Best Food for French Bulldogs: The Secret to Happy Tummies and Healthy Skin
French Bulldogs are cheeky, inquisitive, incredibly playful and loyal, so it’s easy to see why they are one of the nation's favourite dog breeds.
However, this lovable breed is prone to itchy skin and sensitive tummies which requires management with a hypoallergenic and nutritious diet. We share the best dog food to keep your Frenchie's tummy happy and their skin healthy.
Understanding French Bulldogs’ Sensitivities
French Bulldogs sensitivities can manifest in a variety of ways including itchy skin, digestive problems, ear infections, hives, weight loss, skin sores and even hyperactivity. Being aware of these sensitivities and responding to them swiftly is crucial for providing the best care for your doggy best friend and to help them to overcome any discomfort they may be experiencing.
Sensitive and Itchy Skin
Sensitive and itchy skin is probably the most common issue we see among French Bulldogs. Symptoms include scaly and red patches of skin, rashes, and excessive scratching. Environmental allergies and diet are often the leading contributors to these types of skin problems.
Digestive Challenges
French Bulldogs are also prone to digestive challenges, such as food intolerances and sensitivities. Common symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, and excessive flatulence.
Common Food Allergies for French Bulldogs
Food allergies are a growing ailment amongst the doggy world with the most prevalent allergens found in dog food being dairy, wheat, eggs and surprisingly, common protein sources such as beef, chicken, lamb and soy. Steering clear of these ingredients can significantly contribute to your Frenchie’s well-being.
Choosing the Best Food for Your French Bulldog
When it comes to selecting the right food for your French Bulldog, several factors should be considered:Novel Protein:
Opting for novel protein sources such as insect protein can be highly beneficial for Frenchies with food sensitivities. These proteins are less likely to trigger allergic reactions, promoting a healthier digestive system and skin.The most common novel protein dog food usually includes either duck, salmon, venison, goat, pheasant, pigeon, rabbit and wild boar. However, there is an equally nutritious and far more sustainable and hypoallergenic protein source that everyone should be considering and that's insect protein.
Grain-Free:
French Bulldogs can often benefit from a grain-free diet. Some dogs cannot process grains effectively which can lead to symptoms such as itching and sensitive skin, diarrhoea, weight loss and a lack of energy. Grain-free food options can help to eliminate your dog’s issues and get them back on that healthy track.
Elimination Diet:
If your Frenchie is experiencing chronic digestive issues or skin problems, an elimination diet can be a really valuable tool. This process involves gradually removing potential allergens from their diet to identify and eliminate their triggers. It is recommended to continue an elimination diet for at least 8-12 weeks, during which you should monitor them closely looking for any signs of improvement in their allergy symptoms, such as reduced itching or improved digestion.
What Are The Benefits of Insect Protein for Frenchies?
In recent years, insect protein has gained popularity as a novel and sustainable protein source for dogs. Insects are rich in essential nutrients, hypoallergenic and often well-tolerated by dogs with sensitivities which is precisely why we use it in all of our products here at Grub Club (wink, wink). We personally source our novel protein sustainably from the larvae of the Black Soldier Fly and the nutritional benefits of this include:
- Low in fat
- Rich in iron and protein
- Rich in Omegas and amino acids
- Rich in fibre
- Rich in detoxifying vitamins
- No risk of food-borne pathogens
- Easily digestible
All of which will help your dog’s digestive health, coat and skin health and their energy levels whilst also helping the planet — it really is a win-win switch.
Conclusion:
As you can see, understanding and quickly addressing the specific sensitivities of Frenchies is crucial for ensuring their overall happiness and well-being. By choosing the best food for French Bulldogs – one that does not contain common allergens, but does use a novel protein source like insect protein – you will be well on your way to having a pup with a happy tummy and healthy skin… And most probably a very waggy tail at mealtimes!