Food for a French bulldog - what is best to feed, rating of the best food for puppies and adult bulldogs

Author of the article: Astafieva Ekaterina Alekseevna

*Review of the best according to the editors of simplerule.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Many dog ​​breeders choose the French bulldog, as it is a relatively small, active, cheerful and non-aggressive breed. But such pets are quite demanding in care and nutrition, they are prone to allergies, and the anatomical structure of their faces forces them to select food very carefully. Our experts decided to help owners of French bulldogs, as well as those who are just planning to get a pet, in choosing a balanced and healthy diet for dogs of this breed.

Features of feeding a French bulldog

Despite their excellent appetite, French bulldogs are quite picky eaters. You need to try to find high-quality food that your pet will like and suit him in all respects. Pampering a dog is unacceptable.

When organizing feeding bulldogs, several rules are followed:

1. French Bulldogs are fed at the same time every day.
2. They give a portion size that corresponds to the norm; the dog should be satiated, but not overeat.
3. The diet includes proteins (50-60%), fats (30-20%) and carbohydrates (30%).
4. Food needs to be fortified and enriched with microelements.
5. Do not feed prohibited foods.

Natural feeding

If the owner has chosen natural food for his Frenchie, it should be varied and include the maximum amount of high-quality and healthy products:

1. Lean meat (rabbit, beef, turkey, chicken).
2. By-products – lung, heart, liver.
3. Fish (boiled) - pike, perch, carp, hake, herring, capelin.
4. Vegetables - carrots, cabbage, zucchini, pumpkin (both raw and boiled).
5. Dairy products – only occasionally (ryazhenka, milk, cottage cheese, kefir).
6. Fruits – used as a treat (peaches, bananas, apples).

Many breeders believe that a straight French Bulldog develops quickly. Meat products help build muscle mass, while fish products make the coat thick and shiny. But natural nutrition also has its disadvantages - you need to spend a lot of time preparing food, and it is difficult to create a balanced diet.

Natural products

Natural food prepared at home must be balanced and consist of products suitable for feeding the “French”.

As a rule, this diet is based on porridge prepared from equal parts:

• lean meat - beef, veal or poultry (maximum 15% of meat can be replaced with offal);
• barley, buckwheat, pearl barley or rice;
• vegetables - cabbage, carrots, zucchini, beets, tomatoes, cucumbers;
• sunflower and olive oils with a fat content of no more than 1%.

Potatoes can only be given raw, since boiled potatoes have a high content of easily digestible starch.

The natural diet of French bulldogs is allowed to include:

• dairy products - cottage cheese, live yogurt, whole milk, low-fat sour cream, curdled milk, natural whey. Approximately 40% of the “French” begin to develop lactose intolerance after six months. It is worth limiting the consumption of dairy products; there are no negative consequences after consuming fermented milk products;
• low-fat, oceanic fish varieties, rich in microelements and amino acids. Adult pets can be given raw, but only after deep freezing;
• fruits and berries. In addition to vegetables, dosed consumption of such fruits and berries as apple, pear, plum, quince, watermelon, melon, rowan and banana is allowed. There are no restrictions on eating green, non-sweet apples.

IMPORTANT!

Pork is a source of the deadly false rabies virus, but its consumption is not prohibited if the meat is boiled or deep-frozen.

The Frenchie should be fed twice a day . Food should be warm, at least room temperature. Even when defrosting food in the microwave, they need to be cut and only then reheated.

Rating of the best food for bulldog puppies

For French Bulldog puppies, you need to choose food especially carefully, since their organs and systems are in the formation phase. The composition should have a high content of proteins, vitamins and microelements.

The market offers a wide range of ready-made dry food of economy, premium, super-premium and holistic classes. According to reviews from breeders and veterinarians, the rating of brands of granules for feeding French bulldog puppies looks like this:

1. Acana Heritage.
2. Now Fresh Small Breed.
3. Farmina N&D.
4. Monge Specialty line.
5. 1st Choice Puppy.
6. Purina Pro Plan Optiderma.
7. Eukanuba Puppy.
8. Hill's Science Plan.

Premium class

Premium food is the most popular. One of them is Optiderma Puppy Small & Mini. The “drying” consists of rice and salmon or chicken. The protein is easily digestible, rice serves as a source of carbohydrates, and dried salmon provides proteins to the puppy's body. There are fatty acids, trace elements, antioxidants and natural preservatives.

Super premium class

The feed belongs to the highest category. Their composition is carefully selected and contains a vitamin and mineral complex.

Monge Specialty line is a line of Italian super-premium food. The Mini Puppy & Junior Lamb variety with lamb meat (40%), rice, Omega 3 and 6 is intended for Frenchie puppies. The granules are suitable for pets with digestive problems. There are supplements in the form of zinc, brewer's yeast, biotin, yucca extract and linoleic acid. The presence of corn is rather a disadvantage, since the component often becomes an allergen.

