Homemade Dog Food For French Bulldogs Guide: Recipes, Nutrition & FAQs

If you’re looking to make homemade dog food for French Bulldogs, you’re in the right place.

Got your notebook? You might want to take some notes! This guide will teach you everything you need to know to cook for Frenchies. From nutritional guidelines, benefits to risks and recipes you can try.

Let’s get started with the basics of French Bulldog homemade food!

Chapter 1

Ch 2

Benefits & nutritional guidelines

French Bulldog Homemade Dog Food Benefits

Jennifer A. Larsen, DVM, MS, Ph.D., and Joe Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., board-certified veterinary nutritionists and diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, state that some of the benefits of switching to a homemade dog food diet include:

• Diet management
• Appeasing picky dog eaters
• Combatting food intolerance and allergy issues
• Avoid concern over food recalls
• Bond-building

Commercially produced dog food is highly processed, which results in low nutritional value, whereas cooking at home for your Frenchie will preserve most of the ingredients’ nutrients. It promotes a healthier digestive system and can help prevent many conditions associated with a poor diet, such as obesity, poor skin and coat condition, pancreatitis, diabetes, and reduced immunity.

Other home-cooked dog meals benefits include strong immunity and increased vitality, cheaper, portion size control, fresh ingredients, customization and no dangerous additives or preservatives.

Food And French Bulldog Health: Why Feed Homemade?

French Bulldogs are notorious for food allergies, often allergic to multiple ingredients in traditional dog kibble, posing a serious health risk if not addressed.

Frenchies’ food allergies and intolerances are often caused by the proteins in dog kibble. According to Vet 4 Bulldog, the most common food allergen in French bulldogs is the protein source found in meat (chicken 60%, then beef and fish). Also on the frequent food allergens shortlist are corn, soy, wheat, and dairy.¹ 

This breed is genetically and environmentally predisposed to developing canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), which can be caused by environmental factors, genetic and food-based allergies, say Nom Nom.

Unfortunately, allergies show up as skin problems, leading to rashes and scaly skin that are uncomfortable for your pet. It can also lead to open sores, hives, and hot spots. If infected, these skin problems can become more significant issues. Food allergies can progress to more serious digestive health problems such as IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) in Frenchies if left untreated.

If you start noticing any problems in your Frenchies’ snout, legs, paws, or tender underbelly, food allergies or environmental and food allergies may be the culprit.

How Can A Homemade Diet Help Frenchies With All of This?

Homemade dog diets are more digestible than regular store-bought kibble mainly because they are not highly processed or use preservatives.

Easier food to digest means more efficient nutrient absorption, which can help resolve nutrient imbalances that could damage the skin and coat in Frenchies. And, because nutrient content is more efficiently used when feeding fresh dog food, minerals, vitamins, amino acids act quicker in decreasing inflammatory responses caused by allergens.

Additionally, cooking food for your Frenchie puts you in control of the ingredients your dog will be eating, making it simple to monitor and avoid foods or ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction caused by food sensitivities.

If you don’t already know what your French Bulldog is allergic to, we highly recommend doing an At-Home Dog Allergy Test before selecting the ingredients for your pet’s next meal. This way, you know what you are cooking is safe for your pet.

Furthermore, a homemade dog food diet is less contaminated, and the ingredients are fresher, so your French Bulldog will be getting the nutrients they need from a wholesome source.

You should also call your vet or a veterinary nutritionist if you suspect your Frenchie has a food allergy and for nutritional advice.

French Bulldog Homemade Dog Food Risks

Making homemade dog food may sound safe and straightforward, but that’s not always the case.

Here are some of the risks:

• Using inadequate or dangerous recipes
• Not preparing a balanced meal
• Using unsafe or harmful ingredients
• Not understanding the impact of food and dietary changes
• Not understanding the nutritional needs of your French Bulldog

A study by the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary found that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients.

Further research published in The Journal of Nutritional Science concluded that 48% of homemade dog diets had an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities and that 71.3 % of dog owners did know how much food to serve per meal. 

