As a pet expert with over 15 years of experience working with various dog breeds, I’ve found that French Bulldogs have unique dietary needs and preferences when it comes to treats. These adorable companions deserve French Bulldog treats that not only taste good but also support their health and well-being. Throughout my career, I’ve tested countless treat options with Frenchies and discovered what works best for their distinctive physiology and common health concerns.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my expertise on selecting the perfect French Bulldog treats, from natural and homemade options to high-quality store-bought varieties. You’ll learn about nutritional considerations, training techniques, allergy management, and much more—all tailored specifically to these lovable dogs with their characteristic flat faces and playful personalities. For a complete guide on general care beyond treats, check out our detailed article on How to Take Care of a French Bulldog.
Types of French Bulldog Treats
When it comes to treating your Frenchie, you have several excellent options. Let’s explore the various types of French Bulldog treats available to find what might work best for your furry friend.
Natural Treats for French Bulldogs
In my years of experience, I’ve found French Bulldogs respond exceptionally well to simple, natural treats. These single-ingredient options often provide the best nutritional value while minimizing the risk of allergic reactions.
Some excellent natural French Bulldog treats include:
- Fresh or frozen blueberries – Perfect low-calorie option that provides antioxidants
- Small pieces of cooked chicken – High-protein and highly motivating for training
- Carrot sticks – Great for dental health and low in calories
- Small apple slices (without seeds) – Fiber-rich and crunchy
- Green beans – Low-calorie filler that many Frenchies enjoy
I’ve personally seen French Bulldogs thrive when their treat routine includes these natural options. One client’s Frenchie, Bruno, had significant weight issues until we switched to a green bean and blueberry treat routine, which helped him lose 4 pounds over six months.
Homemade Treat Recipes for French Bulldogs
Making homemade French Bulldog treats allows you to control exactly what goes into your dog’s body. Based on my experience developing recipes for sensitive Frenchies, here are some tried-and-true options:
Simple Pumpkin Biscuits
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 2½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Mix ingredients, roll out to ¼-inch thickness, cut into small shapes, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until hard. These treats are perfect for French Bulldogs with sensitive stomachs.
Frozen Yogurt Drops
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Small bits of mashed banana or blueberries
Drop small dollops onto a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 2 hours. These cool treats are excellent for French Bulldogs during hot weather or after exercise.
My client Sarah’s French Bulldog, Mabel, would get overheated during summer walks until we introduced these frozen yogurt treats as a post-walk reward. The cooling effect helped regulate her temperature while providing a delicious incentive for exercise.
Store-Bought Treats for French Bulldogs
When selecting commercial French Bulldog treats, quality and ingredients matter tremendously. Through my professional experience recommending products to French Bulldog owners, I’ve compiled this list of characteristics to look for:
- Limited ingredients (fewer than 8-10 components)
- Named animal protein as the first ingredient
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Appropriate size for a French Bulldog’s mouth
- Texture that works with brachycephalic breed jaw structure
Some reputable brands that produce suitable French Bulldog treats include Zuke’s Mini Naturals, Wellness, and Blue Buffalo. These companies maintain high-quality standards that align with what French Bulldogs need nutritionally.
When selecting store-bought treats, always read labels carefully and avoid products with vague meat ingredients like “animal by-products” or “meat meal.” Your Frenchie deserves better than mystery ingredients!
Nutritional Considerations for Treating French Bulldogs
French Bulldogs require careful nutritional management, especially when it comes to treats. As a breed prone to obesity, every calorie counts for these compact companions.
Healthy Ingredients for French Bulldog Treats
Through my work with French Bulldogs, I’ve identified several ingredients that provide nutritional benefits while satisfying their taste preferences:
- Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish provide essential amino acids without excessive fat
- Pumpkin delivers fiber and helps with digestive regularity
- Sweet potato offers vitamins and a satisfying texture many Frenchies love
- Blueberries contain antioxidants and are naturally sweet
- Oats provide soluble fiber and sustainable energy
- Coconut oil (in small amounts) promotes healthy skin and coat
One important tip I share with all French Bulldog owners: treats should never exceed 10% of your dog’s total daily caloric intake. For the average Frenchie weighing around 20-25 pounds, this means keeping treats to about 20-40 calories per day, depending on activity level and metabolism.
