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French bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the US. Their playful and loyal nature makes them stand out. However, french bulldogs are sensitive and susceptible to allergies and diseases. Therefore, it is essential to monitor their health and diet properly. Given this, what is the best dog food for french bulldogs?
As a veterinarian who loves French Bulldogs, I have compiled this detailed guide with the top 10 excellent Frenchie dog foods and their health benefits.
1. PetPlate (Dog Food Subscription Service)
This food easily ranks first in our list of the best dog food for French bulldogs. Petplate is a dog food subscription service that provides personalized meal plans tailored to your French Bulldog’s needs.
To order from Petplate, you need to share details about your Frenchie, including any food sensitivities, and Petplate will create a custom meal plan just for your specific French Bulldog. The right amount of food is shipped directly to your doorstep at intervals that suit you, ensuring each meal is perfectly portioned and packed with the necessary nutrients.
How Does It Work?
There are two options to start at Petplate:
- Personalized Quiz: Begin by completing a quiz that asks for your dog’s name, sex, and any known food sensitivities. This information helps Petplate customize the best meal plan for your Frenchie.
- Cooking Options: First, choose whether you want your dog’s food cooked fresh, baked, or opt for a combination of both. For example, you can select 50% fresh cooked and 50% fresh baked. Additionally, you have the flexibility to mix and match according to your preferences. This flexibility allows you to cater to your dog’s preferences and nutritional needs.
Meat Options
Select from several recipe types to find your dog’s favourite. Meat options available at Petplate include:
- Pork
- Beef
- Turkey
- Venison
- Chicken
Meal Plans
Depending on your selection, you can choose between two plans:
- Full Box Plan: A complete and balanced diet designed to meet 100% of your dog’s daily caloric needs. It includes 14 containers (16 oz each) and ships to your door every two weeks.
- Topper Box Plan: This plan can meet 25% of their daily caloric needs. It includes six containers (16 oz each) and ships to your door every four weeks.
With Petplate, you can be confident that your French Bulldog is receiving a nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs and conveniently delivered to your home.
Read our extended Petplate review over here.
2. Nulo Freestyle Dog Food (Best Overall)
Age range: Adult
Breed Size: Small Breed
Main Use: Activeness
Item Form: Dry
Top Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Salmon Meal, Red Lentils, Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat, Miscanthus Grass, Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Apples, Dried Blueberries, Dried Tomatoes, and Dried Carrots
Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Red Lentils is premium dry dog food that specifically targets small breeds. This 6-pound bag of kibble contains no corn, wheat, soy, white potatoes, tapioca, artificial colours, flavourings, or preservatives.
The recipe focuses on providing high meat content and low carbohydrates, with 83% of the protein derived from animal sources. This formulation includes GanedenBC30, a probiotic that supports healthy gut flora, digestion, metabolism, and immune response.
It also features L-carnitine, an amino acid that aids in fat metabolism, promoting weight management. Nulo Freestyle manufactures its products in the USA, in Austin, TX, and ensures they contain no egg or chicken proteins. These proteins can be difficult for many dogs to digest.
| PROS | CONS |
| Low-glycemic ingredients like red lentils help maintain stable blood sugar levels | Limited flavour options |
| L-carnitine helps in the metabolism of fats | |
| GanedenBC30 probiotic supports healthy gut flora |
3. Hill’s Science Diet (Best for Sensitive Skin & Stomach)
Age Range: 1-6 years
Breed Size: Small and Mini Breeds
Main use: For sensitive stomach and skin
Item Form: Pellet
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brown Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Potassium, Flaxseed, vitamins E, C, and Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, and Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Hill’s science-based, fibre-rich formula is gentle on the stomach and aids digestion. Packed with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E, this French bulldog food will give your pookie friend a healthy fur coat. The USA manufactures it with high-quality ingredients, including real chicken as the primary protein source. The best aspect is that it is free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives.
