Looking for the best dog food for French Bulldogs? Keep reading! Despite being the most popular breed in the US, Frenchies are totally unique. Famous for their cute and quirky personalities, these pint-sized pups deserve the best.
The right food is important for every dog – but especially short-muzzled, stocky breeds like the Frenchie. In fact, one study found that French Bulldogs are more likely to develop over twenty different health conditions!
Even in healthy Frenchies, breathing can still be difficult, so keeping their weight healthy is key to a long, happy life. Not every condition can be prevented, but the right diet will make sure your pup is as strong as possible.
Before we get into our top product picks, let’s take a quick look at what makes food right for Frenchies. For healthy homemade treats, check out our easy recipe for peanut butter banana dog biscuits!
What Does a French Bulldog Need to Thrive?
As the Frenchie’s build leaves them vulnerable to health problems, it’s crucial you feed them complete and balanced formulas for their size – and age – high in protein and low in fat to keep them trim.
Not only have you gotta keep them lean, but you’ve gotta keep them keen! Frenchies can be fussy, so if you’ve got a picky eater, make sure you try fresh, slow-cooked, or freeze-dried foods that really lock in flavor.
They’re also prone to skin and stomach allergies, so clean, natural, wholesome ingredients like real meat and fish, with fiber-filled fruits and veggies, are a must. Look for skin and gut nurturing nutrients and supplements like Omegas and probiotics, and stay away from nasty fillers and additives!
Portion size is also key to a healthy weight. Adult Frenchies should eat around 1-1.5 cups of food per day, split between meals, whilst puppies should eat smaller meals more often, and seniors should cut down on calories as they age. Ask your vet for tailored advice!
Key takeaways:
- Whole nutrition for small breedsÂ
- Age-specific formulasÂ
- High-protein and low-fat foods
- Wholesome, natural ingredientsÂ
- Omegas and probioticsÂ
- Fresh, cooked, and freeze-dried taste bestÂ
- Portion control is key!Â
- Avoid additives and fillersÂ
Top Picks
- Best Overall – Ollie
- Best Raw – MaevÂ
- Best Variety – The Pets Table
- Best Freeze-Dried – Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend
- Best Breed Specific – Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French BulldogÂ
- Best High Protein – Orijen Amazing Grains High-Protein Small Breed Dog Food
- Best Puppy Pick – Jinx Jr Whole Grain Chicken RecipeÂ
- Best For Skin & Stomach – Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet PotatoÂ
- Best Budget Pick – Purina Pro Plan Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula–
Best Overall: Ollie
Ollie is our top overall pick for truly tailored nutrition. They’re a subscription delivery service that customizes your dog’s meal plans to their unique needs, prioritizing weight control, energy, gut health, and allergies. Perfect for Frenchies!
Key features:
- Subscription delivery service
- Tailored meal plansÂ
- Variety of flavors
- Fresh, baked, and mixed plans
- Vet-designed formulasÂ
- Human-grade ingredientsÂ
- Responsibly sourcedÂ
- Minimally processedÂ
- Gut health and allergy relief
- High energy and weight controlÂ
- No fillers, additives, or hormones
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Hassle-free packaging
- Made in the USAÂ
- Manage your account on the appÂ
- Free health screening includedÂ
- Comes with a welcome kit
What we like:
With a range of flavors to choose from, you can choose between fresh, baked, and mixed plans to find what suits you best. All of their recipes are made by vets with responsibly sourced, human-grade ingredients like real meat and veg, and minimally processed to be as yummy as possible.Â
They’re free from fillers, additives, and hormones, and made without common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy. After doing their quick quiz, you’ll be sent a starter box with two weeks’ worth of food, a cute welcome kit with a puptainer and scoop, and a free feeding guide, plus access to the app.
On the app, you’ll be able to manage your orders and even get a free health screening with personalized advice from their team.
What to consider:
Subscription services aren’t right for everyone, but with different plans to choose from, there’s something for a variety of budgets. We especially love their mixed plan, which gives you the benefits of fresh food for half the price.Â
Fresh, human-grade food made from real ingredients for a healthier pup today and tomorrow. Recipes made from whole food ingredients, slow cooked for nutrition and flavor and always fresh.
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Best Raw: Maev
If you’re looking to go raw, take a look at Maev! They sell vet-formulated, human-grade raw meals for dogs, alongside supplements, treats, and a mouth-watering bone broth topper. If you’re on the fence about it, you can also order a trial bag to try it out!
