9 Best (Healthiest) Dog Foods for a French Bulldog Puppy in 2023 

Looking for 2023’s healthiest and best dog food for a French Bulldog puppy?

There’s no denying the fact that French Bulldogs are popular dogs. They rank pretty well on the American Kennel Club’s breed popularity index. Out of 193 dog breeds they sit comfortably at number 4. Not bad at all.

These miniature canines don’t grow beyond 13 inches, and typically weigh less than 28 pounds. They do have a favorable life expectancy of 10 to 12 years with puppyhood lasting a good 2 years.

French Bulldogs are by nature alert and extremely playful characters. They are one of the quieter breeds and are generally kept as watchdogs. They don’t require a lot of attention making them great indoor companions. Only keep an eye on them around the 5-month mark when they begin teething! They’ll chew on anything and everything in sight!

Determine Which Type of Puppy Food to Feed your French Bulldog Puppy

French Bulldog puppies grow slowly from puppyhood to adulthood. If you’ve raised large breed dogs before but suddenly decide to try raising a small dog, you may be concerned with your Frenchie’s apparent slow growth. This is normal in the first nine months of their lives. Growth gains are slow in this breed.

These puppies are already prone to metabolic illnesses such as heart disease and obesity. Regardless of which food you decide to feed them, keep the portion sizes measured and even.

So, what are the types of food you can feed your French Bulldog puppy?

• Dry Food – Dry food also known as kibble is the leading dog food on the market thanks to its versatility, its ease-of-preparation, long shelf life, and general affordability. A good dry food is one that has no fillers, wheat, soy, or corn products. Fillers should be avoided as they have no nutritional value and may put your puppy’s life in danger. Wheat, corn, and soy are common dog allergens so should be avoided in puppy foods. Dry foods often contain added fruits and veggies. However, not all fruits and veggies are good for young Frenchie pups. Check out this list of safe and dangerous fruits.
• Wet (Canned) Food – Another popular and favorable food option is wet food. Wet food has higher water content than dry food at around 75%. It also tends to have higher nutrient amounts than dry food as well. Wet foods are generally the first solid food that puppies are introduced to after weaning. In the case of French Bulldogs, this is often a porridge food or puppy cerelac to help them get used to the idea of eating wet food. Wet foods are easier to prepare as well and don’t require extensive prep times.
• Raw Food – Raw food diets have received a bad rap over the years. This is largely in part because these diets involve food that’s undercooked and almost raw. This poses health risks for your pup and your own health. They require careful handling and preparation in order to prevent contamination. They also tend to be rather expensive especially the more organic types. If you’re pressed for time these aren’t the diets you want to feed your dog as you would need to take your time with the food preparation.
• Freeze-Dried Food – Are you looking for a food option that’s less processed, more organic, and contains nutrients in an undamaged form? Then freeze-dried foods may be the ones your pup needs. Freeze-dried foods are those that have been lightly processed or are almost in their natural state. They undergo a dehydrating procedure to keep them fresh and then they are frozen. For these reasons, they don’t require preservatives to keep them fresh. When it’s time to feed your pup all you need to do is defrost them.
• Human-Grade Food – Human-grade dog food has gained popularity over the years. Human-grade dog food is that which is made using ingredients that are completely edible to human beings. These particular foods are under the regulation of the USDA which means they are strictly controlled to ensure that they meet the set definition of ‘human-grade’. As always the most important thing concerning puppy food is that it meets your pup’s daily calorie needs.

5 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations of French Bulldog Puppies

French Bulldog puppies are at risk of obesity and subsequently developing heart disease and metabolic conditions such as diabetes. For this reason, it is crucial that you watch what you feed your French Bulldog puppy taking note to avoid giving generous treats and table scraps. If you intend on using treats for training purposes, don’t use foods that contain cooked bones (puppy may choke) and treats that have a high fat content.

So when it comes to French Bulldog puppies what are the special dietary and nutritional considerations you need to be aware of?

