Foods that are bad for French bulldogs are quite many, and some you would not think can harm them. They have a delicate stomach, as you must have noticed by now, if you own one. Compared to other dog breeds, the Frenchie is more prone to vomiting and getting sick.
However, the one thing that you cannot do, is completely stop your French bulldog from getting sick. What you can do is help your dog from getting seriously ill, or even lose its life due to food poisoning.
In this article, I will walk you through on what foods are bad for French bulldogs, including some that are toxic. Foods that are mildly toxic can cause noticeable changes such as your frenchie shedding excessively.
Our list will start from the harmful foods and move to the bad foods. I will explain why some foods are poisonous, and when you need to call your veterinarian.
Toxic foods for French bulldogs
There are a lot of bulldog allergies that are hard to avoid, especially because French bulldogs want to eat everything. Admittedly, human food finds its way to the floors from time to time, and your Frenchie will take advantage every time. This is, however, not a problem when it only happens occasionally.
1. Chocolate
Chocolate contains a substance known as theobromine, which, when ingested in large quantities by your Frenchie, will lead to certain health problems. Some of the common health complications that chocolate has on your French bulldog include seizures, tremors, heartbeats, and even fatalities.
A French bulldog eating large amounts of dark chocolate is considered to be quite poisonous. Ensure you visit your veterinarian immediately, if you suspect your Frenchie has ingested some chocolate.
2. Onions and Garlic
Garlic and onions are poisonous for your French bulldog, whether raw, dry or cooked. Yes, there are recommended vegetables for French Bulldogs, but the allium family is not on the list. These include chives and leeks.
The onions, chives, leeks, and garlic will lead to an upset stomach that you will notice after a couple of days. However, when taken in large quantities, then they could cause damage to the red blood cells.
When this happens, then your French bulldog will need immediate health care.
3. Some Peanut Butter Brands
Separating a French bulldog from peanut butter can be a difficult task since they love it so much. However, peanut butter brands with xylitol are quite poisonous to your Frenchie. Every time you are purchasing peanut butter, ensure that you carefully read the ingredients.
4. Yeast Dough
Although no one will deliberately feed yeast dough to their French bulldog, food falls to the floor all the time. In the event, that yeast dough gets to the floor, and your Frenchie quickly chomps it, ensuring that you contact your vet immediately.
The problem with yeast dough is the fact that it will rise while in your dog’s digestive system and create a lot of gas. This can be rather painful when it starts causing gut-twisting and bloating. If not properly handled, then your Frenchie could die.
Remember that yeast also converts to a highly potent alcohol known as ethanol. A French bulldog eating yeast will become drunk and may just but themselves in grave danger.
5. Raisins and Grapes
French bulldogs love human food, including grapes and raisins. However, when ingested in large quantities, these grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure. A little amount now and then won’t do any damage, but you need to control it.
Healthy snacks for French bulldogs are essential, but you don’t have to incorporate raisins and grapes. There are a ton of other healthy vegetables and fruits, that you could act as alternatives.
Bad Foods for French Bulldogs
These foods are not poisonous to your French bulldog, but they have side effects that can make your Frenchie uncomfortable. Some of these foods will lead to weight gain, which can cause health issues in the future.
Yes, these are foods French bulldogs can eat, without your noticing immediate health issues. However, they will have an effect in the long run, which is something you do not want.
6. Milk and Dairy Products
Did you know that dogs find it difficult to digest lactose in dairy products and milk? When you give your French bulldog dairy products or milk, then expect running poop problems. Because most Frenchies are lactose intolerant, ensure that you buy specialist dog-friendly milk if completely necessary.
In case of constipation, then consider adding pumpkin to your French bulldog diet. Just a little bit, will help with both diarrhea and constipation, since it is loaded with fiber.
7. Undercooked Eggs and Meat
You have probably heard of the raw meat diet for French bulldogs by now. Yes, most owners will swear by this diet; however, it has not been scientifically proven. No one can say for sure that raw meat is good for your French bulldog.
What I do know is that some raw meat will lead to bacterial infections like E. coli and Salmonella. These infections can be a nightmare to deal with, but easy to avoid, if you do not feed your frenchie raw animal proteins.
8. Fatty Foods
Fatty foods like bacon, sausage, fried food, and burgers will lead to an upset stomach. Did you know that if you keep on feeding such food to your Frenchie, then it will eventually lead to pancreatitis? The recommended French bulldog diet in Australia for instance, leaves out the fatty foods.
Sometimes, those pleading eyes can be hard to resist, so what do you do? Try incorporating plain yogurt for French bulldogs, which contains high calcium and protein content. However, be careful to ensure that the yogurt doesn’t have artificial colors, sugars, or flavors.
Frenchies love yogurt, and soon enough, they will stop craving fatty foods.
Conclusion – Bad Foods for French BullDogs
Most of the foods, when taken in small quantities, will simply lead to an upset stomach. The toxic foods can, however, be dangerous when taken in large quantities.
You must contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice suspect your French bulldog, has ingested some bad food.
Frenchies are considered to be rather delicate, and you need to be vigilant. Always ensure that your french bulldog gets a healthy balanced diet.