Having a French Bulldog does improve your quality of life. But have you ever wondered how to improve their quality of life? Food plays a pivotal role in making the quality of life better for anyone, be it a human or a Frenchie. It’s such an essential aspect of life that Abraham Maslow categorized it as the most fundamental need under the banner of Physiological needs in his famous “Hierarchy of Needs” pyramid.
Keeping that in mind, I think the same applies to our beloved paw friends, Frenchies. But deciding what’s the best diet for your lovely Frenchie can be quite a tricky question, especially with so many options available in the market. And I know the internet isn’t much help in this regard either. So my savior complex compelled me to articulate a guide for you that will help you decide which diet is the best for the beautiful canine buddies without confusing or overwhelming you.
Therefore, keep on reading. I have added some hidden treasures to make your read worth the while. Hopefully, you will enjoy it.
1. Raw Food Vs Dry Food
The Benefits Of Raw Foods
Over the years, raw feeding is becoming incredibly popular as a lifestyle choice for many dog owners. It entails feeding raw meat and fish to your French Bulldog instead of packaged dog chow or leftovers. But it’s not only meat. There’s also fruit and veggies to consider.
With that being said, a raw food diet has numerous advantages. First, it can eliminate many of the excessive additives and preservatives found in store-bought food, which can be harmful to your Frenchie’s health.
Raw feeding is sometimes touted as the most fantastic alternative for your dog. Still, there appear to be just as many disadvantages as advantages, which you must consider depending on your specific dog and lifestyle. Plus, you’ll have to do your research! However, as the saying goes, everything comes with a cost.
Although there is not many published studies on the advantages and disadvantages, according to a 2019 survey, 94 % of pet owners feel perfectly safe with a raw dog food diet.
So you all must be wondering what a raw diet means? If you think that raw diets are an easy fix, you are wrong, my friend! On the contrary, raw diets can be pretty unbalanced if not put together mindfully. If they do not have the right amount of veggies, vitamins, and organ meat, they will lack the nutrients in store-bought food.
You’ll need to figure out how to get all 37 critical elements into your Frenchie’s food, as well as how to balance out how much iron and zinc they need to keep healthy. Try our raw food calculator to give you a detailed plan for your Frenchie.
The Benefits of Dry Foods
Because dogs were domesticated from wolves, proponents of raw feeding argue that it is natural to feed them a raw diet. On the other hand, dogs and wolves are not the same animals as they were thousands of years ago, with dogs developing to adapt to what people fed them.
On the other hand, the dry kibble food offers a variety of advantages that the user seems to ignore, all in the name of dog’s being carnivorous. What these people do not understand is the concept of evolution. Over the years, dogs have been domesticized. As a result, they adapted to their surroundings, so their eating habits have also evolved.
A French Bulldog’s diet might also benefit from dry food. The dry kibble removes plaque and tartar from your French Bulldog’s teeth, keeping them healthy. With dry kibble as the main component of your French Bulldog’s diet, you can easily maintain excellent oral health for your pet. Cans of moist dog food do not offer the same benefits.
The moist meal will be easier to eat for French Bulldogs who have dental health and chewing problems. If your Bulldog is having trouble eating kibble, canned dog food could be the answer to your troubles.
After opening, the dry kibble does not need to be refrigerated. Traveling with your French Bulldog will be easier and more convenient due to this.
Another incentive to feed your French Bulldog dry kibble is the lower cost. Pet owners may get high-quality dry dog food for a low price. Whether you pick dry kibble or canned dog food, you should always consult your veterinarian about the situation. Picky eaters and pets who have difficulties chewing will benefit from this. Try our dry food calculator to figure out the proper proportion for your Frenchie.
2. Can a French Bulldog Eat Raw Meat?
The answer is Yes! They do. Raw meat is safe for French Bulldogs. As many pet owners know, French Bulldogs will devour just about anything they can get their paws on. I believe their eating habits are quite similar to their owners. Ha! You may put your French Bulldog on a raw meat diet, just like any other dog, and you might even experience some benefits due to the lack of allergies found in commercial food.
However, it’s not all flowers and rainbows. Like all dogs on a raw meat diet, French Bulldogs require an equally balanced diet of meat, vegetables, and other plant-based material to acquire the entire spectrum of nutrients required for their bodies to operate correctly. Therefore, you ought to ensure that your pup is getting a balanced diet, so you cannot just chug down all the basic things you get your hands on.
Another point to focus on is hygiene when it comes to raw meat. Good food hygiene is vital when feeding your pet a raw diet. Bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella and parasites like tapeworm can be found in raw meat.
Many bacteria in raw meat can cause severe gastrointestinal disorders in humans and animals; therefore, keep raw meat away from human food and any food preparation places your family uses.
