How to Choose the Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs
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.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for French Bulldogs
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.
Dietary Requirements for French Bulldog Foods
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.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a French Bulldog:
-
Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
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.
-
Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
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.
-
Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
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.