These numbers are alarming, so we highly recommend checking with a veterinary nutritionist to guide you on your French Bulldog’s needs. They should also be able to provide you with trusted recipes or recommend a homemade dog food delivery service. This can help prevent malnutrition in your Frenchies!

French Bulldog Nutritional Guidelines to Follow

You need to think about important considerations when cooking Fido food, including your dog’s health conditions, activity level, size, and weight.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO) (the entity regulating dog food nutritional value in commercial dog food) recommends that all dog meals need to include these six essential nutrients.

Nutrient	Food	Description
Protein	Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggs	Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more.
Carbohydrates	Oats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheat	Source of energy for dogs and supplies glucose needed by the brain, nervous system and other critical organs for normal function.
Fat	From meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among others	Responsible for providing quality energy. Necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and body tissues
Minerals	Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc.	Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production.
Water	Water	Hydration is critical in dogs. A dog that loses too much water (10% to 15% of the water in his body) can get very sick and even die. Ensure they have water available throughout the day.
Vitamins	A, B, C, D, E, and K	Keeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function.

Unfortunately, it’s common for homemade dog food to lack one or more of these nutrients. You can combat this by using a multivitamin supplement like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews. 

We advise you to consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can help you create an individualized diet for your French Bulldog.

Never improvise when you’re cooking for your pet. To help you cook for your French Bulldog at home, check out Home Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D. He’s an expert in veterinary medicine, and tons of pet nutritionists look to this book as a guide for homemade dog food.

Healthy Dietary Changes in French Bulldog

If you notice your Frenchie is struggling with any of the following health conditions below, the following dietary changes and adjustments may help bring relief and aid with recovery.

A fresh food homemade diet accompanied with the tips below might help control these conditions.

Condition	Dietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color Changes	Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI Signs	Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine such as dairy or fermented vegetables and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial
Chronic Itching and Dermatitis	Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6 and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial
Dull Coat and Scaling	Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try a food that has added zinc
Dandruff and Crustiness	Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels

French Bulldogs are more susceptible to skin conditions due to food allergies than other breeds. To minimize and prevent skin problems, adding a couple of squirts of dog-specific fish oil may provide relief and nourishment to affected areas.

According to the AKC, fish oil reduces itchiness and flakiness in the skin through its omega-3 fatty acid content. Other significant benefits include strengthening heart health in dogs and promoting improved immunity against cancer.

French Bulldog Calorie Requirements

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. Typically, most French Bulldogs need to eat between 587 and 753 calories daily. Most experts recommend Frenchies get 25 calories per pound that they weigh.

Make sure you follow the 10% rule if you are giving treats. So, food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats 10%.

For pregnant Frenchies, make sure to speak with your vet about proper. Pregnant dogs can need up to 2 to 4 times the amount of food they usually have as the mother’s energy requirements increase after delivery and lactation.

Homemade Dog Food For French Bulldog Puppies

A French Bulldog puppy diet is different from an adult Frenchie

Compared to adult dogs, puppies need higher levels of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus. Too few (or too many) of these nutrients can cause deficiencies, stunted growth, or lifelong complications.

According to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN), puppies need about twice as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult dog of the same breed.

Frenchie puppies should eat 3 to 4 times a day. When your puppy is a bit older (6 – 12 months), you can switch to 2 to 3 meals daily at scheduled intervals.

Your feeding plan should also match your puppy’s age, activity level, weight, and overall health. To encourage proper growth and development, never skip a meal and make sure your puppy’s diet is comprised of an appropriate balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, water, and vitamins, as outlined in our nutritional guidelines earlier. Always get your vet’s advice about your puppy’s diet requirements.

Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service

Nom Nom is one of our favorite options. They deliver fresh, prepared homemade dog food tailored to your pup’s dietary needs straight to your door. Everything is made from real, human-grade ingredients (meats, veggies, grains, etc.)

A veterinary nutritionist develops their food following the AAFCO nutritional guidelines. They do all the cooking for you, so you never have to worry about using the wrong ingredients, proper nutrition guidelines, portion sizes, and more.

