French Bulldogs, with their distinctive bat ears, squashed faces, and charming personalities, make wonderful companions. However, their unique physiology and common health issues require special attention to their diet. Feeding your French Bulldog well isn’t just about filling their bowl; it’s about fueling their body, supporting their health, and giving them the best chance to thrive. The right dog food isn’t just about filling their bowl. It’s about supporting digestion, managing allergies, and maintaining a healthy weight to avoid pressure on their joints and breathing.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of French Bulldogs
When it comes to nutrition, most dogs, regardless of breed, have surprisingly universal needs. Dogs are classified as facultative carnivores. That means meat is their biological staple, but they can survive by scavenging and eating other food types, including some plant matter. Think about it like this: a human can technically live on fast food: burgers, chips, fizzy drinks. But will they feel their best? It’s the same story with dogs. Modern dogs may appear different from their wild ancestors, but biologically, they remain remarkably close to wolves. Dogs have little requirement for carbohydrates, especially refined ones. However, most commercial dry dog foods are loaded with them, often making up more than 50% of the recipe. Why? Because carbs like grains, legumes, and starchy fillers are cheap to bulk out food, not because they benefit your dog.
French Bulldogs often struggle with health conditions that are directly impacted by what’s in their food bowl. Their compact bodies and sensitive stomachs make them prone to issues like flatulence, itchy skin, and food intolerances. A balanced, digestible diet can dramatically reduce these symptoms while promoting energy, coat health, and overall well-being. Choosing food with clean, high-quality ingredients can make all the difference for your Frenchie's comfort and longevity.
Common Health Issues in French Bulldogs Linked to Diet
French Bulldogs are known for their prominent personalities and small, stocky frames, but they often pay for what they gain in charm in dietary sensitivities. One of the most common is excessive gas, which can be caused by low-quality fillers, grains, or proteins that are hard to digest. Poor-quality diets may also trigger skin allergies, leading to itching, redness, and paw licking, which are often signs of food sensitivities.
These dogs are also prone to digestive issues, such as loose stools or bloating, particularly when fed rich or heavily processed foods. Their short snouts (brachycephalic structure) can even make eating a challenge, making it all the more important that the food is easy to chew and gentle on their stomachs.
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Nutritional imbalances can also contribute to weight gain, which worsens breathing difficulties and joint stress. That’s why choosing a clean, nutrient-dense formula made from easily digestible ingredients is essential to support their unique needs and prevent common diet-related issues.
French Bulldogs’ short noses, narrow nostrils, elongated soft palates, and compressed throat structures limit airflow. This not only affects digestion but also makes them sensitive to heat. The harder the body works to break food down, the more heat it generates. Skin fold dermatitis, food intolerances, and seasonal allergies are all common in Frenchies. Gut health plays a central role in modulating immune response, which directly influences allergy-type symptoms such as itching, inflammation, and digestive upset. From flatulence and acid reflux to loose stools and food sensitivities, French Bulldogs are known for their sensitive tummies.
Raw Food Diet for French Bulldogs
That’s why more and more dog owners are turning to grain-free dog food or making the transition to feeding their dogs a fresh diet. Better digestion. More vitality. Shinier coats. Healthier teeth. Because when your dog eats better, they live better. Raw dog food is whole food served in their most natural state with no heat processing. It’s the most biologically aligned option for dogs. It delivers nutrients in their most digestible and usable forms, with no need for synthetic additives, preservatives, or mystery fillers. Let’s be honest: you don’t see wolves in the wild rummaging in wheat fields or sniffing out dried biscuits.
A raw, species-appropriate diet, also referred to as BARF diet for dogs (biologically appropriate raw food diet), includes muscle meat, organ meat, bone, raw fats, and a small amount of vegetables or berries. Contrast that with ultra-processed commercial dog food. While convenient, it’s the exact opposite of raw. The high-heat manufacturing process depletes nutrients, denatures proteins, and creates inflammatory compounds. Worse still, the added carbs, synthetic vitamins, and often rancid heated fats can contribute to a long list of chronic health issues that are now on the rise - not just in dogs, but in humans too.