| PROS | CONS |
| Prebiotic fibre nurtures healthy gut bacteria | Limited to only chicken flavour |
| Heals dryness and flakiness | Unsuitable for dogs allergic to chickens |
| Essential amino acids in this dog food play an important role in muscle maintenance |
4. Purina Pro Plan Dog Food (Best for Sensitive Skin & Stomach)
Age range: Adult
Breed Size: Small Breed
Main Use: Sensitive stomach and skin
Item Form: Kibble
Top Ingredients: Salmon, Rice, Barley, Canola Meal, Fish Meal, Dried Yeast, Beef Fat preserved with Mixed-Tocopherols, Oatmeal, Salmon Meal, Pea Protein, Vitamin E, A, C, and K Supplements. Vitamin B1, B2, B7, B9, and B12.
This Purina Pro Plan dog food is a high-quality dry dog food formulated for dogs with sensitive skin and digestive issues. Salmon, as the first ingredient, provides a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The formula is enriched with rice and oatmeal, which are gentle on the digestive system.
Additionally, it includes live probiotics and prebiotic fibre to support digestive and immune health. This dog food is free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colours and flavours.
| PROS | CONS |
| Live probiotics and prebiotic fibre support a healthy gut microbiome | Picky eaters may not enjoy the taste of salmon |
| Salmon is a high-quality protein source |
5. ORIJEN Fit and Trim Dry Dog Food (Best for Weight Management)
Age range: Adult
Breed Size: Large and Small Breeds
Main Use: Food Supplement
Item Form: Dry dog food for French bulldogs
Top Ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), turkey, cod, flounder, whole herring, eggs, dehydrated chicken liver, dehydrated egg, dehydrated sardine, dehydrated chicken, dehydrated turkey, whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole peas, whole navy beans, lentil fibre, Vitamin E and B1 supplements.
ORIJEN Fit and Trim Dry Dog Food is a premium, biologically appropriate dog food designed for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight. Notably, this formula is rich in protein. Specifically, 85% of the ingredients come from animal sources, such as free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs. It includes a variety of whole prey ingredients like muscle meat, organs, and cartilage, which provide essential nutrients naturally. The remaining 15% of the ingredients comprise vegetables, fruits, and botanicals. This food is free from grains and artificial preservatives.
| PROS | CONS |
| A low-carbohydrate diet helps in weight management | The high protein and fat content might be too rich for some dogs with sensitive stomachs. |
| Whole prey ingredients ensure a balanced intake of essential vitamins and minerals | |
| High-quality ingredients improve the overall health of French Bulldogs |
6. Raw Paws Signature Blend (Raw Food Option)
Item Form: Frozen
Top Ingredients:
Beef: Beef Round, Beef Meat, Beef Bone, Beef Heart, Beef Tongue, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Spleen, Beef Suet.
Chicken: Breast, Leg Quarters, Heart, Backs, Liver, and Gizzard.
Turkey: Turkey Meat, Turkey Breast, Turkey Frames, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Turkey Gizzards, Turkey Fries.
Available in three different flavours, Raw Paws Signature Blend is a premium raw dog food designed to mimic the natural diet of wild canines. This blend consists of 80% meat, 10% organ, and 10% bone, providing a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. The focus on keeping the blend as natural as possible ensures that it closely reflects what a dog’s ancestors would have eaten in the wild.
The food comes in convenient 1 lb. rolls, making raw feeding easy as the rolls can be cut into quarters, halves, or served whole. Sourced locally in Indiana, the food is made in small batches weekly to ensure freshness. It is produced in a licensed and inspected facility with strict quality and safety standards and protocols. The food is stored at 0°F in freezers and delivered frozen in an eco-friendly foam cooler with dry ice.
| PROS | CONS |
| Natural nutrition | Raw diets can be more expensive than traditional kibble |
| Available in 3 flavors | Potential risk of bacterial contamination if it is not handled properly |
| Many pet owners report improved digestion and reduced allergy symptoms in dogs fed a raw diet | |
7. Now Fresh Dry Dog Food (Best Grain-Free Dog Food)
Age range: Senior
Breed Size: Small Breed
Main Use: Digestive Health
Item Form: Dry Kibble
Top Ingredients: Deboned turkey, potatoes, peas, potato flour, pea flour, whole dried egg, flaxseed, natural flavour, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), deboned salmon, deboned duck, pea fibre, calcium carbonate, apples, tomato, coconut oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), alfalfa, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, squash, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, pomegranate, papayas, lentils, broccoli.
