Yummy Homemade Dog Food Recipes For French Bulldogs
If you’ve ever looked at your French Bulldog’s bowl and wondered, “Is this really the best I can do for you?”—you’re not alone. Frenchies have big personalities, sensitive tummies, and an impressive talent for turning their noses up at food they don’t like. I started exploring homemade dog food for French Bulldogs after dealing with itchy skin, gas (so much gas), and picky eating with my own pup. Sound familiar?
The idea of making dog food at home can feel intimidating at first. But once you understand what French Bulldogs actually need, it becomes surprisingly simple—and honestly kind of fun. In this guide, I’ll walk you through yummy homemade dog food recipes for French Bulldogs, explain what ingredients work best, and help you avoid common mistakes. Think of this as a friendly chat with someone who’s been there and learned the hard way.
Why Homemade Dog Food Is Great for French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs are adorable, but they’re also known for food sensitivities, allergies, and digestion issues. That’s where homemade meals can make a huge difference.
Here’s why many Frenchie parents switch to homemade food:
- You control the ingredients (no mystery fillers or low-quality byproducts)
- Easier to avoid allergens like wheat, corn, or soy
- Meals can be tailored for sensitive stomachs
- Often leads to better skin, coat, and energy levels
- Your dog actually gets excited at mealtime again
IMO, the biggest win is knowing exactly what’s going into your dog’s body. That peace of mind is priceless.
Important Nutritional Needs of French Bulldogs
Before jumping into recipes, let’s talk nutrition. Homemade doesn’t automatically mean balanced, so this part really matters.
Macronutrients Your Frenchie Needs
A healthy homemade meal should include:
- Protein – supports muscles and overall health
Examples: chicken, turkey, beef, fish - Carbohydrates – provide energy and fiber
Examples: rice, sweet potatoes, oats - Healthy fats – help with skin and coat
Examples: fish oil, olive oil (small amounts)
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
French Bulldogs also need:
- Calcium (especially important if feeding meat-heavy meals)
- Vitamin A, B, D, and E
- Omega-3 fatty acids for inflammation and skin health
FYI: Homemade meals should ideally be vet-approved or at least reviewed by a professional, especially if you’re planning to feed them long-term.
Ingredients That Work Best for French Bulldogs
Some foods are Frenchie favorites—and gentle on their digestion.
Best Proteins
- Chicken (skinless) – lean and easy to digest
- Turkey – great for sensitive stomachs
- Lean ground beef – higher calorie option
- Salmon – excellent for skin and coat
Best Carbohydrates
- White or brown rice – gentle and filling
- Sweet potatoes – packed with fiber and vitamins
- Oats – good for digestion (fully cooked)
Safe Vegetables
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Zucchini
- Spinach (small amounts)
Always cook veggies well and chop or mash them for easier digestion.
Foods French Bulldogs Should Avoid
This part is non-negotiable. Some human foods are dangerous for dogs.
Never include:
- Onions or garlic
- Grapes or raisins
- Chocolate
- Avocado
- Xylitol (common in sugar-free foods)
- Excess salt or seasoning
When in doubt, leave it out.
Yummy Homemade Dog Food Recipes for French Bulldogs
Now for the fun part—the recipes! These are simple, balanced, and Frenchie-approved.
🍗 Recipe 1: Chicken & Rice Comfort Bowl
This is a go-to starter recipe, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- ½ cup cooked carrots
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Boil the chicken until fully cooked, then shred.
- Cook rice and carrots separately until soft.
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Let cool before serving.
Why it works:
Gentle, easy to digest, and perfect for picky eaters.
🦃 Recipe 2: Turkey & Sweet Potato Delight
Great for French Bulldogs with food sensitivities.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ground turkey (lean)
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato
- ½ cup cooked green beans
- 1 teaspoon fish oil
Instructions:
- Cook turkey thoroughly in a pan (no seasoning).
- Boil or bake sweet potato until soft, then mash.
- Steam green beans and chop.
- Mix everything together and cool.
Bonus:
This recipe supports skin and coat health.
🐟 Recipe 3: Salmon & Rice Skin Saver
Ideal for Frenchies with itchy skin or dull coats.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked salmon (boneless)
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- ½ cup cooked spinach
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Bake or steam salmon until flaky.
- Cook rice and spinach separately.
- Combine all ingredients and cool.
Why Frenchies love it:
Smells amazing and helps reduce inflammation.
🥩 Recipe 4: Beef & Veggie Power Bowl
Best for active or underweight French Bulldogs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked oats
- ½ cup zucchini
- Calcium supplement (vet-recommended)
Instructions:
- Cook beef thoroughly and drain excess fat.
- Cook oats until soft.
- Steam zucchini and chop finely.
- Mix everything together.
How Much Homemade Food Should You Feed a French Bulldog?
Portion size depends on age, weight, and activity level.
General guideline:
- Small adult Frenchie (18–22 lbs): ¾ to 1 cup per meal
- Feed twice daily
Puppies and seniors may need adjustments, so watch weight and energy levels closely.
Transitioning Your French Bulldog to Homemade Food
Switching too fast can upset your dog’s stomach.
Do this instead:
- Days 1–3: 75% old food / 25% homemade
- Days 4–6: 50% old / 50% homemade
- Days 7–9: 25% old / 75% homemade
- Day 10: 100% homemade
Slow and steady wins here.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Homemade dog food doesn’t have preservatives, so storage matters.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months
- Use airtight containers
- Label meals with dates
Meal prepping once or twice a week makes life much easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with good intentions, mistakes happen.
Avoid these pitfalls:
- Skipping calcium supplementation
- Feeding only one protein long-term
- Overfeeding treats on top of meals
- Not consulting a vet for long-term feeding
Homemade food works best when it’s balanced and consistent.
Can Homemade Dog Food Help with French Bulldog Allergies?
In many cases, yes.
By eliminating common allergens and focusing on simple, clean ingredients, many French Bulldogs see improvements in:
- Skin itching
- Ear infections
- Digestive upset
- Excessive gas
Just remember: every dog is different.
Final Thoughts: Is Homemade Dog Food Worth It?
Absolutely—when done right.
Making yummy homemade dog food recipes for French Bulldogs isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional. You’re choosing better ingredients, paying attention to your dog’s needs, and creating meals with care. That alone makes a difference.
If you’re thinking about trying homemade food, start simple. Pick one recipe, watch how your Frenchie responds, and adjust as needed. And if you’re unsure, your vet is always a great partner in this journey.
Your French Bulldog gives you unconditional love every day. A bowl of fresh, homemade food? That’s one pretty amazing way to give some of it back
