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11 Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Rachel Giordano

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Dogster Team

11 Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

French bulldog eating from bowlAs dog owners, we all want what’s best for our canine babies, and that includes feeding them high-quality food for their overall health. However, when it comes to food, one size does not fit all. Take the French Bulldog, for example. Frenchies, as they are so often called, are a small breed, so feeding them food suitable for small breeds in particular is essential to help them feel their best every day.

With that said, how on earth do you go about picking food that’s appropriate for your Frenchie? If this is you, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll look at the top 11 products for the best dog food for French Bulldogs and give you our reviews of each one. In reading this guide, you’ll have an arsenal of information that will help you make the best-informed decision for your Frenchie so that your doggie can live their best life.

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Subscription Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Subscription
  • Human-grade food quality
  • Gluten-free & whole grains
  • Fresh ingredients
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Iams MiniChunks Protein Iams MiniChunks Protein
  • Uses wholesome ingredients for 100% complete and balanced nutrition
  • Prebiotics for healthy digestion
  • Contains omega-6 fatty acids for healthy coat and skin
  • Third place
    ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free
  • Terrific grain-free option
  • Wild-caught fish is the first 5 ingredients
  • Comes in 3 bag sizes
  • Best for Puppies
    Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Rice Nutro Natural Choice Chicken & Rice
  • Real chicken is first ingredient
  • Free of by-products, corn, wheat, and soy
  • Contains antioxidants, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids
  • Hill's Science Chicken & Barley Hill's Science Chicken & Barley
  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Contains no artificial flavors or preservatives
  • Promotes hearty health
  • The 11 Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs

    1. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall

    nomnom dog bowl_beef_square

    Calories: 182 kcal / cup
    Protein: 8%
    Fat: 4%
    Flavor: Beef, chicken, pork, turkey

    Nom Nom is a company that prides itself on making high-quality dog food. The company uses human-grade, sustainably sourced ingredients in all its recipes. There are beef, chicken, pork, and turkey recipes to choose from, so if your dog doesn’t like one, you can easily try another.

    What we love most about Nom Nom dog food is that the food is created by two veterinary nutritionists. Nom Nom takes time to ensure that only simple, clean proteins and veggies go into each package. Every meal is pre-portioned and packed full of protein and fiber. While it is expensive, you can take comfort knowing that your dog is eating food that even you would feel comfortable consuming. Better yet, Nom Nom makes and packages the food right here in the United States. All of these reasons are why we chose Nom Nom as the best overall dog food for French Bulldogs.

    Pros
    • Human-grade ingredients
    • Sustainably sourced
    • High in protein
    • Four different recipes
    • Created by veterinary nutritionists

    Cons

    • Expensive


    2. Iams Adult MiniChunks High Protein Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Iams Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food

    Calories: 380 kcal/cup
    Protein: 25%
    Fat: 14%
    Flavor: Chicken

    Iams Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble High Protein Dry Dog Food includes farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient, giving your Frenchie the necessary protein it needs. It contains prebiotics for a healthy digestive system and antioxidants for immune health. Iams is trusted by vets and has been in the industry for 60 years. They use real, wholesome ingredients in every formula for 100% complete and balanced nutrition. The omega-6 fatty acids promote a healthy coat and skin, and even picky eaters love the kibble.

    The formula has whole-grain corn, so avoid it if your pooch has a corn allergy. The kibble is hard, so if you’re looking for soft chunks, you may not like this particular product.

    It comes in various bag sizes at a reasonable price, making it our pick for the best dog food for French Bulldogs for the money.

    Pros
    • Uses wholesome ingredients for 100% complete and balanced nutrition
    • Contains omega-6 fatty acids for healthy coat and skin
    • Prebiotics for healthy digestion
    • Farm-raised chicken is first ingredient
    • Comes in many bag sizes

    Cons

    • Kibble may be too hard for some pooches
    • Contains corn


    3. ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Calories: 486 kcal/cup
    Protein: 40%
    Fat: 16%
    Flavor: Wild-caught fish

    If you’re looking for a grain-free formula, ORIJEN Six Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a good option. Wild-caught fish is the main ingredient in this formula that includes mackerel, herring, monkfish, redfish, flounder, and whole hake. It is high in protein and freeze-dried to pack the flavor. If your dog likes fish, this food will suit him well.

    If you want your dog to have fruits and vegetables in their diet, this food may not be for you. This formula focuses on the carnivorous side of dogs’ diets and includes organs and bone. This nutrient-dense food may not be suitable for every dog, but tons of consumers state they have tremendous success with this food, even with their picky eaters. It is expensive, but if your Frenchie has any corn or wheat allergies, this food is a terrific alternative. It comes in three bag sizes: 4.5-pound, 13-pound, and 25-pound. We recommend purchasing the smallest bag first to ensure your dog likes it before committing to a large bag.

    Pros
    • Terrific grain-free option
    • Wild-caught fish is the first 5 ingredients
    • Comes in 3 bag sizes

    Cons

    • Expensive
    • Some dogs may not like the fish taste
    • Lacks fruits and vegetables


    4. Nutro Natural Chicken & Brown Rice – Best for Puppies

    Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Calories: 390 kcal/cup
    Protein: 28%
    Fat: 16%
    Flavor: Chicken

    Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is our top pick for French Bulldog puppies. It contains the necessary omega-3 fatty acids, such as DHA for eye and brain development, calcium for strong bones, and antioxidants to support a healthy immune system for your growing puppy. The first ingredient is real chicken, which is essential for your pup’s necessary protein. It is made from non-GMO ingredients and is free of by-products, wheat, corn, and soy.

    Nutro has been a trusted brand in the dog food industry since 1926 and uses clean, wholesome ingredients. A downfall is the kibble may be too big for your puppy, and as a result, your pup may have a hard time eating the kibble. However, this food is mostly a hit among many dog owners.

    It comes in either a 5-pound bag or a 13-pound bag at a reasonable price. This food is recommended for pups up to 1 year of age.

    Pros
    • Real chicken is first ingredient
    • Contains antioxidants, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids
    • Free of by-products, corn, wheat, and soy
    • Comes in 2 bags sizes
    • Affordable

    Cons

    • Kibble may be too big for puppies to eat


    5. Hill’s Science Small Bites Chicken & Barley Dry Food

    Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Calories: 363 kcal/8-ounce cup
    Protein: 20%
    Fat: 11.5%
    Flavor: Chicken

    Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Bites Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food is a great option for French Bulldogs. This food is for small breeds ages 1 through 6. It has no artificial flavors, and it doesn’t skimp on omega-6s and vitamin E for a luscious, smooth coat. Chicken is the first ingredient that’s ideal for muscle support, and it’s formulated to promote heart health. The small kibble makes it easy for your Frenchie to digest and has no artificial flavors or preservatives.

    It contains corn gluten meal and wheat, so you’ll want to avoid this product if your canine kiddo has a food allergy. Even though this food is designed specifically for small breeds, the kibble may be too small for your Frenchie.

    Hill’s Science Diet is veterinary recommended and tailored to your specific needs. They only use natural ingredients, and this food comes in a 5-pound bag, a 15-pound bag, or a 35-pound bag.

    Pros
    • Chicken is the first ingredient
    • Promotes heart health
    • Contains no artificial flavors or preservatives
    • Veterinary recommended

    Cons

    • Kibble size may be too small for some dogs
    • Contains corn gluten and wheat


    6. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken Dry Dog Food

    Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Calories: 366 kcal/cup
    Protein: 33%
    Fat: 10-12%
    Flavor: Turkey

    Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food is another protein and nutrient-rich formula with reduced calories for weight management. Deboned turkey is the first ingredient, and this food is grain-free for those with food allergies. It contains fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, carrots, apples, and blueberries. It has no by-products, fillers, or preservatives. This food is formulated with omega fatty acids, glucosamine, antioxidants, probiotics, taurine, and vitamins and minerals.

    It’s a little on the pricey side, and some consumers state their dog doesn’t like the reduced-fat formula because of the taste. However, many consumers say their dogs do very well on this food, and that it’s worth the price. It comes in 4, 12, or 26-pound bags.

