Best Dog Foods For Bichon Frise
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Known for its fluffy white coat and bubbly personality, the Bichon Frise makes a wonderful companion pet. These dogs are very small, but they are full of life, and they are an absolute joy to be around.
If you’re already lucky enough to own a Bichon Frise, you should do whatever you can to keep it happy and healthy. In addition to making sure its veterinary and exercise needs are met, you also need to feed it a high-quality diet that fulfills its nutritional needs.
Keep reading to learn more about the dietary requirements of Bichon Frise dogs and to see our top picks for the best dog food for Bichon Frise.
Compare Best Dog Food For Bichon Frise
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BEST FOR SENIORS
3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Recipe |
BEST FOR ALLERGIES
5. Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Small Breed |
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Protein
26% Min |
Protein
28% Min |
Protein
23% Min |
Protein
26% Min |
Protein
29% Min |
|
Fat
15% Min |
Fat
15% Min |
Fat
13% Min |
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
18% Min |
|
Fiber
4% Max |
Fiber
4.5% Max |
Fiber
6% Max |
Fiber
4.5% Max |
Fiber
3% Max |
|
Calories
348 kcal/cup |
Calories
397 kcal/cup |
Calories
371 kcal/cup |
Calories
348 kcal/cup |
Calories
446 kcal/cup |
Our Criteria
The FDA has issued a warning about dog foods containing peas, legumes, lentils, and root vegetables, which are often used in grain-free dog foods. A significant number of dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) have been found to have low levels of taurine, a key amino acid.
DCM is a genetic condition in some breeds but is now being identified as a possible diet-related issue in others. To select dog food for Bichon Frise dogs, criteria include research-backed formulas, qualified veterinary nutritionists, rigorous quality control, and avoiding exotic ingredients to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Best Dog Foods for Bichon Frise Dogs?
The best dog food for Bichon Frise dogs will be calorie-dense with plenty of high-quality protein and healthy fats.
Generally, a small-breed recipe is a great place to start, or you can try one of our top 5 picks below:
NUTRO Ultra Small Breed Adult Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 15% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 348 kcal/cup
- Three types of animal proteins
- Rich in healthy fats, dried fruits and veggies for nutrients
- Chelated minerals
- Supports dental health
- Smaller kibble size
- Not grain-free
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
It features chicken, lamb, and salmon for a protein-rich formula, plus it contains plenty of healthy fats like chicken fat, sunflower oil, and flaxseed.
This recipe features digestible whole grains like brown rice with dried fruits and vegetables for nutritional balance.
It is also supplemented with chelated minerals for nutrient absorption and prebiotic fibers for digestion. Plus, it is a dry food which supports dental health and it comes in a smaller kibble size.
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Puppy Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 28% Min
- Fat: 15% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 397 kcal/cup
- Nutrient-dense and calorie-dense
- Formulated for small breeds, rich in animal protein
- Plenty of healthy fats
- Chelated minerals, probiotic supplements
- Contains some plant protein (potato protein)
This Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Puppy Recipe is a great choice because it is protein-rich and formulated specifically for small breeds.
This recipe features deboned chicken and chicken meal to provide 28% crude protein with chicken fat, flaxseed oil, and salmon oil for 15% healthy fats.
This recipe is also supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics for healthy digestion.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 23% Min
- Fat: 13% Min
- Fiber: 6% Max
- Calories: 371 kcal/cup
- Formulated for small breed seniors
- Rich in animal protein
- Moderate healthy fat content
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
- LifeSource Bits are a great source of vitamins
- Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients
- May be too high in fiber for some
This means that your dog may need fewer calories, but protein is still important to maintain lean muscle mass.
This Blue Buffalo Life Protection Small Breed Senior recipe is a great choice because it is loaded with animal proteins, healthy fats, and beneficial nutrients.
It is formulated specifically for small breeds and it also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
Plus, it contains Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits which contain a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for healthy nutrition.
Whole Earth Farms Small Breed Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 348 kcal/cup
- Multiple sources of animal protein, healthy animal fats
- Dried fermentation products for probiotics
- Smaller kibble size
- Not cheap
- Not palatable for all dogs
This formula features both chicken and turkey as the primary sources of protein with grain-free carbohydrates like potatoes, peas, and sweet potatoes.
