Every dog breed has different food requirements based on their metabolism, size, and activity level.
If a dog is fed too much or too little, it can result in weight issues. A dog that is underweight or overweight can be prone to many different health issues, and as such, you should take care to feed your dog the proper amount.
Of course, you may not even know what the proper amount of food for your French Bulldog even is. French Bulldogs can vary greatly in size, and their weight can range between 16 and 30 pounds.
Individual French Bulldogs will also have different activity levels and metabolisms. In this article, we will help you find out what the right amount of food is for your French Bulldog, as well as how frequently you should feed it.
The Caloric Intake of a French Bulldog
The general rule of thumb is that you should be feeding your French Bulldog anywhere between 25 and 30 calories per pound of your dog’s body weight, and these calories should be split up between two and three meals every day.
For example, a French Bulldog that weighs 16 pounds (which is about as small as an adult French Bulldog can be) would require something between 400 and 480 calories each day.
On the other hand, a French Bulldog who weighs 30 pounds (which is the larger end of the scale for Frenchies) would require between 750 and 900 calories a day.
This means that the caloric intake for a French Bulldog can range anywhere between 400 and 900 calories! That’s quite a difference, so you should make sure to weigh your dog and get a better range of how many calories it should be consuming.
Dogs that are overweight or underweight may require more or less food to help them get back on track towards a healthy weight. Every few weeks, you should check over your dog to look for signs of malnourishment or obesity.
If you can see your French Bulldog’s ribs, it is likely underweight. On the other hand, if you cannot feel your dog’s ribs under its skin, it is probably overweight.
Obesity in dogs can lead to diabetes, heart diseases, and many other issues. An underweight dog is just as likely to suffer from other serious problems, as well. If you suspect your dog may be suffering from weight issues, you should consult your veterinarian right away.
Other Factors to Consider
Your dog’s weight isn’t the only factor that should affect their caloric intake. Firstly, the age of a French Bulldog greatly impacts their metabolic rate.
An older French Bulldog will have a much slower metabolism, and as a result, they will require fewer calories. Older French Bulldogs typically need between 400 to 470 calories a day.
Your dog’s activity level is another important factor to consider. French Bulldogs aren’t exactly known for being active, but if you happen to have a French Bulldog that is always on the go and gets regular exercise, your dog may need as many as 750 to 825 calories a day.
Overall, you should take a look at your dog’s weight, age, and activity level to get a better idea of how many calories it requires.
If you are still feeling unsure, however, you should never be afraid to consult your veterinarian. A trained professional will always provide you with the correct information, which will help to keep your dog healthy for many years to come.
Maintaining a Schedule
The first step in feeding your Frenchie is consistency. You should be feeding your dog either two or three times a day.
Most owners opt for twice a day since many people are busy with work during the middle of the day. Make sure you choose feeding times for your dog and stick to them.
This doesn’t mean you have to feed your dog at 8:00 on the dot every single day, but you should be trying your hardest to feed your dog at around the same time. Setting an alarm or hanging up a feeding schedule on the fridge can help prevent you from slacking off or forgetting.
Feeding a French Bulldog that is 8-12 Weeks Old
The process of feeding your French Bulldog will also depend on its age. Young French Bulldogs are far more active than adults, and they will require a higher caloric intake to help them grow.
Starting when your puppy is 8 weeks old, it will require one and a half cups of puppy food every day. Unlike adult French Bulldogs, which can eat two meals a day, your puppy will require three meals a day.
You should be feeding your puppy half a cup of puppy food during each meal, and these meals should be spread evenly throughout the day.
By spreading out your puppy’s meals, it will be able to maintain its energy throughout the day, as well as provide your puppy with a healthy blood sugar level.
You should continue to feed your puppy three times a day until it is about 6 months old. From there, it is okay if you choose to feed your dog twice a day instead of three times a day.
However, feeding your dog three times a day is highly recommended. Smaller and more frequent meals keep your dog well-energized throughout the day.
Furthermore, feeding your French Bulldog twice a day can sometimes result in gastric dilatation-volvulus, which can sometimes result in death if not treated soon enough.
Feeding a French Bulldog that is 6-9 Months Old
Once your French Bulldog has grown into a healthy young dog, it’s time to switch to adult dog food. This process should be gradual to avoid any stomach upset.
Start by mixing in a little bit of adult food into your dog’s puppy food, and gradually shift the ratios until your dog is fully eating adult food. Make sure you are maintaining a consistent feeding schedule.
Your dog should know when to expect its meals, and both you and your dog will benefit from a good routine.
Don’t Let Your Dog Overeat
It’s no secret that French Bulldogs love food. However, there may be days where your dog seems ravenous from hunger, even though you’ve already fed it the right amount of food.
You may be tempted to give in to your dog’s begging and whining, but to keep your dog at a healthy weight, you should not overfeed it. If you have other pets, you should watch your French Bulldog closely to ensure it doesn’t start eating from your other pets’ food bowls.
How Much Should You Feed an Underweight French Bulldog?
If you notice that you can see your dog’s bone structure, especially its ribs, your dog is almost certainly underweight. Rescue dogs especially tend to be on the skinny side and may require a bit of extra food to help them to get back to a healthy weight.
If your dog is underweight, you should feed it an extra half cup of food every day. Of course, before you make any significant changes to your dog’s diet, you should always consult your veterinarian first.
How Much Should You Feed an Overweight French Bulldog?
Obesity in French Bulldogs can lead to heart disease, difficulty breathing, and diabetes. If you notice that your dog has packed on a few extra ounces, you should watch closely to make sure it isn’t receiving food from other sources, including table scraps or food from other pets in the house.
An overweight Frenchie should receive an increased water intake, as well as a bit of gentle exercise, such as a nice walk in cool weather.
You should also consider decreasing your dog’s food intake by about half a cup per day. Of course, just like when it comes to an underweight Frenchie, you should first consult with your vet to make sure you are doing the right thing.
How Much Should You Feed an Older French Bulldog?
Older French Bulldogs will have decreased metabolisms and activity levels. While the average Frenchie requires between 25 and 30 calories per pound of bodyweight, you should be feeding your older French Bulldog between 20 and 30 calories per pound.
If you notice your dog is losing or gaining weight, you should increase or decrease the caloric intake by 5 calories per pound until your dog is back to a healthy weight. This could take a bit of experimenting, but it is well worth the time and effort.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your French Bulldog doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Of course, if you are ever worried about your dog’s weight, you should consult a veterinarian immediately.
With the proper research, it is easy to create a schedule that works for both you and your dog, and as long as you are feeding your dog a consistent amount of food every day, your furry companion should remain healthy for many long years to come.
