Bichon Frise is a small, attractive, and faithful looking dog with tiny eyes that could melt you. They make for very adorable pets and are mistaken to be belonging to the toy dog group. Although, according to the American Kennel Club, they do not belong to the category of toy dogs and are more closely related to a Poodle or a Havanese dog breed.
Bichon Frise is known to be very intelligent and active. They require moderate amounts of exercise but food that is rich in calories. As they are a tiny dog breed, they mostly thrive on puppy food that has high amounts of proteins and fats for their growth and coat development.
Bichon Frise is an excellent companion to have for all age groups be it children or seniors and are found to be very attractive and charming by people. For such a cute looking dog breed, it’s obvious that it would need quality nutrition from a good dog food brand.
Here is our take on the best dog foods for Bichon Frise and a guide on what’s best for this irresistibly cute dog breed.
Why Quality Food Matters for Your Bichon Frise?
Bichon Frise possesses high energy and activity levels. They are smart and intelligent dogs and learn almost quickly with very minimal training. Their coat is very soft and fluffy, and apart from grooming and regular caressing, it requires maintenance. In order to take care of all these factors, what you need is good quality dog food.
Bichon Frise is a small and sensitive dog breed. It is very highly prone to allergies from dog foods. Moreover, their protein requirement is very high for muscle development and for acquiring high amounts of amino acids. These help in the overall development of their health. Moreover, since they thrive on puppy food, it is mostly calorie-dense in order to keep them going throughout the day.
Bichon Frise also requires high amounts of fat, mostly from animal sources as also omega fatty acids which are acquired from fish oil and other superfoods. Fats are required for cognitive development and for skin and coat health. Bichon Frise has a dense coat that needs to be maintained in order for them to have their adorable and friendly features.
Carbohydrates are required in minimal quantities which should be in the form of fiber that aids in digestion and stabilizes metabolism. The energy obtained from carbohydrates would keep your dog going throughout the day.
Ideally, Bichon Frise requires around 22% of crude protein and 8-10% of crude fat in their puppy stage. As they start growing, the fat percent can be reduced to 5% and the overall protein content needs to be around 18% of their food.
In order to meet these requirements, high-quality dog food for your Bichon Frise is a must. This would keep allergies and unwanted reactions from food at bay while also keeping your Bichon Frise from getting obese.
Do Bichon Frise’s have Special Nutritional Requirements?
Just like every other dog breed, Bichon Frise’s too have special dietary requirements. However, you need to take care of certain factors that the high-quality dog food you choose does not make them obese and that there are enough ingredients in their diet to provide them immense amounts of energy. This would help to keep them going for their daily exercises and activities.
Here are a few recommended considerations for a Bichon Frise’s nutritional requirements:
Protein
A bichon frise can thrive on whole meats and meat meals as well. Mostly since their protein requirements are high, proteins from multiple animal sources make a great diet for them. By whole meats, we mean you can include chicken, beef, fish, lamb, etc.
Meat meals are those forms of meat where the moisture content from the food is removed to concentrate the protein in the food.
These help in tissue building and repair as well as muscle development. A high amount of proteins mean high levels of amino acids which help in developing lean muscles and help keep your canine’s weight in check.
Fats
Bichon Frise is a small dog breed and mostly thrives on puppy food. These types of food are usually calorie-rich and high in fats. But the fat should be from reliable sources like chicken fat which is healthy.
Other reliable sources include the ones from fish oil or salmon like Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Another form of fatty acids is DHA which is Docosahexaenoic acid.
DHA is a specific form of Omega 3 fatty acid which helps in cognitive development. Omega 6 fatty acids help in developing skin and coat health.
Carbohydrates
While high amounts of carbohydrates are not recommended for this breed, they are required in minute quantities to provide energy for their day to day exercises and activities.
Carbohydrates from sources like barley, quinoa, oats, brown rice are beneficial as they also provide the necessary amounts of fiber along with carbs.
