Last Updated on April 24, 2023
French Bulldogs are among the most popular breeds in the United States. However, they are prone to quite a few diet-related health problems.
It is essential to feed your canine the best dog food for French Bulldogs to avoid these common health problems and food allergies.
We’ll discuss some of the best foods in this article.
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Top 5 Picks for Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs
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Dog Food Recipes |
Our Rating |
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| Best Overall (Editor’s Choice) | CANIDAE PURE Petite Adult Small Breed Grain-Free with Salmon Dry Dog Food
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5 |
| Best for French Bulldog puppies | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Small Breed Chicken & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food
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5 |
| Best for Adult French Bulldogs | Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
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4.5 |
| Best for Senior French Bulldogs | Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Senior Weight Management Dry Dog Food
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4.5 |
| Best Budget Food for French Bulldogs | AvoDerm Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
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4.5 |
The 18 Best Dog Food Brands for French Bulldogs by Stage
There are many different types of dog food brands out there. It is important to pick the right dog food for your pet’s stage.
Best Puppy Foods for French Bulldogs
The answer to what food you should feed your Frenchie puppy is a bit more complicated than you might think. Some of them are quite nutritious, but others are full of fillers and preservatives.
Puppy foods should be formulated to support healthy puppy growth and often include extra vitamins like DHA.
Choosing the correct food for your French Bulldog puppy helps ensure that they grow in tip-top condition. It also decreases the chance that they might develop health problems later on.
1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Small Breed Chicken & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 5
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Barley, Menhaden Fish Meal
Type: Dry
This puppy food is specifically formulated for smaller breeds. It contains antioxidant-rich ingredients, as well as calcium, phosphorus, and other essential vitamins.
Plenty of DHA and ARA are included for eye and brain development. Minerals are chelated to improve absorption.
Pros:
- DHA and ARA included for brain development
- Whole chicken
- Plenty of omega fatty acids
Cons:
- Includes lots of oatmeal
- High in carbohydrates
- With peas on the ingredient list
2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Puppy Recipe with Roasted Bison & Venison
Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Egg Product, Pea Protein
Type: Dry
At first glance, this dog food looks very high-quality. It includes rare proteins like water buffalo and lamb meal which is highly recommended for dogs with sensitivities.
Most dogs with allergies are allergic to things like chicken and beef – common proteins. However, much of this food’s protein comes from peas, which may be linked to certain health problems.
Pros:
- Rare proteins included
- Grain-free
- Made with real fruits and veggies for an active immune system
- Provides plenty of omega fatty acids
Cons:
- Includes pea protein and peas high on the ingredient list
- Low in protein and animal fat
3. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
Type: Dry
While dogs thrive on a diet of mostly animal protein, they have evolved to eat grain. Therefore, the correct grains can add quite a bit of nutrition to our pet’s diets.
This dog food includes real deboned chicken, as well as a variety of whole grains.
Pros:
- Deboned chicken
- Whole grains included
- Plenty of DHA, omega fatty acids, chondroitin, and glucosamine
Cons:
- Low in carbohydrates
- A bit too much grains
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free High Protein Chicken Recipe Puppy Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4
Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch
Type: Dry
Packed with chicken, this dog food is very high in protein. It is highly digestible and well-balanced that meets your pup’s unique needs as they grow. The added DHA and ARA will support your pup’s eyes and cognition.
Pros:
- Grain-free
- Deboned chicken as the first ingredient
- Fatty acids for eye and brain development
Cons:
- Includes quite a bit of pea protein
- Expensive
- The company is prone to recalls
Best Dog Food for French Bulldog Adults
Once your Frenchie grows up, it is time to switch to adult dog food. Preferably, you want an adult dog food that’s low in fat and with a moderate level of protein since Frenchies are prone to obesity.
While dogs can eat grains, they do not provide all the nutrients your canine needs. Check for dog foods that have high-quality animal protein on the list. Preferably, it should be the first few ingredients!
We’ll take a look at some of the most popular French Bulldog adult dog foods on this list.
5. CANIDAE PURE Petite Adult Small Breed Grain-Free with Salmon Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 5
Top Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon meal, Peas, Lentils
Type: Dry
This freeze-dried kibble is formulated with plenty of animal protein, including real salmon and salmon meal. It includes plenty of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-fatty acids as well.
