French Bulldogs’ Diet and Exercise Advice

Keeping Your French Bulldog Healthy

An essential part of being a responsible dog owner is keeping your furry friend fit and healthy. This means ensuring their diet is packed with all of the necessary nutrients, that they’re not over- or under-eating, and that they’re receiving the right amount of exercise. 

Diet and exercise needs vary hugely across breeds, and so learning what’s correct for Frenchies is essential if you’re new to the breed. Below we’ve outlined some of the most common questions on feeding and exercising French Bulldogs, so you can be sure you’re helping your four-legged family member live his best life. 

How often should French Bulldogs eat?

Dog owners often have different schedules for feeding their pets, with some feeding just once a day, others twice, and others leaving dry food out for all-day grazing. While ultimately the most important thing is that your pet is fed the correct amount, most experts recommend that splitting this food out over two sessions is best for digestion. 

Scheduled meal times also make it easier to monitor your dog’s health. If food is left out for them to pick at all day, it can be hard to spot changes in their appetite, which could be a sign of illness. 

Feeding your French Bulldog two meals a day – one in the morning and one in the evening – and only leaving the food down for a set time is therefore the best method. 

How much food do French Bulldogs need?

French Bulldogs’ dietary needs are  different to other breeds due to factors such as their size and their energy expenditure. While finding the right amount will likely be trial-and-error, an average-sized adult Frenchie will likely need around 1 – 1 ½ cups of food per day. 

How much exercise do French Bulldogs need?

Compared to other breeds, French Bulldogs’ exercise needs are fairly moderate. They’re not overly energetic dogs, and so around 45-60 minutes per day should be all they need. As with most breeds, splitting this exercise over two shorter walks per day is recommended to keep them mentally stimulated as well as physically. 

Because of the problems they can have with breathing, flat-faced Frenchies are generally better suited to steady walking rather than runs or anything that could put unnecessary strain on their breathing. 

Similarly, your French Bulldog’s exercise needs will vary in the summer and winter because of their breathing problems. You should avoid walking your dog if it’s very hot outside, which may mean changing your routine so they’re only out during the cooler parts of the day. For more information on this, visit our page on French Bulldog’s health problems.