Best Treats for French Bulldogs: Top Picks for Training, Health & Happy Snacking
If you’ve ever stood in a pet store aisle completely overwhelmed by the wall of dog treats, you’re not alone — and when you own a French Bulldog, the stakes feel even higher. Frenchies are adorable, hilarious, and utterly food-motivated, but they also come with a unique set of health considerations that make treat selection genuinely important. From food allergies and sensitive stomachs to weight gain and dental problems, what your French Bulldog snacks on really does matter.
I’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Below you’ll find our top treat picks for French Bulldogs, a full buying guide covering what to look for (and what to avoid), and answers to the questions Frenchie owners ask most. Whether you’re training a new puppy, managing a sensitive tummy, or just looking for a wholesome reward, there’s something here for every dog on this list.
- Best Overall: Wellness Soft Puppy Bites
- Best for Puppies: Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats
- Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Hill’s Natural Soft Savories
- Best Dental Treat: Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats
- Best Training Treat: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Dog Treats
- Best Grain-Free: Merrick Power Bites
Our Top 6 Treat Picks for French Bulldogs
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Each treat below was selected with French Bulldogs specifically in mind — their brachycephalic anatomy, tendency toward allergies, and love of food all played a role in these recommendations. Let’s dig in.
1. Wellness Soft Puppy Bites — Best Overall
Don’t let the “puppy” label fool you — Wellness Soft Puppy Bites are a genuinely excellent all-around treat for French Bulldogs of any age. They’re made with high-quality, natural ingredients, with real meat (lamb or salmon) listed first. The soft, chewy texture is ideal for Frenchies, who can struggle with hard treats due to their flat faces and compact jaw structure. These treats are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, and they support overall health without loading your dog up with empty calories. If you can only have one treat in the cupboard, this is a great all-rounder.
Wellness Soft WellBites Dog Treats
A soft, natural treat made with real meat — gentle enough for sensitive stomachs and loved by picky Frenchies.
2. Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats — Best for Puppies
Bringing home a French Bulldog puppy is one of life’s great joys — and one of its great challenges. Training those stubborn little personalities requires a treat that’s both irresistible and appropriate for young, developing bodies. Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats tick every box. They’re soft and bite-sized (essential for tiny puppy mouths), made with real meat as the first ingredient, and contain DHA to support brain and cognitive development during those critical early months. No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. These are a brilliant companion to early socialization and basic obedience training.
3. Hill’s Natural Soft Savories — Best for Sensitive Stomachs
French Bulldogs are notoriously prone to digestive issues. According to VCA Hospitals, gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common indicators of food sensitivities in dogs — and Frenchies are particularly susceptible. Hill’s Natural Soft Savories are formulated with easily digestible ingredients and real meat as the primary component. They’re free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and the soft texture means they won’t cause any chewing-related stress. If your Frenchie has a history of tummy upsets after treats, this is a safe and trustworthy option.
Hill’s Natural Soft Savories
Gentle on sensitive stomachs, made with real meat and no artificial additives — a smart choice for Frenchies with digestive sensitivities.
4. Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats — Best Dental Treat
Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs overall, and French Bulldogs are at higher risk due to their brachycephalic (short-muzzled) anatomy, which causes teeth to crowd together. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends regular dental care as an essential part of pet health management. Greenies Original Dental Dog Treats have earned the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance, meaning they’ve been independently tested and proven to reduce plaque and tartar. They’re made with natural ingredients, packed with vitamins and minerals, and come in sizes suitable for smaller breeds. A daily Greenie is no substitute for brushing, but it’s a genuinely useful addition to your Frenchie’s oral care routine. Be sure to choose the appropriate size — the “Petite” size is generally right for most adult French Bulldogs.
5. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Dog Treats — Best High-Value Training Treat
Training a French Bulldog requires patience, consistency, and — crucially — a treat they’ll actually work for. Zuke’s Mini Naturals are a trainer’s favourite for good reason. At around 3.5 calories per treat, they’re low enough in calories that you can use them generously during a training session without feeling guilty. They’re made with real meat as the first ingredient and are free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors or flavors. The small size means your Frenchie can gobble one up quickly and refocus, rather than spending 30 seconds chewing while you lose their attention. These are the treat I’d have in my pocket for every single training session.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals
Low-calorie, real-meat training treats that are small enough to use frequently without contributing to weight gain — perfect for Frenchie training sessions.
