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This is our review of the best food for French Bulldog puppies in 2023.
French bulldogs are naturally playful, very quiet, and very smart, and that makes them one of the most popular breeds. In fact, out of 192 dog breeds, they are ranked 4th according to American Kennel Club.
Frenchies are not picky at all about their food, they can eat about anything you put in front of them. But that doesn’t mean that you get sloppy with what you feed them especially when they are susceptible to many health issues that are related to their nutrition.
For instance, Frenchies are prone to obesity, heart problems, and digestion issues. So, you should choose a diet that better suits your Frenchie puppy’s nutritional needs.
However, with all the dog food options that are available today on the market, each claiming that they are the best brand for your dog, it might actually get confusing and overwhelming, and that’s where we come in.
As a vet, I reviewed lots of brands on the market to come up with a list of 8 dog food that I believe are the best food for french bulldog puppy.
My favorite pick and the one I always recommend to most of my clients is Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula, it features the right combination between quality, price, and nutritional value.
But your dog’s condition and special needs might be different, that’s why I added more.
Let’s get started.
Our Top Picks of The Best Puppy Food for French Bulldogs
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula (Best Puppy Food for French Bulldogs Overall)
- Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog Food (Best Puppy Food for Healthy Digestion)
- Purina Pro Plan Puppy Small Breed (Best Puppy Food for Immune Support)
- Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food (Best Fresh Food for French Bulldogs Puppies)
- American Journey Grain-Free Recipe (Best Puppy Food for Sensitive Stomachs)
- Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food (Best Premium Puppy Food for French Bulldogs)
- CANIDAE PURE Puppy Grain-Free Limited Ingredient (Best Wet Food for French Bulldogs Puppies)
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Dog Food (Best High Protein Puppy Food for French Bulldogs)
The 8 Best Puppy Food 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 growing puppies.
Also, we recommend you consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your French Bulldog puppy’s diet.
1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula
- First 5 Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Egg Product, Pea Protein
- Nutrient Content: 28% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: Grain-Free
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula is the best puppy food for French Bulldogs, it features 28% crude protein from bison and buffalo as primary protein sources, which provides a great quality protein that will help your little pup develop lean and strong muscles.
And since French Bulldogs, in general, are prone to digestion issues, they need a diet that includes prebiotics that supports a healthy digestive system.
This formula derives its prebiotics content – healthy bacteria that aid in digestion – from dried chicory root which is a great natural source that will support your pal’s fragile digestive system and prevent any digestion issues.
This formula is also high in antioxidants and probiotics from real superfoods, fruits, and veggies to support a healthy immune system. Your Frenchie puppy is building their basic defenses from the ground, they better build it right.
Also, it’s made in the USA so rest assured that your puppy will get clean, safe, and highly nutritious dog food.
2. Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Salmon Meal
- Nutrient Content: 28% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, Grain-Free, Chicken-Free
As I mentioned earlier, Frenchies are susceptible to digestion issues more than other breeds, and sometimes having prebiotics might not be enough to properly handle this problem.
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Food is made completely free of corn, soy, gluten, chicken, and grain plus it’s made in the USA with high-quality ingredients, which will provide your Frenchie puppy with clean, safe, and friendly nutrition on their stomach.
With 28% crude protein from deboned chicken as the first ingredient, this formula is high in high-quality protein that will help your growing puppy develop strong muscles.
This formula includes glucosamine and chondroitin that support healthy hips and joints, along with fiber from potatoes and sweet potatoes to support healthy digestion.
Salmon meal is a natural source of omega fatty acids that support healthy skin and a shiny coat. It also includes other vitamins and minerals for a balanced and complete diet.
3. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Small Breed
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Beef Fat
- Nutrient Content: 28% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Type of Product: High Protein, With Grain
Puppies are still developing their immune system, and the smallest things can develop serious health issues if their immune system isn’t strong enough to stand up to these small issues.
For caution’s sake, I recommend that you pick a formula that supports the immune system.
My pick is Purina Pro Plan Puppy Small Breed, it’s a great option for immune system support, it features a formula that’s high in live probiotics along with antioxidants that provide great support for the immune system and help your little pup develop their natural defense mechanisms.
It also features 28% Crude Protein from chicken as the first ingredient, this will help your Frenchie puppy develop and maintain strong muscles, help with hips and joints health and promote easy mobility.