While carbohydrates do the part of providing energy, fiber from these foods makes sure that your Bichon Frise’s digestion remains in check by supporting their gut mechanism.
Vitamins, Minerals, and Antioxidants
Vitamins, Minerals, and Antioxidants are a must in your Bichon Frise’s diet. They help in developing strong immunity and improve your pet’s overall quality of life. These are preferable from pure sources rather than supplements. Vitamins and Minerals can be obtained from fruits and veggies like spinach, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, tomato, etc.
These fruits are also rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Vitamin E helps in the skin and coat development whereas antioxidants and Vitamin C help in developing immunity along with a shiny coat and healthy skin for your pet.
Common Health Issues of Bichon Frise
While the Bichon Frise is an active dog breed, it is also prone to various disorders and allergies. They have short legs and a long back which makes them prone to musculoskeletal and intervertebral disorders. These can either be genetic or can develop in the later stages of their life.
One of the most common problems to aggravate joint and health issues is obesity. If they gain weight, they end up giving pressure to their hips and joints.
Their short legs cannot bear the weight of their body which can lead to musculoskeletal issues. They can also suffer from other dietary disorders like diabetes, gastritis, or other forms of allergies.
Here is a quick brief on the major types of health issues your Bichon Frise may suffer from:
Allergies
Allergies can develop from environmental or external sources but are mostly related to food. These can happen due to unwanted ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, gluten, etc that are present in their dog food.
Moreover, they have a very sensitive system which makes them more prone to allergies than any other dog breed. Food allergies are common in Bichon Frises. Apart from that, they can have allergies in the eyes or skin which can lead to cataracts or hair loss.
Get your Bichon Frise checked by your vet if you see any such issue or abnormal behavior in your pet.
Bladder Problems
High amounts of proteins, magnesium, and phosphorous in their diet can cause severe bladder problems which are very common in this dog breed. These can be traced back down to bacterial or viral infections which can later aggravate into causing bladder related issues.
Signs of bladder infection are very similar to that of humans and include frequent micturition and blood in the urine. If your pooch is also facing problems in urinating, you need to see a vet immediately for the above-related signs.
Juvenile Cataracts
Bichons are prone to getting cataracts at a very young age. This is rarely caused due to external factors unless it is a grave allergy. Cataracts at a young age can lead to partial or complete blindness and are mostly found to be hereditary. Such dogs should not be bred and proper information should be taken from the breeder about the dog’s health before rearing them.
Vaccination Sensitivity
Routine vaccinations can cause unwanted reactions in your Bichon Frise. Symptoms include soreness, swelling, lethargy, hives, etc. There have been incidences of deaths due to vaccinations in this dog breed. Keep a watch on your dog post-vaccination and look for odd signs.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition where the thighbone does not fit properly into the hip joint. This condition can be best diagnosed through an X-ray and such dogs should not be bred. They can show pain or lameness in one or more feet and the symptoms are not visible externally. Long term complications include arthritis and other bone and joint-related disorders.
Ingredients to Avoid in Your Bichon Frise’s Dog Food
While Bichon Frise’s are not very picky eaters, one needs to be extremely careful about their diet as they may end up overeating which can cause obesity and related allergies and disorders.
Moreover, they have a very sensitive digestive system and should avoid certain ingredients that can cause allergies and unwanted gastric reactions due to food. Here are a few things you should take care of before feeding a Bichon Frise.
Meat sources
The animal meat should be sourced from reliable sources like U.S.A, Canada, New Zealand, Australia. The food should not contain any animal by-products and fillers. Since they have a high requirement for fats, one should be extremely careful about fillers and meat byproducts from unknown sources.
These can be disease and allergy-causing as the sources they come from are unreliable and the meat is not processed which can cause pathogenic diseases.
Fillers and Preservatives
Fillers and preservatives in dog food can be in the form of unwanted chemicals in order to increase the taste and shelf life of the meal. These can cause toxicities in your pet’s body once they are accumulated which can even get fatal.