6. Merrick Power Bites — Best Grain-Free Treat
For French Bulldogs with confirmed grain sensitivities, Merrick Power Bites are an excellent go-to. These soft, chewy treats are made with real deboned meat as the first ingredient — no grains, no gluten, no artificial preservatives. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals to support overall health, and their small size makes them just as useful for training as they are for casual rewarding. If your Frenchie has been showing signs of grain intolerance (itchy skin, digestive upset, ear infections), switching to a grain-free treat like this one is a sensible step while you work with your vet to identify the root cause.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Best Treats for French Bulldogs
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Not sure which treat best suits your Frenchie’s needs? This table breaks down the key features at a glance.
| Treat | Best For | Key Feature | Grain-Free? | Approx. Calories/Treat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellness Soft Puppy Bites | Overall / All Ages | Natural ingredients, soft texture | Yes | ~5–7 kcal |
| Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE | Puppies | DHA for brain development | No | ~3–5 kcal |
| Hill’s Natural Soft Savories | Sensitive Stomachs | Highly digestible, gentle formula | No | ~8–10 kcal |
| Greenies Dental Treats | Dental Health | VOHC-accepted, reduces plaque/tartar | No | ~25 kcal (Petite) |
| Zuke’s Mini Naturals | Training | Ultra-low calorie, real meat | Yes | ~3.5 kcal |
| Merrick Power Bites | Grain-Free | Deboned meat, no grains or gluten | Yes | ~6–8 kcal |
How to Choose the Best Treats for Your French Bulldog
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With so many options on the market, knowing what to look for — and what to avoid — is half the battle. Here’s a practical breakdown of the most important factors for French Bulldog owners specifically.
Ingredients: What to Look For and What to Avoid
The ingredients list is your most powerful tool. Always aim for:
- Real meat as the first ingredient — chicken, salmon, duck, or lamb. This ensures a high-quality protein source.
- Short, recognisable ingredient lists — the fewer mystery ingredients, the better.
- Natural preservatives — vitamin E (tocopherols) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) instead of BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.
- Added beneficial ingredients — omega fatty acids for skin and coat, probiotics for gut health, or DHA for brain development in puppies.
Avoid treats containing:
- Artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Excessive sugar or salt
- Corn syrup or propylene glycol
- Vague “meat by-products” with no species identified
- Fillers like corn, wheat, and soy (especially if your dog has shown any sensitivity)
Understanding French Bulldog Allergies and Sensitivities
Food allergies are more common in French Bulldogs than in many other breeds. According to research published in BMC Veterinary Research via PubMed, the most common food allergens in dogs include beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, egg, and lamb. Signs that your Frenchie may be reacting to a treat ingredient include:
- Itchy skin, especially around the paws, face, and ears
- Recurring ear infections
- Vomiting or loose stools after eating
- Excessive gas (more than the Frenchie baseline, which is already impressive)
- Red or inflamed skin
If you suspect a food allergy, work with your vet to conduct a dietary elimination trial — and in the meantime, look for treats made with novel proteins like duck, venison, or rabbit that your dog is unlikely to have been exposed to before. You might also find our guide on best wrinkle wipes for French Bulldogs helpful, since skin irritation from allergies often shows up around those facial folds.
Managing Weight: The Calorie Math Matters
French Bulldogs love food. They will always act hungry. Do not be fooled. This breed is genuinely prone to obesity, which puts added strain on their already-compromised respiratory system and joints. The American Kennel Club notes that French Bulldogs should be carefully monitored for weight gain, as excess pounds can worsen brachycephalic breathing difficulties significantly.
Choosing Treats Based on Purpose
Not all treats serve the same function — and matching the treat to its purpose makes a real difference.
- Training treats: Small, soft, low-calorie, and highly palatable. You’ll be giving lots of them, so calorie count matters. Aim for treats under 5 calories each.
- Dental treats: Look for the VOHC seal as a reliable quality indicator. Texture is key — the treat needs to be firm enough to create mechanical cleaning action against the teeth.
- Enrichment and chew treats: Long-lasting chews give your Frenchie mental stimulation and satisfy their urge to gnaw. Choose appropriately sized options that can’t be swallowed whole.
- Occasional rewards: Higher-value treats (think small pieces of cooked chicken or premium soft treats) used sparingly for particularly impressive behaviour.
Special Health Considerations for French Bulldogs
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Beyond the standard treat-selection advice, French Bulldogs have a few breed-specific health quirks worth keeping front of mind when you’re shopping for snacks.
Brachycephalic Anatomy and Treat Texture
Because of their flat faces and narrow airways, French Bulldogs can struggle with hard, large, or crumbly treats. They may eat more frantically than other breeds (partly because breathing while eating is genuinely harder for them), which increases the risk of choking. Always opt for soft or appropriately sized treats, and consider breaking even small treats in half during training to slow things down.
Digestive Health
Sensitive stomachs are a French Bulldog hallmark. Treats high in fat, loaded with artificial additives, or made from low-quality ingredients can quickly trigger vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive gas. Introducing any new treat gradually — offer just one or two pieces on the first day — gives you a chance to spot any reaction before it becomes a problem.