One feature I like about this dog food is the kibble. It is crunchy, and it’s mixed with tender meaty shreds which give the food a texture and taste that are so appealing to dogs, so if your puppy is a picky eater, this is going to be a great option for them.
This formula also includes DHA, an omega fatty acid from fish oil that supports eye and brain development, and support skin and coat health. Along with calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones.
4. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food
Fresh dog food is a great option for French Bulldog puppies, if you can prepare it yourself, that’s great. But if for some reason, you can’t, maybe you are too busy, or maybe you don’t know how then I would recommend that you go with Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food, it’s the best fresh dog food for Frenchie puppies.
Nom Nom uses real meat as the first ingredient, along with other fresh fruits and vegetables to supplement the diet with all the nutrients your puppy needs.
This formula is fully customizable, once you opt in, you’ll get a free consultation call with a vet nutritionist to determine what’s the best ingredient, portions, and macros for your puppy depending on their breed, size, age, and health condition.
So, if your puppy is having a health issue, a weight goal whether it’s losing or gaining it, or taste problems maybe they are picky eater, Nom Nom nutritionists are going to take that into consideration and prepare your puppy a meal that better address their unique condition.
Once you get the package, like any other fresh food we eat, you should store it in the freezer to preserve it so it doesn’t start smelling or lose its nutritional value.
5. American Journey Grain-Free Recipe
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chickpeas
- Nutrient Content: 30% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein
American Journey Grain-Free Recipe is a great choice for Frenchie puppies with sensitive stomachs, it features a formula that’s free of the most common allergens for dogs: corn, wheat, soy, and fillers.
This formula is also high in protein, it includes 30% crude protein from deboned lamb as the main ingredient, which provides a great protein source that will help your little puppy develop strong and lean muscles.
Chicken meal is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin that promote easy mobility and support hips and joints health. And salmon oil and flaxseed contain omega fatty acids including DHA that aid in brain and eye development, and support skin and coat health.
This formula also includes antioxidants from real fruits and veggies such as blueberries and carrots which helps strengthen your little pup’s fragile immune system and help them develop their basic defense mechanisms. Along with fiber from chickpeas and sweet potatoes that keep your puppy feeling full during the day and between meals and aids in digestion.
6. Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Wheat Gluten, Wheat, Chicken Fat
- Nutrient Content: 28% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 3.3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: With Grain
Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food is specifically formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of French Bulldog puppies.
It features a healthy combination between protein and fat – 28% crude protein and 18% crude fat – which provides your puppy with the protein they need to build strong muscles and fuel them with enough energy to discover the world around them and help them grow properly.
It also features a special mix of antioxidants and vitamins C and E to support your pup’s developing immune system and help them grow strong.
What I like about this dog food is the kibble size, it’s specially formulated for French Bolldogs’ square muzzles which makes it easy for them to pick and chew their food.
However, this formula is grain inclusive so it may not be good if your puppy has sensitive stomach or digestion issues.
7. CANIDAE PURE Puppy Grain-Free Limited Ingredient
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Dried Egg Product, Peas, Salmon Oil
- Nutrient Content: 9% Crude Protein, 6.5% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Limited Ingredient Diet, Sensitive Digestion
Wet dog food is a great option if you have a picky eater, it’s tastier and more appealing to dogs than dry dog food.
CANIDAE PURE Puppy Grain-Free Limited Ingredient is the best wet food for French Bulldogs puppies, it features a limited ingredient formula that limits your puppy’s exposure to ingredients they might be allergic or sensitive to and prevent a bunch of digestion issues.
This formula derives its protein from chicken, a great animal protein source that contains all the necessary amino acids and building blocks your little puppy needs to develop and maintain strong muscles.
Chicken is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin that aids in mobility and supports hips and joints health.
This dog food is made with chicken broth, a highly nutritious ingredient that gives the dog food its wet form, I personally prefer it over water as it’s nutrient-rich and far more beneficial to dogs.
This formula also includes salmon oil which is a natural source of omega fatty acids that support skin and coat health.
8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch
- Nutrient Content: 36% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: High-Protein, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Dog Food is a great high protein diet for French Bulldogs puppies, it features 36% crude protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal as the first ingredients, this provides your canine with a great protein source to build strong muscles.
And, chicken doesn’t only provide a great protein source, but also is a great source of glucosamine that aids in hip and joint problems and promotes easy mobility.
