best dog food for french bulldogs with allergies

11 Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs With Allergies in 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

French Bulldogs may be one of the most common dog breeds in America, largely because of their small size and adorable demeanor. However, these dogs are prone to many health problems, including allergies. Therefore, it isnt uncommon to need allergy-friendly food.

However, this is where things get a bit complicated. Different dogs have different allergies. Therefore, there isnt an allergy-friendly food that is good for all dogs.

Below, we reviewed the best foods for French Bulldog allergies. Not every formula will work for every dog, as it will depend on their exact allergies.

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The 11 Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs with Allergies

1. The Farmers Dog Best Overall

If you have a Frenchie who suffers from allergies, The Farmers Dog is a top-quality food option and our choice for best dog food for French Bulldogs with allergies. This company has done its research in pet nutrition and has carefully crafted veterinarian-formulated recipes to help ease common dog sensitivities.

The Farmers Dog recipes are prepared in USDA-certified kitchens and are cooked at low temperatures by USDA facility standards that preserve nutrients.

What sets The Farmers Dog apart is its dedication to addressing a dogs specific nutritional requirements. By completing a quick online questionnaire, you will be presented with a diet plan that caters to the needs of your dog.

This questionnaire requests details of dietary restrictions and health issues their dogs may have, such as food allergies, environmental allergies, and grain and gluten sensitivities. With this information, The Farmers Dog compiles a tailored list of suitable recipes you can choose from.

The hassle-free subscription service allows you to pick the delivery schedule suitable to your dogs meal management. The food must be kept frozen until you need it so ample freezer space is required to keep it fresh.

For these reasons, The Farmers Dog is a premium dog food brand that prioritizes custom diets, earning it the top spot as the overall best dog food for allergies.

• Recipes are curated in USDA-certified facilities
• Low temperature and slow cooking process preserves nutrients
• Recipes catered to allergies and sensitivities
• Easy to follow questionnaire
• Delivery to your door

2. Dr. Pol High-Energy Chicken Recipe Budget Buy

Chicken is a very common allergen, and it happens to be the primary ingredient in Dr. Pols High-Energy Chicken Recipe. However, not all Frenchies with allergies are allergic to chicken, especially if their owners have been very sensitive to allergies from the beginning. However, chicken is the only protein ingredient in this food. The rest is grains, veggies, and fruits.

Therefore, if your dog is sensitive to something besides chicken, this food is a great option. It is grain-inclusive, which is a great option for many dogs. It is rare for dogs to be sensitive to grains, and grain-free food has been associated with some health problems by the FDA.

Plus, this formula also contains prebiotics and probiotics, which can help with your dogs overall digestion. It is also much cheaper than other options out there. Therefore, this formula is the best dog food for French Bulldogs with allergies for the money.

• Chicken is the primary meat source
• Grain-inclusive
• Made without wheat or soy
• Prebiotics and probiotics added

• Contains high amounts of peas

3. Ollie Fresh Dog Food Delivery Service (Lamb Recipe)

For most French Bulldogs with allergies, we highly recommend Ollie Lamb Recipe. It is made with limited ingredients, with lamb as the first ingredient. Lamb is a novel protein for many dogs, as the most common allergens are chicken and beef. Therefore, if your dog has been consuming a different protein, this lamb food may be a good option.

Furthermore, it is grain-free. While grain allergies are not common, they can affect French Bulldogs. This food is also free from soy and other fillers, which can cause problems for some Frenchies. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, either.

We love that this formula is fortified with probiotics and omega fatty acids. These can help your dogs skin, coat, and digestive health.

• Free from common allergens
• Free from fillers
• Lamb as the main ingredient
• Omega fatty acids included
• High in protein

4. Royal Canin Veterinary Adult HP Dry Dog Food

If your dog has serious allergies, you may need Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Hydrolyzed Protein HP Dry Dog Food. This formula is a veterinary-strength brand. Therefore, it requires a prescription. You can get it online, but a prescription is still required.

The protein in this formula is hydrolyzed, which means that it cannot cause allergic reactions. Therefore, it works great for dogs that are allergic to just about everything. However, it is extremely expensive. Therefore, it is usually only used as a last resort. If your dog literally cannot eat any other food, this is typically what your vet will recommend.

This formula includes a lot of rice and veggies, as dogs typically arent allergic to them. The only proteins are hydrolyzed. A blend of fibers and prebiotics helps ensure that your dogs digestion works well, which is commonly a problem with Frenchies.

• Hydrolyzed protein
• Prebiotics included
• May reduce GI sensitivities and skin problems

• Very expensive
• Requires a prescription

5. Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Puppy Recipe Best for Puppies

The Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Puppy Salmon Recipe is designed for all life stages. Therefore, you can feed it to your puppy and adult. It includes salmon as the only source of protein. If your dog isnt allergic to salmon, then this formula should work just fine for your canine. It includes 30% protein plus some extra nutrients to help your puppy thrive.

