12 of the Best Dog Food for Bichon Frise (2022 Feeding Guide)

Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby Texas

Last Update:

The Rundown

Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Adult Dry Dog Food
“Your Bichon Frise deserves the best and Blue Buffalo Adult Dry Dog Food only has top quality ingredients supplemented with immune-boosting LifeSource Bits. Not only will your fur ball love its delicious flavor, it will also give him the nutrients he needs.”

Best Value for the Money: Diamond Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food
“The Diamond Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food contains premium quality ingredients that are usually present only in products at a higher price range. At less than a dollar per pound, this superfood-packed kibble is budget-friendly and wholesome.”

Best for Weight Management: Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet
“Keep your dog’s weight in check with a diet that has everything he needs and more. The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet does not only regulate your dog’s weight, it also gives your dog’s skin and coat a boost and a shine!

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A Bichon Frise needs proper nourishment from a young age. They’re highly energetic, so their food needs to offer them enough energy to see them through their day. At the same time, they need to remain slim to prevent joint problems, so a low-calorie dog food with added joint supplements is ideal. 

The best dog food for Bichon Frise pups must also nourish that curly coat, and give them all the micronutrients they need to stay healthy. 

Below are 12 dog foods we recommend. Compare them and find the best one for you and your Bichon Frise!

Product Name
Best Value for Money
Best for Weight Management
Our ranking
Ranked #1
Ranked #2
Ranked #3
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb
Diamond Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food with Wild Caught Salmon 30lb
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Weight Management + Urinary Care for Dogs 6Lbs
Our grade
Our Rating 92/100
Our Rating 90/100
Our Rating 89/100
Feature 1
LifeSource Bits boost the immune system
Added probiotics for better digestion
Retains a high protein count
Feature 2
High Omega fatty acid levels
Contains superfood ingredients
Dual-purpose dog food
Premium Option
Our ranking
Ranked #1
Thumbnail
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb
Our grade
Our Rating 92/100
Feature 1
LifeSource Bits boost the immune system
Feature 2
High Omega fatty acid levels
Buy Now Button
Custom Button
Best Value for Money
Our ranking
Ranked #2
Thumbnail
Diamond Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food with Wild Caught Salmon 30lb
Our grade
Our Rating 90/100
Feature 1
Added probiotics for better digestion
Feature 2
Contains superfood ingredients
Buy Now Button
Custom Button
Best for Weight Management
Our ranking
Ranked #3
Thumbnail
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Weight Management + Urinary Care for Dogs 6Lbs
Our grade
Our Rating 89/100
Feature 1
Retains a high protein count
Feature 2
Dual-purpose dog food
Buy Now Button
Custom Button
Sources researched
25
Sources researched
Customer reviews
17,564
Customer reviews
Hours spent testing
19
Hours spent testing
Products tested
12
Products tested

Best Dog Food for Bichon Frise

Here are our top picks for the best dog food for Bichon Frise:

1. Blue Buffalo Adult Dry Dog Food

Premium Option: Healthy and immune-boosting recipe

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb
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Key Features

  • Moderate protein and good fat count 
  • High Omega fatty acid levels 
  • Added joint supplements 
  • LifeSource Bits boost the immune system

We recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for your Bichon Frise. It’s made from a combination of top quality ingredients and includes extra supplements to prevent the most common Bichon Frise health conditions, such as joint dysplasia and urinary stones. 

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Immune-Boosting and Health-Promoting 

This dog food is available in only one flavor but it’s packed with the best ingredients, including deboned chicken, chicken meal, healthy whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. 

A protein count of 24% is ideal for maintaining muscle mass, and 14% fat will provide enough energy for a moderately active Bichon Frise. 

High Omega fatty acid levels nourish that pretty coat, while glucosamine strengthens your dog’s joints. The added LifeSource Bits contain extra vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that fortify your dog’s immune system, keeping diseases away.

2. Diamond Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food

Best Value for Money: Wholesome dog food at less than a dollar per pound

Diamond Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food with Wild Caught Salmon 30lb
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Key Features

  • Added probiotics for better digestion 
  • Contains superfood ingredients 
  • No chicken ingredients for sensitive tummies 
  • Omegas and DHA included

Choose Diamond Naturals if you’re looking for a premium quality dog food that’s well within your budget. It comes with an excellent ingredient list which is complemented by vitamins, minerals, and probiotics for better digestion. 

