French Bulldog Raw Diet: A Guide to Primal Feeding

As a pet parent, you have probably heard the buzz about the French Bulldog raw diet. It’s been gaining traction faster than a Frenchie chasing a tennis ball. The idea behind it is pretty simple: feed your dog a diet closer to what their wild ancestors ate. Yes, we are talking raw muscle meat, bones, organs, and even some veggies!

If you have found yourself scrolling through those TikTok videos, seeing happy pups chowing down on a gourmet spread of raw foods and thinking, “Should my Frenchie be eating like that?”… well, you are in luck! Our comprehensive guide to raw feeding will answer all those questions. Let’s dig in and explore this meaty topic together!

Why Some Frenchie Parents Are Going Raw?

When it comes to dog food, most people will think of kibble or canned wet food. So, why are French Bulldog owners suddenly chatting about raw? 

It’s not just because they enjoy the shocked looks on people’s faces when they mention feeding their precious pup raw meat (although that can be pretty entertaining). Veterinarians have found some remarkable benefits to this feeding approach:

• Improved digestion: Raw diets are often easier for dogs to digest, potentially leading to smaller, firmer stools and reduced flatulence – a common issue in French Bulldogs.
• Healthier skin and coat: The high-quality proteins and essential fatty acids in a well-balanced raw diet may contribute to a shinier coat and healthier skin, potentially reducing allergies and itching.
• Dental health: Chewing on raw meaty bones can help clean teeth naturally, potentially reducing tartar buildup and improving overall dental health.
• Weight management: Raw diets tend to be lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein, which may help maintain a healthy weight – crucial for French Bulldogs, who are prone to obesity.
• Increased energy: Some owners report their French Bulldogs have more energy and vitality on a raw diet.
• Reduced allergies: By eliminating processed foods and common allergens, some French Bulldogs may experience fewer allergy symptoms.
• Better muscle tone: The high-quality protein in raw diets may contribute to improved muscle development and maintenance.

Sounds pretty good, right? But calm down – there’s more to consider before you make the switch!

The Challenges and Risks of Raw Feeding

At this point, you probably have a pretty picture of raw feeding. Before you and your Frenchie jump straight-in, though, we will pull back the curtain and take a peek at the not-so-glamorous side of this diet. Here are the potential risks those TikTokers probably didn’t tell you:

• Nutritional tightrope walking: Creating a raw diet that meets all of your Frenchie’s nutritional needs takes a lot of practice. While the best commercial foods for French Bulldogs are formulated by teams of veterinary nutritionists who spend years ensuring that every kibble is packed with the right balance of nutrition, you will take on that role when you go raw. Miss a crucial nutrient, and you could set your Frenchie up for health issues.
• Bacteria bonanza: Raw meat can be a veritable playground for nasty bugs like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. While your Frenchie’s digestive system is better equipped to handle these than ours, it’s not foolproof.
• Choking hazards and dental dilemmas: Did we mention that chewing on bones can be great for dental health? Well, it’s time for a plot twist. Those same bones can pose a serious choking hazard, especially for our flat-faced friends who might be a bit, shall we say, overzealous in their chewing.
• Logistical leaps: Switching to raw isn’t just a dietary change—it’s a lifestyle change. Suddenly, your kitchen looks more like a butcher shop. You’re juggling bags of organs and cuts of meat, trying to portion everything just right. And think about the storage space you’ll need in your freezer!
• The cost conundrum: Last but not least, money will be a concern. High-quality raw ingredients aren’t cheap, especially if you’re opting for organic or specialty meats. If nutritional imbalances or foodborne illnesses do occur, you could be looking at some hefty vet bills too.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to French Bulldog Raw Diet

I’m not here to rain on your raw parade. Many Frenchie parents swear by raw diets and have seen amazing results. However, as responsible pet parents, it’s crucial that we go into this with our eyes wide open, fully aware of both the potential benefits and the risks.

As you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided to give raw feeding a go, we recommend going slow and steady to see if this diet is a good fit for your Frenchie. Follow our step-by-step guide: 

Step 1: Get the Green Light from Your Vet

First things first—chat with your vet. They know your Frenchie’s health history and can give you personalized advice. This step is crucial, especially if your pup has any existing health issues or requires a specific diet for skin allergies. 

