Everything to Know About French Bulldogs

As of 2022, French Bulldogs are the #1 most popular dog breed in the US. This broke the Labrador Retriever’s 31-year streak in the top spot.

A Frenchie’s trademark “bat” ears, wrinkly faces, and smooth coats are sure to make you smile. Plus, the breed is naturally affectionate, social, and playful. 

As precious as these pups are, being a bulldog comes with drawbacks. Bulldog breeds typically have more health issues than most dogs. The wrinkles we love so much can develop skinfold dermatitis if not cared for properly. Bulldogs are also more prone to spinal issues, hip dysplasia, and arthritis than other breeds. 

Since Bulldogs have shorter snouts, their breathing may be impaired. Playtime and walks can be less enjoyable because of this. Lack of exercise can, in turn, lead to weight and mobility issues. Many bulldogs develop Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) and, in turn, snore and breathe loudly. Dogs with severe BAS may require surgery to widen their nostrils. 

Although these health concerns might seem daunting, they aren’t a given. You can prevent most of these health issues by serving your pup the best food for French Bulldogs. 

Ingredients in the Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs

Lean Protein

Because Frenchies are prone to obesity, select a lean protein-based dog food diet. Lean proteins such as chicken and turkey have a rich nutrient profile and lower fat content. This provides your pup with high-quality protein without the risk of gaining excess weight. 

Confirming that real meat is the first ingredient listed on your Frenchie’s dog food label is crucial. The FDA requires dog food brands to list their ingredients in order of weight. So if corn meal is the first ingredient on the label, the majority of the recipe is corn meal.

More than anything, French Bulldogs need quality protein in their diet. The best source of protein for dogs is real meat – so that should be the first ingredient. That’s why each Sundays recipe has 80% or more real meat first. 

Blueberries

The best dog food for French Bulldogs should also have ingredients like blueberries for energy and immune support. Blueberries can boost your dog’s low energy levels with natural vitamins and minerals. 

Studies show that Bulldog breeds are more likely to develop certain types of cancer. Antioxidants in blueberries can fight and, in some cases, prevent cancer before it develops. 

Ground Bone

Frenchies with hip and joint issues can benefit from adding ground bone to their diet. This ingredient is a natural source of calcium and phosphorus to support your dog’s bone strength. Calcium found in ground bone can also help your pup’s muscle function and nerve transmission.

Flaxseed

To support your Frenchie’s skin and coat health, opt for dog food with flaxseed. This ingredient is a rich source of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty acids to help your dog’s coat shine. Dogs’ bodies can’t produce omegas, so it’s crucial to find a diet with natural sources of fatty acids. 

Omegas aren’t just good for your pup’s skin and coat. Fatty acids found in flaxseed also support your Frenchie’s brain, heart, and joint health. 

Common Dog Food Ingredients to Avoid

Think you found high-quality French Bulldog food? Double-check the nutrition label is free of these ingredients. 

Corn 

Don’t be surprised to find this ingredient in cheaper kibbles and dog foods. Corn-based ingredients are popularly used in commercial dog food because it’s a cheap way to add calories. In reality, corn has little nutritional value for dogs and it’s difficult to digest. 

Synthetic vitamins and minerals 

If a dog food recipe has added vitamins and minerals, you might see that as a good thing. All it means is that the actual food in the recipe isn’t providing enough nutrition on its own. But it’s far better for pups to get these essential vitamins and minerals straight from the source. 

Sundays is the best dog food for French Bulldogs because there’s no synthetic additives. Instead, each recipe balances whole food ingredients to make a complete meal for your pup. 

Meat meals 

Meat meals are another cost-cutting ingredient commonly found in dog food. Instead of paying for real animal meat, many brands choose to use meat meals for protein in their recipes. Meat meal is a rendering of meat that offers much less nutrition compared to the actual protein source. 

Qualities of the Best Dog Food for Frenchies 

Cooking Methods

Dog food formulas with fresh ingredients are obsolete if the food is cooked at high temperatures. Extreme heat and pressure severely diminishes the nutritional value of ingredients. That’s why many kibble brands use feed-grade ingredients instead of human-grade foods. 

Kibble production uses hot extrusion, which puts the food through high heat and pressure. The result is a dry, crunchy pellet of kibble. Brands with harsh manufacturing often opt for cheaper ingredients since they know nutrients will be cooked out anyway. 

Nutrient-Density

As French Bulldogs are prone to obesity, vets recommend cutting back on treats and table scraps. Reducing treat intake might seem cruel, but it’s far easier when your pup eats the best food for Frenchies. 

Choose a French Bulldog food that’s more nutrient-dense than your average kibble. Sundays for Dogs, for example, is roughly 2x as nutrient-dense as other dog food brands. Each piece of food has about double the vitamins and minerals. Your Frenchie will fill up faster at meal times with about half a serving size of traditional kibble. 

Taste Matters

Another essential value is taste. Even the best dog food for Frenchies is obsolete if they won’t eat it. French Bulldogs tend to be picky eaters, making it more difficult to find a suitable dog food diet.

Which brand makes the best dog food for French Bulldogs? 

For Frenchie dog food that checks all the boxes, go with Sundays for Dogs. Take this quiz to get a custom feeding plan for your Frenchie. If you can’t decide between brands, use this comparison tool to see Sundays versus other dog food brands. Save 20% and get free shipping when you subscribe to Sundays!