The “doggie kisses,” which usually end up having bacteria from the food, pose the most significant risk, so this may not be the best option if there are any elderly or frail members in your household. So not only can it be risky for your Frenchie, but it might be a tad bit hazardous for you as well.
3. Best Food For French Bulldogs
I know it might all be getting quite confusing for you, but don’t worry, I will list down some food options and practices that are beneficial for your lovely Frenchie.
- Omega-3 fatty acids maintain your Frenchie’s coat and skin health and shine. Fish oil and coconut oil are two examples. If you’re feeding a French bulldog puppy, your veterinarian may suggest a meal that contains docosahexaenoic acid, a necessary fatty acid (DHA). While I’ve tried all of the above foods, Taste of the Wild’s salmon chow is my current favorite.
Salmon and saltwater fish are the first two ingredients, and both are high in necessary fatty acids, which will keep your dog healthy and give him a dazzling, velvety coat.
- Plant-based protein can be another option. To finish the protein list, seek premium plant proteins instead of inexpensive fillers. You can feed your dog vegan protein sources such as lentils and peas without worrying about them becoming allergic. These vegetarian proteins are hypoallergenic and easy to digest for a French bulldog’s sensitive digestive tract. Plant proteins come from whole peas, sweet potato, chickpeas, lentils, and dried fruit in a grain-free diet for Frenchies.
- Look at the ingredients list. One or more whole meats should be among the first ingredients in pet food. Whole meats such as lamb, fish and salmon are common in French bulldog diets, beef or chicken are favorites of French bulldogs.
Wild game bird is used in some luxury dog foods, such as this grain-free kibble from Fromm. The first three components are duck, peas, and turkey. The first ingredients on your puppy’s food label are the most important ones in the meal.
- Including High amounts of protein is essential for a French Bulldog. The perfect adult dog food will be high in proteins at least 25% is a good rule of thumb, and fat at least 5% is a good rule of thumb to keep your dog healthy and strong, as well as at least 5% fat to keep their coat sleek and smooth.
Wheat and grain may induce excessive flatulence in this breed, so we recommend starting with a grain-free diet. Be careful to include many complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes instead of single grains, which can be troublesome for dogs who already have health issues.
- Vegetables are quite an essential part of a Frenchie’s diet. Dogs are omnivores, and a meat-only diet can harm their health. Therefore, vegetables should make up around a third of your dog’s diet to ensure a balanced diet. Carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, green beans, and asparagus are raw vegetables that you can serve to your dog. Celery and spinach can also be used, but only in modest quantities.
- It might be gross to some, but Organ Meat is important. Organ meat should make up only a tiny percentage of the meat served at mealtime, about 5% to 10%. The liver, kidneys, spleen, brain, and pancreas are all organ meat.
4. Younger French Bulldog Feeding Guide
2-6 Months Old Feeding Guide
The pups are fed mainly by their mums in the early stages, just like you are! It was progressively weaned off breast milk and turned into baby food throughout a two-to-three-week trial. Between 8 and 12 weeks, a French bulldog requires 1.5 cups of pet food each day.
This should be distributed as three meals and as a half-cup per. The meal distribution lowers the energy spikes that the French Bulldog will experience due to blood sugar fluctuations between meals.
The puppy’s belly will be kept full of energy and nutrition as the meals are extended. You can modify the diet twice a day after around six months of three meals a day, but I always recommend feeding three times a day, even if your French Bulldog is old. To keep your Frenchie healthy, feed them smaller meals 3 to 4 times a day. A volvulus of stomach dilatation can occur if you only eat twice a day. That will be pretty bad for your little one’s health.
6-9 Months Old Feeding Guide
You are now ready to begin your French bulldog feeding schedule, which will continue unabated for the rest of your joyful and little life, with no medical issues later on. This can be one hell of a journey, so please be mindful. You can feed your Frenchie high-quality puppy dog food from the age of 6 months to one year.
It’s critical to stick to a strict routine with your French Bulldog. In the end, if they are fed at the same time every day, every week, and every year for the remainder of their lives, they will feel healthier and happier. In the midst, you can always throw in a few snacks. Keep track of prior bodyweight reports and see a veterinarian if you think you’ve made a mistake.
5. Older French Bulldog Feeding Guide
It does get easier as they grow up. This is applicable for human babies, but it is also true for French Bulldogs. In general, senior French Bulldogs require less food than younger French Bulldogs.
However, if your Frenchie is underweight or hungry, do not restrict their food intake. An adult French bulldog consumes approximately 25-35 calories per pound. 1 to 1.5 cups in the morning and 1 to 1.5 cups at night. If your Frenchies’ feeding is causing them to gain weight, lower their daily calorie intake by 5 to 10 calories per pound.
After numerous discussions with the veterinarian, I have cracked the morse code of the amount you should feed your older Frenchie. We recommend providing 15-20 calories per pound to a senior Frenchie older than seven years old.
