French Bulldog Food: What's Best for Your Pup

Frenchies are tiny tanks with big personalities — and even bigger opinions about what goes in their bowl. One day, they’re into it, and the next, they’re giving you the side-eye like you served them a shoe.

At A Pup Above, we know feeding your dog isn’t one-size-fits-all — especially with breeds like French Bulldogs that come with fussy stomachs, food allergies, and a flair for drama. That’s why in this article, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about feeding your Frenchie, from what they actually need to what they definitely don’t.

What Are the Nutritional Requirements of a French Bulldog?

Frenchies might be small, but they’ve got big-time needs when it comes to nutrition. Between their stocky build, sensitive digestion, and tendency to pack on pounds if you even look at them the wrong way, what’s in their bowl matters.

Here’s the breakdown of what your French Bulldog actually needs:

• High-quality protein to support their sturdy little muscles (they’re built like gym bros in tiny hoodies).
  
• Healthy fats for skin support and a soft, itch-free coat — think omega-3s and 6s, not mystery oils.
  
• Fiber from whole veggies and grains to keep things moving.
  
• Easily digestible ingredients because, let’s be real, Frenchie tummies are not known for being low-maintenance.
  
• Moderate calories to keep their weight in check without starving them — these pups love a nap more than a treadmill.

Of course, not all Frenchies are the same. Some are little energizer bunnies, while others are professional couch ornaments. And some have stomachs that can handle anything, while others act like one new ingredient is a personal attack. 

If you’re not sure what your pup actually needs, it’s always a good idea to check in with your vet — they can help you figure out what’s best for your little gremlin.

How Much Should I Feed My French Bulldog?

Feeding a Frenchie isn’t just about following the back of the bag. These compact cuties are small but sturdy, and their portion sizes can get tricky fast. Feed too much, and they’ll start bulking up. Too little, and you’ve got a very vocal dinner critic pacing the kitchen like it’s a protest.

A good starting point? Feed based on weight and activity level. Most adult French Bulldogs weigh between 16 and 28 pounds, but some fall outside that range — so don’t just guess.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

These are general guidelines for adult Frenchies. Puppies, seniors, or highly active dogs may need more or less based on their energy levels and health. And, of course, if you’re not sure, your vet’s always a great resource.

What’s the Best Wet Food for French Bulldogs?

When it comes to wet food, Frenchies can be a little opinionated. Some love the texture, some turn up their noses, and others just want something that doesn’t make their stomach gurgle like a science experiment.

The best wet food for a French Bulldog should check a few key boxes:

• Made with real, whole ingredients (you know, the kind you’d eat)
  
• High in protein to support their muscular little builds
  
• Easy to digest — no mystery fillers or by-products
  
• Moisture-rich to help with hydration (especially important if your Frenchie isn’t a big drinker)

Not sure how to tell the difference between one can and the next? Flip it over and check the ingredient list. The first few ingredients should be actual named proteins (like chicken, beef, or turkey — not “meat meal” or “animal by-product”). 

Look for whole foods you recognize, like peas, carrots, or sweet potatoes, and steer clear of vague catch-alls like “natural flavors” or anything with a lot of numbers or dashes. And if the list is longer than your grocery receipt? That’s usually a red flag. Simpler is better — especially for sensitive pups.

What’s the Best Dry Dog Food for French Bulldogs?

Dry food has its place — easy to scoop, no fridge juggling, and doesn’t go bad if your pup skips a meal. But French Bulldogs? They can be tricky eaters. Some end up itchy, others get bloated, and a few just seem to lose interest unless the food checks all the right boxes.

If you’re going with kibble, here’s how to find one that actually works:

• Look for named proteins up top. Chicken, turkey, beef — great. “Animal meal” or “meat by-product”? Not so great. Clarity matters.
• Skip the fluff. No corn, no soy, no artificial dyes. And if it’s using wheat as a filler? You can do better.
• Pay attention to the extras. Look for added omega-3s (great for that Frenchie skin), probiotics (hello digestion), and vitamins that support joint health — especially since they carry a lot of weight in a compact frame.
• Don’t forget about kibble size. Frenchies have short snouts and can struggle with oversized or oddly shaped pieces. Smaller, uniform kibble = easier chewing and less drama at dinnertime.

