Ultimate Guide to the French Bulldog Puppy Feeding Schedule by Age
Bringing home a cute little French Bulldog puppy? Congrats! Now it’s time to make sure your pup is getting the right nutrition to grow up healthy and strong. One of the most important things to get right from day one is your French Bulldog puppy feeding schedule by age.
In this guide, you’ll learn how much, how often, and what type of food to feed your Frenchie at every stage of their puppyhood. Plus, we’ll cover different food options and what’s best for their unique needs.
Understanding French Bulldogs and Their Growth
French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., known for their sweet personality and adorable flat faces. They’re a small breed and usually stay under 28 pounds when fully grown.
Because they’re compact and muscular, their diet needs to be carefully managed to avoid obesity and health problems. A proper feeding routine ensures they grow at a steady pace without gaining too much weight.
French Bulldog Puppy Feeding Schedule by Age
Every French Bulldog puppy grows at their own pace, but here’s a general feeding guide based on age and weight to help you get started.
Age | Meals per Day | Amount (cups/day) | Notes |
8-12 weeks | 4 | 1 – 1.5 | Use puppy-specific kibble or raw |
3-6 months | 3 | 1.25 – 1.75 | Adjust based on weight changes |
6-12 months | 2-3 | 1.5 – 2 | Watch for signs of overfeeding |
12+ months | 2 | 1.5 – 2.5 | Switch to adult food slowly |
💡 Tip: Always check the feeding guidelines on your specific dog food brand, as different formulas vary in calorie content.
What to Feed Your French Bulldog Puppy
There are several types of food you can feed your Frenchie. Each has its pros and cons, and what works best may depend on your lifestyle and your puppy’s health.
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Kibble (Dry Food)
- Pros: Affordable and easy to store.
- Cons: Often high in carbs and hard for some Frenchies to chew due to their flat faces.
- Look for kibble designed for brachycephalic breeds (like Frenchies).
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Wet Food (Canned or Pouches)
- Pros: Softer and more appealing to picky eaters.
- Cons: Can be messy and more expensive. Still processed like kibble.
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Gently Cooked Meals
- Pros: Made with fresh ingredients and less processed.
- Cons: Often high in carbs and more costly than kibble.
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Homemade Dog Food
- Pros: You control the ingredients.
- Cons: Must be balanced with the help of a vet or pet nutritionist to avoid deficiencies.
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Raw Food Diet
- Pros: Closest to a natural canine diet. Easier to digest, supports healthy skin, weight, and immunity.
- Cons: Needs to be properly handled for safety. Choose a reputable brand like We Feed Raw for convenience and balance.
Why a Good Feeding Schedule Matters
A proper French Bulldog puppy feeding schedule by age helps:
- Support healthy growth
- Prevent obesity (a common issue in Frenchies)
- Avoid digestive issues
- Encourage regular bathroom habits
- Maintain good behavior (no hangry pups!)
Special Nutrition Needs for French Bulldogs
French Bulldog puppies benefit from a diet that supports:
- Immune system development
Nutrients like vitamin E and antioxidants help protect growing pups. - Healthy skin and coat
Omega-3 fatty acids and quality proteins reduce itchiness and allergies. - Good digestion
Prebiotics and easily digestible proteins help avoid tummy issues and improve stool quality. - Dental health
Their short snouts and crowded teeth mean they may struggle with hard kibble, so food shape and texture matter.
Sample Daily Feeding Schedule
Here’s an example schedule for an 8- to 12-week-old Frenchie:
- 7:00 AM – Breakfast
- 11:00 AM – Snack
- 3:00 PM – Lunch
- 7:00 PM – Dinner
As they grow older, you can gradually reduce to three, then two meals a day.
Bonus Tips for Feeding Your French Bulldog Puppy
- Monitor their weight weekly
Adjust food portions if they’re gaining too fast or not enough. - Keep treats minimal
Use healthy, low-calorie treats for training only. - Fresh water always available
Clean and refill their water bowl daily. - Transition food slowly
Whether changing brands or switching from puppy to adult food, do it over 7–10 days to avoid stomach upset.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your French Bulldog puppy the right way is one of the best things you can do to set them up for a long, happy life. Use the French Bulldog puppy feeding schedule by age as a starting point, and always watch how your pup is doing—energy levels, weight, and bathroom habits are great clues.
For the healthiest start, consider a raw food diet like We Feed Raw that’s perfectly balanced and made just for your pup’s needs.