A note before you read
We make Pawlistic Treats, which are mentioned in this guide. We fed them to our own English and French bulldogs, and we're telling you up front so you can weigh our recommendation.
Like many bulldog owners, I used to worry about our dogs' occasional skin flare-ups and upset stomachs. What we fed them, including treats, made a real difference. Here's what we learned.
What bulldogs need from a treat
Few ingredients. Bulldogs are prone to food sensitivities. Treats with one ingredient make it easy to see what agrees with your dog and what doesn't.
Easy to digest. Minimally processed treats without fillers, artificial colors, or added sugar tend to be gentler on sensitive stomachs.
Small portions. Extra weight makes breathing harder for flat-faced breeds and puts stress on joints. Treats should stay a small part of daily calories; your vet can help you set a target.
Something to chew. Longer-lasting chews give bulldogs something to do and help keep teeth clean.
Single-ingredient options we like
- Beef liver: rich and strongly flavored, so a small piece goes a long way for training.
- Buffalo lung: light, airy, and easy to break into small pieces.
- Salmon: a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat.
- Chicken or duck feet: natural chews that contain glucosamine and chondroitin, often used for joint support.
- Shrimp: a lean protein and a good novel option for dogs that react to common meats.
Always introduce a new treat slowly and watch for itching, loose stools, or vomiting. Ask your vet before adding treats to support a specific health condition.
The treats we fed our own dogs
Made by us
Pawlistic Treats are air-dried, single-ingredient treats: beef liver, buffalo lung, salmon, shrimp, chicken feet, duck feet and more. We started making them because we wanted simple treats for our own bulldogs.
How to use treats well
- Use tiny pieces for training rewards.
- Give longer chews under supervision.
- Count treats as part of the day's food, and cut meals slightly on heavy training days.
- Keep a short list of treats your dog tolerates well, and stick to it.