Holistic

New generation super-premium granules are called holistic. The ingredients used in their production are suitable for human consumption. The manufacturing technology is innovative, allowing to preserve the beneficial properties of all components.

Now Fresh Small Breed is holistic without corn, grains, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The main component of the food is duck and turkey meat. Next on the ingredient list is salmon. Peas and potatoes act as a source of carbohydrates. The holistic product contains dried fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs and berries. The granules are small, clover-shaped. They are convenient for a bulldog puppy to chew on.

How many times a day should you feed your Frenchie?

The frequency of feedings for a French bulldog is the same as for dogs of other small and medium breeds. While the puppy is with the breeder, he feeds it 6 times a day. If you bought a two-month-old Frenchie, feed him at least 5 times a day. Take a vacation or ask your parents or neighbors to help.

The fact is that dry food will have to be soaked at first. If the puppy does not eat the mush within 15-20 minutes, put the bowl in the refrigerator. When it is time for the second meal, warm up the food and feed it completely. If it doesn't eat, throw it away. Hunger will make the puppy understand that no one will give anything at the first whine. The pet will gradually learn discipline and will eat everything that is offered at a strictly defined time.

A three-month-old Frenchie is fed four times. It is advisable to give half the portion at one feeding, then less and less, gradually reducing it to nothing. From four months to 6-8, the puppy eats three times a day.

Monitor the puppy’s weight, if it corresponds to the growth plan, at 8-9 months transfer it to two meals a day. Dry food norm

The package tells you how many grams per day to give your dog depending on weight and age. Let us examine the principle of rationing using the example of recommendations for the use of Akana dry food.

Let's say our adult Frenchman weighs 10 kg. Dogs of this breed are not very active, so we give them 90 g of dry food per day. The feeding frequency is 2, so the volume of a single serving is: 90/2=45. If your dog doesn't eat the entire portion, try dividing it into 3 meals. If he doesn’t eat, reduce the portion.

In hot weather, the French protect themselves from overheating by reducing their consumption. In cold weather they need to be heated from the inside, so increase or reduce the portion by 10-15%.

A French Bulldog puppy should be fed at an adjusted rate.

Babies move more than adults. If you are going to determine the norm for a pet weighing 2 kg and aged 1.5-3 months, focus on the average value: (30+40)/2=35. To ensure growth during this period, a coefficient of 2 is used. Total: 35*2=70. Number of feedings - 5. Single serving: 70/5=14 g.

For teenagers, use other multipliers shown in the figure.

Rating of the best food for adult bulldogs

Adult Frenchies need food that meets high quality standards, is healthy, balanced, and designed to maintain the animal’s optimal weight. According to expert surveys, the rating of the best food for French bulldogs over a year old includes the following brands:

1. Grandorf.
2. Brit Care Lamb & Rice.
3. Belcando Finest Light.
4. Advance French Bulldog.
5. Cesar.
6. Bosch Mini Adult.
7. Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult.

Premium class

Food under the Advance brand from Spanish manufacturers belongs to the premium class. The line includes a special diet for Advance French Bulldogs. The main source of proteins in it is duck meat and dehydrated animal protein. Ingredients include barley, corn and rice (carbohydrate sources), soybean oil and fish oil (fatty acids). The granules are enriched with prebiotics. All components are well digestible, natural preservatives, high-quality vitamin and mineral supplements, but corn can cause an allergic reaction.

You should include premium Bosch Mini Adult food in your French Bulldog's diet. Poultry meat comes first in the composition. In addition, the list of ingredients includes lamb flour, powdered eggs, fish oil, millet, corn, rice and prebiotics. The food is affordable, contains mineral supplements, but the percentage of animal protein is low, and the name of the preservatives is not specified.

Super premium class

High-quality super-premium food for French bulldogs is produced by a Czech manufacturer under the Brit Care brand. In the Adult Small Breed Lamb & Rice diet, the share of lamb meal is 36%, followed by rice, fruits and vegetables. Salmon oil is a source of fatty acids. The product contains no harmful components and is suitable for daily feeding.

Belcando Finest Light is a super-premium food made from fresh poultry meat (30%), which is not frozen, but processed within 24 hours after slaughter. All useful substances are preserved. The composition includes rice, oatmeal and potato starch. The product is used as a complete replacement for natural feeding.

Holistic

The best food that is suitable for a French bulldog in all respects is Grandorf. Its formula is unique - there are no grains, and animal protein takes up 60% of the total volume. In addition, it contains antioxidants, minerals and amino acids. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. The granules are affordable, used economically, and the packaging lasts a long time.

