French Bulldogs are wonderful dogs with a laundry list of health predispositions. Joint issues, skin problems, digestive sensitivity, these aren’t possibilities, they’re probabilities. The right supplements can make a meaningful difference in your Frenchie’s quality of life, especially as they age.
George started joint supplements at age 3 (on our vet’s recommendation) and skin supplements at age 2 (when his allergies first appeared). The difference was noticeable within weeks.
Here’s a breakdown of the best supplements for French Bulldogs, organized by what they help with.
Joint Supplements
French Bulldogs are prone to hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and IVDD. Joint supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM help maintain cartilage, reduce inflammation, and support mobility.
1. YuMOVE Joint Supplement for Dogs. Best Overall Joint
YuMOVE is the UK’s #1 vet-recommended joint supplement, and it’s earned that reputation. The unique ActivEase® Green Lipped Mussel extract provides omega-3 fatty acids that specifically target joint stiffness, while glucosamine and chondroitin support cartilage repair.
What’s in it: Green Lipped Mussel, glucosamine HCl, manganese, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E
Why it works for Frenchies:
- Targets stiff joints and supports mobility
- Anti-inflammatory omega-3s from Green Lipped Mussel
- Tasty tablet form. George eats them like treats
- Visible results in 4-6 weeks
- Available in different strengths (Adult, Senior, PLUS)
Dosage: 1-2 tablets daily for Frenchies (based on weight, typically 8-14kg)
Price: ~€25-35 for 60 tablets
2. Seraquin (Boehringer Ingelheim, Best Vet-Prescribed Joint
If your vet recommends a joint supplement, there’s a good chance they’ll suggest Seraquin. It combines chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and turmeric extract (curcumin) for comprehensive joint support.
What’s in it: Chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine HCl, turmeric (curcumin)
Why it works for Frenchies:
- Pharmaceutical-grade ingredients
- Curcumin provides natural anti-inflammatory support
- Clinically studied formula
- Chewable tablets with good palatability
Dosage: As directed by your vet (typically 1 tablet daily for Frenchie-sized dogs)
Price: ~€30-45 for 60 tablets
Skin & Coat Supplements
Frenchies are notorious for skin issues, allergies, hot spots, dry skin, and fold dermatitis. Omega fatty acid supplements support the skin barrier and reduce inflammatory reactions.
3. Grizzly Omega Health Salmon Oil. Best Skin & Coat
Pure wild Alaskan salmon oil is one of the simplest and most effective supplements you can give a Frenchie with skin issues. The omega-3 (EPA/DHA) and omega-6 fatty acids support the skin barrier, reduce itching, and improve coat quality.
What’s in it: Wild Alaskan salmon oil (EPA, DHA, omega-3, omega-6)
Why it works for Frenchies:
- Pure, single-ingredient supplement
- Pump bottle makes dosing easy, just add to food
- Reduces itchy skin and hot spots
- Improves coat shine and texture
- Also supports joint and heart health
- Most dogs love the taste
Dosage: 1 pump per 10kg body weight, daily
Price: ~€15-25 for 250ml
4. YuDERM Itching Dog. Best for Allergy-Related Skin
From the same makers as YuMOVE, YuDERM is specifically designed for dogs with itchy, irritated skin. The formula targets the skin barrier with a combination of omega-3, omega-6, and vitamin E.
What’s in it: Evening primrose oil, fish oil, starflower oil, vitamin E
Why it works for Frenchies:
- Targets itchy, flaky, irritated skin
- Evening primrose oil is excellent for canine allergic dermatitis
- Liquid form, easy to add to food
- Results visible in 3-6 weeks
- Supports skin from the inside out
Dosage: 5ml daily for Frenchie-sized dogs
Price: ~€15-25 for 250ml
Digestive Supplements
The Frenchie digestive system is… temperamental. Gas, soft stools, and food sensitivities are extremely common. Probiotics and digestive enzymes can dramatically improve gut health.
5. Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora. Best Probiotic
FortiFlora is the probiotic most commonly recommended by vets for dogs with digestive issues. It contains a guaranteed level of live microorganisms (Enterococcus faecium SF68) that support intestinal health and balance gut flora.
