When it comes to owning a French Bulldog, understanding how much to feed is fundamental. Feeding schedules and amounts can greatly impact their health, temperament, and overall well-being.
French Bulldog puppies typically need between 1 and 2 cups of puppy food per day. Once fully grown, adult Frenchies will require 1 1/4 to 2 cups of dog food suited for their age, while senior dogs only need about 1 to 1 1/2 cups of regular dog food daily.
The exact amount of food depends on the individual dog’s age, size, activity level, and metabolism.
In this article, we provide an easy-to-follow guide featuring a detailed feeding chart for both puppies and adult French Bulldogs. With a balanced approach, you can maintain your pet’s health while preventing obesity.
What Factors Impact How Much to Feed a French Bulldog?
Determining the right amount of food for a French Bulldog isn’t as simple as it may seem. It involves considering several factors, each playing a crucial role in your pet’s overall health, energy levels, and longevity.
Here are some of the common factors that influence the amount of food to feed your Frenchie:
- Age: French Bulldogs require varied amounts of food at different life stages. Puppies typically require more food given in multiple meals due to their high energy requirements and fast growth rate. Adults, on the other hand, require balanced portions to maintain optimal weight. Senior dogs often need fewer calories unless they remain very active.
- Weight: A Frenchie’s current weight plays a crucial role in determining the food quantity. Overweight dogs may require dietary adjustments to help them shed extra pounds, while underweight dogs may need additional nourishment.
- Activity level: Active French Bulldogs require more calories to sustain their energy levels, whereas less active or sedentary dogs need fewer calories to prevent obesity.
- Health condition: Certain health conditions may require a special diet. For instance, dogs with specific allergies may need hypoallergenic food, while those with kidney problems might require a low-protein diet.
- Quality of dog food: High-quality dog food is nutrient-dense, meaning you’ll feed less of it than you would with a lower-quality product.
Remember, every French Bulldog is an individual, and their dietary needs may vary. This is also true for specialized sizes such as the mini Frenchie.
Hence, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian or a pet nutrition expert to devise the best feeding plan for your specific pet.
How Much to Feed Your French Bulldog?
In this section, we delve into the specifics of how much to feed your French Bulldog. We’ll provide guidelines for both puppies and adults and discuss the important considerations to keep in mind.
French Bulldog Puppy Feeding Chart (2 to 12 months)
The journey of feeding your French Bulldog puppy is a thrilling stage marked by rapid growth and development.
Having bred French Bulldogs for about seven years, I’ve faced challenges in ensuring the survival of newborn puppies. One effective approach I prioritize is preparing the mother Frenchie for healthy milk production.
This allows the puppies to gain from the immunity-enhancing properties of colostrum present in the mother’s milk. This practice extends even beyond when they start the weaning process around their fourth week.
As your French Bulldog puppy evolves from a two-month-old into a one-year-old, the feeding guidelines provided below can be helpful:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 2 – 3 months | 1 – 1 ¾ | 499 – 840 |
| 4 – 5 months | 1 – 1 ¾ | 435 – 734 |
| 6 – 8 months | 1 ¼ – 2 | 530 – 917 |
| 9 – 12 months | 1 ½ – 2 | 619 – 942 |
Remember, this chart acts as a broad guide. Each puppy has unique needs, and adaptations may be required based on your pup’s specific needs. Consult your vet for advice customized to your pet.
Adult French Bulldog Feeding Chart (1 to 6 years)
Determining the right amount of food for your adult French Bulldog is a key component in promoting its health and longevity. Feeding it an appropriate and balanced diet helps prevent issues like obesity.
Further, the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals must be considered to sustain your adult Frenchie’s overall health and enhance its immune system, bone structure, and coat quality.
Here is a feeding chart to guide you in feeding your adult Pug:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 1 – 6 years | 1 ¼ – 2 | 518 – 753 |
Additionally, you may also supplement your adult Frenchie with fish oil to support its skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, and promote joint health. Probiotics can also aid in digestion and gut health.
Senior French Bulldog Feeding Chart (7 years and above)
As your French Bulldog enters its senior years, you’ll likely notice a decrease in its metabolism and activity level. These changes can lead to weight gain if the diet is not carefully managed.
Approximately 1 to 1 ½ cups per day of nutrient-rich, balanced dog food can effectively bolster your dog’s immune system, encourage dental health, and avert skin issues and other age-related diseases.
Moreover, dogs’ capacity to metabolize proteins diminishes as they age. Consequently, senior French Bulldogs need more highly digestible proteins to prevent muscle deterioration and weakness.
The table below should help you determine how much to feed your senior Frenchie:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 7 years and above | 1 – 1 ½ | 415 – 603 |
Supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine can also be beneficial in supporting the joints and bones of older dogs.
As always, it’s crucial to consult with your vet to tailor a feeding and supplementation regimen specific to your senior French Bulldog’s needs.
Given the lower sense of smell that senior dogs have, a colleague of mine who owns a 13-year-old male Frenchie always mixes highly palatable and aromatic food with his dog’s kibbles.
He would either blend in commercially available wet food or, if time permits, prepare delicious home-cooked meals to make the food more acceptable for his aging French Bulldog.
How Often Should You Feed Your French Bulldog?