Holistic from Belgian manufacturers is intended for adult bulldogs and puppies, without allergens, soy and dyes. The main advantage is the natural composition, high content of quality meat.

Wet food

When choosing wet food for your Frenchie, you need to focus on the list of ingredients, manufacturer’s recommendations, age and preferences of the pet. The canned product has advantages - reliable packaging, calorie content and attractive taste. It should be remembered that cheap food cannot be of a high class and have a balanced composition. The purpose of wet food can be different - for daily use, gourmet and medicinal. Veterinarians advise feeding your French bulldog dry and wet diets. This combination allows you to get rid of tartar and improve the functioning of your dog’s digestive system.

For puppies

Canned food should be given to puppies when transitioning from breastfeeding to full nutrition. Kids eat them with pleasure - they are attracted by the appearance, consistency, aroma and taste of the product. There are both well-advertised brands on the market and new, little-known ones:

1. Royal Canin - intended for Frenchie puppies, consists of small kibble. The product is suitable for two month old bulldogs. Canned food contains proteins, grains, minerals, yeast, and fats. Unfortunately, Royal Canin brand packaging is only small - 85 g.
2. Happy Dog NaturLine is a premium meat pate recommended for daily feeding for puppies four months and older. In the line you can find different canned food - with the taste of rabbit, lamb, chicken, duck and turkey. Rice content is only 4%.
3. “Native food” is canned food for puppies that is produced in Russia. There are three versions of the product - with turkey, beef or rabbit. The main ingredient is meat. The packaging is convenient (340 g each), the taste is excellent, the composition is balanced.

For adult dogs

When purchasing canned food, you should opt for premium, super-premium or holistic products.

Grandin wet food is a holistic food with a rich meat composition, intended for dogs of all ages. There are no vegetable, fruit or grain additives in it; it contains flaxseed oil and meat broth.

Grain-free canned food GO! contribute to the inhibition of aging. They contain natural meat and are suitable for bulldogs with digestive problems.

Most dog breeders recommend German canned food Belcando. They do not contain GMOs or artificial additives. The formula includes only natural farm products, the main part (98.8%) being meat. Other ingredients are vitamins and minerals. In the recipe, which includes a side dish, 5% is vegetables and noodles.

TOP 5 hypoallergenic foods for the French bulldog

If there is an o on the packaging, this is a guarantee that the product contains only natural ingredients that cannot lead to a negative reaction in the body. They are prepared according to several principles:

1. Dangerous animal protein (chicken) is replaced with safe one (turkey, rabbit).
2. Artificial components are excluded.
3. Contains vegetables and probiotics.

The TOP 5 foods for French bulldogs with allergies include:

1. 1st Choice Sensitive Skin&Coat Adult Lamb&Fish.
2. Brit.
3. Monge Specialty Line Hypoallergenic.
4. Husse Digest.
5. Pro Plan Adult Medium Sensitive Skin Optiderma.

1st Choice Sensitive Skin&Coat Adult Lamb&Fish

Premium product made in Canada. Protein is represented by lamb meat. In addition, it contains fish (herring), vegetables, rice, potatoes, pearl barley and oatmeal. The advantage of the food is the normalization of microflora, protection of skin and coat. Among the disadvantages is the high calorie content.

Brit

Super premium food is produced in the Czech Republic. The meat included in the formula is minimally allergenic (lamb, venison, salmon). In addition to proteins, there are potatoes or rice, minerals and vitamins. The price of the product is low. The disadvantages of the formula include the presence of potatoes in some diets.

Monge Specialty Line Hypoallergenic

Holistic made in Italy. Contains tuna and salmon. Such protein sources do not cause an allergic reaction, improve the appearance and condition of the skin, and help reduce inflammation. The diet has a fishy smell, bulldogs do not get used to it well.

Husse Digest

Super-premium dry food made in Sweden. It includes lamb, rice, salmon and nutritional supplements. The minimal list of ingredients makes the product acceptable for use by bulldogs with food allergies. The amount of meat is maximum, there are no plant allergens, the composition is balanced. The line includes “drying” for both puppies and adult dogs.

Pro Plan Adult Medium Sensitive Skin Optiderma

Premium food produced in France and Russia. The ingredients used are protein (dried fish), rice, soybeans, corn, cellulose and vegetable oil. The advantages include low price, high digestibility of the product, the presence of vitamins and minerals.

What should a French Bulldog not eat?

Despite the fact that a French bulldog can be fed both “natural” and “dry”, there are a number of foods that are strictly not recommended.

