If you’re looking for a playful and affectionate yet feisty furry friend, a Bichon Frise could be exactly what you’re looking for. These sociable small breed dogs have a pretty long life span, but they need the right diet from the very start to ensure optimal development. With so many small breed puppy food options out there, it can be hard to determine the right choice for your new pup...
Our guide will explore how much your Bichon Frise puppy should eat, our top picks here at Fetch, and what to avoid to give them a healthy life. We will also explore how long a Bichon Frise puppy should eat puppy food, and how you can transition to a new adult diet.
Discover how much you should be feeding a Bichon Frise puppy
Here are our top picks at Fetch
Try to avoid feeding your Bichon Frise these items
Small breed puppies don’t need to eat puppy food for too long
We answer some common queries
How Much Should a Bichon Frise Puppy Eat?
Bichon Frise puppies should eat a balanced diet of specialised small breed puppy food to support their fast metabolism and small stomachs. As they age, Bichon Frises will need to have their portions adjusted, and should be fed around 8% of their body weight daily from 10 weeks old, split into three meals a day. You should also consider your puppy’s expected adult weight when determining their portion amount.
All pups are different, so try our puppy food calculator here for an estimate.
Puppy Feeding Calculator
As a starting point, consider our table below when feeding dry puppy food:
| Puppy age | Approx. dry food per day | Meals per day |
| 2–3 months | 70–105g | 3–4 |
| 4–5 months | 85–125g | 3 |
| 6–7 months | 75–115g | 2–3 |
| 8–10 months | 60–100g | 2 |
| 11–12 months | 55–90g | 2 |
Amounts are a general guide based on an average-sized Bichon Frisé and typical dry puppy food. Always check the feeding instructions for your chosen food and adjust according to your puppy’s weight, growth and body condition.
Before switching up your puppy’s diet, consider booking a wellbeing consultation with a canine nutritionist to find the best diet for your puppy.
What Should I Feed My Bichon Frise Puppy?
Bichon Frise puppies need puppy food that supports their rapid growth and development; feeding them the wrong kind of puppy food can lead to development issues and nutritional deficiencies. At Fetch, we recommend the following brands:
· Nourish Rite grain-free small breed puppy food : Nourish Rite are our top option when it comes to dry food; they provide formulas for both large and small breed puppies, as well as senior dogs. Their small breed puppy food is turkey flavoured, perfect for pups with allergies and sensitivities. Bichon Frises are prone to sensitive stomachs, so this option is perfect.
· Nourish Rite premium puppy food – chicken and rice: another Nourish Rite option, their premium chicken and rice puppy food is packed full of protein, ideal for fast-growing puppies like Bichon Frises. Nourish Rite premium also contains Omegas 3 and 6, helping your puppy’s immune system and skin health (perfect, since Bichon Frises are prone to skin issues).
· Naked Pup chicken: ideal for a raw diet, Naked Pup chicken is full of protein for rapidly growing small breed dogs like Bichon Frises. It’s also 100% grain and gluten free, perfect for dogs with sensitivities or intolerances.
· Kudo Cold Pressed Junior Turkey and Duck – for a cold-pressed option, consider Kudo Junior turkey and duck , with a high meat content to support muscle growth in growing Bichon Frises.
You can view our full collection of puppy food here .
What Food Should My Bichon Frise Puppy Avoid?
Like all dogs, your Bichon Frise puppy shouldn’t be fed anything that is highly toxic to them, such as chocolate, onions, garlic and grapes . Although chicken is a great source of protein, it is a common allergen alongside beef, wheat and soy. Reactions to these common allergens can include tear staining, itching, and stomach issues such as diarrhoea. Monitor your puppy when feeding to see if they have any allergies to certain foods.
Artificial additives and colourings can also cause adverse reactions, and can stain your puppy’s muzzle.
Here at Fetch, we only stock food and treats approved by our canine nutrition specialists, ensuring breeds of all shapes and sizes live a healthy life.
How Long Should a Bichon Frise Puppy Eat Puppy Food?
Bichon Frise puppies should stop eating puppy food and move onto adult food when they are roughly 10-12 months old. Smaller breeds can transition to adult food more quickly than larger breeds, as they reach their average adult size and mature at a faster pace.
When Bichon Frise puppies reach maturity, they need adult food that suits their breed and any intolerances they may have. Their food still needs to be calorie-dense to support their fast metabolism. When transitioning to adult food, take around 10 days to gradually mix their puppy food with adult food. Start with 25% adult food and 75% puppy food, and start mixing until you are at 100% adult food.
You can find out more about transitioning your puppy to adult food in our previous guide here. Alternatively, you can get in touch with one of our experts for wellbeing consultation .
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Specific Ingredients to Look Out for in Bichon Frise Puppy Food?
Look for pointers such as:
· No artificial additives or preservatives
· Named protein source
· No excess fillers such as wheat
· Omega fatty acids
· Carbs such as sweet potato
How Do I Transition My Bichon Frise to New Food?
You should transition your puppy slowly over 7 to 10 days, making sure to start with a mix of 25% puppy food and 75% adult food until you’re eventually only feeding them 100% adult food.
What Common Allergies and Sensitivities do Bichon Frises Have?
Common allergies include:
· Pollen and dust mites
· Beef, chicken and dairy
· Flea bite hypersensitivity
· Ear infections and eye issues
Can I Feed Wet Food to My Bichon Frise Puppy?
Yes, wet puppy food can be a great choice for a Bichon Frise, as it ensures hydration alongside water intake and is easy on their developing digestive system. Bichon Frise puppies can be picky eaters, and wet food is highly palatable.
How Do I Spot Signs of Digestive Issues in my Bichon Frise Puppy Related to Diet?
Common signs of digestive distress in Bichon Frise puppies include:
· Changes in stool consistency
· Vomiting
· Diarrhoea
· Changes in bowel habits
· Excessive gas
· Loss of appetite