Feeding a French Bulldog is more complicated than it should be. George has a sensitive stomach, skin allergies triggered by certain proteins, and the Frenchie tendency to inhale food so fast he makes himself sick. Finding the right food took months of trial and error, and a few vet bills.
If your Frenchie has gas that clears a room, itchy skin, ear infections, or chronic loose stools, the food is almost always a factor. Here are the 7 best foods for French Bulldogs, based on real testing and veterinary guidance.
What to Look for in French Bulldog Food
French Bulldogs have specific nutritional needs driven by their breed-specific health issues:
- Limited ingredient / novel protein. Frenchies are prone to food allergies. Common triggers include chicken, beef, wheat, corn, and soy. Limited ingredient formulas with novel proteins (salmon, duck, venison, lamb) reduce allergic reactions.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Essential for skin and coat health. Frenchies with skin issues benefit enormously from fish-based omega fatty acids.
- Prebiotics and probiotics. Frenchies have sensitive digestive systems. Probiotic-enriched food supports gut health and reduces gas and loose stools.
- Moderate protein, moderate fat. Frenchies are muscular but prone to obesity. Aim for 25-30% protein and 12-18% fat.
- Small kibble size. Frenchies have flat faces and can struggle with large kibble. Small, easy-to-pick-up pieces are ideal.
- No artificial additives. Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can trigger skin reactions and digestive issues.
The 7 Best Foods for French Bulldogs
1. Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult. Best Breed-Specific
Say what you will about Royal Canin’s pricing, their breed-specific formulas are genuinely well-researched. The French Bulldog formula has specially shaped kibble designed for the brachycephalic jaw, a protein blend that supports muscle mass, and added nutrients for skin barrier health.
Why it’s great for Frenchies:
- Kibble shape designed for flat-faced breeds
- EPA/DHA for skin and coat health
- L-carnitine for fat metabolism (helps prevent obesity)
- Highly digestible proteins reduce gas
- Prebiotics for gut health
Watch out for: Contains chicken and corn, which some Frenchies are allergic to. If your dog has known food allergies, check the ingredient list carefully.
Price: ~€50-65 for 9kg
2. Acana Singles Lamb & Apple. Best for Food Allergies
When George’s skin allergies flared up, our vet recommended a single-protein diet. Acana Singles Lamb & Apple has one animal protein source (lamb) and limited ingredients overall, making it easy to identify and eliminate triggers.
Why it’s great for Frenchies:
- Single animal protein (lamb, easy allergy management
- Limited ingredients reduce reaction risk
- 60% meat content, high quality protein
- No chicken, beef, wheat, corn, or soy
- Whole fruit and vegetables for fiber and nutrients
- Canadian-made with traceable ingredients
Watch out for: Premium price point. Also, some Frenchies don’t love the taste initially, mix it gradually with their current food over 7-10 days.
Price: ~€55-70 for 6kg
3. Wellness CORE Digestive Health. Best for Sensitive Stomachs
If your Frenchie’s primary issue is digestive (gas, soft stools, vomiting), Wellness CORE Digestive Health is specifically formulated for gut support. It includes a proprietary blend of probiotics, prebiotics, and digestive enzymes.
Why it’s great for Frenchies:
- Added probiotics and prebiotics
- Digestive enzymes for better nutrient absorption
- Salmon as primary protein (novel for most dogs)
- Grain-free option available
- DHA for brain and eye health
- No artificial preservatives or fillers
Watch out for: The grain-free version has been questioned by some vets regarding DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) risk. The grain-inclusive version is available and may be a safer long-term choice. Discuss with your vet.
Price: ~€45-60 for 4kg
4. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream. Best Fish-Based
Fish-based diets are often the solution for Frenchies with chicken or beef allergies. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream uses smoked salmon as the primary protein and is packed with omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Why it’s great for Frenchies:
- Salmon-based, great for dogs with poultry/beef allergies
- High omega-3 content for skin health
- Grain-free with sweet potato and peas
- Added probiotics (K9 strain)
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Good value for the quality
Watch out for: Strong fish smell that some owners don’t love. Also, see the grain-free/DCM note above, discuss with your vet for long-term feeding.
Price: ~€40-55 for 5.6kg
5. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin. Best Vet-Recommended
Hill’s is the brand most frequently recommended by vets, and for good reason, their formulas are backed by extensive clinical research. The Sensitive Stomach & Skin formula is specifically designed for dogs with digestive and dermatological issues.
