
How adorable is a Bichon Frise? Pretty adorable. All that playful energy needs a high quality, nutrition-packed food.
A Bichon Frise can’t consume a large amount of food, so the food you choose has to deliver all the proper nutritional requirements in a smaller package.
- Best Dog Food For Bichon Frise
- 1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
- 2. Nulo Challenger Small Breed Northern Catch Haddock, Salmon & Acadian Redfish
- 3. Taste Of The Wild Appalachian Valley Formula
- 4. ACANA Wholesome Grains Small Breed Recipe
- 5. Wellness CORE Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe
- 6. Merrick Classic Small Breed Formula
- 7. Solid Gold Mighty Mini Toy & Small Breed
- 8. Merrick Real Texas Beef And Sweet Potato
- 9. Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Puppy Recipe
- 10. Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Senior Formula
- Nutrition Requirements
- Feeding Requirements
- Recommended Ingredients
- Potential Health Issues
- Types of Dog Foods for Bichons
- Other Considerations
- Final Thoughts
The earliest record of the modern Bichon Frise was during the 14th century. French sailors brought the breed with them from the Canary Islands.
How the dogs got there is under debate, but general thought is that they developed in Italy and were brought by Phoenician sailors.
They’ve long been a favorite of the nobility, but they did fall out of favor for a while during the 18th century. They became a “commoner’s dog” trained to help the blind or aid street performers.
Today, they’re beloved for their intelligence, beautiful coat, and high energy.
We’ve put together a list of our picks for the best dog food for a Bichon Frise. We’ve also answered some questions you may have about what your Bichon Frise needs. Let’s take a look.
Best Dog Food For Bichon Frise
Now for the good stuff. We’ve chosen these foods based on their dense nutrition offerings and ability to help keep your Bichon lean and healthy.
1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
First 5 ingredients:
Depends on the recipe you choose – See below.
Food Type: Fresh, Frozen
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
First 5 Ingredients: Beef, carrots, beef kidneys, potatoes, peas
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Protein: 9.0% min
Fat: 7.0% min
Fiber: 2.0% max
Moisture: 72.0% max
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, rice, carrots, chicken livers, peas
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Protein: 8.0% min
Fat: 3.0% min
Fiber: 2.0% max
Moisture: 74.0% max
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, butternut squash, turkey livers, oats, lentils
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Protein: 10.0% min
Fat: 7.0% min
Fiber: 2.0% max
Moisture: 72.0% max
First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, butternut squash, lamb liver, chickpeas, kale
GUARANTEED ANALYSIS
Protein: 9.0% min
Fat: 7.0% min
Fiber: 2.0% max
Moisture: 74.0% max
Overall Best Food – Ollie dog food is a brand of premium, fresh, and customized dog food that aims to provide a healthy and balanced diet for dogs.
The company claims to use only high-quality, human-grade ingredients and to tailor the nutrition of each batch of food to the specific needs of each individual dog.
One of the key features of Ollie is its customization. When you sign up for their service, you start by filling out a detailed questionnaire about your dog, including information about their breed, age, weight, activity level, and any health issues they may have.
Based on this information, their team of veterinarians and nutritionists creates a personalized meal plan for your dog, with recommendations for the appropriate portion sizes and frequency of feeding.
With this dog food option, your Frise can enjoy a healthy meal with zero fillers and only the highest quality organic ingredients! Plus, they deliver right to your front door, making it super convenient for you as a busy pet parent.
Pros
- Made with high-quality, fresh & organic ingredients
- Delivered fresh to your front door
- No fillers or artificial flavors
Cons
- Pricier compared to other dog food options on the market
2. Nulo Challenger Small Breed Northern Catch Haddock, Salmon & Acadian Redfish
First 5 ingredients:
Haddock, Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal
Protein: 35.0% min
Fat: 18.0% min
Fiber: 4.5% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: Puppy, Small Breeds
This dry dog food is is crafted to support the unique dietary needs of small-breed dogs, from energetic puppies to vibrant adults.
This premium, high-protein formula is packed with sustainably-sourced fish, including haddock, salmon and Acadian redfish along with chicken and turkey meals, providing an irresistible flavor that dogs love.
Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, this food supports a shiny coat, healthy skin, and cognitive development, making it ideal for growing puppies and maintaining adult dogs' vitality.
The addition of probiotics supports digestive health, while a balanced mix of essential vitamins and minerals ensures strong bones, healthy muscles, and sustained energy levels.
With a grain-free recipe that avoids fillers like corn, soy, and artificial preservatives, it delivers nutrition in every bite, tailored for smaller jaws and specific metabolic needs of small-breed dogs.
This thoughtfully designed food not only nourishes but also promotes an active, happy lifestyle for your cherished companion.
Pros
- Low glycemic formula
- Boasts top-tier protein sources
- Small kibbles promote proper chewing
- Promotes healthy heart and weight
Cons
- Obvious fishy scent
3. Taste Of The Wild Appalachian Valley Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils
Protein: 32.0% min
Fat: 18.0% min
Fiber: 4.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Extra – Small Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
This dog food is thematically based on what ancestral dogs from the Appalachian Valley would have eaten in prehistoric times.
This ancestral diet is combined with our modern nutritional knowledge to provide well-balanced dog food that may be the best on the market in this price bracket.
The brand specializes in a high variety and quality of ingredients, that aim to cultivate your dog's digestive health.
Despite not quite reaching the levels of nutrition provided by pricier gourmet dog food companies like Nom Nom, Taste of the Wild provides a significantly higher proportion of protein and lower proportion of carbohydrates than its direct competitors.
Taste of the Wild uses high-quality pasture-raised venison in its formula, which is what gives it such a healthy protein and fat ratio. This does, however, mean that the Omega 3 fatty acid levels are lower than dog foods that use fish products.
Their formula is thankfully grain-free and reduced into small-size kibble, helping to ease the digestive load from your dog and making them less prone to suffering from bloat.
Digestion is also helped by the formula's probiotic and prebiotic fiber. Taste of the Wild does, unfortunately, use Pea Protein to increase the total amount of protein.
Pros
- High protein and fat Levels
- Uses high-quality meat ingredients
- Doesn't require refrigeration
- No grains
- Good value
Cons
- Low level of Omega 3
- Some dogs may not enjoy the taste at first (if transitioning from canned dog food)
4. ACANA Wholesome Grains Small Breed Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oat Groats, Whole Sorghum, Whole Millet
Protein: 27.0% min
Fat: 17.0% min
Fiber: 6.0% max
Moisture: 12.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Extra Small – Small Breeds
This is a premium dry dog food formulated specifically for small breed dogs. It is crafted by ACANA, a renowned pet food manufacturer known for its high-quality, biologically appropriate recipes.
This particular recipe features a carefully selected blend of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to provide a wholesome and nutritious meal for small breed dogs.
It is packed with high-quality animal protein from sources like free-run chicken, turkey, and eggs, which are essential for small breed dogs' muscle development and overall health.
It also contains a variety of nutrient-dense grains, such as oats and millet, which provide carbohydrates for energy and fiber for healthy digestion. The inclusion of vegetables like butternut squash and pumpkin adds essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the immune system.
Furthermore, this recipe is made with fresh, regional ingredients sourced from trusted farmers and fishermen, and it does not contain any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
It is also grain-inclusive, making it a great option for small breed dogs that tolerate grains well or have specific dietary requirements. Overall, this is a top-quality dog food that promotes optimal health and well-being in small breed dogs.
Pros
- Made from high-quality ingredients
- Mimics the natural diet of dogs
- No artificial additives
- Formulated specifically for small breed dogs
Cons
- Expensive
- Has grains (may trigger allergies)
5. Wellness CORE Small Breed Turkey & Chicken Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas
Protein: 36.0% min
Fat: 16.0% min
Fiber: 5.0% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: Adult, Extra Small – Small Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
Wellness CORE’s small breed formula packs a nutritional punch. The company formulates their dog food options based on research into the history of dogs and their dietary requirements. The recipe is mostly meat with several vegetables and healthy oils for better skin and coat.
It uses high-quality protein so that the caloric needs of smaller dogs are met. The first ingredient is Turkey, which is a lean source of protein without too much fat.
This formula is grain free, so if your Bichon has allergies, it might be a suitable alternative to many grocery store brands. Omega acids come from fish oils while probiotics help with overall digestion.