In our experience, it’s a huge time-saver, and you can spend time on more important things like walks or training. Plus, you avoid all the hassle of planning, shopping, and cooking. We think it’s worth the cost after adding up the prices of all the ingredients you’ll need to cook a recipe.

Our readers have access to save 50% off their first Nom Nom order. Just use this link to get your Frenchie’s first homemade meal delivered.

Watch Canine Bible’s Maltipoo eating Nom Nom homemade dog food. She loves it and recommends it!

Read Our Full Nom Nom Review

Chapter 2

Ch 1

Recipes & how-to cook guide

French Bulldog Homemade Food Tips

Before sharing our favorite Frenchie homemade food recipes, keep these recommendations in mind when preparing your dog’s next meal.

1. Set a consistent feeding schedule.
2. Feed your Frenchie two times a day (puppies under 5 months, 3 times a day. Check with your veterinarian).
3. Meal prep weekly or monthly.
4. Measure and control portion sizes depending on your dog’s calorie needs.
5. Keep meals frozen for 2 to 3 months or refrigerated for about 5 days.
6. Make a new batch when the food supply is getting low.
7. If you want to feed different recipes, you can make multiple batches and color code by ingredients, rotating out the different meals.
8. Prepare the food in bulk and portion it into containers (one container per meal makes it extra easy).
9. Increase portions appropriately as your puppy grows.
10. Monitor weight to make sure you are feeding the proper amount of calories.

Cooking Homemade Dog Food For Frenchies

Never made food for your Frenchie companion before? This video will get you started.

Best French Bulldog Homemade Food Recipes

Here is a list of our favorite, best homemade dog food recipes for Frenchies for even the pickiest of pups.

We’ve also added a special treat recipe packed with incredible health benefits, and it’s super tasty. This recipe can do a lot for your pup’s health and wellness. It has our favorite secret ingredient, dog CBD oil.

Note: Please consult with your pet’s veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your dog’s diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and your dog’s health. A common recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.

• CBD-Infused Dog Treats
• Fresh Veggie Mix
• Macaroni, Quinoa Turkey Recipe
• Turkey & Vegetable Dinner
• Frozen Strawberry Smoothie Treat

CBD-Infused Dog Treats

CBD dog treats can help with seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, wellness, and many other health problems.

Your Frenchie will love these nutritious, delicious and therapeutic CBD pumpkin dog treats. You can also buy CBD dog treats so your pup can experience all the benefits of CBD without the cooking.

Don’t forget to talk to your vet before giving CBD to your pup, and make sure you provide the proper dosage.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 apple, cored and grated
• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup olive or coconut oil
• 1/2 cup water
• dash of sea salt
• 120 mg CBD oil

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
2. Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
3. Combine the gluten-free flour, oats, and coconut sugar in a medium-sized bowl. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Then, add coconut oil, water, and grated apples and carrots.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl; mix thoroughly. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
5. Using a Tbsp measuring spoon, portion out the dog biscuits and press them into the dog treat baking pan. Bake, for 32-37 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden-brown on the outside.
6. Store in an air-tight container.

Recipe from: Truth Theory

Fresh Veggie Mix

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups brown rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 pounds of ground turkey
• 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 zucchini, shredded
• 1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen

Directions

1. In a large saucepan of 3 cups water, cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the turkey as it cooks.
3. Stir in spinach, carrots, zucchini, peas, and brown rice until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is heated for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Let cool completely.

Macaroni, Quinoa Turkey Recipe

Ingredients

3 lbs ground turkey (or any protein)
1 cup uncooked millet (or any other whole grain: quinoa, rice, pasta)
1 tbs olive oil
1 carrot, shredded
1 zucchini, shredded
1 squash, shredded
1 apple, chopped
1 tbsp calcium powder
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes or coconut oil
1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)

Directions

1. Bring 1 cup of whole-grain to boil in a pot of water. I overcook it so that it’s soft and easily digestible. Drain.
2. While that’s boiling, shred/chop the veggies.
3. Cook ground turkey with olive oil and drain excess juices.
4. Mix everything together! No need to cook the veggies. The cooked turkey and whole grain will warm them up a bit.
5. Store in Tupperware or ziplock bags and freeze! Makes enough for around 2 weeks of meals (Fira weighs 14 lbs).

