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What’s the best dog food for Bichon Frise?
Bichon Frise are a small but sturdy breed of dog, known for their glorious white coat – which is velvety to touch – and rounded head hair that sets off large dark eyes and black nose and lips.
They are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region and are descended from the Water Spaniel and the Barbet.
Popular among European nobility during the Renaissance, Bichon Frises were often used as companion animals. They were also favored by sailors and traders, who would take them on their voyages. The breed’s name, “Bichon,” likely comes from the French word for “small dog.”
According to figures from the American Kennel Club, Bichon Frise consistently ranks in the top 40 most popular dogs in the US.
Unfortunately, this breed is prone to allergies so, when choosing a dog food look for recipes with limited, wholesome ingredients and novel protein such as fish, venison, duck or rabbit.
Bichons, like many small breeds, are prone to urolithiasis (stones in the urinary tract), so keeping your dog well-hydrated is important to help prevent and control it – make sure your dog has access to bowls of fresh water.
Remember, if you have any specific concerns or questions about your Bichon Frise diet, seek advice from your veterinarian.
In the meantime, read our recommendations for the best dog food for Bichon Frise below.
You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Bichon Frise.
Best Dog Food for Bichon Frise January 2025
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Bichon Frise for January 2025.
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Best Dry Dog Food For Bichon Frise
Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken Recipe
This high-protein kibble is an excellent choice for your Bichon Frise, offering balanced nutrition from humanely-raised meat and non-GMO vegetables and superfoods for an extra nutritional boost. Open Farm Senior Grain-Free Turkey & Chicken Recipe is one of 11 recipes reviewed in our analysis of this dry product line.
The formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey, a lean and nutrient-rich meat packed with vitamins like iron, zinc, potassium, and B6. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 34.8% protein, 15.2% fat, and 42% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
Its premium nutrition without growth hormones, corn, wheat, or soy makes this food a great choice for Bichon Frise with sensitive stomachs. And, the inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin helps promote healthy joints.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Free from growth hormones, wheat, and soy
- Promotes healthy joints
- Humanely raised meat
Main Ingredients 100% Animal welfare certified turkey, 100% animal welfare certified chicken, sweet potato, ocean whitefish meal, field peas Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 34.8% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Bichon Frise Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at openfarmpet.com"My dog Eddie loves the senior grain free dog food so much I’m thinking of switching all my dogs to Open Farm. I really appreciate the peace of mind that comes with having traceable, organic, human-grade food. Thanks again!"
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Best Wet Dog Food For Bichon Frise
Zignature Kangaroo Formula
Zignature Kangaroo Formula is one of 11 wet recipes featured in our review of the Zignature wet product line.
This food sources its primary protein from kangaroo, a lean and novel meat that is unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. Rich in protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, kangaroo provides essential nutrients to support overall health. The recipe also includes wholesome ingredients like peas and chickpeas, offering a balanced and nutritious diet.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 40.9% protein, 18.2% fat, and 32.9% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
With a moisture content of at least 78%, this wet food is especially beneficial for breeds like the Bichon Frise, which require ample hydration.
Read our review of the full Zignature Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- High in moisture
- Novel meat
- Limited ingredient
Main Ingredients Kangaroo, vegetable broth, peas, sunflower oil, kangaroo meal, Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 40.9% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult and puppy Bichon Frise Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"As a pet care professional for over 12 years I always strive to give my dogs the best. Zignature has been a staple for our three dogs for three years and counting! We will continue to recommend your food to our clients at work and to our friends."
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Best Fresh Dog Food For Bichon Frise
JustFoodForDogs Venison & Squash Recipe
Bichon Frise dogs are prone to allergies, making this venison-based recipe an excellent option for those sensitive to common proteins such as chicken or beef. This limited-ingredient, human-grade meal is one of nine fresh frozen recipes reviewed in our review of the JustFoodForDogs Fresh Frozen product line.
In addition to venison, the recipe features sweet potatoes, an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as dietary fiber — ideal for dogs with digestive concerns. Free from fillers, preservatives, growth hormones, BHA, BHT, or artificial coloring, these fresh frozen meals prioritize clean, wholesome nutrition.
Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.3% protein, 18.8% fat, and 39.9% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
Read our review of the full Just Food for Dogs (Frozen Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Novel meat
- Human-grade ingredients
- Free from fillers, preservatives, and artificial coloring
Main Ingredients Venison, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, cranberries Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 33.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at justfoodfordogs.com"Our dogs love this food and our vet approves. We would not think of giving them any other food."
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Best Dog Food For Bichon Frise Puppies
We Feed Raw Lamb Patty Recipe
This 5-star-rated dog food is packed with protein and nutritious ingredients, making it an excellent choice for a growing Bichon Frise puppy. We Feed Raw Lamb Patty Recipe is one of six raw recipes featured in our review of this high-quality product line.
