Bichon Frises are playful and friendly small-breed dogs known for their adorable appearance. Their snow-white coat, black eyes, and small size make them an eye-catching breed. The Bichon Frise is also a low-shedding and drool-free dog, making them a great choice for people with allergies. These small dogs are full of energy and make great family pets. They are good with other animals and children due to their soft and gentle nature.
Since Bichon Frise are small-breed dogs, they need a high-quality small-breed formula that provides optimal nutrition. They are also picky eaters and prone to obesity without enough exercise, so you need to find the right food that does not contain too many calories. The best way to ensure your Bichon Frise stays healthy is by feeding them a nutrient-rich diet and meeting their daily exercise needs.
After comparing the available options and analyzing ingredients, we have compiled a list of the best foods for your Bichon Frise using our 40-point inspection list.
The Best Dog Foods for Bichon Frises
| Best Products | Ratings | Top Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Taste of the Wild: Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free | 4.6 | Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans… |
| 2. Nulo: Freestyle Salmon & Red Lentils Small Breed Grain-Free | 4.6 | Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal… |
| 3. Halo: Holistic Healthy Weight Small Breed Grain-Free Wild Salmon & Whitefish | 4.6 | Salmon, Whitefish, Dried Egg Product… |
| 4. Blue Buffalo: Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe | 4.7 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein… |
| 5. Wellness: Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Small Breed Salmon & Potato Formula | 4.7 | Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas… |
1. Taste of the Wild: Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils
Taste of The Wild’s Appalachian Valley recipe is rich in protein from venison and lamb which is exactly what your Bichon Frise needs. This kibble contains a healthy balance of proteins and fats which is necessary for small-breed dogs. Garbanzo beans, peas, and lentils provide carbohydrates and fiber for digestive support. Additional proteins from egg, and duck and fish meals support lean muscles.
Nutrient-rich superfoods such as tomatoes and blueberries provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall health. This kibble is designed to keep muscles strong, aid digestion, and ensure coat health.
2. Nulo: Freestyle Salmon & Red Lentils Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lamb Meal, Red Lentils
This grain-free recipe by Nulo is made with real salmon as the first ingredient. There are additional proteins from turkey, fish, and lamb meals to maintain lean muscles. Lentils, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas in this recipe provide complex carbohydrates and fiber. Your Bichon Frise gets a health boost from the added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in this kibble. This health-conscious recipe includes 84% protein and low carbohydrates to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
3. Halo: Holistic Healthy Weight Small Breed Grain-Free Wild Salmon & Whitefish Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: Salmon, Whitefish, Dried Egg Product, Chickpeas, Dried Lentils
Halo’s Salmon and Whitefish recipe provides nutrition to adult small-breed dogs. This kibble is just the right size for your Bichon Frise and contains ample nutrients. Protein and omega-rich salmon and whitefish serve as the protein source in this kibble, while chickpeas and lentils provide fiber. This recipe includes quality non-GMO ingredients to ensure the health and safety of your pet. Another plus to this recipe is the addition of Halo’s DreamCoat blend which provides the right balance of Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
4. Blue Buffalo: Wilderness Puppy Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top Igredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch
This grain-free kibble by Blue Buffalo is suitable for puppies of all sizes. The chicken in this recipe provides ample protein to your growing puppy. DHA, ARA, and omega fatty acids in this kibble promote brain, eye, and coat health. The use of nutrient-rich superfoods such as blueberries and carrots enriches this kibble with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Your Bichon Frise gets an additional health boost from Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource bits that support whole-body health.
5. Wellness: Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Small Breed Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Canola Oil
This kibble by Wellness is made for Bichon Frise dogs that suffer from allergies or sensitivities. The gluten-free dry food is fortified with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine that ensure complete health. Simple ingredients such as salmon, peas, and potatoes provide a balanced meal. Your pet will find this kibble easy to digest because it is rich in fiber, inulin, and added probiotics. This kibble is designed to support digestive and immune function, as well as healthy coat and skin.