    Pros
    • Deboned turkey is first ingredient
    • Contains glucosamine, omega fatty acids, taurine, and probiotics
    • Great for those looking for grain-free
    • Reduced-fat formula

    Cons

    • Expensive
    • Some dogs may not like the taste


    7. Purina Pro Plan Shredded Salmon & Rice Dry Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

    Calories: 379 kcal/cup
    Protein: 26%
    Fat: 16%
    Flavor: Salmon

    Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is suitable for all breed sizes, which makes it easier if you have multiple dogs in the household of different sizes. The hard kibble is mixed with soft, tender, shredded pieces, making it easier to chew for those with dental issues. It’s fortified with probiotics for smooth digestion, and the added vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids help nourish the skin and coat. Real salmon is the first ingredient, and it’s 100% complete and balanced with a taste most dogs love.

    We must note that some dogs have GI issues after consuming this food; however, most dogs love the food and have no GI upset after consuming it. The manufacturer changed the formula in the original batch, which could cause an upset tummy. It comes in a 5, 17, or 33-pound bag.

    Pros
    • Hard kibble mixed with tender, shredded pieces
    • Suitable for all breed sizes
    • 100% complete and balanced
    • Real salmon is first ingredient
    • Comes in 3 bag sizes

    Cons

    • May cause GI issues in some dogs


    8. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free

    Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Calories: 422 kcal/cup
    Protein: 32%
    Fat: 18%
    Flavor: Venison

    Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food’s kibble is the perfect size for small breeds. It’s rich in proteins and fats, and dogs love the taste of roasted venison, egg, lamb, duck, and ocean fish proteins. The added blueberries and raspberries provide antioxidants, and it has 80 CFU/pound probiotics for digestive health. Pasture-raised venison is the first ingredient, and it’s grain-free. This formula is a family-owned brand made in the U.S.A. and has no corn, artificial flavors, or artificial colors.

    This food may not be suitable for pooches with sensitive stomachs. In that case, a food made specifically for sensitive stomachs will probably be your best bet. On the other hand, if your Frenchie has excessive gas, this food may help cut down on flatulence.

    This food is not quite as expensive as the other premium foods mentioned so far, and you can purchase a 5, 14, or 28-pound bag.

    Pros
    • Pasture-raised venison is first ingredient
    • Contains antioxidants and probiotics for gut health
    • No artificial flavors or colors
    • May cut down flatulence in some dogs
    • Made in the U.S.A.

    Cons

    • May not be suitable for sensitive stomachs


    9. Purina Beyond Superfood Blend Salmon, Egg & Pumpkin

    Purina Beyond Superfood Blend Wild-Caught Salmon, Egg & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Calories: 437 kcal/cup
    Protein: 26%
    Fat: 16%
    Flavor: Salmon, egg, and pumpkin

    Pumpkin is excellent to give your dog in case of an upset stomach. The soluble fiber in pumpkin bulks up your dog’s stool, and feeding Purina Beyond Superfood Blend Wild-Caught Salmon, Egg & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food is an outstanding choice for Frenchies with sensitive stomachs. It’s suitable for all breed sizes, and wild-caught salmon from Alaska is the first ingredient. It has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat, and it has limited ingredients. It’s also free of corn, wheat, and soy, making it perfect for those with allergies.

    Purina Beyond also offers toppers you can purchase separately with various flavors to give your Frenchie a different taste every so often. We also want to point out that this food has chicken meal, so if your canine kiddo has a chicken allergy, you should avoid this food.

    This food comes in a 3.7 or 14.5-pound bag.

    Pros
    • Wild-caught salmon is first ingredient
    • Added pumpkin for sensitive stomachs
    • Suitable for all breed sizes
    • Free from corn, wheat, and soy
    • Comes in 2 bag sizes

    Cons

    • Contains chicken meal


    10. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Adult Dry Dog Food

    Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

    Calories: 404 kcal/cup
    Protein: 27%
    Fat: 16%
    Flavor: Chicken

    Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food has deboned chicken as the first ingredient. It’s full of rich protein for strong muscles, and the added glucosamine and chondroitin will keep your Frenchie’s hips and joints healthy and strong. The kibble size is small and designed specifically for small breed dogs, and it has plenty of vitamins and minerals for complete and balanced dog food. It’s free from peas, lentils, and potatoes for dogs that may have food allergies, and it contains a unique blend of grains to support healthy digestion.

    The bag is not resealable, and it is a little on the expensive side. It also only comes in two bag sizes: a 4-pound bag or a 12-pound bag.