Since Bichon Frise’s meals are calorie and fat-rich, there are high chances of filler being present in their dog food in the name of fat which can be harmful and have zero nutritional value.
Artificial Colors and Dyes
Artificial Dyes are only used in order to make the food look appealing and attractive. No matter how attractive the food may look with these dyes, they have zero nutritional value and do more harm than good.
Hence, ingredient labels that mention of having artificial colors in any form should be avoided by all means. These dyes can not only cause allergies but also stain your dog’s beautiful coat.
Grain and Gluten
While there are certain sources of carbohydrates in the form of grains, a grain-free diet is more preferable. Bichon Frise’s have very sensitive digestion and grains like wheat, corn, soy, and other fillers and allergens like Gluten can only aggravate their allergies and sensitivities. Therefore, gluten and filler grains like wheat and soy are a sure NO for a Bichon Frise.
Other Ingredients
We feel like feeding our dogs whatever we eat, be it meat, bones, table leftovers, etc. But these ingredients can only cause unwanted reactions in our pets which is non-desirable. A few ingredients we must avoid giving our dogs are:
- Chocolates and Cocoa
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Candies and Sweets
- Xylitol
- Nuts
- Grapes and Raisins
Can Bichon Frise Eat Chocolate?
No, Bichon Frise can not eat the chocolate, always keep chocolates away from Bichon Frise.
Bichon Frise Feeding Chart: How Much I Have to Feed my Bichon Frise
Below is the general age range of a Bichon Frise:
- Puppies ( up to 12 Month)
- Adult (From 1 to 6 Years)
- Senior (Over 7 Years)
The average weight of a Bichon Frise is 10 – 18 pounds
The average amount of calories a senior Bichon Frise needs is around 300 and 500 calories per day.
Young Bichon Frise needs around 400 and 660 calories per day. Puppies need more calories than senior dogs.
Bichon Frise cannot handle too much food at once and hence needs to be fed in small portions throughout the day. Their daily food intake could be divided into a minimum of 2-3 small meals per day.
Here is a general feeding guide that you can follow for your Bichon Frise as per moderate activity levels:
| Weight of Dog | No. of Cups | Grams per day |
| 4 kgs | 7 – 8 cups | 80 |
| 5 kgs | 1 cup | 94 |
| 6 kgs | 1 + 1/8 | 108 |
| 7 kgs | 1 + 1/4 | 121 |
| 8 kgs | 1 + 3/8 | 134 |
Bichon Frise requires high amounts of protein. Adults require around 18% of protein from their diet whereas young pups require around 22% of protein from their food.
Best Dog Food For Bichon Frise
As cute and adorable as they look, and with their small and petite toy-like sensitive features, this breed is prone to tonnes of sensitivities and allergies that mainly come from food.
Moreover, they need to maintain a decent weight in order to keep going with their daily activities and avoid diseases like gastric torsion and diabetes which is common in dogs.
Therefore, we suggest the best dog foods for your Bichon Frise for them to stay their best playful selves with a nourishing diet.
Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Duck & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces Dry Dog Food, 4-lb bag – Overall Best
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 36.5% |
| Crude Fat | 16.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.5% max |
| Moisture | 9.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.5 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.4 % min |
| Glucosamine | 300 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 4,095 kcal/kg, 447 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Duck Meal, Duck, Chicken Fat, Chicken Meal, Freeze Dried Duck, etc.
Product Reviews
Instinct promises to provide tailored nutrition to fulfill the nutritive needs of your pet. This particular recipe by Instinct is grain free and has real freeze-dried duck and raw pieces of meat which retains the raw taste and nutritive quality that guarantees wholesome nourishment.