It contains DHA so it may be suitable for less energetic Bichon Frise puppies. Adult dogs can also benefit from DHA. It improves vision and nourishes brain tissue, keeping their eyes and minds sharp as they age.

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Wallet-Friendly Premium Dog Food 

While Diamond Naturals dog food comes at an affordable price, it’s loaded with top-of-the-range ingredients, including superfoods like kale, chia seeds, blueberries, and kelp. This adds natural flavor and an array of vitamins and minerals that meet your dog’s dietary requirements. 

Salmon and fish meal make up the 25% protein count. They are also responsible for the high Omega fatty acid levels, which nourishes your Bichon Frise’s coat and skin. Potatoes, lentils, and peas are the main carb sources, so take note if your dog has allergies to any of those.

3. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet

Best for Weight Management: Lower in fat and includes L-carnitine for energy management

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Weight Management + Urinary Care for Dogs 6Lbs
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Key Features

  • Retains a high protein count 
  • Dual-purpose dog food 
  • Regulates metabolism 
  • Balanced minerals

Bichon Frise are prone to becoming overweight. The lower fat count plus L-carnitine in this dog food help your chunky dog to lose weight. It’s also a urinary care food. As Bichon Frise dogs are prone to urinary stones, this food boosts health in more ways than one. 

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Dual-Purpose Veterinary Diet Dry Dog Food 

This grain-free food works by lowering the fat count, so your dog’s body uses its own fat stores for energy. It contains 10% fat, but it keeps a high protein count of 30% to maintain muscle mass. The muscles offer support to the bones and joints while your dog is losing excess pounds. 

Its premium quality ingredient list is strengthened by added vitamins and minerals. These help boost your dog’s immune system and keep urinary infections away. L-carnitine helps to regulate the metabolism.

4. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Best for Multi-Dog Families: Suitable nutrients for puppies, adults, and senior dogs

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Key Features

  • Contains DHA, which is helpful for puppies and seniors 
  • Good calcium phosphorus ratio 
  • Joint supplements added 
  • High protein and moderate fat

Pet parents who have several Bichon Frise dogs at various life stages or a second dog of a different breed can be confident feeding their Bichon Frise and other dogs this kibble. It’s designed to meet the nutritional needs of puppies, adult dogs, and seniors. 

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Suitable for Dogs of All Breeds and Ages 

This is a high-protein, grain-free dog food made from wholesome ingredients. It comes in a range of flavors, including salmon, chicken, beef, and lamb. Their nutritional profiles are all very similar. 

High protein and fat counts benefit dogs of all ages. A perfect calcium/phosphorus ratio and the addition of DHA make it suitable for growing puppies. DHA also helps keep seniors’ eyes and brains sharp. 

Omega fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin are helpful for dogs of all ages and breeds. Whether you have two Bichons of different ages or a Bichon and another breed of dog, you can feed this food safely and confidently to both of them.

5. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Best without Glucosamine: Great for dogs who are already on a joint supplement

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe with Roasted Bison and Venison Adult Dry Dog Food, Made with High Protein from Real Meat and Guaranteed Nutrients 14lb
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Key Features

  • High in both protein and fat 
  • Grain-free recipe 
  • High levels of Omegas 
  • Added probiotics

We recommend Taste of the Wild dog food for a  Bichon Frise who is already taking a joint supplement. It’s high in protein and fat and would be best suited for an active Bichon Frise. 

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Nutrient-Rich and Highly Digestible 

The 32% protein in this dog food comes from ten different protein sources , but all are easily digestible. It has a high fat content, at 18%, making it ideal for dogs who get plenty of exercise and can burn it off. 

The Omega fatty acid content of this dog food is high enough to give your dog’s skin and coat a boost. Added vitamins and minerals strengthen the immune system, while probiotics increase the digestibility of Taste of the Wild kibble. 

These recipes are also available in a variety of flavors containing similar amounts of nutrients.

6. Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food

Best Limited Ingredient: Rich in all the nutrients and supplements a dog needs to avoid allergies

Acana Singles Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food, Grain Free, High Protein, Lamb & Apple, 13lb
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Key Features

  • Great variety of flavors 
  • Good protein and fat for small breeds 
  • Contains all the necessary supplements 
  • Suitable for all life stages

A Bichon Frise with allergies would benefit from this limited ingredient dog food. This kibble avoids common allergens while providing all the nutrients your small breed dog needs. 

