If you’ve spent more than five minutes researching French Bulldogs online, you’ve probably noticed one thing.
Everyone has an opinion about what they should eat.
Raw diets.
Fresh food.
Grain-free.
Limited ingredient.
Chicken.
No chicken.
It’s enough to make your head spin.
When we brought Zeus home, I wanted to make sure we started him on the right food, so naturally I did what most new dog owners do—I researched.
What I quickly learned was that there isn’t one perfect food for every French Bulldog.
There is only the food that works best for your Frenchie.
Here’s how we ended up feeding Zeus and Electra what they eat today.
It Actually Started Before Zeus
Before Zeus, we had two other dogs.
One was our Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix, who lost several teeth as she got older.
Because chewing kibble became difficult, we started feeding her fresh food from Farmer’s Dog.
We absolutely loved it.
The food looked fresh, she loved eating it, and we felt good about what we were feeding her.
Unfortunately, it was also expensive.
Since our Husky ate…well…like a Husky, feeding both dogs exclusively fresh food just wasn’t realistic for our budget.
When our Husky was later diagnosed with diabetes, we found a balance by feeding half dry food and half Farmer’s Dog.
Both of those girls have since crossed the Rainbow Bridge, but one thing I’ll never forget is the kindness Farmer’s Dog showed us after our Pomeranian/Chihuahua passed away.
They sent us a heartfelt sympathy card along with a plant for our home.
It was such a thoughtful gesture, and it’s something we’ve never forgotten.
Starting Zeus on Royal Canin
When Zeus came home, almost everything I read warned me about two things.
French Bulldogs are notorious for allergies.
And they’re known for eating so fast they practically inhale their food.
So when I discovered that Royal Canin made a food specifically formulated for French Bulldogs, it seemed like an easy decision.
The kibble is even shaped specifically for their flat faces, making it easier for them to pick up.
It felt like someone had actually designed a food with Frenchies in mind.
Zeus loved it from day one.
When Electra joined the family, she started on the same food.
Our Favorite Feeding Setup
One thing that surprised us was how much we liked using a raised trough-style feeder form Fluff Trough!
Instead of traditional bowls, the feeder keeps their food slightly elevated, allowing them to eat in a more comfortable position.
We originally bought a double feeder because we assumed each dog would want their own side.
Instead…
They both preferred eating out of the same bowl.
Apparently sharing tastes better.
So one side of the feeder mostly sits unused.
Thankfully, neither Zeus nor Electra are especially fast eaters, so we haven’t needed the slow-feeder insert that came with it.
Drinking water too fast, however…
That’s still a work in progress.
Then Electra’s Skin Changed Everything
For almost a year, both dogs did great on the Royal Canin French Bulldog formula.
Their coats were shiny.
They loved eating it.
And while it wasn’t cheap—especially with two French Bulldogs—it felt worth the investment.
The largest bag only lasted us about three weeks and cost around $80, even through Chewy.
Then Electra started developing rashes on her belly and between her paws.
Our veterinarian thought it could possibly be related to a chicken allergy.
The challenge was that Royal Canin’s French Bulldog formula is chicken based.
That meant it was time to try something different.
Why We Switched to Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach
We briefly talked about going back to Farmer’s Dog because we’d had such a great experience with it.
But feeding fresh food to two French Bulldogs just wasn’t something we could comfortably fit into our budget.
Instead, we decided to try Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula.
Because it’s salmon based instead of chicken based, it seemed like a logical next step.
As with any food change, we slowly transitioned them over several weeks.
To be completely honest…
After about six months, we didn’t notice a dramatic improvement in Electra’s skin.
But by then, both dogs had fully adjusted to the food and genuinely seemed to enjoy it.
Their coats are still soft and shiny.
The food is easier on our budget.
And both Zeus and Electra are happy to clean their bowls every meal.
The only downside?
Their breath occasionally reminds us that they’re eating salmon.
Would We Recommend It?
Absolutely.
But maybe not for the reason you think.
One thing we’ve learned over the years is that there probably isn’t one “perfect” dog food for every French Bulldog.
What works wonderfully for Zeus and Electra might not be the right choice for another dog.
Royal Canin was an excellent food.
Farmer’s Dog treated us incredibly well as a company, and we’d recommend them without hesitation to anyone looking for fresh food.
For our family, though, Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach has been the best balance of quality, affordability, and two happy French Bulldogs.
And that’s really what matters most.
What We’ve Learned
If there’s one thing owning Zeus and Electra has taught us, it’s that feeding your French Bulldog isn’t about finding the most expensive food or the trendiest brand.
It’s about paying attention to your dog.
Watch their skin.
Watch their energy level.
Watch their coat.
Talk with your veterinarian.
And don’t be afraid to make changes if something isn’t working.
At the end of the day, the best dog food is the one that helps your Frenchie thrive.
🐾 Frenchie Tip
If you decide to switch your French Bulldog’s food, make the transition slowly over several days. A gradual change can help reduce digestive upset and gives you a better chance to spot any issues with the new food. If you suspect food allergies or your dog develops ongoing skin problems, work with your veterinarian to find the best option for your pup.
💬 What Do Your Frenchies Eat?
We’re always curious to hear what works for other French Bulldog families.
What food has worked best for your Frenchie, and have you had to switch because of allergies or sensitive skin?
