French Bulldogs are cute, gentle and one of the most favorite small dog breeds. Frenchies have very specific and goofy personality traits and can be quite the charmers. They are not picky eaters, but if you want your puppy to grow into a healthy and strong dog, it will need the best French bulldog puppy food.
Healthy and balanced nutrition is crucial for the growth of a little pup, so reading the ingredient labels of a puppy food brand should be the first thing you do when making a decision.
If you don’t know where to start and what to look for when buying puppy food for your French bulldog, we’ve got your back. In the content below you will get answers to some of your questions, and to save you time on searching for the best French bulldog puppy food, we’ve created a list of recommendations for you.
What Can Frenchie Puppies Eat?
We mentioned above that Frenchies are not picky eaters, so they would eat almost anything you give them. But, that doesn’t mean you should give them anything, especially because Frenchies have a sensitive stomach. Proper nutrition is crucial for the healthy development of puppies, so your table scraps may not have the necessary nutrients and can cause numerous health issues, including vomiting.
Also, it is extremely important to keep your Frenchie at a healthy weight because if your pup is overweight it can develop some serious diseases.
Food You Should Avoid Giving to Your Frenchie Puppy
Certain fruits and vegetables are hazardous for your little ball of love. Avoid feeding your pup the following: grapes, cherries, onions, mushrooms, avocado, lemons, plums, asparagus, and tomatoes. Some of these items are highly toxic and can be deadly.
As with any other dog breed, you should not give your puppy chocolate and alcohol.
Food You Can Give to Your Frenchie Puppy
There are food items that you can give to your puppy in small amounts as a reward. For example, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, bananas, cranberries, carrots, sweet potato, spinach, oranges, cucumbers, pumpkin, and watermelon can be given in moderation as a treat after training.
Other food that your pooch can consume in small quantities is peanut butter (not more than a spoonful, without artificial flavors and sweeteners), popcorn (no salt, no butter, air-popped), rice, cheese (small amount because it is high in fat and calories), and yogurt (in moderation). Wheat and grains should be avoided only if your puppy has an intolerance.
Salmon, beef, chicken, and turkey are great protein sources, which your little ball of love will need while it is growing into a strong, adult French bulldog. However, make sure that they are cooked without wine, fatty oils, or any other harmful ingredients.
What Should I Feed My 8 Week old Frenchie?
One and a half cups per day of the best French bulldog puppy food a day is the recommended amount for an eight to twelve weeks old pooch. The food you choose should be high in calories because your pup will need the extra nutrients to be strong and healthy. After all, it is not getting those nutrients from its mother anymore.
The total amount of food should be divided into three to four meals a day because large meals can cause gastric dilatation-volvulus (twisted stomach).
However, you should also take into consideration how much exercise your canine friend is getting by playing with toys or some other activities. Consult with a veterinarian if you feel like there is a need to feed your pup more than one and a half cups of food.
You could mix kibble with wet food of your choice, but also you can try to add some boiled meat with veggies.
What Is Best to Feed French Bulldogs?
Commercially produced food that contains all essential nutrients is a safe feeding choice for your Frenchie, and it will save you a lot of time that you would otherwise spend preparing and cooking food. There are many foods (dry and wet) that will help you keep your pup strong and active, while also maintaining healthy bones and teeth, as well as shiny and soft coats.
If you decide to prepare the meals for your French bulldog, ensure that they contain at least one meat protein. The protein source can be chicken, beef, lamb, or even fish.
What Is the Best French Bulldog Puppy Food?
Your Frenchie puppy will have different nutritional needs than an adult one. Avoid giving your puppy adult dog food because it won’t get the necessary nutrients that are crucial for its development and growth.
The protein source is a must in the meal plan for all French bulldogs, but the addition of the right combination of vitamins, minerals, fat, carbohydrates, and fibers will give your puppy everything it needs to grow into a healthy and strong adult dog.
Furthermore, it is essential that you understand the unique needs of French bulldogs as a breed, so that you can choose the best food for your pup. Some of the most important nutrients that should be included in the food your give to your French bulldog puppy are Vitamin D3, Vitamin b12 supplement, Vitamin A, folic acid, zinc proteinate, zinc oxide, sodium silico aluminate, manganese proteinate.
We have put together a list of recommendations for the best French bulldog puppy food, to help you with your search, and save you some time as well.
The Best French Bulldog Puppy Food – Our Top Recommendations
*Bonus: Food Recommendations for Adult Frenchies
Dry Food for Dogs for French Bulldog Puppies by Royal Canin
The formula of this kibble by Royal Canin is specifically designed for French bulldog puppies from eight weeks to twelve months of age. It is created with the nutritional requirements of Frenchie puppies in mind.
The dry dog food for French bulldog puppies by Royal Canin contains ingredients that maintain a balance in your pup’s gut flora. Your Frenchie’s teeth and bones are going to be strong thanks to the presence of various vitamins and minerals like calcium iodate and folic acid, whereas zinc oxide will help your pup to have a healthy coat.
Since French bulldogs are known for their short muzzle and square jaw, the shape of this dry puppy food is perfect for Frenchies. Your pup can easily pick up and enjoy this kibble, and you don’t have to worry that it will choke.