The company also added glucosamine to their formula, which can help keep joints healthy. Bichons are subject to hip and back issues, so maintaining bone and joint health can keep your dog more mobile into their later years.
Pros
- No grains might be a better solution for dogs with allergies
- Turkey is a lean protein
- Glucosamine helps a Bichon’s delicate bones and joints, notably later in life
- Probiotics improve overall digestion, helping with the nutrition versus weight-control balance
Cons
- At 36% crude protein, it might be too high for inactive or elderly dogs
- It’s a rich food which could encourage your dog to overeat if you aren’t careful about portion control
6. Merrick Classic Small Breed Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oat Meal
Protein: 27.0% min
Fat: 16.0% min
Fiber: 3.5% max
Moisture: 11.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Extra Small – Small Breeds
Another brand included here in the top dog foods for Bichon Frise is Merrick.
Merrick’s classic formula is a less expensive alternative to some of the choices above. It uses deboned chicken as the first ingredient, providing a source of high quality, lean protein. It doesn’t use potatoes for a lower glycemic option (excellent for Bichon’s in danger of developing diabetes).
The rest of the ingredients include veggies for critical vitamins and minerals and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for coat and skin health.
Protein levels are 30% while fat remains at 15%. Moisture levels are 11%. These should help your dog maintain weight and urinary health. Probiotics make Merrick easier to digest and reduce stomach issues overall.
Merrick is located in Texas and uses locally grown and sourced ingredients to create dog food. No imported ingredients to worry about and you’re supporting a US-based company.
The best part is that a four-pound bag costs about $5 on average than some of the other brands, so if you’re on a tighter budget, you’ll still be able to give your Bichon high-quality food.
Remember that spending money on the dietary health of your Bichon will reduce your veterinarian costs in the long run, but this should be a good start.
Pros
- More affordable than some of the options on the list
- High quality, lean proteins as the first ingredient (not common with many budget alternatives)
- No potato formula for lower glycemic index
- Locally grown and sourced ingredients
Cons
- Chicken may irritate poultry-sensitive dogs
- Only four-pound bag size is available
7. Solid Gold Mighty Mini Toy & Small Breed
First 5 ingredients:
Salmon, Rice, Barley, Canola Meal, Fish Meal
Protein: 28.0% min
Fat: 17.0% min
Fiber: 3.0% max
Moisture: 12.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Extra Small – Small Breeds
They say big things come in small packages—and toy dog owners can certainly attest! Smaller breeds need a kibble that’s full of nutrition and Mighty Mini delivers.
Perfectly balanced for their mini size, this grain and gluten free chicken and hearty vegetable recipe is packed with easily digestible protein, our unique blend of nutrient-dense superfoods and omega fatty acids to provide gut health and overall immune support.
Pros
- Holistic grain free and gluten free recipe
- Carefully curated blend of 20 nutrient dense Superfoods
- Great for sensitive stomachs
- Ideal tiny kibble size
- Made in USA
Cons
- Finicky eaters doesn't seem to like it
8. Merrick Real Texas Beef And Sweet Potato
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Beef, Pork And Bone Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
Protein: 32.0% min
Fat: 15.0% min
Fiber: 3.5% max
Moisture: 11.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, All Breeds
Special Diet: Grain-free
Merrick’s Grain-Free formula is another that’s good for Bichon’s with delicate digestion. It features real deboned beef as the first ingredient, along with veggies such as sweet potato and peas. It gives your Bichon a dense nutritional formula that’s great for young, highly active Bichons (adult dogs, not puppies).
The formula also contains a dose of probiotics to help your Bichon digest meals easier. Your Bichon will handle high nutrition requirements without overeating. It’s also poultry free, which is another common, but lesser known, allergy that can cause itchy inflamed skin.
Their dog food is made in the US from locally grown and sourced products. If you remember the scare a few years ago with dog foods made abroad, this might help you sleep better at night.
It also includes glucosamine for joint and bone health, something vital for your Bichon as it ages. Healthy fats from fish oils work to keep skin and coat healthy.
Pros
- Gluten-free and poultry free helps combat common food allergies
- Merrick uses locally sourced and grown ingredients. Nothing imported.
