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In this guide we’ll take a look at the best dog food for French Bulldogs.
We’ve compared the quality of ingredients, nutritional information, and value for money.
Our top recommended French Bulldog dog food is Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley.
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Each breed has its quirks that help to make it individual, and the French bulldog is no different! Most Frenchie owners fall in love with their fun personalities and robust nature but this breed does have some things you should take into account when choosing the best possible diet. French bulldogs are sadly very prone to allergies which can cause itchy skin with the risk of secondary infections. They are also a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed which means it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight to keep pressure off their airways. Here’s what to look out for when choosing the perfect diet for your Frenchie.
French bulldogs are brachycephalic which means they have flattened faces, narrowed airways and an excess amount of soft tissue in the back of their throats. This can make them more prone to choking, so it’s important to feed them kibble that is not too large.
Diets rich in omega 3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, plus omega 6 fatty acids, will help with skin and coat conditions. This will improve your Frenchie’s defences against external allergens and could help to reduce itchiness.
Exploring hypoallergenic diets can be helpful for some dogs if they are showing marked symptoms of allergies such as inflamed skin, licking at their paws excessively or ear infections. It may be good to discuss this one with your veterinarian as a strict dietary trial may be advised.
If your French bulldog is overweight, then you should look for a diet with reduced calories to help shift those excess pounds. A lighter dog will be able to breathe and exercise more freely, which is particularly important in brachycephalic breeds. Speak to your vet for advice on your dog’s ideal weight.
All of our dog food suggestions are carefully selected by professionals. We extensively research the products to check if they’ve been approved by governing bodies before making recommendations. You can read more about our stringent review standards here. And remember, always consult your veterinarian first, before changing your dog’s food.
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is an excellent quality diet for the adult French Bulldog to enjoy. Designed to be free from grains, this diet’s primary ingredient is venison, a novel protein source that is unlikely to cause stomach distress.
Taste of the Wild is rich in protein content from high-quality sources, ensuring the French Bulldog receives the nutrition it needs and remains satiated throughout the day. Fruits and vegetables provide the carbohydrates necessary to help this food to be well-rounded and easily digestible.
This food, consistently rated among the best dog foods for French Bulldogs, is free from grains, corn, wheat, fillers, artificial flavorings, colorings, and preservatives. It is also enriched with probiotics to promote fluid digestive processes.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food is specifically designed to help small breed dogs maintain a proper body weight. This formulation is lower fat than other foods produced by this company but is high in flavor to maintain the French Bulldog’s interest.
Wellness CORE is grain-free and derives its protein from turkey and chicken. This diet is enriched with fish oils to encourage healthy skin and coat.
This food is free from wheat, corn, soy, by-products, artificial flavorings, colorings, and preservatives, placing it squarely on the list of the best foods for French Bulldogs.
Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food earns high marks for being a high-performance food that is well-suited to the needs of the French Bulldog. A diet that is grain-free, Nulo’s formulation also excludes chicken and eggs, two ingredients which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
This formulation, one of the best dog foods for French Bulldogs, is composed of 80 percent protein derived from animal origins. Probiotics have been added to the food to ensure excellent digestion.
Nulo has a high calorie count per cup, making it an excellent value in spite of its moderately high price tag. The main disadvantage to this food is its reliance on peas as a source of carbohydrates as peas have been known to contribute to fertility problems in breeding dogs.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a high-quality food formulation that meets all of the high points small breed dogs need from their daily diet. A food that was designed specifically to assist small dogs with maintaining optimal health, the main protein source in this diet is whole deboned chicken, an excellent quality meat that has been reinforced by the addition of chicken meal.
Blue Buffalo has also included a supplement known as LifeSource Bits to boost the antioxidant content in the food to support a strong and healthy immune system. This food’s carbohydrates include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables; all of which are easy to digest and rich in fiber.
The kibble pieces are bite-sized to promote good oral health. Glucosamine has been added to support healthy joint function. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids have been enriched to ensure good coat and skin.
Blue Buffalo is free from corn, wheat, soy, and by-products. It is one of the best foods for small dogs on the market today.
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Petite Small Breed is a limited ingredient diet that has been custom-designed to help small dogs enjoy excellent health. Through its formulation which includes both freeze-dried meat and kibble, the small dog will benefit from great eating satisfaction and staying power to keep their energy levels fuelled throughout the day.
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Small Breed is based upon ingredients that are unlikely to trigger skin or stomach sensitivities in small dogs. Its main protein source is whole chicken that is supported by the inclusion of chicken meal to provide vital amino acids to keep small breed dogs healthy and strong.
A grain-free diet, CANIDAE’s carbohydrates are derived from highly nutritious fruits and vegetables that also contribute a powerhouse punch of antioxidants and fibre. A probiotic blend known as HealthPLUS Solutions has also been included to encourage excellent digestion, a strong immune system, and excellent coat and skin health. This emphasis on high digestibility and optimal coat and gut health makes CANIDAE one of the best foods for small dogs available for purchase.
The comical French Bulldog is a delightful addition to any home. A breed known for its clown-like ways and adorable bat-ears, the French Bulldog, often affectionately referred to as a Frenchie, makes friends wherever it goes.
A breed with low activity requirements and that can suffer from a number of health issues including breathing problems and skin conditions, the Frenchie requires a high-quality diet fed in correct proportions to encourage a healthy body weight and prevent weight gain. The best dog foods for French Bulldogs are nutritionally balanced to support optimal canine health and wellness.
Because the French Bulldog can easily become overweight, it is very important to measure this dog’s food very carefully and monitor all intake. The average adult French Bulldog typically requires 400-550 calories per day. This will vary depending on activity level and whether the dog is spayed or neutered. The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remember to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information. To keep the French Bulldog feeling satisfied, these calories should be divided out over two meals with one feeding in the morning and the other at night.
400-550 calories is equivalent to approximately 1-1 ½ cups of the best dog food for French Bulldogs, though this will vary depending on the formulation.
As a general rule of thumb, French Bulldogs benefit from a diet that consists of a minimum of 18 percent lean protein and 5 percent fat. Whole proteins are the preferred choice, but meat meals are equally as acceptable and can pack a powerhouse punch of nutrition. Lean sources of protein are best such as poultry or fish.
The correct amount of fat is critical to ensure the French Bulldog’s body has the fuel to keep up with its development and daily routine. Healthy fats from animal sources such as chicken fat or fish oils are best and can help assist with digestion.
Frenchies can be prone to gas problems, meaning carbohydrates should come from sources that are easy for the dog to digest. The French Bulldog does well on a diet that includes whole grains or that is based on fruits and vegetables. The Frenchie can experience skin and stomach sensitivities to both proteins and carbohydrates and certain individuals may benefit from a hypoallergenic hydrolyzed protein or novel protein/carbohydrate diet.
The best dog foods for French Bulldogs place a high emphasis on ingredients that are easy to digest.
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a French Bulldog:
Protein is the foundation of any diet appropriate for the French Bulldog’s needs. Lean proteins in whole form are the ideal choice; however, meat meals are also a good addition to any high-quality food for this breed.
The addition of supplements to a high-quality food can help promote optimal health in the French Bulldog. Glucosamine and chondroitin strengthen joint functionality.
Since the French Bulldog can suffer from a sensitive stomach, a diet that includes probiotics and prebiotics is an excellent idea as both aid digestion.
All foods appropriate for the French Bulldog should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.
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