The meal is curated keeping in mind the small breeds to unlock their true potential by incorporating the benefits of raw food in each bowl. The high protein kibble formula is rich in duck meat and also has guaranteed levels of vitamins and minerals like calcium and phosphorus for maintaining bone and joint health along with Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
The raw dog food for small breeds is free of grains, gluten, corn, soy, potato, etc and has the finest handpicked ingredients from the U.S.A. Cage-free duck is the first ingredient of this raw dog food and the kibbles are coated with freeze-dried duck for added taste and encourage your pooch to eat more.
Pros
- Kibble contains the goodness of high protein and freeze-dried raw duck
- Additional calcium and phosphorous for maintaining joint and bone health
- Curated nutrition for small breeds
- Rich in animal protein from duck
Cons
- Dog food is not worth the quality
- Food is not very appealing to dogs
About Instinct
Instinct believes that real and pure nutrition for pets is available from raw food and they take the sole responsibility of feeding raw food to pets. This makes pet parents trust their formulas that have helped transform the lives of many dogs and made dog parents happier.
Instinct knows that there is nothing better than transforming the lives of millions of pets globally through nutrition.
Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Popular Pick
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 32.0% |
| Crude Fat | 18.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.8 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.3 % min |
| Caloric Content | 3,719 kcal/kg, 370 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Venison, Garbanzo Beans, Lamb Meal,Duck Meal, Peas, Lentils, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root,, etc.
Product Reviews
This dog food by Taste of the Wild is intended to nourish your small breed companion by giving him the exact same nutrition and taste that he craves from the wild. This diet makes for every small dog’s favorite meal and is popular amongst various dog parents due to its set of ingredients and probiotic bacteria. The ingredients act as a great source of protein mainly consisting of venison, lamb meal, and duck meal.
The grain-free recipe is in the shape of a small kibble which is made for easy ingestion by your small pooch. Prebiotic and Probiotic fiber helps in supporting healthy digestion while lamb, venison, and duck meal offer large amounts of protein for muscle and tissue development.
The diet is rich in proteins and fats and the recipe promises to provide balanced nourishment to your Bichon Frise. Not only nutrition, but the mix of various types of meat also provides energy to keep your Bichon Frise going throughout the day.
Pros
- Blend of multiple types of meat providing optimum amounts of protein
- Natural recipe with added vitamins, minerals, and probiotic bacteria
- The K9 probiotic strain supports healthy digestion and metabolism
- Made in the USA by a family-owned company and follows appropriate food safety protocols.
Cons
- Not as great as compared to beef and venison formula
- Has too many artificial fillers
- Puppies do not like the dog food
About Taste of the Wild
Taste of the Wild is a part of the family-owned Diamond Pet Food Company and has its manufacturing headquarters in Missouri. They use high quality and advanced facilities to curate quality dog food for your canine.
These foods meet the official high nutrition standards. The grain-free recipes offered by Taste of the Wild combine fruits, vegetables, berries, legumes to satisfy your pet’s natural cravings of the wild.
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Premium Pick for Sensitive Stomachs
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 32.0% |
| Crude Fat | 14.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.5 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 1.0 % min |
| Glucosamine | 600/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 3,740 kcal/kg, 390 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Flaxseeds, Blueberries, Carrots, Salmon Oil, etc.
Product Reviews
American Journey’s Nutritious Ingredients fuel your pet’s everyday activities and adventures with their nutritionally enriched recipes. This makes it our premium pick amongst all as it features deboned salmon and chicken meal which offer great taste with the goodness of protein.
The recipe also has a mixture of amino acids that your dog needs for the development of strong muscles. The recipe also has carbohydrates that provide your pooch with the energy it needs to keep going throughout the day.
The dog food also has other beneficial ingredients like carrots, apples, blueberries, etc that provide the essential vitamins and minerals for developing overall health. The food is also rich in Omega fatty acids which is obtained from Salmon Oil and Flaxseeds. They help in maintaining skin and coat health.
This recipe is grain and gluten free as well as free of fillers like corn, wheat, and soy that can cause allergies to your dog. This dog food is a great choice for pets who face digestion and sensitivity issues.
