French Bulldog health issues and the best food for them

Why does it sound like my French Bulldog’s struggling to breathe?

BOAS – Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a condition which affects a dog’s ability to breathe freely. It’s often seen in flat-faced breeds, including French Bulldogs and there are a number of elements that contribute to it [1].

Dogs with BOAS tend to have an overly long and thick soft palate in proportion to their mouth. This then  partially covers the airway making it difficult to breathe freely. The windpipe (trachea) is often narrow which makes it harder for air to flow freely into the lungs. Nostrils tend to be narrowed which makes breathing more difficult.

In some cases, affected dogs will also have everted laryngeal saccules (tonsils) – these are normally located in pockets at the top of the windpipe but in some cases, they turn outwards and partially block the airway. BOAS often gets worse over time, due to inflammation.

BOAS exclusively affects brachycephalic breeds who have been bred to have shorter snouts and flatter faces. Up to 75% of French Bulldogs will be affected by significant BOAS.

Symptoms usually become apparent between one and three years old, but can begin to show as early as 4 months.

Symptoms include: 

• Noisy breathing and snoring – many affected dogs will breathe through their mouths
• No interest in exercise, or being unable to exercise much, as a result of being unable to get enough oxygen
• Some affected dogs may collapse, or faint, due to insufficient oxygen getting to the brain – this is more likely to happen during exercise and in hot weather

While diagnosis is straightforward and based on the breed and the symptoms, your vet may examine your dog’s throat under anaesthetic, as well as carrying out an assessment of the heart, and possible x-rays, CT scan and endoscopy (a camera used to examine the airways) to see which areas are affected and to what extent.

Treatment will depend on how severely your dog is affected and can range from conservative management to surgery to shorten the soft palate, widen the nostrils and remove the laryngeal saccules.

Ideally, we would allow the breed to return to a longer nose form seen in the Victorian era, which would stop the need for surgery. Evidence is emerging that the effects on normal breathing can also affect other conditions in brachycephalic breeds including arthritis and dermatitis. As the increased stress and sympathetic nervous system stimulation increases the likelihood of inflammation, histamine release, and even activation of the immune system risking autoimmune diseases.

If you suspect that your French Bulldog may be affected by BOAS, please speak with your vet who will assess the extent and severity and discuss treatment options with you.

Heatstroke

Research has shown that French Bulldogs, or any of the flat faced breeds, are twice as likely to develop heatstroke when compared to dogs with longer muzzles.

In dogs, the nasal cavity plays an important role in regulating their temperature and the shortened nasal cavity, combined with difficulties in breathing, means that brachycephalic dogs find it hard to regulate their body temperature [2].

Particular care should be taken with these dogs in warm weather. Heatstroke, also known as hyperthermia, happens when a dog’s body can’t cope with the temperature rise internally. Dog’s usually sweat from areas not covered by fur (paws and nose) and can cool down by panting but if they’re too hot, this is sometimes not enough.

As your French Bulldogs body temperature increases it can damage tissues and organs which can make them very unwell. Common symptoms of heatstroke are:

• Heavy panting (even when they’re not exercising)
• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy/tiredness
• Drooling
• Not keen to move about
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Wobbly when they are walking
• Confusion
• Seizures

If left untreated, heatstroke can result in organ failure and can be fatal. If you suspect your dog has heatstroke then early intervention is really important. Call your vet straight away and let them know your dog’s symptoms while cooling them down. Place your dog on a cool floor and use cool (not cold) water to gently pour over them or use a sponge to apply this to the tummy, neck and inner thighs.

A good tip is to make sure the car is cool (put air conditioning on) before the dog needs to be transported to the vets.

Reverse Sneeze

A reverse sneeze is a spasm in the nasal cavity that causes a sharp intake of air that makes a strange sound. The noise can be a snort, a honk or a sneezing sound and it can be quite distressing for an owner to hear.

This is a reflex action to help remove or dislodge anything that’s caused irritation or discomfort in the nasal cavity. As French Bulldogs have narrow nasal passages they’re more prone to these reverse sneezing episodes. These episodes are not usually anything to be overly concerned about but if they start to happen more regularly then it’s always worth mentioning to your vet.

