The Bichon Frise is a little dog with a big personality! Smart, full of joy, and cute as buttons, it’s no wonder they make perfect first dogs for new owners.
If you’re about to add a Bichon to your family, you are probably asking the question: what’s the best food to give my new buddy?
Well, no two Bichons are exactly alike, so we’ve put together a range of options for you and your pup to try out. You’ll find excellent diets for every life stage and special requirement.
Our ‘at a glance’ guide below will give you the essentials, but keep scrolling if you’re after more in-depth information.
At a Glance – The Best Foods for Bichon Frise
Best Puppy Food for Bichon Frise
Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
Get your puppy off to a head-start with this nutritious recipe. It’s full of high-quality protein, DHA, and essential minerals for healthy growth and development.
Best Adult Dog Food for Bichon Frise
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food – Your Bichon is sure to relish this wholesome kibble with tasty deboned chicken and fish-meal.
The innovative ‘Life Source Bits’ are cooked very gently to ensure your Bichon gets maximum benefit from the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals inside
Best Senior Dog Food for Bichon Frise
Purina ProPlan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Small Breed Chicken Formula Dry Dog Food – Give your elderly Bichon a new lease of life with this specialized senior diet.
Brain boosting arginine, DHA, and EPA have been shown to increase mental alertness in older dogs.
Best Premium Dog Food for Bichon Frise
Orijen Original Dry Dog Food simply can’t be beaten in terms of providing fresh, high-quality protein.
The formula contains just one synthetic additive; everything else comes from natural fruits, veggies, and animal parts.
Best Budget Dog Food for Bichon Frise:
Kirkland Signature Nature's Domain Small Breed Salmon & Lentil Dry Dog Food – Far from being a compromise, this great value recipe from Kirkland is chock-full of healthy salmon as the primary protein source.
The grain-free formula with added prebiotic fiber and probiotics, it'll also keep sensitive Bichon tummies happy.
Best Dog Food for an Overweight Bichon Frise:
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Small Breed Dog Food – Thanks to the delicious, natural ingredients, this low-fat diet won’t leave your Bichon feeling like he’s missing out.
Quality protein and complex carbs will give your pup plenty of fuel for fun and games.
Best Dog Food for a Bichon Frise with Allergies:
Canidae Grain Free Pure Petite Raw Coated Dry Dog Food – If your Bichon is allergic or sensitive to specific ingredients, you’ll want to keep their diet as natural and simple as possible.
Canidae’s Pure Petite diets contain just eight key ingredients, mixed with probiotics to support a healthy gut.
Best Dog Food for Picky Bichon Frise:
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Variety Pack Wet Food – Does your Bichon have high standards?
This multipack ‘menu’ of exquisite, tiny meals by Merrick contains succulent pieces of real meat guaranteed to get those taste buds excited!
How much should I feed my Bichon Frise?
The exact amount will vary depending on the specific diet and the current weight of your dog. Check the packaging carefully for guidelines and weigh your dog regularly.
Never ‘guestimate’ your dog's meals. A little extra may not seem much to your eyes, but for a small Bichon, it can add up to a lot of extra calories!
How often should I feed my Bichon Frise?
According to the Bichon Frise Club of America, your puppy should be fed four times a day between the age of 8 – 10 weeks. At 10 weeks, you can start reducing this down to three times a day if your pup seems ready.
At 6 months of age, you should be able to cut meals for your Bichon down to twice a day. Most owners find it convenient to feed in the morning at breakfast time and in the evening at dinner time.
Water
A constant supply of fresh, clean water is essential for your pet's health. Water aids digestion and makes up 60-80% of your Bichon’s body mass.
A tip for reducing tear staining in Bichons is to use distilled water. The reduced iron in distilled water helps to minimize the red hue in your dog’s tears.
Treats and Extras
Gosh, it’s hard to resist those pleading, teddy bear eyes… But don’t be fooled! Your Bichon does not need regular treats.
