Why Is My French Bulldog Refusing to Eat? Here’s What To Do!

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On November 25, 2024

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As a responsible owner, you want only the best for your pet. However, what happens when our dogs throw us for a loop? If your French bulldog refuses to eat and you already tried everything to fix his appetite, then this blog post is for you.

When your Frenchie won’t eat, you’re probably feeling worried and wondering what could be wrong. Don’t fret! This guide will help you uncover the reasons and provide your with effective tips.

French bulldog refuses to eat: Possible reasons

1. Is Your Frenchie a Picky Eater?

French Bulldogs are notorious for having strong opinions—about everything, including food! They know to act stubbornly from time to time. However, when it comes to food, we can say that it’s one of the greatest loves of their lives.

If your French Bulldog refuses to eat, it might not be because they’re unwell. Instead, they may simply dislike the food you’re offering. This fact might sound funny, but believe us, it could be true! Our dogs have the right to refuse food, just like us!

These are only some of the signs that will show you if your little batpig is a picky eater:

They sniff their food but walk away.
They eat only certain parts of the meal, leaving the rest untouched.
They beg for treats but refuse their regular meals.

So, what can you do about it?

Try introducing new flavors and textures into their diet. I had this exact issue with my own Frenchie. He would turn his nose up at dry kibble no matter how “premium” it was. After trying several brands, I found that mixing a small amount of wet food into his kibble made all the difference. A pinch of cooked chicken or some low-sodium bone broth can also do wonders.

2. Are They Experiencing Stress or Anxiety?

French Bulldogs thrive on routine and are incredibly sensitive to changes in their environment. A new home, a change in your schedule, or even a new pet in the house can make your Frenchie refuse to eat. French bulldogs are famous companion dogs, so we need to be careful about leaving them home alone. Otherwise, they can start suffering from separation anxiety and

Signs Stress Could Be the Culprit:

They hide or cling to you more than usual.
They seem restless or avoid their food bowl altogether.
They’ve recently gone through a significant life change. For example, you changed your home, or you lost a family member.

Solution:
Maintain a consistent feeding schedule and create a calm eating environment. Do not anyone disturb your little gremlin while eating. When my batpig was a puppy, he refused to eat for two days after I started working from home. He couldn’t figure out why his routine had changed. I solved this by setting up a quiet corner just for him and ensuring I stuck to regular meal times. Within a day, his appetite returned.

3. French bulldog refuses to eat: Could It Be a Health Issue?

When a Frenchie won’t eat, it’s crucial to rule out any underlying medical issues. Common health problems in French Bulldogs include:

Dental Problems: Pain from gum disease, broken teeth, or oral infections can make eating uncomfortable. Look for signs such as drooling, pawing at the mouth or whining. Does your pooch look like he wants to eat but he can’t?
Stomach Upset: Eating something they shouldn’t (hello, socks!) can lead to an upset stomach. Did you feed your batpig with some food leftovers, snacks or some other human food that is spicy? Giving your dog human food is strictly forbidden! Besides our food is rich in spices and carbohydrates, it’s also rich in unhealthy fats that are not a good choice for a dog’s stomach.
Respiratory Problems: Frenchies’ short noses can sometimes make eating a challenge, especially if they’re struggling to breathe.

Solution:
If your French Bulldog refuses to eat for more than 24-48 hours, or if they show other concerning symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, visit your vet immediately. They can identify any underlying issues and recommend treatment.

4. Is Their Food Making Them Sick?

Dogs, like humans, can develop food allergies or intolerances. If your Frenchie is not eating and also experiencing itching, skin redness, or gastrointestinal distress, their food could be the problem. Does your Frenchie’s belly look bloated? Does he fart a lot lately? If yes, then he’s probably suffering from food intolerance.

Common Allergens for French Bulldogs:

Chicken
Beef
Dairy
Wheat

Solution:
Switch to a limited-ingredient diet or a hypoallergenic formula. For some batpigs, a raw diet of the so-called BARF diet can do wonders. I once noticed my dog scratching excessively and losing interest in food. The vet suggested a food allergy might be to blame, and switching him to a salmon-based diet worked wonders.

