deboned turkey and turkey meal. It is designed for small breeds and crafted into a smaller kibble size to make eating a bit easier.

There are quite a bit of protein and animal sources in this formula, which means your dogs diet will contain more protein overall.

Pros:

• Fortified with antioxidants like blueberries, probiotics, and prebiotics
• Packed with nutritional protein
• Includes smaller kibble sizes

Cons:

• Includes peas high on the ingredient list

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best Dog Food for French Bulldog Seniors

French Bulldogs become seniors at a sadly very young age. As a senior, they may need particular dietary needs, which some senior dog foods may provide.

Speak with your vet about when the best time to change your canine to senior dog food is.

12. Simply Nourish Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken FatType: Dry

With carefully sourced ingredients, this dog food includes many of the extra nutrients our senior dogs might need.

This dog food is made for particularly smaller breeds, making it particularly suitable for French Bulldogs.

Pros:

• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Includes real veggies and fruits
• Flaxseeds and other added ingredients for extra nutritional value

Cons:

CHECK PRICE HERE

13. Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Senior Weight Management Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Potatoes, Peas, Potato Flour, Pea FlourType: Dry

As they get older, many dogs put on a few extra pounds. Being overweight can only worsen many of the health problems that old age often brings.

This food is particularly designed for dogs that are both overweight and older.

Pros:

• With moderate level of protein and low fat content
• Grain- and gluten-free recipe
• Added L-Carnitine
• Pre and probiotics included

Cons:

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs with Health Issues

As we mentioned before, French Bulldogs have a tendency to suffer from a number of health problems. There are dog foods that contain ingredients appropriate for your dogs specific needs.

Its also important to learn the recommended amount of food you should give them. Heres a quick video to give you an idea of how much you should feed your pooch:

Best for Sensitive Stomachs

If your Frenchie is suffering from stomach issues, some dog foods are formulated to ease tummy problems.

Talk to your vet to learn about what causes your dogs digestive problems before switching their food.

14. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Puppy LID Chicken Recipe Canned Dog Food

Our Rating: 5Top Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Dried Egg Product, Peas, Salmon OilType: Wet

This limited-ingredient puppy food is perfect for puppies who have sensitive stomachs. It includes real chicken for high-quality protein and is completely grain-free.

It does not contain any fillers like wheat, corn, or soy. This food is gluten-free, corn-free, wheat-free, and soy-free.

Pros:

• Grain-free
• Limited ingredient for dogs with sensitivities
• Free from fillers like wheat, corn, and soy
• Includes real chicken as the first ingredient

Cons:

• Includes peas high on the ingredient list
• Only one source of protein though this may be the best option for dogs with sensitivities

CHECK PRICE HERE

15. American Journey Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4Top Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet PotatoesType: Dry

This dog food features premium nutrients that will support your Frenchies healthy growth.

American Journey contains fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, carrots, and kelp which are rich in fibers to promote healthy digestion and immunity.

Pros:

• DHA for healthy eyesight and brain development
• Flaxseed and Salmon oil for beautiful skin and coat
• Omega-3 fatty acids included

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other options

CHECK PRICE HERE

Best For Weight Management

French Bulldogs have healthy appetites. And that means they can gain weight quickly which may lead to obesity and other health problems.

Aside from training and exercise, manage their weight gain by giving them high-quality food that has low calories.

16. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Pea FiberType: Dry

This formula starts with whole deboned chicken and chicken meal. It is quite high in protein and includes calcium, phosphorus, and plenty of other essential vitamins.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are both included for joint health and mobility.

Pros:

• No corn, wheat, or soy
• Chelated minerals for absorption
• Includes plenty of added vitamins

Cons:

CHECK PRICE HERE

17. AvoDerm Weight Support Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Rice Bran, OatmealType: Dry

This recipe is designed specifically for weight management for dogs with obesity. It includes 25 percent less fat than most other recipes.

It is perfect for adults and seniors who are less active and have trouble maintaining a healthy weight.

Pros:

• 100% free from corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meals
• Omega-rich ingredients included meeting all nutritional needs
• No artificial colors or flavors

Cons:

• High in grains and similar ingredients

CHECK PRICE HERE

18. Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Weight High Protein Formula Adult Dry Dog Food

Our Rating: 4Top Ingredients: Turkey, Rice Flour, Soybean meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product MealType: Dry

Featuring real turkey as the first ingredient, this formula is specifically designed to help our dogs lose weight.

It includes 25% less fat than the typical formula and is perfect for dogs that have trouble maintaining their correct weight. If your dog has a low activity level, consider this formula.

Pros:

• Lower in calories to maintain a healthy body weight
• Vitamin A and E included
• Glucosamine for healthy joints

Cons:

• High amounts of low-quality grains, like rice flour
• High in carbs and allergens

CHECK PRICE HERE

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are French Bulldogs Fussy Eaters?

Most French Bulldogs are not picky eaters, and most have a healthy appetite. If your Frenchie is refusing to eat, they might be in pain, or they feel uncomfortable.

Its essential to determine the cause before making any change in their diet.

Does My Flat-Faced Frenchie Need a Special Feeding Bowl?

Yes, they do. French Bulldogs have a small snout and flat faces, which means they cannot feed as other dogs do.

Traditional bowls can put your pup in danger of choking and can even strain their neck while they eat.

Fortunately, there are specially designed bowls for dogs with flat faces. You can use a slow-feeding bowl, an elevated bowl, or a slanted dog bowl to help them eat better.

Which Dog Food Should I Give My Frenchie?

As a fur parent, it is your duty to provide a nutritious and well-balanced meal for your pup. There are a lot of dog foods in the market to choose from, so picking the best dog food for French Bulldog would be easy.

Remember to consult your vet if you have any questions about your pet.

If youre choosing any new food for your Frenchie, your vet will guide you and help you decide which diet would be best for your pup.

Have you already chosen the best dog food for your French Bulldog? Wed love to know their favorite meal! Leave a comment below to let us know.

Reference

Cess Gamas( Head of Content Marketing and Editor )

Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.

When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.