    Pros
    • Deboned chicken is first ingredient
    • Pea, lentil, and potato free
    • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
    • Specifically for small breeds

    Cons

    • Bag is not resealable
    • Expensive
    • Comes in only 2 bag sizes


    11. American Journey Active Life Chicken, Rice & Vegetables

    American Journey Active Life Formula Healthy Weight Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Calories: 304 kcal/cup
    Protein: 25%
    Fat: 9%
    Flavor: Chicken

    American Journey Active Life Formula Healthy Weight Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food is a good option if you’re looking for weight management. It has only 304 calories per cup, and deboned chicken is the first ingredient. It has natural fiber sources to keep your Frenchie full without putting on extra weight. It contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy hips and joints and contains nutrient-dense ingredients, such as sweet potatoes and kelp. The added L-carnitine helps support muscle mass and supports normal fat metabolism, and there are no by-products, artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.

    It only comes in a 28-pound bag, and some consumers state the bag has dust at the bottom. You also may have to check in frequently for availability.

    Pros
    • Deboned chicken is first ingredient
    • Terrific for weight management
    • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint health
    • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

    Cons

    • Only comes in a 28-pound bag
    • Frequently out of stock

    divider-pawBuyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Food for French Bulldogs

    When it comes to shopping around for dog food, it can all seem overwhelming and frustrating due to the many choices available, so let’s examine it a bit further to help you make an informed decision before buying.

    Dog Food Ingredients

    When looking at the ingredients, it’s important to know how to weed out the good, the bad, and the ugly, especially if your canine best friend has any food allergies. French Bulldogs require high-quality protein, such as chicken, turkey, or fish. The best dog food options will have high-quality protein listed first. If you go back and review our top 10 picks, you’ll notice that we mention exactly what the first ingredient is in the formula.

    The first 3 to 5 listings in the ingredients are important because that’s the majority of what’s in the food. Now, let’s break it down even further.

    Meat By-Products

    If you’ve ever been confused about what by-products mean, let’s define it. It means that the food includes part of an animal left over after the slaughtering process. Different opinions surround this topic; some experts say to avoid it, and some experts say by-products have nutrients and are safe for dogs to consume. Manufacturers are not allowed to use hair, manure, floor sweepings, or hooves. With that said, if the food in question has by-products, it shouldn’t be listed in the top three ingredients. And if you’re ever in doubt, consult with your veterinarian.

    Meat Meal

    What is meat meal, anyway? Meat meal, much like by-products, is also leftovers from the slaughterhouse; only it’s cooked and dehydrated into a powdery substance before being added to the dog food. If you see “chicken meal” or “turkey meal,” for instance, this means that the tissues, meaning clean flesh, skin, and bone of the animal (excluding hooves, hair, manure, and stomach contents), are cooked.  Again, opinions vary about the nutritional value of meat meals. If you’re in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

    female french bulldog sitting
    Image By: Piqsels

    Pick the Right Breed Size

    Since we’re talking about French Bulldogs in the guide, it’s important to pick a food specifically for small breeds. Some dog food is suitable for all breed sizes, but some foods (like those mentioned above) are designed exclusively for small breeds. Dog food formulated for small breeds have smaller kibble for easier digestion.

    Pick the Right Life Stage

    Luckily, manufacturers make dog food for every stage of a dog’s life. If you have a puppy, go with high-quality puppy food, and in this case, for small breeds. Make sure to check the label; it will tell you what stage the food is formulated for (puppy, adult, or senior) and if it’s suitable for all breeds, large breeds, or small breeds. Always go with a small breed formula for your Frenchie for easier digestion. It’s important to pick the correct stage because dogs need certain nutrients depending on where they are in life, and it can make a huge impact on your dog’s overall health.

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    Conclusion

    For the best overall dog food for French Bulldogs, Nom Nom Dog Food combines top dog nutrition with human grade ingredients to create the best fresh food option available. Iams Adult MiniChunks Small Kibble High Protein combines farm-raised chickens, prebiotics, and antioxidants in a variety of bag sizes, making it the best value for the money.

    We hope you’ve enjoyed our top 10 picks for the best dog food for French Bulldogs, and we wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect food for your canine fur baby.


    Featured Image Credit: Gryllus M, Shutterstock

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