Pros
- Grain-free dog food with no fillers or preservatives
- Enriched with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Rich in fiber and carbohydrates for higher energy levels
- Contains Omega fatty acids for maintaining skin and coat health
Cons
- The food is very dry
- Not suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
About American Journey
American Journey believes that any day of your dog can be full of adventure and keeps them fuelled enough for their activities.
Their diet is always a blend of deboned protein which comes from a reliable meat source like chicken or fish along with a mixture of vitamins and minerals that are obtained from fruits and vegetables.
Their products are manufactured in the USA using domestic and globally sourced ingredients and trusted suppliers.
Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Senior Deboned Turkey & Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food, 4-lb bag – Affordable Pick
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 25.0% |
| Crude Fat | 12.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.0 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.50 % min |
| Glucosamine | 250 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 437 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Ground Brown Rice, Chicken Meal, Peas, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat, Tomato Pomace, Chicory Root, etc.
Product Reviews
Wellness knows what exactly small dog breeds need. With their changing palates and long life spans, their nutritional needs vary with each growth stage, and Wellness promises to get that right. The brand uses real meat and fish to provide natural taste along with the goodness of antioxidants in order to support their immune health.
The food is carefully formulated with natural ingredients and super nutrients to give whole body nutrition and to cater to the growing needs of your pup. Each recipe is designed to be easily digested with quality protein and carbohydrates along with fiber and Omega fatty acids.
Bichon Frises have a unique physical composition that requires a unique amount of nutrition. The recipe for small breeds by Wellness is designed to support the exact same unique needs of your pooch.
The food additionally includes the goodness of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help maintain joint mobility and bone strength. It is a complete and balanced diet to meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
Pros
- Deboned turkey is the first ingredient which is rich in protein
- Has animal fat which is beneficial for growing puppies
- Controlled sodium levels to support heart health
- Omega fatty acids and Glucosamine with Chondroitin for skin and joint health
Cons
- The kibbles are too small and difficult to chew
- Not suitable for dogs on a prescription diet
About Wellness
Wellness is a pioneer brand in dog food and always looking for innovative ways for pets to survive and thrive. They believe in providing wholesome nourishment to pets for their wellness.
Their varied team of vets, animal lovers and experts have one solo objective: to provide your a healthy, happy, and longer life to your pet.
True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 24.0% |
| Crude Fat | 13.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0% max |
| Moisture | 12.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.0 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.2 % min |
| Caloric Content | 3643 kcal/kg or 375 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Poultry Fat, Canola Meal, Peas,Carrots, Cranberries, Soybean Meal, etc.
Product Reviews
The chicken and vegetable grain-free recipe by True Acres dry dog food helps you bring some allergy-free and grain-free goodness to your dog’s bowl. Firstly, the chicken, vegetables, and all other reliable ingredients in the dog food have been sourced from the finest farms in the U.S.A. The recipe has peas and carrots which make for a good source of starch and Vitamin A.
The complete and balanced dry dog food is in the form of kibbles which make it a relishing experience with each bite. Each bite delivers nutrition and flavor to your dog. The food also has natural fibers to help with digestion and maintaining gut health. Along with fibers, the food also has antioxidants that help in developing the immune system.
The food also has Omega fatty acids which help in cognitive development and also maintain good skin and coat health. The food is devoid of any fillers like grain, corn, soy, wheat, etc. which can cause allergies to your pet.
Chicken forms the first ingredient in this dog food that Promises TRUE goodness to your pup in the real sense.
Pros
- Has Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy, shiny coat
- Free of artificial ingredients
- Plenty of insoluble fibers that aid in digestion
Cons
- Contains soymeal as filler
- Contains minimal protein as compared to other food brands
About True Acre Foods
True Acre believes that canines are just like another family member and deserve to be happily wagging their tails. That is only possible through their diet.
