13 Homemade French Bulldog Food Recipes for Sensitive Stomachs

This is the quintessential starter recipe for any pup parent venturing into homemade dog food. Turkey is a lean, easily digestible protein, and sweet potato is a fantastic source of fiber and vitamins. It’s simple, gentle, and most Frenchies absolutely love it.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Add the sweet potato, carrots, green beans, and water to the pot.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Mash everything together with a potato masher for a smoother consistency.
5. Stir in the olive or coconut oil before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This recipe is the perfect starting point. It’s ideal for Frenchies just transitioning to a homemade diet or for those recovering from a minor stomach upset. It’s bland enough to be gentle but tasty enough to be exciting.

A variation of the classic ‘bland diet’ recommended by vets, this congee (rice porridge) is incredibly soothing for an inflamed digestive tract. Cooking the rice until it’s very soft makes it exceptionally easy for your Frenchie to digest and absorb nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1/2 cup white rice
• 4 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup peas (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken, rice, and water/broth in a large saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer.
3. Cover and cook for 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice should be very soft and the mixture should resemble a thick porridge.
4. If using peas, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
5. Let it cool completely before serving. The chicken will be tender enough to shred with a fork.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is not a long-term meal, but it’s an excellent choice for a Frenchie experiencing active digestive distress like diarrhea. Serve for a few days until their system calms down before transitioning back to a more balanced meal.

French Bulldogs are prone to skin issues and allergies. This recipe is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, which are fantastic for reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy, shiny coat. Quinoa is a gluten-free seed that provides complete protein and is gentle on the gut.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1 tablespoon fish oil or flaxseed oil

Instructions:

1. Bake or poach the salmon until cooked through (about 15-20 minutes at 400°F/200°C). Flake it with a fork.
2. While the salmon cooks, combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flaked salmon, cooked quinoa, and chopped spinach (the residual heat will wilt it).
4. Let the mixture cool, then stir in the blueberries and fish oil.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the ultimate beauty bowl for the Frenchie struggling with dry, itchy skin or a dull coat. The powerful combination of Omega-3s and antioxidants from blueberries makes this a top-tier choice for overall wellness.

Pumpkin is a superfood for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It’s rich in soluble fiber, which can help with both constipation and diarrhea by regulating bowel movements. Combined with iron-rich beef, this stew is both hearty and healing.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner)
• 1 cup 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add the beef broth, pumpkin puree, zucchini, and rolled oats to the pot.
3. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the oats are soft and the stew has thickened.
5. Allow to cool to a safe temperature before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

An excellent choice for Frenchies with inconsistent stools. The pumpkin works wonders for firming things up or getting things moving, depending on what’s needed. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal they’ll adore.

If you suspect your Frenchie has a sensitivity to common proteins like chicken or beef, lamb is a fantastic alternative. It’s considered a ‘novel protein’ for many dogs, meaning their bodies are less likely to have an allergic reaction to it. Oatmeal is a gentle, fiber-rich grain that can soothe the gut.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 cup rolled oats, cooked according to package directions
• 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1 apple, cored and grated
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned. Drain the fat.
2. Prepare the oatmeal separately.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lamb, oatmeal, grated apple, and parsley.
4. Stir in the coconut oil and mix until everything is well incorporated.
5. Serve once cooled.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the go-to recipe for the itchy Frenchie who you suspect has food allergies. The novel protein and simple carb source minimize the chances of a reaction, giving their system a much-needed break.

For Frenchies who need a low-fat diet, whitefish like cod, haddock, or tilapia is an excellent choice. It’s incredibly easy to digest and low in calories, making it perfect for pups who are less active or need to shed a few pounds.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb whitefish fillets (cod, tilapia, haddock), deboned
• 1 cup chopped broccoli florets (steamed)
• 1 cup chopped carrots (steamed)
• 1/4 cup bone broth

Instructions:

1. Steam or bake the fish fillets until they are opaque and flake easily with a fork.
2. Steam the broccoli and carrots until tender. To minimize gas, ensure the broccoli is well-cooked.
3. In a bowl, flake the cooked fish into small pieces.
4. Add the steamed vegetables and bone broth, and gently mix everything together.
5. Serve when cool.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Perfect for the senior Frenchie or the little potato who’s on a diet. It’s a light yet satisfying meal that provides quality protein without packing on the pounds.

