What's the Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs?
A breed well renowned for its immense charm, the French Bulldog is one of today’s most popular breeds. Loving, affectionate, and suited to nearly any living situation, the Frenchie makes the ideal family companion. But keeping this breed in tip top condition is the priority of every owner. Whether you own a puppy, an adult, or a senior Frenchie, our top dietary picks are sure to keep your best canine pal on the path to excellent health and wellness.
AKC Classification: Non-Sporting
Exercise Required: 45-60 minutes/day
Ideal Weight
Healthy Male: 20-28 lbs
Healthy Female: 16-24 lbs
Breed Summary
The French Bulldog’s distinctive bat-like ears make it easily recognizable (and loved). This small breed is a member of the non-sporting group and has a short, stocky body marked by impressive musculature. Easy to care for, the French Bulldog, a breed commonly referred to affectionately as simply a “Frenchie,” is a beloved family companion, easily fitting into any lifestyle including apartment life.
The Frenchie is a playful breed, enjoying time spent with its family. However, the French Bulldog is equally happy at home napping on the sofa. To ensure this breed does not become overweight, regular daily exercise is vitally important. However, due to the breed’s natural snub nose, the French Bulldog does not do well in extremes of weather; whether hot or cold.
An intelligent breed, the French Bulldog can readily learn new things if motivated to do so. However, Frenchies are known for being independent of spirit and can be quite stubborn.
The French Bulldog is deeply bonded to its family and does not thrive if left alone for long periods of time. A true lap dog, the Frenchie is most content being near those it loves the most.
The French Bulldog can be very nosey, making the breed well disposed to work as a watchdog. The Frenchie will eagerly alert its family to the presence of strangers or unusual noises, though this dog type is not typically known for being excessively vocal.
Physical Traits
Sturdy, muscular, stocky, substantial
Personality Traits
Comical, affectionate, alert, stubborn, loving
Health Considerations for French Bulldogs
Unfortunately, the French Bulldog can be plagued with many different hereditary health conditions. Though diet alone cannot cure many of these problems, it can lay an excellent foundation to support good health in this sweet-natured breed. Among the most common health issues that can affect the French Bulldog are allergies, intervertebral disc disease, cherry eye, ear infections, and pyoderma.
Allergies
The French Bulldog is prone to a number of different ailments which can affect the stomach and the skin. Recurring allergies are one of these issues. Allergies can be food-related or environmental. Any allergies that are linked to specific food ingredients can often be managed with a switch to a limited ingredient diet that is free from common allergens. Among the foods we recommend are:
Intervertebral disc disease
Intervertebral disc disease is an inherited disorder which results in deep pain and can eventually cause complete paralysis in French Bulldogs. This condition occurs when discs in the spine become dislodged, swollen, or aggravated. This can occur organically or as the result of an injury to the spine. Keeping the French Bulldog at a healthy weight can help prevent discs from slipping out of position.
Eye Health
Cherry eye is a condition that affects many dogs. It is evidenced when a third eyelid known as the nicitating membrane is released to protect the eye from an irritant. Cherry eye forms an important part of the Frenchie’s ability to keep the eye safe from wind, dust, and any object that is foreign to the eye. In most cases, cherry eye is seen when the tissue that keeps the eyelid in place is weakened causing it to slip out of its normal position into the eye. It is most often genetic but can be treated with medication or surgery.
Supporting overall eye health through diet is an important component of the French Bulldog’s health and wellness. To promote healthy eyes, we suggest the following:
Ear Infections
Some dogs are naturally predisposed to recurring ear infections, and the French Bulldog is one of them. Ear infections can occur as a result of a yeast overgrowth, trauma to the ear, allergies, autoimmune issues, or too frequent or too vigorous ear cleaning. A proper diet can help the French Bulldog to keep allergies at bay and to avoid yeast problems.
Pyoderma
Pyoderma is a condition of the skin that can be brought on by a variety of different problems including inflammation, cancer, or infection. Bacterial infections are most often to blame. It can be treated through the use of medication; however, diet also plays an important role in preventing pyoderma in the Frenchie. For overall skin health, we like to see diets contain:
Foods We Recommend: French Bulldog Puppies
How long do French Bulldogs need puppy food?
Until they're 12 months old
French Bulldogs need high quality nutrition to assist them with healthy development through their first year of life. The ideal food for this breed is a small breed puppy formulation comprised of easily digestible ingredients and lean, meat-based proteins. Foods that are calorie dense and higher in both protein and fats are considered to be the best option. Calories are good for high-energy pups.
To keep the Frenchie growing at a healthy rate, the diet selected for this breed should contain the proper proportions of calcium to phosphorous. The puppy foods we like best for the Frenchie are:
Foods We Recommend: French Bulldog Adults
When do French Bulldogs become adults?
12 months old
The adult Frenchie requires a diet that is well balanced and nutritionally optimized to support its daily activity requirements. These foods contain lean, meat-based proteins and ingredients that support good digestion and a healthyimmune system. The ideal foods for an adult French Bulldog include:
Foods We Recommend: French Bulldog Seniors
When do French Bulldogs become seniors?
Around 8 years old
French Bulldogs slow down considerably as they age. To help them maintain good health, it is best to select a diet that is lower in calories while still utilizing high quality ingredients to reach satiety. Diets that contain easily digestible foods are best. Supplements that support heart, eye, and joint health are also highly desirable for older French Bulldogs.
Our nutriitionists' top picks for senior Frenchies include: