Best Food for French Bulldog: Top Choices for Peak Wellness

Meta: Discover the best food for French Bulldog in our expert guide. From puppyhood to senior years, find the perfect fit for your furry friend!

Whether you are a first-time or an experienced Franchie owners, you probably understand the food choice dilemma. There are countless options on the market, all of them claiming to be the absolute best. That’s why our pet parents always turn to us for the question, “what is the best food for French Bulldogs?”

Worries not – our team of veterinarians and pet nutritionists have gathered to help you with this matter! In this article, we will share the key factors to consider and suggest a shortlist of the best food for French Bulldogs. Read on to find the ideal diet for your furry baby! 

Useful Tips to Find the Best Food for a French Bulldog

• Pay Attention to the Ingredients 

The first step in choosing the best dog food for French Bulldogs is to examine the ingredient list. As a rule of thumb, the quality of dog food is determined by its protein content, or you may say, the amount of real meat. Higher meat or fish content means better quality.

So, what should you look for in the product’s label? Generally, the best food for French Bulldog will have a particular type of fresh meat as the first ingredient. This can be beef, lamb, salmon, etc. Avoid foods that use vague terms like “animal protein” instead of specifying the meat type!

After the fresh meat, you may find ingredients like dried meat and fish, followed by legume protein sources ( chickpeas, lentils,…), eggs, and organ meats. The list usually concludes with fruits, veggies, and animal fats.

Ingredients not mentioned above are typically added to boost the food’s volume and reduce production costs. If you spot an excessive amount of fillers (corn, wheat, chemical preservatives, etc.), the food might not be a healthy choice for your beloved .

• Choose Foods without Chicken and Grains 

A question we frequently receive when selecting food is whether it should be chicken-based or grain-free. In general, Franchies are sensitive to proteins from chicken, as well as grains like corn, wheat, or sorghum. To prevent potential issues, most of the food we recommend for these buddies are chicken and grain-free. 

While a chicken-based diet may not always cause problems, if you notice any allergic reactions, consider eliminating this protein source from the diet—it often resolves the issue. In fact, dogs don’t need grains in their diet, yet many premium dog foods still include them. Our advice? Choose grain-free options, and your furry friend’s skin will thank you! 

• Be Mindful of the Price 

Of course, price is often a huge consideration when choosing food for your Frenchie. While it often rings true that more expensive food has better quality, it’s not always the case. Many well-known dog food brands charge a premium for products with less nutritional value compared to unpopular brands.

By carefully reviewing the ingredient list, you can find brands that meet all the nutritional requirements at an affordable price. Just because a food is heavily advertised doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for your furry baby!

• Consider the Kibble Size 

Now, you might be thinking, “Does kibble size really matter?” When it comes to French bulldogs, it absolutely does. Our flat-faced friends have a unique mouth structure that can make eating a bit of a challenge.

For this reason, you will want to look for kibble that’s on the smaller side – think bite-sized pieces that your Frenchie can easily pick up and chew. Steer clear of those big, chunky pieces that might be a choking hazard. And if you just adopted a Frenchie puppy? Go even smaller to accommodate those tiny teeth and developing jaws!

• Check the Dog Food’s Flavor

Here’s the thing: the most nutritious food in the world won’t do your Frenchie any good if they won’t eat it. That’s why flavor is so important. Every dog has their preferences, so you might need to do a bit of taste-testing to find what your Frenchie likes best.

Many French bulldogs are fans of classic flavors like beef or fish. But keep in mind, some Frenchies have sensitive stomachs. If that’s the case for your fur baby, you should explore milder options, such as duck, lamb, or turkey.

• Examine Your Franchie’s Stool 

Well, this is not the most glamorous topic. But trust me, your Frenchie’s poop can tell you a lot about their diet! What you are looking for is firm, well-formed stools. If you’re seeing loose stools or diarrhea, that might be a sign that the current food isn’t sitting well with your pup.

On the flip side, if the stools are very hard, your Frenchie might be dehydrated or getting too much fiber. Keep an eye out for any sudden changes – if something seems off, it is always best to check in with your vet. They can help you figure out if it’s a dietary issue or if there’s something else going on.

• Watch Out for Allergic Reactions

As we just mentioned, French bulldogs can be prone to food allergies. It can be tricky to spot if you don’t know what to look for. Keep an eye out for things like skin irritations, excessive itching, or frequent ear infections. These could be signs that your Frenchie is allergic to something in their food.