A French Bulldog’s feeding frequency largely depends on its age. A young puppy may free-feed under careful supervision. Once they reach two months, three meals a day are suggested. An adult typically eats two servings of dry food daily, while one meal a day often suffices for a senior French Bulldog.
For newborn French Bulldogs, free-feeding is typically recommended to meet their nutritional needs and support their rapid growth. However, close monitoring is crucial to prevent issues such as bloating.
For puppies and older dogs, feeding frequency should be age-appropriate to ensure they have sufficient energy throughout the day or night. This helps prevent conditions like hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
The table below summarizes the recommended feeding frequency for Pugs:
| Age | Feeding Frequency |
| 0 – 8 weeks | Free feeding |
| 2 – 12 months | Three times a day |
| 1 – 6 years | Two times a day |
| 7 years and above | Once a day |
A general guideline is to divide the total amount of food by the number of recommended feedings based on your French Bulldog’s age. This helps ensure that their energy level is sustained from one meal to the next.
How to Transition Your French Bulldog to a New Food
Whether it’s due to dietary requirements, health concerns, or age, there may come a time when you need to transition your French Bulldog to a new type of food.
However, abruptly changing your dog’s diet can lead to digestive upset or refusal to eat. To ensure a smooth transition, follow these schedules:
| Day | Old Food | New Food |
| Day 1 – 2 | 75% | 25% |
| Day 3 – 4 | 50% | 50% |
| Day 5 – 6 | 25% | 75% |
| Day 7 | 0% | 100% |
Remember, each French Bulldog is unique. Some may need more time to adjust than others. Always observe your pet’s reactions during the transition and consult your vet if you have concerns.
Further, for those who are just getting a Frenchie puppy, it is a great practice to ask what food the breeder is giving the puppy so you can avoid an abrupt transition in its diet that may cause upsets in its stomach.
Tips on Feeding an Overweight French Bulldog
If you find that your French Bulldog is tipping the scales a little too much, it’s essential to address the issue, as overweight dogs are more prone to health problems.
Below are some tips you can implement to help manage your French Bulldog’s weight:
- Adjust their caloric intake: Begin by reducing your Frenchie’s daily calorie consumption. You can do this by slightly decreasing the portions of regular meals or by switching to a lower-calorie diet specifically designed for weight control.
- Incorporate exercise: Ensure your French Bulldog gets regular physical activity. A daily walk, a game of fetch, or some play time in the backyard can help burn off excess calories and maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit treats: It’s easy to forget that treats add to your dog’s calorie intake. Limiting or choosing healthier, low-calorie treats can make a significant difference.
- Regular vet check-ups: Regular vet visits will help monitor your French Bulldog’s weight and health. Your vet can provide personalized advice based on your pet’s specific needs.
Remember, changes should be gradual and monitored closely. Drastic diet changes or excessive exercise can harm your dog. Always consult your vet before making significant changes to your dog’s routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I’m Feeding My French Bulldog Enough?
Determining if you’re feeding your French Bulldog enough relies on observing their health and behavior. A well-fed Bulldog should have ample energy, a shiny coat, and a healthy appetite.
Further, pay attention to their weight; they should be lean but not underweight, with ribs that are not prominently visible but can be felt.
Monitor their bowel movements, too; consistent, solid waste indicates proper nutrition. However, if your Bulldog seems constantly hungry, lacks energy, or is losing weight, they may not be getting enough food.
Why Is My French Bulldog Not Eating?
Several reasons could explain why your French Bulldog is not eating. Stress, changes in environment or diet, or simply being picky can impact their appetite.
However, it’s important to note that loss of appetite can also indicate health issues such as dental problems, gastrointestinal discomfort, or more serious conditions.
If your Frenchie refuses to eat for more than a day or is showing other symptoms like lethargy or vomiting, it’s essential to seek immediate veterinary attention.
Can I Feed My French Bulldog With Human Food?
While certain human foods are safe for French Bulldogs in moderation, they should not form the bulk of their diet.
Their food should be specially formulated for dogs, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for their health. Some safe human foods include lean meats, certain fruits and vegetables, and plain rice or pasta.
However, many human foods, like chocolate, grapes, onions, or foods high in salt or sugar, can be harmful to dogs. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods into your French Bulldog’s diet.
Do French Bulldogs Eat a Lot?
French Bulldogs don’t inherently eat more than other dogs of similar size. However, like any breed, they can develop unhealthy eating habits if not properly managed.
Overeating can lead to obesity, a common issue in the breed, leading to other health problems. It’s vital to monitor their food intake, ensure they’re receiving a balanced diet, and give them regular exercise.
Can French Bulldogs Eat Bones?
French Bulldogs can consume certain types of bones, but caution is necessary. Small, brittle bones or cooked bones can splinter, posing a choking hazard or potentially causing internal damage.
Larger, raw bones are safer and can aid in dental health. However, monitor your Frenchies while they’re gnawing to prevent accidental ingestion of large bone pieces.
It’s crucial to ensure that any bone given to your dog is appropriate for its size and chewing habits. Despite these precautions, bones can still pose risks, so many veterinarians recommend safer chewing alternatives.
How do you feed your French Bulldog? Share with us your best practices! You can also ask any questions about the diet of this very lovable breed in the comments below!