Therefore, since your pooch deserves the best, True Acre foods reward pups and dogs with nutritious ingredients and flavors they are bound to love. And as they say, the simplest of love and affection can keep dogs happy.
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food, 4-lb bag
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 27.0% |
| Crude Fat | 16.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.5 % max |
| Moisture | 11.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.0 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.5 % min |
| Glucosamine | 1200 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 3711 kcal/kg, 404 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal,Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Flaxseeds, Carrots, Apples, Turkey Meal
Product Reviews
The classic small breed recipe by Merrick is the most affordable and nutrition filled pick according to us. Merrick provides best in class nutrition to your petite pal at a budget price which is the best thing about this dog food. The first ingredient in the recipe is deboned meat, fish, or poultry for best in class protein.
The balanced and complete diet for small breeds includes fruits, vegetables, and a healthy blend of whole grains which act as a source of carbohydrates. They also act as sources of fiber to help in your dog’s digestion.
The dog food also has optimum levels of Omega 3 fatty acids that help in developing a shiny coat, additionally having Glucosamine and Chondroitin. It helps in maintaining joint mobility and keeping diseases like hip dysplasia at bay.
Merrick promises that your small companion is sure to benefit from the wholesome nutrition this meal provides.
Pros
- Fibrous blend that maintains digestive health
- Deboned meat, fish as the first ingredient which is full of taste and protein
- Contains whole veggies and fruits like carrots and apples
- Grain, gluten, corn, and filler-free
Cons
- Most dogs don’t like the taste
- Not for dogs with a sensitive digestive system
About Merrick
Merrick believes in the fact that whole foods not only provide better nutrition but also taste better. Their handmade recipes are created with care work better than any other scientific formulas for dogs. Merrick has been into the pet food industry for around 30 years now.
They make sure to manufacture the food in small batches and monitor each package carefully to match what’s written in their labels. Merrick believes that a dog’s food is like their fuel and mere fillers in dog food do no good to your pet. Therefore they offer a wide range of protein-rich dry dog foods your pooch can relish.
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Petite Lamb Formula Small Breed Limited Ingredient Diet Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 23.0% |
| Crude Fat | 13.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.5% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.0 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.80 % min |
| Caloric Content | 3,500 kcal/kg; 3.50 kcal/kg; 1,587 kcal/lb; 525 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Lentils, Peas,Garbanzo Beans, Freeze-Dried Lamb, Tapioca, Canola Oil
Product Reviews
CANIDAE ensures big nutrition for your small dog with the new PURE Petite Lamb formula. Ideal for small dog breeds who want food rich in proteins and animal fats, this food makes a great source of nourishment for small dog breeds like the Bichon Frise. The food only has 8 key ingredients – lamb, lamb meal, peas, lentils, garbanzo beans, canola oil, freeze-dried lamb, tapioca.
The limited ingredient diet for small breeds ensures that your dog does not get any allergies or sensitivities due to food as Bichon Frise has a sensitive digestive system. Additionally, the food also has HealthPLUS Solutions, which is a nutritional trio of probiotics, antioxidants, and Omega fatty acids.
Each pack of this dry dog food by CANIDAE is coated with freeze-dried lamb to impart greater flavor and taste in their kibble along with added nutrition of lamb to make it easier to eat for even the pickiest of dogs.
The food has a single source of animal protein being lamb meat which makes it safe and healthy and the grain-free recipe has been formulated by a family-owned company that never fails to compromise on quality.
Pros
- Freeze-dried lamb as the main meat source with a single source of animal protein
- HealthPlus Solution which offers the goodness of antioxidants, probiotics and Omega Fatty Acids
- Limited ingredient diet to keep allergies at bay
- Kibble coated with freeze-dried lamb for flavor and taste
Cons
- Most dogs don’t like the taste of the food
- The formula of the food has changed with time which deteriorated the quality
About CANIDAE
Canidae is an origin of a southern California feed store in 1996. It is an independent and family-owned business of dog foods. They have their own farms as well as state of the art cooking facilities in Kansas and Texas respectively.
