Best Dog Foods for Bichon Frises 2023

Hey there Bichon parents! This ultimate guide lists all of the best dog foods for Bichon Frises in 2023.

After testing a range of different products, I found Nutro to be the best dog food for Bichon Frises.

Before writing this article, I reached out to my good pal Maria. She has the cutest little Bichon Frise called Bessie. Together, she spent hours testing different dog foods so that I could find the best options out there.

It’s important to find food that suits a specific dog breed. Like many dog breeds, a Bichon needs plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy sources of fat.

After this testing experience with Bessie, I found Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food to be the clear winner. The reason for this is that it is specifically designed for the needs of small dogs, such as promoting healthy coat and skin.

Other products were also considered for the top spot. For instance, Royal Canin has a formula customized for this brand. Yet, no other brand was able to provide the impressive range of benefits that Nutro had to offer.

So let’s get started!

Short on Time? Here Are The Best Dog Foods for Bichon Frises

• Best Overall – Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
• Best Value – Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
• Best Dry Food for Bichon Frise Puppies – Rachael Ray Nutrish Little Bites Small Breed Dry Dog Food
• Best for Senior Bichon Frise – Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Shredded Blend Adult Dry Dog Food
• Best for Active Bichon Frise – Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Best for Picky Eaters – Iams Adult Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food
• Best Breed-Specific – Royal Canin Bichon Frise Adult Dry Dog Food
• Best Budget Dog Food – Solid Gold Mighty Mini Toy & Small Breed Dry Dog Food
• Best for Bichon Frise with Allergies – Wellness CORE Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Best Grain-Free Option – Holistic Select Small & Mini Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

10 Best Foods for Bichon Frise Dogs in 2023

What is the best food for Bichon Frise dog? Read on to find out!

1. Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin), Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, Brewers Rice
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 24%, Crude Fat 16%, Crude Fiber 3.5%, Moisture 10%
• Calories: 352 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Protein-rich formula for small dogs

A dog’s diet should contain a balanced ratio of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Made with real meat and vegetables, this dry dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of adult dogs weighing less than 20 pounds. It’s perfect for dogs that need a lower-calorie diet to maintain their lean muscle mass.

This protein-rich formula is made especially for small breeds such as Bichon Frises, Chihuahuas, Maltese, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, and other small breed dogs. 

High-quality animal protein from farm-raised chicken and omega fatty acids from whole flaxseeds are perfect for dogs who need a lower-calorie diet to maintain their lean muscle mass. And, it promotes a healthy coat and skin too.

Chicken meal provides optimal levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, and taurine to promote joint health and aid in heart health.

Nutro’s formula is made with whole brown rice and whole-grain oatmeal to support your dog’s digestion and keep your pup from gaining too much weight. It helps your dog lose weight by providing a healthy balance of nutrients and calories.

It also includes coconut, kale, and pumpkin which are rich in essential vitamins and minerals that support your pooch’s immune system.

The kibble pieces are small and easy for chewing and digest.

2. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Turkey Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 27%, Crude Fat 16%, Crude Fiber 3.5%, Moisture 11%
• Calories: 404 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Dense nutritional formula for healthy joints

Merrick Classic is made for small breeds. For instance, it has small kibbles, which are super simple for your Bichon Frisé to consume.

It contains a variety of whole grains. This might be a warning sign for some dog owners, as many dogs are allergic or sensitive to grains. However, these grains have been perfectly chosen, allowing them to aid the digestion process of small dogs.

This formula also avoids some of the ingredients that commonly cause allergic reactions or irritation in dogs. This includes potatoes, peas, and lentils. So if your Bichon Frise is allergic to any of these ingredients, it can continue to consume Merrick Classic Healthy Grains. 

Additionally, Merrick Class’s dog food has not been made with any artificial preservatives. This ensures that your dog gets only high-quality healthy ingredients.

The main component of this recipe is real chicken, thus highlighting its quality. This chicken causes this food to be high in protein, which helps your dog to build muscle mass and ensures that it gets sufficient energy. This feature is brilliant for lively Bichon Frises.

Merrick Classic dog food has also been fortified with chondroitin and glucosamine. Both of these supplements contribute to healthy joints. This should save your little pup from having hip and joint problems.

3. Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Soybean Meal, Whole Corn
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28%, Crude Fat 16%, Crude Fiber 5%, Moisture 10%
• Calories: 390 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Protein-rich puppy food

Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy dog food is ideal for a Bichon Frise. Your canine pal will likely love these bitesize kibbles. They are suitable for dogs at different life stages, meaning that your pup can continue eating them throughout their life.

This brand also utilizes small kibbles, which are the perfect size for your puppy. These kibbles will also clean your dog’s teeth and prevent bad breath, thus improving its dental health. This can also prevent some of the dental issues that are associated with this dog breed. 

Furthermore, Rachael Ray’s dog food is made without artificial preservatives, flavors, or fillers. This guarantees that your fantastic furry friend is consuming the high-quality ingredients it deserves. 

In addition, not only are these ingredients often bad for your dog’s health but they are also linked to allergies. This means that Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy should not cause your dog to have an allergic reaction. Of course, it’s still recommended that you read through the ingredients list to double-check.

This dog food brand is also meant to support high energy levels in dogs, which is great for energetic Bichon Frises.

4. Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Shredded Blend Adult Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Poultry By-product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Corn Gluten Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 29%, Crude Fat 17%, Crude Fiber 3%, Moisture 12%
• Calories: 373 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Protein-rich dog food fortified with bone-supporting ingredients

Like many other dog food brands, Purina Pro Plan has devised a formula specifically for small breeds. Thanks to the nutritional benefits that it presents, Purina Pro may be brilliant for your Bichon Frise.

It’s rich in protein, which is fruitful for older dogs. This will give your dog lots of energy to go for an enjoyable run. Furthermore, this protein will help your dog to build strong muscles. As an energetic breed, Bichon Frisés can benefit from this feature.

Purina Pro Plan is also a great source of calcium and phosphorus, both of which can contribute to good bone and teeth health.

This dog food is formed of bitesize kibbles that can easily be eaten. These kibbles are mixed with shredded pieces, which add some textural variety. Most dogs will love this unique food texture.

Another excellent feature of this dog food is that it’s rich in vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids, which will nourish the coat of your Bichon Frise. Vitamin A is great for an aging dog’s vision and supports healthy skin, which should enhance the eye health of your furry friend.

Because of its high protein content and vitamin A, Purina Pro Plan Small Breed is fitting for senior dogs.

5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Chicken, Oatmeal, Barley
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 36%, Crude Fat 16%, Crude Fiber 5%, Moisture 10%
• Calories: 425 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Protein and antioxidant-rich food

This dog food is made from natural ingredients, which your dog will love the taste of. This includes real chicken, fruits, vegetables, and flaxseed. This ensures that your dog eats only high-quality ingredients that will contribute to a healthy diet.

Blue Buffalo’s food is also high in probiotics which will aid with digestive health. Thus, this might be a good solution for a Bichon Frise who struggles with digestion.

Plus, it contains LifeSource Bits. What is this? Well, it’s a natural nutrient blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that has been cleverly designed to aid the immune function of your dog. 

Thanks to this, your dog will have more energy. Not to mention, your Bichon Frise will have increased protection from harmful invaders. 

This small breed formula also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which will give your Bichon a lovely and shiny coat of fur. A healthy coat is a sign of good health. These fatty acids will also allow your dog to maintain healthy skin.

It’s worth bearing in mind that Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed is high in peas and potatoes. Carbohydrates are an important part of a dog’s diet, as they are a good source of energy. 

However, you should avoid giving them too many carbs. Excessive carb consumption can lead to your Bichon Frise putting on weight. Hence, it’s important to keep an eye on how many carbs your pup is eating.

6. Iams Adult Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Soybean Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 27%, Crude Fat 17%, Crude Fiber 4%, Moisture 10%
• Calories: 396 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Protein-rich food at a low price

Iams is a popular dog food brand. This version is made for small-breed dogs. As a result, it’s crafted to deliver the unique needs of Bichon Frisés.

It’s filled with omega-6 fatty acids from chicken fat, which will give your Bichon Frisé a shiny coat. As a result, your dog will have a healthy appearance.

Another fantastic feature of this dog food is that it’s made with farm-raised chicken that is packed with protein. Dogs will love the taste of this natural and high-quality chicken. After all, dogs love the flavor of chicken!

The formula also contains dried egg product which is one more excellent source of protein. Consequently, your Bichon Frise can build strong muscles.

