The French Bulldog looks exactly like a bulldog except in miniature. These pint-sized pups, with their adorable squashed-in faces and meticulous manners, got their start in England before relocating with their owners to Paris and throughout Northern France.
It's not surprising that the moment the French people laid eyes on these dogs they decided to claim them for their own!
Today, French Bulldogs share homes with people not just in the UK and France but all over the world. Like many Parisians, Frenchies are true "foodies" and always want to eat what you are eating.
If you happen to be eating a sweet, crunchy, crispy apple, you may wonder if French Bulldogs can eat apples too. Let's find out together in this article!
Can French Bulldogs Eat Apples?
The short answer to this question is that yes, French Bulldogs can eat apples. The longer answer is that, like any sweet treat, apples should only be fed in moderation. It is also vital to remove the seeds, stem, and core, as these parts can be toxic to your precious dog. Finally, be sure to cut the apple into bite-sized pieces to avoid a choking hazard.
Watch a French Bulldog Chow Down on an Apple
This adorable owner-made YouTube video makes it easy to see how much French Bulldogs can enjoy an apple.
Some great points to notice in this video is how the owner first removed the core, seeds and stem from the apple and cut it up into small, bite-size pieces.
The owner also waited until the dog had completely finished chewing and swallowing each piece of apple before offering another. This is particularly important for safety in short-muzzle breeds like the French Bulldog.
How to Feed French Bulldogs Apples As Treats
As the American Kennel Club (AKC) explains, Frenchies do love their food.
But because these dogs are little and can't exercise too vigorously due to their short muzzles, it is important to watch their caloric intake.
As the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center Clinical Nutrition Service explains, one-half cup of an apple chopped up will deliver about 30 calories.
Cummings also notes that no more than 10 percent of your dog's daily calories should come from treat foods.
And this is just an example, but if you feed your French Bulldog 300 calories per day, no more than 30 calories should come from treats, including apple treats.
So you will want to add apples to a regular rotation of treats rather than feeding your Frenchie apples every day.
Here are some handy tips about how to prepare apples for your French Bulldog to enjoy:
– Wash the apple thoroughly (especially if they are not organic) to remove any traces of pesticides, herbicides, or another residue.
– Core the apple and make sure all the seeds are removed – seeds can contain cyanide which is poisonous to your dog (and you).
– Remove the stem and the entirety of the inner core.
– If your Frenchie is young or elderly, you may also want to peel the apple so it is softer.
– Cut the apple into bite-size pieces that will fit easily into your French Bulldog's mouth.
What Nutrients Can Apples Offer to French Bulldogs?
Apples can provide your French Bulldog with certain essential nutrients including vitamins and trace minerals.
While you are likely feeding your Frenchie a complete and balanced dog food as it is, there is never any harm in offering some extra nutrition in the form of treats like apples.
Just make sure to adjust your dog's daily caloric intake accordingly so your dog doesn't start to pack on the pounds.
As Ballpark Bulldogs breeder explains, apples are completely safe for French Bulldogs to eat in moderation.
So let's take a closer look at the nutrients in an apple and which ones might benefit your French Bulldog.
Antioxidants
PetMD points out that apples are a great source of natural antioxidants – cancer and free radical-fighting agents that prevent cellular oxidation.
Examples of antioxidants include Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium.
Dietary fiber
Apples are also a great source of natural insoluble dietary fiber. This type of fiber is sometimes referred to as prebiotics and is helpful to keep your dog eliminating on schedule.
Vitamin A
As the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) explains, Vitamin A deficiency is a real concern for modern dogs today.
Vitamin A is essential for proper development and maintenance of your dog's skin, coat, nerves, and muscles.
Calcium
As the American Kennel Club (AKC) points out, apples are a great source of calcium, which of course is vital for healthy teeth and bones.
But as Veterinary Practice explains, calcium is also essential for muscle contraction and nerve function as well as blood clotting.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is an essential mineral to stabilize and optimize kidney function in your pup. It is also an essential partner with calcium to maintain strong and healthy bones and teeth.
Even more importantly, phosphorus plays a vital role in maintaining DNA and RNA and helping cells create strong barrier membranes and take in energy.
Are There Any Risks to Feeding Apples to French Bulldogs?
It is always smart to consider in advance whether there may be any reason not to feed a new food to your French Bulldog.
This is especially the case if your dog is still a puppy, is in their golden years, or has been diagnosed with any specific health issues.
Sensitive stomach or food allergies
French Bulldogs can be sensitive to environmental or food allergies. Some dogs may be more affected than others.
If your dog seems to be prone to allergies, you likely already know to proceed with caution whenever you are introducing a new food.
Apples are no exception. Try feeding just one small chunk. Then wait 24 to 48 hours and see how your dog reacts. If all goes well, try feeding one more small chunk and wait again.
If you still don't see any signs of a food allergy, it should be safe to feed your dog apples. When in doubt, always talk with your dog's veterinarian first.
French Bulldog puppies
French Bulldog puppies, like all puppies, may need a year or more before their digestive and gastrointestinal tract is fully developed.
In the same way, your Frenchie puppy's immune system is still developing all throughout the first year of life.
So unless your dog's veterinarian specifically says it is okay, it is usually best to just stick to small breed puppy food that is complete and balanced until your puppy grows up.
French Bulldog senior dogs
As with many dogs in their golden years, senior French Bulldogs often become less active with age.
When your dog starts to slow down, you may need to reduce the daily caloric intake to account for this and keep the weight off. Excess weight can put more pressure on joints and cause pain and you don't want this for your dog.
Also, sometimes Frenchies in the later life stage may have more trouble chewing and apples can be hard to chew.
Instead of feeding raw apples, you may want to feed stewed unsweetened apples or store-bought unsweetened applesauce. This way your dog will still get a tasty treat but it will be easier to enjoy.
Brachycephaly
French Bulldogs belong to the group of short-muzzle dogs. The technical name for this is brachycephalic, as the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) explains.
The squashed-in looking face is less pronounced with French Bulldogs than with some other breeds, but it is still important to learn about for your dog's health.
This is especially true when it comes to feeding your Frenchie. Because your dog has a short, wide face instead of a long narrow muzzle (like, say, a German Shepherd), the teeth are more crowded and there is less space in the mouth and nasal areas.
This can make it a bit harder for your French Bulldog to grasp and chew food. It can also mean breathing problems sometimes if your dog eats too quickly or over-fills their mouth.
If your French Bulldog seems to be struggling to grasp or chew the raw apple segments, you can try the same tip we mentioned for a senior French Bulldog – you can feed unsweetened homemade or store-bought applesauce instead.
Now that you know the nutritional benefits that apples have to offer your Frenchie, you can give them a try to see if your dog tolerates them well.
Remember, if you have any concerns about your French Bulldog's ability to chew hard apples, you can always substitute unsweetened applesauce. Yet another option is to add apples or applesauce to other recipes for tasty dog treats.
For French Bulldog puppies or senior dogs, always talk with your dog's veterinarian first before adding apples to your pup's regular treat rotation.
As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama.