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Best for Bichon Frise with Allergies 

Each of the five flavors contains only one protein source, making it easy for your Bichon Frise to avoid allergens but still eat what they enjoy. The flavors are extremely similar in nutritional value, differing only in the Omega fatty acid content. 

With 31% protein and 17% fat, it’s best for dogs who get a lot of exercise. Taurine promotes heart health and probiotics aid digestion. EPA and DHA are essential nutrients for puppies, but they benefit adults and seniors too by nourishing the brain, eyes, skin, and coat.

7. Blue Buffalo Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food

Best Low Protein: Lower in protein but remains high in fat for energetic pups

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain Free Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Duck & Potato 4-lb
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Key Features

  • Single source animal protein 
  • Variety of grain-free recipes 
  • Limited ingredient formula 
  • Contains immune-boosting LifeSourceBits

This dog food is best for a Bichon Frise whose vet has recommended a low-protein diet. It has limited ingredient formulation. It’s lower in protein but retains a good fat count for energy. 

There’s a range of recipes to choose from so your dog won’t get bored. Every recipe contains added supplements to improve your dog’s health.

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Immune-Boosting Bichon Frise Dog Food 

This limited ingredient, grain-free dog food reduces the chances of your Bichon Frise suffering from allergies. Each recipe contains a single source protein with a lower protein count. The fat count is at the optimum level for every recipe, perfect to energize a typical Bichon Frise. 

Aside from the real meat, fruits, and veggies in the ingredient list, you’ll find glucosamine, vitamin E and vitamin C, and Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits are the cherry on top and offer a great immune boost.

8. Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Best for Bichon Frise Seniors: High protein, lower fat, and without chicken for senior stomachs

Nulo Senior Grain Free Dog Food With Glucosamine And Chondroitin (Trout And Sweet Potato Recipe, 11Lb Bag), Model:Senior Trout & Sweet Potato
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Key Features

  • No chicken ingredients 
  • Low fat count but remains high in protein 
  • Contains joint supplements 
  • Added L-carnitine for metabolic support

Seniors need a specific nutrient profile in their dog food. The Nulo Freestyle Dry Dog Food comes highly recommended because it avoids common food allergens and grains while offering a full range of supplements. It’s especially formulated to help senior Bichon Frises stay healthy as they age. 

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Caters for Seniors’ Stomachs and Joints 

None of the ingredients in this dog food are known as common allergens. Despite the main protein sources being fish, the Omega 6 fatty acids aren’t as high as they could be. 

Probiotics are present to help seniors’ tummies digest more easily. L-carnitine helps the body make the most of the energy from fat. 

The protein level is high, maintaining muscle mass while the lowered fat count accommodates a senior’s decreasing activity levels. Glucosamine and chondroitin help to keep aging joints strong and flexible. 

9. Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Food

Best for Bichon Frise Puppies: Puppy-specific nutrition to help them develop properly

Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food Real Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe - 4.0 lb Bag
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Key Features

  • Smaller kibble size for puppies 
  • DHA for healthy eye and brain growth 
  • Joint supplements added 
  • High-quality, wholesome ingredients

This puppy-specific dog food contains everything a little Bichon Frise needs to develop in a healthy way. It’s also made with smaller kibbles, so your Bichon Frise puppy can eat comfortably without struggling. 

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Great Nutrition for Bichon Frise Puppies 

This dog food’s high-quality ingredient list is the best way to start your Bichon Frise puppy off in life. The nutrients and added supplements in this food will help build his immune system. A decent level of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids keep his coat and skin moisturized. 

DHA is included to help your puppy’s brain and eyes develop properly. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also present so your little one’s joints are protected from the start. Taurine is a helpful addition that can improve heart health, immune system function, and eye health.

10. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Best for Active Dogs: High in healthy protein and fat

Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Small Breed, 12-Pound Bag
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Key Features

  • Small kibble size for small breeds 
  • Provides the right amount of energy for active dogs 
  • Contains joint supplements 
  • High in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

We recommend this grain-free small breed dog food for Bichon Frises who get vigorous daily exercise. Dogs who are active will be able to make the most of the high protein and fat counts in this dog food. Added joint supplements also support active joints. 

