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Dog Nutrition

10 Best Dog Foods for Bichon Frises in 2026 - Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove
By Nicole CosgroveUpdated on July 4, 2026
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There are a few things to consider when looking at reviews for the best dog food for Bichon Frises. Keep in mind that a few of these options include ingredients for specific diets that are not required unless specified by your veterinarian.

With multiple options containing natural ingredients as well as healthy protein and fat content, you should be able to find the right option for you and your pup. Check out our list and reviews of the best dog food for Bichon Frises.

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A Glance at Our Top Picks in 2026

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer's dog The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription
  • Custom to your dog
  • Raw ingredients
  • Made in a kitchen
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food Nutro Natural Small Breed Dog Food
  • Prevents plaque buildup
  • Non-GMO ingredients
  • Ample amount of protein
  • Third place
    Merrick Lil’ Plates Premium Grain Free Dry Dog Food Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Dog Food
  • Omega fatty acids
  • Real Texas beef and sweet potatoes
  • Supports hip & joint function
  • Iams Proactive Health Smart Small Breed Puppy with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food IAMS ProActive Small & Toy Breed
  • Contains 22 key nutrients
  • Omega 3 DHA for cognition
  • No artificial colors or flavors
  • Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Small Breed Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Castor & Pollux Small Breed Dog Food
  • Organic
  • Skin & coat health
  • Hip & joint health
  • The 10 Best Dog Foods for Bichon Frises

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall

    The-Farmers-Dog-Beef-Recipe
    Main ingredients:Turkey, Beef, Pork, Chicken, vegetables
    Protein content:33% - 46%
    Fat content:19% - 34% min
    Calories:~280/ ½ lb.

    The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription service that begins with a questionnaire about your pets. You enter your dog’s name, breed, weight, and size to have a tailored plan made for your dog. With four different choices of protein (turkey, beef, pork, chicken) and additional vegetables added based on your dog’s needs, it’s the best overall dog food for Bichon Frises.

    The nutritional value is heightened with supplements, amino acids, and more depending on your dog’s needs. There are only a couple of negatives with this choice, like needing to sign up for a subscription and the shelf-life of 4 days.

    Pros

    • Custom to your dog
    • Raw ingredients
    • Made in a kitchen
    • Delivered

    Cons

    • Short shelf life

    2. Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
    Main ingredients:Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Chicken Fat
    Protein content:24%
    Fat content:16%
    Calories:352/cup

    The best dog food for Bichon Frises for the money is the Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe. With chicken as the first listed ingredient, this dog food provides an ample amount of protein. It has no by-products so you can be sure your dog is eating wholesome ingredients. It includes natural ingredients with additions of antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system. It is suitable for adult dogs over one year of age.

    With vitamins and minerals incorporated into the recipe, it’s a healthy boost for your Bichon. Unfortunately, there are some downsides to this dog food. The kibble recipe was changed along with its branding. The size of the kibble is too small, hard, and crunchy for some dogs to enjoy fully.

    Pros

    • Prevents plaque buildup
    • Non-GMO ingredients
    • An ample amount of protein

    Cons

    • Small kibble
    • Too hard and crunchy

    3. Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Beef & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

    Merrick Lil’ Plates Premium Grain Free Dry Dog Food
    Main ingredients:Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas, Potato Protein, Whitefish Meal, Pork Fat, Natural Flavor
    Protein content:30%
    Fat content:12%
    Calories:395/cup

    Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Chicken-Free Beef & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food for Bichon Frises contains all-natural ingredients. It includes top-quality ingredients like real Texas beef and sweet potato. Made with small breeds in mind, this dog food has added benefits in its ingredients. With prebiotics and probiotics included in its ingredients, it helps to aid in digestion. The crunchy texture helps with the plaque and cleaning your dog’s teeth.

    It’s designed for small breeds specifically as it works to build muscle and increase energy levels. There are a few drawbacks with this choice of dry dog food like a less than appetizing smell. It’s also good to note that some dogs might not be a fan of sweet potatoes.

