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7 Best Food For French Bulldog Puppies – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

pied French Bulldog puppy standing on bed

We all want to make sure our dogs are living the best life we can possibly give them, and choosing the right kibble is one piece of the total wellness puzzle.

French Bulldogs are sweet little goblins with sensitive tummies, so it can be even more challenging to find food that works for them. But not to worry, here we have thorough reviews on seven of the best foods for French Bulldog puppies.

Check out our buyer’s guide for further education on French Bulldog nutrition and how to spot a quality kibble!

Divider 5A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer's Dog Turkey The Farmer's Dog Turkey
  • Human-grade food made with quality ingredients
  • Easy to serve
  • Frozen food keeps for 6 months
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    American Journey Grain-Free American Journey Grain-Free
  • Grain-free
  • Lots of whole food ingredients
  • Affordable
  • Third place
    Wellness CORE Grain-Free Wellness CORE Grain-Free
  • Grain-free
  • No fillers
  • Lower calorie per serving
  • Royal Canin French Bulldog Royal Canin French Bulldog
  • Supports healthy gut flora
  • Kibble sized
  • Shaped for little jaws
  • VICTOR Select Nutra Pro Active VICTOR Select Nutra Pro Active
  • Supports healthy GI and immune system
  • Low carb
  • High-quality grains
  • The 7 Best Foods for French Bulldog Puppies

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe Fresh Dog Food – Best Overall

    the farmer's dog turkey recipe

    The Farmer’s Dog Turkey is our favorite dog food for French Bulldog puppies because it provides healthy, balanced nutrition customized to your dog’s needs. This is human-grade food made with USDA turkey and fresh vegetables.

    We like how easy this fresh dog food is to order, store, and serve. Once you receive your box, you store most of the food in the freezer and keep a few bags in the refrigerator to thaw. The Farmer’s Dog will show you how much to serve at each meal — and all you have to do is squeeze the food into a bowl!

    You do have to sign up for a subscription to get this dog food, but you can start with a great discount and cancel any time. It’s also a little pricey and does require freezer space. But we’ve found that even the pickiest eaters love this fresh, nutritious food, and that includes your adorable French Bulldog puppy. That’s why we think this is the best dog food for French Bulldog puppies you can find this year.

    Pros
    • Human-grade food made with quality ingredients
    • Easy to serve
    • Frozen food keeps for 6 months
    • Easy to order and cancel
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Requires a subscription

    2. American Journey Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

    American Journey Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog Food

    A comforting mix of awesome whole food ingredients, no grains or fillers, and a low price point make this puppy food stand out as the best food for French Bulldog puppy for the money.

    Our puppy testers snarfed this brand down faster than we could say “Jack Robinson!” And wholesome ingredients like deboned chicken, salmon oil, blueberries, and carrots are just what your growing Frenchie loves and needs.

    One thing we would like to point out, however, is that this food contains chickpeas. For some puppies, chickpeas can cause excessive gas and bloating — no fun at all. Other dogs have no trouble whatsoever, so just keep an eye on your French Bulldog if you try this brand. With all that said, we think this is the best food for French Bulldog puppies for the money this year.

    Pros
    • Formulated for puppies
    • First ingredient is deboned chicken
    • Grain-free for easy digestion
    • Lots of whole food ingredients
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Contains chickpeas, can cause bloating

    3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Food – Premium Choice

    Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy Deboned Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Whenever we review dog foods, Wellness CORE always makes it onto the list. This brand has an impressive commitment to quality ingredients, perfectly balanced nutrition, and whole-food ingredients.

    We love the array of veggies and fruits in this puppy food, because we know that means the nutrients are easier for dogs to absorb and utilize. And things like deboned chicken and salmon oil are excellent foods for healthy brain and body development.

    On top of all that, there are even probiotic foods in this blend to help your Frenchie’s digestion along!

