Is your French Bulldog prone to diarrhea or vomiting? If yes, it’s likely that your pup has a sensitive stomach. Due to their breed, most Frenchies have stomach sensitivity issues, and it can manifest in different ways. Moreover, according to experts from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, young Frenchies have a greater risk of developing Granulomatous colitis than other breeds, and this results in severe and chronic diarrhea.
Pinpointing the source of your pet’s stomach issues should be a priority to keep them healthy and happy. But as most Frenchie owners know, this could be a challenge since French Bulldogs are treat-motivated, and they will continue to eat as long as you provide them with food. Knowing how to feed your Frenchie properly is the key to reduce stomach sensitivity and prevent pain or discomfort. Here’s a guide on feeding your French Bulldog if your pup has a sensitive tummy.
Go for Whole Meats and Single Protein Dog Food
To keep your Frenchie’s stomach in good condition, feed them whole meats such as beef, chicken, lamb, pork, or salmon. Give this to your pet as a meal topper or as a treat. Never give your pet raw meat– cook it until it’s medium well at the very least, and don’t add any seasonings since these can irritate your dog’s tummy. To ensure that the meat is cooked all the way through, pop it in the air fryer, or slow cook it with some sweet potatoes. According to Seattle-based veterinarian Dr. Joshua Montgomery, sweet potatoes can aid the digestive process and help alleviate issues like diarrhea and constipation in dogs.
If you’re feeding your Frenchie traditional dog food, check the label to see if the first ingredient listed is meat and not grains or any other type of filler. According to Ziwi, the first ingredients listed are the main components of the feed, so the more meat in your dog food, the better it is for your pet. Ziwi’s Air Dried Beef Recipe, for instance, lists beef, beef tripe, beef heart, and beef lung as its first ingredients, along with other beef parts and vitamins and minerals. Note how there are no other types of meat but beef in the dog food, so it’s less likely to trigger stomach discomfort in your dog. Feeding your pup with single protein recipes like this can be beneficial if they have a sensitive stomach.
Add Hypoallergenic Vegan Sources of Protein
Apart from meats, you need to add some vegetables, particularly hypoallergenic vegan proteins, to your Frenchie’s meals. Think about introducing chickpeas, lentils, or green peas into your pet’s diet. These foods are high in protein, and your pup’s digestive system can easily break them down. To prepare, boil peas, chickpeas, or lentils until they’re soft. Completely drain the veggies, then mix them into your dog’s food. You can also give them a whirl in the food processor before adding them to your pet’s food if your Frenchie has a tendency to ignore unfamiliar foods.
Give Your Pup Some Plain White Rice
If your Frenchie has an upset stomach, soothe their tummy by feeding them some cooked white rice. Not only does it have zero fat and sodium, but it contains fiber, which can aid digestion and regulate your pet’s bowel movements. Cook rice the usual way, then wait until it’s barely warm before serving it to your pup. Never add seasonings to the rice, and ensure that only 10 percent of your dog’s meal is made up of it.
French Bulldogs are more likely to have stomach sensitivity issues than other types of dogs, so consider these tips to keep them well and happy. If your dog is showing signs of food allergies or if they’re symptoms don’t improve, make sure to consult your vet for proper treatment.