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High in Fat for Energy 

15% fat should provide enough energy for a daily run and general daily activity. 36% protein from turkey and chicken meal help to build muscle to support your dog’s active lifestyle. Higher-than-average glucosamine and chondroitin levels make sure their joints are protected during exercise. 

Fruits and vegetables such as spinach,broccoli, carrots, blueberries, and apples are all packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Probiotics and prebiotics help your dog’s digestive system to absorb all these nutrients efficiently.

11. Wellness CORE 95% Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

Best Wet Food: High quality protein, lower in calories than most

Wellness CORE 95% Natural Wet Grain Free Canned Dog Food, Beef & Carrots,12.5-Ounce Can (Pack of 12)
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Key Features

  • Higher in protein than most wet foods 
  • Healthy real food ingredients 
  • Chelated minerals for easy digestion 
  • Great for adding moisture to your dog’s diet

Be careful not to feed your Bichon Frise too much canned food as it can increase his calories dramatically. But it’s good to have if your dog needs soft food for a few days, and Wellness CORE 95% is our top recommendation, thanks to its healthy nutrient profile

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Higher in Protein than Most 

This canned dog food contains 10% protein, which comes from real beef. It also has carrots, which provide vitamins, minerals, and beta carotene (vitamin A). The 78% moisture content is one way to keep your dog properly hydrated.

Chelated minerals make the dog food more digestible. Biotin, which is another name for vitamin B7, helps to treat skin and fur health conditions. There’s no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives in this canned food. 

We don’t recommend feeding your dog only canned foods. The best dog foods should contain more quality protein and better quality ingredients.

12. Wellness CORE SIX Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Best for Skin & Coat: High in essential fatty acids to nourish the coat and skin

Wellness CORE SIX Sustainably-Sourced Salmon with Chickpeas Recipe, 22-Pound Bag
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Key Features

  • Just 6 ingredients 
  • High protein and fat counts 
  • High in both Omega-3 and Omega-6 
  • Added joint supplements

This grain-free recipe is unusually high in Omega-3 fatty acids, and has good levels of Omega-6 too. These are wonderful for your Bichon Frise’s skin and coat health, so we recommend it if they have dry, itchy skin or brittle fur from allergies. 

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High Quality Ingredients 

Animal protein from salmon is responsible for the high protein count as well as the impressive Omega content in this dog food. Peas and chickpeas make up the carb content, both of which are also great sources of fiber. 

It’s free from potential allergens, ensuring that the Omegas don’t go to waste on your dog’s skin and fur. 

The high fat count (15%) makes it great for active dogs. Joint supplements keep your Bichon Frise’s little joints flexible and strong too. 


Key Elements in a Bichon Frise Dog’s Diet 

The right ingredients can help keep disease away, strengthen your dog’s body, and prevent possible health problems. Your dog’s diet should be complete and balanced, and consist of easily digestible ingredients. 

Here’s what you need to look for on the guaranteed analysis list. 

Protein 

Protein is responsible for building muscle and repairing cells. A high-quality animal protein should be the first ingredient on a Bichon Frise food. Plant proteins are acceptable if they’re not the main protein source. 

The average Bichon Frise will need between 25% and 35% protein in their dog food. As a general rule, the more active your dog is, the more protein they will need. 

Because Bichon Frises tend to suffer from allergies, some proteins may not be suitable for them. Chicken, beef, lamb, and egg products are common allergens. This will depend on the dog, though. 

A low-protein diet should be avoided unless specifically recommended by your dog’s veterinarian. 

Fat 

The fat content is what provides your dog with energy. Small breeds like Bichon Frises actually need more fat than large breeds to keep their energy up. 

Kibble for Bichon Frise dogs should contain 14% or 15% fat. More than that is acceptable only if your dog is very active and can burn it off. 

Weight management foods contain lower fat counts. Overweight Bichon Frises may benefit from a low fat diet – between 9 and 12% fat. 

Named animal fat (eg. chicken fat, pork fat) is first  prize. Other good sources of fat include canola oil and flaxseed. Note that crude fat is different to the Omega fatty acid content. 

Healthy Carbohydrates 

The carbohydrate content isn’t as important as the quality of its source. Carbohydrates don’t provide energy, but instead offer vitamins and fiber. 

Fruits and vegetables are the best carbohydrate sources. They add healthy nutrients and are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Be careful of potatoes and legumes, as they can be allergens. 