We also liked that it includes specially-formulated probiotics. Many Frenchies have GI issues, as these probiotics are vital. This formula is lower in carbohydrates than others out there, and it is also free from potatoes. Instead, it includes chickpeas and similar starchy veggies.

This formula is made in the USA. It doesnt include peas, pea protein, chicken, wheat, or soy. In other words, it is missing many ingredients that are known to upset many of Frenchies stomachs.

• Salmon is the only protein content
• Includes probiotics
• All life stages
• Free from peas

6. Hills Prescription Diet Z/D Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food

Hills Prescription Diet Z/D Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food is recommended for Frenchies with severe allergies. This dog food does require a prescription like some other formulas on this list. Therefore, it is typically a last resort for dogs with many different allergies. The protein contained is hydrolyzed. Therefore, it cannot cause allergy problems.

For this reason, we highly recommend it for canines that have tried everything else but failed. It is extremely expensive, though, so you may want to try simply avoiding your dogs allergies before switching to this food.

This formula is designed specifically with omega fatty acids, which help improve your dogs skin and coat health. Allergies often cause skin and coat problems, as this is often a problem with Frenchies.

• Hydrolyzed protein
• Omega fatty acids included
• High in antioxidants

• Expensive
• Requires a prescription

7. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Dog Food

Purina is a very popular dog food brand. The Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach 7+ Salmon & Rice Formula is designed specifically for older dogs with skin sensitivities. Therefore, it is typically allergen-friendly, as well, as it doesnt contain any of the common allergens that cause skin issues. The primary protein source is salmon.

However, this formula also contains fish, which could be just about any type of fish. Therefore, we dont recommend it for dogs that are sensitive to fish at all.

We like that this formula is specifically designed for older dogs. Therefore, it includes added nutrients like glucosamine and EPA. All of these ingredients help support your dogs joints, which often become a problem as your dog ages. Sunflower oil is added for the increased omega fatty acids, which may help nourish your dogs coat. Many Frenchies have skin and coat issues, anyway, so this additive can be very helpful.

• Added sunflower oil
• For senior pets
• Fish as the primary protein

• Not explicitly for food allergies

8. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Diet

While this formula is very expensive, the Acana Singles LID Beef & Pumpkin Recipe includes primarily beef. As a limited-ingredient diet, it doesnt include any other sources of protein, which is good for dogs with allergies. We recommend it for dogs that are allergic to anything but beef. There are several different types of beef included, including beef liver and beef meal.

There are several other ingredients, as well. For instance, sweet potatoes and chickpeas are both added. These starchy veggies up the carbohydrate content, which is vital to provide dogs with the necessary energy.

Taurine and other vitamins are added to support your dogs complete health. It is also free from peas, corn, and plant-protein isolates. Therefore, all the protein included comes from high-quality beef.

• Taurine and other vitamins added
• Beef is the primary protein source
• Free from peas, corn, and plant-protein isolates

• Expensive
• Not as calorie-dense as other options

9. Natural Balance LID Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Like most formulas on this list, Natural Balance LID Grain-Free Duck & Potato is a limited-ingredient diet. In other words, it includes very few ingredients, which is important for dogs with allergies. If there are fewer ingredients, there are fewer things for your dog to be allergic to.

The primary ingredient in this formula is a duck. Both duck and duck meal is included, which increases the protein content substantially. Furthermore, this is the only protein source in this food, which helps reduce the odds of an allergic reaction. If your dog isnt allergic to duck, this formula should work just fine.

Flaxseed is included for the omega fatty acid content. This improves skin and coat health, which is often vital for Frenchies. It is also free from grain, soy, gluten, artificial colors, and artificial flavors.

• Free from many artificial ingredients
• Contains added omega fatty acids
• Limited ingredients

• Expensive
• Price often varies

10. JustFoodForDogs Venison & Squash Recipe Fresh Dog Food

Some dogs simply do better on fresh dog food. In this case, we recommend JustFoodForDogs Venison & Squash Recipe Fresh Dog Food. These food ships frozen and are completely fresh. To feed it to your dog, you simply thaw it out and then portion it appropriately.

As youd expect, this food is extremely expensive. Plus, it also takes up quite a bit of room in your freezer or fridge. Therefore, you should be a bit cautious regarding ordering this food, as you need to be certain that you have room for it.

On a good note, this food is extremely high in protein and includes venison as the main protein source. Many dogs are not allergic to venison, which makes this specific formula good for allergies. Furthermore, there are no grains included, either. All of the carbohydrates come from veggies and fruits.

• Fresh
• Ships frozen
• Venison as the main ingredient

• Expensive
• Takes up fridge/freezer room

11. American Journey Limited Ingredient Dry Food

Like most formulas weve reviewed, American Journey LID Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe includes only duck as the primary protein source. Therefore, as long as your dog isnt allergic to ducks, this formula works well for most dogs. It does include peas, chickpeas, and similar starchy veggies as the primary source of carbohydrates. It is also completely free from grain, which can be vital for dogs with grain allergies (though these are a bit rare).

Peas have been associated with some health conditions in dogs, so we typically dont recommend them in high amounts. Furthermore, this food isnt cheap, so there is no reason for the company to utilize a cheap veggie like peas.

This formula doesnt include any corn, wheat, or soy. It does include high amounts of omega fatty acids, which come from the added flaxseed and sunflower oil.

• Duck is the primary protein source
• Free from corn, wheat, and soy
• High in omega fatty acids

• Expensive
• Peas included in high amounts
• Low-calorie count

Buyers Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs with Allergies

It can be challenging to find food for your dog. If your dog has allergies, it can be even more difficult, especially if they are allergic to a common protein like chicken or beef. Luckily, though, dog food companies know that many dogs have allergies, so most brands have an allergy-friendly line to accommodate these dogs.

However, allergies can be troublesome even with these options.

What Are Dog Allergies?

Dog allergies occur when a dogs immune system reacts unnecessarily to an allergen. Usually, these allergens are proteins, which can be found in foods, plants, animals, and insects. Because just about everything has proteins, dogs can be allergic to just about everything.

Usually, allergies occur after the dog has been exposed repeatedly over many months or years. Dogs will often become allergic to their food after being fed it for an extended period, which often confuses dog owners. Dog allergies and human allergies are not the same in this regard. Dogs arent usually born with their allergies.

Immune responses to allergies are quite complex, which can make them difficult to manage. Usually, the best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid your dogs allergens.

Dog Allergy Symptoms

Dog allergy symptoms are not typically what you would expect. Usually, dogs get itchiness, which can be localized or throughout their whole body. Common itchy locations include the paws, legs, and tail. However, it can technically be anywhere.

Sometimes, respiratory symptoms can also develop like those we commonly encounter as humans. Coughing, sneezing, and wheezing can occur. Sometimes, this can be serious, though this is rare. Dog allergies are rarely deadly.

Sadly, allergies can occur in all breeds. However, they usually appear in older pets, not puppies. Dogs usually start not allergic to anything and then develop allergies later, usually to whatever they are commonly fed or exposed to. Most affected dogs are over the age of 2. It takes a bit for these allergies to develop.

Why Are Frenchies Prone to Allergies?

There is absolutely a genetic component to allergies in Frenchies. While genetics arent completely to blame, most Frenchies do have a genetic predisposition to allergies. Furthermore, this isnt a matter of simple inheritance. In other words, there isnt a single gene that makes these dogs prone to allergies. Therefore, this inheritance is extremely difficult to breed out.

With that said, just because your Frenchie likely developed the possibility of food allergies doesnt mean that they will end up with food allergies. Continuous exposure to the same proteins is more likely to cause an allergy to develop over time. However, if you switch proteins too often, you may not be able to find one that your dog isnt allergic to.

We dont know exactly why Frenchies are allergic to foods more often than other breeds. However, it is likely because of a trait they inherited long ago. Most Bulldogs are prone to food allergies, so it seems to be a very old trait.

How Are Food Allergies Treated?

Food allergy treatment is largely treated through dietary means. Usually, dogs become allergic to a single protein or carbohydrate component of a food. However, dogs can become allergic to many different proteins and carbs until there is very little left for them to eat.

If your dog has multiple allergies, it can be challenging to determine the root cause. Usually, an elimination diet is recommended. If your dog is currently eating chicken-based food, for instance, then it is typically recommended to switch to chicken-free food. If this clears up the symptoms, then the dog is assumed to be allergic to chicken, and that protein is avoided in the future.

Food allergies are notoriously difficult to treat via other means. While you can use antihistamines and similar treatments, these usually arent very effective. Therefore, diet is usually the best option for treatment.

In cases where dogs are allergic to many different proteins, a veterinary diet is necessary. These diets include hydrolyzed protein, which shatters the proteins and makes them unrecognizable to the immune system. Therefore, these proteins do not cause immune responseseven if dogs are allergic to the base protein.

With that said, this process makes the food very expensive. Therefore, it is usually only used as a last resort. It also requires a prescription, which means that your dog has to have a definite diagnosis of food allergies.

Final Thoughts

Finding food for your dog with allergies can be challenging. Often, you want high-quality food and everything that you would usually look for in dog food on top of the absence of certain proteins. We hope our reviews helped you out so that you can find the perfect food for your canine.

Our favorite food that should work for most Frenchies with allergies is The Farmers Dog. For those on a budget, we recommend trying Dr. Pols High-Energy Chicken Recipe. This food does contain chicken, but that is the only meat source. Therefore, if your dog isnt allergic to chicken, it may work fine. Plus, it is much cheaper than other options out there.

Featured Image Credit: Gryllus M, Shutterstock