6. Holistic Select: Small & Mini Breed Puppy Health Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meals Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: Anchovy and Sardine Meal, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Chicken Fat
Holistic Select’s Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meals recipe will even appeal to the pickiest Bichon Frise puppy. This kibble contains the right balance of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones. Your pup gets a good balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and fiber with this recipe. Additional superfoods such as pumpkin and cranberries boost immune function with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
7. Nutro: Natural Choice Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, Brewers Rice
This formula by Nutro is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of your adult Bichon Frise. With ample protein from chicken, carbohydrates from peas, and fiber from barley and oatmeal, this kibble is a complete and balanced meal. This recipe also includes wholesome superfoods such as pumpkin, spinach, and kale that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If your Bichon Frise is at risk for developing musculoskeletal issues such as hip dysplasia, the added glucosamine and chondroitin will be beneficial for them.
8. Castor & Pollux: ORGANIX Organic Small Breed Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Potatoes, Organic Peas
Castor and Pollux is a pet food brand that manufactures USDA certified organic food for your pet. This small-breed kibble is rich in natural proteins from chicken and chicken meal, while sweet potatoes and potatoes provide carbohydrates. Superfoods such as flaxseed and blueberries provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This grain-free kibble is great for dogs who experience sensitivities or digestive issues since it contains prebiotic fiber and probiotics. Taurine, glucosamine, and chondroitin in this recipe ensure joint and heart health.
9. Now Fresh: Grain-Free Small Breed Senior Weight Management Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: De-Boned Turkey, Potatoes, Peas, Potato Flour, Pea Flour
If your senior Bichon Frise is struggling with maintaining a healthy weight, Now Fresh’s Weight Management recipe could be the right choice. Lean proteins from turkey, salmon and duck are combined with potatoes and peas that provide carbohydrates. The wholesome berries, fruits and vegetable are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Your senior dog will love this easily digestible kibble that contains additional L-carnitine to help burn fat. This filler-free kibble is fortified with essential nutrients such as taurine, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
10. Nature’s Recipe: Small Breed Grain-Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Pea Starch
This grain-free formula by Nature’s Recipe combines chicken, peas and sweet potatoes for a delicious meal. Nature’s Recipe combines the best of nature to create a dog food free of artificial additives. This recipe is simple but contains all the necessary nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In addition, this kibble is further fortified with taurine, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and beta-carotene for overall wellness.
11. Solid Gold: Mighty Mini Gut Health Small & Toy Breed Puppy Grain-Free Chicken, Chickpea & Pumpkin Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Pea Protein
This Mighty Mini recipe by Solid Gold is made with 30% protein and 18% fats which is great for your Bichon Frise. This hearty meal includes lean proteins from chicken and chicken meal, while chickpeas and peas provide fiber. DHA from fish meal maintains healthy nervous and optic function.
Twenty nutrient-dense superfoods such as pumpkin, blueberries, and carrots are included that contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This recipe uses a single protein source and added probiotics so it is great for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.
12. Merrick: Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley
This Healthy Grains recipe by Merrick contains protein from real chicken. Healthy grains such as brown rice and quinoa contain fiber to aid digestion. Essential nutrients such as omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin promote skin and joint health. This kibble is delicious and easy to digest because of the added probiotics. Merrick’s hand-crafted recipes are created in small batches and perfected to deliver a balance of nutrients.
13. Weruva: Amazon Liver with Chicken & Chicken Liver in Pumpkin Soup Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Top Ingredients: Chicken (Boneless, Skinless, White Breast), Water Sufficient for Processing, Chicken Liver, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Potato Starch
Weruva’s premium Amazon Liver recipe is made with chicken and chicken liver that provide essential amino acids. Pumpkin and sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates that are easily digestible. Tender chunks of real chicken liver are served in a pumpkin gravy that your Bichon Frise will love. Added vitamins and minerals make this a balanced kibble. You can serve this wet food as a complete meal, a snack, or a topper for kibble.
14. ACANA: Wholesome Grains Small Breed Recipe Gluten-Free Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Whole Millet
Acana is a premium pet food brand that uses 60-65% animal ingredients for a protein-rich meal. This recipe by Acana contains protein from chicken and chicken meal. Healthy whole grains such as sorghum and millet contain fiber to aid digestion. Your pet gets a good deal of DHA and EPA from fish oil to support healthy eye and brain function, while taurine and glucosamine strengthen joints. This recipe is further fortified with the addition of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote immune health.