Now Fresh dry dog food is a premium dry dog food tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of small breed dogs. It features 100% fresh turkey, salmon, and duck as primary protein sources, ensuring high-quality nutrition. This grain-free formula includes fresh omega-3 and omega-6 oils from coconuts and canola to promote skin and coat health.
Additionally, it contains antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach, to support overall health and well-being. In addition, the kibble size is explicitly designed for small mouths and teeth, making it easy for small dogs to chew and digest.
| PROS | CONS |
| The grain-free formula is ideal for dogs with grain allergies | A nutrient-dense formula may cause digestive issues if not transitioned gradually |
| Antioxidants support immune function and overall vitality | |
| Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from coconuts and canola oil contribute to a shiny coat and healthy skin |
8. Merrick Lil Plates Dog Food (Best for Dental and Bone Health)
Age range: Adult
Breed Size: Small Breed
Main Use: Dental and Bone Health
Item Form: Bites, Crunchy, Freeze-Dried, Kibble
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free dry dog food is a premium option specifically formulated for small-breed dogs. The first ingredient in this recipe is natural deboned beef, which provides high protein and healthy fats to help small dogs maintain lean muscle mass and energy levels. The food includes a holistic blend of authentic freeze-dried raw pieces and gluten-free kibble, offering an excellent beef flavour that appeals to toy and small-breed dogs.
The smaller sized kibble is designed for little breeds with small mouths. Additionally, helps clean teeth and freshen breath. Probiotics are added to support digestive health, while omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids nourish the skin and coat. Additionally, glucosamine and chondroitin are included to support healthy hips and joints.
| PROS | CONS |
| Promotes oral health | Low fibre content may not be suitable for dogs with digestive issues |
| Plays a vital role in joint support | Higher salt levels are not ideal for all dogs |
| Improves skin and coat health |
9. The Honest Kitchen Whole Food (Human Grade Dog Food)
Age range: All Life Stages
Breed Size: All Breeds
Main Use: Active, Allergy Relief, Weight Management
Item Form: Dry
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Potatoes, Peas, Chicken liver, Lentils, Carrots, Ground flaxseed, Eggs, Broccoli, and Pumpkin.
The Honest Kitchen whole food is the world’s first human-grade dry dog food, ensuring the highest quality ingredients and safety standards. This recipe is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and produced in a human food facility. Suitable for puppies and adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, including large-breed puppies and adult mothers, this food offers complete and balanced nutrition.
The clusters are crafted using human-grade muscle meat and liver, low-glycemic carbohydrates, beneficial fats, and live probiotics. They are minimally processed by mixing small batches of fresh ingredients. Cold-pressing them into bite-sized clusters, they are slow roasted and dehydrated preserving all nutrients, aroma, and taste. The recipe is free from feed-grade ingredients, meat meals, fillers, GMOs, artificial flavours, and artificial preservatives.
| PROS | CONS |
| Human-grade quality | Despite the high-quality ingredients, some dogs may not find the taste appealing |
| Cold-pressed and gently roasted to maintain the nutritional integrity | |
| Free from additives |
10. Stella & Chewy’s Wild Dog Food (Best Raw Food Option)
Age range: All Life Stages
Breed Size: All
Main Use: Activeness, Weight, Dental Health
Item Form: Pellet
Top Ingredients: Beef, pork, pork meal, barley, oatmeal, ground flaxseed, natural pork flavour, beef liver, pork fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), lamb, bison, venison, goat, beef kidney, beef tripe, tomato pomace, pumpkin, organic broccoli, organic beets, organic carrots, organic squash, organic spinach, organic blueberries, ground pumpkin seeds, chia seed, and beef bone.
