What Can Frenchie Not Eat? Keep Your Pup Safe From These!

Imagine this: You are enjoying a delicious snack when, suddenly, you feel the weight of two adorable bat-like ears and a squishy face resting on your knee. Those big, round eyes look up at you, practically screaming, “Mommy, can I have some too?” It’s your French Bulldog, master of the puppy-dog eyes and stealer of hearts.

Before you surrender to that irresistible charm, hear me out! Our wrinkly-faced buddies aren’t exactly equipped with iron stomachs. In fact, this breed has quite a sensitive stomach, with a list of dietary no-nos longer than their adorably short tails. We have talked a lot about the best foods for French Bulldogs, so today, let’s fonder the question “What can Frenchie not eat?” carefully before sharing with them any of our treats. 

What Can Frenchie Not Eat: A Complete List

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. We have consulted our veterinarians and pet nutritionists to craft a complete “off-limits” menu for your Frenchie. Some names on this list might shock you, so stay alert and guard that treat stash!

Foods That Are Toxic to French Bulldogs

1. Chocolate

Let’s start with a biggie – chocolate. You’ve probably heard that dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, and this is especially true for French Bulldogs. But why?

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. With their smaller size and sensitive digestive systems, our beloved Frenchies are particularly vulnerable to chocolate poisoning. Even a small amount can cause serious health issues, including:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Increased heart rate
• Seizures
• In severe cases, heart failure

The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. So while all chocolate is off-limits, dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most toxic.

2. Grapes and Raisins

These seemingly innocent fruits can be incredibly harmful to your furry friend. Grapes and raisins can cause rapid kidney failure in dogs, and the scary part is that we don’t fully understand why. Some dogs can eat them without apparent issues, while others suffer severe reactions from just a few grapes.

Symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning include:

• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased urine output

Given the unpredictability and potential severity of the reaction, it’s best to keep grapes and raisins far away from your French Bulldog.

3. Onions and Garlic

While these aromatics add flavor to our meals, they can wreak havoc on your Frenchie’s health. Onions, garlic, and other members of the allium family (like leeks and chives) contain compounds that can damage your dog’s red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia.

Frenchies, with their smaller size, are more susceptible to the toxic effects of these foods. Whether raw, cooked, or in powdered form, even a small amount can be harmful. Watch out for symptoms like:

• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Pale gums
• Reddish urine

Here is a warning from veterinarians: many prepared foods (like some baby foods or certain types of broth) may contain onion or garlic powder. Always check the ingredients before feeding your pet any of these! 

4. Xylitol

This artificial sweetener is becoming increasingly common in sugar-free products, and it’s extremely toxic to dogs. Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and potential liver failure in dogs, with symptoms occurring as quickly as 30 minutes after ingestion.

Products that might contain xylitol include:

• Sugar-free gum and candies
• Some peanut butter brands
• Certain baked goods
• Some oral care products

At home, we always check labels carefully, especially on sugar-free products, before sharing any human food with our Frenchie.

5. Avocado

While avocado toast might be your favorite breakfast, keep it away from your French Bulldog. Avocados contain persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. While some larger dogs might be able to eat small amounts without issue, it’s best to err on the side of caution with your Frenchie.

The highest concentration of persin is in the leaves and bark of the avocado plant, as well as in the pit, but it’s also present in the fruit’s flesh. And don’t forget that the large pit poses a choking hazard!

Foods That Can Cause Digestive Issues in French Bulldogs

While not necessarily toxic, certain foods can upset your Frenchie’s delicate digestive system or contribute to other health issues. Let’s explore some of these:

1. Dairy Products

While a small lick of ice cream might not cause immediate harm, regular consumption of dairy can lead to digestive issues in French Bulldogs, such as:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

If you want to give your Frenchie a creamy treat, look for dog-safe, lactose-free options instead.