This meat-free recipe is a fantastic option for a quick, protein-packed breakfast or a gentle meal for a recovering tummy. Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition, and low-fat cottage cheese provides calcium and probiotics. It’s soft, easy to eat, and highly palatable.

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric (for its anti-inflammatory properties)
• 1 tablespoon of water

Instructions:

1. Whisk the eggs, water, and turmeric together in a bowl.
2. Lightly coat a non-stick skillet with a small amount of coconut oil and heat over medium-low.
3. Pour in the egg mixture and cook, stirring gently, until they are softly scrambled.
4. Remove from heat and fold in the cottage cheese.
5. Let it cool completely before serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is an excellent supplemental meal or a special treat. It’s also perfect for coaxing a picky eater or a dog with a low appetite to eat something nutritious and gentle.

Pork is another excellent novel protein that many dogs with allergies tolerate well. Paired with barley, a nutritious and fibrous grain, this bake creates a hearty and satisfying meal. Baking it as a loaf makes portioning and storage a breeze.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 cup cooked pearl barley
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup shredded sweet potato
• 1/4 cup chopped celery

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, cooked barley, beaten egg, shredded sweet potato, and chopped celery. Mix with your hands until just combined.
3. Press the mixture into a lightly greased loaf pan.
4. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is cooked through.
5. Let the loaf cool completely before slicing and serving.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A great option for meal preppers. This loaf is perfect for dogs who are bored with their usual proteins and need something new and exciting that won’t upset their stomach.

For the Frenchie with serious allergies, venison is a top-tier hypoallergenic protein. It’s incredibly lean and rich in iron and B vitamins. Lentils are a grain-free source of carbohydrates and fiber, making this a powerhouse of nutrition for sensitive dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground venison
• 1 cup cooked red lentils
• 1/2 cup pureed carrots
• 1/4 cup finely chopped kale
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the ground venison, cooked lentils, carrot puree, kale, and egg until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into a loaf pan or form into small patties on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until cooked through.
5. Cool, slice, and serve.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is the recipe for the dog that seems to be allergic to everything. It’s a clean, simple, and highly nutritious meal that eliminates most common triggers for food sensitivities.

French Bulldogs can sometimes be prone to urinary tract issues. Cranberries are known to support urinary tract health by helping to prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. This recipe combines that benefit with gentle, lean turkey.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/4 cup unsweetened dried cranberries or 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook the ground turkey in a skillet until browned. Drain fat.
2. If using fresh cranberries, simmer them in a little water until they pop.
3. In a bowl, combine the cooked turkey, brown rice, cranberries (dried or cooked), celery, and parsley.
4. Mix well and serve once cooled.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

A fantastic preventative meal for Frenchies who have a history of UTIs. It’s a tasty way to incorporate the benefits of cranberries into their regular diet.

For a nutrient boost, especially for less active or anemic dogs, this iron-rich puree is perfect. Spinach is loaded with iron and vitamins, and pureeing the mixture makes it incredibly easy to digest and absorb all that goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (more flavorful and higher in iron than breast)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup bone broth

Instructions:

1. Boil or steam the chicken thighs until cooked through.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked chicken, fresh spinach, cooked quinoa, and bone broth.
3. Blend until you reach a smooth, puree-like consistency. Add more broth if needed to thin it out.
4. Serve at room temperature.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

Ideal for senior Frenchies, dogs recovering from illness, or any pup needing an iron boost. Its soft consistency makes it a winner for dogs with dental issues as well.