Why it’s great for Frenchies:
- Clinically tested for digestive health
- Prebiotic fiber blend for gut health
- Vitamin E + omega-6 for skin and coat
- Easily digestible ingredients
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Available in chicken and salmon varieties
Watch out for: Primary protein is chicken, which is a common allergen for Frenchies. If your dog reacts to chicken, choose the salmon variety or skip this one.
Price: ~€50-65 for 5.4kg
6. Orijen Original. Best High-Protein
If your Frenchie tolerates it (not all sensitive stomachs can), Orijen is arguably the highest quality dry dog food on the market. It’s 85% animal ingredients with a “Whole Prey” philosophy that includes meat, organs, and cartilage.
Why it’s great for Frenchies:
- 85% animal ingredients, closest to a natural diet
- Multiple protein sources (chicken, turkey, fish, eggs)
- Fresh and raw ingredients, not rendered meals
- No grains, potatoes, or tapioca
- Rich in omega-3 from whole fish
- Canadian-made with traceable ingredients
Watch out for: Very rich food. Introduce gradually, some Frenchies with sensitive stomachs can’t handle the high protein and fat content. Also contains chicken, which is a common Frenchie allergen.
Price: ~€65-85 for 6kg
7. Lily’s Kitchen Grain Free Adult. Best Natural/Organic
For owners who want a natural, human-grade food with transparent sourcing, Lily’s Kitchen is excellent. The grain-free recipe uses freshly prepared meat and vegetables with no meat meals, fillers, or artificial additives.
Why it’s great for Frenchies:
- Freshly prepared meat (not meal or rendered)
- No grains, fillers, or artificial anything
- Botanical herbs for digestion and immunity
- Clear, readable ingredient list
- British-made with traceable ingredients
- Multiple flavors to rotate
Watch out for: Lower protein than some competitors. Also, Frenchies who need very specific dietary control might need a more targeted formula.
Price: ~€45-55 for 7kg
Quick Comparison Table
| Food | Best For | Protein | Grain-Free | Allergen-Friendly | Price/kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Canin French Bulldog | Breed-specific | 26% | No | ⭐⭐ | ~€6-7 |
| Acana Singles Lamb | Food allergies | 31% | No | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ~€9-12 |
| Wellness CORE Digestive | Sensitive stomach | 28% | Optional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ~€11-15 |
| Taste of the Wild Pacific | Fish-based/skin | 25% | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ~€7-10 |
| Hill’s Sensitive | Vet-recommended | 22% | No | ⭐⭐⭐ | ~€9-12 |
| Orijen Original | High-protein | 38% | Yes | ⭐⭐ | ~€11-14 |
| Lily’s Kitchen | Natural/organic | 26% | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐ | ~€6-8 |
How to Transition Your French Bulldog to New Food
Never switch food abruptly, this guarantees digestive upset. Follow this gradual transition:
- Days 1-2: 75% old food, 25% new food
- Days 3-4: 50/50
- Days 5-6: 25% old food, 75% new food
- Day 7+: 100% new food
If your Frenchie shows digestive distress at any stage, slow down and spend an extra 2-3 days at that ratio.
Feeding Tips for French Bulldogs
- Use a slow feeder bowl. Frenchies inhale their food, which causes bloating, gas, and vomiting. A slow feeder forces them to eat at a reasonable pace.
- Measure portions. Frenchies gain weight easily. Follow the feeding guidelines on the package and adjust based on your vet’s recommendation.
- Feed twice daily. Two meals (morning and evening) is better than one large meal for digestion.
- Elevate the bowl slightly. A slightly raised bowl (5-10cm) can make eating easier for flat-faced breeds and reduce air swallowing.
- Fresh water always. Keep clean water available at all times. Frenchies don’t always drink enough.
Important: If your Frenchie has persistent digestive issues, skin problems, or allergies, consult your vet before making major dietary changes. Some conditions require prescription diets that aren’t available over the counter.
My Pick for Most Frenchie Owners
Start with Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult. It’s specifically designed for the breed and works well for most Frenchies without significant allergies.
If your Frenchie has food allergies, switch to Acana Singles Lamb & Apple for a clean, single-protein diet.
If the main issue is digestive (gas, loose stools), try Wellness CORE Digestive Health for its probiotic and enzyme support.
And regardless of which food you choose, get a slow feeder bowl. It makes a bigger difference than any food switch for reducing gas and vomiting in Frenchies.
Last updated: February 2026. Feeding recommendations informed by veterinary guidance. Affiliate links support this site at no cost to you.