Buyer’s Guide
When buying food for your Bichon Frise, keep in mind that they need more calories compared to a larger dog. There are certain key differences between your small Bichon Frise and a larger dog. As a result, the kind of nutrition that your Bichon Frise needs can only be delivered with a small-breed formula. Small-breed formulas are made with the following in mind:
Faster metabolism
Small-breed dogs burn through calories much faster than a larger dog. They need a nutrient-dense meal that delivers more calories per pound of body weight.
Small Mouths
Small-breed dogs cannot chew on a large kibble due to their small mouths. Small-breed kibble is made in the right size for your dog to chew on easily.
Stomach Size
Due to their small stomachs, Bichon Frise cannot eat a large amount of food at once. As a result, a nutrient-dense food that keeps them feeling full even with a small amount is a better option.
Metabolism-Enhancing Ingredients
A faster metabolism means your Bichon Frise will digest food much faster. If their food is not easy to digest, it can lead to digestive issues. Small-breed diets contain highly digestible ingredients, fiber, and added probiotics to aid digestion.
More Calories, Not More Food
Keep in mind that your Bichon needs more calories, not more food. Overfeeding your pet can lead to serious health issues. A small-breed formula contains more calories so that your pet gets the right amount of nutrients without overfeeding.
How to Buy Food for Your Bichon Frise
When it comes to shopping for products, it can be difficult due to the multiple options available. It is important that you make an informed decision, which is why you should have knowledge about the ingredients in a quality product.
Keep reading to find out how to choose the best food that will suit your Bichon Frise’s nutritional needs.
1. Balanced Nutrition
You should opt for high-quality products that provide balanced nutrition. A balanced food must include quality meat sources, easily digestible carbohydrates, vitamins, fiber, minerals, and Omega fatty acids. High-quality products provide richer nutrition so you won’t have to worry about your Bichon Frise feeling hungry soon after mealtime.
2. Read The Ingredient List
Always read the list of ingredients to be sure. Sometimes, a label might state turkey as the protein source, but chicken meal is also included which cannot be eaten by dogs with a chicken allergy. Vague listings such as “meat meal” and “poultry by-products” provide no information as to what is included. Identifying ingredients is also key to finding the right food. Certain ingredients such as wheat, corn, and soy do not belong in your pet’s food.
3. Named Ingredients are Necessary
You should not make a purchase if the ingredients are not identifiable. If you see any mention of “meat meal”, “poultry by-products”, or “meat by-products”, you cannot be sure the food is safe for your pet. Bichon Frises that suffer from allergies or sensitivities should never be fed a diet that includes unnamed ingredients.
4. Healthy Grains
If your pet does is not allergic or sensitive to grains, you should feed them a quality grain-inclusive diet. However, not all grains are created equal. The grains you should avoid in your pet’s food include wheat, corn, and soy. While healthier grain options include barley, brown rice, and quinoa that are rich in fiber.
5. Omega Fatty Acids are Key
Omega fatty acids are necessary for complete health in dogs as they play many vital roles. They contribute to the health of many organs such as the brain, skin, and eyes. When buying dog food, look for ingredients such as fish oil, fish meal, flaxseed, sunflower oil, and canola oil which are rich in Omega Fatty Acids.
6. Size of Kibble
When buying food for your Bichon Frise, the kibble size is also important. Since they are small-breed dogs, they need an appropriately sized kibble or it will cause difficulties in eating and digestion. Small-breed kibble is specially designed for a smaller dog and provides the right amount of calories.
7. Life-Stage Appropriate Nutrition
If a food is labelled with “complete and balanced meal”, it is a sign that it meets the AAFCO requirements for life-stage appropriate nutrition. Life-stage needs are only met by life-stage appropriate dog food.
8. Special Considerations
Your Bichon Frise will have his/her preferences that are just as important as the above. Allergies will require dietary changes, as will dietary preferences. There’s no use in buying a salmon-flavored kibble if your dog doesn’t like the taste or smell of fish.
FAQs
Can I feed my Bichon Frise a raw diet?
You can certainly feed your Bichon Frise a raw diet, but you should make sure that the meals are balanced with fruits, vegetables, and fiber. There are many available options such as freeze-dried meat but they can be expensive.