The recipe derives most of its protein from lamb, an excellent alternative for dogs with allergies to common proteins like chicken, beef, or turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 45.6% protein, 31.1% fat, and 15.3% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 68%.
Crafted without preservatives, fillers, artificial colors, or flavors, the formula uses USDA, human-grade meats fortified with added vitamins and minerals. Made from grass-fed meat, this flavorful and highly palatable food is perfectly suited to small puppies, offering both easy digestion and essential nutrition for growth.
Read our review of the full We Feed Raw Dog Food (Raw Frozen) range here
Things we like
- Novel meat
- High protein
- Highly palatable
Main Ingredients Lamb, beef heart, beef liver, beef kidney, beef necks (with bone) Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 45.6% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult and puppy Bichon Frise Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at wefeedraw.com"My pup stopped eating. Not sure why. All her vet stuff is immaculate. I tried everything. I knew she would eat the raw stuff. So here we are. I like the packaging. It’s easy. They even give you a storage container to keep the portions in. My pup also gained some of her weight back. I’d recommend this to anyone"
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Best Affordable Dog Food For Bichon Frise
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato
Made with deboned salmon, this high-quality protein helps build and maintain healthy muscle tissue and energy levels. With salmon as the primary ingredient, this is a great choice for dogs with allergies to common proteins.
Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain-Fre Salmon & Sweet Potato is one of seven dry recipes included in our review of the Merrick Lil’ Plates dry product line.
Due to the high fish content, this recipe offers a good source of omega-3 fatty acids to help support your dog’s healthy skin and coat, plus probiotics and prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion. It also contains high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints. Plus, the kibble is reduced-sized, ideal for small-breed dogs.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.7% protein, 15.7% fat and 42.6% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Read our review of the full Merrick Lil’ Plates Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High in omega-3 fatty acids
- Small kibble size
- Contains probtioics and prebiotics
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, salmon meal, whitefish meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 33.7% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"When I first got it, I wasn’t sure if my dog would like it since he could be picky sometimes. He seemed to enjoy this food and I like that it meets his needs and that it will be benefiting him as he’s getting older. If you have a small dog and are looking for a particular type of food, this is a good option."
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Best Dog Food For Bichon Frise With Allergies
American Journey Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato
If your Bichon Frise has allergies, American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato is an excellent choice. This limited-ingredient recipe is one of five dry formulas included in our review of the Limited Ingredient product line.
With most of its protein derived from fish, the recipe delivers essential amino acids to support muscle development, energy levels, and overall health. Complementary ingredients like peas, sweet potatoes, and chickpeas are rich in antioxidants, promoting a healthy immune system. Additionally, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids nurture healthy skin, a shiny coat, and optimal brain and eye function.
Free from grains, corn, wheat, soy, and fillers, this formula is tailored for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27.8% protein, 13.3% fat, and 50.9% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
Read our review of the full American Journey Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Limited ingredient
- Free from fillers
- Rich in amino acids
Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, salmon meal, peas, chickpeas, sweet potatoes Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 27.8% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult and puppy Bichon Frise Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog has allergies and this food works well. I don’t see her scratching and she likes it! "
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Bichon Frise:
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a Bichon Frise?
The Bichon Frise is a small dog that weighs approximately 6–11 kilograms (10–20 pounds) and stands 23–30 centimeters (9–12 inches).
What kind of fur does a Bichon Frise have?
Bichon Frise have a hypoallergenic, powder-puff white coat, which consists of a silky but curly outer coat and soft undercoat, with minimal shedding. It requires daily gentle brushing and monthly bathing.
What temperament do Bichon Frise have?
Bichon Frise are known for their friendly, affectionate, and playful nature. They tend to be social dogs that enjoy being around people and other pets. They are often described as “people dogs” and thrive on human companionship.
Bichons are intelligent and can be trained, though they may sometimes exhibit a stubborn streak. They have a lively and happy demeanor, often making them good candidates for families and various living situations.
How much exercise do Bichon Frise need?
The Bichon is classified as ‘somewhat active’ but that is an average. They can have long periods of calm followed by bursts of high activity. They require daily play sessions with their owner as well as walks (up to 30 minutes each day).
Bichon Frise are well-suited to various living situations, including apartments, as long as they receive regular exercise and mental stimulation. Due to their small size and friendly nature, they can be good companions for families, singles, and seniors alike
What health conditions do Bichon Frise have?
Like many small breeds, Bichon Frise are susceptible to stones in the urinary tract. Diabetes, hip dysplasia and allergies are also among possible conditions that may affect them.
Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet are important for maintaining their health and well-being.
Final word
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