French Bulldogs have become increasingly popular in the U.S. over the past few years. Their affectionate and loyal nature, coupled with their adorable appearance, make them an ideal choice for many families. However, this breed is prone to a higher number of health problems compared to others. A healthy diet plays a crucial role in alleviating the risks and symptoms of these conditions, making it essential to choose the best dog food for your French Bulldog.
At A Glance: Our Top Picks
- Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy
- The Farmer’s Dog
- Now Fresh Small Breed Senior
- Ollie Lamb Recipe
Note: All of the dog foods we recommend meet or exceed Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional guidelines and are made in North America, without fillers, by-products, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Nutritional Needs For French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs are small in stature but require a diet rich in lean animal protein, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbohydrates to fuel their energetic bodies. A premium diet can benefit their health in various ways.
Weight Control Is Essential
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for French Bulldogs as it can help slow the progression of skeletal problems, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and hip dysplasia. Additionally, weight control plays a significant role in managing the breathing difficulties associated with brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) that all Frenchies experience.
Allergies & Skin Problems
French Bulldogs are prone to both food and environmental allergies. A diet rich in whole food ingredients and free from fillers and preservatives can help alleviate allergy symptoms. Specific proteins, such as beef and chicken, are common allergens for this breed. A healthy diet also supports a strong immune system, reducing the risk of bacterial skin infections and skin fold dermatitis.
Beyond Basic Ingredients
While all dog food should contain protein, carbs, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, some premium brands go above and beyond by including additional ingredients that offer significant health benefits for your furry friend:
- Fruits & vegetables: Provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for immune health.
- Fish oil and/or flaxseed: Rich sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that support brain and eye development, coat and skin health, and joint health.
- Glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate: Maintain healthy joints.
- Prebiotics & probiotics: Support digestion and a healthy gut.
- Taurine: Supports cardiovascular, eye, brain health, and immune system function.
- L-carnitine: Helps with fat metabolism, especially in older, less active dogs.
- Organ meats: Premium sources of protein, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Chia seeds: Rich in plant protein, fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals.
Best Food For French Bulldog Puppies
Puppy food for French Bulldogs should include a minimum of 22% protein and a minimum of 8% fat. Small breed puppies require nutrient- and calorie-dense food due to their high metabolic rates. Feeding them three to four meals per day until around six months old is recommended to prevent hypoglycemia.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Puppy
Blue Buffalo offers excellent mid-range priced premium puppy food formulated specifically for small breed puppies. This formula features real meat as the first ingredient, whole grains, and probiotics for easy digestion. It also includes fruits and veggies, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, and cranberries.
Wellness Core Small Breed Puppy (Grain-Free)
Wellness Core Small Breed Puppy offers high-calories and protein to fuel your active little Frenchie. This grain-free recipe is fortified with added nutrients for whole-body health and development. It features real turkey as the first ingredient and includes superfoods such as broccoli, carrots, kale, spinach, blueberries, bananas, and sweet potatoes.
Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy (Grain-Inclusive)
Diamond Naturals Small & Medium Breed Puppy offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality ingredients and nutritional value. This formula features real cage-free chicken, a smaller kibble size, and wholesome grains to fuel your Frenchie throughout the day. It also includes chia seeds, kale, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, coconut, spinach, and carrots.
Best Food For Adult French Bulldogs
Adult French Bulldogs should transition to adult food around 11 months of age. Small breed adult dog food is recommended, as small breeds have faster metabolic rates. Look for formulas that contain a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat.
The Farmer’s Dog (Grain-Free)
The Farmer's Dog provides fresh, human-grade meals tailored to your Frenchie's specific needs. Their grain-free recipes, such as the turkey formula, are formulated by nutritionists and personalized based on your dog's profile. The meals are delivered to your door, ensuring optimal freshness and nutrition.
Open Farm Small Breed With Ancient Grains
Open Farm offers premium food with ethical and sustainable practices. Their small breed formula features humanely raised chicken and turkey, along with a variety of fruits and vegetables. This grain-inclusive recipe is formulated by animal nutrition experts and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure food safety.
Solid Gold Mighty Mini Toy & Small Breed (Grain-Free)
Solid Gold Mighty Mini Toy & Small Breed is a suitable option for smaller adult French Bulldogs or those with a less active lifestyle. This grain-free formula is fortified with probiotics and contains lower calories and fat content to prevent weight gain. It includes salmon as the primary ingredient and various fruits and vegetables for added nutritional value.
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed is a well-balanced kibble from a trusted brand. It contains deboned chicken, whole grains, and high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. This formula offers optimal nutrition for any small breed dog, including French Bulldogs.
Best Food For Senior French Bulldogs
Around eight years old, French Bulldogs enter their senior years and should transition to a senior dog food. The same recommendations for small-breed adult dog food apply to senior French Bulldogs. Older Frenchies need a lower-calorie and lower-fat diet to prevent weight gain while still receiving an adequate amount of lean protein.
Now Fresh Small Breed Senior (Grain-Free)
Now Fresh Small Breed Senior is a highly nutritious formula crafted specifically for senior small-breed pups. It contains fewer calories than adult small-breed foods, moderate levels of protein and fat, and a range of fruits and veggies. This grain-free recipe is cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutritional value.
Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior (Grain-Inclusive)
Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior is a non-GMO option made with real chicken as the first ingredient. It includes easy-to-digest grains, dried pumpkin for fiber, and dried kale and spinach for natural vitamins. The small kibble size is ideal for aging seniors who may have difficulty chewing.
Merrick Lil’ Plates Senior Small Breed (Grain-Free)
Merrick Lil’ Plates Senior Small Breed is a grain-free option for senior Frenchies with sensitive stomachs or grain intolerance. It features high levels of probiotics and contains omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. This formula offers a balanced diet to support joint, heart, and skin health.
Best Dog Food For French Bulldogs With Allergies
If your Frenchie suffers from chronic itchy skin or allergies, a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein source could help alleviate her symptoms. Consider an at-home dog allergy test to identify the specific allergens affecting your pup.
Ollie Lamb Recipe (Grain-Inclusive)
Ollie offers fresh, human-grade meals personalized to your Frenchie's specific needs. Their lamb recipe is an excellent choice if your pup has allergies to common proteins. Ollie's limited ingredients and whole-food approach can help address your furry friend's allergies.
Canidae Pure Petite Adult Small Breed With Salmon (Grain-Free)
Canidae Pure Petite Adult Small Breed with Salmon is a limited-ingredient, grain-free formula that contains real salmon as the only animal protein source. The high levels of omega fatty acids can help alleviate your Frenchie's itchy, irritated skin.
Consider these options to find the best dog food for your French Bulldog's specific needs. It's important to consult with your vet before making any changes to your dog's diet. By providing the right nutrition, you can help ensure your furry friend's lifelong health and well-being.
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