How a raw diet can support respiratory issues

Weight control is an important part of managing respiratory issues such as BOAS and reverse sneezing, as excess weight can dramatically worsen the symptoms and also increases the risk of complications.

A healthy, species appropriate diet can be easily adjusted to suit the individual to support weight control.

Keeping inflammation under control is important for dogs affected by BOAS, as inflammation leads to a worsening of symptoms. A raw food diet has a higher omega-3 fatty acids content, which have a natural anti-inflammatory effect if optimised against a reduced ratio to omega 6 fatty acids found in plant oils. Added to which more protein assimilation from raw undamaged forms to contribute to connective tissue repair.

Why does my French Bulldog have itchy skin?

Atopic Dermatitis

Although Frenchies have gorgeous wrinkled faces, those wrinkles can mean that they are prone to skin infections around their faces. They can also be prone to infections in their tail fold. This is because the folds create a dark, warm, damp environment in which bacteria and yeast can thrive. You may notice red sores in the folds which may have a nasty smell. There may even be a discharge.

It’s important that you regularly clean and dry the folds to help prevent infections developing and there are lots of products available to help you do this. If the folds are infected, you will need to take your French Bulldog to the vet and may be prescribed anti-fungal and/or antibiotic creams.

French Bulldogs can also suffer from dermatitis, often as a result of environmental allergies or food intolerances (see allergies).

Allergies

French Bulldogs can be prone to allergies and intolerances. These may be environmental, to pollens, dander, dust mites, storage mites, perfume, fungal spores, or they may be food intolerances.

Symptoms of allergies and intolerances can vary and can include recurring ear infections, itchy skin, recurring anal gland issues, itchy paws and gastrointestinal symptoms.

It can be difficult working out what your dog is reacting to – and, while allergy tests can provide a useful starting point, they aren’t foolproof and are limited by what they test for. False positives can also be common.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from allergies, it can be helpful to start a daily diary noting:

• Symptoms and how bad they are on a scale of one to ten
• What they ate including any treats and extras
• Where your dog walked/played
• If you cleaned the house/washed bedding/bathed them and products used
• If they had a flea or worm treatment

This will help you to track changes in symptoms as well as spot potential patterns for environmental triggers and for food intolerances.

If you suspect that your dog has allergies, speak with a vet who will decide if allergy testing is appropriate and what, if any, treatment may be needed. Many owners of allergic dogs have success working with a holistic vet, who will use a variety of both conventional and complementary treatments to deal with the root cause.

Ear Infections/Ear mites

French Bulldogs have beautiful ears that are admired by many, but they can be more prone to ear infections, due to bacterial infection, yeast, and mites, than many other breeds.

The long, narrow ear canal can trap wax which creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, yeast, and parasites such as mites. While the ear flaps mean that air can’t circulate as freely providing a damp, dark breeding ground for yeasts and parasites to hide in.

You may notice your French Bulldog shaking their head, or scratching their ears more than normal. Ears may appear red and hot when you examine them, and there may be a bad smell coming from them. Recurring ear infections can also be linked to food intolerances (see allergies, above) something which French Bulldogs can also be prone to.

It’s important to keep your Frenchie’s ears clean and dry to help prevent infections. Regular cleaning will also help you to spot any infection or ear mites in the early stages, so that you can begin appropriate treatment as soon as possible. You may wish to keep the hair in your dogs ears trimmed short, to help avoid dirt, wax, and moisture becoming trapped.  Bella & Duke’s Dog Eared drops are fantastic for helping to keep your French Bulldogs ear clean and healthy.

If you suspect your dog might have an ear infection or ear mites, please speak with your vet who will examine them to determine the cause and provide an appropriate treatment.

How a raw diet can support skin issues

How much raw food helps an individual dog with skin problems, and how long that takes, will depend on a few things. Providing a healthy, high quality raw diet for your French Bulldog helps to support their immune system, which in turn makes them less susceptible to bacterial and yeast infections and better able to fight off parasites.