Recipe from: WhereSTheFrenchie

Wholesome Ground Sirloin Veggie

Ingredients

• 6 cups cooked organic brown rice
• 2 pounds ground lean beef, cooked through, fat drained
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced small
• 3 carrots, shredded or thinly sliced
• 1/4–1/2 cup minced fresh parsley or 1/4 cup dried herbs
• 3 tablespoons of olive or safflower oil

Directions

1. Start with cooking the eggs
2. While the rice is cooking, you can brown the sirloin and get all of the fresh ingredients together.
3. Combine all of the ingredients in a large container and stir to combine thoroughly.
4. Store in the refrigerator in-between feedings.

Recipe from: This Messisours

Frozen Strawberry & Banana Smoothie Dog Treat

Ingredients

• 2 cups of Sliced Strawberries or a 16-ounce bag of Frozen Strawberries
• 1½ cups Plain Greek Low Fat Yogurt
• 1 sliced banana (if you have two…use them both)
• ¼ cup of Skim Milk
• 3 tablespoons of Honey

Directions

1. Place all the ingredients in your blender
2. Turn on the blender to a medium speed
3. Blend for approximately 2 minutes
4. Pour into the molds of your choice or use ice cube trays
5. Freeze for 4 hours or more
6. Pop-out of the molds
7. Ready to enjoy!

NOTE: For storage, use Zip Lock Bags or use some sort of Tupperware. Please keep them in the freezer.

Recipe from: The Cottage Market

For even more Frenchie homemade food recipes and cooking options, be sure to check out Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog

Best Homemade Dog Food Cooking Practices

Here are some general guidelines to follow when cooking for homemade dog food for your French Bulldog

• Never use unsafe or toxic ingredients for dogs
• Use only boneless meats (no cooked bones)
• Cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria
• Cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier to digest
• Research every ingredient before using it for safety
• Follow recipes as instructed
• Add supplements to their diet if needed
• Run any questions by a vet nutritionist

What Foods Should Your Frenchie Never Eat?

Some ingredients aren’t good for your French Bulldogs or any dog. Avoid the ingredients listed below.

• Chocolate
• Xylitol
• Onions and garlic
• Avocados
• Coffee, tea, and other caffeine
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Raw bread dough
• Alcohol

Check out this handy list for a comprehensive list of all foods to avoid. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.

French Bulldog Raw Food Diet

Yes, French Bulldogs can eat raw dog food. Check out our Frenchie raw dog food guide if you want to learn more.

Here is a quick overview of 4 of our top picks (by category) for the best French Bulldog raw food. Read our best raw dog food reviews for more.

Monitor Weight And Health

We recommend monitoring your dog’s weight and health closely when switching to a new diet, especially a homemade one, since there are more margins for errors, nutritionally speaking.

Symptoms of a poor diet may include excessive weight gain or loss, lack of energy, skin or coat disorders, allergies, malnutrition, or obesity. If you notice these problems, you need to revise your dog’s diet and consult with a professional.

Other Food Alternatives

Can I feed homemade food to my French Bulldog? 

In short, yes. However, you need to know which foods and ingredients are safe for dogs and follow proper nutritional guidelines for optimal dog nutrition. Failure to provide a balanced dog meal to your Frenchie can result in malnutrition or obesity, leading to more severe health problems.

Remember that switching your Frenchie’s food from kibble to homemade is slow and should be done progressively.

Is your French Bulldog prone to food allergies, GI problems, or food-related health issues? You may want to consider vegan dog food.

More veterinary nutritionists are starting to recommend meat-free diets to help manage various health concerns, including food sensitivities and other digestive issues. Vegan diets also play a role in dog food sustainability and protecting the planet.

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Sources & References: [1] Vet 4 Bulldogs, [2] Nom Nom

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