And the wholesome grains like ground whole grain corn and ground whole grain sorghum will give your pup lots of energy for playing.

Next, dental problems are quite common among Bichon Frises. These kibbles are designed to promote healthy teeth. Not to mention, these kibbles will scrub your dog’s teeth, which will reduce plaque breakup. This can result in bad breath. If you are a dog owner, you are likely familiar with how bad your dog’s breath can be!

In addition, the recipe features beet pulp, which is packed with natural probiotics and fiber. This promotes healthy digestion. This feature will be useful for any pooch with digestive problems.

Talking about digestion, the formula also has flaxseed loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Fiber supports healthy bowel movement while antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids boost health, the immune system, skin, and coat.

Plus, Iams is formulated with minerals like calcium and manganese that help to build strong bones. This will help keep your dog’s joints healthy, which will massively profit your Bichon Frise. This is because joint issues are fairly common for this breed.

7. Royal Canin Bichon Frisé Adult Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Wheat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Brewers Rice, Wheat Gluten
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 27%, Crude Fat 13%, Crude Fiber 3.6%, Moisture 10%
• Calories: 352 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Supports healthy digestion and optimal stool quality

While many of the products on this list are made for small breeds, this Royal Canin dog food is specifically made for Bichon Frisés.

That means your dog can easily consume these kibbles. This is a fantastic feature because many kibbles from rival dog food brands are too big for the Bichon Frise.

It’s also designed to improve the urinary tract health of a bichon frisé, which will make things easier for pet owners. Urinary problems are never fun for dog owners.

Royal Canin’s formula is also abundant in omega-3 fatty acids from vegetable oil and fish oil. These fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and will be beneficial for eye health. Eye problems, such as cataracts, are common among bichon frisés.

In fact, Royal Canin’s kibble is rich in B vitamins and omega-6 fatty acids from chicken fat too which should give your Bichon Frise radiant skin and coat.

Moreover, the recipe is enhanced with taurine and L-carnitine to support a healthy heart, and chondroitin to help maintain strong joints.

The high levels of protein and prebiotics aid in muscle building and digestion.

Not to mention, this Royal Canin formula will help your dog to maintain a healthy weight with the right calorie content. Therefore, your furry friend won’t become obese.

8. Solid Gold Mighty Mini Toy & Small Breed Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Pea Protein
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 30%, Crude Fat 18%, Crude Fiber 4%, Moisture 10%
• Calories: 450 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Inexpensive diet for dog owners on a budget

Designed for toy and small dog breeds, Solid Gold Mighty Mini is more than satisfactory for Bichon Frises.

It is both gluten-free and grain-free, which is great because some dogs can be sensitive to these ingredients. Though it’s rare for dogs to have gluten intolerance, some dogs are nonetheless sensitive to gluten. This can lead to digestive problems. Luckily, this food is suitable for Bichon Frises who are sensitive to gluten. 

Another great feature of this Solid Gold dog food is that it contains prebiotic fibers that will stay alive in the gut. As a result, this food can optimize your dog’s gut health, thus allowing it to better digest food. 

There are 90 million probiotics per pound, which is sure to improve your dog’s digestive health. 

Solid Gold is also packed with nutritional superfoods, which will ensure that your dog is getting all the fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients it needs.

This is thanks to healthy ingredients like carrots, blueberries, cranberries, and pumpkin which are filled with goodness. Phytonutrients are a great way to boost the general health of your favorite canine.

And, your munchkin will get high-quality protein from chicken, chicken meal, and ocean fish meal which is important for building muscle and staying active.

The balanced levels of protein and fat are specially made for toy and small breeds.

Furthermore, the recipe contains salmon oil and ground flaxseed, terrific sources of omega fatty acids that are beneficial for your dog’s skin, heart, and cognitive function.

I also appreciate that Solid Gold Mighty Mini is available in different flavors, as Bessie can be a little picky. This way, I can find the flavor that she appreciates most. Solid Gold comes in chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and salmon.

Ethical farming practices have been used for each of these flavors which is great for pet owners who appreciate this farming approach. This means that this formula is made with cage-free chickens and turkeys. Meanwhile, the salmon has been caught in the wild.