- High-quality protein helps young, active dogs thrive
- Includes glucosamine for joint health
- Quality probiotics and healthy fats keep your dog’s digestive system and organs (including skin) healthier
Cons
- 38% protein is way too much for elderly dogs
- Not a small-breed specific formula, so double and triple check your serving recommendations
9. Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Puppy Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Lamb, Dehydrated Lamb, Whole Spelt, Whole Oats, Dried Whole Eggs
Protein: 28.0% min
Fat: 18.0% min
Fiber: 2.9% max
Moisture: 9.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: All Lifestages, Medium Breeds
Puppies have special requirements, and Farmina’s puppy formula considers those thoroughly. It has a higher calorie count for active, growing puppies, but the limited ingredient formula helps avoid any potential allergies that might develop.
This is a specially formulated, high-quality diet designed to fuel the growth and development of small-breed puppies. This premium puppy food features fresh, grass-fed lamb as the primary protein source, delivering the essential amino acids needed for strong muscles and healthy growth.
Paired with nutrient-dense ancestral grains like spelt and oats, it provides a balanced energy source without common fillers like corn, soy, or artificial additives.
Blueberries add a powerful antioxidant boost, supporting immune health and cognitive development, while carefully selected vitamins and minerals ensure optimal bone strength, joint health, and digestive function.
Enriched with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, this recipe supports a shiny coat and healthy skin, keeping puppies looking and feeling their best.
With a small kibble size tailored for little mouths and a taste that puppies find irresistible, it is crafted to support the needs of small breeds from their first stages through the vital months of growth.
Pros
- 90% protein is animal-based
- Formulated by Vets and nutritionists
- 9% moisture aids urinary systems
- Made specifically for growing puppies
Cons
- Caused digestive upset in some
- It contains chicken, warning for allergic pets
10. Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Senior Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Peas, Brown Rice, Rice
Protein: 25.0% min
Fat: 11.0% min
Fiber: 4.5% max
Moisture: 10.0% max
Food Type: Dry
Best for: Senior, Extra Small – Small Breeds
Small breeds of dogs typically live longer than large breeds. You’re likely to spend a significant amount of time caring for your senior Bichon Frise dogs.
Wellness Complete offers an easily digestible formula with only 12% fat to help with your senior’s weight without compromising essential antioxidants and vitamins.
The first ingredient is deboned turkey, an excellent source of lean protein. Other ingredients include veggies for vitamins and minerals, probiotics for better digestion, and healthy fats for skin and coat.
It also considers heart health with highly controlled sodium. It includes glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint and bone health. If you’ve had trouble with your senior dog refusing food in the past, you shouldn’t have any issues with that here (just be sure to portion correctly to avoid overfeeding)
Wellness has a team of veterinarians, animal lovers, and nutritionists responsible for creating their food formulas. They use fresh, whole ingredients for their foods, giving your Senior dog a better chance to digest food properly and receive dietary requirements.
Pros
- Formulated specially for your senior dog’s weight, heart, and joint needs
- Includes high quality, whole protein
- Reduced sodium
- Is an excellent choice for picky seniors (but without resorting to wet food)
Cons
- Only comes in a four-pound bag
- May require strict rationing because of the taste
Nutrition Requirements
Bichon Frise dogs may be small, but they’re energy powerhouses. The main struggle you’re going to have is feeding them enough to manage that energy but keeping portions correct to control weight.
Bichon weight averages between 10 and 18 pounds. For a smaller dog, even a pound or two over their recommended weight can have devastating effects on your dog’s health and comfort.
Elderly or inactive dogs need between 300 and 500 calories per day while younger or active Bichon’s need between 400 and 660 calories. During their puppy months (the first year of life), they’ll need even more calories to handle their main growth period.
The first thing to look for in pet food is appropriate age requirements. Changing your dog’s diet to match their life stage goes a long way to getting the nutrition right. Pound for pound, Bichon’s consume more calories than a larger dog, so choosing food for small breeds is also critical.
Feeding Requirements
Bichon stomachs can’t handle a lot of food at once, so you may have to divide up feeding times. We recommend that a Bichon have at least two, possible thee smaller meals a day (so you can eat together).