It is grain-free and is not made with any corn, wheat, or soy.
Pros:
- Low in fat and with a moderate level of protein
- Probiotics and omega-fatty acids included
- Limited ingredients, making it perfect for dogs with sensitivities
- Overall the best dog food for French Bulldog
Cons:
- Includes a large amount of peas
6. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Appalachian Valley Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils
Type: Dry
This adult dog food is designed for small dogs and is suitable for many French Bulldogs. It is made with protein-rich ingredients, including lamb, egg, and duck. Much of the protein comes from peas, however.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Grain-free
- Includes venison and lamb meal
Cons:
- Very high levels of peas, beans, and lentils on the ingredient list
7. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal
Type: Dry
This delicious dog food contains all the vitamins and minerals your dog needs to thrive. It is made with deboned chicken as the first ingredient.
It included high levels of omega fatty acids, chondroitin, and glucosamine, which will help protect your canine’s brain, eyes, and joints.
Pros:
- Deboned Chicken
- Plenty of vitamins and minerals included
- Does not include any peas
Cons:
- High in carbohydrates
8. AvoDerm Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat
Type: Dry
This kibble is made with smaller pieces and designed for smaller dogs. It is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Rich, high-quality fats and oils are included to increase the amount of omega-3s and omega-6 fatty acids in this product.
Pros:
- Made for small dog breeds
- Includes plenty of omega fatty acids
- 100% free from corn, wheat, and soy
Cons:
- Chicken meal as the only animal-protein source
- Lots of grains included
9. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas
Type: Dry
This grain-free formula is formulated to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. It includes plenty of protein and a reduced-fat recipe, helping your canines maintain or get to a healthy weight.
Pros:
- Fortified with omega fatty acids
- No by-products, fillers, corn, soy, or wheat gluten
- Made with premium proteins, fruits, and vegetables
Cons:
- Includes quite a bit of peas
10. Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult Breed Specific Dog Food
Our Rating: 4
Top Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Wheat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten
Type: Dry
This dog food is one of the best for Frenchies with sensitive stomachs. Brewer’s rice aids in reducing flatulence and other digestive problems.
However, the wheat gluten on its ingredients may cause allergic reactions.
Pros:
- L-Carnitine and other amino acids are included
- DHA and EPA help decrease inflammation
- Easily digestible
Cons:
- Includes a lot of grains
- Expensive
11. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas
Type: Dry
This grain-free dog food includes deboned turkey and turkey meal. It is designed for small breeds and crafted into a smaller kibble size to make eating a bit easier.
There are quite a bit of protein and animal sources in this formula, which means your dog’s diet will contain more protein overall.
Pros:
- Fortified with antioxidants like blueberries, probiotics, and prebiotics
- Packed with nutritional protein
- Includes smaller kibble sizes
Cons:
- Includes peas high on the ingredient list
Best Dog Food for French Bulldog Seniors
French Bulldogs become seniors at a sadly very young age. As a senior, they may need particular dietary needs, which some senior dog foods may provide.
Speak with your vet about when the best time to change your canine to senior dog food is.
12. Simply Nourish Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat
Type: Dry
With carefully sourced ingredients, this dog food includes many of the extra nutrients our senior dogs might need.
This dog food is made for particularly smaller breeds, making it particularly suitable for French Bulldogs.
Pros:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Includes real veggies and fruits
- Flaxseeds and other added ingredients for extra nutritional value
Cons:
- Expensive
13. Now Fresh Grain-Free Small Breed Senior Weight Management Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Potatoes, Peas, Potato Flour, Pea Flour
Type: Dry
As they get older, many dogs put on a few extra pounds. Being overweight can only worsen many of the health problems that old age often brings.
This food is particularly designed for dogs that are both overweight and older.
Pros:
- With moderate level of protein and low fat content
- Grain- and gluten-free recipe
- Added L-Carnitine
- Pre and probiotics included
Cons:
- Quite expensive
Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs with Health Issues
As we mentioned before, French Bulldogs have a tendency to suffer from a number of health problems. There are dog foods that contain ingredients appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
It’s also important to learn the recommended amount of food you should give them. Here’s a quick video to give you an idea of how much you should feed your pooch:
Best for Sensitive Stomachs
If your Frenchie is suffering from stomach issues, some dog foods are formulated to ease tummy problems.
