Thinking about getting a French Bulldog? You are not alone! The French Bulldog has recently become one of the most popular dog breeds among owners, especially for those living in urban areas and big cities. These pups don’t need much exercise, are not huge barkers, and have a short clean coat which makes them perfect for apartment life. But no matter where the French Bulldog calls home, this pup loves to be alert, playful, and is always so cute!

Since French Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues, they can benefit from starting specific diet plans at a young age to keep them as healthy as possible. Learn more about the nutritional requirements for this breed and what the best dog food is for French Bulldog puppies.  The short answer is dry dog food but the more detailed answer and reasoning is below.

French Bulldog Puppies and Common Health Problems 

French Bulldogs are prone to some specific health problems which can be minimized through the correct nutritional meal choices. Because this breed has a flat face, French Bulldogs are prone to breathing issues. These can be worsened in hot humid weather or if paired with sinus pressure from a cold. This factor, along with their heavy physical structure, means that French Bulldogs typically cannot swim. Make sure to never leave your French Bulldog puppy by a pool or other body of water, just to be safe. Skin allergies and autoimmune disorders can also affect this breed and should be watched for and monitored if they occur. French Bulldogs have also been known to also struggle with eye conditions like juvenile cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion which is when the eyelid edge rolls inward due to heavy, wrinkly skin. Because of the genetic predisposition to be stocky with short limbs and compact features, it’s important for French Bulldogs to not become overweight. This can put added pressure on their already overloaded frames and lead to more serious problems. Most of these issues can be aided through the help of a healthy diet that is implemented early and with regular checkups from a veterinarian.

French Bulldog Puppies and Nutritional Requirements

While French Bulldogs are typically lower-maintenance pups, they will still require a high-quality and balanced diet in order to stay happy and healthy. Puppies need much more protein in their diet than adult Frenchies because they are still growing. After protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals will all need to be considered to make sure each meal provides enough nutrition. In general, smaller dogs typically have a faster metabolism than larger dogs so it will be important to develop a fine line between making sure your puppy gets enough food to grow properly without developing overeating habits that could lead to obesity later in life. This balance is even more important to be aware of for French Bulldogs since they are also low-energy and do not like to move much, which leaves them at an even greater risk of becoming overweight. Typically, this breed needs to consume between 25-35 calories per pound of body weight each day. Make sure to check with your veterinarian to see if this differs for your specific pup!

Ingredients in the Best Food for French Bulldog Puppies

Taking all this into consideration, the best food for French Bulldog puppies will contain the following ingredients:

• Lean proteins that are from actual animal sources such as fish or poultry and not derived from soy.
• No artificial additives or byproduct filler ingredients.
• Lower fat content with extra points for healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acid.
• A moderate calorie count per serving to help with overall weight maintenance.

It may also be worth looking for a brand of dog food that is specifically formulated for small breeds like French Bulldog puppies. This type of food typically takes into consideration the specific nutritional needs that will be important in the early stages of a dog’s life. Most food that is formulated for puppies also comes in a smaller-sized kibble which makes it much easier to consume for tiny flat-faced French Bulldog puppies!

It’s helpful to note that since some French Bulldogs struggle with autoimmune disorders, as well as food or skin allergies, it may be necessary to experiment with your puppies’ food type. Many French Bulldog owners try diets that eliminate or minimize specific ingredients until they find the right combination that works best for their pooch. However, since your French Bulldog puppy will need more nutrients at first, it’s best to work on finalizing your pup’s diet under the supervision of a veterinarian. This will assure that no vital nutrients are left out by mistake.

Finding the best food for your French Bulldog puppy will vary depending on the individual needs of the dog. However, pairing the ingredients recommended above, along with a little help from your vet, will assure that your cute new friend gets off to the best nutritional start possible!