In the case of environmental allergies, a healthy raw food diet can help by supporting the immune system. An allergic reaction is a malfunctioning immune system and a healthy immune system is less likely to over react. However, for dogs with environmental allergies, a raw food diet won’t provide a ‘cure’ and you should also, as far as possible, avoid known triggers and manage your dogs symptoms.

With environmental allergies to storage mites, a raw diet minimises the risk, providing your dog isn’t also getting other types of food, or treats that may contain storage mites.

In the case of food intolerances, depending on what your dog reacts to, a switch to raw food may support in managing their symptoms. Some dogs might react to an ingredient in the cooked form, but be safely able to eat it in the raw form (although this can also happen the other way round too).

However, if your dog reacts to ingredients that are contained in their raw meals, they will still experience symptoms until those ingredients are identified and removed. The beauty of raw food is that,  with a bit of effort, it is possible to identify, and therefore avoid, foods that your pet reacts to. You may wish to work with an experienced raw feeding vet who will be able to guide you through an elimination diet, if required, and work with you on identifying and treating the root cause.

Why is my French Bulldog having difficulty walking?

Disc Disease (IVDD)

French Bulldogs can be prone to developing spinal disc disease which happens when one of the fluid ‘cushions’ between the discs of the spine either slips out of place or ruptures. Without the protection this cushion provides the bones of the spinal column can press on the spinal cord which can cause severe pain. The disease can occur gradually, over a period of time, or it can happen suddenly. Symptoms can include:

• Back pain
• Unusual gait
• Appearing hunched
• Weak legs and wobbliness
• Difficulty getting up
• Holding the head low
• Dragging feet
• Shaking and in severe cases, paralysis
• Some dogs may yelp when you pick them up or when they try jumping on furniture

Disc disease can be extremely painful so, if you suspect that your French Bulldog has it, it’s important that you contact your vet as soon as possible. Phone them immediately, if the symptoms occur suddenly or if your dog is in severe pain.

Treatment may be conservative consisting of crate rest and pain medication along with muscle relaxants, steroids, and nerve pain medications. Many dogs, and particularly those who have experienced paralysis, will need surgery followed by a period of strict crate rest.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly, causing the ball at the top of the thigh bone to fit badly into the socket of the hip. This causes instability in the joint, leading to pain and eventually to arthritis. It impacts your French Bulldogs mobility, and can result in lameness. Treatments can include pain medication, weight management, physiotherapy,and severe cases may require surgery.

Hip Dysplasia is a hereditary condition and testing is available to ‘score’ parents hips before mating. Please check with your breeder when choosing a puppy. If you have any concerns about your dog, please speak to your vet who will examine them and may also x-ray them to check the hips before putting in place a suitable treatment plan.

Luxating Patella

French Bulldog’s can be predisposed to the degeneration and eventual rupture of their cranial cruciate ligament [3]. This is one of the ligaments in the knee. The condition leads to pain and you may notice that your dog is lame. Symptoms might range from mild to severe, depending on the stage of the disease.

The degeneration of the ligament is likely to progress and affected dogs tend to go on to develop arthritis. Unlike in humans, where injury tends to be sudden as a result of injury, in dogs the condition most often develops gradually as the ligament degenerates, rather like a rope fraying. While we don’t know the exact cause there does seem to be a genetic element, with some breeds more prone to this degeneration than others. For example, Labradors can be 2 – 5 times more likely than other dog breeds to develop a cruciate ligament injury.

Factors such as obesity, inflammatory conditions, hormonal imbalances, and the individual dogs confirmation can also play a part. The most common symptom of a cruciate ligament injury is limping. This may happen suddenly, for example after exercise, or it may come and go and get worse over time. Some dogs might have trouble getting up from lying down and, in very severe cases, may not be able to get up at all. In some dogs, both knees will be affected at the same time.

How a raw diet can support mobility issues

A species appropriate raw food diet provides natural glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen along with omega-3 fatty acids all of which support joint health, reduce inflammation, and contribute to connective tissue repair. Weight management is simple on a raw food diet and managing weight well may help to prevent disc issues developing.

