French Bulldog Feeding Chart by Weight Age: A Complete Guide

For Frenchie parents like us, these adorable pups are more than just pets – they are family. And like any family member, you want to ensure they are getting the best nutrition possible. With so much information out there, though, it can be overwhelming to figure out exactly how much to feed your fur baby. Sometimes, you may wish there was a French Bulldog feeding chart by weight age to follow. 

That’s exactly what you will get in this comprehensive guide! Our team has conducted extensive research to break down everything you need to know about feeding your French Bulldog, from puppyhood to their golden years.

Why a French Bulldog Feeding Chart By Weight Age Matters

French Bulldogs are a unique breed with specific nutritional needs, and these needs change as they grow and age. Here’s why having a feeding chart will come in handy

1. Preventing Obesity and Avoiding Malnutrition

According to pet nutritionists, French Bulldogs are prone to weight gain, which can lead to a host of health problems. Obesity in Frenchies can cause:

• Joint issues and arthritis
• Breathing difficulties (exacerbating their already compromised respiratory system)
• Increased risk of heart disease
• Reduced lifespan

On the flip side, underfeeding can be just as dangerous. Insufficient nutrition can result in:

• Stunted growth in puppies
• Weakened immune system
• Poor coat and skin health
• Lack of energy

With a feeding chart in hand, you can control portions, ensuring your Frenchie maintains a healthy weight.

2. Supporting Growth and Development

French Bulldogs, especially puppies, need the right balance of nutrients to support their growth. A feeding chart ensures they get enough calories and nutrients during this critical period.

3. Adapting to Life Stages

Like any dog breed, your Frenchie requires different nutritional needs as they move from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years. Our comprehensive feeding chart will remind you of these changes, helping you adjust their diet accordingly.

4. Managing Health Conditions

Some French Bulldogs may develop health issues that require dietary adjustments. Having a baseline feeding chart makes it easier to work with your vet to modify your dog’s diet if needed.

5. Establishing Routine

Regular feeding times and consistent portions help establish a routine, which can aid in digestion and behavior management.

By following a feeding chart, you’re not just filling your Frenchie’s bowl – you’re providing a foundation for their overall health and well-being throughout their life.

French Bulldog Feeding Charts by Life Stage

Puppy Feeding Chart (2-12 months)

Did we mention that French Bulldog puppies grow rapidly? Thus, they need more calories per pound than adult dogs. Here’s a general feeding chart for Frenchie puppies:

Months	Weights (lbs)	Daily food amount
2 – 3	5 – 10	1 – 1.5
3 – 4	10 – 15	1.5 – 2
4 – 5	15 – 20	2 – 2.5
5 – 6	20 – 25	2.5 – 3

 

After taking care of puppy Franchies, we notice one thing: They have small stomachs but high energy needs. A solution for this is to divide their daily food allowance into several smaller meals. As they grow, you can gradually reduce the number of meals per day. Also, make sure you choose top-quality dog food for French Bulldogs to support their development. 

Adult Feeding Chart (1-7 years)

Once your Frenchie reaches adulthood (usually around 12 months), their growth rate slows down and their nutritional needs stabilize. However, the amount of food they need can still vary based on their weight, activity level, and overall health.

If you are struggling with feeding your adult Frenchie, take a look at our suggestion based on weights:

Weight (lbs)	Daily food amount (cups)
16 – 20	1 – 1.5
21 – 25	1.5 – 2
26 – 30	2 – 2.5
31 – 35	2.5 – 3

Most adult French Bulldogs do well with two meals per day. This helps prevent bloating and keeps their energy levels stable throughout the day.

Senior Feeding Chart (7+ years)

As your Frenchie enters their golden years (usually around 7-8 years old), their nutritional needs will change once again. Senior dogs often have slower metabolisms and may be less active, which means they typically need fewer calories. However, they may also need more of certain nutrients to support joint health and cognitive function.

Similarly to adult dogs, the key to adjusting a senior dog’s feeding portion is weight: 

Weight (lbs)	Daily food amount (cups)
16-20	0.75 – 1.25
21-25	1.25 – 1.75
26-30
31-35	2.5-3

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Feeding Portions 

So, how do you adjust feeding portions for your beloved Frenchie? Is it as easy as feeding them more when you think they have “matured” enough? 

Well, not quite! Changing your French Bulldog’s diet isn’t just about eyeballing their size or guessing their age. It’s a bit like solving a puzzle 0 one that involves careful observation, some math, and a dash of patience. Our veterinarians suggest a step-by-step guide to make this transition as smoothly as possible:

Step 1: Assess the Need for Change

• Monitor your Frenchie’s weight and body condition regularly.
• Look for signs that indicate a change might be necessary, such as unexplained weight gain or loss, changes in activity level, or entering a new life stage.
• Adjust the food if necessary. For example, do you want to incorporate some homemade meals for French Bulldogs?

Step 2: Calculate the New Portion Size

• Use the feeding charts provided earlier in this article as a starting point.
• Factor in your dog’s current weight, target weight (if different), age, and activity level.

Step 3: Measure Accurately

• Use a standard measuring cup to ensure accuracy.
• Be consistent with your measurements to avoid unintentional overfeeding or underfeeding.

Step 4: Implement Changes Gradually

• Don’t suddenly increase or decrease portions dramatically.
• Make small adjustments (about 10% at a time) over a period of 7-10 days.

Step 5: Monitor Your Dog’s Response

• Watch for changes in your Frenchie’s weight, energy levels, and overall health.
• Keep an eye on their stool quality, as sudden changes in diet can sometimes cause digestive upset.

Step 6: Adjust as Needed

• If you’re not seeing the desired results after a few weeks, make further small adjustments.
• Remember, every dog is unique, and you may need to fine-tune portions to find what works best for your Frenchie.

Step 7: Maintain a Consistent Feeding Schedule

• Even when changing portions, try to maintain regular feeding times.
• This helps with digestion and can prevent begging between meals.

Step 8: Re-evaluate Regularly

• As your French Bulldog ages or their lifestyle changes, their nutritional needs may shift.
• Plan to reassess their feeding portions at least twice a year, or more frequently for puppies and seniors.

As we always remind our clients, changing your French Bulldog’s feeding portions is not just about the amount of food. Instead, the process is to ensure they are getting the right nutrients. If you are significantly increasing or decreasing their food intake, consider switching to a different formula that better meets their caloric and nutritional needs.

Wrapping Up

For every pet owner, proper feeding is a cornerstone of health and happiness. From puppy to senior, each stage brings its own nutritional needs and challenges. 

By staying attentive and following our French Bulldog feeding chart by weight age, you are giving your Frenchie the best chance at a long, healthy life. So, measure wisely, adjust as needed, and savor every moment with your well-fed, lovely friend!