Owning a French Bulldog is like living with a snorty little comedian who thinks they rule the house – and honestly, they kinda do. With those bat ears, squishy faces and dramatic personalities, it’s no wonder Frenchies have taken over the internet and our hearts.
But if you’ve got a Frenchie, you’ve probably noticed one not-so-cute quirk: the surprise poop emergencies. Yep, we’re talking about diarrhea! So, why do these little gremlins have such sensitive tummies? And more importantly – how do you help your fancy flat-faced friend?
What’s Up With Frenchie’s Tummies?
French Bulldogs are loving, playful companions, but they are often prone to sensitive stomachs. If you’ve noticed diarrhea in your Frenchie, it’s okay to feel concerned. These dogs are known for their super sensitive stomachs, meaning that even a small change in diet or an accidental snack from the floor can lead to... well, squishy situations.
Here Are the Most Common Causes of French Bulldog Diarrhea:
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Food Intolerances: Frenchies can be quite picky with their food and are often sensitive to certain proteins, grains or additives. A new food, treat or even a simple change in ingredients can trigger digestive upset.
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Breed Quirks: Due to their compact bodies and flat faces, French Bulldogs tend to gulp air while eating, which can disrupt their digestion and lead to bloating or gas. This also makes them more prone to gastrointestinal distress.
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Weak Gut Balance: Many French Bulldogs have a sensitive gut microbiome, making it harder for their bodies to maintain proper digestion. Stress, overfeeding or the introduction of new foods can disrupt this balance, leading to loose stools.
Trouble in the Bowl: Ingredients That Often Trigger Frenchie Diarrhea
If your Frenchie is dealing with regular tummy troubles, the first place to look is their diet. It’s often the sneaky ingredients – whether in natural meals or store-bought kibble – that can trigger digestive drama.
Pinpointing the culprit can take some trial and error (and patience), but it’s worth the effort.
Once you’ve nailed down what your pup can and can’t tolerate, everything gets easier – from mealtime to playdates. No more surprise tummy episodes, and no more awkward cleanup missions on your friend’s carpet. Just a happy, comfortable Frenchie and a way more confident you.
Ingredients to Monitor For If Your Frenchie Has Diarrhea:
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High-Fat Foods
Frenchies and fatty foods are not a love story. Fried chicken or fatty cuts of meat can overload their digestive system fast. The result? A very uncomfortable pup and a very unpleasant cleanup for you. -
Dairy Products
Yes, your Frenchie might beg for a lick of your ice cream, but most dogs (especially Frenchies) don’t digest lactose well. Dairy can quickly lead to gas, bloating and runny stools. -
Spicy or Seasoned Foods
Your Frenchie is not ready for Taco Tuesday (actually, no dogs either). Spices and heavy seasonings can irritate their stomach lining and make their digestion heavy. Stick to plain, pup-friendly bites. -
Artificial Additives & Preservatives
Colorful kibble might look cute, but it often hides a huge list of artificial flavors, colors and preservatives that can upset sensitive systems. Frenchie stomachs are big fans of simple, clean ingredients. -
Raw or Undercooked Meat
While raw diets work for some, Frenchies with fragile digestion might not handle them well. Undercooked proteins can contain bacteria that their gut just isn’t equipped to fight off – leading to diarrhea or even worse. -
Grains & Fillers
Some Frenchies are totally fine with grains. Others? Not so much. Wheat, soy, corn and other fillers in cheaper dog foods can be hard to digest and trigger inflammation or loose stools. -
Too Much Human Food in General
We get it – it’s hard to resist those eyes. But too many handouts from your plate can throw your Frenchie’s system completely off track. Their meals should be made for them.
Houseplants Lover? Keep an Eye on Your Frenchie!
