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This is our review of the best dog food for French Bulldogs in 2023.
Known for their stocky build, like-bat ears, big eyes, and smushed-in faces, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds among dog lovers.
If you owned a Frenchie before, you already know that this breed isn’t the healthiest, they are prone to many health problems such as obesity, chronic diarrhea, breathing problems, and skin irritation.
However, as a vet, I know that you can prevent the majority of these issues if you fed your Frenchie the right nutrition that suits her needs.
For most French Bulldogs, I usually recommend Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Adult Dog Food as the best dog food for French Bulldogs, it promotes the perfect combination between quality and price.
But I know that every dog’s condition is different, that’s why I’ve used my knowledge and experience as a vet and researched the market for foods that I believe are the best pick for a French Bulldog.
I also created a buyer’s guide that includes nutrition tips, important considerations, and some tips to help you choose the best food for French Bulldog.
Let’s get started.
What Is The Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs?
- Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Adult Dog Food (Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs Overall)
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Formula Dry Dog Food (Best Weight Management Dog Food for French Bulldogs)
- Iams ProActive Health Adult With Beef & Rice Pate Canned Dog Food (Best Wet Food for French Bulldogs)
- Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food (Best Food for French Bulldog Puppies)
- ORIJEN Original Dry Dog Food (Best Premium Food for French Bulldogs)
- Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food (Best Food for French Bulldog Seniors)
- VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food (Best Affordable Food for French Bulldog Seniors)
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best Affordable Food for French Bulldog Puppies)
The 8 Best Dog Food Brands for French Bulldogs Reviewed
Before we dive in, I want to tell you that all the dog food I included in this list meets the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs.
Also, we always recommend that you consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your French Bulldog’s diet.
1. Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Adult Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Whole Peas, Sweet Potato
- Nutrient Content: 30% Protein, 16% Fat, 4.5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low Glycemic
- Best for: Adult French Bulldogs
Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Adult Dog Food comes at the top of our list of the best dog food for French Bulldogs.
It features deboned salmon and turkey meal as the first ingredients which provide your Frenchie with high-quality animal-sourced protein that she needs to develop lean and strong muscles.
The fresh salmon and the menhaden fish meal are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids that support skin, coat, and heart health.
This formula includes calcium and phosphorus that will help your four-legged friend maintain strong bones. Along with wholesome vegetables and fruits that support the immune system.
This recipe is crafted with 80% animal protein, which is very good for your dog because it will support their muscular build and help them develop lean muscles and a healthy heart, the fact that the majority of it comes from animal sources makes it perfect for Frenchies.
But be careful though, too much protein can cause obesity. If your Frenchie had some weight management issues in the past, you probably should look for a recipe that supports weight management further down in this list.
Otherwise, this is the best option available on the market and I highly recommend it.
2. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Formula Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas
- Nutrient Content: 33% Protein, 10% Fat, 12% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Weight Control, Gluten-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein
- Best for: Adult French Bulldogs
If your French Bulldog had some issues with weight management in the past or currently has them, I would recommend this formula by Wellness.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Formula Dry Dog Food features deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal as the main ingredients which provide your canine with a strong source of protein to support their muscle mass.
This combination of high protein and reduced fat help your canine maintain a healthy weight while developing lean and strong muscles.
This formula includes vegetables, fruits, and wholesome grains that are fortified with antioxidants to help maintain their benefits along with the fresh taste of the food.
Plus, it contains glucosamine and chondroitin which are necessary components to support your French Bulldog’s healthy joints, combined with omega fatty acids, it will help her develop and maintain healthy skin and shiny coat.
3. Iams ProActive Health Adult Canned Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken, Sufficient Water for Processing, Meat By-Products, Brown Rice, Barley
- Nutrient Content: 8% Protein, 6% Fat, 1% Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Type of Product: With Grain
- Best for: French Bulldogs
Iams ProActive Health Classic Ground Adult Wet Dog Food can be an excellent choice for French bulldogs. It features high-quality chicken protein, which can help support muscle maintenance. This is especially important for active dogs like French bulldogs, who need adequate protein to keep up with their energetic lifestyle.
This formula also includes whole grain rice. Whole grain rice provides fiber and carbohydrates, which are essential for energy. This can help keep French bulldogs feeling full and satisfied, so they don’t experience the same food-related behavioral problems that dogs with less nutritious diets may suffer from.
