This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
![best food for french bulldog best food for french bulldog](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.labradortraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/BestFoodForFrenchBulldog.jpg)
Characterized by their big bat ears and adorable squashed faces, French Bulldogs are an amusing and affectionate breed with big personalities. This lively and playful attitude requires a well-balanced and nutritious diet to fuel it (and to keep you on your toes)!
To keep your French Bulldog happy and healthy, you need to provide them with nutritious and good-quality dog food. French Bulldogs have certain dietary requirements that you need to consider when picking out the best dog food for them.
If you’re a bit unsure of the proper nutrition for a French Bulldog and not certain what to look for in your Frenchie’s dog food, then you’ve come to the right place. Alternatively, if you’re just looking for some dog food recommendations for French Bulldogs, then there are eight product reviews below.
French Bulldog Nutrition – What To Look For In Dog Food
French Bulldogs are a small to medium-sized dog so they will require a dog food that is small enough for them to chew. The amount you feed your French Bulldog depends on their age, size, health, and activity levels. Female French Bulldogs are typically smaller than males so they may require a smaller portion size.
For most adult French Bulldogs, two meals a day is usually adequate. However, if your French Bulldog is a puppy between two and six months old, then they may require three or four meals per day.
You should aim to feed your adult French Bulldog around 25 to 30 calories per pound of body weight. For example, if your Frenchie weighs 13 pounds, then between 320 calories and 390 calories should be sufficient. Although French Bulldogs are seen as couch potatoes, they are still fairly energetic and active, so they require a decent portion of food.
Monitoring the amount of food your French Bulldog consumes is crucial with this breed. French Bulldogs are prone to weight gain which can be dangerous as they are a brachycephalic (short-nosed) breed. Overweight French Bulldogs can find it difficult to breathe due to this. They can also face other weight-related health issues, such as diabetes and heart disease.
French Bulldogs are also susceptible to food/skin allergies and sensitive stomachs. For Frenchies with these types of issues, dog foods that are free from grain, soy, corn, wheat, and animal by-products can be helpful. Dog foods that don’t use artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives can also be beneficial.
Good-quality dog food for a French Bulldog should typically contain these features:
- Omega-3/Omega-6 fatty acids: These keep your French Bulldog’s skin and coat shiny and healthy.
- DHA : This fatty acid is crucial for French Bulldog puppies as it helps their brain and vision development.
- Meat protein: A good amount of protein is needed for all French Bulldogs. Protein can come from whole meal (like chicken and fish) or meal meats. Dog foods with around 22% protein are good for puppies, whilst around 18% is ideal for adult Frenchies.
- Good levels of calcium and phosphorous: Calcium and phosphorus are vital for French Bulldog puppies as they strengthen their bones. If these levels are too low or high, then it can result in orthopedic issues.
- Carbohydrates: French Bulldogs require a dog food that is fairly low in carbohydrates or low-glycemic. Examples of low-glycemic carbs include sweet potatoes.
- Fat: Dog foods with fat levels around 8% are more than enough for French Bulldog puppies. For adult French bulldogs, fat levels of 5% are adequate.
The Best Dog Food For French Bulldogs – Reviews
To give you some ideas of good food for French Bulldogs, here are eight dog foods that meet the nutrition and dietary requirements of this breed.
Quick Links For The Best Food For A French Bulldog
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Freedom Small Breed Adult Chicken Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Peas Recipe Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
- CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Puppy Dry Dog Food
- Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diets Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Product Name | First 5 Ingredients | Features | Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas |
| ||
Blue Buffalo Freedom Small Breed Adult Chicken Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Pea Starch |
| |
Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols) |
| ||
Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Peas Recipe Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food | Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Whole Peas, Sweet Potato |
| |
Chicken, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lentils, Peas, Potatoes |
| ||
Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diets Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | Sweet Potatoes, Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Potato Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols) |
| |
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein |
| ||
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Breed Dry Dog Food | New Formula: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley Old Formula: Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea Protein |
|
1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
![Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.labradortraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Taste-of-the-Wild-High-Prairie-Grain-Free-Dry-Dog-Food.jpg)
The Taste of The Wild grain-free dry dog food is a good choice for French Bulldogs, particularly those with allergies or a sensitive stomach. The recipe is grain-free and doesn’t use common allergens, such as corn or wheat.
