The Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs in 2024
Today’s Frenchie is short, muscular, large-headed, bat-eared, and short-faced. Bred for companionship, any French Bulldog owner will tell you that they become deeply attached to their humans, and are always up to some sort of goofy mischief. Because they’re so cute, you might be tempted to feed them treats all day, but French Bulldogs need a complete diet just like any other dog.
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French Bulldog Nutrition Needs
All dogs, including French Bulldogs, need the same basic nutrition: lots of protein, fat, and dietary fiber. Facultative carnivores, dogs get the majority of their nutrition from animal protein but also benefit from the addition of certain fruits, veggies, and grains to their diet.
When you are choosing dog food for your French Bulldog, start by asking yourself these four questions:
- Is your French Bulldog a puppy (3–14 months), an adult (up to 7), or a senior (7+)?
- How big is your French Bulldog? They are typically small-medium dogs, around 16–28 lbs.
- How active is your Frenchie?
- Does your French Bulldog have any health concerns?
Once you have the answer to each of these questions, you’ll have a better idea of what kind of dog food you should be looking for.
French Bulldog-Specific Health Concerns
French Bulldogs are unfortunately prone to more health issues than the average dog, including:
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Allergies
- Upper respiratory infections
- Breathing issues
- Eye issues (like conjunctivitis and cherry eye)
- Hip dysplasia
While diet can’t prevent or cure these conditions on its own, making sure to give your French Bulldog the right nutrients can help to keep them healthier for longer and improve how quickly they heal. For example, French Bulldogs can benefit from omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for skin health, and immune-boosting ingredients like kale, turmeric, and blueberries.
Best Food for French Bulldogs with Sensitive Stomach
French Bulldogs with sensitive stomachs often do well on novel protein-based diets. Chicken and beef are the two top food allergens for dogs, and since Frenchies are especially prone to allergies, many vets recommend putting them on a novel protein diet. Some of our recommendations for the best dog food for Frenchies made from novel proteins include Wild Raw and Spot & Tango.
Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs
Let’s dive into our top four picks for best natural food for French Bulldogs in every category, including a healthy kibble option!
1. Best Raw: Raw Wild
| First 5 Ingredients | Elk, Deer, Sunflower Seed Oil, Wild Caught Alaskan Pollock Oil, Potassium |
| Food Type | Raw, grain-free |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 18% Protein – 10% Fat – 0.45% Fiber – 70% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed ½ lb. per day or ¼ lb. per meal* |
| Cost Per Meal | $4.15 per meal – $465.12 for 48 lbs. (best option for savings) |
What Reviewers Say:
2. Best Air-Dried: Sundays For Dogs Beef Recipe
If you struggle to get your Frenchie to eat their food, but they love treats, they’ll love Sundays For Dogs. Air-dried in small pieces that look, taste, and feel like jerky, Sundays For Dogs can also be used as training treats if you’re working on teaching your Frenchie new tricks, or they just deserve an extra snack at the end of a long hard day of naps.
Other than the delicious recipe, we think Sundays For Dogs deserves consideration for best food for Frenchie thanks to the turmeric to reduce inflammation, blueberries for antioxidant and immune support, and tart cherries to protect the joints.
| First 5 Ingredients | Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Bone, Quinoa |
| Food Type | Air-dried, grain-inclusive without wheat, peas, corn, or legumes |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 30% Protein – 20% Fat – 4% Fiber – 15% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed ½ cup (2.2 oz.) per day or ¼ cup (1.1 oz.) per meal* |
| Cost Per Meal | $1.92 per meal* – $69 for 72 oz. (best option for savings) |
What Reviewers Say:
3. Best Fresh-Frozen: Spot & Tango Lamb & Brown Rice
Lamb is an amazing protein option for dogs who are prone to allergies, since lamb is one of the proteins with the fewest incidents of triggering allergic reactions. Be aware that this formula does include chicken eggs, so it’s not a good choice for dogs with serious poultry allergies. This low allergen option is also delightfully delicious, and has plenty of dietary fiber (from fruits and veggies like blueberries, which are great for immunity) to keep your French Bulldog regular. On the list of the best food for French Bulldogs, this is also the closest to “human food” and is a good option for picky eaters.