• Protein – Growing Frenchies need protein and a whole lot of it! Their protein requirements should come from real meat such as beef, fish, chicken, and lamb. It should be one of the very first ingredients listed out on the package. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that puppy meals be made up of at least 22% protein. If a food is labeled as “meat meal” you can opt for it as these formulas tend to be high in animal protein.
• Fats and Fatty Acids – Nobody likes an unhappy Frenchie. Fats are needed by your puppy for development of good eyesight, hormones, a healthy looking skin and coat. Fats are derived from plant oils such as canola and flaxseed. Animal fats such as chicken fat are also good sources of the much-needed fats. AAFCO recommends that at your French Bulldog’s puppy’s meals should be 8% fat.
• Carbohydrates – Dogs don’t generally need carbs so long as their protein and fat proportions are right. Carbs provide other useful benefits in the diet however, such as adding texture to food, roughage to maintain good digestive health, as well as keep the Frenchie puppy’s body temperature regulated.
• Vitamins and Minerals – Vitamins and minerals are required by growing Frenchies but in minute amounts. Vitamins and minerals are derived from vegetables; this is why it is important that your puppy is eating a wholesome diet. They play a major role in bone development (preventing weak bone structure or abnormal bone growth), immunity, and muscle and tissue growth. Hormone production is also regulated by vitamins and minerals. You want to ensure that your growing pup’s diet is well-balanced.
• Water – Water should feature at every meal you serve. Water is required by your French Bulldog puppy to help with digestion, prevent dehydration, transport water-soluble nutrients as well as cushion joints. French Bulldogs are prone to painful bone spurs so you want to ensure that they drink enough water to lubricate their joints properly. Water is also important if you are feeding your puppy dry food as this food tends to have low moisture content.

French Bulldog Feeding Chart

Where French Bulldogs are concerned, it is preferable to have then nurse until they wean off naturally. We recommend doing things this way because Frenchies can’t make antibodies to help them keep safe from infection before 6-weeks. They get these antibodies from their mother’s milk. However, this might not always be possible as you’ll most likely want them home with you around their 8th week if you’re getting them from a breeder. For this reason, a lot of people may not be familiar with how to go about feeding them. Not to worry, because we have put together this handy feeding chart to simplify things for you!

FRENCH BULLDOG AGE	FEEDING GUIDELINES
6 Week Old Puppy	Between 2-7 weeks your puppy will develop its sense organs, learn to adapt to social settings, learn to crawl, and good dog behavior from its mother. These puppies should not be taken away from their mother until at least the 3-month mark. Never feed your Frenchie ‘puppy food’ before he reaches 6 weeks of age. It’s all mothers’ milk at this age. Mother’s milk contains all the needed antibodies and nutrients required for growth at this age. Your French Bulldog puppy should nurse from its mother until the 8th week preferably.
10 Week Old Puppy	Don’t introduce regular puppy wet food as your French Bulldog pup’s digestive system is not quite ready for solid food. Instead, gradually introduce what’s known as puppy cerelac from about week 8. Bond with your pup during this time
12 Week Old Puppy	Around week 12, you can start introducing your French Bulldog to wet puppy food. Transition slowly from puppy cerelac and don’t do anything abruptly. Behavior-wise your puppy will begin to demonstrate more independence. You’ll need to keep a firm but gentle hand with them at this age.
3 Month Old Puppy	Your pup doesn’t have teeth yet at this age so stay clear of dry foods that will be difficult to chew.
5 Month Old Puppy	Your puppy will start teething at this age Chew toys will prove useful at this time
1 Year Old French Bulldog	By the time your French Bulldog pup reaches 9-12 months it will have reached its maximum height and will also be fairly close to their adult weight. Growth will continue however, and by 18-24 months, your puppy will have reached its full potential height and filled out as much as they can. Weight will stabilize at this point unless you increase their calorie intake. They will be eating two meals per day.

We understand just how difficult it can be to find the right French Bulldog puppy food when there are so many brands to choose from! Fortunately, we have done all the research and hard work and now present to you our findings of the best dog food for a French Bulldog puppy.

With no further ado, here are the best and healthiest dog foods for French Bulldogs in 2023.