This dog food includes an exclusive mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to help your little pup develop their natural defense mechanisms and strengthen their developing immune system.
This formula also includes DHA and ARA omega fatty acids that promote healthy skin and shiny coat and support eye and brain development, along with taurine that supports a strong and healthy heart.
And, it’s completely free of corn, soy, wheat, meat by-products, or artificial flavors, which means that your dog will get clean nutrition, exactly what they need, no less no more.
How to Buy The Best Food for French Bulldog Puppy
Choosing dog food for a Frenchie puppy is slightly different than choosing dog food for adult French Bulldogs.
It might seem confusing or overwhelming, but it’s very simple once you know what to look for. That’s why I’m going to share with you all you need to know before you make your next shopping trip.
Let’s get into it.
High-Quality Animal Protein
Dogs are omnivores, they need meat to survive and Frenchies are no exception.
The AAFCO recommends a minimum of 22% protein content, but they don’t really recommend a maximum, so when it comes to protein the more the better.
However, you should look out for the source, a high-quality protein always comes from animals, not plants. Animal sources have all the necessary amino acids and building blocks that your puppy needs to grow some muscles, but plant sources don’t.
That’s why I always recommend that you look for an animal protein listed as the first ingredient, also you can find meat meals listed as the first ingredient, for example, you can find chicken meal, lamb meal, or fish meal, these ingredients are simply dry forms of this protein and they are as good as the real ones.
Low to Moderate Fats
Even though fat has a bad reputation among us, they are actually beneficial for dogs, they provide the main source of energy that dogs need.
Despite the fact that French Bulldogs have a fast metabolism, they are susceptible to obesity due to their inactivity. But, on the other hand, they need more fat than adults in order to support their growing bodies and help them grow properly. So, what’s the perfect amount of fats your Frenchie puppy needs?
The AAFCO recommends a minimum of 8%, but you can go higher, just make sure that the fat comes from healthy sources, also make sure that it contains omega fatty acids that support skin and coat health.
Healthy Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide quick access to energy. Generally speaking, dogs don’t need carbs, but since every dog in the market includes them in one way or the other, you should make sure that they come from a good healthy source and not sugar.
The best sources are fruits and veggies, they provide easily digestible carbs which are great for your pup’s stomach, along with some vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet.
Vitamins and Minerals
Along with protein, fat, and carbohydrates, Frenchie puppies need vitamins and minerals to support their growing bodies and provide a complete and balanced diet.
For instance, they need Calcium and phosphorus for strong teeth and bones. And Taurine to support heart health.
DHA which is an omega fatty acid that aids in brain and eye development, and also improves cognitive functions and brain functions.
Antioxidants, probiotics, and vitamins C and E to support your puppy’s fragile immune system and help them develop their natural defense mechanisms.
Glucosamine and chondroitin that support hips and joints health and prevent any related issues such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. These two ingredients can easily be found in chicken.
FAQ
Here is a selection of the most common question I get asked about what’s the best dog food for French Bulldogs puppies. Let’s get into it.
Wet vs Dry Dog Food, Which one is the best choice for my Frenchie Puppy?
There is no short answer to this question and it’s really up to you to decide as each option has its own advantages and drawbacks.
For instance, wet food is more tasty and appealing to dogs, so if you have a picky eater, wet food is a great option for them. However, it’s more expensive on the long run.
On the other hand, dry dog food is more nutritious and more affordable, but you are going to struggle if you have a picky eater.
If you are on the verge and don’t know which one to pick, I recommend that you mix them both, you might not think it’s a great idea, but I assure you, puppies and adults alike love it. This way you’ll give them the best of both.
When to Feed My French Bulldog Puppy?
Growing puppies need more food than adults, that’s why 3 meals per day are ideal for a growing puppy and you can cut one as they grow older.
When to Switch from Puppy to Adult Dog Food?
French Bulldog puppies keep growing until they reach 2 years, so after 24 months you can switch to adult dog food, just make sure that during their puppyhood you provide them with a healthy and nutritious diet so that they don’t face any problems due to that.
Our Verdict
are prone to many health issues which are all related to nutrition, that’s why picking the right dog food is crucial for your puppy, and for you because I’m pretty sure that you care about them.
My personal pick is Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula, it’s the best option for French Bulldogs puppies, but your dog’s condition might be different, that’s why I encourage you to choose what you think is best for them.
And before you make any changes in your Frenchie puppy’s diet, please consult a vet.
