If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your Frenchie’s bowl wondering, “Did they eat too much? Or not enough?” — you’re not alone. One of the most common questions Frenchie parents ask is: how many times should a French Bulldog eat a day? The short answer is that most of them do well with two meals a day, but like most things with Frenchies, it’s not always that simple. Age, activity level, health conditions, and even the type of food you feed can all influence how often your pup should eat. In this guide, we’ll break it all down and help you figure out what feeding schedule could work best for your Frenchie.
Feeding Frequency by Age
Your French Bulldog’s age is one of the most important factors in deciding how many meals they should get each day. Just like human babies, Frenchie puppies need to eat more often than adults. However, that doesn’t mean they’ll need the same schedule forever. Here’s a simple breakdown to guide you:
Puppies (8 weeks – 5 months)
At this stage, your puppy is growing fast and burning lots of energy, so they need smaller, more frequent meals to fuel their development. 3 meals a day is the sweet spot for most Frenchie pups. You can feed them in the morning, midday, and evening, roughly the same time each day to build routine. It’s also a good idea to measure portions carefully: Frenchie puppies are known for loving food, and it’s easy to overfeed without realizing it.
Adolescents (6 months – 1 year)
As your pup starts to mature, you can begin the gradual switch to 2 meals a day. Most Frenchies are ready for this change around 5–6 months of age, but it really depends on the individual dog. If your puppy is gaining weight too quickly or starting to look a bit chubby, it’s best to switch to two meals sooner rather than later. On the flip side, if your pup is still on the leaner side at 5 months, you can continue feeding three times a day until about 7–8 months.
Around 6–7 months, most Frenchies can comfortably handle a morning and evening meal. This is also a good time to monitor their weight and growth closely. If your junior Frenchie seems overly hungry between meals, you can give a small healthy snack (like a carrot stick). Don’t forget to keep structure and avoid slipping into free-feeding!
Adults (1 year and older)
In our experience, most healthy adult Frenchies do best with one main meal a day, especially if they’re prone to weight gain or tend to be a bit picky. We usually serve this meal in the late afternoon or early evening. This helps keep their digestion steady and makes it easier to manage their weight.
Still, many dogs feel better with a little something in their tummy earlier in the day. A small morning snack (just a handful of food) can help prevent that empty-stomach feeling or even mild acid buildup. You can also offer a small veggie or fruit snack during the day, like a carrot or apple. It’s a fun treat, and a healthy one too, if your Frenchie enjoys it.
Of course, there are exceptions. If your pup has digestive issues or specific health needs, we recommend splitting meals into two smaller portions instead. But for most Frenchies, one main meal with a light morning bite is the perfect balance.
Figuring Out When to Feed Your Frenchie
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to feeding schedules. While general age-based guidelines can be helpful, your Frenchie’s individual needs, like their activity level, metabolism, and health condition matter just as much.
Some dogs burn off energy quickly and do better with two meals spaced out across the day. Others, especially those who are more laid-back or tend to gain weight easily, may thrive on just one main meal. It’s all about finding the rhythm that works for your pup.
If your Frenchie has any existing health issues, such as diabetes or digestive sensitivity, your vet might recommend more frequent, smaller meals to help manage their condition. Similarly, Frenchies on certain medications may also need food more often to avoid nausea or to help the meds work properly.
The type of food you’re giving can also affect how often you should feed. For example:
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- Dry kibble is slower to digest, which makes it ideal for once or twice daily feeding.
- Wet food is softer and more easily digested, but it may not keep your dog full for as long.
- Raw diets and home-cooked meals vary more depending on the ingredients and portion size, so you’ll need to observe how your Frenchie responds and adjust accordingly.
And don’t forget about weight management. If your pup is starting to look a little round or isn’t finishing their meals, it might be time to tweak the schedule or portion sizes. Read our articles about the average French Bulldog weight and the best food for French Bulldog.
Portion Control
Feeding your Frenchie the right number of meals is important, but just as important is how much goes into the bowl each time. Overfeeding is one of the most common issues we see among Frenchie parents, and it can sneak up on you faster than you’d think.
As a general guideline, adult French Bulldogs need about 25–30 calories per pound of body weight per day. So, for example, a 20-pound (9 kg) Frenchie would need somewhere between 500 and 600 calories daily. But remember: this is just a starting point. Your dog’s age, activity level, and health condition will all affect their ideal intake. Read our article about dog calories.
Here are a few tips to help you measure portions correctly:
- Always check the feeding guide on your dog food label, but adjust based on your dog’s actual needs.
- Use a digital kitchen scale for precise measurements, as eyeballing can easily lead to overfeeding.
- Split the daily amount between meals if you feed more than once a day.
- Keep snacks under control — treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories.
It’s also a good idea to monitor your Frenchie’s weight and body shape regularly. If their ribs are hard to feel or they’ve lost that “waistline” when viewed from above, they may be carrying extra pounds. On the flip side, if their ribs are too visible or their energy drops, they might not be getting enough.a
Frenchie Feeding Golden Rules
A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your Frenchie healthy, happy, and well-behaved around food. Here are a few key things we tell new Frenchie parents at TomKings:
1. Keep a routine: Frenchies thrive on consistency. Try to feed them at the same time every day so their body gets into a rhythm. A predictable routine helps with digestion and reduces the chances of begging or scavenging in between meals.
2. Don’t free-feed: Leaving food out all day may sound convenient, but it’s rarely a good idea, especially with a breed that’s prone to weight gain. Serve measured meals and remove any uneaten food after 15–20 minutes.
3. No human food: As tempting as it is to share from your plate, most human foods are too salty, fatty, or sugary for Frenchies — and some can even be toxic. Instead, stick to dog-safe snacks like veggies or fruits, and keep “people food” off-limits.
4. Watch the treats: It’s easy to overdo it with treats, especially when those puppy eyes are involved. But too many snacks can throw off your dog’s nutrition and lead to weight gain. Choose healthy, low-calorie treats and use them sparingly.
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5. Always have fresh water available: Especially if your Frenchie eats kibble, staying hydrated is crucial. Make sure their water bowl is always clean and full.
Frenchie Food FAQs
Not recommended. Free-feeding can lead to overeating and makes it harder to track your dog’s appetite. Scheduled meals help with routine, digestion, and training.
Try offering food for 15–20 minutes, then pick it up if they don’t eat. Most dogs won’t skip more than a meal or two unless something’s wrong. If your Frenchie is consistently uninterested, talk to your vet to rule out allergies, dental pain, or food boredom.
Yes, but do it gradually. Shift the time slowly over a few days and watch for signs of hunger, upset stomach, or confusion. Dogs love consistency, so try to keep changes minimal once you find what works.
A light meal after activity is usually best. Feeding right before exercise can increase the risk of bloating or stomach discomfort, especially with more active play.
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The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team, who have been raising and loving Frenchies for over 15 years. Check out our available French Bulldog puppies or join our TomKings Frenchie Family Facebook group to connect with thousands of Frenchie parents around the world.