Do I have to feed my Bichon Frise a small-breed formula?
A small-breed formula is designed to accommodate for key differences in digestion, physiology, and metabolism between small and large-breed dogs. They provide the nutrition your Bichon Frise needs.
How many calories does my Bichon Frise need daily?
Adult active Bichon Frises need 400-660 calories per day while senior or inactive dogs need 300-500. Puppies need even more calories to support growth.
What health issues is my Bichon Frise prone to?
- Hyperadrenocorticism
- Allergies
- Patellar luxation
- Cataracts
- Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
- Legg-Perthes disease
- Liver disease
Is a limited ingredient diet better for my Bichon Frise?
If your Bichon Frise suffers from allergies or sensitivities, you should consider feeding them a limited ingredient diet. If your pet is perfectly healthy, then there is no need for a limited ingredient diet.
Do Bichon Frise have sensitive stomachs?
Due to their small size, Bichon Frises might experience digestive issues if their food doesn’t contain enough fiber and probiotics. The Bichon Frise breed is also prone to food-related allergies which affects their stomach.
Can my Bichon Frise eat cheese?
Cheese is safe for your Bichon Frise in moderation, but avoid giving too much because cheese is rich in fats. Your pet can develop pancreatitis if they are given cheese on a regular basis.
Can I give peanut butter to my Bichon Frise?
Peanut butter makes for a great treat in small quantities. However, it is important that it doesn’t contain any chocolate or xylitol as these are toxic for dogs.
Are Bichon Frise hypoallergenic?
While no breed is truly hypoallergenic, Bichon Frise are low-shedding so they can be a good choice for allergic pet-owners.
What is the best food for my Bichon Frise?
The best food for your Bichon Frise should contain a healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber. The first ingredient should be meat combined with healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes, healthy grains like quinoa and brown rice, and rich sources of omega fatty acids.
How much exercise does my Bichon Frise need?
Bichon Frise need anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes of exercise daily. Their small size makes them suitable for apartment living since they don’t need much space to exercise. Exercise is key to maintaining your pet’s health because an inactive lifestyle can negatively affect their health.
Are Bichon Frise easy to train?
Bichon Frise are eager to please their owners which makes them easy to train. They are fast learners but need a firm yet gentle hand. Bichon Frise do best with positive reinforcement, especially in verbal form.
How many meals does my Bichon Frise need in a day?
A Bichon Frise puppy will need four small meals, while an adult Bichon Frise needs two to three small meals a day.
What ingredients are best for my Bichon Frise’s coat?
Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids are responsible for many vital roles including skin and coat health. When reading the ingredients, look for fish oil, fish meal, and flaxseed as these are rich in omega fatty acids.
How many treats can I give to my Bichon Frise?
Animal nutritionists recommend that only 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake should be from treats. Treats can be rich in calories which is why too many can be harmful for your pet’s health.
What should not be present in my Bichon Frise’s food?
Your Bichon Frise’s food should not contain the following ingredients:
- Wheat
- Corn
- Soy
- Soybean Meal
- Corn Gluten Meal
- Carrageenan
- Artificial colors
- BHT
- BHA
Why is my Bichon Frise suddenly allergic to his food?
Allergies develop gradually in dogs with exposure to a certain ingredient. While it seems as if your pet is suddenly allergic, they have developed the allergy over a period of time due to consuming the same food.
How can I prevent my senior Bichon Frise from gaining too much weight?
Senior Bichon Frises can gain weight more easily since their activity levels are lower. There are many weight management recipes that contain fewer calories but are supplemented with necessary nutrients for your aging pet.
Which ingredients promote easy digestion in my Bichon Frise’s food?
Ingredients that support healthy digestion include fiber, pre and probiotics. Fiber is usually from grains or carbohydrates, while pre and probiotics are added. Foods that contain brown rice, quinoa, flaxseed, chicory root, and probiotics are the best for digestion.
Why does my Bichon Frise keep begging for treats?
Dogs have a tendency to beg for treats, even if they are not hungry. However, if this is a recurrent problem for your Bichon Frise despite feeding them enough food, it could be because their food does not contain the necessary amount of nutrients or due to poor training. You should consult your vet to determine the cause of this behavior.