Spot & Tango is unique because they don’t sell set amounts of their fresh-frozen food–after filling out a quick questionnaire about your Frenchie, you’ll be given a custom plan with shipments of food sent every few weeks.
| First 5 Ingredients | Lamb, Brown Rice, Spinach, Carrots, Peas |
| Food Type | Fresh-frozen, grain-inclusive without wheat or corn |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 11.8% Protein – 6.64% Fat – 2.64% Fiber – 70% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed 300 calories per day or 150 calories per meal* – Note that Spot & Tango recommends portion sizes based on your dog’s specific information, and sends enough food for your dog’s needs |
| Cost Per Meal | $3.48 per meal – $48.82 for one week of food* |
What Reviewers Say:
Source: https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/62c83a170c20b4453c33c43d
4. Best Healthy Kibble: Spot & Tango UnKibble Cod & Salmon Recipe
French Bulldogs are, as we’ve mentioned, prone to allergies, which is why we love the Cod & Salmon UnKibble from Spot & Tango. Made with two varieties of fish that are high in omega-3s, this formula is super nourishing for the skin and coat. Fish is also a low-allergen food for most dogs, so this is a good protein option for Frenchies.
Easily a top contender for best dry food for French Bulldogs, UnKibble is leaps and bounds above the kibble competition.
| First 5 Ingredients | Cod, Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Sunflower Seeds |
| Food Type | Kibble, grain-free–other recipes are grain-inclusive |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 29.67% Protein – 22.06% Fat – 1.15% Fiber – 3.82% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Precise serving size customized according to your dog’s details! |
| Cost Per Meal | $1.74 per meal* – $60.78 for two weeks of food* |
What Reviewers Say:
FAQ
You probably still have some questions…good thing we have more answers!
What is the best dog food for French Bulldogs with gas?
If your Frenchie has gas, chances are something in their food isn’t agreeing with them, and they either have an allergy or a sensitivity to that particular ingredient. Choosing a low-allergen option like Raw Wild or Spot & Tango can help to eliminate those ingredients and reduce your pooch’s gas.
What is the best dog food for French Bulldogs with skin allergies?
All of the options we’ve included are appropriate for dogs with sensitive skin, but if you are particularly concerned for their skin health, we recommend Raw Wild, Sundays For Dogs.
What is the best dry food for a French Bulldog puppy?
We recommend Spot & Tango! They offer custom formulas that suit the needs of your French Bulldog puppy.
What is the best wet food for a French Bulldog puppy?
We recommend Spot & Tango, which offers different recipes made for your puppy’s needs.
What is the best food for French Bulldogs with sensitive stomachs?
Spot & Tango’s fresh-frozen food is easy to eat, chew, and digest, making it extra sensitive on the stomach. They also make low-allergen options, and allow you to customize your French Bulldog’s food to eliminate ingredients they are sensitive to.
What’s the history of the French Bulldog?
Despite their name, French Bulldogs originated in England, where a now-extinct breed of so-called “toy Bulldogs” became popular in the mid-18th century. These miniature Bulldogs were particularly popular in Nottingham, where England’s most prodigious lace makers lived and worked.
When the English industrial revolution pushed lace makers to immigrate to Northern France, where their industry was still in demand, they brought their toy Bulldogs with them. In France, the toy Bulldogs were crossed with an untraceable variety of other breeds, creating a breed standard by the late 19th century that became iconically French.
What is the best food for gassy French Bulldogs?
Gassy dogs do well on a grain-free diet, and many owners say they hear (and smell) less gas after making the switch. Some of the best grain-free dog food for French Bulldogs is made by Raw Wild, which also makes their raw formula from novel proteins like venison and elk.
What is the best dog food for French Bulldog puppies?
Any of the dog foods featured on this list would work well for a Frenchie puppy! Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about portions and feeding schedules.
What is the best dry dog food for French Bulldogs?