Their main aim is to prepare high-quality dog food that is liked by pets and trusted by pet parents. They are quite motivated and driven towards manufacturing high-quality pet food till date.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Small Breed Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food, 10.5-lb bag – Best Dog Food for Small Breeds
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 29.0% |
| Crude Fat | 14.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.5 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 1.25 % min |
| Glucosamine | 300 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 450 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Canola Oil, Dried Ground Potatoes, etc.
Product Reviews
The Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet is the perfect meal for your sensitive Bichon Frise. Wellness believes in the fact that less is more and less is safe. For a dog breed like Bichon Frise, a simple diet with a unique and single protein source does the trick while keeping additional ingredients and unwanted nutrient sources at bay.
The food makes sure to keep unwanted carbohydrates, fats, and proteins away that causes minimal chances of allergies while still nourishing your pooch at its best. Every ingredient serves a purpose in this dog food by Wellness. Their single protein source also combines easily digestible carbohydrates without any fillers and additives.
The simple and sweet list of ingredients offered by Wellness nourishes your dog inside out on a whole without any compromise on nutrition. The results are visible in your dog. Moreover, other ingredients like, grains, corn, soy, gluten, and artificial preservatives stay out of the simple formula.
This natural nutrition dog food is chosen and recommended by every pet expert and veterinarian around the globe. The perfect yet simple balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats makes this the best-limited ingredient diet for pups.
Pros
- An ideal balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates
- Has easily digestible carbohydrates to provide energy
- Glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint stability and mobility
- Food has no colors, flavors or preservatives
Cons
- Dogs may not like the limited ingredient diet
- Not meant for picky eaters
About Wellness
Wellness is a pioneer brand in dog food and always looking for experimental ways for pets to thrive. They believe in offering wholesome nutrition to pets for their wellness.
Their varied and expert team of vets, animal lovers, and nutritionists have one common aim: to provide your pet a healthy, happy, and longer life.
Solid Gold Mighty Mini Toy & Small Breed Gut Health Chicken, Chickpea & Pumpkin Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Best Dog Food for Gut Health
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 30.0% |
| Crude Fat | 18.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.0 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.5 % min |
| Caloric Content | 3,825 kcal/kg 450 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Peas, Pea Protein, Chicken Meal, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat, etc.
Product Reviews
Solid Gold Dog Food for small breeds was founded by Sissy who focussed on health before it all started in the pet food industry. Solid Gold is a brand that believes in fuelling the immune system before anything else in order to maintain gut health because gut health is the base of overall health.
Solid Gold continues to manufacture a range of unique recipes, especially this one being full of protein that comes from chicken along with chickpeas, pumpkin, etc. Their formulas are rich with superfoods from natural sources like fruits and vegetables in order to cleanse your entire system and keep cultivating the good bacteria.
Solid Gold is also rich in Omega fatty acids to support skin health, coat, and in order to support the overall immune system. It maintains the gut system by including around 90 million living probiotics which are present per pound of the dog food. Toy breeds have an immensely adorable personality and Solid Gold makes sure to keep that instinct alive in your Bichon Frise.
The grain and gluten-free chicken and chickpeas recipe are packed with easily digestible protein, a balanced blend of nutritious superfoods as well as omega fatty acids to help maintain the overall health of your pooch. The food helps you unleash your dog’s inner titan. After all, good things come in small packages.
Pros
- Specially curated recipe for small toy breeds
- Has plenty of probiotics to support gut health
- Grain and gluten-free
- Chicken is the only meat source
Cons
- Many small breeds may not like the dog food
- The kibble size is too small
About Solid Gold
The founder of Solid Gold is Sissy McGill and her mission began right from 1974 when she set out to create a nutritious natural food that would help keep her dogs healthy and happy from the inside as well as outside. She was determined which helped her launch a holistic pet food movement that is running till date.
