Are you looking for the healthiest goodies to train your sweet Frenchie with? Then you’re in for a treat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about French Bulldog treats, focusing on the best choices that not only delight your pup’s taste buds but also contribute to their overall health.
Understanding Your French Bulldog’s Needs
Every French Bulldog parent knows that their dog’s diet is one of the most important aspects of their health. Opting for a top-quality food is absolutely essential, and so is sticking to an appropriate amount to maintain a healthy weight and prevent them from becoming overweight.
So, if your Frenchie is on a balanced diet what role do treats have in it exactly? The essence lies in the name—it’s a reward. Treats should be reserved for moments when your furry companion deserves praise, either when they’ve behaved well or during training exercises.
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Think of a treat as a camera: it captures that specific moment when your Frenchie does something really well. It’s like snapping a picture for them, so they know that was the moment they did great. In other words, treats help reinforce positive actions and encourage desired behaviors.
We don’t recommend using treats in other cases, which may raise a few eyebrows but the reason is actually quite simple. Dogs receiving treats with no particular reason will become less responsive to any form of motivation, not to mention that overindulging in treats can disrupt their normal eating habits. For example, for a poor eater, it might deter them from their regular meals, while for a voracious eater, it could lead to unwanted weight gain.
TOP 3 Healthy Treats for Frenchies
So, what are some treats that truly motivate a dog for learning and training? We’ll let you in on a little secret: you won’t find those in pet stores! In our experience, the best and healthiest French Bulldog treats can be all found in your kitchen.
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1. Cooked Meat
The number one motivator for any dog is lean cooked meat—whether it’s turkey, lamb, rabbit, or any lean protein. Simply cut them into small, bite-sized pieces, either blanched with hot water or boiled in unsalted water and they are ready to treat your Frenchie with.
However, if you’re looking for the ultimate motivator, you’ll find no better treat than organ meats. Liver, heart, lungs, kidney, when offered as training rewards, these can turn your Frenchie into an eager learner! Just make sure to always cook them properly before giving to your pup.
2. Vegetables
Surprisingly, veggies can make delightful and healthy treats, click here for a list of the top 5 edible vegetables for Frenchies. These crunchy options also provide essential vitamins and nutrients, complementing your puppy’s diet.
Carrots are probably the best and healthiest snacks that you can give to your Frenchie. They are even effective tooth cleaners as they help remove tartar from your puppy’s teeth while they are crunching on them. Simply peel a carrot and give it to your baby in whole 1-2 times a week, they will not only love its taste but will even keep them busy for some time.
Cucumbers are also amazing treats for all dogs, but especially those who need to maintain a healthy weight or even shred a few pounds. Since they are mostly made up of water, we especially recommend giving cucumbers to your Frenchie in the summertime to keep them hydrated in the heat.
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3. Fruits
Fruits like apples, blueberries and bananas can also serve as refreshing and nutritious treats. Just remember, fruits contain natural sugars, so moderation is key to prevent unwanted weight gain.
Apple slices are ideal snacks, all you have to do is remove the core and the seeds, as the amount of cyanide in the seeds can be toxic for a small size dog. Apples are rich in fiber and low in fat and protein and prove to be a healthy treat to dieting dogs.
Bananas are other fruity delights that your Frenchie might adore. While high in fiber they are also full of sugar, which makes this fruit high in calories. So, they are more of an occasional treat, not an everyday snack, but a few slices will make your baby very happy.
Blueberries are a huge favorite among Frenchies. They’re not only ideal in size, but also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making them an excellent snack option for your Frenchie.
Remember, opting for these natural choices ensures your Frenchie receives not just a tasty reward but also added health benefits without the unnecessary additives found in commercial treats.
Homemade Treats for French Bulldogs
For parents with some more time on their hand can even create homemade treats for their Frenchies. These are not only easy to make, but they also offer variety and enable you to monitor and control the ingredients, ensuring your Frenchie receives only the best.
1. Dehydrated Meat
If you’re looking for a DIY treat that’s simple yet enticing, consider dehydrating lean meat. Sliced turkey, chicken, or beef can be dehydrated to create chewy, protein-packed rewards that your Frenchie will love.
Making your own dehydrated meat treats is simpler than you might think! Begin by slicing lean meat like turkey, chicken, or beef into thin strips. Place the slices on a baking sheet, set your oven to a low temperature (around 160°F or 70°C) and let the meat dry out for several hours until it’s chewy.
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2. Dehydrated Vegetables
Much like meat, vegetables can also be dehydrated to create delightful, crispy treats. Carrots, sweet potatoes, or pumpkins can make for excellent snacks for your furry friend when dehydrated, retaining essential nutrients and offering a satisfying crunch.
Turning veggies into delightful treats is also a breeze: thinly slice or dice them, lay on a baking sheet and let them dry around 125°F or 50°C until they become crispy.
3. Cooling Treats
During the summer months, keeping your Frenchie cool is crucial. Consider offering them refreshing treats like ice cubes or frozen fruits. Simply fill ice trays with water and add small fruit chunks like berries or apple slices. Freeze them, and voila—refreshing treats for your pup!
Alternatively, blend safe ingredients like yogurt or fruits such as bananas or berries, pour the mixture into ice cube trays, and freeze. These homemade doggie ice creams provide a cooling and enjoyable snack when the sun’s out.
Here’s Cristina’s recipe from the TomKings Frenchie Family:
“Blueberries and strawberries are definitely a favorite here! I love making him frozen treats during the hotter months. I use Greek yogurt, coconut oil, and then add berries, usually blueberries and strawberries! Then I freeze in a food safe silicone mold. These are the last batch I made!”
Best Treats for Frenchie Puppies
When it comes to treating your young Frenchie puppy, the key is to opt for treats that are small in size. All the treats mentioned earlier—such as lean cooked meat, vegetables, and fruits—are excellent options for Frenchie puppies.
Moreover, if you find yourself without specific treats on hand, a piece of their regular kibble can serve as a temporary reward. However, while it’s a quick fix for a moment of praise, it’s not the ideal choice for training purposes due to its limited motivational value.
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How Many Treats Should You Give to Your Frenchie?
While aiming to maintain a healthy diet for your Frenchie, you might ask yourself: how many treats should you give them daily? The answer is as many times as you’re teaching them something new or praising their good behavior—whether it’s following your commands, coming to you when called outside your home or allowing a child to pet them… the list could go on.
During training, keep in mind that the treat shouldn’t exceed the size of a small pea. After a training session, your Frenchie might get a bit more, about a handful.
It’s essential to keep track of the number of treats given throughout the day: any treat your Frenchie gets should be considered a part of their daily food intake. So, during evening meals, it’s important to adjust their dinner according to the treats offered during the day. This ensures a balanced calorie intake, preventing unnecessary weight gain.
Identifying Unhealthy Dog Treats
When it comes to choosing treats for your Frenchie, you should always stick to all-natural treats made with single or limited ingredients. As a rule of thumb, you should prioritize treats that consist solely of meat, organ meats, or vegetables.
If you opt for store-bought treats, reading labels on packages is essential. If the treat contains additives, fillers, or ingredients that are difficult to pronounce or understand, it’s best to steer clear. Artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and excessive amounts of sugars or salts are all indicators of an unhealthy treat.
Always aim for simplicity in the ingredient list. Treats with a short list of recognizable, natural components are more likely to be nutritious and beneficial for your Frenchie’s health.
Our TomKings Frenchie Family have also shared their experiences with French Bulldog treats, feel free to join our Facebook group to read these!
The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies, or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article.