Stella & Chewy’s wild red dry dog food brings the essence of raw nutrition to your dog’s meal. Each pellet is coated in freeze-dried raw meat, offering the taste dogs crave with the nutrition they deserve. The red meat recipe includes six animal protein sources: beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison, and goat, making it a suitable option for dogs with poultry allergies. This recipe mimics what dogs’ ancestors ate in the wild, using whole prey ingredients like muscle meat, cartilage, and organ meat like beef kidney.
This dog food also contains wholesome grains like barley and oatmeal, easily digestible and free from unnecessary fillers. The formula is fortified with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fibre, probiotics for digestive support, and taurine for heart health. Antioxidants from fruits and veggies help support a healthy immune system, while glucosamine and chondroitin support hip and joint health. Omega fatty acids from chia and pumpkin seeds and salmon oil provide skin and coat support.
| PROS | CONS |
| Whole-prey ingredients | Due to the raw-coated kibble, it may require more careful storage to maintain freshness and prevent contamination |
| Promotes joint and immune health | Dogs not accustomed to raw food might need a gradual transition to avoid digestive issues |
Factors to Consider Before Buying Food for Frenchies
When selecting pet food for a French Bulldog, several specific factors should be considered to ensure their health and well-being. Here are key factors to take into account.
Nutritional Needs
French Bulldogs have specific nutritional needs that must be met to maintain their health. Look for dog foods that provide a balanced diet with the right proportions of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
French bulldogs require a good source of protein to support muscle development and overall health. Look for high-quality animal-based proteins (e.g., chicken, turkey, beef, lamb) as the main ingredient. Proteins should constitute around 20–30% of their diet, depending on their age, activity level, and health condition.
Healthy fats are essential for energy, skin and coat health, and overall cellular function. Aim for a fat content of about 8–15%. Sources of healthy fats include chicken fat, fish oil, and flaxseed oil, which also provide essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6.
Carbs provide energy and aid in digestive health. Choose complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, peas, and brown rice rather than simple carbs or fillers. Carbohydrates should make up around 30-50% of their diet.
In addition, fibre is essential for maintaining healthy digestion and can help manage weight. Look for foods with added fibre sources, like beet pulp or pumpkin. Aim for around 2-5% fiber content.
Allergies
French Bulldogs are prone to food allergies and sensitivities, which can cause skin issues, digestive problems, and other health concerns. French bulldogs can be sensitive to various ingredients, including:
- Grains: Wheat, corn, and soy are common allergens. If your dog shows signs of sensitivity, consider grain-free options.
- Proteins: Beef, chicken, and lamb are common allergens. Try novel protein sources like duck, venison, or fish if you suspect a protein allergy.
- Dairy: Some dogs are lactose-intolerant. Avoid dairy-based ingredients if your dog has digestive issues or skin problems after consuming dairy.
Consider hypoallergenic diets, which are formulated to minimize allergens and often made with limited ingredient lists or novel proteins. They can be a good option for dogs with known food allergies or sensitivities.
Moreover, artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives can sometimes trigger allergic reactions. Opt for foods with natural preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) and avoid those with synthetic additives.
Caloric Needs
French Bulldogs are prone to obesity due to their small size and tendency to be less active. To avoid weight gain, choose dog food appropriate for their energy levels and caloric needs. Foods for small breeds often have the right calorie content and nutrient density.
Age
Puppies require higher protein levels, fat, and calories to support rapid growth and development. Look for puppy-formulated foods with higher protein (around 25-30%) and fat (around 15-20%).
Ensure the food contains appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels to support healthy bone development. Avoid foods with excessive calcium, as it can lead to developmental issues.
In comparison, adult French bulldogs need balanced nutrition to maintain their weight and energy levels. The food should provide moderate protein (around 20-25%) and fat (around 10-15%) levels to prevent obesity while supporting muscle maintenance.