The main protein in this dry dog food is buffalo, which is the first ingredient. Roasted venison, beef, bison, and other meats are also included, so the formula contains more than enough protein for your French Bulldog.
Vegetables and fruits like peas, sweet potatoes, and blueberries in this dry dog food provide your French Bulldog with vital vitamins and antioxidants to keep them healthy. Additionally, probiotics, prebiotics (from dried chicory root), and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also mixed into this dry dog food to keep your French Bulldog’s skin healthy and their digestion system working efficiently.
This dry dog food is made in the USA and contains no fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Due to its hypoallergenic, high protein, and vitamin-enriched recipe, this dry dog food is one of the best dog foods for French Bulldogs with allergies.
A couple of great features about this dry dog food are its affordability and high-quality ingredients. Reviews of this dog food show that dog owners are pleased with the value of it, especially as the ingredients in the formula are healthy, nutritious, and from good sources.
However, this dry dog food could take a while for picky eaters to warm up to based on the reviews from some dog owners. Gradually switching your French Bulldog to this dog food by incorporating it into their old food for at least a week could make the transition easier.
The size of the kibble in this dry dog food is also a bit on the large side, so it may be unsuitable for French Bulldogs puppies or dogs who are smaller than average.
Pros
- High in protein
- Grain-free
- Ideal for French Bulldogs with allergies or a sensitive stomach
- Packed with vitamins, minerals, and omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids
Cons
- Possible lack of flavor
- Kibble size is a bit large
2. Blue Buffalo Freedom Small Breed Adult Chicken Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
![Blue Buffalo Freedom Small Breed Adult Chicken Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Blue Buffalo Freedom Small Breed Adult Chicken Grain-Free Dry Dog Food](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.labradortraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Blue-Buffalo-Freedom-Small-Breed-Adult-Chicken-Grain-Free-Dry-Dog-Food.jpg)
Blue Buffalo’s Freedom dry dog food for small breeds is another excellent grain-free dog food for French Bulldogs. It is made with real deboned chicken (as the first ingredient!), alongside healthy vegetables like peas and sweet potatoes.
This dry dog food is best for French Bulldogs with a sensitive stomach or allergies as the recipe contains zero grains, wheat, corn, soy, or chicken/poultry by-product meals. There is a good balance of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates in this dog food so it meets your French Bulldog’s dietary needs and provides them with the energy to fit their lively personality.
Glucosamine is included in this dry dog food to support your French Bulldog’s hips and joints, as well as high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to keep your furry friend’s skin and coat in tip-top condition. Blue Buffalo uses a precise blend of antioxidants that they call LifeSource Bits in their dry dog food, which aid with your dog’s overall health.
As this dry dog food is aimed for small breeds, this means the size of the kibble is small to make it easier for your French Bulldog to chew. The texture of the kibble also helps prevent tartar and plaque build-up on your French Bulldog’s teeth.
The reviews of this dry dog food are mostly positive, with dog owners praising the nutritious and healthy ingredients, as well as the size of the kibble being perfect for small breeds.
However, some dog owners have noted that the dark-colored kibble pieces in this dry dog food are not very well-liked by their pooches. The dark-colored kibble pieces are coated with antioxidants and vitamins, so the possible lack of flavor could be due to this.