Their distinct anatomy puts them at a higher risk for several digestion-related conditions. Many suffer from BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome), which not only affects breathing and temperature regulation but can also significantly impair digestion. All these issues increase the possibility of food sensitivities and so-called “allergies.” This makes a species-appropriate, meat-based diet even more vital. By feeding foods their bodies are designed to digest and absorb, you’re giving your French Bulldog the best chance at digestive stability and overall health.
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Even introducing just a few raw meals a week, or adding a fresh food topper like raw meat, a cracked egg, or a spoonful of bone broth, can deliver meaningful nutritional benefits for your dog. So, wherever you are on your journey, whether you’re just starting to explore raw food for a French Bulldog or already making small changes, know that it all counts.
As puppy parents who may be used to commercial dog food or dry dog food, switching to a fresh feeding approach can feel like a significant change. Raw feeding offers significant advantages in terms of nutrient absorption and overall health. For safe growth, it’s important to feed a raw puppy-specific formula. Not sure how much to feed? Puppy feeding guidelines are different from adult dogs and change as your young dog grows.
Transitioning to a New Diet
Thinking about making the switch but not sure where to start? During the transition, keep an eye on your dog’s poo (yes, really), energy levels, and appetite. Digest, our dog gut health supplement, can help soothe the gut, reduce gas, and ease the shift to fresh food. Need help? Our team of canine nutritionists is here to support you every step of the way. It’s not about being perfect or doing everything at once.
Insect Protein: A Novel Approach to French Bulldog Nutrition
At Jiminy’s, they believe the best option is a formula that nourishes your dog while also being gentle on their system, and kind to the planet. That’s why their recipes use insect protein, a powerhouse ingredient that’s packed with amino acids and easier to digest than traditional meats like chicken or beef. Insect protein is also hypoallergenic, making it a wise choice for dogs prone to food sensitivities.
French Bulldogs are known for their sensitive digestion, so choosing the right protein source can make a big difference in their comfort and health. Insect protein offers a gentle, nutrient-rich alternative that supports wellness from the inside out.
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Benefits of Insect Protein for Sensitive French Bulldog Stomachs:
- Easier To Digest Than Traditional Proteins: Insect protein is gentle on the digestive system, making it an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Unlike beef or chicken, it doesn’t trigger the same inflammatory response, which can lead to gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
- Ideal For Dogs With Food Allergies Or Sensitivities: Insect protein is considered novel, meaning it’s less commonly used in pet food and less likely to cause allergic reactions. This makes it a safe and soothing alternative for French Bulldogs prone to itchy skin, paw licking, or digestive issues.
- Supports Healthy Gut Function: Jiminy’s formulas include prebiotic fiber from ingredients like oats and sweet potatoes, which feed the good bacteria in your dog’s gut. Combined with insect protein, this promotes smoother digestion and firmer stools.
- Rich In Essential Nutrients: Insects are packed with amino acids, omega fatty acids, and minerals that support overall health, from muscle repair to a shiny coat. These nutrients are highly bioavailable, so your dog absorbs more of what they need without unnecessary fillers.
- Reduces Gas And Bloating: Because insect protein is so digestible, it leads to fewer undigested particles in the gut, which are often the source of excessive gas. For French Bulldogs, this means less discomfort (and less stink).
- Better For The Planet, Too: Insect farming uses significantly less land, water, and emissions than livestock farming. By switching to insect protein, you’re not only supporting your dog’s health, but you’re making a sustainable choice that helps reduce your environmental pawprint.
Jiminy’s Top Choices for French Bulldogs:
- Cravin' Cricket Dog Food: Formulated with cricket protein, Cravin' Cricket is a smart choice for French Bulldogs prone to gas or digestive sensitivity. It’s nutrient-dense, highly digestible, and helps reduce bloating, making it a favorite among pet parents looking for the best dog food for French Bulldogs and even more specifically, the best dog food for French Bulldogs with gas.
- Good Grub Dog Food: Made with grub protein (black soldier fly larvae), Good Grub is a gentle, hypoallergenic formula ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. It’s perfect if you’re searching for the best dog food for French Bulldog with allergies or need a clean, healthy dry dog food that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition.