It is rich in healthy animal fats, plus beneficial supplements like chelated minerals and probiotics.
You’ll also love that it comes in a smaller kibble size for your Bichon Frise’s small mouth.
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Small Breed
Product Info
- Protein: 29% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 3% Max
- Calories: 446 kcal/cup
- Limited number of ingredients – great for sensitive or allergic dogs
- Single source of protein and carbohydrate
- Rich in healthy fats
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
- Some dogs are sensitive to poultry ingredients
- Main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)
It features a single source of protein and carbohydrate, plus it is made with a limited number of ingredients to reduce the risk for triggering allergies and sensitivities.
It is rich in healthy fats with beneficial supplements like chelated minerals, glucosamine and chondroitin, and freeze-dried turkey.
Special Considerations For Feeding Bichon Frise Dogs
The Bichon Frise is a small breed that grows 10 to 18 pounds at maturity. Despite their small size, they require protein to maintain lean muscle mass and prevent obesity. When shopping for the best Bichon Frise dog food, consider the following factors: calorie-dense formulas with high-quality ingredients, complete animal proteins like meat, poultry, and fish; healthy fats like chicken fat and salmon oil, and crunchy kibble.
Calorie-dense formulas should be made with high-quality ingredients and balanced in nutrition. Animal proteins should be a minimum of 18%, with a maximum closer to 25%. Healthy fats, such as chicken fat and salmon oil,, should be used for omega-3 and omega-6 balance. Additionally, crunchy kibble is recommended for Bichon Frise dogs, as they are prone to dental problems and dry foods can help prevent periodontal disease.
Understanding The Nutritional Needs Of Bichon Frise Dogs
Your Bichon Frise requires a high-quality dog food made with the ideal blend of premium animal proteins, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates. Look for an animal protein as the first ingredient, with at least 18%, but ideally somewhere around 25% crude protein.
You should also look for healthy animal fats and a minimum of 5% crude fat, but ideally 15% to 20%. In addition to protein and fat, your Bichon Frise can benefit from digestible carbohydrates like whole grains, starchy vegetables, beans, and legumes.
These foods provide energy as well as dietary fiber and essential nutrients. Vitamins and minerals can come from natural sources like fruits and vegetables or synthetic supplements.
Other beneficial supplements include probiotics for healthy digestion and prebiotic fibers, as well as chelated minerals to ensure optimal absorption of nutrients.
Are There any Special Dietary Requirements?
On average, dogs need about 20 calories per pound of body weight per day. Because your Bichon Frise has such a fast metabolism, however, it may need closer to 30 calories per pound (more if it is a puppy that’s still growing).
In addition to a calorie-dense diet, your Bichon Frise also needs a diet made with high-quality ingredients to ensure digestibility and reduce the risk of triggering food allergies and sensitivities.
Look for a recipe that starts with a quality source of animal protein, healthy animal fats, and digestible carbohydrates. Avoid low-quality grains and fillers like corn, wheat, and soy as well as by-products and artificial additives.
How Much Should You Feed Your Bichon Frise?
The amount you feed your Bichon Frise depends on its age and weight, as well as the recipe you choose. Puppies may require four feedings a day, while adult dogs can generally get by with three meals.
Check the feeding recommendations on the pet food package to determine your dog’s daily portion according to its age and weight. Keep in mind that you may need to make adjustments as your dog grows and ages, so check the package frequently and fine-tune as needed.
Are There Any Food Allergies Or Related Health Issues?
The Bichon Frise is a great breed for allergy sufferers due to their low-shedding coat, but these dogs are sometimes prone to allergies themselves.
Many dogs with allergies do well on grain-free or limited-ingredient diets, so consider one of these options if your Bichon Frise has food allergies or related health issues.
Final Thoughts
The Bichon Frise is a friendly and active breed that loves to spend time with family. If you’d like to enjoy your dog’s company for as long as possible, make sure you choose a high-quality diet that meets its nutritional needs. If you’re not sure where to start, try one of our top 5 picks for the best dog food for Bichon Frise reviewed above.