First, check the bag for daily recommendations for your Bichon based on your particular food. Divide that recommendation into two or three portions.
Feeding in smaller portions helps you control your Bichon’s weight and makes sure your Bichon is getting all the proper nutrients despite its small stomach.
Generic grocery store brands don’t usually have the high-quality ingredients Bichon Frise dogs require to balance weight and nutrition.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommend at least 18% protein for adult dogs and as high as 22% for growing puppies or nursing mothers. Generic brands won’t feature high-quality proteins that your dog can easily digest.
Recommended Ingredients
Here’s a question. When you read the back of the dog food bag, do you recognize what the ingredients are? If you can’t, that’s a good sign to switch foods.
Protein should be the first ingredient on the list but not just any. Whole proteins are beef, fish, chicken, or other meat with no byproducts or meal. Whole grains provide your Bichon with complex carbohydrates and fibers.
Barley, quinoa, and brown rice are good choices. After that, vegetables provide critical vitamins. Finally, your dog needs a form of quality fatty acids to keep the coat healthy and the skin clear. Fish oils are the most common kind.
Beet pulp is a common healthy ingredient for some dog foods, but for Bichons, you should avoid it. It can make tear staining worse. You should also avoid artificial colorings and tomato pomace for the same reason.
Potential Health Issues
Diet has long-reaching effects on your Bichon’s health. An overweight Bichon could develop pain in the hips and joints, for example, discouraging proper activity and making weight issues a cyclical problem.
Their long backs and relatively short legs make them prime candidates for intervertebral disc disease, which causes pain and possibly eventual paralysis. Maintaining weight is the most significant factor in preventing this condition.
Overweight Bichon Frise dogs are also at risk for urinary stones and diabetes. Both of these conditions make it difficult for your dog to maintain activity levels and to process meals properly. If you have trouble with your Bichon’s weight, special weight control formulas provide fewer calories and more fiber per serving.
An excellent way to judge your dog’s weight is by the outline of their rib cage. A Bichon’s coat makes it hard to see them, but if you press your fingers to the rib cage, you should be able to feel the outline of the bones without probing too much. If they aren’t readily apparent, it’s time to cut portions.
Besides weight, the other pressing issue for Bichons is allergies. Bichons are susceptible to skin irritations and hair loss as well as possible breathing problems. Some allergies come from outside sources such as grass or other allergens, but many of these issues are diet related.
Common food allergies include the usual suspects, soy and wheat, but corn and certain kinds of proteins can also trigger allergies.
If you have trouble keeping your dog’s skin healthy and itch-free (and especially if you notice fur loss), work with your veterinarian for a solution. Most vets recommend the elimination diet and slowly adding ingredients back in to record what triggers allergies.
Types of Dog Foods for Bichons
Commercial dog foods come in two varieties. Dry food helps scrape plaque from your dog’s teeth and keep gums healthy. Bichons are susceptible to dental issues, so this is a huge plus.
Canned food doesn’t help with teeth, but it does contain significantly more water. Bichons are also susceptible to urinary and bladder issues, so water content can help there.
However, making sure your Bichon has access to plenty of fresh water can help there. Never ration your dog’s water intake.
Combining the two could provide your Bichon with both benefits, but carefully calculate your Bichon’s dietary needs, so you don’t accidentally overfeed and cause weight problems (that cancel those benefits out).
Other Considerations
Your Bichon’s weight will fluctuate with age, so it’s crucial to check caloric requirements based on your Bichon’s weight and activity levels.
This will give you a better idea of how much food to feed your dog. Recommendations on the back of the dog food bag are excellent places to start, but you should always double check.
Check out this handy calculator for figuring up your Bichon’s unique caloric needs.
Final Thoughts
Some of the foods on the list can be expensive, but when you consider how often you’ll take an unhealthy adult or senior dog to the vet, the cost begins to even out.
Building health may require a bigger investment than those cheap, grocery store brands, but your Bichon may not have as many serious health issues in the long run.
Make sure you address weight and allergies, as these are the two most common causes of ailments in a Bichon. Refer back to the calculator we suggested, and you should have enough tools to keep your Bichon in great dietary health.
Now, if we could find food that will groom and detangle a Bichon, we’d be all set!