Pros
- Grain-free recipe
- Best for French Bulldogs with a sensitive stomach or allergies
- Packed with vitamins, minerals, and omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids
- Small kibble size
Cons
- Possible lack of flavor in dark-colored kibble pieces
3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
![Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.labradortraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Wellness-CORE-Grain-Free-Small-Breed-Puppy-Dry-Dog-Food-e1562931423744.jpg)
Puppies have different dietary needs than adults, and a French Bulldog puppy is no different. This small breed puppy food from Wellness Core is one of the best foods for French Bulldog puppies as it is full of the ingredients your pup needs to develop properly.
Deboned turkey is the main protein source (and first ingredient) in this dry dog food, alongside DHA which is crucial for your French Bulldog puppy’s brain and eye development. Additional supplements like vitamin E and taurine also provide your pup with essential nutrients.
The size of the kibble is small to make sure your French Bulldog is able to chew it with ease. The formula of this dry dog food is well-balanced and lower in calories to help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight.
This dog food for puppies is grain-free, so it is ideal for French Bulldog puppies who are intolerant to it. Zero wheat, corn, soy, meat-byproducts, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives are used in this dry food to make it as natural as possible.
The reviews for this puppy food from Wellness are very positive. Two great qualities about this dog food are its great taste and healthy ingredients. A lot of puppies seem to do very well and enjoy the flavor of this dog food, so it could be a great choice for your French Bulldog puppy.
However, this puppy food could cause digestive issues when you first transition your French Bulldog to it. To counteract this, it might be a good idea to slowly introduce this dog food to your French Bulldog by mixing it into their old food for at least seven days.
Pros
- Deboned chicken as the first ingredient
- Grain-free
- Contains DHA for proper cognitive development
- Small kibble size
Cons
- Could cause digestive issues initially
4. Nulo Freestyle Salmon & Peas Recipe Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
![Nulo Adult Salmon & Peas Recipe Nulo Adult Salmon & Peas Recipe](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.labradortraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Nulo-Adult-Salmon-Peas-Recipe-e1562931613813.jpg)
This grain-free dry dog food from Nulo is a good food option for French Bulldogs due to its high-quality and nutrient-rich ingredients. Deboned salmon is the first ingredient, alongside vegetables like peas and sweet potatoes. There is over 80% animal-based protein in this dry dog food, which makes it high in amino acids to support your French Bulldog’s muscles and heart.
Low-glycemic index ingredients are used to provide your French Bulldog with proper nutrition, as well as probiotics for good digestive health. Vitamin B6 and niacin from lamb are also used to give your French Bulldog the energy they need to play.
This dry dog food contains a good amount of fruits and vegetables to keep your French Bulldog’s immune system in working order. Added calcium and phosphorus are included in this dog food for strong and healthy bones.
This dry dog food is one of the best grain-free dog foods for French Bulldogs which is also free from corn, soy, and GMO fruits/vegetables, and artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
A lot of dog owners have praised Nulo’s grain-free dog food for being high in nutrients and for using fish (salmon) as the main protein source. This dry dog food is one of the best dog foods for French Bulldogs with allergies as it contains very few allergy-triggering ingredients. A huge number of positive reviews note that the formula is effective for pooches with allergies, so this dog food could work well for you and your French Bulldog.
However, some picky eaters might take a while to get used to this dry dog food. This dog food could also cause flatulence when your dog is initially introduced to it. Gradually switching your French Bulldog to this food by combining it with their old dog food could help with this.
Pros
- High in protein and amino acids
- Packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
- Grain-free
- Best for French Bulldogs with allergies
Cons
- Possible lack of flavor
- Could cause flatulence initially
5. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Puppy Dry Dog Food
![CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Puppy Dry Dog Food CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Puppy Dry Dog Food](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.labradortraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CANIDAE-Grain-Free-PURE-Puppy-Dry-Dog-Food-e1562931802425.jpg)
This grain-free dry dog food is one of the best dog foods for French Bulldog puppies. It uses only nine ingredients, which makes it ideal for pups with a sensitive stomach. Real chicken is listed as the first ingredient, alongside lentils, potatoes, and peas. These are easy on your French Bulldog puppy’s stomach and are easy to digest.