The best dry dog food for French Bulldogs is Sunday’s For dogs air-dried dog food. It has all of the convenience of kibble but is so much healthier. If you struggle to get your Frenchie to eat their food but they love treats, they’ll love Sundays For Dogs. Air-dried in small pieces that look, taste, and feel like jerky, Sundays For Dogs can also be used as training treats for teaching new tricks or as an extra snack after a long day of naps. Besides the delicious recipe, Sundays For Dogs stands out as the best food for Frenchies due to its inclusion of turmeric to reduce inflammation, blueberries for antioxidant and immune support, and tart cherries to protect the joints.
What is the best wet dog food for French Bulldogs
We are not fans of canned dog food, but understand that dogs like eating real meat. Therefore we recommend a raw diet or a fresh frozen diet, both which dogs love due to the real meat content without all of the processing.
What are the common allergens in dog food for French Bulldogs?
Common allergens in dog food for French Bulldogs include grains, dairy, beef, and chicken. If your Frenchie shows signs of food allergies, it’s important to choose a limited ingredient diet, such as Sundays Food for Dogs (air dried) or Spot and Tango (Fresh frozen), which can help reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
What essential nutrients should be in the best dog food for French Bulldogs?
The best dog food for French Bulldogs should contain essential nutrients such as high-quality protein sources, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats like chicken fat. Foods like Raw Wild (raw) and Unkibble by Spot and Tango for dry food provide balanced nutrition tailored to support your dog’s overall health.
How do I support my French Bulldog’s immune system through diet?
To support your French Bulldog’s immune system, look for dog food that includes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Sundays Food for Dogs contains blueberries and turmeric, which are excellent for boosting immune health and reducing inflammation.
What should I consider when choosing puppy food for a French Bulldog?
When choosing puppy food for a French Bulldog, ensure it contains balanced nutrition with the right amount of protein, fats, and carbohydrates to support growth. Essential nutrients and protein sources are crucial during this stage. Spot and Tango’s Fresh frozen food is a great option for providing the necessary nutrients for growing puppies.
Are there specific protein sources that are better for French Bulldogs?
French Bulldogs benefit from high-quality protein sources such as chicken, beef, lamb, and fish. However, if your dog has food allergies, consider limited ingredient diets like those offered by Raw Wild and Unkibble by Spot and Tango to avoid common allergens and provide clean, digestible proteins.
How can I manage my French Bulldog’s body weight with diet?
Managing your French Bulldog’s body weight involves providing a diet with balanced nutrition and appropriate calorie content. Foods like Sundays Food for Dogs (air dried) and Unkibble by Spot and Tango offer nutrient-dense meals that help maintain a healthy weight without overfeeding.
What type of pet food is best for French Bulldogs with a low activity level?
For French Bulldogs with a low activity level, choose pet food that offers balanced nutrition without excessive calories. Spot and Tango (Fresh frozen) and Unkibble by Spot and Tango provide options tailored to meet the energy needs of less active dogs while ensuring they receive all essential nutrients.
How do I identify food allergies in my French Bulldog?
Identifying food allergies in French Bulldogs involves monitoring for symptoms like itching, digestive issues, and skin problems. If you suspect food allergies, consult with your vet and consider switching to a limited ingredient diet, such as those offered by Sundays Food for Dogs or Raw Wild, to pinpoint and eliminate allergens.
What makes Spot and Tango’s Fresh frozen food suitable for French Bulldogs?
Spot and Tango’s Fresh frozen food is suitable for French Bulldogs because it provides balanced nutrition with essential nutrients, high-quality protein sources, and healthy fats like chicken fat. This ensures your dog gets the necessary nutrition to support their health and well-being.
How does the dog breed affect dietary needs?
The dietary needs of a dog can vary based on the breed. French Bulldogs require a diet that supports their unique health challenges, such as potential food allergies and a tendency to gain weight. Foods like Sundays Food for Dogs, Raw Wild, and Spot and Tango products are formulated to address these specific needs, providing balanced nutrition and supporting a healthy immune system.
