In the US, over 48,000,000 households own a dog. If you’re the proud owner of a beloved pet, then you might be wondering about common French Bulldog feeding mistakes.
Frenchies are known to be alert and excellent watchdogs, although they don’t bark much. They do wonderfully with any family size and don’t need an overt amount of outdoor exercise. They get along well with other pets and make fast friends with humans.
However, you need to adhere to a healthy dog food feeding regimen. This keeps your Frenchie feeling its best. Here are some common feeding mistakes every French Bulldog owner needs to avoid.
Changing Food Overnight
You may notice certain dog food brands aren’t the best choice for your French Bulldog. In this case, never switch foods overnight.
After buying dog food, gradually switch to the new brand to avoid digestive issues. Digestive issues may include gas, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
Instead, you should transition from one food to the next, spanning the transition out over the course of a week.
On Day 1, implement a 25/75 split, with 75% consisting of your dog’s old food. On day 3, transition to a 50/50 split between your dog’s old and new food.
By day 5, your dog should be eating 75% of its new food and 25% of its old food. By day 7, your dog should be completely transitioned to its new food.
Remember that French Bulldogs, especially puppies, initially eat less, gradually increasing food consumption. Never force them to eat or offer a new food. Always keep food changes gradual, paying close attention to how they adjust, and remember to choose healthy dog food for your Frenchie.
Hovering While Your French Bulldog Eats
While you may be tempted to watch your French Bulldog eat, they often perceive this as a threat. For example, they may assume you’re looking to take their food from them, which may lead to aggressive behavior, or they may stop eating altogether. Always allow your French Bulldog to eat in a quiet place free from distractions, giving them space to eat alone.
Feeding Your French Bulldog Table Scraps
Although your beloved pet’s face may tug at your heartstrings whilst eating dinner, you should never feed your French Bulldog table scraps. Table scraps aren’t part of your dog’s balanced diet, and can contribute to weight gain and digestive tract issues.
French Bulldogs rely on their owners to control their access to food, and when you feed your dog with table scraps by hand, it can alter their feeding cycle.
If you do give your dog leftovers, you should always place them in a bowl and avoid feeding them by hand. The amount of leftovers you feed them needs to be deducted from their normal ration of daily food.
Feeding dogs table scraps build unhealthy habits and they may become used to begging for food.
Using Your Hand
As previously mentioned, you should avoid feeding your Frenchie by hand. Doing so can lead to French Bulldog health issues, including eating disorders.
They become accustomed to hand feeding and will wait for you to supply their food this way. If you’re not home to feed them by hand, they may not eat, waiting for you to arrive.
The exception to the rule is when your dog is sick and needs the motivation to arouse an appetite. However, this is something you should always discuss with your veterinarian first.
Adding Treats to Their Food
When you feed your French Bulldog a well-balanced, proportionate meal, it’ll naturally stop eating upon satiation. However, when you add extra ingredients to improve the overall taste of your dog’s food, they may continue eating despite being full.
Too much food for French Bulldogs can contribute to weight gain. The only time you would want to add “human” food, such as chicken, to your dog’s meal is when they’re sick and have no appetite.
Removing the Feeder
You should never remove the feeder while your French Bulldog is eating. Doing so is not a hierarchical sign since submissive dogs commonly eat following the ruling dog.
If you remove its feeder, you may find that your French Bulldog is annoyed and stressed, adding a level of defensiveness to their food. Instead, work to get them used to you approaching the feeder while they eat.
You can add more food to the feeder, positively focusing them while refraining from bothering them too much. You also need to alert your dog before approaching its feeder.
Relying Heavily on Treats
You also need to avoid relying heavily on treats. When you use food as a means of interacting with your dog, it will only lead to obesity. Find other ways to interact with your Frenchie, such as a healthy regimen of playtime, teaching them basic commands, and petting them.
Introducing Heavy Foods
When you introduce heavy foods outside of your French Bulldog’s normal diet, you can upset its delicate gut flora. This may result in diarrhea. If you’re looking to spoil your dog, go for a long walk or play a game with them.
Avoid These French Bulldog Feeding Mistakes
Now that you understand common French Bulldog feeding mistakes, you can work to implement the best feeding routine for your Frenchie. Remember to feed your dog in a quiet place, free from distraction. Avoid feeding your French Bulldog table scraps, especially from your hand, as this can lead to eating disorders.
By following the guidelines in this article, you’ll work to ensure the health and well-being of your Frenchie.
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