Need to switch kibbles? Whether you're making the move to something with better ingredients or just testing out a new flavor that won’t get the cold shoulder, it’s best to ease into it. Start by mixing the new food with the old over the course of about a week — a little more each day — to keep tummy troubles at bay. Slow and steady wins the bowl.

What’s the Best Gently Cooked Dog Food for French Bulldogs?

We talked wet food. We covered kibble. But what about gently cooked dog food?

If you haven’t explored this option yet, it’s basically the sweet spot between homemade and store-bought — real, whole ingredients cooked low and slow to lock in nutrients, flavor, and moisture. No sketchy stuff, no high-heat processing, and nothing that smells like a science experiment.

At A Pup Above, we take it a step further with sous-vide — a fancy French method that gently cooks each meal in a water bath to keep all the good stuff intact. That means more protein (on average 50% more than other fresh foods), better texture, and ingredients that look like food because they are.

We use real cuts of meat, non-GMO veggies, and nutrient-rich bone broth in every recipe. Got a Frenchie who prefers poultry? Try Chicka Chicka Bow Wow. Want to spoil them with something savory? Texas Beef Stew or Porky’s Luau usually does the trick. It’s food you can feel good about — and bowls that get licked clean.

Are There Foods French Bulldogs Shouldn’t Eat?

Wondering if that table scrap or “just a little taste” is actually safe for your Frenchie? We get it — those big eyes are hard to resist. But not everything we snack on is fair game for your pup.

French Bulldogs, like many breeds, can have a hard time digesting certain foods — and some ingredients can be downright dangerous. A few big no-no’s? Grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, chocolate, anything with xylitol (check peanut butter labels), and overly fatty or salty foods like bacon or deli meat.

And while dairy might seem harmless, many Frenchies don’t handle it well. Think: gas, upset stomach, or mystery puddles on the rug.

When in doubt, stick with food made for dogs — ideally with ingredients you recognize, like the gently cooked meals we make here at A Pup Above. It’s the kind of food you can feel good about giving, no guesswork required.

What Else Helps a Frenchie Thrive?

You know what to feed your dog, how much to serve, and what ingredients to avoid — but diet is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to raising a happy, healthy Frenchie.

Exercise

These pups do best with a little extra TLC. Regular exercise is key — not too intense. They’re a brachycephalic breed and can overheat quickly, but daily walks and some light play keep them fit (and out of trouble). Keep an eye on their weight, too. Frenchies can pack on pounds fast, which puts strain on their joints and breathing.

Grooming & Mental Stimulation

Grooming matters more than you'd think — regular brushing helps with shedding and keeps skin issues in check. And don’t forget mental stimulation. Puzzle toys, new smells on walks, and a little training each day go a long way in preventing boredom.

Sticking to a Routine

Most of all? Keep it consistent. Feeding a high-quality diet (like gently cooked meals made with real ingredients — hi again), sticking to a routine, and giving them lots of love makes a big difference. Frenchies may come with quirks, but when they’re thriving, they’re absolute gems.

Conclusion

And that’s the scoop on feeding your Frenchie — from what to look for on the label to how much to scoop into the bowl. They may come with quirks (and a little sass), but giving them the good stuff doesn’t have to be a daily mystery.

At A Pup Above, we’re here to help you keep mealtime simple, satisfying, and packed with real, high-quality ingredients. If you’re ready to treat your Frenchie to something that smells like food, tastes like food, and is food — you know where to find us.

Sources:

Diet Change for Dog's Sensitive Stomach | American Kennel Club

Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs | Dog Food Advisor

French Bulldog Dog Breed Information | AKC

People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets | ASPCA