The following are prohibited:

• bread and pastries, especially with yeast and margarine;
• pasta;
• citrus and exotic fruits;
• sugar and chocolate;
• fried, smoked, pickled;
• sausage;
• food with marinade, spices, vinegar;
• onion and garlic;
• mayonnaise;
• tubular bones;
• grape;
• River fish.

It is unacceptable to feed a puppy or an adult dog with leftover food from the owner’s table. As a treat for the bulldog, they buy special treats that contain only meat and starch.

Allowed treats

The best treats for French bulldogs are beef tails and large bones. These products contain useful substances. But you should give bones only under human supervision, as bone fragments are dangerous . After making sure that the dog has gnawed all the cartilage on the sides, you should throw away the remains. For entertainment, the French bulldog can use the so-called ruminant dried pig ears.

Remember, no matter what breed your pet has, you are his best friend, and his mood, health and even life depend only on you. Love your pets, and they, in turn, will not remain indifferent to you.

Vitamin and mineral supplements for dogs

To create a complete, balanced diet, the food of French bulldogs needs to be enriched with vitamin and mineral supplements. Their source is meat and bone meal, which contains not only proteins, but also minerals:

1. Sodium and chlorine (table salt) are necessary to maintain osmotic pressure in tissues and cells.
2. Potassium – regulates water content in tissues.
3. Calcium is a component of nerve cells.
4. Copper and iron – promotes the formation of hemoglobin in the blood.
5. Sulfur is a necessary element for the functioning of the body.
6. Phosphorus – participates in the structure of bone tissue.
7. Iodine is part of the hormone thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland.

Diet for Obese French Bulldogs

The French Bulldog loves to eat, so it is prone to overeating and obesity. Most often, the culprit of the problem is the owners who feed their pet without following the rules and regulations. To avoid excess weight in your Frenchie, you need to regularly monitor his diet, walking and physical activity.

At the first signs of the appearance of excess weight, you need to increase your walking activity and feed with dietary “drying”:

1. Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care.
2. Royal Canin Hypoallergenic DR21.
3. Purina for obese adult dogs.

The pet should be weighed periodically and not allowed to eat a lot. If the weight increases, you should seek help from a veterinarian.

Reviews from veterinarians

“French bulldogs are prone to allergies. It manifests itself in the form of a rash, redness on the skin, and itching. Even foods that the dog has consumed throughout its life can provoke the disease.”

“The owners of dogs often come to me in a state where irreparable harm to their health has already been done. To avoid this, preventive examinations should be carried out at a veterinary clinic annually with an adult dog and twice a year with a puppy. But, most importantly, the pet must undergo a full course of vaccination. It’s cheaper to prevent the development of a disease in a bulldog than to treat an already advanced process.”

“Since the French bulldog breed is inactive and genetically prone to weight gain, when walking the dog is recommended not only long walking, but also training and running. Remember! Obesity is a heavy load on internal organ systems with a likelihood of death.”

Which dry food to choose for older dogs?

Elderly Frenchies have a reduced metabolic rate and lead a sedentary lifestyle, so obesity and the manifestation of pathologies in dogs in old age are not uncommon. For your pet, you need to reduce the calorie content of food, choose lean meat, add fermented milk products and vegetables rich in vitamins to the diet.

In old age, French bulldogs can not only gain excess weight, but also lose weight and lose their appetite. To arouse interest in food, the French are offered food with a strong and pleasant smell. It is worth considering that weight loss can be a consequence of a serious illness.

Old dogs are prone to constipation because they don't drink enough water. If this pathology is present, the pet is fed more fiber and fermented milk products.

If the dog begins to lose teeth or has sore gums, give him ground, soft food with plenty of liquid to eat.

To strengthen the skeletal system, foods high in calcium, chondroitin and glucosamine are included in the diet.

For bulldogs over seven years old, the hypoallergenic food Asana Heritage Senor Dog New is suitable. If there are problems with teeth, the granules are soaked before serving.

What are the dangers of an incorrectly formulated diet?

Due to lack of activity, dogs can develop obesity. To avoid this, you need to select a portion size that is comfortable for your bulldog once and not change it. After the meal, any leftovers from the bowl are removed. The dog must receive all macro- and micronutrients and vitamins from food. The dog needs constant access to a bowl of clean water, which should be changed 2-3 times a day.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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A dog's obesity can be checked by applying gentle finger pressure to its sides. If the bulldog's ribs can still be felt, then everything is fine.

Lack of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus leads to the development of rickets. Outwardly, this manifests itself in the weakness of the bulldog, a stooped back, fatigue, and impulses to dine on earth, feces, and lime. In advanced stages, irreversible atrophy of internal organs occurs, bone tissue becomes soft, and the dog’s joints and muscles lose elasticity.

The teeth of this breed are prone to brittleness and rapid wear; therefore, it is not recommended to let dogs chew bones and hard food.