Key features:
- 100% raw and made by vetsÂ
- Human-grade meat, fruit, and veg
- Beef and chicken flavors
- Adult and puppy formulas Â
- Minimally processedÂ
- Targets seven key areas of healthÂ
- Special formulas for different concerns
- USDA-certified and AAFCO-compliant
- Rigorously tested for bad bacteriaÂ
- No fillers or synthetic additivesÂ
- Made in the USA with world-class food safety
- Flexible deliveries on subscriptionÂ
- Trial bags availableÂ
What we like:
It’s another subscription service, with very flexible delivery plans and two flavors to choose from – beef and chicken. However, you can opt for their variety plan to be surprised every time!Â
Both formulas are 100% raw and minimally processed, with highly bioavailable meat and nutritious fruits and veggies. They’re also fortified with supplements that target seven key areas of health: oral, weight, mobility, immunity, coat, cognitive development, and anxiety.
The brand ensures their food is rigorously tested for E.coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Micro to keep you and your pup safe, with world-class safety standards and USDA-certified, AAFCO-compliant ingredients.
You can also choose special formulas that target specific areas of health and wellbeing, including mobility for seniors and digestion for sensitive tummies, as well as a puppy formula for youngsters.
What to consider:
If you wanna feed your Frenchie 100% raw, speak to your vet first and transition their diet gradually – such a big change can be a shock to their stomach if it’s done too fast!Â
Maev, along with a team of PhD Veterinary Nutritionists, formulated their protein-rich Raw Food with 11 core ingredients including lean Beef or Chicken (plus Liver, Gizzard, and Sweetbreads), fresh vegetables and fruits, and functional supplements in every serving.
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Best Variety: The Pets Table
The Pets Table is our top pick for those who value the spice of life, with a variety of plans to choose from, including fresh, air-dried, mixed, and half-fresh, plus a bunch of different flavors. There are also wholegrain options, grain-free options, and allergy-friendly meals for sensitive pups.
Key features:
- Fresh, air-dried, mixed, and half-fresh subscriptions
- Wholegrain, grain-free, and hypoallergenic formulas
- Variety of flavors to choose fromÂ
- Made with board-certified vet nutritionists
- Whole nutrition for all breeds
- Human-grade meat and fishÂ
- Fiber-rich fruits and veggiesÂ
- Supplemental superfoodsÂ
- Enriched with vitamins and postbioticsÂ
- Minimally processedÂ
- Picky-eater approvedÂ
- Free from fillers and additives
- AAFCO compliant
- Made in the USA
What we like:
All of their meals are minimally processed for maximum goodness, with a high fiber content and postbiotics for smooth digestion. They’re made with board-certified vet nutritionists for whole, complete nutrition in line with AAFCO standards, and contain only real, human-grade foods like beef, salmon, berries, and pumpkin to please even the pickiest of eaters!
What to consider:
If you wanna try fresh food but find it too expensive, the brand’s half-fresh plan sends you fresh toppers to mix with dry food, for a ton of the benefits at a fraction of the price.Â
Every plan provided by The Pets Table ensures a balanced diet for your dog, packed with ingredients they will adore, all reviewed by their Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist.
Best Freeze-Dried: Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend
If you like the sound of raw feeding, but not the texture, storage space, or short shelf life, check out Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend. It has all the benefits of raw nutrition with none of the drawbacks, in a freeze-dried formula you can order regularly or on subscription.
Key features:
- Freeze-dried raw food
- 100% natural premium-quality ingredients
- Ranch-raised turkey, beef, salmon, and duck
- Tasty fruits and veggies like cranberries and carrots
- Superfoods like flaxseed and dried kelp
- Promotes healthy energy and digestion
- Supports healthy joints, teeth, and skin
- Suitable for all adult dogsÂ
- No fillers or syntheticsÂ
- Trial-sized bags available
- One-of buys or discounted subscriptionsÂ
- 90-day money-back guaranteeÂ
What we like:
The premium-quality, protein-packed formula is all-natural, with ranch-raised turkey, beef, salmon, and duck. It’s suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, with tasty fruits and veggies like apples and carrots, as well as health-enriching superfoods like flaxseed and dried kelp.Â
It’s carefully crafted to boost energy levels, ease digestion, and promote good oral health and healthy skin, plus better mobility and longevity in ageing pups.
