We have all done it. Our cute, little furry friend is practically smiling at us from beneath the kitchen table. The ears are perked and the tail is wagging. We know what our dog is after. Just a tiny tidbit from dinner would be delightful, right? What could it hurt? It is just a bite or two after all.
A French bulldog’s diet really should not contain table scraps. People food is just that…for people. A dog’s nutritional needs are not the same as a human’s. Sure, we eat some of the same things, but feeding your frenchie from the table is one of the biggest mistakes for your frenchie.
A French bulldog’s diet doesn’t require all the added goodies we put into our meals.
People have problems with obesity. A French bulldog can have this problem, as well. If your dog’s diet consists mostly of scraps from the dinner table, chances are high that your French bulldog will have trouble maintaining a healthy weight. Even a few pounds over weight can really make a difference in the quality and length of your frenchie’s life. Curb the begging and stick to your guns.
When you have a French bulldog who is not a picky eater, it can be tempting to let your frenchie be the garbage disposal in the home, but really, this is not a good idea. Certain people foods can harm your French bulldog and should never be a part of your dog’s diet. Grapes, for example, have been known to cause serious problems for dogs, even death. Chicken bones and popcorn can also be a problem for your dog. Permitting large quantities of chocolate can be dangerous in a French bulldog’s diet.
A poor diet even shows up out in the yard. When your French bulldog’s diet is not at its best, your frenchie’s outputs will be greater in size, smell, and mess. Benefits of choosing a healthy diet for your dog will be noticeable in your frenchie’s health, as well as, during those walks around the block.
There are a few occasions when a supplement or treat from the kitchen may be alright, but never in excess. Talk to your veterinarian about healthy snacks for your French bulldog’s diet. If you simply must continue feeding frenchie at the table, many vets recommend you give your frenchie ice cubes or pieces of carrot to munch on between scheduled feeding times. Providing your frenchie these healthy alternatives to pizza and cupcakes gives you the freedom to choose a healthy and nutritious snack for your French bulldog’s diet.
So, the next time your beloved frenchie starts eyeing your grub, redirect his or her attention. Don’t reach for your fatty steak or chicken leg. Instead, toss your buddy a cool, refreshing ice cube to bat around and munch on.
A couple of baby carrots will keep frenchie happy and leave you feeling good about your choices for the nutritional value of your French bulldog’s diet. You will know that you are doing your best to maintain a high-quality diet for your frenchie.
How Treats Affect Your French Bulldog’s Diet
You know the importance of choosing a healthy diet for your pet. You have taken the time and effort to consult with the veterinarian about a healthy and nutritious dog food. Whether you choose dried food, canned dog food, or make it from scratch, you may be overlooking something extremely important in your French Bulldog’s diet.
Do you occasionally give your best friend a treat from the table or a rawhide to chew? These treats may seem like a simple snack or tidbit, but they really can add up. You may not have considered it before, but any and all treats that you give your pet are a part of your French Bulldog’s diet.
The question now becomes, how significant are treats in your dog’s diet? Do you give your French Bulldog a treat once a day in the evening while watching television, or do you scatter Milk Bones throughout the day for each cute look or adorable pet trick?
The type of treats you give your French Bulldog also makes a difference in your dog’s diet. Do you pass out cookies and scraps from dinner, or maybe a piece of popcorn or two? Junk food for you becomes junk food for your pet. In fact, some healthy foods for you are not good for your French Bulldog.
Raisins are a healthy snack for humans to munch on between meals, but they can be detrimental to the health of your dog. Keep your dog’s diet healthy even during snack time with treats.
Rawhides are an area of controversy. Some pet owners and vets feel they do not make a good treat for your pet. Others feel that rawhides provide entertainment and good dental health for your French Bulldog. Find out what your vet recommends. If you decide to allow rawhides in your dog’s diet, avoid them in excess. They can create thin stools and provide many empty calories.
Your French Bulldog views a treat as just that, a special treat between meals. For the most part, French Bulldog’s don’t care if you give them a baby carrot, rawhide chew, or Milk Bone. They are happy to get the snack. If you find you provide numerous treats during the course of the day, you may need to modify your dog’s diet to avoid maintaining a healthy weight. Giving your pet a whole bunch of treats sure is fun for both you and your French Bulldog, but can lead to serious health troubles.
Consider altering your French Bulldog’s diet by giving him or her less treats. Instead of a large Milk Bone, for example, break the treat into several smaller pieces and distribute them one at a time. This will have your French Bulldog eating less between meals.
Ice cubes, small bits of apple, and baby carrots are terrific healthy treat ideas to consider when choosing a healthy diet for your French Bulldog. Such treats make little difference overall and make monitoring your dog’s daily intake much easier for you. This way, you can focus solely on the food consumed during mealtime. A French Bulldog’s diet needs to be healthy to ensure a long and happy life for your pet.