How to Feed a French Bulldog

There are no specific guidelines for feeding Frenchies, according to the French Bull Dog Club of America. Ideally, your French Bulldog will be on a meat-based diet, as dogs require meat to stay healthy. However, compared with other types of dog foods, fresh or frozen meat is both costly and inconvenient to feed to your dog and by itself does not constitute a balanced diet. High-quality dry food is recommended for French Bulldogs when a nutritionally balanced meat-based diet is not available. Select what is most appropriate to feed your French bulldog based on your and your pet's needs and preferences.

Your options for feeding your French Bulldog are commercial dry food (kibble), canned food, raw food, and homemade meals. Commercial dog foods of all types come in different levels of quality; the higher the quality of the food, the less your French Bulldog will need to eat. High-quality dog foods have less filler material and more nutrients and proteins.

Dry food contains a combination of ingredients, including meat, grains, vitamins, minerals, fats, and byproducts. It is easily digestible and is generally less costly to feed than other types of dog food; thus, it is preferred by many dog owners.

Canned dog food ingredients are similar to dry food, and the two types are nutritionally comparable, according to veterinary nutrition experts interviewed in a March 2009 Consumer Reports article on dog food cost and quality. Canned foods are more costly to feed because they are 75 percent water, the article reported; resultantly, you must feed your Frenchie more canned food to obtain the same calories.

Raw food diets typically include ground beef, steak, chicken breast, heart, liver, kidney, and bone. They may also include small portions of vegetables and fruits. Raw diets are available commercially, or you may prefer to prepare your dog's food at home. Check with your veterinarian before feeding your Frenchie raw meat. Wash your hands, kitchen utensils, and all surfaces thoroughly after handling raw meat to avoid potential bacterial contamination.

How many calories your French Bulldog requires per day varies according to your dog's size, age, activity level, and metabolism. The amount of food it takes to provide those calories depends on the type and quality of the food. To determine how much of a particular food you should feed your French Bulldog, read the label on the dog food packaging or call the manufacturer for the information you need. You should also consult your veterinarian about the best food for your Frenchie. Be sure to consult your vet or a veterinary nutrition specialist if you are considering a raw-meat or home-cooked diet for your Frenchie, as such diets are more difficult to balance.

Wheat products can cause digestive distress, such as flatulence, in some Frenchies, according to the French Bull Dog Club of America. Foods containing corn products and fillers with too much protein can cause a French Bulldog to develop skin irritation or rashes. If your French Bulldog has food allergies, consult your vet for feeding recommendations.

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