What to consider:
It’s on the pricey side, but you can get it on discount if you buy it on subscription. You can also order a trial-sized bag before committing to a bigger buy, with a 90-day money-back guarantee, just in case.Â
This formula combines premium-quality raw meat with hand-selected fruits and vegetables — to give your dog the nutrition they need to live a full, healthy life. Because of its unique freeze-drying process, Dr. Marty Nature's Blend is the most effective formula for canine longevity.
Best Breed Specific: Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog
If you’re looking for something made strictly for Frenchies, how about the Royal Canin’s Breed Health Nutrition French Bulldog formula?
Key features:
- Made for French BulldogsÂ
- Adult and puppy formulas
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Uniquely designed for Frenchie mouths
- Tailored to support breed health concerns
- Exclusive nutrients for healthy skin and muscles
- Highly digestible proteins and high-quality carbs
- Precise fiber content for better poops and less gasÂ
What we like:
Not only is it tailored to support the unique bodies and health concerns of French Bulldogs, but it’s also specially designed for their short muzzles and wide jaws to be easy to eat.Â
Comprised of highly digestible proteins and high-quality carbs with a precise fiber content, it’s perfectly crafted for weight management, smooth digestion, healthier poops, and less gas. It’s also enriched with exclusive nutrients like L-carnitine for a strong skin barrier and healthy muscle mass, and it’s perfectly balanced for complete, whole nutrition.
What to consider:
It contains wheat, so avoid it if your Frenchie has a gluten allergy!Â
This French Bulldog food features a customized curved-shaped kibble that is specially designed for your French Bulldog's short muzzle and jaw shape, making it easy for them to pick up and chew. Not only that, but this complete and balanced adult dog food provides nutrition to help your best friend thrive. Protein and L-carnitine in the dog kibble help support healthy muscles, while exclusive nutrients help support the skin barrier for healthy skin.
Best High Protein: Orijen Amazing Grains High-Protein Small Breed Dog Food
If you’re looking for a high-protein formula for your active Frenchie, check out the Orijen Amazing Grains High-Protein Small Breed Dog Food.
Key features:
- Ancestral-inspired nutrition for small dogs
- Weight-conscious balanced blend
- 90% animal ingredients
- Raw free-run meat, including organs
- Wild-caught fresh fish
- Fiber-rich grains from non-GMO crops
- Omegas support healthy skin, coat, and joints
- Pre and probiotics for gut healthÂ
- Immune system supportÂ
- Small bites for small mouths
- Made in the USA
What we like:
With ancestral-inspired nutrition and 90% animal ingredients like raw, free-run turkey, chicken liver, and wild-caught fresh fish, it provides a weight-conscious, balanced blend of protein-packed power for small dogs, with small bites for small mouths.Â
The fish ingredients include wild-caught herring, cod, and pollock, which are loaded with Omega fatty acids for healthier joints, skin, and coats. It’s also loaded with fiber-rich grains like oats and quinoa from non-GMO crops, with added prebiotics and probiotics for optimal digestion and immune support.
What to consider:
If you’re after something limited-ingredient or grain-free, this isn’t it!Â
This premium food is packed with animal ingredients like fresh or raw protein from free-run turkey and chicken plus wild-caught fish. The first five ingredients are always animal protein, providing your furry friend with essential nutrients for optimal health.
Best Puppy Pick: Jinx Jr Whole Grain Chicken Recipe
For precious puppies, the Jinx Jr Whole Grain Chicken Recipe is our top pick! With whole nutrition in every scoop, give them the best start in life with this delicious organic chicken, wholegrain rice, and sweet potato recipe.
Key features:
- Whole nutrition for puppies of all breeds
- Organic cage-free USA farm-raised chicken
- Wholegrain rice for sustained energy
- Immune-boosting fruits and veggies
- DHA to support cognitive developmentÂ
- Bc30 probiotics for gut healthÂ
- Calcium and phosphorus for bones and muscles
- No corn, wheat, soy, fillers, or additives
- Made in the USA
What we like:
With optimal levels of DHA, an Omega fatty acid found in mother’s milk, it supports better cognitive development, learning, and vision. It’s also rich in calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone and muscle growth, with Bc30 probiotics for easy digestion.Â
The chicken is cage-free and farm-raised in the USA for the best quality meat, with balanced carbs for all-day energy and yummy, immune-boosting superfoods like pumpkin and blueberries.