Introducing your French Bulldog puppy to a raw food diet as early as possible may support with hip dysplasia. Although this is a genetic condition, not all dogs who carry the genes for hip dysplasia will develop it. A 2014 study by Helsinki University suggested that feeding a bone and raw food diet showed protective effect against canine hip dysplasia [4].

If your French Bulldog has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia or a luxating patella, a species appropriate raw food diet provides natural glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen to support healthy joint structures. Higher omega-3 fatty acids content have a natural anti-inflammatory effect if optimised against a reduced ratio to omega 6 fatty acids found in plant oils. Added to which more protein assimilation from raw undamaged forms to aid connective tissue repair.

My dog is overweight – should I be concerned?

Overweight/obesity

French Bulldogs are bred to look a certain way, with wide chests and skinny waists this causes some people to think their pet is underweight which can lead to overfeeding and too many treats! As obesity has implications for a host of health conditions, from joint issues to diabetes, it’s important that French Bulldog owners are particularly aware of any potential weight gain, and take steps to avoid it/reduce weight where needed.

How a raw diet can support weight

A healthy species appropriate diet provides your French Bulldog with the nutrients they need to thrive. A complete raw diet will provide all the amino acids, essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins in a form that’s both highly digestible and highly bio-available. This means your Frenchie doesn’t need to eat as much, in terms of quantity, to get the nutrition that they need.

Adjusting portion sizes, and daily intake, to suit the individual dog is simple when you’re raw feeding, enabling you to feed either more, or less as required.

What eye problems are French Bulldogs prone to?

Some of the eye conditions affecting French Bulldogs are hereditary. It’s important to speak with your breeder before selecting a puppy. Ask about any family history, and ask to see the results of any genetic testing that has been carried out on the parents. A good breeder will have carried out all the recommended testing for the breed and will be happy to discuss the results with you.

Their slightly protruding eyes can also mean that eye injuries and ulcers are more likely. Some of these conditions can develop as a result of a build up of dust and debris. It’s important that you regularly clean their eyes to help prevent issues. However, some of these conditions are genetic.

Cataracts

Cataracts are among the most common causes of sight loss in French Bulldogs and are more commonly seen in older dogs [5]. You may notice cloudiness in the eye, which leads to blurred vision. There are various causes of cataracts, including old age but they may also be caused by conditions such as diabetes as well as some hereditary conditions.

If you notice signs of cataracts in your dog’s eyes, it’s important to have your vet check them over. They will also check for eye conditions such as glaucoma, which can occur alongside cataracts.

While cataract surgery is available, this is expensive and may not be suitable for your Frenchie. Often treatment consists of learning to adapt to and support your dog to cope with their reduced vision. Dogs don’t rely on their eyesight to the same extent that we do and most are able to adjust and live a full life with limited sight.

Tear Staining

Tear staining is usually more obvious in lighter coloured dogs, but it can affect French Bulldogs of any colour and causes unsightly, red or brown staining. It happens when watery eyes cause an overflow of tears onto the fur around the eyes and causes can include tear duct blockage, eyelid abnormalities, eyelash infection, allergies, and eye infections. It can also happen due to teething and to reactions to ingredients in their food.

If you notice tear staining it’s important to have a vet check their eyes and to treat any infection, if one is present. It may help to keep fur around your dog’s eyes as short as possible.

Cherry Eye

“Cherry Eye” is a common occurrence in French Bulldogs, particularly when they’re younger. The medical term for this is Prolapsed Nictitating Membrane but it’s called Cherry Eye because when the gland thickens and pops out it looks like a cherry in the corner of the eye.

Sometimes there’s also a secretion of pus from the area. This swelling can change in size and colour but it’s unlikely to be able to “pop” back in itself. This gland is really important for tear production (to prevent dry eyes which can lead to ulcers) so this will nearly always require surgery to repair [6]. Try to keep the area as moist as you can until they get to the vet.