Occasional titbits are ok, but make sure they are in proportion to your pup’s size. For a petite little Bichon, a teaspoon size helping is just right.
Do you want to use treats as training rewards? Just use a small amount out of your dog’s usual kibble and reduce the quantity at mealtimes accordingly.
Many owners ask: ‘Can my Bichon eat eggs?’ The answer is yes! A little bit of cooked egg is safe and healthy for your dog.
Foods to Avoid
Small breeds like Bichons are particularly vulnerable to the effects of toxins and poisons, so remove anything dangerous from the reach of curious noses.
Here are some foods you should never give to your Bichon:
- Chocolate
- Raisins and currants
- Garlic and onions
- Cooked bones
- Moldy/blue cheeses
- Apple cores (only the seeds are poisonous)
Health Concerns and Diet
The vast majority of Bichons that end up at the vet are there because of obesity, dental disease, or allergies. To some extent, a good quality diet can help with the management of all three of these problems.
Obesity
If you don’t keep a close eye on your Bichon’s weight, you could be setting them up to suffer from a raft of health problems later in life. Bichons are prone to patella luxation (knee-cap dislocation) and hip dysplasia, both of which are made worse by being overweight.
Portion control is essential, so use a set of kitchen scales when measuring out your dog’s kibble. There are plenty of ‘Healthy Weight’ diet options on the market if your dog needs to slim down a bit.
Dental Disease
Dental problems are also common for Bichons, and this is partly due to the bone structure of their jaws. Some Bichons start to lose their teeth as young as 7!
Regular brushing with dog toothpaste (ideally every day) and an annual professional clean are highly recommended. Feeding dry kibble instead of canned may also help reduce the build-up of tartar on your Bichon’s teeth.
Allergies
Allergies are another common reason for Bichons visiting the vet. They can be caused by allergens in the environment or in certain foods, and result in very itchy and sore skin.
Many dog foods help support skin and coat health by providing ingredients such as salmon oil, or flaxseed which contain beneficial omega fatty acids.
Bichon Frise Dog Food Details
1. Best Puppy Food for Bichon Frise:
Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
Meet all the nutritional needs of your growing Bichon puppy with this premium, natural formula from Wellness. The kibble is the perfect size for small puppy jaws to pick up and chew.
Your pup is sure to relish the tasty turkey, chicken, and fish. All that high-quality protein will give your bundle of joy tons of energy for fun and games!
Key benefits:
- Probiotics to support healthy digestion.
- Salmon oil provides DHA for healthy brain and eye development.
- Carrots as a source of beta-carotene.
- Calcium and phosphorus for healthy bone growth.
2. Best Adult Dog Food for Bichon Frise:
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Your Bichon is sure to thrive on this wholesome, grain-free diet from Blue Buffalo. It’s full of tasty, protein-rich chicken and fish meal that also serves as a source of omega-3.
Blue ‘Life Source Bits’ are a unique innovation included in each diet. Each ‘bit’ provides a whole host of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, cooked very gently to preserve the quality.
Key benefits:
- Only naturally sourced flavors and antioxidants.
- Instead of grains, complex carbs come from veggies like sweet potatoes.
- Blueberries provide vitamins and potassium.
- Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. (From fish meal and flaxseed).
3. Best Senior Dog Food for Bichon Frise:
Purina ProPlan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Small Breed Chicken Formula Dry Dog Food
It’s a fact of life that mental abilities often decline with age. The Bright Mind formula from Pro Plan is designed to keep your smart little Bichon alert and mentally active for longer.
In just 30 days, your senior Bichon should become more alert and engaged. You may even see your elderly dog acting like a puppy again!
Key benefits:
- Arginine, DHA, and EPA to boost brain health.
- Omega-6 to help keep your Bichon’s coat soft and healthy.
- Natural prebiotics to support optimal gut health.
4. Best Premium Dog Food for Bichon Frise:
If money is no object, your Bichon is almost certain to thrive on Orijen’s Original formula. Boasting an impressive 38% protein content, your little buddy will have all the energy and health-boosting nutrients he’ll need, and then some.