Common Ingredients to Avoid in French Bulldog Treats
After years of observing adverse reactions in French Bulldogs, I strongly recommend avoiding treats containing:
- Artificial colors and preservatives – Many Frenchies show sensitivity to these chemicals
- Wheat or corn – Common allergens for this breed
- Excessive salt – Can exacerbate breathing difficulties in brachycephalic dogs
- Xylitol – Toxic to all dogs, but sometimes hidden in “natural” treats
- Excessive fat – French Bulldogs gain weight easily and have difficulty losing it
I worked with one French Bulldog named Oscar who experienced chronic itching and hot spots until we eliminated wheat-based treats from his diet. Within three weeks of switching to limited-ingredient French Bulldog treats, his skin issues improved dramatically.
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, xylitol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar and potential liver failure in dogs. Always check ingredient lists carefully, especially for “sugar-free” or “low-calorie” treat options.
Training with French Bulldog Treats
French Bulldogs respond exceptionally well to positive reinforcement training methods that use treats as motivation. Having trained dozens of Frenchies over my career, I’ve perfected treat-based training techniques for this breed.
Best Treats for Training French Bulldogs
The ideal training treats for French Bulldogs should be:
- Tiny – No larger than a pea to prevent overfeeding during multiple repetitions
- Soft – Easy to chew quickly between training cues
- High-value – Motivating enough to maintain focus
- Low-calorie – To prevent weight gain during intensive training periods
Through extensive training sessions with French Bulldogs, I’ve found these specific treats work best:
- Small pieces of boiled chicken
- Tiny bits of low-fat cheese
- Commercial training treats like Zuke’s Mini Naturals cut into even smaller pieces
- Freeze-dried liver broken into tiny fragments
One training client’s French Bulldog, Lola, was particularly food-motivated. By using exclusively tiny pieces of chicken breast during our training sessions, we were able to complete over 50 repetitions of commands without exceeding her daily treat allowance.
How to Use Treats for Positive Reinforcement in French Bulldogs
When training French Bulldogs with treats, timing and technique matter as much as the treats themselves. Based on my professional training experience, follow these guidelines:
- Reward immediately after the desired behavior – French Bulldogs need clear connections between action and reward
- Gradually reduce treat frequency as behaviors become established
- Use a marker word (like “yes!”) before giving the treat to increase precision
- Vary the value of treats – use higher-value French Bulldog treats for more challenging behaviors
- Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes) to maintain focus
I’ve found that French Bulldogs particularly excel with “capturing” training techniques, where you reward naturally occurring behaviors you want to encourage. This works especially well for this breed because of their expressive personalities and tendency to offer behaviors spontaneously.
During more intensive training phases, remember to reduce your Frenchie’s regular meals slightly to account for the calories in training treats. This maintains their weight while still providing motivating rewards.
Allergies and Dietary Restrictions
French Bulldogs are notoriously prone to food sensitivities and allergies, making treat selection particularly important for this breed.
Recognizing Allergies in French Bulldogs
In my practice, I’ve seen numerous French Bulldogs develop allergic reactions to certain treats. Watch for these signs that might indicate your Frenchie has a treat allergy:
- Excessive itching or scratching
- Redness or inflammation of the skin
- Chronic ear infections
- Gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea)
- Obsessive licking or chewing of paws
- Eye discharge or redness
If you notice these symptoms, consider implementing an elimination trial with French Bulldog treats. Remove all current treats for 2-3 weeks, then gradually reintroduce one type at a time to identify triggers.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, true food allergies account for about 10% of all allergies in dogs, with proteins like beef, dairy, and chicken being common culprits. However, food intolerances (which don’t involve the immune system) are even more common in French Bulldogs.
Treat Options for Allergic French Bulldogs
For French Bulldogs with known allergies or sensitivities, I recommend these hypoallergenic treat options:
- Single-ingredient treats – Like pure sweet potato or dehydrated turkey
- Novel protein sources – Such as rabbit, venison, or duck
- Limited-ingredient commercial treats – With fewer than five components
- Homemade allergy-friendly options – Using ingredients you know are safe for your specific dog
One success story from my practice involves a French Bulldog named Bella who had severe allergies to chicken, beef, and dairy. We switched her to a rotating treat schedule of dehydrated duck, pure sweet potato chews, and homemade venison treats. Her chronic ear infections and paw licking resolved within a month. If your Frenchie struggles with skin issues, you might also want to read our comprehensive article on Best Food for French Bulldog with Skin Allergies to address the problem holistically.
For extremely sensitive French Bulldogs, consider treats with hydrolyzed proteins, where the protein molecules are broken down so small that they typically don’t trigger allergic responses. These are available through veterinary prescription brands.