This dry dog food is made without wheat, corn, or soy to make it less likely to upset your puppy’s stomach. Antioxidants are added into the formula to support your furry friend’s immune system, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat.
This puppy food is rich in the essential nutrients your French Bulldog puppy requires to thrive. High levels of DHA are also in this puppy food to help your young dog’s brain and eyes develop normally.
A couple of great features about this puppy food is its high-quality ingredients and effectiveness for puppies with digestive issues. Puppy owners have found this food has helped their puppy’s skin and coat, and improved the consistency of their stools. This is likely due to the limited ingredients in this food (only 9!).
If your French Bulldog puppy has skin allergies or a sensitive stomach, this dry dog food could work well for them.
However, a few dog owners have found this puppy food doesn’t work too well for picky eaters as it takes them some time to eat. If your puppy is notoriously fussy with food, then this dog food might take some time for them to become adjusted to.
Pros
- Limited ingredients and grain-free
- Ideal for French Bulldog puppies with a sensitive stomach
- Full of nutrients, omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids, and DHA
Cons
- Could take fussy eaters some time to adjust to
6. Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diets Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
![Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diets Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Natural Balance Limited Ingredients Diets Grain-Free Dry Dog Food](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.labradortraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Natural-Balance-Limited-Ingredients-Diets-Grain-Free-Dry-Dog-Food-e1562932028333.jpg)
This dry dog food from Natural Balance contains few carbohydrates which makes it best for French Bulldogs with a sensitive stomach. The recipe contains salmon as the only protein source and uses zero grains to make it easier for your dog to digest.
Sweet potatoes are also a major component in this dry dog food. They are high in dietary fiber and potassium, which are good for your dog’s digestive health. This dry dog food contains all the proper nutrition for your French Bulldog’s health and well-being.
Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds are used in this dog food to keep your French Bulldog’s skin and coat healthy. If your furry friend suffers from an irritable stomach or food-related allergies, this dog food from Natural Balance could work very well for you and your pup.
Reviews for this dry dog food are mostly positive and dog owners have praised how well it works for dogs with allergies or stomach issues. This is likely due to the food’s limited ingredients and single-protein source.
However, some dogs who are picky could take a while to warm up to this dog food. Additionally, the kibble pieces are fairly large in size. This could make it unsuitable for young French Bulldogs or those who are smaller than average.
Pros
- Limited ingredients
- Ideal for French Bulldogs with a sensitive stomach or food allergies
- Grain-free
Cons
- Possible lack of flavor
- Kibble pieces are quite large
7. Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
![Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.labradortraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Diamond-Naturals-Small-Breed-Puppy-Formula-Dry-Dog-Food.jpg)
This small breed puppy from Diamond Naturals is best for French Bulldog puppies as it is fortified with nutrients to keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Real, cage-free chicken is listed as the first ingredient, alongside vitamin-enriched fruits and vegetables like kale, blueberries, pumpkin, and oranges. These provide essential antioxidants and nutrients your French Bulldog puppy needs to flourish.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have been added to this dry puppy food to help your furry friend’s skin and coat stay healthy. A blend of probiotics is also included in this puppy food to support your French Bulldog puppy’s digestive system and keep it working efficiently.
This dry dog food contains natural DHA to make sure your French Bulldog’s brain and eyes develop properly. Zero corn, filler, wheat, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives are used. As this dog food is aimed at small breed puppies, the size of the kibble is small enough for your furry friend to chew and enjoy.
Most of the reviews for this dry puppy food are positive, with dog owners praising its wholesome ingredients and its great taste. Puppies seem to really like the taste of this dry dog food, which is a bonus as it is healthy and nutritious.
However, some puppy owners have found their picky eater pooches don’t take to this food initially. It is also important to note that this puppy food is not grain-free, and the size of the kibble is very small. This could be problematic for some young dogs but shouldn’t be an issue for most French Bulldog puppies.
