Click to Skip Ahead
The French Bulldog, or Frenchie as they’re lovingly nick-named, is a unique breed that requires care as special as they are. These dogs make great apartment companions because they don’t require much exercise, but don’t mistake them for being low maintenance, either.
Your Frenchie will need frequent attention and will want to be your best friend. They don’t do well alone for long periods of time and require indoor living, preferably in an environment that doesn’t get too hot or too cold. In return, you’re getting a cute dog who will adore you.
Here are the essential French Bulldog supplies to spoil your new pup as soon as they walk in the door.
The 10 Essential French Bulldog Supplies
Feeding
1. Dog Food
- Our Pick: The Farmer’s Dog
French Bulldogs don’t have any breed-specific diet requirements, but their susceptibility to obesity demands portion control and appropriate exercise. They only need 1–1.5 cups of dry food daily, split between two meals, though puppies can eat smaller portions more often throughout the day.
Dog food should be rich in proteins and healthy fats, featuring high-quality animal sources as the primary ingredients. A focus on simple ingredients and filler-free recipes makes brands like The Farmer’s Dog some of the best food you can choose. Palatable and satisfying, these fresh food options blend human-grade meats and veggies in nutritionally balanced meals that dogs love for the taste and owners appreciate for the superior health benefits.
Treats and Toys
2. Treats
- Our Choice: Bocce’s Bakery Quack Quack Quack Dog Treats
Treats are necessary for training your new dog and rewarding them for good behavior. But like any dog, your Frenchie should be getting most of their calories from their food, not their treats. We recommend finding small, healthy treats like these from Bocce’s Bakery so that you can reward them more frequently. Bocce’s Bakery uses simple and natural ingredients. Your new dog will enjoy these morsel-sized snacks as a reward for good behavior or just because.
3. Toys
- Our Choice: Kong Jump’N Jack Dog Toy
Frenchies—especially puppies—are mighty chewers and need durable toys. They tend to be playful dogs who will never grow out of having a good time.
We recommend getting your dog a Kong chew toy that’s suitable for their size and allows you to put a treat in the middle. These toys are known for being chew-resistant and can entertain your dog for hours. The Kong Jump’N Jack Dog Toy has Denta-Ridges like a dental chew to clean your dog’s teeth and it’s stuffable, which means you could hide a treat inside for extra incentive. This toy comes in three sizes, with small being the appropriate size for your Frenchie.
- Related Read: 9 DIY Indestructible Dog Toys for Dogs That Chew
Comfort
4. Bed
Your dog needs a nice, plushy place to lay their head that also supports their joints. We like this small Donut Cuddler for Frenchies because it’s soft and inviting, with a thin barrier around them to make them feel safe.
- Also Read: 7 Best Dog Beds for Anxiety
Walking
5. Leash
- Our Choice: Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Bungee Leash
Though Frenchies are mostly home-dwellers, they’ll still need daily 10-15 minute walks to use their energy and stay healthy. We like stretchy bungee leashes because it reduces the pull on your Frenchies’ body. This hands-free bungee leash by Tuff Mutt reduces the pull on you and your dog’s shoulders by buckling around your waist. We also like how the bungee concept makes the leash pretty much tangle-free.
6. Harness
The French Bulldog is considered a brachycephalic breed, meaning those adorable snub-noses unfortunately are not very efficient at breathing and their airways are more constricted than other dogs due to their small facial bones. It’s important to not attach your Frenchie’s leash to their collar because pulling at their neck will further restrict their breathing and could be hazardous to their health.
We opt for a padded harness instead, like this one from Mighty Paw. This one allows you to attach their leash from the front or the back and has a handle in case you suddenly need to pick up your puppy. The reflective tape adds visibility at night in case they accidentally get away.
7. Sunscreen
- Our Choice: Lucky Pup Sunscreen Dog Balm
Frenchies have extremely short hair and sensitive skin, which makes them candidates to get sunburned. White Frenchies are especially susceptible. To protect your dog’s skin and coat, invest in some dog-friendly sunscreen like this one from Lucky Pup if you’re planning on being outside with them for an extended period of time.
Note: never put human sunscreen on a dog because it contains toxic ingredients for your dog. You also shouldn’t plan on long activities with your Frenchie during the hotter months because they don’t tolerate heat well.
8. Winter Coat
- Our Choice: GF Pet Alpine Puffer Dog Coat
If you live in an area that gets cold, invest in a winter coat for your new pup. Frenchies don’t have much protection against cold weather and will need an extra layer to stay warm. This puffer coat from GF Pet comes in a sunny yellow color that will keep your pup warm and chase all your winter blues away.
Grooming Supplies
9. Shampoo
- Our Pick: Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Dogs have much thinner and more alkaline skin than humans, requiring a mild canine-specific shampoo for safe bathing. Human soap or unbalanced formulas can cause excessive dryness and irritation. Although your French Bulldog will only need bathing every 1–2 months, it only takes one use of the wrong product to leave them susceptible to painful skin damage and infections.
Our top choice for its quality and practicality, Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is a pH-balanced and additive-free dog shampoo that cleans and nourishes the coat while moisturizing the skin. With natural ingredients providing delicate yet effective cleaning and a delightful aloe-cucumber scent, it’s a sure bet to leave your Frenchie looking, smelling, and feeling their best.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
10. Pet Wipes
- Our Pick: Hepper Wash Wipes
A Frenchie’s smooth coat makes quick cleanups a breeze. When your dog gets overly dirty or picks up a funky odor, a few passes with a pet wipe is a time-saving, efficient way to refresh their coat no matter where you are.
A mild, hypoallergenic wipe like Hepper Wash Wipes uses a light touch to freshen your dog’s coat and add an appealing cucumber and aloe scent. The wipes are thick and sturdy. Soft grooves capture surface dirt and maximize each wipe’s cleaning and deodorizing power with every pass.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
Cleaning
11. Enzyme Cleaning Spray
Whether you have a Frenchie or any other breed, indoor accidents are one of the many costs of raising a puppy. Plenty of cleaning sprays may remove pee and poop stains to your satisfaction, but if you want to eliminate every bit to prevent repeat accidents, you need an enzymatic cleaning spray.
Enzyme cleaning sprays use targeted enzymes to consume organic waste, including urine, feces, and vomit. Products like Hepper’s Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray work on almost any household surface and are safe to use around people and pets. Shake and spray, and the active enzymes won’t stop working until they remove every trace of waste, destroying odors and stains for good.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
Pet Insurance
12. Pet Insurance
Although health insurance can be a beneficial investment for any pet, it is an especially good idea for Frenchies because they are prone to certain genetic health issues. As brachycephalic dogs, they are especially susceptible to respiratory problems. Finding a good pet health insurance provider can help lower the costs of any medical bills that may arise.
Conclusion
As you welcome your Frenchie into your family, we hope this list helps you give them the special care they deserve. Frenchies are wonderful, attention-loving dogs who will quickly become your best friend. These supplies will help ensure that they live their best life.
Related Reads:
- How Much Do Pugs Sleep? Everything You Should Know
- How Much Does It Cost to Own a Pug?
- What Can French Bulldogs Eat? Vet-Reviewed Diet & Foods
Featured Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock