Kibble Guide
Raw Guide
Interested in raw feeding? It can be a very good option for an adult French Bulldog, especially for dogs that have experienced digestive or allergy issues on a traditional kibble diet, and it can also be a beneficial complement to a kibble-based regimen. However, because puppies must meet all of their nutritional needs every single day, we recommend waiting until your Frenchie is fully grown before transitioning to a 100% raw diet.
Reported Benefits
Many raw‑feeding advocates consider it to be one of the healthiest options for dogs. But why might raw be preferable to kibble for some dogs? Canine bodies produce only a portion of the enzymes needed for digestion; the rest must come from their food. The high heat and pressure used in the extrusion process for dry kibble can destroy some of these naturally occurring enzymes and may reduce the nutritional value of certain proteins. This can affect how well your dog is able to digest and fully utilize those nutrients.
Although there are not yet extensive scientific studies confirming all of the benefits of raw feeding, many owners report positive changes in their dogs. Commonly noted improvements include increased energy, healthier skin and a shinier coat, smaller and less odorous stools, reduced inflammation, fewer chronic conditions such as arthritis, cleaner teeth, fresher breath, a leaner and more muscular build, and a stronger overall immune system in raw‑fed dogs.
Pros and Cons
A well‑designed raw diet typically eliminates grains, excess carbohydrates, and unnecessary starches, ensures that protein comes from animal sources, provides healthy fats, and offers a high moisture content to support optimal digestion. However, feeding a homemade raw diet requires careful research and planning. Incorrect nutrient levels can be harmful, and there is also a risk of foodborne illness and contamination. If you are concerned about safety, you can speak with your veterinarian about appropriate handling practices and disinfection methods for raw meat.
For convenience, there are many commercially prepared raw food options available in frozen, freeze‑dried, air‑dried, and dehydrated forms. Local independent pet supply stores are often the best places to find a wider selection of these higher‑end products. Larger chain stores may have more limited options, and online retailers typically focus on freeze‑dried or dehydrated raw formulas.
BARF Diet
Biologically appropriate raw food or BARF diet is 80% meat, 10% organ meat and 10% bones. This is a good place to start. Varying the types of proteins you give your Frenchie is an excellent way to prevent him from developing intolerances.
Ancestral Diet
The Ancestral Diet is a raw diet modeled after what dogs' ancestors hunted and foraged. The breakdown is 75% meat, 25% fresh vegetables, and a nutrient mix containing trace minerals. Fruits and vegetables have been shown to be beneficial additives to your dog's diet whether raw or kibble.
Beneficial Supplements
Low sugar and fermented veggies are excellent for your dog's intestinal tract (microbiome), and both fruits and veggies add antioxidants to keep your Frenchie young.
Some popular supplements to raw are: blueberries, turmeric, ginger, salmon oil, raw goat's milk, raw kefir, plain Greek yogurt, raw pumpkin seeds, farm fresh raw eggs including shells (not store bought), carrots, broccoli, and dark leafy greens. There are many more - research will help you find what works best for you and your French Bulldog.
The Prey Model
The Prey-Model is another raw diet that consists of bones, muscle meat, skin, organs, fat, connective tissues, hide, hair, and feathers. In this diet, dogs are fed as close to whole animals as possible to best mimic what dogs would eat in the wild. For PMR (prey-model raw) no plant matter, dairy, or supplements are fed, however, many still add omega-3 fatty acids. The ratios are: 80% muscle meat, 10% raw meaty bones, 5% liver, and 5% other organs.
Research
Keep in mind that diets modeled strictly on what wild animals eat are based on survival, not necessarily on optimal long‑term health. It is important to research raw feeding very carefully before making a full transition, and to understand that simple “ratio” diets are only a starting point. They are not considered appropriate or complete for growing puppies.
A 100% raw diet is not always practical for every household in terms of budget, time, or lifestyle. However, incorporating some raw food can still be beneficial. Many Frenchie owners choose to supplement a high‑quality kibble with raw components and report excellent results. There is even research showing that dogs fed a diet consisting of approximately 80% dry food and 20% whole, raw food may have a significantly lower risk of allergies, skin disease, and atopy‑related skin symptoms (such as atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory allergic skin condition) later in life.