Pros
- Chicken as the first ingredient
- High in vitamins and minerals
- Contains DHA and omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids
- Good for digestive health
Cons
- Could take picky eaters a while to get used to
- Not grain-free (could be unsuitable for puppies with food allergies)
8. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Breed Dry Dog Food
![Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Breed Dry Dog Food Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small Breed Dry Dog Food](https://sp-ao.shortpixel.ai/client/to_auto,q_glossy,ret_img/https://www.labradortraininghq.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Hill’s-Science-Diet-Adult-Sensitive-Stomach-Skin-Small-Breed-Dry-Dog-Food-e1562932469362.jpg)
This small breed dry dog food from Hill’s Science Diet is designed for pooches with digestive issues or skin allergies. This makes this one of the best foods for French Bulldogs with a sensitive stomach.
The formula of this dry dog food has recently changed and now uses real chicken as the first ingredient, alongside barley. These are gentle on your French Bulldog’s stomach and are easy to digest. Prebiotic fiber from beet pulp also keeps your French Bulldog’s digestive health at peak performance.
Antioxidants, vitamin E, and vitamin C are mixed into this dry dog food to maintain your French Bulldog’s immune system and keep it functioning efficiently. Omega-6 fatty acids also ensure your furry friend’s skin and coat always looks their best. The size of the kibble is small to make sure it easily fits inside your French Bulldog’s mouth.
Zero artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives are used in this dry dog food, which is a plus.
One of the best qualities of this dry dog food is its effectiveness for dogs suffering from a sensitive stomach or skin allergies. A lot of dog owners have found a reduction in loose stools, scratching, and vomiting when they switched their pooch to this dry dog food from Hill’s Science Diet.
A couple of downsides with this dog food is its hard texture and its possible lack of flavor, particularly to dogs who are fussy eaters. The texture of the kibble is quite hard, which could make it unsuitable for French Bulldogs with dental issues or those who require softer foods.
It is also important to note that this dry dog food is not grain-free as it does contain Brewers rice and barley. If your French Bulldog is intolerant to grains, then this dog food might not be for you.
Pros
- Ideal for French Bulldogs with a sensitive stomach
- Contains a good amount of vitamins, minerals, and omega-6 fatty acids
- Uses prebiotic fiber for a healthy digestive system
- Small kibble size
Cons
- Hard texture
- Possible lack of flavor
Final Thoughts
French Bulldogs are a wonderful breed of dog, but they do require a fairly special diet to keep them healthy. Making sure you monitor the amount of food and ingredients your Frenchie consumes is crucial for their well-being.
High-quality dog foods are a must for French Bulldogs. Good levels of protein and omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids need to be included in this breed’s diet. Dog foods that are low in carbohydrates and contain healthy fats are also a good idea.
The dog foods listed above are some of the best foods for French Bulldogs. They meet the nutritional requirements of French Bulldogs and use high-quality ingredients. As Frenchies are prone to allergies and digestive issues, most of these dog foods are grain-free and use hypoallergenic ingredients.
If you’re looking for healthy and nutritious dog food for your adult French Bulldog or puppy, then any of these dog foods are excellent choices and worth giving a try!
Top Picks For Our Dogs
- BEST PUPPY TOY
We Like: Calmeroos Puppy Toy w/ Heartbeat and Heat Packs - Perfect for new puppies. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. - BEST DOG CHEW
We Like: Bones & Chews Bully Sticks - All of our puppies love to bite, nip, and chew. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. - BEST DOG TREATS
We Like: Crazy Dog Train Me Treats - One of our favorite treats for training our service dog puppies. - BEST FRESH DOG FOOD
We Like: The Farmer's Dog - A couple months ago we started feeding Raven fresh dog food and she loves it! Get 50% off your first order of The Farmer's Dog.
For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining.com blog.