As a practicing vet, I suggest my clients monitor the weight of their Frenchie’s and adjust their food intake as necessary to maintain a healthy weight. Foods with higher fibre content can help with satiety and weight control.
Senior French Bulldogs may benefit from foods with added joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. These nutrients can help maintain mobility and reduce joint pain. For them, look for senior formulas with a lower fat content (around 8-12%) to help prevent weight gain.
Health Conditions
Always consider your French bulldog’s specific health condition while selecting dog food. As a vet, I recommend that my clients who own a French bulldog choose foods specifically formulated for weight management. These foods have a lower fat content and a higher fibre content to promote satiety and support weight loss. Also, opt for foods with limited ingredients and novel proteins to avoid allergens that could trigger skin issues.
- Digestive Issues: If your dog has digestive issues, go for foods with high-quality, easily digestible proteins and carbohydrates. Ingredients like chicken, rice, and sweet potatoes can be gentle on the digestive system. Foods with added probiotics can support digestive health and improve gut flora balance.
- Dental Health: For dogs with dental issues, consider foods formulated to support dental health, such as those with added dental-cleaning agents or kibble designed to reduce tartar build-up. Some foods include dental chews or treats that help clean teeth and freshen breath.
- Joint Problems: If your dog has joint problems, look for foods containing glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. Foods with anti-inflammatory ingredients, like fish oil, can help manage joint pain and inflammation.
- Kidney Health: Foods with controlled protein levels are recommended for dogs with kidney issues to reduce kidney workload. Lower phosphorus levels in the diet can also benefit dogs with kidney problems.
- Heart Health: Select foods with reduced sodium content for dogs with heart conditions to help manage blood pressure and fluid retention.
Skin and Coat Health
French Bulldogs often suffer from skin conditions and allergies. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are beneficial for maintaining healthy skin and a shiny coat. Ingredients like fish oil, flaxseed, and chicken fat are good sources of these essential fatty acids.
Kibble Size and Texture
The shape and size of the kibble should be suitable for the French Bulldog’s brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure. Smaller, easily chewable kibble can help prevent choking and make it easier for them to eat comfortably.
Quality of Ingredients
Choose dog foods made with high-quality, natural ingredients without fillers, artificial preservatives, or additives. Whole food ingredients are generally a better option than by-products or synthetic components.
Brand Reputation and Recalls
Research the dog food brand’s reputation and check for any history of recalls. Brands with a good track record and positive reviews are more likely to provide reliable and safe products.
Veterinarian Recommendations
Consulting with your veterinarian can provide personalized advice based on your French Bulldog’s health needs, age, weight, and activity level. Your veterinarian can recommend the best diet to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Final Words
For French Bulldogs, the top dog foods that provide tailored nutrition and address specific dietary needs are PetPlate, Nulo Freestyle, and Hill’s Science Diet.
PetPlate offers a highly personalized subscription service with fresh or baked meals delivered to your door, ensuring your dog gets what they need. Nulo Freestyle’s Salmon & Red Lentils Recipe is an excellent choice for small breeds, while Hill’s Science Diet provides balanced nutrition with added prebiotics and omega-6 fatty acids, perfect for maintaining digestive health and a healthy coat. These top choices ensure your French Bulldog receives the best nutrition for their unique needs.
FAQs
What is the Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs with Gas?
For French Bulldogs prone to gas, choose a highly digestible dog food that is free from common gas-inducing ingredients like soy, corn, and wheat. Look for formulas with high-quality proteins and easily digestible carbohydrates. Foods with added probiotics and prebiotics can also support a healthy digestive system and reduce gas.
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What is the Best Food for French Bulldogs with Sensitive Stomachs?
You can opt for hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets. Foods with novel protein sources, like venison or duck, and limited ingredients can minimize the risk of stomach upset. Grain-free options, or those with gentle grains like rice or oats, can also be beneficial.
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What is the Best Wet Food for a French Bulldog Puppy?
The best wet food for French Bulldog puppies should support growth and development while being gentle on their stomachs. Look for a wet food that is high in protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals.