Eye Ulcers

The surface of the eye is called the cornea, this layer protects the eye but if it becomes damaged then an ulcer can form. French Bulldogs can be more prone to eye ulcers. This can be genetic but it can also be caused by them rubbing their itchy faces on the ground or scratching due to allergies. This can cause abrasions ans scratches on the surface of the eye. There are lots of nerves in this area so the can become painful, sensitive to light and you may see lots of blinking and more tears than normal.

Most eye ulcers will heal with eye drops from the vet but occasionally they do need surgery to help them heal.

Distichiasis

This condition is common in French Bulldogs and usually presents from a young age (it’s thought to be inherited). Distichiasis a condition which causes extra eyelashes to grow in the wrong place on the eyelid which can cause irritation to the surface of the eye this which show as redness, swelling, watery eyes, itchy eyes, and can lead to an ulcer if left untreated.

There are a few treatment options for the condition, you can find more information in this fact sheet. Not all dogs need treatment though. Sometimes these extra eyelashes are soft and don’t cause any problems.

Entropion

Entropion is an abnormality of the eyelids that causes them to roll inwards. When this happens the inner surface of the eyelid (where the eyelashes grow) rubs against the surface of the eye causing irritation and pain again, which can lead to corneal ulcers and perforation of that surface.

This condition is more common in dogs with short noses and excess skin around their face which is why it seems to affect French Bulldogs. The dog will usually need surgery and then a course of eye drops to help them recover.

How raw food can support eye issues

As some of the eye conditions affecting Frenchies are genetic, there is only so much that diet can do if your dog is affected. However, for conditions that can be caused, or exacerbated by food intolerances and allergies, feeding a raw food diet can help.

Feeding raw food eliminates allergens such as storage mites and, in the case of food intolerances, makes it easier to identify and eliminate your individual dogs triggers. A raw diet doesn’t contain inflammatory ingredients and reducing inflammation may be beneficial for some eye conditions.

Easily digested and highly bioavailable vitamins are important for overall eye health and these are found in abundance in raw food. Antioxidants, which are also important for eye health, are provided by the vegetables and berries in complete raw meals. Some raw food contains additional antioxidant rich superfoods, such as spirulina.

Why is my dog having difficulty peeing?

UTI

UTI stands for urinary tract infection and usually means the dog has an infection in the bladder. This is more common in female dogs [7]. A dog with a UTI:

• Will usually try to pee more frequently
• Will strain when passing urine
• May be some blood and it might be sore for them to pee

And, sometimes there will be discharge from the penis or the vulva that the dog will try to lick away.

A UTI can be diagnosed using a fresh urine sample and this usually clears up after treatment. It’s important that a dog with a urine infection takes in plenty of fluids to keep the urine dilute to make it easier to pass.

Hyperuricosuria

This is a condition where the dog’s body produces too much uric acid which can result in kidney and bladder crystals and stones. Symptoms include:

• Recurrent urine infections
• Blood in the urine
• Difficulty passing urine
• The inability to pass urine

French Bulldogs are one of the breeds that seem predisposed to this condition and it’s known to be hereditary, so dogs with this condition should not be used for breeding. A diagnosis for hyperuricosuria is usually found through a urine test and ultrasound. Once any existing stones are dealt with the condition can be managed through low purine ingredients in the diet and providing further sources of water to keep the urine dilute.

How raw food can support urinary issues

It’s important that dogs with known urinary issues eat a diet that’s high in moisture, to help keep the bladder well flushed and to help keep the pH of the urine neutral. A raw food diet naturally provides these high levels of moisture, and you can also add extra water to meals, if you wish.

A raw diet is naturally high in ingredients which may reduce inflammation such as omega 3 fatty acids. Inflammation in the bladder can contribute to infections which are a primary cause of struvite crystals. Raw fed dogs appear to have a more appropriate gut microbiome, which may also support in the control and reduction of inflammation.

Do French Bulldogs have sensitive tummies?

Digestive Problems

French Bulldogs can suffer from a range of gastrointestinal issues, including sensitive stomachs, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. They may also suffer from acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. Their sensitive stomachs means that they can often be labelled as picky, and fussy. In some cases their digestive issues may be linked to BOAS [8].