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

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 36%, Crude Fat 16%, Crude Fiber 5%, Moisture 10%
• Calories: 412 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: Grain-free formula for dogs with food allergies

Our next pick is Wellness Core which has created a grain-free dog food made especially for small breeds.

This brand is designed to deliver optimal calorie content to your dog, which should stop your Bichon Frise from putting on weight. Excessive calories will lead to weight gain. In turn, this puts your furry friend at higher risk of developing certain diseases, including heart disease.

Another fantastic feature of Wellness Core is that it’s available in two different forms. Namely, this food for small breeds comes in adult and puppy varieties. Therefore, this brand is suitable whether you have a puppy or adult Bichon Frise.

Wellness Core is packed with vitamins and supplements that can enhance the whole body health of your pup. This includes glucosamine from turkey meal and chondroitin from chicken meal that provide support for your canine’s hips and joints.  

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory supplement that will encourage cartilage growth. Thus, it improves your dog’s mobility. This feature is excellent for active Bichon Frises. Meanwhile, taurine is beneficial for brain and heart health.

Besides, the formula is crafted with healthy veggies and fruits like spinach, broccoli, apples, blueberries, and kale which are high in antioxidants.

Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, boost the immune system, and protect your furry buddy from illnesses.

Additionally, the recipe has omega fatty acids from chicken fat and salmon oil to support skin health and prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion.

Luckily, it is free from many of the ingredients that cause Bichon Frises to have allergic reactions. This includes wheat, egg, corn, soy, and grains. So if your pooch suffers from sensitivities to any of these ingredients, Wellness Core’s grain-free dog food may be a good option. 

Wellness Core is made with real chicken instead of meat by-products, which increases the protein content. Because of these high-quality ingredients, this dog food contains 47% protein ingredients. Consequently, this dog food is beneficial for building muscles and giving your Bichon Frise plenty of energy.

This food is not only nutritious, but it also has a taste that appeals to dogs.

10. Holistic Select Small & Mini Breed Adult Health Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meals Recipe Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Anchovy and Sardine Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 35%, Crude Fat 16%, Crude Fiber 4.5%, Moisture 10%
• Calories: 481 kcal/cup
• Key Feature: The perfect balance of fat and protein levels to support healthy coat and muscle growth

Holistic Select has a holistic approach to food and uses natural ingredients to maximize your pup’s potential, no matter the size.

This formula suits small and extra-small adult dogs because it satisfies their caloric needs and it offers them perfect-size kibble for their smaller mouths.

It features anchovy and sardine meal as the first ingredient which means quality protein (35% min.) and omega fatty acids for your dog.

Protein is necessary for building and maintaining muscle and omega-3 fatty acids support your canine’s skin, giving him a healthy, shiny coat.

Next, it contains chicken meal which provides glucosamine, chondroitin, and taurine for heart health, and also provides healthy fats to protect your pooch’s muscles and joints.

Other important ingredients are papayas and pumpkin which are naturally high in fiber and vitamin A. Fiber aids digestion and vitamin A is beneficial for eye health.

Whatsmore, live yogurt cultures also support healthy digestion, making sure your Bichon Frise enjoys every day to the fullest.

This balanced formula has digestive enzymes which help small dogs break down food and absorb more nutrients.

Additionally, the kibble supports regular bowel movements and reduces bloating and discomfort.

Holistic Select’s formula is a terrific choice for small and mini breeds because it’s specifically made to satisfy their caloric needs and provide them with the necessary nutrients to thrive.

The natural formula with added vitamins and minerals doesn’t contain artificial flavors or fillers and it’s suitable for dogs with gluten sensitivities.

Buyer’s Guide: Important Features to Consider When You Select Food for Your Bichon Frise

Shopping for the right dog food for your Bichon Frise can be difficult.

This is because there are just so many things that you have to think about!

Using my own experience, I’ve highlighted some of the most important considerations to think about when shopping:

Kibble Size

As a small breed of dog, your Bichon Frise will need to eat small kibbles. But he will struggle to eat larger kibbles and will likely be chewing for a long time. Plus, it could choke on kibbles that are too big.

As a consequence, it’s important to find dog food specific to the size of your dog. A Bichon Frise will need kibbles designed for small dogs.

Protein

As an energetic breed, your Bichon Frisé will require lots of protein. As mentioned, protein will give your dog plenty of energy. This energy will allow your dog to run to its heart’s content. According to the AAFCO, adult dogs require a minimum of 18% protein in their diet, while growing puppies and nursing dogs may need up to 22%.

