How much to feed a French Bulldog puppy
French Bulldogs are small dogs with big appetites and even bigger food sensitivities. Feeding a Frenchie puppy is a different game than feeding a Lab or Golden — they are a compact breed that gains weight easily, and their flat faces create unique challenges around eating and digestion.
Getting portions right with a Frenchie matters because they are already prone to breathing difficulties, and extra weight makes that worse. Here is how to feed them through the growth phase without overdoing it.
Feeding amounts by age
| Age | Weight Range | Daily Calories | Cups/Day (est.) | Meals/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 5-10 lbs | 300-500 | 0.75-1.25 | 3-4 |
| 3-6 months | 10-16 lbs | 450-650 | 1-1.75 | 3 |
| 6-9 months | 15-22 lbs | 550-750 | 1.5-2 | 2 |
| 9-12 months | 18-26 lbs | 600-800 | 1.5-2 | 2 |
These are notably smaller portions than most people expect. Frenchies are a 20-28 pound breed at maturity. Two cups of food per day is plenty for most adult Frenchies — puppies eat even less.
The Frenchie weight problem
French Bulldogs gain weight quietly. Their stocky build masks extra pounds until the dog is significantly overweight. By the time a Frenchie looks fat, they are usually 15-20% over ideal weight. This extra weight compresses their already compromised airways and puts stress on their spine (another Frenchie weak spot).
Aim to keep your Frenchie puppy lean. You should be able to feel ribs with light pressure. There should be a visible tuck at the belly when viewed from the side. If your Frenchie looks like a loaf of bread from above — no visible waist — it is time to cut back. For more details, see our guide on Puppy feeding schedule by age: from 8 weeks to 12 months.
Food sensitivities and allergies
French Bulldogs have one of the highest rates of food allergies among all breeds. Common triggers include chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, and soy. If your Frenchie puppy has chronic ear infections, itchy skin, or frequent loose stools, a food allergy is worth investigating. For more details, see our guide on Puppy feeding schedule by age.
Many Frenchie owners end up on limited ingredient diets with novel proteins like duck, venison, or fish. If you suspect allergies, talk to your vet about an elimination diet before spending money on expensive specialty foods randomly.
Eating mechanics
Flat-faced breeds struggle with certain kibble shapes. Large round kibble is hard for Frenchies to pick up. Look for smaller kibble pieces or breeds specifically designed for brachycephalic dogs. Some Frenchie owners have better luck with flat, wide bowls rather than deep ones — it lets the dog eat without pressing their face down into the bowl.
Frenchies also tend to gulp air while eating because of their facial structure. This leads to gas (legendary Frenchie gas) and can contribute to bloating. A slow-feeder bowl helps, and elevating the bowl slightly can make eating more comfortable.
Small breed vs. large breed food
Unlike the big breed puppies, Frenchies should be on a small or all-breed puppy formula. Do not use large breed puppy food — the calcium restrictions in those formulas are designed for dogs growing to 50+ pounds and are not appropriate for a breed that tops out at 28 pounds.
Look for a puppy food with at least 25% protein and moderate fat (12-16%). Higher fat content is fine if your Frenchie is active, but many Frenchies are relatively low-energy dogs, so ultra-high-calorie foods just lead to weight gain.
Want exact calorie targets for your Frenchie? Our feeding calculator handles small breeds too.
Switching to adult food
Frenchies reach adult size faster than large breeds — most are done growing by 10-12 months. You can typically switch to adult food around 12 months. Do the gradual 7-10 day transition, and expect to feed roughly 1.5-2 cups of adult food per day for a typical 24-pound adult Frenchie.
Want to compare what different Frenchie-appropriate foods cost? Check our price comparison tool. And for general puppy scheduling advice, see our puppy feeding schedule guide.