Our 2023 Picks: Best Puppy Food For French Bulldogs

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh, Human-Grade Dog Food Customized meal plan based on YOUR dog Delivered to your door Price: Varies	CHECK PRICE
Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Roasted meats, real fruits, and vegetables Made in the USA Price: $1.78/lb	CHECK PRICE
American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Nutrient-rich formula designed for puppies Promotes healthy dog growth and development Check For Buy One Get One Free Price: $1.66/lb	CHECK PRICE
Tylee’s Human Grade Beef Recipe Frozen Preservative-free, artificial coloring-free Made in the USA Price: $4.99/lb	CHECK PRICE
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Puppy Chicken Dinner With Garden Vegetables Nutrient-rich and easy-to-digest Wholesome formula Price:  $2.16/Can	CHECK PRICE
Natural Balance L.I.D Limited Ingredient Diets Potato & Duck Formula    Ideal for puppies that have food allergies and sensitivities Limited ingredients but nutrient-rich meals Price:  $2.48/lb	CHECK PRICE
Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Large Breed Formula DHA-rich fish oils, and complex carbohydrates Easily digestible formula Price:  $1.41/lb	CHECK PRICE
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat No corn, wheat, soy or chicken by-product meals Price:  $1.56/lb	CHECK PRICE
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal & Salmon    Taurine supports a healthy heart Specially formulated for puppies during the first year of life Price:  $1.76/lb	CHECK PRICE
Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Specifically formulated to support healthy digestion Proudly made in Merrick’s Texas facility Price:  $2.39/lb	CHECK PRICE

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food

• Delivered to your doorstep
• Blended and portioned by nutritionists
• Consultants available to help adjust food to dog’s tastes

Our favorite food for Frenchie puppies is from the growing fresh dog food genre. The Farmer’s Dog offers human-grade food blended by veterinary nutritionists, portioned for your dog’s optimum health, and delivered to your home.

The result is healthy dog food for your baby French Bulldog. Conveniently, the food is brought to your doorstep and is already portioned for your pet. If your Frenchie isn’t a fan of The Farmer’s Dog, consultants are available to adjust recipes to your pet’s preferences.

Pros:

• Made with fresh ingredients
• Portioned so no need to worry about over-feeding
• Delivered to your home

Cons:

• Fresh food can be more expensive
• Refrigeration required

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Key Features

• Wholesome nutritious real food forms the base of this formula
• Provides all the needed nutrients in the right amounts
• Made from products that are sourced ethically

Overall Best Dog Food for French Bulldog Puppies – Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is considered the overall best dog food because it features all the necessary nutrients, is wholesome made of real food, and contains additional supplements such as probiotics to boost puppy immune system.

This food is an all-around winner thanks to its grain-free nature, as well as bearing no fillers, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives making it an inclusive meal for both sensitive and non-sensitive puppies.

Pros:

• Perfect for puppies with sensitive and non-sensitive stomachs
• Roasted meats, real fruits, and vegetables make up this meal
• Puppies receive the energy boost they need, proteins to build muscle and grow, and minerals to develop healthy nerve and immune systems

Cons:

• Not available in wet food format

American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog Food

Key Features

• Grain-free recipe designed specifically for puppies
• Boasts nutritious real food such as blueberries, dried kelp, carrots, and lamb
• Contains needed nutrients such as proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins and minerals

Most Inexpensive (Cheap) – The American Journey Dry Puppy Food is a grain-free recipe made from real food such as lamb, veggies like carrots, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes. Nutritious and wholesome, this diet will provide your pup with all the key nutrients such as proteins, carbs, vitamins and minerals.

Salmon oil and flaxseed provide the fatty acids that are required by your Frenchie for good brain and eye development. This recipe is also corn-free, wheat-free, and soy-free making it ideal for feeding of puppy’s 5-months and older.

Pros:

• Grain-free nature of meal makes this product perfect for puppies with food allergies and sensitivities
• Nutrients come from real food and not supplements
• Corn-free, wheat-free, and soy-free puppy formula

Cons:

• Only available in dry food format

Tylee’s Human-Grade Beef Recipe Frozen Dog Food

Key Features

• Protein sources are beef heart, ground beef, beef liver
• Vegetable-rich meal featuring spinach, broccoli, zucchini, and sweet potato
• Nutritious and wholesome meals made of foods edible to humans
• Easy-to-prepare – simply defrost and serve

Best Human Grade Lab Puppy Food – This Tylee’s Human-Grade Puppy Food has beef heart, ground beef, and beef liver as the main protein sources. A rich vegetable combination ensures that your puppy receives its much-needed vitamin and mineral daily requirements.

Mangos add a tasty flavor to the meal, and sunflower oil as well as flaxseed furnish the puppy with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids needed for good growth and development. Protein makes up 13% of the meal, fat 5%, and fiber 2%. The moisture content is 69%.