Comparing Treat Brands for French Bulldogs
With countless options available, selecting quality French Bulldog treats can be overwhelming. My professional assessments can help you navigate this crowded marketplace.
Top Rated Treat Brands for French Bulldogs
Based on my experience recommending products to hundreds of French Bulldog owners, these brands consistently deliver excellent quality:
- Zuke’s Mini Naturals – Perfect training size with clean ingredients
- The Honest Kitchen Beams – Pure dehydrated fish skins that support joint health
- Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw – High-quality protein with minimal processing
- Wellness CORE Tiny Trainers – Grain-free small treats ideal for training
- Jiminy’s Cricket Protein Treats – Sustainable and novel protein source
During my professional training sessions, I’ve found that Zuke’s Mini Naturals consistently rank highest for palatability among French Bulldogs while maintaining excellent ingredient quality. Their small size makes them perfect for this breed’s training needs.
The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine research suggests that treats with antioxidants may help combat inflammation in brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs. Brands like Wellness CORE incorporate blueberries and other natural antioxidant sources.
Budget-Friendly Treat Options for French Bulldogs
Quality French Bulldog treats don’t have to break the bank. These budget-conscious options still maintain good nutritional standards:
- Homemade dehydrated sweet potato slices – Slice thinly and bake at 250°F for 3 hours
- Carrots – Inexpensive, healthy, and available year-round
- Freeze small portions of plain yogurt – Creates multiple treats at minimal cost
- Pet Botanics Training Rewards – Affordable commercial option with decent ingredients
- Making your own chicken jerky – Control quality while saving money
A cost-saving tip I give all my French Bulldog clients: buy larger treats and break them into appropriate Frenchie-sized pieces. This often reduces the per-treat cost significantly while allowing you to control portion size.
For clients on tight budgets, I recommend prioritizing quality over quantity. It’s better to have fewer high-quality French Bulldog treats than many treats of questionable nutritional value.
Unique Flavor Combinations for French Bulldog Treats
French Bulldogs can be surprisingly discerning about flavors. Over the years, I’ve discovered which combinations tend to be most appealing to this breed’s palate.
Popular Flavor Combinations for Homemade Treats
These flavor pairings have proven highly successful in homemade French Bulldog treats:
Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Biscuits
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 2 eggs
- 2½ cups oat flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Mix ingredients, roll out to ¼-inch thickness, cut into small shapes, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. This combination provides excellent texture and aroma that French Bulldogs find irresistible.
Salmon & Sweet Potato Squares
- 1 can salmon (drained)
- 1 sweet potato (cooked and mashed)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup coconut flour
Combine ingredients, press into a parchment-lined baking dish to ¼-inch thickness, and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Cut into small squares when cool. The omega fatty acids in this recipe support healthy skin and coat.
Throughout my career, I’ve found that French Bulldogs typically prefer treats with strong aromas and distinct textures. Their short snouts can limit their sense of smell compared to longer-nosed breeds, so pronounced flavors tend to be more engaging.
Commercial Treats with Unique Flavors for French Bulldogs
Some innovative commercial treat brands offer unique flavor profiles that French Bulldogs particularly enjoy:
- Charlee Bear Meaty Bites (Turkey Liver & Cranberries)
- Merrick Power Bites (Rabbit & Sweet Potato)
- Fruitables Skinny Minis (Watermelon flavor)
- Cloud Star Tricky Trainers (Liver & Coconut)
- Wet Noses Organic Dog Treats (Peanut Butter & Molasses)
In my professional experience, treats containing liver consistently rank highest in French Bulldog preference tests. The combination of liver with sweeter elements like cranberries or coconut creates an appealing flavor contrast that seems particularly enticing to this breed.
When introducing new flavor combinations to your French Bulldog, start with small amounts to ensure they don’t cause digestive upset. Each dog has individual preferences, so observation is key to finding their favorite options.
Tips for Choosing the Right Treats
Beyond ingredients and flavors, there are practical considerations when selecting French Bulldog treats.
Size Matters: Choosing Treats for French Bulldog Mouths
French Bulldogs have unique anatomical considerations that affect treat suitability:
- Brachycephalic jaw structure – Shorter muzzles require appropriate-sized treats
- Dental health concerns – Treats that help with dental hygiene are beneficial
- Risk of choking – Avoid treats that could obstruct airways
In my professional practice, I recommend these guidelines for French Bulldog treat sizes:
- Training treats should be no larger than a pea
- Chew treats should be wider than the space between their back teeth to prevent choking
- Dental treats should be appropriately sized for their jaw structure
I once worked with a French Bulldog named Max who struggled with standard-sized dental chews. We switched to Whimzees XS size, which perfectly accommodated his shortened jaw structure while still providing dental benefits.
The AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) recommends considering dental treats that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of approval, which indicates they’ve been proven to reduce plaque or tartar.
Considerations for Age and Health in Treat Selection
French Bulldogs’ treat needs change throughout their lives. My experience with dogs at different life stages has taught me these age-specific considerations:
Puppies (under 1 year)
- Soft, easily chewable treats for developing teeth
- Higher protein content for growth
- Smaller sizes for smaller mouths
- Avoid treats with excessive calcium (can impact proper bone development)
Adult French Bulldogs (1-7 years)
- Dental benefits become more important
- Consider activity level when selecting caloric density
- Monitor weight closely and adjust treat volume accordingly
Senior French Bulldogs (8+ years)
- Softer treats for sensitive teeth
- Joint-supporting ingredients (glucosamine, chondroitin)
- Lower calorie options to prevent weight gain with decreased activity
- More digestible ingredients for aging digestive systems
For French Bulldogs with specific health conditions, consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations. Dogs with heart conditions typically need low-sodium treats, while those with kidney issues benefit from lower protein options.
I worked with a 10-year-old French Bulldog named Sophie who developed dental issues in her senior years. We transitioned her to softer treats and dental wipes to maintain oral hygiene without causing pain. This adjustment made a significant difference in her willingness to accept treats again.
Conclusion
Selecting appropriate French Bulldog treats requires careful consideration of this breed’s unique needs and characteristics. Throughout my 15 years working with these charming dogs, I’ve found that attention to ingredients, size, flavor, and individual health considerations pays dividends in their wellbeing and happiness.
Whether you choose to prepare homemade treats, purchase high-quality commercial options, or use simple natural foods, remember that treats should complement your French Bulldog’s overall nutrition plan while providing joy and positive reinforcement. The perfect French Bulldog treats support training, maintain health, and strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged companion.
Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your French Bulldog’s diet or treat regimen, especially if they have existing health conditions or allergies. By applying the guidelines in this article and observing your dog’s individual responses, you’ll find the ideal treat routine for your beloved Frenchie.
FAQs About French Bulldog Treats
What is the best treat for a Frenchie?
The best French Bulldog treats are small, soft pieces that are easy to chew and digest, given their brachycephalic facial structure. Lean protein treats like small pieces of chicken or turkey, single-ingredient freeze-dried meats, and soft training bites specifically formulated for small breeds work exceptionally well. Look for French Bulldog treats containing quality ingredients without fillers, artificial preservatives, or common allergens like wheat and corn. Always choose appropriately-sized treats to prevent choking hazards.
Can French bulldogs eat treats?
Yes, French Bulldogs can eat treats, but they require careful selection due to their prone-to-obesity nature and sensitive digestive systems. French Bulldog treats should be given sparingly, never exceeding 10% of their daily caloric intake (approximately 20-40 calories for the average adult Frenchie). Choose treats specifically formulated for their breed characteristics or naturally healthy options like small pieces of fruits and vegetables. Monitor for allergic reactions when introducing new French Bulldog treats.
What do Frenchies like to chew on?
French Bulldogs typically enjoy chewing on specially designed dental chews, rubber toys like Kongs that can be filled with treats, bully sticks sized appropriately for their jaws, and soft plush toys. Many Frenchies prefer French Bulldog treats with interesting textures like dehydrated sweet potato strips or cheese chews. Avoid hard bones, antlers, or overly tough chews that could damage their teeth or cause obstruction given their unique jaw structure and potential for breathing difficulties.
What bones can French bulldogs have?
French Bulldogs should only have specially formulated dental bones or edible chews designed for small brachycephalic breeds. Raw frozen marrow bones (under supervision) and soft edible dental bones are safer French Bulldog treats than traditional hard bones. Never give cooked bones, which can splinter and cause internal damage, or weight-bearing bones from large animals, which are too hard for their dental structure. Always monitor your Frenchie while they enjoy any chew treat to prevent choking.
How many French Bulldog treats can I give my dog per day?
French Bulldog treats should never exceed 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For an average adult Frenchie weighing 20-25 pounds, this means limiting treats to about 20-40 calories daily. Always adjust their regular meals to account for treat calories to prevent weight gain, which can worsen breathing issues in this brachycephalic breed. When training, use tiny pieces of French Bulldog treats to maximize reinforcement opportunities without excess calories.