Solid Gold formulates cat as well as dog food and focuses on gut health above and beyond anything else. It promises to meet every canine and feline’s unique needs with a steadfast commitment to quality, nutrition, and gut health for all.
CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Foundations Puppy Formula with Chicken Canned Dog Food, 13-oz, case of 12 – Best Grain-Free Wet Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 9.0% |
| Crude Fat | 6.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.0 % max |
| Moisture | 78.0% max |
| Caloric Content | 1,207 kcal/kg, 444 kcal/13 oz can |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Dried Egg, Peas, Chicken Broth,, Salmon Oil, Potassium Chloride, Agar-Agar, etc.
Product Reviews
CANIDAE focuses on nutrition that should primarily be from the ingredient canines thrive on – meat. Therefore, most of their dog food formulations have meat as the first ingredient. Their wide range of recipes includes meat as the first and majorly used ingredient. A blend of protein and taste, their meals are sure to entice your pup’s appetite and love the taste of the food.
The wet food by CANIDAE is grain-free and best suited for sensitive pups like the Bichon Frise. It has no gluten, grains, antibiotics, hormones, and no fillers like corn, wheat, or soy which makes it absolutely safe for your pet to consume and savor on. These foods are specially formulated to provide your pooch with the important ingredients that will keep them in good form and shape.
CANIDAE’s range of wet foods is full of flavor and has a variety of recipes available. They have multiple protein sources and their texture is smooth and appealing which will make your pet’s mouth water. Use it as a treat, side dish, or daily meals. All the wet food recipes are bound to have high-quality protein from meat or fish which offers a meaty and delicious flavor.
The recipe is slow-cooked in order to protect the nutrition and for not compromising on the real raw taste of the food. The wet food is made of limited ingredients to avoid sensitivities and go easy on your pup’s digestive system.
Pros
- High-quality meat that is chicken is the first ingredient
- Limited ingredient diet for sensitive pups
- Contains broth for great taste and irresistible texture
- No grain, corn, soy, wheat or fillers
Cons
- The food is very sticky
- Needs to be mixed with dry food before serving
- Has salt which is dangerous for dogs
About CANIDAE
Canidae is an origin of a southern California feed store in 1996. It is an independent and family-owned brand of dog foods. They have their own farms as well as cooking kitchens in Kansas and Texas respectively.
Their main objective is to make high-quality food that is liked and cherished by pets as well as pet parents. They are quite determined towards producing high-quality pet food till current times.
Related Buying Guide
- Best dog foods for goldendoodles
- Best dog food for great danes
- Best dog food for beagles
- Best dog food for labradoodle
- Best dog food for dobermans
Personal Opinion
While Bichon Frise is a great companion and makes a very cute and adorable pet, they have a very sensitive digestive system and are also equally prone to getting obese. They have high life spans and are a very tiny and active breed that demands more calories and a diet rich in protein, fats, and digestible carbohydrates to keep them going throughout the day.
According to us, the best dog food that meets all these demands is the Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Grain-Free Recipe with Real Duck & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces Dry Dog Food.
With protein from freeze-dried duck, the diet is rich in nutrients and taste. The kibble is coated with freeze-dried duck to enhance the taste of the food along with providing an ideal balance of protein, fat, and calories.
Help us to help you choose the best dog food for your Bichon Frise and let us know which is the best food according to you, in the comments below.
Dr. Aram Baker has been with Santa Clarita Animal Hospital since 1995 and his special interests include behaviour medicine and dermatology. He graduated from the Cleveland Humanities Magnet Program in Reseda, CA and attended California State University at Northridge where he received a Bachelor’s degree in biology. He went on to pursue his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis. He also spent time in the zoological medicine department at U.C. Davis during his Junior and Senior years. He is dedicated to caring for all pets big or small, young or old with compassion, patience, kindness, and love.