In addition, the rice in this dog food can help support optimal digestion, which is important for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Iams ProActive Health Classic Ground with Chicken & Whole Grain Rice Adult Wet Dog Food is also formulated to support a healthy immune system, strong bones, and overall health. This dog food contains essential vitamins and minerals that can help dogs maintain good health and stay active, even as they age. In addition, its wet food consistency can help increase hydration, which is particularly important for short-nosed breeds like French bulldogs.
Finally, this dog food is versatile and can be mixed with dry food for added variety in their diet. This can help prevent boredom with their food and make sure they receive all the nutrients they need. Overall, it can be a great choice for French bulldogs and their specific nutritional needs.
4. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat Gluten, Wheat, Chicken Fat
- Nutrient Content: 28% Protein, 18% Fat, 3.3% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: With Grain
- Best for: French Bulldog Puppies
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog Puppy dry dog food is the best food for French Bulldog puppies, it is specially formulated to fulfill the nutritional requirements of French Bulldog puppies.
This formula is made with chicken and rice as the main ingredients, which provides your puppy with high-quality protein to help them develop lean muscles and grow properly.
It also contains a mix of antioxidants and vitamin E that support supports the healthy development of the immune system which helps them stay strong as they grow.
Calcium iodate and Zinc oxide are also added to support the healthy development of strong bones and teeth.
Plus, the kibble is created particularly for your Frenchie puppy’s square jaw and short snout, allowing them to pick up and chew the food without the worry of choking.
5. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver
- Nutrient Content: 38% Protein, 18% Fat, 4% Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Natural, Raw, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
- Best for: Adult French Bulldogs
If money is no problem for you and you just want the best dog food for your Frenchie, then I highly recommend ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, it’s high in protein and fat which supports the muscular build of your Frenchie and provides her with the energy necessary to stay active during the day.
This formula provides a solid source of protein for your stocky-build friend, it features chicken, turkey, and flounder as the main ingredients which are all great protein sources that will help your Frenchie develop lean and strong muscles and maintain healthy joints.
Orijen follows the “whole prey” method that consists of adding parts from the animal such as bones, or organs. This method helps your Frenchie enjoy a meal that looks exactly like what she would naturally eat in the wild.
The flounder provides your dog with omega-3 fatty acids and plenty of antioxidants which are necessary to support a healthy coat and digestion.
This recipe is grain-free, but it does include pinto beans, whole peas, and lentils that naturally supplement digestible carbohydrates.
6. Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, Brewers Rice
- Nutrient Content: 26% Protein, 14% Fat, 4% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: Non-GMO, High Fiber, High-Protein, Human-Grade, Molasses-Free, Natural, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Sensitive Digestion
- Best for: Senior French Bulldogs
Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Senior Dry Dog Food is crafted with calcium to help your senior Frenchie maintain strong bones and healthy joints as she grows older, along with natural fiber to support her digestive system.
This formula features chicken and chicken meal as the main ingredients which provide your senior friend with high-quality protein to support their muscles and healthy joints.
It also contains brown rice and whole-grain barley that support your senior’s digestive system and helps keep her regular. Along with dried pumpkin and coconut which add a natural flavor to the food.
This recipe promotes healthy digestion, it’s non-GMO and doesn’t include any wheat, corn, soy, or chicken by-product meal.
7. VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat
- Nutrient Content: 27% Protein, 1.5% Fat, 4.5% Fiber, 4% Moisture
- Type of Product:
- Best for: Senior French Bulldogs
Frenchies are prone to many health issues as they grow older, one of these issues is obesity.
It’s important to keep your dog healthy and fed her the right dog food as she grows older to minimize the risk of having to deal with this health issue because, believe me, it won’t be fun for either of you.
I usually recommend a dog food that delivers high-quality animal protein, lots of vitamins, and a lot of minerals, or a weight management solution.
VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food checks all my boxes as the right solution for this particular health issue, it features beef meal, menhaden fish meal, and chicken meal as the main ingredients, these high-quality animal proteins offer muscle support and promote healthy joints.
The menhaden fish meal is a strong source of omega-fatty acids that support a healthy and shiny coat.
This recipe also includes whole grain brown rice and whole-grain millet that contain prebiotics which are important to support your senior’s digestive system. And they also provide easily digestible carbs for your senior friend.
The formula is fortified with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids for a complete and balanced diet.