What’s in it: Enterococcus faecium SF68 (live probiotic), animal digest, vitamins
Why it works for Frenchies:
- Vet-recommended probiotic
- Sprinkle-on sachets, easy to add to any food
- Helps with gas, loose stools, and diarrhea
- Supports immune system health
- Dogs love the taste (it’s essentially a flavor enhancer too)
- Individually packaged sachets stay fresh
Dosage: 1 sachet daily, sprinkled on food
Price: ~€25-35 for 30 sachets
6. Protexin Pro-Kolin+. Best for Acute Digestive Issues
When George has an upset stomach (usually from eating something he shouldn’t have), Pro-Kolin+ is my go-to. It’s a paste with prebiotics, probiotics, and kaolin that firms up stools and calms the digestive tract fast.
What’s in it: Enterococcus faecium, preplex prebiotics, kaolin, pectin
Why it works for Frenchies:
- Fast-acting for acute digestive upsets
- Paste syringe makes dosing precise
- Kaolin and pectin firm up loose stools
- Probiotics restore gut balance
- Recommended by vets for post-antibiotic recovery too
Dosage: 2ml per 5kg body weight, 2-3 times daily during episodes
Price: ~€15-20 for 30ml syringe
7. Zesty Paws Multivitamin Bites. Best All-in-One
If you want a single supplement that covers joints, skin, digestion, and general health, Zesty Paws Multivitamin Bites are the most comprehensive option. They combine glucosamine, omega oils, probiotics, and vitamins in a chewable treat.
What’s in it: Glucosamine, chondroitin, OptiMSM, cod liver oil, probiotics, vitamins A/C/E, biotin
Why it works for Frenchies:
- Covers joint, skin, digestive, and immune health
- Chewable treat form, no pilling struggles
- Good ingredient quality for a multivitamin
- Convenient daily routine (one chew)
- Contains biotin for coat health
Watch out for: Jack of all trades, master of none. If your Frenchie has a specific serious issue (bad joints, severe allergies), a targeted supplement will be more effective.
Dosage: 1-2 chews daily based on weight
Price: ~€25-35 for 90 chews
Quick Comparison Table
| Supplement | Category | Form | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YuMOVE | Joint | Tablet | Overall joint health | €25-35 |
| Seraquin | Joint | Tablet | Vet-recommended joint | €30-45 |
| Grizzly Salmon Oil | Skin | Liquid | Skin & coat health | €15-25 |
| YuDERM Itching Dog | Skin | Liquid | Itchy/allergic skin | €15-25 |
| FortiFlora | Digestive | Sachet | Daily probiotic | €25-35 |
| Pro-Kolin+ | Digestive | Paste | Acute stomach upset | €15-20 |
| Zesty Paws Multi | All-in-one | Chew | General health | €25-35 |
When to Start Supplements
- Joint supplements: Start at age 2-3, or immediately if your vet identifies early joint issues. Prevention is far more effective than treatment.
- Skin supplements: Start when skin issues first appear. Omega oils take 4-6 weeks to show full effect, so start early in allergy season.
- Digestive supplements: Daily probiotics can be started at any age. Acute products (like Pro-Kolin+) are for episodes only.
Important Notes
Always consult your vet before starting supplements, especially if your Frenchie is on medication. Some supplements can interact with drugs or mask symptoms of underlying conditions that need treatment.
- Supplements are not replacements for veterinary care
- Quality matters, buy from reputable brands with clear ingredient lists
- Give supplements time to work, most need 4-6 weeks for visible results
- Store as directed (some probiotics need refrigeration)
- Track changes, keep a simple log of your Frenchie’s symptoms so you can measure improvement
George’s Daily Supplement Routine
For reference, here’s what George takes daily:
- Morning: YuMOVE joint tablet + FortiFlora sachet sprinkled on breakfast
- Evening: Grizzly salmon oil pump on dinner
- As needed: Pro-Kolin+ for occasional stomach upset
Total monthly cost: approximately €25-30. A small investment for a noticeably happier, healthier Frenchie.
Last updated: February 2026. Supplement recommendations informed by veterinary guidance. Affiliate links support this site at no cost to you.