5. Overfeeding Treats and Snacks

It’s so tempting to spoil our Frenchies with treats (who can resist those puppy-dog eyes?), but too many snacks can curb their appetite for actual meals.

Signs You’re Overfeeding Treats:

They’re eager for treats but avoid their food.
They gain weight or seem lethargic.

Solution:
Cut back on treats and stick to their regular feeding schedule. You can also use small portions of their kibble as treats to keep their calorie intake balanced.

6. Are They Bored with Their Food?

Let’s face it—eating the same thing every day gets dull. If your French Bulldog won’t eat, they might just be bored of their usual diet.

Solution:
Try rotating proteins, adding dog-safe fruits or vegetables as toppers, or trying a new brand altogether. Frenchies love variety! My dog, for instance, went wild for steamed carrots and a sprinkle of shredded cheese on his kibble.

7. Behavioral Habits: Are They Testing Boundaries?

Frenchies are intelligent and, let’s be honest, a bit manipulative. If they learn that refusing food gets them extra attention or tastier treats, they might start doing it on purpose.

Solution:
Be consistent and avoid giving in. Offer their food, leave it out for 15-20 minutes, and then take it away if they don’t eat. Eventually, they’ll learn that mealtime isn’t negotiable.

8. Monitor for Seasonal Changes

Some dogs eat less during warmer months, and French Bulldogs are particularly sensitive to heat. If your Frenchie refuses to eat during a heatwave, they might simply not feel up to eating a full meal.

Solution:
Serve smaller, more frequent meals, and ensure they stay hydrated. You can even add a splash of water to their food to make it more appealing.

9. Have They Just Been Vaccinated or Medicated?

Sometimes, vaccinations or medications can temporarily suppress appetite. If your French Bulldog won’t eat after a vet visit, this could be the reason.

Solution:
Keep an eye on them and try offering bland, easy-to-digest foods like boiled chicken and rice. If their appetite doesn’t return within 24 hours, consult your vet.

10. Tips to Encourage Your Frenchie to Eat

If your Frenchie is not eating, try these practical strategies:

Warm the Food: Warm meals smell more enticing to dogs.
Hand-Feeding: Offer small pieces of food by hand to encourage them.
Interactive Feeders: Make mealtime fun with puzzle bowls or treat-dispensing toys.

When My Frenchie Refused to Eat Here Is What I Done

I’ll never forget the first time my dog refused to eat. I was a new Frenchie parent, and seeing his full bowl untouched sent me into a spiral of panic. After calling the vet and doing hours of research, I realized my pet was just being picky.

I tried switching his food, adding toppers, and hand-feeding, but nothing worked. Then I noticed he perked up whenever I opened the fridge. Turns out, my batpig had developed a taste for “human food” after sneaking a piece of turkey during Thanksgiving!

The solution? A hard reset. I stopped all table scraps and stuck to a routine. I also made his kibble more appealing by adding warm water and a teaspoon of plain yogurt. Within days, my batpig was back to gobbling up his meals like a pro.

FAQs About French Bulldogs Not Eating

Why is my French Bulldog not eating but drinking water?
This could indicate stress, mild nausea, or a dietary issue. If it persists, consult a vet. The reason can also be the overheating (heatstroke). When a Frenchie feels hot and breathes heavily, food refusal is a normal behavior.
My Frenchie refuses to eat for a day—should I worry?
It’s normal for dogs to skip a meal occasionally. However, if they skip multiple meals, see a vet.
Should I change my Frenchie’s diet often?
Not unless necessary. Frequent changes can upset their stomach. Dogs should eat the same type of food/ diet unless they show some changes in their digestive system. If your Frenchie’s stool becomes watery or he starts to deal with flatulence, then it’s the time to change his diet.
How much should a French Bulldog eat daily?
Typically, 1-1.5 cups of high-quality food per day, split into two meals.
Can exercise affect my Frenchie’s appetite?
Yes, overly tired dogs might eat less. Ensure a balanced schedule of activity and rest.

French bulldog refuses to eat: Wrapping up

We hope that this guide helped you in case you’re dealing with a loss of appetite in your French bulldog. Even though occasional food refusal isn’t alarming, it’s good to know what could be potential reasons for such a condition.