As Frenchies are curious by nature, don’t be surprised if they start sniffing – or nibbling – on the plants you’ve been lovingly growing. While a few curious sniffs are harmless, some plants can be seriously toxic to dogs. So keep these out of reach (or out of the house altogether):
- Aloe Vera
- Lilies
- Foxglove
- Oleander
- Tulips
- Pothos
- Sago Palm
Ingredients to Opt for a Frenchie With Diarrhea Issues
So, what foods are good if your French Bulldog has diarrhea troubles? This is a very good question – especially since every Frenchie is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece... including their digestion. One pup might thrive on something that makes another do the potty dash. That said, the foods below are generally considered gentle and safe for sensitive stomachs. Just be sure to introduce them slowly and keep a close eye on how your pup reacts:
- Plain boiled chicken (no skin, no seasoning)
- Plain pumpkin (100% pure, canned or fresh)
- Bone broth (low sodium, no garlic or onions)
- Boiled potatoes (peeled, no seasoning)
- Scrambled eggs (no butter or oil)
- Plain oatmeal (unsweetened, unflavored)
- Carrots (steamed or pureed)
- White rice
Supporting Tummies in a French Bulldog With Diarrhea Problems
First off, let’s face it:
“My Frenchie has diarrhea issues… and I’ve got to deal with it.”
Sadly, but it’s real – and you’re not alone. Just like Labradors tend to gain weight quickly, or Corgis who often need extra hip care, French Bulldogs are simply wired for sensitive digestion. The good news? There are steps you can take to help your buddy feel more comfy (and keep your carpets safer too).
Here are some practical (and doable) tips to keep those messy moments in check:
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Follow a Consistent Diet
Frenchie tummies don’t love surprises. Sudden changes in food can mess up with their digestion. Try to keep their meals regular and consistent – same time, same bowl, same formula. -
Be Mindful of Their Treats
We know, it’s hard to resist those big bat ears and pleading eyes – but treats should be given in moderation. Stick to simple, natural options without added sugars, dyes or fillers that could trigger an upset. -
Watch Their Outdoor Play
Frenchies are curious – and by curious, we mean they’ll try to eat anything! Fallen berries, mystery “snacks”... you name it. Keep a close eye to avoid any backyard buffet disasters. -
Don't Forget Hydration
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration quickly, especially in small breeds like Frenchies. Make sure fresh water is always available, and consider adding hydrating foods like (plain) bone broth if needed. -
Introduce New Foods Slowly
If you're experimenting with new foods or switching diets, go slow. Mix a small portion of the new food with the old one over several days and monitor closely for any signs of trouble. -
Consider Digestive Supplements
Some Frenchies benefit from dog-safe natural supplements designed to support a balanced gut. (Of course, talk to your vet first before introducing anything new.)
Best Supplements for Your Frenchie’s Tummy
When your little buddy has a sensitive stomach, finding gentle, natural solutions matters. Forever Puppy’s range of tummy-friendly drops is crafted without fillers, artificial additives or unnecessary fluff. Just carefully selected herbs traditionally known for their role in digestion.
Here’s Our Frenchie-Friendly Favorites:
Chamomile Drops
A soothing companion for pups who need a little calm. These drops are crafted with chamomile flower extract – ideal for moments when your pup’s belly (or mood) feels off balance.
Slippery Elm Drops
Made with pure slippery elm bark, these drops offer plant-based comfort with no frills. A simple choice for pups with sensitive systems.
Forever Puppy Slippery Elm Drops for Dogs - 4 fl.oz. Bottle
Digestion Support Drops
A thoughtful blend featuring meadowsweet, calendula, Oregon grape root and licorice. Designed with gentle digestion in mind – perfect for daily support for dogs who deserve a little extra care.
Forever Puppy Digestion Support Drops for Dogs - 4 fl.oz. Bottle
Anti-Diarrhea Drops
For Frenchies who just want to get back to the fun part of life – without the tummy drama. With a mix of psyllium husk, German chamomile, wild yam, agrimony, myrrh and thyme, these drops are your low-fuss go-to for those occasional off days.
Forever Puppy Anti Diarrhea Drops for Dogs - 4 fl.oz. Bottle
Why Choose Forever Puppy Drops?
At Forever Puppy, our mission is to provide safe, natural health solutions for dogs – especially the ones with sensitive little tummies, like French Bulldogs. Our drops are thoughtfully crafted with pure plant ingredients, free from artificial additives, alcohol or added sugars. It’s a gentle, down-to-earth way to support your pup’s belly and bring peace of mind to their favorite humans. No stress, no drama. Just nature doing its thing.
