Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs

Is there anyone who can resist the smooshy face and adoring gaze of a French Bulldog? With French Bulldogs, or “Frenchies,” dethroning the Labrador Retriever as America’s most popular dog in 2023, it would seem like the answer is “probably not!” 

If you’re a French Bulldog owner (or plan to become one), you likely know just how important it is to feed your pup right. Keeping this breed at a healthy weight and battling sensitive digestive systems can be tricky, but it’s well worth the effort.

To help you out, we’ve rounded up our list of the best dog food for French Bulldogs. Let’s get started!

Why Nutrition Matters for French Bulldogs

Frenchies are known for their short snouts, big, warm eyes, and perky ears, among other unique traits. However, many of the features this breed is beloved for can actually affect a dog’s health.

These pups may be cute, but they’re also prone to a host of potential health concerns, including those related to:

• Breathing. As a brachycephalic or flat-faced breed, Frenchies often have a hard time breathing, especially in hot or humid weather. Their short noses, narrow nostrils, and long, soft palates can make it difficult to take in air. While the snoring noises a French Bulldog makes may be cute, they can sometimes indicate that your furry friend is working too hard to breathe. This becomes especially problematic when it begins to restrict exercise.
• Weight Management. As a breed that may struggle to breathe efficiently, Frenchies sometimes have a hard time maintaining a healthy weight. Unfortunately, extra weight can put even more strain on an already overworked respiratory system.
• Digestion. Due to their breathing challenges, French Bulldogs are also prone to stomach problems, like vomiting, regurgitation, or excessive gas. The breed is also known for food sensitivities and allergies, which can also affect the digestive system.

All of these potential risks mean that it’s extra important to choose a dog food that promotes a healthy weight, doesn’t irritate your dog’s stomach, and is easy to eat.

What to Look for in the Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs

Here are some essentials to look for in the food you buy for your French Bulldog, no matter their age:

• Size of Kibble: Frenchies often have short snouts, so their kibble should be designed for easy eating and digestion.
• High-Quality Protein: Like many dogs, French Bulldogs rely on animal-based proteins – like chicken, turkey, fish, etc. – to support muscle mass and energy.
• Digestibility: Support sensitive stomachs by looking for easily digestible ingredients like brown rice, sweet potatoes, and oats.
• Omega Fatty Acids: French Bulldogs are often prone to skin issues and allergies due to their unique physical traits. Omega fatty acids support skin and coat health while simultaneously lowering overall inflammation levels, keeping your four-legged friend looking and feeling their best.
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Both of these are key ingredients for supporting joint health, which is especially relevant for older Frenchies.
• Limited Ingredient or Hypoallergenic Options: Dogs with allergies or food sensitivities may need a limited-ingredient, grain-free, or hypoallergenic formula to limit digestive issues and side effects.

The Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs

There are lots of great options out there when it comes to food for Frenchies, but some stood out from the pack during our research. Let’s take a look at some of our top dog foods for French Bulldogs!

Our Picks

1. Spot & Tango Unkibble Dog Food

Though Spot and Tango offer several varieties of Unkibble, for this article, we are focusing on their Turkey and Sweet Potato option. Turkey is a lean, easily digestible protein that is ideal for Frenchies. Sweet potato is rich in soluble fiber, and since Frenchies are prone to gassiness, this can help support regular bowel movements.

Highlights

Unkibble is unlike any other dog food because it is made in the USA using a proprietary Fresh Dry™ process that gently cooks and dries real ingredients at lower temperatures. This process preserves more nutrients and flavor. Ideal to store at room temperature, Unkibble requires no refrigeration.

Things to Consider

The moderate fat level may be a bit much for some Frenchies if portions are not carefully controlled. Fortunately, Spot & Tango customizes each recipe to your specific dog's needs. If your Frenchie has allergies, talk to your vet first because two of the three Unkibble recipes contain grain. The Cod and Salmon formula does not.

2. Purina Pro Plan Specialized Small Breed Dog Food

We love the bite-sized crunch and tender chew that the Purina Pro Plan shredded blend offers; it’s not only interesting for the palate, but it also makes it easy to eat. It’s packed with protein to give small dogs like Frenchies the energy they need to play all day.

Highlights

Support your four-legged friend’s digestive and immune health with the live probiotics found in this food. It’s also rich in calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals that are essential for strong bones. Plus, it’s 100% free of artificial flavors and colors.

Things to Consider

While the probiotics in this kibble are great, they could cause temporary side effects like diarrhea in some pets. Others might find them too irritating in general.

3. Freshpet Vital Balanced Nutrition Adult Dog Food

The refined palate will delight in Freshpet’s Vital Balanced Nutrition dog food, which is perfect for French Bulldogs.

Highlights

We like that this food lets you keep it simple while still giving your pet everything they need for optimal nutrition. It’s also verified non-GMO, so you can rest assured that your pet is eating only the best with each meal.

Things to Consider

The lower protein range for this food means that it may be best used in rotation or combination with a dry kibble.

4. The Honest Kitchen Limited Ingredient Dog Food

With just a handful of high-quality ingredients, this grain-free and limited-ingredient dog food is ideal for Frenchies with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

Highlights

Only six whole foods make up the bulk of this dog food, including cage-free turkey, pumpkin, and navy beans. The food is also fortified with plenty of vitamins and minerals to ensure that you’re not sacrificing anything by switching to a simpler formula.

Things to Consider

This food definitely comes with a hefty price tag, but it is perhaps the fanciest dog kibble out there. If you’re willing to splurge, we’re sure your pup won’t complain!

5. The Farmer’s Dog

It’s hard to get a better food for French Bulldogs than a food that is literally custom-made for yours! The Farmer’s Dog lets you get just that.

Highlights

With The Farmer’s Dog, all it takes to find the perfect food for your Frenchie is a short quiz and some basic information. While each recipe is unique, every batch contains human-grade ingredients you’d find at the grocery store.

Things to Consider

This food will be delivered to your door and needs to be frozen until it’s ready to eat, so be sure to accommodate for the time it will take for deliveries and dethawing when planning meals.

How We Chose the Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs

As we searched for the best dog food for Frenchies, we considered a few crucial factors, including:

• Product specifications. We dug deep into the nitty-gritty of each dog food to review its ingredients, nutritional profiles, calorie counts, and other key details to ensure it was a good fit for this breed.
• Consumer feedback. Only the best of the best made it onto our list, which means the product is well-reviewed and favored by customers.
• Palatability. We looked for foods that not only tick the right boxes but also taste great and offer something genuinely exciting for your pet to chow down on. Because everyone deserves a hearty meal at the end of the day!

Our Take on Food for French Bulldogs

Food – whether it’s kibble, wet food, or human-grade fresh food – that’s easy to digest, gentle on the digestive system, and packed with nutrients is an important part of raising a healthy, happy Frenchie.

No matter which food you end up choosing, be sure to transition your pup to their new cuisine over a period of seven to 10 days. This will help you minimize the risk of irritating their digestive tract and help your furry friend get used to their new normal.

We wish you and your pup the best of luck as you hunt for the best food for their needs!

Featured image via May Gauthier on Unsplash