    The main downside is that a 12-pound bag is quite expensive. But hey, at least in this case you are getting what you pay for — incredible quality kibble for your best furry friend. All in all, we think this is the best premium choice for dog food for French Bulldog puppies available this year.

    Pros
    • Designed for small breed puppies
    • First three ingredients are lean animal proteins
    • Many whole food ingredients, including fruits and veggies
    • Grain-free and no fillers, easier for sensitive stomachs
    • No by-products, or artificial dyes and preservatives
    • Lower calorie per serving to help maintain healthy weight
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food

    Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food

    Royal Canin does an excellent job of crafting their kibble to support your Frenchie’s intestinal health, as well as dental health with ergonomically shaped pieces.

    However, that is about where the good points end. Most of the ingredients, including the proteins, are by-products and meat meals of unspecified origin. And there are almost no whole foods, just mineral and vitamin additives which are harder for your puppy to absorb.

    We were also seriously unimpressed by the price, which is exorbitant for just a 3-pound bag. Maybe they’re too hung up on their own name, but Royal Canin seems to think they can charge a king’s ransom for the cheapest of ingredients. However, if you’re interested in paying a pretty penny for not only gut health but also dental health, our premium choice is your best bet.

    Pros
    • Designed for French Bulldog puppies
    • Formulated to support healthy gut flora
    • Kibble sized and shaped for little jaws
    Cons
    • Incredibly expensive
    • Low-quality ingredients
    • Few whole food ingredients

    5. VICTOR Select Nutra Pro Active Puppy Dry Dog Food

    VICTOR Select Nutra Pro Active Puppy Dry Dog Food

    Victor brand puppy food is 92% meat protein and is a low carb formula to help your Frenchie stay trim and active.

    However, we are not huge fans of the fact that there are no fruits and vegetables from whole food sources, and that many of the meats are very generally labeled, meaning they could be made from sub-par animal parts.

    Overall, Victor puppy food may work as a high protein, supplemental food but we do not recommend it as a regular every-day kibble for French Bulldog puppies.

    Pros
    • Many lean protein ingredients
    • Prebiotics and probiotics for healthy GI and immune system
    • Low carb for weight management
    • High-quality grains, no wheat or corn
    Cons
    • Second ingredient unspecific “blood meal”
    • Most minerals and vitamins are additives

    6. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food

    Hill's Science Diet Puppy Dry Dog Food

    The first ingredient is chicken meal, but Hill’s Science Diet is mainly comprised of grains. Though most of these grains are healthy whole food sources, for the finicky Frenchie tummy, excessive grains can lead to gastrointestinal distress.

    The few wholesome fruits and vegetables in this food are way down at the very bottom of the ingredient list. Food made from mostly grains and added vitamins and minerals is a cheap way to give your dog food that is good enough, but not by a lot.

    Quite frankly, we do not think the price tag and possibility of digestive upset to your puppy is worth this mediocre-quality food.

    Pros
    • First ingredient is chicken meal
    • No artificial dyes or preservatives
    • DHA and antioxidants for healthy eyes
    Cons
    • Mainly made from grains
    • Few whole food ingredients besides grains
    • Most good oils, minerals, and vitamins are additives

    7. Purina Pro Plan Savor Puppy Dry Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan Savor Puppy Dry Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan is made predominantly from two great foods for a sensitive Frenchie’s tummy: chicken and rice.

    However, the lack of quality in the rest of their ingredients leaves a lot to be desired. Poultry by-product and soybean meal sure don’t sound yummy, do they? Plus, no fruits or vegetables means that your puppy will not get the benefit of most of those added vitamins and minerals.

    This Purina blend is less expensive than most, but we don’t necessarily think the trade-off for a lack of quality ingredients is worth the savings. And, cheap filler grains may bother your pup’s stomach more than the good ingredients can make up for!