Because French Bulldogs will eat almost anything they are prone to obesity. First, take a look at their weight. You can lose up to 5 calories per pound of weight until you find a magic number if they appear leaner than expected. No two Frenchies are the same. Thus, our recommendations are typically estimated weights and suggested average caloric consumption.
6. Food Allergies In French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs share several food allergies with their fellow dog community.
Meal allergies in dogs are induced by an interaction between the antibodies in the dog’s intestine and a specific allergen in the food. When this happens, dogs, like people, have a histamine response, and their bodies respond with symptoms that are usually obvious.
The most prevalent food allergy is proteins; therefore, your Frenchie will need to consume more lean meat.
The foods listed below have been reported to trigger allergy responses in French Bulldogs and other dogs, causing their immune systems to become irritated:
- Corn
- Soy
- Chicken eggs
- Dairy Products
- Chicken
- Beef
- Some fish
- Wheat
- Lamb
Symptoms Of Food Allergies
We are very vigilant with the dietary precautions a lot of the time, but still, the Frenchie might be allergic to some food that we might have missed out on. So it is important to be literate regarding the food allergy symptoms to catch them sooner.
When your dog has a food allergy, they will exhibit the following symptoms:
- Response of the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea, vomiting, and constant flatulence are the most typical stomach reactions to food allergies, and they’ll have you running for cover! Dogs who do not digest their food risk developing pancreatitis, dehydration, and potentially fatal medical issues.
- Skin problems. Food allergies can cause irritating skin disorders in Frenchies, just like humans. Itchy, unpleasant hives, rashes, lumps, blisters, hyperpigmentation, and more will surface on their skin. In addition, open skin sores are prone to bacterial and fungal infections, which must be treated immediately to avoid the wound becoming infected.
How to Treat Food Allergies
This can be tricky, but you can easily crack it down if you follow the proper steps. An elimination diet is the most straightforward technique to detect if your Frenchie is allergic to a particular food. Remove any possible food allergens from your dog’s diet for 7-10 days to observe if symptoms improve.
If they do, gradually reintroduce foods until you locate the source of the problem. But be mindful of the reintroduction process. You do not want to get in a hurry with this, trust me! Because the end would result in vomiting and countless visits to the veterinarian.
If it doesn’t work and your dog’s symptoms worsen, they may need a physical evaluation that includes blood and urine testing. If no sickness is found in the blood work, the veterinarian will likely prescribe food, probiotics, and medicine. Unfortunately, this is difficult for dogs accustomed to receiving their rewards regularly, so this can be a bummer for them.
7. How to Introduce Your Frenchie To The Raw Diet
Alas, the majority of dog owners rely on commercially available dog food or kibble. However, dog food is known for containing many chemicals and other ingredients that might be hazardous to a French bulldog’s diet.
In addition, although there are many different kinds of dog food on the market, most of them include dangerous ingredients and preservatives. As a result, dog owners must adhere to a specific diet that is beneficial to their bulldogs. For a well-balanced diet, you should be mindful of the following steps.
- First and foremost, you should feed your puppies 3-4 times a day in amounts up to 10% of their total body weight, but adult dogs should be fed twice a day in amounts up to 3% of their total body weight.
- The ideal diet for French bulldogs is ground meat or whole prey. Bones should also be included in the meal because they are essential for the dogs to chew. It is known to strengthen your dog’s gums and teeth. As a result, one must ensure that their dog’s diet contains as many bones as possible.
Including bones in your dog’s food can keep them occupied for hours and will also satisfy them. This will help keep them from chewing on other items in your home, such as your furniture. However, pay attention to the shape and size of the bones. So that your Frenchie doesn’t choke or injure their digestive tract.
- Please put on your hunting gear because it’s also a good idea to give your dog a variety of meat to eat. Rabbit meat, chicken, beef, quail, swine, fish, and lamb are some of the numerous forms of meat that can be fed to dogs, and if necessary, a few supplements can be added to their primary diet.
- Furthermore, meat should account for 75% of the dog’s diet on a raw diet. Carnivores, such as dogs, do not require a lot of veggies. It’s pretty acceptable if you don’t include many vegetables in your Frenchie’s diet. Vegetables are difficult to digest, even for dogs’ digestive systems. If you’re going to give your dog veggies, keep in mind that they should be mashed or sliced into tiny pieces.
- There are some advantages to giving a raw diet to your dog. For example, it has been shown to help them live longer, stay disease-free, and strengthen their immune systems. If your bulldog is pregnant, it’s best to feed it raw meat because it has so many advantages, as previously stated.
Conclusion
There you go, guys. The French Bulldog Feeding guide is completed. The raw vs dry is a never-ending debate, but it all comes down to what suits you and your Frenchie. So do your research and taste test with your dearest pup and explore.
If you are looking for a good raw food regiment then check out the BARF diet.