Don’t sleep on sardines! These little fish are one of the best sources of Omega-3s and are also packed with calcium because their tiny, soft bones are edible. They are fantastic for joint health, bone strength, and coat condition.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (3.75 oz) sardines packed in water, no salt added
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped carrots

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the sardines (with the water from the can) with a fork.
2. Add the cooked brown rice, chopped hard-boiled egg, and carrots.
3. Mix everything together thoroughly.
4. Serve immediately. This recipe is best made fresh due to the strong fishy odor.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

This is a super-charged supplemental meal. Add a spoonful to your Frenchie’s regular food a few times a week for a massive health boost, especially for aging dogs or those needing extra joint support.

Duck is a rich, flavorful protein that is often used in high-end hypoallergenic dog foods. It’s a fantastic novel protein for dogs with severe allergies to more common meats. Paired with simple green beans, it’s a gourmet meal for the most sensitive of pups.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground duck
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked pearl barley or quinoa
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil

Instructions:

1. In a non-stick skillet, cook the ground duck over medium heat until browned. Duck is fatty, so be sure to drain off almost all the rendered fat.
2. Add the chopped green beans to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked barley or quinoa.
4. Drizzle with flaxseed oil before serving cool.

Pros & Cons

Verdict

When you’ve tried everything else and your Frenchie is still scratching, duck is often the answer. This simple, elegant recipe provides a delicious and safe meal for dogs with multiple food sensitivities.

Jumping into homemade dog food is exciting, but it’s crucial to do it right. A balanced diet is more than just meat and veggies. Here’s what you need to consider to ensure your Frenchie gets everything they need to thrive.

Always, Always, Always Consult a Professional

This cannot be stressed enough. Before you start, have a detailed conversation with your veterinarian or a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. They can assess your Frenchie’s specific health needs, age, and activity level to help you formulate a diet that is complete and balanced. They are your number one resource for safety and health.

Choosing Your Building Blocks

• Lean Proteins: Protein should be the star of the show. Good choices for sensitive stomachs include turkey, chicken, whitefish, and novel proteins like lamb, venison, or duck. Ensure it’s cooked thoroughly and that any bones are removed.
• Digestible Carbohydrates: Carbs provide energy. Instead of heavy fillers, opt for nutrient-dense options like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, quinoa, oatmeal, and brown rice. These also provide essential fiber for good digestion.
• Healthy Fats: Fat is a crucial energy source and vital for skin and coat health. Great sources include fish oil (from salmon or sardines), flaxseed oil, and coconut oil. Avoid the rendered fat from cooked meats.
• Vitamins from Veggies & Fruits: Vegetables and fruits provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Great options include carrots, green beans, spinach, kale, zucchini, and blueberries. Cook vegetables to make them easier to digest.

The Importance of Supplements

It is nearly impossible to create a fully balanced diet for your dog using just food from your kitchen. Commercial dog foods are fortified with a precise blend of vitamins and minerals. The most critical missing nutrient in most homemade diets is calcium. Without it, dogs can suffer from bone and joint problems. Talk to your vet about the right multivitamin and calcium supplement to add to your homemade meals to fill any nutritional gaps.

Foods to Absolutely Avoid

Many human foods are toxic to dogs. Never include these in your recipes:

• Onions, garlic, chives
• Grapes and raisins
• Chocolate
• Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in many products)
• Avocado
• Alcohol or caffeine

How much homemade food should I feed my French Bulldog?

The amount depends entirely on your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and the caloric density of the recipe. A general guideline is to feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight per day. For example, a 20-pound Frenchie might eat between 0.4 and 0.6 pounds (or 6.4 to 9.6 ounces) of food daily, split into two meals. However, this is just a starting point. Your vet can give you a much more accurate recommendation.

Can I make these recipes in bulk and store them?

Absolutely! Meal prepping is a great way to save time. You can prepare a large batch of any of these recipes and portion it out. Homemade dog food will typically last for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before serving.

Do I really need to add supplements to these recipes?

Yes, for long-term feeding, it is highly recommended. While these recipes are made with healthy ingredients, they are not formulated to be 100% nutritionally complete on their own over a long period. They may lack the proper ratio of calcium to phosphorus, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, copper, and vitamin E. A good canine multivitamin or a balance supplement recommended by your vet is crucial for your dog’s long-term health on a homemade diet.