Gluten-free grains are also healthy and loaded with fiber. These may include rice, oatmeal, barley, sorghum, millet, and quinoa. 

Carbohydrate ingredients you don’t want to see are corn, wheat, and soy. This includes different forms like corn gluten meal or wheat gluten. These are indigestible and contain no nutritional value. They can contribute to or cause allergies. 

Omega Fatty Acids 

Feed your Bichon Frise a food containing high Omega levels to nourish the coat and skin, keeping your dog’s white fur healthy and lush. 

You’ll find both Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids on a dog food label. They’re both important, and we recommend choosing a food for Bichon Frise dogs that contains between 2% and 3% Omega 6. 

If you can’t find these on the guaranteed analysis list, they’re also known as Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) and alpha-linoleic acid, or ALA (Omega 3). 

Two other important Omegas are DHA and EPA, which are both Omega 3s. These encourage healthy growth, and are essential for puppies and pregnant dogs

Joint Supplements 

The Bichon Frise is small, but his tiny joints need all the support they can get. Most dog foods for Bichon Frise will contain joint supplements to strengthen and maintain joint mobility. 

Glucosamine is what you’re looking for. Sometimes it’s joined by chondroitin. Levels can vary from 200mg/kg to 1200mg/kg. 

Not all dog foods for Bichon Frise will contain these joint supplements. If you choose a kibble without it, we advise buying a separate supplement to keep your dog’s joints protected from wear and tear. 

These supplements are even more important if your dog is overweight. They will protect the joints from excess strain caused by extra pounds. 


Common Health Problems 

The right food for Bichon Frise dogs can help reduce their chances of developing health problems. Here are the most common conditions to watch out for. 

1) Joint Dysplasia 

Knee, hip, and elbow dysplasia can affect even small breed dogs. It happens when the ball and   socket joint in the hip doesn’t move smoothly, and it deteriorates over time and loses its strength. 

Bichon Frises are bouncy dogs and their activity can put strain on their joints. Symptoms include: 

  • A loss of interest in physical activity 
  • A decreased range of motion in the joint 
  • Lameness or stiffness in certain joints 
  • Displaying signs of pain when walking, running, or standing 
  • A strange “bunny hop” walk 

This condition is more common in overweight dogs. Extra weight puts pressure on the joints with every step. Weight loss is the first step in treating joint dysplasia. 

Joint supplements in a Bichon Frise dog kibble are essential to strengthen the joints and protect them against impact. Otherwise, supplementation with chews is necessary. 

2) Intervertebral Disc Disease 

Intervertebral Disc Disease can cause pain, partial paralysis in the hind limbs, and a loss of feeling. It occurs in one of three specific places: the neck, the middle of the back, or the lower back. 

Between every vertebra is an intervertebral disc, which acts as a shock absorber. When these discs begin to wear away, the vertebrae begin to rub against one another, causing pain. But the worst of IVD is when the center of the disc pops out and presses against the spinal cord. This leads to pain and an inhibition of movement. 

Any kibble containing a good amount of calcium and joint supplements should help. We recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula, as it’s not only great for the bones and joints, but it also contains immune-boosting ingredients that help to keep weight stable, which is a big factor in reducing the chances of developing this condition. 

3) Urinary Problems 

Bichon Frises are also prone to urinary stones and diabetes. Stones can form as a result of urinary tract infections, highly acidic food, or an increased level of purines. Purines are mostly found in beef and legumes. 

Symptoms of urinary stones include struggling to urinate and blood in the urine. Symptoms of diabetes include: 

  • More frequent urination 
  • Excessive thirst 
  • Weight loss despite an increased appetite 

The first step to preventing both of these conditions is a healthy diet. A high quality ingredient list, moderate protein levels, high moisture, and vitamins and minerals are essential. 

We recommend Blue Buffalo Weight Management Dry Dog Food. It’s free from beef, legumes, and low-quality fillers. It also contains cranberries, which are known to improve urinary health. The low fat count and balanced mineral content also help. 

4) Food Allergies 

Food allergies are common in Bichon Frises. Often, these manifest as skin and fur conditions, or digestive problems like vomiting and diarrhea. 