There are also other benefits that protein has to offer, such as building muscle. The amino acids in protein also contribute to the healthy growth of nails, skin, and hair.

Therefore, you need to find a dog food brand for your Bichon Frise that’s high in protein. It’s best to look for brands that are made with real meat, as these tend to contain lots of protein. Luckily, the market is flooded with high-protein dog foods.

Moderate Levels of Fat

Every dog’s diet should consist of protein, carbohydrates, and fat.

A Bichon Frise can easily gain weight so you need to watch their intake of fat. In general, your dog needs 15-18% fat per day.

It goes without saying that you need to feed your Bichon Frise healthy fats. Foods like fatty fish, eggs, or plant oils are good sources of fat.

These ingredients contain omega fatty acids (DHA and EPA) which are beneficial for your dog’s skin, cognitive abilities, and immune support. But, be careful not to exaggerate with these acids as they may cause side effects such as diarrhea or weight gain.

The recommended daily amount of DHA and EPA is 55-220 mg/kg for an average dog.[1, 2] 

Read the labels of your dog’s food where it says how much fat it contains, especially if you give your dog fish oils additionally.

And always consult your vet about any dietary change or introducing supplements.

Carbohydrates & Fiber

As you may know, your dog’s dietary needs depend on his/her weight, age, activity, and health condition.

If your dog has some health problem those needs change and you need to check with your vet about what’s best for your munchkin.

Nevertheless, your Bichon Frise’s diet should consist of 25% carbohydrates.

Furthermore, a healthy dog’s diet should consist of 2-4% fiber. Foods that are good sources of carbs and fiber: brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, barley, apples, and blueberries.

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential for humans and their best buddies.

They boost the immune system, provide support for hips and joints, and help with heart health, and skin and coat.

Dog food brands usually add vitamins and minerals and you can check the labels to see how much of what is included.

Some of the most important vitamins and minerals for dogs include vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals, but always consult your vet for your dog’s unique diet plan.

Price

Let’s face it, owning a dog can be expensive! There are tons of things that you need to buy for your dog, including food, toys, bedding, collars, leads, and insurance to name but a few. As a result, it can be tempting to purchase cheap dog food.

But the truth is that not all affordable dog food brands will contain the nutrients that your Bichon Frise needs. You also shouldn’t spend money on the most expensive dog food just because of its price tag.

It’s worth shopping around so that you can find affordable dog food for your Bichon Frise that is also packed with tons of nutrients. Set aside a budget to stop yourself from spending too much money on treating your furry companion.

Ingredients You Should Avoid Giving Your Bichon Frise

There are some ingredients your Bichon Frise and dogs of any other breed shouldn’t eat.

The list includes chocolate, sweets, alcohol, plums, caffeine, grapes, avocado, citrus fruits, processed food, onion, garlic, licorice, mushrooms, nuts, and spicy food.

You should be extra careful with cooked bones because they can hurt your pal and our advice is to try different treats instead.

Dogs shouldn’t consume dairy products either since most of them are lactose intolerant. Moreover, you should avoid feeding your Bichon Frise beet pulp, or food with artificial coloring, flavoring, and preservatives to avoid staining. 

Also, be aware of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) because some studies reported that they’re cancerogenic. And these synthetics are often used as preservatives in the food industry.

Common Health Concerns for Bichon Frises

Our beloved pets can be prone to certain health problems and it’s better to be informed to know what to expect and of course, to be cautious.

If you have a Bichon Frise, you should know that the most common health concerns for this breed are: diabetes, dental disease, obesity, hip dysplasia, eye problems, bacterial and viral infections, heart disease, and liver problems.

This doesn’t mean that your dog is going to have any of the above, but if you notice something strange you should talk to your vet.

Obesity

Bichon Frises usually weigh 10-18 pounds and if your petite friend seems overweight, you should talk to your vet about a weight-control diet or more exercise.

Obesity is a serious condition that can cause other health issues such as diabetes, back pain, digestive problems, joint problems, or urinary stones.

It can seriously affect your furry pal’s quality of life and that’s why you need to make some changes like feeding him good-quality ingredients with fewer calories but more protein and fiber.

