What is the Best Food for French Bulldogs?

Hello Dr. Kraemer,

 

I’m a bit worried about my 2-year-old Frenchie, Messi. He’s been gaining weight, and I’m not sure if it’s because of his diet. I’ve been feeding him mostly high-quality dry kibble with some wet food mixed in. He’s been less active and seems to be getting a bit chunky.

bulldog messi ball handling

 

I’m unsure about the right portion sizes or if there’s a specific type of food that would be better for him.

Messi also gets treats like cheese and cooked chicken. I’ve tried adding veggies like carrots and peas to his meals, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference. Can you suggest what’s best to feed an overweight French Bulldog?

 

My friend told me that the weight gain was because I neutered him when he was young, so I now feel bad about it.

 

I’m unsure about the right portion sizes, the feeding timing, or if a specific type of food would be better for Messi.

Thanks a bunch,
Messi’s dad and mom

1 Answers
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 9 months ago

Optimal Frenchie Dog Food Choices

Dear “Messi” dad and mom, body weight is the sum of caloric intake and caloric expenditure.

To support Messi’s well-being and weight management, it’s essential to adopt a gradual approach that encompasses adjustments in both his diet and activity levels while ensuring he receives all the essential nutrients.

I would love to get his paw autograph, big fan, congrat on winning the world cup 🎉⚽🏆🐾

Messi the bulldog socker player

Best Food for French Bulldog Weight Loss DIATERY ADJUSTMENTS:

The adjustments should be gradual 

  • PORTION SIZE: Gradually reduce portion sizes to help “Messi” adjust without feeling deprived.
  • FREQUENCY: Break down his meals into smaller, more frequent portions throughout the day to help promote better digestion.
  • PLAY & STIMULUS Incorporate food-dispensing toys or puzzles during mealtime to slow down his eating. It can also serve as a mental stimulant, st,ress reduction, and means of gratification.

Best Food for Fr. Bulldog Weight Loss ACTIVITY MODIFICATION:

Optimizing body weight can be maintained with physical activity and playtime.

  • MODERATION: Adjust Messi’s physical activity levels gradually and in moderation, considering factors such as his endurance and any physical limitations like airway obstruction.
  • PLAY: Incorporate playtime and fun activities into his daily routine to encourage movement and exercise.
  • ADJUSTMENTS: Monitor Messi’s response to increased activity and adjust accordingly to prevent exhaustion or discomfort.

Fr. Bulldog Stress and Weight Gain / EMOTIONAL EATING

Emotional eating is a very real issue for bulldogs, just like it is for humans. Stress, anxiety, and boredom can all lead to overeating.

  • Consistency is the key to success. Establish a consistent schedule for Messi’s meals, walks, playtime, and rest.
  • Create a calm and relaxed environment for Messi by minimizing stressors such as loud noises or unfamiliar people.
  • Provide daily normalcy and a predictable routine to help reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being.
  • Address potential emotional triggers for overeating by providing sufficient mental and physical stimulation.
  • Offer Messi a safe and quiet space where he can retreat and relax away from stressful stimuli.
  • You can complement his diet with our stress relief bully therapeutic supplements.

Fr. Bulldog V4B StressLess Formula Handout

Fr. Bulldog Gut Microbiome and Weight Gain

The correlation between the gut microbiome and weight is an evolving field of study.

Emerging research indicates that an imbalance in the gut microbiome may play a role in weight management difficulties, affecting both humans and animals. In those cases, adding therapeutic supplements could help

  • V4B Bully Pre & Probiotics with Digestive Enzymes Formula
  • V4B Bully Botanical Fiber Chews

bulldog gastroenteritis therapeutic Bundle: Essential

Choosing the Best Food for  French Bulldogs

There is an extensive array of canine diets, ranging from

  • dry
  • moist
  • wet
  • specialized niche diets
  • prescription diets
  • homemade ones
  • raw diets
  • grain-free diets
  • OTHER BEST BULLY DIETS

Bulldog Specialized Dry Kibble Diet:

Some are marketed as specifically formulated for breeds like French Bulldogs.

French Bulldog Canned Wet Food:

Could be beneficial for some puppies for the following reasons

  • Hydration, especially for dehydrated bulldogs and those with underlying kidney disease
  • Easy to chew: especially have difficulty chewing hard food due to conditions such as
  • Digestion ease: such as with reflux, regurgitation, and vomiting bulldogs with
    • megaesophagus
    • Esophagitis
    • GERD
  • Palapablity: an ill and underweight bulldog who prefers the taste of wet food.

French Bulldog Raw Diet:

Raw diets, which are comprised of raw meats and vegetables, require caution due to the higher risk of harmful microorganisms (food poisoning)

French Bulldog Home-Made Diet:

Homemade meals offer control over ingredients, emphasizing lean proteins and vegetables. Consultation with a veterinary nutritionist is crucial to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

Limited-Ingredient Hypoallergenic Bulldog Diets

Are designed for individuals with sensitivities, featuring fewer ingredients to minimize allergy risks.

This includes veterinary prescription hypoallergenic diets (hydrolyzed or novel).

Low-Grain or Grain-Free Diets Bulldog Diets:

While grain allergies are rare, for those bulldogs with grain sensitivities, a grain-free diet can be a viable option.

However, it’s important to note that recent studies have linked low-grain diets to heart disease.

bulldog grain free diet heart disease

Weight Loss Prescription Diets:

Veterinary prescription diets are customized to address specific medical conditions and illnesses.

For overweight and obese bulldogs, a prescription weight loss diet can serve as an excellent aid, offering limited calories with a quality and balanced nutrition diet developed by veterinary nutritionists through rigorous trials.

Age Base Bulldog Diets

Those diets recognize the differing caloric and nutritional needs of puppies, adults, and seniors.

Understanding the specific nutritional requirements at different life stages is vital for ensuring the well-being of French Bulldogs.

 

FR. BULLDOG PUPPY DIETARY NEEDS:

Puppies experience rapid growth and development, necessitating a higher energy intake.

Puppy diets are specifically formulated with a substantial amount of high-quality protein and healthy fats to support muscle growth and brain development.

Despite their increased calorie needs, puppies have smaller stomachs. Opt for smaller kibble sizes or consider wet food options to facilitate easier consumption and digestion of meals.

MATURE FR. BULLDOG  DIETARY NEEDS:

Once your puppies are fully grown, you can switch them to an adult-maintenance diet.

These foods are lower in protein and calories than growth diets.
The amount of food you feed your adult dog will vary depending on their breed, size, and activity level.

SENIOR FRENCH BULLDOG  DIETARY NEEDS:

As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. Senior bulldogs may need a food that is lower in calories and fat but higher in fiber.

These foods may also be enriched with antioxidants and other nutrients that can help support their advancing age.

Boutique Bulldog Diets:

When considering boutique bulldog diets, it’s essential to navigate through the wide array of options with caution.

Rather than being swayed by flashy marketing claims, prioritize solid scientific evidence to form your opinion.

Select diets are backed by rigorous research and formulated to meet the specific nutritional needs of bulldogs, ensuring their health and well-being.

It is crucial to base dietary choices on scientific evidence, manufacturing experience, and veterinary recommendations rather than following trends and being swayed by fancy packaging.

Best Food for French Bulldogs /  UNIQUE INDIVIDUAL

Acknowledging the distinct nutritional needs of “Messi” is crucial, as he significantly differs from your requirements. Each bulldog is a unique individual; therefore,  “Messi” specific needs, specifications, and sensitivities may vary from those of other bulldogs.

“Messy” is a unique individual with potentially diverse needs, specifications, tastes, and sensitivities that are specific to him alone.

Incorporating  Supplements To French Bulldog Diets

Therapeutic supplementation can help offset a diet or complement it, Below are some notable examples:

Dr. Kraemer's bulldog therapeutics lineup

BULLDOG MINERALS SUPPLEMENTATION

Calcium and Phosphorus: Essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus are critical for the development of strong bones and teeth and support proper skeletal growth.