    Pros

    • Omega fatty acids
    • Real Texas beef and sweet potatoes
    • Supports hip & joint function

    Cons

    • Unappetizing smell
    • Sweet potato is not a favorite

    4. IAMS ProActive Health Smart Puppy Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food

    Iams Proactive Health Smart Small Breed Puppy with Real Chicken Dry Dog Food
    Main ingredients:Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp
    Protein content:30%
    Fat content:18%
    Calories:445/cup

    The best dog food for Bichon Frise puppies comes from the popular brand IAMS. Designed with small breeds in mind, this formula is made with real chicken as the first ingredient. It’s made to support nutritional value for smaller dogs. With benefits for growing small-breed dogs, its farm-raised chicken helps to promote muscle growth.

    It has a recipe developed to retain all the nutrients that puppies would get from their mother’s milk as babies. A couple of negatives about this option are that the kibble can be too hard, and there is a chance that this recipe can cause digestion issues such as gas and bloating in puppies.

    Pros

    • Contains 22 key nutrients
    • Omega 3 DHA for cognition
    • No artificial colors or flavors

    Cons

    • Too hard
    • Can cause digestion issues

    5. Castor Pollux ORGANIX Organic Small Breed Recipe

    Castor & Pollux ORGANIX Organic Small Breed Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
    Main ingredients:Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes
    Protein content:26%
    Fat content:15%
    Calories:387/cup

    The Castor & Pollux dry dog food for Bichon Frises is our fifth choice as it’s a good option specifically meant for smaller breeds. With organic ingredients and a recipe tailored to smaller dogs, this dog food is USDA-certified. Without artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, it provides only the most natural ingredients for your small dog. There are superfoods added like blueberries, flaxseed, and sweet potatoes for added nutrition.

    If you have a dog with a sensitive stomach with a suggestion from a vet to go on a grain-free diet, then you can choose this as an option. There are a couple of negatives to this dry dog food like the tiny pieces and the fact that it may cause digestion issues in some dogs, which is why a transition period is necessary.

    Pros

    • Organic
    • Skin & coat health
    • Hip & joint health

    Cons

    • Required transition period
    • Digestion issues
    • Tiny pieces

    6. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    American Journey Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
    Main ingredients:Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal (a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
    Protein content:32%
    Fat content:14%
    Calories:390/cup

    This highly rated dry dog food is suitable for all breeds and sizes of dogs. It’s a great option for Bichons as it has a high protein content to support growing pups. The salmon and sweet potato recipe is made with real salmon as the main ingredient.

    With powerful nutrients, this recipe provides multiple advantages. Having antioxidants, omega fatty acids, plus DHA makes this a healthy recipe. It supports healthy immune systems in dogs, healthy skin and coat, plus brain and vision development. Essential vitamins and minerals ensure you’re making a healthy choice for your small dog. Some drawbacks include that it contains some filler ingredients which may cause weight gain in dogs, and the kibble is very hard as well.

    Pros

    • Affordable
    • Build lean muscles
    • Natural vitamins

    Cons

    • Filler ingredients
    • Weight gain
    • Too hard

    7. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Bichon Frise Adult Dry Dog Food

    Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Bichon Frise Adult Dry Dog Food
    Main ingredients:Wheat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Brewers Rice, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Fat, Corn Gluten Meal
    Protein content:27%
    Fat content:13%
    Calories:352/cup

    Tailored specifically for Bichon Frises, this dry dog food has small breeds in mind. It’s a good option for purebred Bichons as the ingredients included are added to support their health. The kibble is a suitable size for a Bichon’s jaw size and type of bite making it easier to chew. It promotes skincare with fish oils and supports a healthy coat. With added benefits for weight management, it’s ideal to promote digestion and easy bathroom breaks.

    This dog food has a lower calorie count per cup to ensure that small dogs don’t gain too much weight for their size. But there is a drawback to this option, that is it being hit or miss in terms of flavor. Not all Bichons may like the flavor of this food, which is important to keep in mind considering the price.