    Pros
    • First ingredient is chicken, second rice
    • Probiotics to promote healthy digestion
    • Unique texture for variety and enjoyment
    Cons
    • Corn, wheat, and soy fillers may cause GI upset
    • Very few whole food ingredients
    • Contains poultry by-product
    • Vitamins and minerals mostly from additives

    hepper-dog-paw-divider

    Buyer’s Guide – Purchasing the Best Puppy Food for French Bulldog

    Just by looking in the pet food aisle in the grocery store, you are met with hundreds of choices, and you haven’t even looked online yet! But have no fear, your handy and informative buyer’s guide is here!

    Because you want to make sure your French Bulldog puppy has the chance to grow up energetic and healthy, we have put together a useful Q&A as well as nutritional info to help you pick a quality, nutritious food for your furry friend.

    Can I feed my French Bulldog puppy raw meat?

    Yes, just remember to remove any small bones that could stick in the throat or shatter. The best meats for a French Bulldog are lean meats including chicken, turkey, duck, rabbit, quail, and a variety of fish. Meats like beef and pork are fine in smaller amounts but may contribute to obesity if they overindulge.

    Can I feed my French Bulldog peanut butter?

    Yes, but make sure it’s the all-natural stuff that does not have added sugar. Processed sugars can upset your puppy’s stomach and lead to health concerns like obesity. Our puppy testers love the occasional peanut butter treat!

    What foods are safe for a French Bulldog puppy with diarrhea, constipation, or an upset stomach?

    If your pup has digestive upset, your best bet is to feed them super simple and easy-to-digest food. Nutritious, soothing foods for a Frenchie belly include rice (brown is best!), sweet potatoes, and pumpkin.

    Substitute 1-4 tablespoons of their kibble with one of those, cooked and unseasoned, for a fiber-rich, nutritious aid to their digestion.

    Brown Rice
    Image Credit: vm2002, Shutterstock

    How much should I feed my French Bulldog Puppy a day?

    A good starting point for French Bulldogs aged 8 to 12 weeks is 1-1.5 cups over food over the course of three separate meals throughout the day. These pups are notoriously fast eaters, which can cause all kinds of digestion issues, so 3-4 smaller meals a day will help their belly do its job better.

    As they grow you will need to gradually increase this amount and can decrease the number of meals over which you stretch that amount. Check with your vet about proper portion sizes based on your Frenchie’s weight and age.

    Do French Bulldog puppies need a special diet?

    Yes. Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are prone to developing food allergies and gastrointestinal issues. That means you need to pay extra attention to the ingredients in your choice of puppy food and, if necessary, search out brands with fewer ingredients that are higher quality.

    Being small dogs, they also mature faster and can become obese more easily than larger breeds. So, you should choose foods that will promote healthy activity levels and don’t contain too much grain or fatty meats.

    Nutrition for a French Bulldog Puppy

    Just like humans, dogs are omnivores and need a variety of nutrients from both animal and plant sources. Proteins and fats from meats are important, but don’t discount equally nutritious vegetables, fruits, and grains!

    Here are all key nutrients that should compose your French Bulldog’s diet, and why they are important:

    Protein

    Proteins are one of the most important parts of a French Bulldog’s diet. It supports your puppy’s growth and development, lets them maintain healthy skin and nails, and even helps your dog heal from injuries.

    Stick to lean meats for a French Bulldog, as your puppy will grow quickly and could put on extra weight if fed too much fat-rich meat.

    Fat

    Fats are one of your pup’s primary energy sources, as well as being a vehicle for delivering essential vitamins and minerals to the canine system. With the proper amount of fat in their diet, your French Bulldog will see benefits like flexible and resilient paw pads and nose, as well as a healthy coat and skin.

    Man shopping in supermarket reading product information
    Image Credit: LADO, Shutterstock

    Carbohydrates

    Carbohydrates are another essential nutrient for your puppy’s health and are categorized in two ways: simple and complex. The sensitive tummy of the French Bulldog often has trouble with simple carbs, like sugars and starches, which digest quickly and for a fast burst of energy.