Orijen’s ‘Whole prey’ ratios replicate the diet of a wild canine. It may sound icky to us, but your Bichon can easily digest and obtain vital nutrients from organs, cartilage, and bone.
Key benefits:
- Fresh chicken, turkey, herring, and flounder provide high-quality, tasty protein.
- Only one added supplement (zinc). The rest comes from natural sources.
- Fresh fruits and veggies provide additional vitamins.
5. Best Budget Dog Food for Bichon Frise:
Kirkland Signature Nature's Domain Small Breed Salmon & Lentil Dry Dog Food
If your wallet can’t quite stretch to the super-premium brands, you don’t have to compromise on your little one. Thanks to the people at Kirkland, you can feed your Bichon nutritious recipes without breaking the bank.
Key benefits:
- Lots of highly digestible salmon providing protein and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Grain-free formula perfect for sensitive Bichons.
- A serious helping of probiotics and prebiotic fiber will keep tummies happy.
- Petite kibble size that’s easy for your Bichon to pick up and chew
6. Best Dog Food for an Overweight Bichon Frise:
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Small Breed Dry Dog Food
If you have a fat Bichon Frise, they’ll be relying on you to help them get back to a healthy weight. It’s a sad fact that overweight dogs live shorter lives than dogs at their ideal weight.
A great first step is to switch to a food that’s lower in fat and calories. Blue Buffalo’s Healthy Weight formula offers a nutritious recipe that goes easy on the fat content.
Key benefits:
- Boosted protein levels for energy and lean muscle development.
- Reduced calories from fat.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain healthy joints.
- No corn, wheat, or soy.
7. Best Dog Food for a Bichon Frise with Allergies:
Canidae Grain Free Pure Petite Raw Coated Dry Dog Food
The Canidae Pure Petite range is a selection of simple and natural diets ideal for Bichons with sensitive tummies or food allergies.
Avoiding common allergens like beef, corn, soy, and wheat, these protein-rich diets also contain probiotics to aid digestion.
Key benefits:
- Free from problem cereals such as corn, wheat, and soy.
- Real lamb, salmon or chicken as the first ingredient.
- The kibble is raw-coated with freeze-dried meat or fish for extra flavor.
8. Best Dog Food for Picky Bichon Frise:
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Variety Pack Wet Dog Food
If you find your Bichon Frise not eating, and you are sure it's not medically related, you may want to try wet dog food instead of kibble.
You’re sure to find a flavor your Bichon adores in this delicious medley of small breed recipes from Merrick. What’s on the menu? Well, today’s specials are Petite Pot Pie, Itsy Bitsy Beef Stew, and Tiny Thanksgiving Dinner. Cute huh?
A little warm water will help bring out the flavors and make meals even more appealing. Let the drooling commence!
Key benefits:
- The main ingredient in each meal is deboned beef, chicken or turkey.
- Grain-free and highly digestible.
- Perfect size portions for small breeds.
What to look out for when shopping for dog food
Have you come across a new dog food range? If you are wondering how to assess its suitability for your Bichon, here are a few things to look for on the label:
- Are all ingredients clearly labeled and named? (For instance, ‘Chicken meal’ is better than the vague ‘meat and animal derivatives).
- Is a type of meat or fish the first ingredient? If not, the food is probably being bulked out by cheaper grains or other fillers.
- Does it provide probiotics and omega fatty acids? These nutrients are excellent for sensitive tummies and allergy-prone Bichons.
- Are the additives and preservatives from natural sources?
If you want to keep your Bichon’s mealtimes exciting, there is nothing to say that you should not change your dog's diet now and then. Just make sure you switch over gradually to allow your dog’s tummy time to adjust.
Calvin is the co-founder and one of the main contributors to dogtemperament.com. He has been an avid dog lover all his life. He enjoys researching and sharing great ideas on how you can avoid common pitfalls of dog ownership and build the most loving and enjoyable relationship with your dog.