When you suspect an allergy, you might want to try a limited-ingredient diet. Pro tip from our veterinarians: keep a food diary. It can be super helpful in tracking down what might be causing the problem. And yes, we have a food suggestion specifically for Frenchies with allergies down below! 

Best Food for French Bulldog: Our Top 7

• Best Puppy Food for French Bulldogs: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Puppy Food

Key Nutrients: 

• Protein: 28.89%
• Fat: 16.67%
• Fiber: 5.56%
• Calcium: 1.3% 

Pros	Cons
– Limited-ingredient formula to reduce the risk of food sensitivities – Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat – Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for immune support	– Limited flavor options

Little s require more protein, calcium, and overall calories to support their development. With a protein content of 28.89%, Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Puppy Food is the best dog food for French bulldog puppies. Not only does it provide enough energy for your pup but it also promotes gut health with turkey as the sole protein source, easily digestible carbs, and extra probiotics. 

The formula includes Blue Buffalo’s unique “LifeSource Bits,”  a premium blend of antioxidants that boost your French bulldog’s immune system. To make this choice even better, you will see flaxseed and fish oil on the ingredient list. These two are great source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which support the development of eyes and brain. 

• Best Food for French Bulldog Adult: Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Dog Food

Key Nutrients: 

• Protein: 30%
• Fat: 17%
• Fiber: 4%
• Calcium: 1%

Pros	Cons
– Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat – Attractive flavors that can satisfy even the pickiest eater – Includes probiotics to support digestive health – Low glycemic ingredients, which may help maintain steady energy levels	– Limited variety in animal protein (salmon may not suit all dogs) – Higher fat content may not be suitable for indoor dogs with an inactive lifestyle

Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Dog Food is our top choice for adult Franchies. Formulated specifically for small dog breeds, it contains 30% protein content, with salmon as the main protein source. We all know that salmon is packed with good fat, but another plus point is that it’s irresistible to dogs. Yes, our buddies at home love the formula, too! 

The nutritionist team at Nulo adds vitamin B6 to their products, which boosts energy for playful s, and probiotics to support their sensitive guts. All in all, this grain-free type of dry food works wonder in keeping your furry friend fit and active. 

• Best Senior Food for French Bulldogs: VICTOR Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Key Nutrients: 

• Protein: 27%
• Fat: 11.5%
• Fiber: 4.5%
• Calcium: 

Pros	Cons
– Formulated for senior dogs with lower fat content to support healthy weight – Includes L-carnitine to help metabolize fat and maintain muscle mass – Contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health – High-quality protein from beef	– Higher protein level may not be ideal for less active dogs – Limited flavor options

As your little buddy ages, they require a different set of nutritions to keep thriving. VICTOR Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food is exactly what you need. The core of this formula is extra L-cartinite, a substance that accelerates metabolism and turns fat into energy. Weight gain in senior dogs are our common concern, after all.

This dry food takes care of your Franchie’s joints and muscles with high-quality protein from beef, making it a good dog food for French bulldogs. Micronutrients from minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants support vital bodily functions, while chondroitin and glucosamin help maintain joint health in aging dogs. Last but not least, we have the VPro blend to aid digestion and bolster the weakening immune system. 

• Best Wet Food: Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Red Meat Canned Dog Food

Key Nutrients: 

• Protein: 8%
• Fat: 5%
• Fiber: 1.4%
• Moisture: 78%

Pros	Cons
– Grain-free formula, ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities or allergies – Contains high-quality protein from red meat and fish – Soft texture makes it easy for dogs to chew and digest – Suitable for all life stages	– Higher moisture content reduces calorie density, so dogs may need more food to feel full

When it comes to wet food, the best food for French bulldog is Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Red Meat Canned Dog Food. Featuring a savory combination of beef, fish, and vegetables, it satisfies all the Franchie’s nutritional needs, from vitamins to minerals and even live natural microorganisms. 

Unlike most wet food, this formula doesn’t contain any corn or wheat that might trigger allergic reactions. However, that doesn’t compromise the flavors. According to customers reviews, this formula is favored by dogs with picky eating habits. 

• Best for Weight Loss: Hill’s Science Diet Light Small Bites

Key Nutrients: 

• Protein: 20%
• Fat: 8%
• Fiber: 5.1%
• Calcium: 1%

Pros	Cons
– Formulated with less calories and low fat to support weight control and prevent obesity – Recommended by many veterinarians for its effectiveness in weight management – Features a high fiber level from natural source to help your dog stick to a diet plan easier	– Generally more expensive compared to other brands

A rating of 4.8/5 on Amazon proves that this product line from Hill’s Science deserves to be on our list. The recipe contains 18% less calories than the brand’s regular kibble for adult dogs. It’s also low-fat with only 6.15%, further aiding weight management for French Bulldogs prone to obesity. 

What’s more, Hill’s Science Diet Light Small Bites feature moderate protein contents and high fiber level from natural sources, which have been proven to help dogs feel full longer. 

• Best for Food Allergies: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice

Key Nutrients: 

• Protein: 24%
• Fat: 13%
• Fiber: 4.4%
• Calcium: 1%

Pros	Cons
–  Use duck as the sole protein source, which is good for French bulldogs with food sensitivities – Use brown rice, which is a good source of digestible carbohydrates – Added fiber helps with digestion, which can be beneficial for the breed’s sensitive stomachs.	– Generally more expensive than some other dog foods – Limited options might not appeal to all French Bulldogs

After spending a few years with French bulldogs, we realize that they are more prone to food allergies than most breeds. Their allergic reactions are typically triggered by grains and common proteins such as chicken. Switching to novel proteins often helps prevent the issue. 

Our solution is Natural Balance formula, which uses duck as its only animal protein, paired with brown rice for fiber. The limited ingredient list is easy on digestion, while balanced fat and calorie content help maintain a healthy weight. 

Natural Balance also offers other protein options like lamb and salmon in grain-inclusive formulas, as well as grain-free options with bison or venison and sweet potatoes for digestibility. 

• Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Iams Advanced Health – Healthy Digestion

Key Nutrients: 

• Protein: 26%
• Fat: 14%
• Fiber: 4%
• Calcium: 1%

Pros	Cons
– Formulated with prebiotics and fiber to support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements – Contains lamb as the primary protein source, which supports muscle maintenance and overall health.	– Generally priced higher than some budget brands, though it’s still relatively affordable

Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are susceptible to digestive problems. Our veterinarians have seen many pet parents struggle with this matter. If you are one of those, consider Iams Advanced Health – Healthy Digestion formula.

This recipe addresses digestive issues by incorporating scientifically-backed live probiotics to promote regular bowel movements. Natural fiber sources, such as beet pulp and barley, are included to support digestive health. The recipe’s moderate fat content enhances digestibility while helping to prevent weight gain. 

The kibble size, matching the brand’s Minichunks at roughly ½” in diameter, is designed for safe and comfortable chewing, catering to the ‘s unique mouth structure and eating habits.

FAQs

Should I Feed My French Bulldog Wet or Dry Food? 

In fact, a balanced diet for French Bulldogs should include both. Dry food can help maintain dental health, while wet food can provide extra hydration. 

Should I Feed My Puppy Frenchie Adult Dog Food? 

We don’t recommend feeding your puppy Frenchie adult dog food since puppies have significantly different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs. Puppy food is specially formulated with higher levels of protein, fat, and certain minerals like calcium and phosphorus to support rapid growth, bone development, and higher energy requirements during the first year of life. Adult dog food lacks these crucial nutrients in the right proportions, which could lead to developmental issues, weakened immune systems, or other health problems if fed to puppies. 

It’s best to stick with high-quality puppy food specifically designed for small breeds until your Frenchie reaches adulthood, typically around 12 months of age.

Should I Add Supplements to My French Bulldog’s Diet? 

If you are feeding a complete and balanced dog food, supplements are usually unnecessary. It is best to consult with your vet before adding any supplements.

Wrapping Up

We have been on quite a journey exploring the best food for French Bulldogs, and our team really dug deep into the unique nutritional needs of these adorable flat-faced friends to come up with the top picks. Here’s our shortlist:

• Best dog food for French Bulldog puppies: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Puppy Food
• Best food for French Bulldog adult: Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Dog Food
• Best food for senior French Bulldogs: VICTOR Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
• Best wet food: Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Meat Canned Dog Food
• Best for weight lost: Hill’s Science Diet Light Small Bites
• Best for food allergies: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Duck & Brown Rice
• Best for sensitive stomach: Iams Advanced Health – Healthy Digestion

Finally, remember that every French Bulldog is as unique as their adorable snorts. What has your neighbor’s pet doing backflips might leave yours turning up their nose, and you may need to go through a few options before finding “the one”. The best way to tell is to keep an eye on how your furry friend responds to each food. If they are full of energy, or you notice their coat looking shinier than ever, you are on the right track!