Treats containing natural probiotics or prebiotic fibres (like chicory root) can actively support gut health. This is worth looking out for if your Frenchie has a history of digestive upset.
Dental Health
The crowded dentition that comes with a brachycephalic skull means food and bacteria get trapped between teeth more easily, accelerating plaque and tartar buildup. Beyond dental treats, the AVMA recommends daily tooth brushing as the gold standard for dental hygiene. Dental treats are a great supplement — but ideally not the only tool in your kit. Check out our guide on how to clean French Bulldog ears for more tips on keeping your Frenchie’s health routines on track.
Age-Appropriate Treats
- Puppies (under 12 months): Soft, easily digestible, and ideally formulated for growth. Look for added DHA. Avoid high-calcium treats, which can interfere with bone development.
- Adults (1–7 years): Focus on balanced nutrition, calorie management, and dental health.
- Seniors (7+ years): Look for treats that support joint health (glucosamine, chondroitin) and are easy to chew. Reduce treat calories if activity levels have dropped.
If you’re curious about how your French Bulldog compares to other similar breeds when it comes to dietary needs, our article on dogs similar to French Bulldogs is a great read — many of these breeds share the same brachycephalic considerations.
Treats to Avoid Giving French Bulldogs
- Grapes and raisins — can cause acute kidney failure
- Chocolate — toxic to all dogs; theobromine is particularly dangerous
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters, gums, and baked goods) — causes dangerous blood sugar drops and liver failure
- Macadamia nuts — cause weakness, vomiting, and tremors
- Onion and garlic (including powder) — damage red blood cells and cause anaemia
- Raw dough — expands in the stomach and produces alcohol as it ferments
For a comprehensive list of foods toxic to dogs, refer to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control resource.
Final Thoughts
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Choosing the right treats for your French Bulldog doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does deserve a bit of thought. These sturdy, loveable dogs pack a lot of personality into a small frame — and they also pack a surprising number of potential health sensitivities. By prioritising high-quality ingredients, watching calorie counts, matching the treat to its purpose, and keeping their breed-specific quirks in mind, you can make snack time both enjoyable and genuinely good for them.
Our top pick for most Frenchie owners is still Zuke’s Mini Naturals for training (low-calorie, palatable, and practical) paired with Greenies Dental Treats for daily oral care. Add in a soft, natural option like Wellness or Hill’s for everyday rewards, and you’ve got a well-rounded treat routine that covers the bases without going overboard.
Here’s to happy, healthy Frenchies — and slightly less guilty treat-giving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many treats can I give my French Bulldog per day?
A good rule of thumb is that treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. For most adult French Bulldogs eating around 500–600 calories per day, that’s roughly 50–60 treat calories. Low-calorie training treats like Zuke’s Mini Naturals (around 3.5 kcal each) give you a lot more flexibility than higher-calorie chews. Always factor treat calories into your dog’s overall daily food intake, especially since Frenchies are prone to weight gain.
What ingredients should I avoid in treats for French Bulldogs?
Avoid treats containing artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), artificial colors and flavors, corn syrup, propylene glycol, and high levels of salt or sugar. If your Frenchie has known sensitivities, also watch out for common allergens like wheat, corn, soy, chicken, and beef. Never give your dog treats containing xylitol, chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, or macadamia nuts — these are toxic to dogs.
Are grain-free treats better for French Bulldogs?
Not necessarily for every dog — but if your French Bulldog has been diagnosed with a grain sensitivity or shows signs of a grain allergy (itchy skin, recurring ear infections, digestive upset), grain-free treats like Merrick Power Bites can be a helpful part of managing their diet. It’s important to work with your vet to confirm a grain allergy before switching entirely to grain-free options, as the underlying cause may be a specific protein rather than grain. The FDA has also flagged a potential link between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, though research is ongoing — another reason to consult your vet.
Can French Bulldog puppies eat the same treats as adult dogs?
Generally, no — puppies have different nutritional needs than adults. For young French Bulldogs (under 12 months), look for treats specifically formulated for puppies, like Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Training Treats, which include DHA for brain development and use ingredients appropriate for growing bodies. Avoid giving puppies treats that are very hard (risk of tooth damage or choking), very high in fat, or contain ingredients like xylitol, garlic, or onion. Always introduce new treats gradually and in small amounts.
Do dental treats actually work for French Bulldogs?
Yes — dental treats can be an effective supplement to a broader oral care routine, particularly for brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs that are prone to dental crowding and tartar buildup. Treats with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal of acceptance, like Greenies, have been independently tested and shown to reduce plaque and tartar. However, they work best alongside regular tooth brushing. The AVMA recommends daily brushing as the gold standard for dental hygiene, so think of dental treats as a helpful add-on rather than a complete solution.
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