And, instead of giving him treats every time you see those puppy dog eyes try playing with him or going for a walk.

Diabetes

This is another health problem common among canines and Bichon Frises seem to be at higher risk than some other breeds.

Dogs with diabetes have too high or too low blood sugars and that’s why they need daily insulin injections to keep those levels normal.

The symptoms are weight loss, increased appetite, frequent urination, and drinking more water. [3]

It’s important to start treatment early and to have the right diet and exercise so that your dog’s diabetes is successfully controlled and your canine lives longer and better.

Allergies

Bichon Frises can have food allergies just like any other dog. This cannot be changed and it means that you have to be careful when feeding your dog certain ingredients. Otherwise, you could end up making your Bichon Frise seriously ill. 

Having a Bichon Frise with an allergy restricts what food you can offer it. So, when it comes to finding the best food for your Bichon Frise, you may need to opt for specialized recipes. 

Check with your vet and they will be able to tell you if your Bichon Frise has any food allergies!

Eye Health

As stated, eye problems tend to be frequent among the Bichon Frises. Glaucoma and cataracts are two particularly prevalent eye issues. Cataracts cause the lens to become cloudy, which can impair vision. Meanwhile, glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve.

To improve your dog’s eye health, you should get food that is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These acids are excellent for eye health, as well as offering numerous other health benefits.

These healthy fatty acids tend to come from fish and vegetable oils. Therefore, you should check that they are present in the ingredients list before buying a dog food brand. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, also contribute to eye health.

Dental Health

Dental issues are common among dogs, though the Bichon Frise is particularly vulnerable to these problems. If you don’t take steps to protect your dog’s teeth, tartar can easily build up.  This can lead to an infection in the gums, which could result in tooth loss.

Dental disease, also known as periodontitis, is quite a serious problem for dogs and can lead to further health issues. Luckily, you can take steps to improve the dental health of your canine. This includes brushing their teeth and taking them for regular oral checkups.

Another way of improving your Bichon Frise’s oral health is to find food that aids dental health. Moreover, look for vitamins like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A which will encourage strong teeth.

Joint Health

As with eye and dental problems, the Bichon Frise is prone to having joint problems. This includes hip dysplasia. This hip deformity is genetic but can be treated through surgery. Patellar luxation is another joint problem that can result in your pup becoming lame.

Of course, you must visit a vet if you suspect that your Bichon Frise is suffering from any of these joint problems. Yet, you can ensure that your dog has strong joints by choosing the right food.

Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are fantastic for strengthening joints. Likewise, omega-3 fatty acids can be useful thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. Be sure to keep an eye out for these nutrients in the dog food.

Final Thoughts

On balance, Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult dog food is the best for Bichon Frise. This brand offers all the nutrients that small dogs need. As a small breed, Bichon Frise fits this food superbly.

Of course, other dog food brands were close competitors. For instance, Merrick and Royal Canin food made for this breed were serious contenders. Yet, the ingredients of the Nutro formula had more to offer the Bichon Frises.

Bichon Frise FAQs

Read some frequent questions and answers if you want to know more about the specific needs of your little Bichon Frise.

What is the ideal calorie intake for Bichon Frise?

The right number depends on your pup’s age, activity level, and health condition.

More active dogs need more calories while less active dogs, elderly dogs, or dogs with health problems need fewer calories.

On average, an inactive Bichon Frise needs 296-495 cal whereas an active Bichon Frise needs 404-663 calories per day.

Bear in mind that puppies need more calories since they are still growing and the same goes for pregnant and lactating dogs. (400-600 calories/day)

Consult your vet to get the best advice concerning your dog’s ideal calorie intake.

Activity levels	Calories per day
Active Bichon Frises	404-663
Senior/Inactive Bichon Frises	296-495

Is dry or wet food better for Bichon Frise?

This depends on various factors.

Some Bichon Frises love wet food while others won’t eat unless you serve them some kibble. Generally speaking, wet food is better for senior dogs because it’s easier for them to chew.

Plus, it’s high in moisture so it helps pups stay hydrated.

Dry food, on the other hand, helps their gums and teeth stay healthy and it’s a better option for breeds that tend to gain weight quickly due to the lower calorie content.

Your Bichon Frise’s health condition is very important in deciding which food is best for your canine.

Always consult your vet about any dietary concerns.