The exclusive antioxidants and vitamin E in the formula support the development of your puppy’s immune system and natural defenses.
Pros
- It contains a lot of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.) that are essential for the growth and development of your puppy
- It has dried beet pulp for healthy carbohydrate content
- It has a 28% protein content
- It is very palatable, so most puppies will enjoy this kibble
Cons
- The first ingredient on the list is a carbohydrate source and a byproduct (Brewers rice), which is not the best nutrient-dense carbohydrate source
- The protein source is chicken by-product meal (joints, bones, organs), which is not a good protein source
Grain-Free High Prairie Dry Food for Dogs for Puppies by Taste of the Wild
Frenchies are prone to allergies, diarrhea, and sensitive stomach, and this grain-free formula for puppies by Taste of the Wild provides carbohydrates from peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and fruits, which are a great source of energy, fiber, and gentle to your pup’s stomach.
The primary source of protein in this kibble is roasted venison and bison, which is a good quality protein that resembles a natural diet of dogs.
Furthermore, the recipe is enriched with vitamins and minerals from real fruits and veggies, as well as omega fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics, and prebiotics to support healthy digestion, boost your puppy’s immune system, and promote a healthy coat and skin.
Pros
- It doesn’t contain grains, wheat, corn, or any artificial flavors and colors
- It is crafted with vitamins and minerals from real food, as well as with antioxidants, prebiotics, probiotics, fatty acids, for the overall health and wellbeing of your Frenchie
- Its primary ingredient is protein from roasted venison and bison
Cons
- Some pups may refuse to eat it
Grain-Free Lamb & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food by American Journey
American Journey is an all-American brand that offers complete nutrition with great ingredients for a healthy and balanced diet of French bulldog puppies.
The protein base is real deboned lamb, which is great for pups with a sensitive digestive system. Your Frenchie will have a lot of energy to burn and develop strong, healthy muscles because this formula contains 30% crude protein.
The carbohydrates in the recipe of this kibble come from carrots, chickpeas, sweet potatoes, beet pulp, peas, and blueberries, which gives your French bulldog puppy a lot of energy by providing vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber from real food.
The supplementation with fatty acids, glucosamine, and folic acid further supports the development of your puppy by promoting healthy skin, coats, bones, and ligaments.
Pros
- It has lamb as a protein source that is gentle to your puppy’s digestive system, and great for muscle development
- It contains carbohydrates from real veggies and fruits, enriching the formula with minerals and vitamins essential for your Frenchie’s growth
- Its fat content is moderate, which is essential for French bulldogs because they are prone to obesity
Cons
- Some puppies may not be big fans of the kibble
- Because it is very nutrient-dense, the serving size is smaller than other brands
Grain-Free Chicken & Pea Dry Food for Dogs by Canidae
If your pup is older than twelve months, then it is entering its adult stage. Canidae offers dry food for adult dogs that is free of grains.
Canidae offers a simple recipe with nine real food ingredients, which is perfect for pups with sensitive stomachs as is the case with French bulldogs. The formula of this kibble doesn’t contain any allergens like wheat or corn, so it is completely grain-free.
Furthermore, the dry dog food by Canidae contains 28% crude protein from chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meals. This is excellent for the development and support of your dog’s muscles.
In addition, the kibble is fortified with a blend of probiotics, fatty acids, antioxidants, and a lot of vitamins and minerals, which promote the overall wellness of your pooch.
Pros
- Its formula includes probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, all necessary nutrients for a healthy and strong pooch
- It has nine real food ingredients, and the first three are a good source of protein
- It doesn’t contain any allergens, and it is suitable for pups with a sensitive stomach
Cons
- It may not be liked by picky eaters
Grain-Free Pine Forest Dry Dog Food by Taste of the Wild
Taste of the Wild offers another great choice for your French bulldog. This grain-free formula by Taste of the Wild includes a special blend of proteins with minerals, vitamins, fiber, and fats which ensures that your Frenchie gets all that it needs to be in its fittest condition. It is another excellent choice for your adult French bulldog.
The real venison in the recipe helps with the growth of your canine friend, and it takes care of its bones, joints, and lean muscles. In relation, the inclusion of real fruits, vegetables, legumes, enriches the formula with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
The antioxidants, prebiotics, and probiotics will strengthen your French bulldog’s immune system and help with healthy digestion.
Pros
- It doesn’t contain grains, so it is great for Frenchies with a sensitive stomach
- It has real venison, real fruits, vegetables, and legumes, providing a great balanced nutrition
- Its formula is enriched with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids, probiotics, and prebiotics for overall health support
Cons
- Picky eaters may not like this kibble
Conclusion
Choosing the best French bulldog puppy food is about making sure that your dog’s essential nutrition needs are met. Since Frenchies are prone to obesity, even a little weight gain may cause health issues. Some of the most important things you need to pay attention to when choosing puppy food for your French bulldog are protein from a good quality meat source, the fat content should be low to moderate, wholesome ingredients with no artificial additives, moderate caloric content, and formula enriched with fatty acids and antioxidants.