    Most whole fruits, vegetables, and grains are complex carbohydrates that give your dog a steadier supply of energy. Complex carbs are much better for your French Bulldog puppy, as opposed to simple, because they are far more nutritionally dense and often fiber-rich.

    Fiber

    Fiber is a dietary staple that encourages your French Bulldog’s digestion to run smooth and easy. Common high fiber ingredients in dog food include rice, corn, oats, other grains, and a plethora of fruits and veggies.

    For a pup with a notoriously sensitive stomach, it is particularly important that the fiber-rich ingredients in the food be of superior quality and carefully chosen. Excessive fiber in a Frenchie’s food can cause many GI issues, especially non-nutrient dense fibers like poor-quality wheat and corn.

    Vitamins and Minerals

    Your French Bulldog puppy will also need an array of vitamins and minerals to support various important functions within their body. They are most bioavailable when your dog consumes whole foods that contain these nutrients.

    The vitamins that are important to a French Bulldog puppy’s development include choline, biotin, folic acid, and vitamin A, B, C, and many more. Major minerals for good health include phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur.

    A French Bulldog puppy’s diet may also benefit from:
    • Antioxidants, to support eye health and a hearty immune system
    • Probiotics or prebiotics, to support gastrointestinal health

    Healthy Ingredients in French Bulldog Puppy Food

    Like people, dogs do best with a diet rich in whole foods. Whole foods are minimally processed which makes them easier to digest and helps retain all the good and healthy nutrients they contain.

    That means you should be on the lookout for awesome ingredients like:
    • Chicken or turkey
    • Greens, such as spinach
    • Fruits, like banana and blueberries
    • Vegetables, such as carrot and broccoli
    • Specifically named fats from whole food sources, like salmon oil and chicken fat
    • Organically grown foods, so no pesticides or nasty chemicals

    And French Bulldog puppies will benefit specifically from foods such as:
    • Brown rice, a higher quality grain that is good for sensitive stomachs and easy to digest
    • Sweet potato and pumpkin, which aid digestion
    • Lean proteins like fowl, fish, and eggs

    Unhealthy Ingredients in French Bulldog Puppy Food

    Unfortunately, not all dog foods are created equal. Some brands talk big on the bag or can and regale you with mumbo jumbo about wolves or try to sell you on all the benefits of their food.

    Remember, dog food packaging is like the sales pitch meant to sell their food to you. Even though the information on the package cannot be technically false or misleading, it is still an advertisement. Stay skeptical and focus on the ingredients list.

    A great general rule when looking at ingredient lists is to ask yourself, “Does that sound like something I would like to eat?” Apples? Yum! Wheat by-product? Hold your horses, what the heck does that even mean and why would I want to put it in my belly?

    Here are some common, poor quality ingredients that many companies use simply because they are cheaper:

    • Brewers rice (castoffs and fragments of processed white rice)
    • Refined sugars and corn syrup
    • Excessive grain, specifically grains such as corn, wheat, and soy
    • Cellulose, usually plant fibers or wood pulp
    • Artificial dyes (like caramel color, red 40, yellow 5, and yellow 6) and preservatives (like BHA and BHT)
    • By-product meats and meat meal
    • Rendered fat, often referred to as “animal fat” or “poultry fat”

    hepper-dog-paw-divider 3

    Conclusion

    Hands down, the best food for a French Bulldog puppy overall is The Farmer’s Dog Turkey, a nutritious, balanced fresh food subscription that will keep your pup happy and healthy. Another good option is the Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Puppy Deboned Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food. Premium quality proteins, tons of nutrients from veggies and fruits, and no grains to mess with your puppy’s sensitive belly – what more could you need?

    And for folks who need a cheaper option but don’t want to completely sacrifice quality, we highly recommend American Journey Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog Food as our best value choice.

    Hopefully, our thoughtful reviews have set you up to blaze through the pet food aisle and come away with a food that is both healthy and delicious for your sweet French Bulldog puppy.

    Happy nibbling!


    Featured Image Credit: Anne Richard, Shutterstock

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