One of the most popular small breeds, the French Bulldog, also known as the Frenchie, is the perfect pet for families that may not be as active and athletic, that enjoy movie marathons with their kids, and don’t mind the snoring sounds.

Surprisingly, this breed originates from the UK, created to be a smaller version of the Bulldog that was later brought to France by English lacemakers. History suggests that these dogs were mentioned in France as early as the 1800s when they were used for ratting, but as time passed, they became very popular companion dogs.

This friendly and affectionate dog is very easy to spot: compact body, short stubby nose, and distinguished bat-shaped ears make everyone Aww, whenever a Frenchie walks in the room. Because they are very friendly and great with kids, they are also often recommended as family dogs. 

French Bulldogs are brachycephalic dogs, meaning they have short snouts and long soft palates, which is one of the reasons why they often snore. 

This makes them moderately active dogs, which are perfect for people who are also not that active and who enjoy short walks to the park. That flat face anatomy can in some cases cause serious respiratory problems, which is why owners need to be especially careful when exercising their Frenchie. Other health issues that vets often see are knee problems, spinal problems, and very often allergies. 

So, what are the things that every new owner needs to know before they become pet parents to one Frenchie:

• They have a life expectancy of at least 10 to 12 years, which is a long-term commitment
• They do shed, and even though people may think that a dog with a short coat does not need grooming, it is the opposite. They still leave lots of fluff around and they may be prone to skin problems
• Be prepared for some veterinary medical expenses. The breed is generally healthy, but some things could drain your pocket. This is why we recommend considering medical insurance for your Frenchie
• They can be stubborn, but they can be trained. Talk to trainers and work on socialization with your puppy 
• If you love to run for a couple of miles per day, then don’t choose this breed to be your companion. They just are not built for that. But this does not mean that they don’t require exercise and playtime. 

A common marketing trick when it comes to commercial breed-specific food

Oftentimes new owners are overly excited about the new puppy that is coming into their home, so they go on a shopping spree. I know this because I did the same! And as every pet parent, they want what is best for their dog. So they go on and buy food specially designed for the French Bulldog! 

Even though that is not wrong, there is something that you need to know. There is no such thing as a food that is specially made for a specific breed. That is simply a very well-made marketing trick that big companies use, especially with new owners. 

The reality is that there are no studies that point out the big differences when it comes to breeds. It is because it is, but it is usually well-marketed and presented. And big companies usually target new and eager owners, because we are always happy and excited to welcome the new addition to the family! I know how I was when I went on a shopping spree before Fred came! 

So, what is important when it comes to choosing the best food for your French Bulldog?

Rather than thinking about which brand of specific French Bulldog dog food to buy, here are a few ideas that are important when it comes to making the right choice:

• Energy level: the type of food will depend on how active you plan to be with your dog. But, you have to have in mind that this breed is not that active, which means that the energy level and the daily calorie intake will certainly not be the same as, the Boxer

• Weight management: because your Frenchie may turn out to be a couch potato, you need to think about how much and which brand or type of food you will choose for them. Frenchies are prone to obesity and that will certainly seriously affect your dog’s health and your pocket. Your dog may act like it’s always starving, but trust me, that is not the case!

• Consider the health: because Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed, that means that they are prone to respiratory problems, any excess weight will only make normal breathing hard for them. Also, they tend to have spine issues and joint issues, which can again be connected with their weight management and it just means that owners need to be careful what they feed their dog

How to properly feed your new French Bulldog puppy?

We know that new owners always get stressed when they are getting ready to become proud and responsible owners of a new Frenchie. This is why we are giving you the following tips, which will certainly make decision-making much easier, especially when it comes to feeding.

• How much should I feed my puppy: since this is a puppy, it is obvious that they can’t eat a great amount of food at one time. I mean they can, but you will end up cleaning the carpet! Try to make the meals as small as you can. If you decide to feed dog food, make sure you buy a brand that is prepared for small-breed puppies. On the package, the manufacturer usually has a table with feeding guidance, that tells you how much you need to give to your puppy according to its age. You don’t need to buy a specialized French Bulldog puppy food, because it will not make much difference, but your wallet will certainly feel it.
• How often should I feed the dog: when you have a puppy, small amounts and frequent meals is your win combination. Puppies usually sleep a lot, since they have a lot of growing and developing to do. And when they wake up they usually are hungry and need to potty. So, until the age of 1, you can feed your dog 3-4 times a day. Once they are adults, you can feed your dog 1-2 a day. I personally prefer feeding once, at the end of the day, when all of the activity is over for the day. 

A frequently asked question I get from owners is when do we switch our puppy to adult food? And if you ask people or go online you will find different answers. My recommendation is that it mainly depends on the breed of the dog. Smaller breeds, such as your French Bulldog tend to mature earlier and their growing up is pretty much done at the age of one. Large breeds take their sweet time.

Most of these tips you could get from your puppy’s breeder. This is one of the reasons why we always recommend that you do a deep dive search and find reputable breeders before you buy a puppy. Reputable breeders tend to be there whenever you have a question, and they are usually the best source of information for your future Frenchie. 

Exploring the different types of food

The market nowadays offers so many different options that you can choose for your Frenchie. And it pretty much depends on whether your puppy is going to be picky about its food and how much you want to deal with it. 

Kibble

There are so many options to choose from! Just walk into a pet shop and you know what I am talking about! But which one is the best for your French Bulldog? Well, I would talk to your dog’s breeder and ask them which food the puppy is eating or has been on while it was still there.

The pro side of kibble is that it is a balanced meal, so you don’t have to worry if your dog is getting all the nutrients that it needs. It also does not need special preparation. Just pour the required dose and serve. The downside may be that your dog may become picky, which could be costly for your pocket until you can nail the brand that your puppy enjoys. Another downside is that this is a dehydrated food and you should never forget to have enough fresh water available. This also makes it prone to going bad if it is not properly stored. 

Wet food:

Also known as canned food. It means that until open it can have a longer shelf life, but once you open it, you need to give it rather fast as it may go bad in the next couple of days. Another downside of it is that it can cost more compared to dry food. Also, if you feed wet food you need to think about dental hygiene, as this is soft and does not require much chewing. Over time, plaque can form on your dog’s teeth and will require vet attention. 

The positive side is that it contains around 70% water, which will keep your Frenchie well-dehydrated. Ingredient-wise, it probably depends on brand to brand. In general, it contains more animal-based proteins, it has a greater taste which works well if you have a picky Frenchie. 

Raw and homemade food:

The positive side is that you know exactly what you are feeding your dog! No matter if you choose to cook or give raw, it is certainly the healthiest option.

However, you may need to consult with a veterinary nutritionist about diets that will work the best for your Frenchie, which can especially be if they have allergies or are just picky. The same goes for ingredient balance and needs that change with age. And, depending on where you live, you need to consider ingredient availability and price. This type of feeding is not very wallet-friendly I am afraid.

Tips to Remember

We don’t need to emphasize how important bowl hygiene is for your puppy and your adult dog too. After eating, make sure you properly wash and dry their food bowl. The same goes for the water bowl. Wash it whenever you are refilling it.

Whenever you are starting with a new brand of food or introducing something new into your Frenchies diet, watch for any signs of allergy or any type of sensitivity. If you notice changes, contact your vet.

Make sure to research what food is a no-no for dogs. Many times we as owners fall under the influence of puppy eyes and give things that are not dog-friendly. Frenchies are good at giving those looks, so don’t give in! 

Consistency is the key! You need to be persistent in establishing food and feeding habits. Don’t let your French Bulldog train you. It should be the other way around! 

Above all, don’t forget to enjoy with your new puppy!