If you are concerned about any symptoms your dog is displaying, please speak with your vet.

Anal Glands

Your dog’s anal glands are oval-shaped sacs which sit just inside the muscular ring on either side of your dog’s bottom (anus). They are filled with a strong-smelling fluid, unique to your dog, used to mark territory.

Normally your dog’s anal glands will be emptied when they have a poo but if this happen the glands can overfill and block. Emptying relies on your dog having no physical abnormalities in that area and a healthy, firm poo to squeeze the fluid out. You’ll know if the anal glands start to become a problem for your French Bulldog when you see them scooting their bottom along the ground or trying to bite and lick at their bottom.

If the glands are blocked it can cause pain and discomfort when going to the toilet and may cause the anus to look red and swollen. You may also noticed a fishy/metallic smell coming from the area [9]. This can become an issue as a one off but some French Bulldogs have ongoing problems due to the positioning of the glands. Your vet may recommend having them emptied on a regular basis but we’d also recommend trying to include good quality fibre in the diet to help the glands empty on their own (this is much better long term than manually expressing them).

How raw food can support stomach issues

Many of our customers who have dogs with sensitive stomachs report improvements when they switch to raw food. Raw food consists of high quality, highly digestible protein without ingredients that can cause inflammation.

Dogs are natural carnivores and this means that their digestive systems are set up to digest raw meat. A raw diet is easier for them to digest and it’s also easier for them to absorb the nutrients from their food.

When their digestion is more comfortable and they’re suffering less gastrointestinal distress, your French Bullldog is less likely to be ‘picky’. If your Frenchie is prone to being a little fussy, the variety that a raw diet provides can help to hold their interest and you can easily add tasty toppers to keep things exciting for them.

For anal glands, healthy fibre is essential to bulk the stool and keep it firm, which helps squeeze the liquid out and empty the anal glands. Vegetables are a great source of fibre, which is why all our Complete and Superfood diets contain veg and seasonal greens for optimal gut and poo health!

Why does my dog have smelly breath?

Dental Disease

French Bulldogs, and other brachycephalic breeds tend to have dental issues. All dogs should have the same number of teeth so these breeds with shorter jaws have teeth that are more squashed together to fit them all in. This makes it easier for plaque and tartar to build up and makes it more difficult to clean them properly. Plaque build up leads to smelly breath, gingivitis, loose teeth and can cause infections in the rest of the body too!

If you do notice plaque build up or sore gums, deal with it as early as possible. While a vet can carry out dental cleaning, if required, this is usually done under general anaesthetic which carries with it its own risks.

Smaller, more crowded mouths can be more difficult to clean at home with brushing, so it’s best to get your Frenchie used to a dental hygiene routine as a young puppy to help prevent issues in later life. There are also some excellent probiotic dental sprays now available, which are quick and easy to use and which work by using friendly bacteria to crowd out the bad bacteria that cause plaque build up, decay, and gum disease.

How raw food can support dental issues

A raw diet, which is lower in carbohydrates, is naturally low in the sugars that unhealthy mouth bacteria thrive on. This unhealthy mouth bacteria causes plaque to build up, and also causes gum disease, which has a downstream health impact on their pancreas, heart, and brain. In fact, a healthier oral microbiome is associated with lower inflammation in your pet full stop.

Giving your dog an appropriate sized raw meaty bone now and again creates ‘hassle factor’ as they gnaw, helping to gently remove and prevent tartar build up.

The best food and diet for French Bulldogs

A healthy diet for French bulldogs should be balanced, bioavailable and species-specific, being full of nutrition that dogs can utilise. It should also be tailored to every dog’s individual dietary requirement, taking factors such as size, age, build, metabolism, weight and activity level into account.

The best food for French Bulldogs in the UK

French bulldogs thrive best on a diet that contains high-quality ingredients. This also means avoiding dog food which contain unnecessary fillers such as grains or gluten. These types of fillers are often referred to as non-beneficial as they often offer very little nutritional value.

