The Bichon Frise, with its cheerful temperament and fluffy white coat, is a delightful companion that brings joy to any household. Known for their playful and affectionate nature, these small dogs are adorable, intelligent and easy to train. Their unique characteristics also mean they have specific nutritional needs.
Choosing the right dog food for your Bichon Frise is essential to maintaining their health, energy levels and the lustrous appearance of their coat.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Bichon Frise
When selecting food for your Bichon Frise, consider their size, age, weight and any allergies or sensitivities they might have.
Weight and Size
Bichon Frises are small dogs, usually weighing between 10 and 18 pounds. They need food that keeps them at a healthy weight and supports their overall health. Look for dog food where real animal protein is one of the top five ingredients, as this helps with muscle maintenance and repair.
How much should you feed your dog? The amount of food your Bichon needs will also depend on their activity. Active puppies might need more food, while older or less active dogs need less to avoid gaining extra weight. Aim for about 296-495 calories daily, depending on their activity level.
Age
Adjust your Bichon’s diet as they age to meet their changing nutritional needs. Puppies need more calories and nutrients for growth and bone development. High-quality puppy food is rich in proteins and fats to keep them healthy and energetic. As your Bichon gets older, feed them a balanced, portion-controlled diet to manage their weight to prevent diabetes and other obesity-related issues.
Senior Bichons, over seven years old, need food that supports joint health and has fewer calories to match their slower metabolism. Additionally, consider giving your senior dog supplements with ingredients like methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for joint repair.
Allergies and Health Problems
Bichon Frises are often prone to food allergies. This can cause discomfort and itchy skin on their ears and paws. Common allergens include soy, wheat and sometimes potatoes.
If you notice signs of an allergic reaction, like vomiting, diarrhea, recurring ear infections and poor coat quality, adjust your Bichon’s diet to foods low in allergens, like grain-free or ancient grain recipes. Your Bichon Frise’s food should contain natural ingredients and no artificial chemicals or fillers.
Common Health Issues in Bichon Frises
Despite their relatively long lifespan of about 14 years, Bichon Frises are susceptible to various health issues, including food sensitivities and allergies. A healthy, balanced diet with nutrient-rich ingredients can help your pet live a full and happy life.
__Some common health problems in Bichon Frise dogs: __ Diabetes mellitus. This condition involves the pancreas failing to regulate blood sugar, leading to high levels that require daily insulin injections. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss and increased appetite. If these symptoms appear, visit a vet for a physical exam, blood panel and urinalysis.
Corneal dystrophy. Often inherited, this condition can start as early as six months old. It is characterized by a cloudy area in the center of the cornea, which can impact vision. Typically, treatment is not required unless it progresses to corneal ulceration.
Cataracts. Cataracts, which are possibly hereditary in Bichons, involve the hardening of the eye lenses. They can begin as early as one year old and may impair vision. However, this condition can be treated with surgery.
Bladder stones (urolithiasis). These stones can be due to genetics, infections or diet. Symptoms include bloody or foul-smelling urine and straining during urination. Treatment may involve surgery or a special diet recommended by your vet.
Best Dog Food for Bichon Frise
Finding the right dog food for your Bichon Frise helps them lead a healthy, happy life. Some of the best dog food options tailored to meet the unique dietary requirements of your Bichon Frise:
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze Dried Raw Patties
Harvest Chicken Freeze Dried Raw Patties offer a convenient way to provide a real raw diet for dogs. These patties, featuring 95% free-to-roam chicken and organ meats, are gently freeze dried, preserving nutrients and flavor.
You may be wondering, is freeze dried food good for dogs? Absolutely, especially when made with humanely raised, antibiotic, hormone and steroid-free chicken, including ground livers, necks and bones. Just add water or bone broth for a complete, nutritious meal.
Open Farm Open Prairie Grain-Free RawMix for Dogs
Open Prairie Grain-Free RawMix is ideal for Bichon Frises due to their sensitivity to grains and artificial additives. This mix, featuring 100% animal welfare certified chicken and turkey, provides high-quality protein and healthy fats, vital for a Bichon’s diet.
The grain-free formula, enriched with chicken liver, necks and turkey gizzards, offers essential nutrients like B vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health. It also includes chicken bone broth, which adds collagen, which is beneficial for joint and skin health, making it a nutritious choice for your Bichon Frise.
Give Your Bichon Frise the Best Diet With Open Farm
At Open Farm, we’re serious about sourcing the best possible ingredients for your dog’s food. Every ingredient, from our grass-fed beef to non-GMO vegetables, can be traced back to its origins.
We partner with farmers and growers who use sustainable practices to give you pet food that isn’t just good for your dog but also for the planet. Explore our complete selection of ethically sourced dog food today.
This article is meant only as an example meal with fully balanced nutrition, please reach out to our customer experience team if you have any questions about your pet’s own unique circumstances! To ensure these products are a good fit for your pup, we also recommend consulting your pup’s vet about any new supplement or diet changes, especially if there is a medical concern. They should be able to help as you and your vet know your pup’s medical history best!