  • V4B Bully Multivitamin Formula

bulldog multivitamin

BULLDOG DHA OMEGA 3 FISH OIL EFA SUPPLEMENTATION

Fish Oil EFA: DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, plays a crucial role in the

  1. BRAIN & VISION: development of the brain and eyes in puppies and can help secure optimal cognitive and visual function.
  2. SKIN & COAT: They can nourish the skin and promote a healthy, shiny coat. Can help alleviate issues like dry skin, itching, and excessive shedding
  3. IMMUNE BOOSTING: Omega-3s possess anti-inflammatory properties, supporting the immune system and aiding in the defense against infections.
  4. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory properties extend to reducing overall inflammation in the body, which can be particularly beneficial for conditions like arthritis and allergies.
    Joint Health:
  5. JOINT SUPPORT: Omega-3s contribute to joint lubrication, helping reduce pain and stiffness, especially in older dogs with age-related joint concerns.
  6. COGNITIVE FUNCTION: DHA, a component of omega-3 fatty acids, plays a crucial role in brain development and function.
    Fish oil supplements may be beneficial for both puppies and older dogs experiencing cognitive decline, supporting overall cognitive health.

Fish Oil EFA immune-joint-skin Therapeutic Chew Fr Bulldog

BULLDOG JOINTS / CHONDROITING, MSM, GLUCOSAMINE

Glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin form a potent combination that offers comprehensive support for joint health, making them particularly beneficial for French Bulldogs with their predisposition to joint issues.

Here’s a breakdown of their benefits and how they synergistically contribute to joint health:

Bulldog and Fr. Bulldog Glucosamine

Function: A naturally occurring amino sugar that serves as a building block for cartilage, the protective tissue in joints.

Glucosamine Benefits: It helps maintain healthy cartilage, preventing breakdown and reducing joint pain and stiffness.

Bulldog and Fr. Bulldog MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane):

Function: An organic sulfur compound crucial for collagen production, essential for strong bones, joints, and connective tissues.

Benefits: Possess anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the reduction of joint pain and swelling.

Bulldog and Fr. Bulldog Chondroitin:

Function: A glycosaminoglycan (GAG) that attracts and retains water, acting as a lubricant within the joints.

Benefits: It helps absorb shock, protects cartilage, and reduces friction and inflammation.

  • V4B Bully Total Joint Advance Formula

Synergistic Benefits: The supplement contributes to a reduction in

  1. joint pain and inflammation.
  2. Improve Joint Mobility and Flexibility
  3. Prevent Cartilage Breakdown: Support the maintenance of healthy cartilage, preventing its degradation.
  4. Strengthen Bones and Connective Tissues: Contribute to the strength and integrity of bones and connective tissues.

For French Bulldogs, which are prone to conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, incorporating this combination of glucosamine, MSM, and chondroitin into their diet can be particularly advantageous in maintaining optimal joint health and preventing painful issues.

bulldog total joint care advance formula 120 chew

Fr. Bulldog Weight Gain Due to Neutering:

Rest assured, “Messi” being out of shape has less to do with his neutering and more to do with the factors we discussed earlier. To explore further information about weight management and neutering, click [HERE]

Best Food for French Bulldog Weight Loss SUMMARY:

  1. Gradual caloric adjustment
  2. Gradual activity and stimulus modification
  3. Feeding adjustments
  4. Stress and anxiety relief
  5. Diet customization based on age, taste, and sensitivities
  6. Healthy gut microbiome
  7. Therapeutic bully supplementation

French bulldog WEIGHT LOSS DIET

By implementing these gradual changes and maintaining a consistent routine, you can support Messi in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight while promoting his overall happiness and well-being.

Remember to monitor his progress closely and make adjustments as needed to ensure continued success.

In final words, we are confident that “Messi” can score high 😊⚽ on all the goals 🥅 we set up for him

Keep us posted

Send us a photo of “Messi” and updates

Dr. Kraemer

Vet4Bulldog

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