What to consider:
It’s not suitable for pups with grain allergies as it contains rice, but otherwise, it’s a great pick – and excellent value for money!
The Jinx Jr kibble recipe was created by experts to help your puppy build a strong foundation from the start — with a great taste that can only come from using real, high-quality ingredients. Made with organic chicken to enrich your puppy’s growing muscles, whole grains for sustained energy and healthy digestion, and essential vitamins and minerals to support your puppy’s developing brain and heart function.
Best For Skin & Stomach: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato
If you want something that prioritizes your Frenchie’s skin and stomach, check out Natural Balance’s Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato kibble!
Key features:
- Recommended by vets
- Expertly made for sensitivity
- Whole nutrition for small dogsÂ
- Single protein source formulaÂ
- Omega-rich salmonÂ
- Fiber-rich sweet potatoesÂ
- Nourishes the skin, coat, and joints
- Crunchy texture cleans teeth and gums
- No poultry, grains, soy, fillers, or additives
- Cooked in the USA
What we like:
Expertly made for whole nutrition and food sensitivity in small dogs, it’s cooked in the USA and recommended by vets! Real salmon is the only animal protein source for a simpler, cleaner diet, with fiber-rich sweet potatoes for smooth digestion.Â
Salmon is naturally loaded with Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids that nourish the skin, coat, hips, and joints, and it’s super crunchy for good oral health.
What to consider:
It is a little on the expensive side, but it’s worth it for sensitivity-tailored nutrition – and you can get it discounted on autoship!Â
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Small Breeds. This recipe features real salmon as the number one ingredient. With a single source of animal protein and fiber-rich sweet potato, this complete and balanced meal goes easy on your pup’s stomach.
Best Budget Pick: Purina Pro Plan Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula
On a budget? The Purina Pro Plan Adult Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula is a great choice. It’s designed for optimal health in small breed dogs, including seniors, with a nutrient-dense formula and bite-sized pieces.
Key features:
- Designed for dogs under 20 lbs
- Suitable for seniors
- Bite-sized piecesÂ
- Nutrient-dense formula
- High in calories and proteinÂ
- Real chicken is the first ingredientÂ
- Balanced carbs from riceÂ
- Live probiotics for gut resilienceÂ
- Omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin A, and linoleic acidÂ
- Nourishes the skin and coat
- Supports healthy weight and immunity Â
- Promotes better dental health and breathÂ
- No artificial flavors or colorsÂ
What we like:
It’s made to support a long, active life, with a high-protein, high-energy blend of quality chicken and digestible rice. Despite being high-calorie, it’s thoughtfully balanced to keep weight down and uses live probiotics to build your pup’s gut microbiome resilience.Â
It’s also packed with Omega-6 fatty acids, linoleic acid, and vitamin A to nourish the skin and coat and boost health and immunity, with a satisfying crunch that cleans teeth and fights bad breath.
What to consider:
If your Frenchie is more of a couch potato, it’s not for them!
With a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor, this crunchy and tender blend with chicken and rice offers a taste and texture dogs love. With real chicken as the first ingredient, this super-premium small breed dry dog food delivers outstanding nutrition to help keep your dog at his very best.
FAQs
Is dry food better for French Bulldogs?
Wet foods have a higher fat content, so dry food tends to be better for stocky breeds. However, there are some great quality wet dog foods out there; it’s all about the quality of the ingredients.
Is whole-grain or grain-free food better for French Bulldogs?
It all depends on your dog – high-quality whole grains like oats are full of fiber and great for gut health, but many dogs have intolerances to them. If you’re unsure, ask your vet.
How do I know if my Frenchie has an allergy?
If your Frenchie’s allergic to something in their diet, it’ll likely cause skin, coat, and stomach issues. Talk to your vet about doing an elimination diet to find the cause if you’re unsure, or switch to hypoallergenic or grain-free food to see if it makes a difference.
Final Thoughts
Those are our best dog foods for French Bulldogs, with a focus on keeping your Frenchie in tip-top shape! Remember to transition them to a new food slowly if you’re massively changing their diet, and if you’re a new or soon-to-be owner, ask any questions you have in the comments below! For more cool stuff for your dog, check out our best dog beds for French Bulldogs.