    Pros

    • Supports a healthy coat
    • Weight management

    Cons

    • Pricey
    • Hit or miss product

    8. Whole Earth Farms Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food
    Main ingredients:Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Canola Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken, Turkey
    Protein content:27%
    Fat content:14%
    Calories:381/cup

    This choice for dry dog food for Bichon Frises is designed for small dog breeds. With a combination of both chicken and turkey, it contains good quality protein. With a mix of nutritious and natural ingredients, Whole Earth Farms also delivers quality ingredients. It contains omega fatty acids and antioxidants to support a healthy coat and a healthy immune system.

    It’s also packed with vegetables providing added benefits. Fiber, vitamins, and minerals boost nutrition for small dogs. Farm-grown ingredients provide no fillers, by-products, or preservatives. There are a few drawbacks of this food option, like an unappealing look and smell that could be off-putting to dogs.

    Pros

    • Antioxidants
    • Farm-grown ingredients
    • Vitamins and minerals

    Cons

    • Bad smell
    • Unappealing look

    9. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Senior Deboned Turkey & Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Senior Deboned Turkey & Peas Recipe Dry Dog Food
    Main ingredients:Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Peas, Rice, Oats
    Protein content:25%
    Fat content:12%
    Calories:435/cup

    With a smaller-sized kibble, this option for dry dog food for Bichon Frises is optimal. With ingredients like turkey and peas, this all-natural dog food is made to support the overall health of senior small breeds. This food contains ingredients to ensure this food is packed with proteins and grains balanced for the best nutrition.

    Being made in the USA, this formula has been crafted with a healthy coat, skin, immune system, and energy in mind. As an added benefit, there are omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics. It contains no fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives. The downsides to this food are that it is a bit pricey compared to other foods, especially for a smaller-sized bag.

    Pros

    • Weight control
    • Premium proteins
    • High protein

    Cons

    • Expensive
    • Small bag

    10. Nature's Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Nature's Logic Canine Chicken Meal Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
    Main ingredients:Chicken Meal (Source of Methionine-Cystine), Tapioca Root, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)
    Protein content:36%
    Fat content:15%
    Calories:483/cup

    If your Bichon Frise needs a type of dry dog food that is 100% natural, then this is a suitable option for you. If you are recommended by a vet to give your dog a grain-free diet, then it has that benefit as well. With whole foods packed with nutrients, this recipe contains no artificial ingredients.

    This recipe contains 95% animal protein skipping out on vegetables that could cause trouble for pups with sensitive tummies. With added benefits like probiotics and enzymes, it also supports healthy digestion for your dog. The drawback of this option is that it can get expensive, especially when you go up in size.

    Pros

    • 95% animal protein
    • No vegetables or legumes

    Cons

    • Expensive
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    Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Dog Food for Bichon Frises

    When it comes to the best dry dog food for Bichon Frises, there are several things to consider when choosing the right brand for your dog. The brands mentioned here are created with small dog breeds in mind. This includes anything from the size of the kibble to the health benefits, such as healthy muscle function or skin and coat health.

    While most dry dog food options contain natural ingredients that benefit your dog’s overall health, it can be a learning curve for your dog to transition to a new diet. You should practice patience when it comes to switching your dog’s food.

    Some key points for Bichon Frises are, of course, their size, but you also need to think about the foods they prefer and what a small dog might need. This is in reference to how most recipes include the bonus of vitamins to support healthy muscle function and growth.

    If you have a dog that requires a special diet, take this into consideration as well when you see ingredients, for example, grain-free, weight management, allergies to specific ingredients, and more.

    Our Selection Process for Dog Foods for Bichon Frises

    To create this buyer's guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog foods we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog foods. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog foods to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.

    Why Trust Dogster?

    Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.

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    Conclusion

    The best overall pick for dog food for Bichon Frises is the subscription to The Farmer’s Dog. With limitless vitamins, minerals, and added nutrients, the benefits of this option outweigh the rest. Nutro comes in second with the best value for your money. It has many health benefits and a relatively affordable price point. Merrick Li'l Plates is our third pick for its small breed formulation containing beef and sweet potatoes.

    Sources

    Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock, Mikeledray

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