Plus, it’s sourced and made in the USA, so rest assured that your dog will get clean, high-quality, and safe dog food.
8. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Egg Product, Pea Protein
- Nutrient Content: 28% Protein, 17% Fat, 5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: Grain-Free
- Best for: French Bulldog Puppies
If you want to buy dog food for your Frenchie puppy without breaking the bank, I would recommend Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula dry dog food, it’s cheaper than Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy dry dog food, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have to compromise quality for cost.
On the opposite, you’ll be getting high-quality dog food that fulfills your puppy’s nutritional needs.
It features water buffalo, lamb meal, and roasted bison as main ingredients, this combination of high-quality protein helps your Frenchie puppy develop lean and strong muscles, and strong bones, and will help her grow properly.
This formula also includes chicken fat which is very important for puppies because it provides them with a high-quality fat source that provides your Frenchie puppy with energy to keep up with their activity, help their organs function properly, and support their immune system.
Fish meal and salmon oil are very strong sources of omega fatty acids that support a healthy and shiny coat.
Also, this formula contains Taurine which helps with nerve development, heart health, and brain function.
How to Choose The Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs
When it comes to choosing the best food for French bulldogs, you should consider a lot of factors including age, macronutrient portions, or activity level.
Plus, the dog food shouldn’t only contain the right macronutrient, but it also should contain high-quality ingredients that your dog needs, and they should be in the right amounts.
Choosing the best food for your Frenchie doesn’t have to be that complicated, it’s very simple and I will break everything down for you.
Hang tight.
Specific Dietary Requirements
There is a misconception when it comes to choosing dog food for french bulldogs: they don’t need as much protein and fats as other breeds, they are not that active, plus their size isn’t that large.
But that’s completely wrong, Frenchies are prone to many health issues, and thus studies have found that they need the same amounts as any other breed.
Like the majority of dogs, French Bulldogs need high protein content sourced from real meat, and high-quality healthy fats to provide them with the energy to stay active all day long.
And like all dog breeds, French Bulldogs have specific dietary needs that you should aim to fill, and here are what we recommend to aim for when choosing your Frenchie’s dog food.
P.S: All the dog food in our list of best dog food for French Bulldogs meet at least the minimum nutritional requirements for French Bulldogs. We took into account all these portions so rest assured that all the food included in this list can be given to your furry friend without worrying if they meet or not the minimum nutritional requirements for French Bulldogs.
Protein
No matter how active your French Bulldog is, they will need a high-quality protein to develop lean muscles and stay in shape.
My favorite protein sources are beef, chicken, and salmon because they provide your dog with easy-to-digest protein, which is full of amino acids that support the healthy development of hair, skin, nails, muscles, and cartilage.
Fats
Fats have a bad reputation among us, but they are vital for dogs.
When picking a dog food for your Frenchie puppy, you’ll notice that some dog food are high in fat, that’s because puppies, in general, need more fat because they are growing, and fats support healthy growth.
It’s better though if the fat comes from an animal source.
Plus, you want to make sure that your dog doesn’t eat a lot of fats, the right amount will help your four-legged stay energetic throughout the day, and will support their proper growth as they get older.
Fiber
Fiber is a key component in every diet, especially the ones that are high in protein and fats, it ensures the proper absorption of the nutrients.
It nourishes the bacteria that is in your dog’s gut system which is responsible for breaking down the food in her tummy.
Fiber is also important for keeping your dog full throughout the day and regulating their bathroom time.
Omega-fatty Acids
Besides their friendliness and intelligence, French Bulldogs have a short coat. Do you know what keeps that coat shiny? Yes, omega-fatty acids.
Omega-fatty acids are a vital component in a Frenchie’s diet, it helps them maintain a fluffy and shiny coat, and it also helps them keep healthy skin. I usually recommend that you aim for a recipe that includes a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids like Salmon oil or any other fish.
Our Verdict
French Bulldogs are amazing creatures and one of the friendliest breeds, asides from the fact that they are very lovely and funny.
Your Frenchie deserves the best nutrition to live a happy and healthy doggy life.
Out of all the dog food I reviewed, I recommend Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Adult Dog Food as the best dog food for French Bulldogs. It has all the necessary nutrients Frenchies need, in the amount that they need.
And before you make any changes in your French Bulldog’s diet, please consult with your veterinarian.
