Nutrition is, for us, one of the most important aspects of a healthy and strong French Bulldog. It forms the foundation for growth, immunity, and development, and ultimately affects the overall well-being of the dog.

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During the first weeks, our puppies are exclusively fed with their mother’s milk. This is a very important phase, as mother’s milk not only contains nutrients but also antibodies that contribute to the development of the immune system. This is where the foundation is truly laid.

What many people do not realize is that a mother dog uses an enormous amount of energy during lactation – the period in which she feeds her puppies. During this time, she can eat up to three to four times more than normal. It is therefore not unusual for her to consume one to two kilos of meat per day. This clearly shows how much is demanded from the mother’s body.

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At around four weeks of age, we gradually begin the weaning process, and the puppies transition to solid food. This is done step by step, allowing their bodies to adjust gradually.

At this stage, we consciously choose to switch to fresh raw feeding (KVV). KVV stands for “complete fresh food” and is a raw, minimally processed diet. This type of feeding closely aligns with how a dog would naturally eat.

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From our experience, we see that puppies often respond very well to this and develop steadily on it. This is one of the main reasons why we consciously choose this approach.

When the puppies go to their new homes, new owners receive an extensive nutrition guide from us. This guide has been specially created for us by an integrative nutrition therapist and is designed to help new owners get off to a good start.

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Nowadays, there is an overwhelming amount of choice when it comes to nutrition. Think of raw feeding, kibble, steamed food, canned food, and countless brands. It is therefore completely understandable that it can feel confusing. In this guide, we take you step by step through this world, so that you understand what you are doing and why.

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The guide includes clear explanations of different types of nutrition and how to build and combine them. It also provides practical information on how much your puppy needs, what to look out for, and how to tailor nutrition to your dog.

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In addition, the guide goes beyond nutrition alone. Attention is also given to topics such as dental care, vaccination and titre testing, and parasite control, as all of these factors influence the overall health of the dog.

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Practical situations are also discussed, such as what to do in case of digestive issues or sensitive intestines.

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Nutrition goes far beyond simply putting down a bowl of food. When applied correctly, it has a major impact on your dog’s health.

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At the same time, it is important to realize that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to nutrition. Every dog is different and responds differently. What works perfectly for one dog may cause issues in another. Ultimately, it is about learning to observe your own dog.

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French Bulldogs are also known to be more sensitive to allergies and digestive problems. In practice, we often see that the term “allergy” is used quickly, while the cause is not always that simple.

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In many cases, the issue lies in the gut. When gut health is not optimal, this can result in symptoms such as itching, skin problems, or inconsistent stools. The gut plays an important role in the immune system, and this is often where the problem begins.

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External factors, such as vaccinations or other stimuli, can also influence how the body responds. This does not necessarily mean they are the direct cause, but it does mean that the body can sometimes become imbalanced, making symptoms more noticeable.

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What we regularly observe is that when the focus is placed on supporting gut health, for example through appropriate nutrition, significant improvements are often seen. Symptoms may decrease or sometimes even disappear.

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That is why we believe it is so important to take nutrition seriously and not only look at symptoms, but at the overall picture of the dog.

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By choosing high-quality, minimally processed food, you support the body rather than burden it. At the same time, it remains important to build up gradually and carefully observe what works best for your dog.

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The nutrition guide is intended as support, but ultimately it is about learning to observe your own dog and making choices based on that.