Step 2: Choose Your Raw Diet Approach

There are a few ways to approach raw feeding:

• DIY Raw: You buy and prepare everything yourself.
• Commercial Raw: Pre-made raw diets you can buy frozen or freeze-dried.
• Combination: A mix of homemade and commercial raw foods.

For beginners, starting with a commercial raw diet can be easier and ensure better nutritional balance.

Step 3: Calculate How Much to Feed

Generally, adult Frenchies need about 2-3% of their ideal body weight in food per day. So, if your Frenchie should weigh 25 pounds, you’re looking at about 0.5 to 0.75 pounds of food daily. But remember, every dog is different – adjust based on your pup’s age, activity level, and metabolism.

Step 4: Plan the Transition

Now, let’s talk about easing your Frenchie into their new diet. We have a routine that’s often recommended by pet nutritionists and veterinarians:

• Week 1: Replace 25% of their current food with raw.
• Week 2: Increase to 50% raw.
• Week 3: Up it to 75% raw.
• Week 4: Go full raw.

If your Frenchie shows signs of digestive upset at any point, slow down the transition.

Step 5: Prep Your Kitchen

Raw feeding requires some extra hygiene measures:

• Designate specific cutting boards and utensils for raw pet food.
• Clean all surfaces thoroughly after prep.
• Wash your hands well before and after handling raw meat.
• Invest in airtight containers for storing prepared meals.

Step 6: Start with a Single Protein Source

Begin with one protein source, like chicken. This makes it easier to identify any potential allergies or sensitivities. After a few weeks with no issues, you can start introducing other proteins.

Step 7: Gradually Introduce Variety

Once your Frenchie is doing well on the initial protein, slowly introduce other components:

• Week 5-6: Add a new protein source.
• Week 7-8: Introduce organ meats (start with small amounts).
• Week 9-10: Add raw meaty bones (always supervise).
• Week 11-12: Introduce fruits and vegetables.

Step 8: Monitor Your Frenchie Closely

Keep a close eye on your pup during this transition. Watch for:

• Changes in energy levels
• Stool consistency
• Skin and coat condition
• Weight changes

Keep a journal to track these changes – it’ll be helpful for you and your vet.

Step 9: Adjust as Needed

Don’t be afraid to tweak things. If something is not working, adjust portions, ingredients, or the rate of transition. Every Frenchie is unique!

Step 10: Regular Vet Check-ups

Schedule regular check-ups with your vet, especially in the first few months of raw feeding. They can help ensure your Frenchie is thriving on their new diet.

FAQs

• Can I Mix Raw and Kibble? 

While some owners do this, we don’t recommend this practice. Raw and processed foods digest at different rates, which could cause digestive issues.

• How Can I Ensure the Diet is Nutritionally Complete? 

Consider working with a veterinary nutritionist to create a balanced meal plan. You may also need to supplement with vitamins and minerals to ensure all nutritional needs are met.

• When is the Raw Diet not Recommended for Your Pet? 

While a raw diet can be suitable for most French Bulldogs, there are certain situations where you shouldn’t let your Frenchie go raw:

• Puppies: Growing French Bulldog puppies have specific nutritional needs that may be difficult to meet with a raw diet.
• Senior dogs: Older Frenchies may have difficulty digesting raw food and may require more easily digestible diets.
• Dogs with compromised immune systems: Raw diets can pose a risk of bacterial contamination, which could be dangerous for immunocompromised dogs.
• French Bulldogs with diseases: A raw diet might worsen the symptoms of kidney/liver disease, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease 

Wrapping Up

Feeding a raw diet to your French Bulldog offer numerous health benefits, but it also comes with risks. As owners, what we need to do is careful planning and preparation. Our advice? Weigh the pros and cons, consider your dog’s specific needs, and always consult with a veterinarian before making such a significant dietary change.

Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to canine nutrition. Whether you choose a raw diet, high-quality commercial food, or a combination of both, the most important thing is that your French Bulldog receives a balanced, nutritious diet that keeps them healthy and happy. If your pet’s coat is shinier, their energy levels are consistent, and they maintain a healthy weight after switching to raw, this diet is working well for them.