2. Fatty Foods

French Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which can exacerbate their breathing difficulties and put extra strain on their joints. Thus, high-fat foods like bacon, fried foods, and fatty cuts of meat should be avoided. These can also lead to pancreatitis, a painful inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy

3. Salty Snacks

While your Frenchie might give you puppy eyes when you are munching on potato chips, it’s best to resist sharing. Excessive salt intake can lead to increased thirst and urination, and in severe cases, sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Elevated body temperature
• Seizures

4. Raw or Undercooked Meat and Eggs

Raw diets for French Bulldogs have gained popularity in recent years, but they are not for all of them. Raw or undercooked meat and eggs can contain bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli that can be harmful to your pet. Raw eggs also contain an enzyme that can lead to skin and coat problems. 

If you choose to feed your French Bulldog a raw diet, practice strict hygiene and food safety measures. Our veterinarians suggest freezing raw meats for at least 3 weeks before feeding to reduce the risk of parasites. It is best to avoid raw diets entirely for puppies, senior dogs, or Frenchies with compromised immune systems, as they’re more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses.

5. Macadamia Nuts

These nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, hyperthermia, and even hypoglycemia in dogs. The exact cause isn’t known, but even a small amount can make a dog ill. Symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last for up to 48 hours.

Tips for Keeping Your French Bulldog Safe

Now that we have covered the “what” of Frenchie-forbidden foods, it’s time to tackle the “how” of keeping your adorable bat-pig safe from food poisoning. Our staff members has religiously followed these practices, and they have proven incredibly effective:

Keep Harmful Foods Out of Reach 

Just like childproofing a home, you need to “Frenchie-proof” your kitchen and dining areas. Store chocolate, grapes, and other toxic foods in secure locations where your curious canine can’t access them. 

We recommend using high cabinets or pantry doors with childproof locks. Frenchies might not be able to jump high, but they can be surprisingly crafty when motivated by the promise of a tasty morsel!

Educate Family Members and Guests 

Your Frenchie’s safety is a team effort! Make sure everyone in your household knows what foods are off-limits for your furry friend. Create a simple list of “Frenchie No-No Foods” and stick it on the fridge. When guests come over, give them a quick rundown of the rules. 

It might seem overzealous, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to show off your Frenchie expertise!

Read Labels Carefully 

Many packaged foods contain hidden ingredients that could be harmful to your Frenchie. Xylitol, for example, can hide in unexpected places like some peanut butter brands or sugar-free products. 

Hence, get in the habit of reading ingredient lists, especially for any foods you might consider sharing with your pup. It might take a little extra time, but your furry friend’s health is worth it!

Keep Trash Secure 

To a dog, the trash can is like a treasure chest of tantalizing smells and potentially tasty (but dangerous) morsels. Use a dog-proof trash can with a secure lid to prevent your Frenchie from rummaging through potentially harmful food waste. 

If your current trash can isn’t Frenchie-proof, consider placing it in a latched cabinet or in a room your dog doesn’t have access to.

Use Positive Reinforcement Training

Invest time in teaching your Frenchie essential safety commands like “leave it” and “drop it.” These commands can be literal lifesavers if your curious pup encounters something hazardous. 

The American Kennel Club recommends using positive reinforcement techniques, which involve rewarding desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play. Start training sessions in a distraction-free environment and gradually increase difficulty. Use safe, Frenchie-approved treats to make the learning process enjoyable and rewarding. 

Know the Signs of Poisoning

Being able to recognize when something’s not right could save your Frenchie’s life. Familiarize yourself with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, or unusual behavior. 

If you suspect your Frenchie has eaten something toxic, don’t wait for symptoms to appear – contact your vet immediately. Time is often of the essence in these situations.

Have Emergency Contacts Handy 

In an emergency, you don’t want to be scrambling for phone numbers. Keep your vet’s number and the number of a pet poison control hotline easily accessible. 

A tip we practice at home is to keep a pet emergency contact list and sticking it on our fridge. This list might include your regular vet, an after-hours emergency vet clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435).

Wrapping Up

Keeping your French Bulldog safe and healthy is a big responsibility, but with the right knowledge, it’s entirely manageable. By understanding what can Frenchie not eat and why, you can create a safe environment for your fur baby to thrive.

Remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you are unsure whether a food is safe for your pet, it’s best to avoid it and stick to their regular diet of high-quality dog food and vet-approved treats!