Talk to your vet to learn about what causes your dog’s digestive problems before switching their food.
14. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Puppy LID Chicken Recipe Canned Dog Food
Our Rating: 5
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Dried Egg Product, Peas, Salmon Oil
Type: Wet
This limited-ingredient puppy food is perfect for puppies who have sensitive stomachs. It includes real chicken for high-quality protein and is completely grain-free.
It does not contain any fillers like wheat, corn, or soy. This food is gluten-free, corn-free, wheat-free, and soy-free.
Pros:
- Grain-free
- Limited ingredient for dogs with sensitivities
- Free from fillers like wheat, corn, and soy
- Includes real chicken as the first ingredient
Cons:
- Includes peas high on the ingredient list
- Only one source of protein – though this may be the best option for dogs with sensitivities
15. American Journey Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4
Top Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
Type: Dry
This dog food features premium nutrients that will support your Frenchie’s healthy growth.
American Journey contains fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, carrots, and kelp which are rich in fibers to promote healthy digestion and immunity.
Pros:
- DHA for healthy eyesight and brain development
- Flaxseed and Salmon oil for beautiful skin and coat
- Omega-3 fatty acids included
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options
Best For Weight Management
French Bulldogs have healthy appetites. And that means they can gain weight quickly which may lead to obesity and other health problems.
Aside from training and exercise, manage their weight gain by giving them high-quality food that has low calories.
16. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4
Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Pea Fiber
Type: Dry
This formula starts with whole deboned chicken and chicken meal. It is quite high in protein and includes calcium, phosphorus, and plenty of other essential vitamins.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are both included for joint health and mobility.
Pros:
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Chelated minerals for absorption
- Includes plenty of added vitamins
Cons:
- Expensive
17. AvoDerm Weight Support Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4
Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Rice Bran, Oatmeal
Type: Dry
This recipe is designed specifically for weight management for dogs with obesity. It includes 25 percent less fat than most other recipes.
It is perfect for adults and seniors who are less active and have trouble maintaining a healthy weight.
Pros:
- 100% free from corn, wheat, soy, and by-product meals
- Omega-rich ingredients included meeting all nutritional needs
- No artificial colors or flavors
Cons:
- High in grains and similar ingredients
18. Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Weight High Protein Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4
Top Ingredients: Turkey, Rice Flour, Soybean meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal
Type: Dry
Featuring real turkey as the first ingredient, this formula is specifically designed to help our dogs lose weight.
It includes 25% less fat than the typical formula and is perfect for dogs that have trouble maintaining their correct weight. If your dog has a low activity level, consider this formula.
Pros:
- Lower in calories to maintain a healthy body weight
- Vitamin A and E included
- Glucosamine for healthy joints
Cons:
- High amounts of low-quality grains, like rice flour
- High in carbs and allergens
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are French Bulldogs Fussy Eaters?
Most French Bulldogs are not picky eaters, and most have a healthy appetite. If your Frenchie is refusing to eat, they might be in pain, or they feel uncomfortable.
It’s essential to determine the cause before making any change in their diet.
Does My Flat-Faced Frenchie Need a Special Feeding Bowl?
Yes, they do. French Bulldogs have a small snout and flat faces, which means they cannot feed as other dogs do.
Traditional bowls can put your pup in danger of choking and can even strain their neck while they eat.
Fortunately, there are specially designed bowls for dogs with flat faces. You can use a slow-feeding bowl, an elevated bowl, or a slanted dog bowl to help them eat better.
Which Dog Food Should I Give My Frenchie?
As a fur parent, it is your duty to provide a nutritious and well-balanced meal for your pup. There are a lot of dog foods in the market to choose from, so picking the best dog food for French Bulldog would be easy.
Remember to consult your vet if you have any questions about your pet.
If you’re choosing any new food for your Frenchie, your vet will guide you and help you decide which diet would be best for your pup.
Have you already chosen the best dog food for your French Bulldog? We’d love to know their favorite meal! Leave a comment below to let us know.
Reference
Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.
When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.