Foods your Frenchie should never eat

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists these as dangerous for pets:[1]

FoodWhy it is dangerous
Chocolate, coffee, caffeineCan cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures
Grapes and raisinsCan cause kidney damage
Onions, garlic, chivesStomach irritation and damage to red blood cells (anemia)
Macadamia nutsWeakness, vomiting, tremors and overheating, usually within 12 hours
Xylitol (in some gum, candy, peanut butter, baked goods)Low blood sugar and possible liver damage
Alcohol and raw yeast doughAlcohol poisoning; dough can make the stomach bloat and twist
Salty snacksExcess thirst and electrolyte problems
Raw or undercooked meat, eggs and bonesBacteria; bones can injure or block the gut
Fatty nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)Vomiting, diarrhea and possibly pancreatitis

Milk and dairy, citrus, and coconut can also upset the stomach.[1] Always check peanut butter labels for xylitol.

How many treats?

Treats add up quickly for a small dog. Many vets suggest treats make up no more than about 10% of daily calories, with the rest from a complete and balanced food. AAFCO notes that treat products "aren't usually intended to provide a complete and balanced diet."[2]

Keeping a Frenchie lean matters for breathing: obesity "was found to further increase BOAS risk" in a study of flat-faced dogs.[3] Break treats into tiny pieces. Your dog cares about how often it gets a reward, not how big it is.

Safer treat ideas

In small amounts, and if your dog has no allergies to them, these are commonly used:

  • A few pieces of its regular kibble
  • Small pieces of plain cooked chicken or turkey, no skin, bones or seasoning
  • Green beans or cucumber slices
  • Carrot pieces, cut small to prevent choking
  • Apple slices without seeds or core
  • Blueberries

Introduce one new food at a time, especially if your Frenchie has a sensitive stomach or skin allergies.

Chews and choking safety

  • Choose chews sized for your dog's mouth. A short jaw can make it harder to handle large or hard items.
  • Supervise all chews and take them away when they get small enough to swallow.
  • Avoid cooked bones, which can splinter.
  • Very hard chews can break teeth. A common test: if you cannot dent it with a fingernail, it may be too hard.

If your dog eats something toxic

  1. Call your vet, an emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.[1]
  2. Have the package or label ready, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
  3. Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.

Sources and references

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets [Internet]. ASPCA; [date unknown] [cited 2026 Nov 3].
  2. Association of American Feed Control Officials. Reading Labels [Internet]. AAFCO; [date unknown] [updated 2024 Jun 11; cited 2026 Nov 3].
  3. Packer RMA, Hendricks A, Tivers MS, Burn CC. Impact of Facial Conformation on Canine Health: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(10):e0137496. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0137496.

Last reviewed November 3, 2026. Educational information only. This guide does not replace advice from your veterinarian.

Sources checked November 3, 2026. This guide has not been reviewed by a veterinarian and is not a substitute for veterinary advice.