- Rotation Diet Combo Pack (Small): This variety pack allows you to rotate between Cravin' Cricket and Good Grub, helping to keep mealtime exciting while maintaining a balanced diet. It’s an excellent option for owners looking for the best dry dog food for French Bulldogs while supporting gut diversity and avoiding ingredient fatigue.
What to Look for in the Best Dry Dog Food for French Bulldogs:
- Highly Digestible Proteins: Choose protein sources that are easy on the stomach and unlikely to cause inflammation. Insect protein, like crickets or grubs, is an excellent alternative to common allergens like chicken or beef, offering all the nutrients without the discomfort.
- Free From Common Allergens: Frenchies are prone to food-related allergies. Avoid foods that rely on fillers like wheat, corn, soy, or dairy, and look for formulas labeled hypoallergenic or made with novel proteins. Consider our best dog food for French bulldogs with allergies.
- Rich In Prebiotics And Fiber: Dry food should include gut-friendly ingredients like oats, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes. These support healthy digestion, reduce bloating, and encourage firmer stools.
- Complete And Balanced For All Life Stages: French Bulldogs need food that supports them through every stage of life, from young adults to seniors. At Jiminy’s, our food is formulated to be complete and balanced, so you never have to switch based on age.
- No Artificial Additives: Avoid artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors, which can irritate sensitive systems. The cleaner the ingredient list, the better it is for your Frenchie’s long-term health.
- Crunchy Texture That’s Easy To Eat: Since French Bulldogs can struggle with their bite due to their short snouts, kibble that’s appropriately sized and easy to chew makes mealtime less frustrating.
Homemade Food for French Bulldogs
I follow several, okay, a lot, of Frenchie accounts on Instagram, and noticed that some of them got homemade meals and I was intrigued by that. I’m a full-time, stay-at-home dog mom at this point in my life, so I figured I had the time to be my dog’s personal chef. I did a lot of online researching and came across this article, Best Food for French Bulldogs from allaboutfrenchies.com. The whole article is great to read, but if you scroll to the bottom, you will see the recipe that I use, which we have gotten approved by our vet. What I love the most about this recipe is that you can make big batches and then freeze the food. This makes cooking the food way less of a daunting task. We get about 4 weeks of meals every batch we make, and I would honestly make more, but our freezer space is pretty limited.
So how is Hugo on this food? He’s great! He has been on this recipe for almost a year and a half now and he is as healthy as ever. He is three years old and still in great shape. His stools are always solid and I’m not even kidding, he has probably tooted twice in the last year, and neither of them stunk. The biggest change we saw when we switched him over is that he drinks way less water. This is because the food is packed with moisture, so it’s not a concern of ours. Overall, we are very happy with the switch to making homemade food. So long as Hugo remains healthy on it, we plan to continue to feed him this way. Victor, our latest addition, is less than a year old right now, so the vet advised us that he should be on puppy food until he is about 9 months old. He digests the Canagan’s dry food just fine, except his toots are rank. Because of this, I am looking forward to the day when we can get him switched over to our homecooked meals!
STEP 4 - MIX TOGETHER, BAG, & FREEZE
Once all your ingredients have been added to the pot(s), stir and mix it until everything seems evenly distributed. Depending on your serving size, bag the food accordingly. We feed Hugo one cup of food in the morning and one in the evening, so we put two cups worth of food in each freezer bag.
Additional Tips for Feeding Your French Bulldog
- Choose moisture-rich, minimally processed foods: like raw to ease digestion and reduce excess heat.
- Include omega-3s: for nerve and joint support
- Personalize the bowl: You can safely use most real foods in moderation, but there are a few ingredients to avoid.
- Got a picky eater? It might not be the food.
- French Bulldogs often have genetic predispositions to food sensitivities and allergies.
- Kibble size and texture can impact how well your Frenchie eats.
The Importance of Variety
Imagine eating the same three meals every single day, for years on end. You’d get bored. You’d probably feel sluggish. And over time, you’d likely miss out on key nutrients. Food isn’t just fuel, it’s nourishment. It affects everything from digestion to behavior, immunity to energy. What goes in their bowl has a ripple effect on every part of their health. So don’t let it be an afterthought.