Dogs, including French bulldogs, benefit most from a diet that’s tailored to suit their development and stage in life. Bella & Duke have a range of meals designed specifically to support growing puppies.

Throughout their adult lives, nutrition is key as this helps the French bulldogs to maintain great health. Bella+Duke’s adult dog food is available in a range of different proteins.

As dogs age, their nutritional requirements also change. Bella & Duke’s senior dog food has been enriched to help support a fit and active lifestyle for as long as possible. This means French bulldogs can be supported by their diet in the best possible way throughout every stage of their life.

Benefits of raw diet for French Bulldogs 

Feeding a healthy diet to French bulldogs can make sure they have all of the nutrients that they need to thrive, as well as helping them to maintain a healthy weight, which in turn reduces the likelihood of common health issues such as hip dysplasia. A French bulldog’s diet should also be designed to prevent inflammation, helping to avoid allergies that cause itchy skin and ear infections.

Research conducted by the University of Helsinki has shown that a raw diet can help reduce the chance that your French bulldog develops hip dysplasia later in life.

Feeding a grain-free and filler-free raw diet can help to keep inflammation away. This can support the body in avoiding health issues such as leaky gut and itchy skin, which is particularly common in French bulldogs.

Raw feeding amount calculator

This table gives an estimate of how much Bella & Duke food a male French Bulldog needs each day, based on their age in months and weight range.

Interested in feeding your French Bulldog raw food. Use our puppy calculator and adult dog calculator to see how much they need.

Foods to not to give French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs live their healthiest lives when fed a complete and balanced as it provides all the nutrients they need. If you want to give your Frenchie something ‘extra’ there are certain foods you need to avoid either because they are toxic to them or they cause digestive issues.

Some of these foods are:

• Chocolate
• Foods containing xylitol (artificial sweeteners)
• Onions
• Large amounts of garlic
• Citrus fruits
• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Grapes

References:

1. Conformational risk factors of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in pugs, French bulldogs, and bulldogs, PLOS ONE: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0181928
2. Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016, Nature.com: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-66015-8
3. The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England, Springer Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40575-016-0034-0
4. Influence of nutrition at young age on canine hip dysplasia in German Shepherd dogs, University of Helsinki: https://helda.helsinki.fi/items/e2cf2ac9-8b4f-434b-9009-77f1d11420f4
5. The genetics of eye disorders in the dog, Canine Medicine and Genetics: https://cgejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2052-6687-1-3
6. Nasolacrimal and Lacrimal Apparatus in Animals, MSD Manual Veterinary Manual: https://www.msdvetmanual.com/eye-diseases-and-disorders/ophthalmology/nasolacrimal-and-lacrimal-apparatus-in-animals
7. INFECTIONS OF THE URINARY TRACT OF BACTERIAL ORIGIN IN DOGS AND CATS, Sciendo: https://intapi.sciendo.com/pdf/10.2478/fv-2021-0008
8. Digestive Diseases in Brachycephalic Dogs, ScienceDirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0195561620301066?fr=RR-2&ref=pdf_download&rr=89292ba0ca1d948d
9. A Cross-Sectional Study on Canine and Feline Anal Sac Disease, MDPI: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/1/95
10. https://www.frenchbulldogbreed.net/blog/french-bulldogs-poop/#:~:text=Younger%20puppies%20require%20going%20outside,of%20water%20to%20escape%20dehydration.
11. Can French bulldog Eat Dairy Products?, All About Frenchies: https://allaboutfrenchies.com/can-french-bulldog-eat-dairy-products/
12. How to treat and manage common French Bulldog allergies, Top Frenchie: https://topfrenchie.com/french-bulldog-health-care/allergies/treat-french-bulldog-allergies/

Further references:

This study suggests that the health of French Bulldogs is very different, and largely much poorer, than the health of the wider non-French Bulldog population.

O’Neill, D.G., Packer, R.M., Francis, P. et al. French Bulldogs differ to other dogs in the UK in propensity for many common disorders: a VetCompass study. Canine Genet Epidemiol 8, 13 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-021-00112-3