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 and benefits to risks and recipes, your Frenchie can try.

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

Chapter 1: Nutrition, Benefits & Risks

Ch 2 

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:

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.

Food And French Bulldog Health: Why Feed Homemade?

French Bulldogs are notorious for food allergies, often allergic to multiple ingredients such as the protein found in traditional dog kibble, posing a serious health risk if not addressed. 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.^[2] Unfortunately, allergies show up as skin problems, leading to rashes and scaly skin that are uncomfortable for your Frenchie. 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 severe 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 allergies may be the culprit.

Other common health problems include hip dysplasia, conjunctivitis, deafness, cherry eye, skin conditions, patellar luxation and more.

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

Here are the main reasons a homemade diet is good for Frenchies.

French Bulldog Homemade Dog Food Risks

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

Research by the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary and two studies published in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine and The Journal of Nutritional Science found that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients, and other recipes used dangerously high levels of some nutrients.^[7][8][9]

Here are the findings:

French Bulldog Nutritional Guidelines to Follow

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO, the entity that supervises the nutritional value of commercial dog food), there are six essential nutrients all dog meals must contain to ensure a balanced and healthy diet for dogs. See the below for a breakdown of each nutrient and its importance.

A proper homemade diet should also consider your pup’s weight, health conditions, size, and activity level.

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.

Recommended Supplements For French Bulldog

Recommended supplements based on the French Bulldogs’ primary health susceptibility.

You may also want to add a multivitamin like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews to ensure your French Bulldog pup gets the recommended balance of vitamins and minerals.

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 many pet nutritionists look to this book as a guide for homemade dog food.

Healthy Dietary Changes in French Bulldogs

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 homemade fresh diet 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. An adult French Bulldog usually weighs between 16 and 28 pounds, meaning most French Bulldogs need between 435 and 659 calories daily.

Ensure you follow the 10% rule when feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%.

You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.

Pregnant or lactating French Bulldogs may need up to 2 to 4 times the food they usually need as the mother’s energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation. Be sure to talk to your vet.

Homemade Dog Food For French Bulldog Puppies

A French Bulldog puppy’s diet is different from an adult Frenchie

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

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 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 freshly made 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.) 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!

Chapter 2: Recipes, Cooking Tips & More

Ch 1

French Bulldog Homemade Food Tips

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

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.

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

Treat your French Bulldog with these nutritious, therapeutic, and delicious homemade CBD dog treats. They are made with Pumpkin, a great source of essential vitamins and minerals (like vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C, and iron). Pumpkin also aids with digestion and hydration. Coconut is added for skin and coat, digestion and helps reduce allergic reactions.

Just be sure to check with your vet before to ensure CBD is safe for your pup and that you are giving the correct dosage.

You can also purchase already-made CBD dog treats so your pup can experience all the benefits of CBD without the cooking.

Ingredients

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 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

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

Directions

1. Bring 1 cup of whole grain to boiling 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

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

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 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 homemade dog food for your French Bulldog

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.

What Foods Should Your Frenchie Never Eat?

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

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

Should You Feed Homemade Food to French Bulldogs? 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 recommending 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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