Pros:

• Protein, fat, and fiber contents per cup are in good proportions.
• Puppy food has high water content
• Made of real foods and no by-products

Cons:

This diet alone may not be sufficient to meet a puppy’s needs

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Puppy Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables

Key Features

• Major protein source is chicken, chicken broth, and chicken liver
• Vitamins and minerals come from real vegetables like sweet potatoes and mineral salts from salts such as potassium chloride
• Carbs and fiber provisions come from whole grains such as barley and brown rice

Best Canned Puppy Food for French Bulldogs – The Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe is made from real chicken and garden vegetables such as carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, and barley. Let your puppy enjoy a wholesome and delicious meal that contains no fillers, no wheat, no corn, and no soy.

Flaxseed is the source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids needed for hormone regulation. The protein content of this product is 10%; fat content is 7.5%, and moisture content is 78%. It is recommended to introduce this meal to your puppy around the 11th week of life.

Pros:

• This meal formula contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors
• Food texture is pate making it easy-to-digest for growing pups
• Puppy immune system is boosted by fruits like cranberries and blueberries which are antioxidant-rich

Cons:

• Short shelf life once opened

Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Puppy Formula Potato & Duck Grain-Free Dog Food

Key Features

• Limited number of ingredients
• Real food and real veggies used including duck and potatoes
• Vitamins and mineral supplements to boost growth and development

Best Limited Ingredients Foods for French Bulldog Puppies – This Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diet boasts real protein sources: duck meal and duck, as well as real veggies such as potatoes. Fatty acids are provided by canola oil, flaxseed, and salmon oil

Each of the ingredients used in this meal has been carefully chosen to meet the nutritional and dietary requirements of growing pups. This diet is perfect for pet parents who are worried about their puppies developing food allergies and wish to reduce the number of ingredients their puppies are exposed to.

Pros:

• Diet ideal for pets with food allergies and sensitivities
• Limited ingredients decrease exposure to food allergens
• Nutrients present in the following ratios: proteins 22.5%, fats 11%, and fiber 4%

Cons:

• Moisture content is low at 10%

4 More Top Rated Puppy Foods for French Bulldogs

This list would be incomplete without some of the other puppy foods that made in onto our top 10 list. Here are four great options to consider.

Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Small Breed Formula Dry Dog Food

Manufacturers know that dogs love the combination of rice and chicken as evidenced by Purina’s Pro Plan Focus Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food. Boasting lean protein sourced from chicken and complex carbs from rice, your puppy is assured of a nutritious and wholesome meal. This product is proudly manufactured in the United States under the strictest and most rigorous USDA-approved facilities.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Are you looking for a meal that features no corn, no wheat, no soy or by-products but still retains great taste and texture? Then look no further than the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula featuring real, deboned chicken, garden vegetables and fruits, as well as LifeSource Bits that provide key supplemental elements to ensure a well-balanced diet.

Wellness Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food

Is your pup in need of a food that’s rich in good fibers and protein? The Wellness Complete Health Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food is as its name suggests a holistic meal that’s designed to meet all of your puppy’s dietary and nutritional requirements. Delicious chicken is combined with oatmeal and salmon to provide a meal that’s both nutritious and wholesome. Vitamins such as taurine boost heart and extracts like Yucca Schidigera aid is diminishing stool odor.

Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

The Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food boasts real chicken and real veggies such as sweet potatoes and peas as its foundation. You can’t go wrong with a formula that’s this wholesome and provides natural ingredients crucial for growth. It’s also a crowd-favorite because it contains no fillers, no wheat, no soy, and no corn.

Our 2023 French Bulldog Puppy Feeding Guide

French Bulldog puppies have high calorific needs. For their first few weeks of life they need to be around their mother to nurse and learn social behaviors. Weaning should be left to occur naturally. Because these pups teeth around their 5-month of life, foods are kept simple at the start. Right after weaning, they should be put on an easy-to-digest puppy cerelac. Puppy foods can be introduced after teething has occurred and the dogs have developed a stronger digestive system.

You should be around during meal times to watch the puppy eat and to see their eating pattern. Frenchies will overeat so don’t serve more than is necessary. Use the guide below to know the serving suggestions for your growing pup. If your pup appears underweight, or is sick you may want to seek the advice of your vet to see if you can add another cup of food to the regular feeding schedule.