Food allergies can develop suddenly. The most common food ingredients that dogs are allergic to are: 

  • Chicken 
  • Beef 
  • Dairy products 
  • Grains containing gluten, such as corn, wheat, and soy 

If your dog is displaying discomfort, scratching excessively, or shedding an unusual amount, allergies could be the reason. 

It can be difficult to pinpoint the ingredient your dog is allergic to. We recommend switching to a limited ingredient diet if your dog shows signs of allergies. 
We suggest Wellness CORE SIX Dry Dog Food. It’s packed with Omegas to heal and nourish the coat and skin, and is made from just 6 healthy ingredients. Other highly recommended limited ingredient brands include Acana Singles and Blue Buffalo Basics.


Questions & Answers

How often should I feed my Bichon Frise? What’s the correct schedule? 

A Bichon Frise won’t handle large meals. Their daily calories should be split between two or three meals per day, from the age of about 10 weeks. 

Calculate how much your dog should be eating based on their weight. Their kibble will have a handy feeding chart on the packaging that you can use to calculate their daily calorie intake. 

Split this total between two meals – one in the morning, and one in the evening. If your dog starts to leave food behind in the morning, it’s a sign that you should be feeding him three meals instead of two. 

Simply split the daily calorie count in three instead of two, and make sure you’re feeding the right amount at each meal. 

Is grain-free dog food bad for Bichon Frise?

A grain-free food isn’t necessarily bad for Bichon Frise dogs. Some dogs will handle grains well, but dogs with a sensitive stomach may have trouble digesting them. 

You can feed your Bichon Frise a grain-free kibble from the start. Or, you can feed them a food containing grains and see how their stomach deals with it

If you do choose to feed your dog a food containing grains, make sure the grains are gluten-free. Avoid corn, wheat, and soy in all forms. These can be detrimental to your dog’s health, but gluten-free grains can be quite healthy, even providing a good amount of fiber. 

How do I transition my Bichon Frise from one dog food to another? 

Switching your dog from one kibble to another should be a well thought-out process. On day one, mix 10% new kibble with 90% of their regular food. Let your Bichon Frise eat this combination for a few days. 

If they show no signs of digestive distress or allergies, increase it to 20% new kibble and 80% old kibble. Again, give it a few days. If all goes well, increase it to 50/50% for a few days, then 75% new food and 25% old, until you can switch them out entirely. 

If your dog shows any signs of digestive discomfort or reluctance to eat the mixed food, it could be a sign that they’re not happy with the new food. 

How much food should I feed my Bichon Frise? 

This depends on two things: how many calories per day they need, and how many calories are in the food you’re feeding your dog. 

An active Bichon Frise—that is, one who gets daily exercise in the form of a walk or vigorous play—will need between 400 and 650 calories in a day. Seniors and less active dogs need between 300 and 500. 

Get a baseline calorie count by using the chart on the back of your dog’s food. To figure out if your dog is eating the right amount, look at his weight. If he’s starting to get a big pudgy, reduce his calories by 50 and wait a few days to see how he responds. If you can see his ribs, increase his calories by 50 and give it a few days. 

Once you have an idea of how many calories your dog should be eating, you’ll need to figure out how much of his food to feed him. For example, imagine that: 

  • Your dog needs 600 calories per day 
  • Split between three meals 
  • One cup of food contains 300 calories 

You’ll need to give him ⅔ cup per meal to reach 600. Remember, treats need to be added to the calorie count. Even just a few extra treats per day can push him over his correct weight and lead to health issues. 

What vegetables are good in a Bichon Frise food? 

Fruits and veggies offer an excellent array of vitamins and minerals. Sweet potato, squash, and pumpkin are wonderful for providing sustained energy and adding extra fiber to your pup’s diet. 

Chickpeas, lentils, and peas can be good options for dogs who aren’t sensitive to legumes. Some dogs may be able to handle potatoes, but others may react badly to them. 

Greens are healthy and easy to digest. Spinach, broccoli, kale, and collard greens are often found in dog kibble. Carrots are a wonderful source of beta carotene that offer many health benefits. 

For a complete list of foods your dog can’t eat, read our guide

Mike Powell

Mike is an avid dog lover and writer. He’s based in Los Angeles, CA where he grew up in a household surrounded by pets. He’s been a dog owner all his life and he uses this extensive experience of having dogs as part of his family to share valuable, practical tips to improve other people’s dog parenting experience.