Serving Suggestions for a French Bulldog Puppy

AGE   (Weeks)	FOOD   (Cups)	MEALS PER DAY
8-12	½	3
MONTHS	FOOD   (Cups)	MEALS PER DAY
6-9	1 – 1 ¾	3
12+	2 ½ – 3 ½	2

Frenchies won’t grow or put on excessive weight quickly in their first few months of life unlike large breed dogs. Their weight will be gradual as the month’s progress. This isn’t anything to worry about. They are growing as fast as they can for their breed!

Average Weight for a French Bulldog Puppy

AGE   (Weeks)	WEIGHT   (lbs.)
1	1.0-2.2
4	2.4-4.0
8	5.4-9.0
12	9.0-15.0
16	13.6-21.0
18	15.1-25.0
22	18.3-30.5

*French Bulldog Puppy Growth Chart

FAQ

How much food should I feed a French Bulldog puppy?

A good rule of thumb to follow is that French Bulldogs should eat 25-30 calories per pound of their body weight each day. Divide these meals into two or three portions. To find out the exact calories your own puppy should be eating based on their life stage, activity level, and current weight use this dog calculator by Merrick. Puppies will generally eat more than their adult counterparts. So if an adult Frenchie is eating a daily calorific intake of 550 to 750 calories every day your own pup’s daily calorie needs should be somewhere between or a little above. If you think your pup is generally underweight for their age we recommend you go see your vet.

What is the best type of food for a French Bulldog puppy?

Puppies are all unique. French Bulldog puppies depending on what stage you got them may have already started on a brand of food which they prefer. If not you can rotate them through dry, wet, raw, freeze-dried, and human-grade to see which food they prefer. The one they seem to like the most is the ‘best’ type for them then!

When should I stop feeding my French Bulldog puppy food?

French Bulldog puppies continue to grow well into their second year of life. By their 24th month they will have reached full height and weight. Their feeding schedule will have gone down to two square meals per day. Once again, always serve them the right meal portions and don’t leave them unattended. These dogs are happy eaters and will more than overindulge!

How many times a day should I feed my French Bulldog puppy?

French Bulldog puppies should be fed three times a day. As they get older you can cut out one meal and feed them twice, say around 7AM and then 12 hours later for their evening meal. It’s important to stick to a regular feeding schedule.

How can I fatten up my French Bulldog puppy?

French Bulldogs by nature suffer from diseases that can be fatal such as heart disease. Fattening up of a French Bulldog puppy is only recommended if your pup is underweight. And how do you know if they are underweight? If you can see their ribs or bone structure then your pup is most likely underweight. If that’s the case here’s how to go about fattening the little pup up: feed them 2.5 to 3 cups per day. If you prefer working in calories, this means feeding the pup 30 to 40 calories per pound. Divide these meals into three equal meals to be given at regular intervals during the day. If this is a rescue Frenchie and you don’t have all the information about their genetic history, you may want to take them to the vet to see if they are on track with putting on the right amount of weight. This is equally true if the pup continues to not put on weight.

What things should I know about French Bulldog puppies?

French Bulldog puppies are more likely to drown because of their body structure. For this reason, avoid going near bodies of water with your pup. If you decide to go out for a walk with your pup keep an eye on their breathing as these dogs can develop breathing problems. Never, ever take your pup out for a walk when the heat is excessive. It can be fatal for them. Lastly, the occasional routine checkup is a must as these puppies can be assailed by a host of maladies which include juvenile cataracts, skin allergies, and immune system disorders.

How big will your French Bulldog puppy get?

The exact size will be determined by the pup’s genetic heritage. If you have access to this information which should ideally be supplied by your breeder you can get an estimate. A formula you can use is: Estimated French Bulldog Adult Size = (Weight in ounces at 8 weeks x 4) / 16 Remember that this is just an estimate and your Frenchie may grow to be bigger or slightly smaller.

Conclusion

French Bulldogs are not fussy about most things. They are pretty laid-back dogs that enjoy a quiet pace and lifestyle. That’s why they make such great apartment companions. Don’t be fooled by their petite stature however. They have a healthy appetite and delight in good food. Your Frenchie will thank you for your choice of high quality dog food with loyalty, companionship, and protection.

Ever had a French Bulldog? What were their favorite meals as a puppy? Leave your comment below!