The Eating Habits of a Bichon Frise

The eating habits of the Bichon Frise dog breed are determined by its owner. Like most other canines, this breed will eat more than it needs if food is put in front of it. It is the owner's responsibility to feed it a balanced diet containing the vitamins and nutrients the dog needs and to instill good eating habits by eliminating junk food and feeding it at the same time every day. An adult Bichon Frise usually requires one meal a day, or two small meals. High-quality commercial dog food, or home cooked meals containing a combination of proteins and cereal grains supply all the dog's nutritional needs.

  1. Eating Habits

    • You can instill good eating habits in your Bichon Frise by discarding any food that it doesn't eat within 15 minutes of receiving a meal. Leaving food out for longer periods can lead to finicky and erratic eating habits, according to Richard G. Beauchamp in his book "The Bichon Frise Handbook."

    Altering Eating Habits

    • If your Bichon Frise joins your household when it is already an adult, it might be necessary to introduce a new diet or change its eating habits, particularly if the previous owners indulged it with treats or fed it on demand. Introduce the new food gradually to avoid digestive upsets and feed the dog at the same time and in the same place every day. Don't worry if the dog initially refuses the food you give it. Healthy dogs don't starve themselves to death and it will eat when it's hungry, Beauchamp notes. Leave food down for 20 minutes, then discard leftovers. Don't offer any more food until the next mealtime and don't succumb to the temptation to give the dog treats. Your Bichon Frise will soon realize that you mean business and adapt itself to a healthier new diet and eating routine.

    Treats

    • It's best to give treats in moderation because this dog has a tendency to become obese. Give treats during training sessions and refrain from giving it fried, fatty or sugary snacks as a treat. Fish, pork and chicken bones should also be avoided because they can cause intestinal damage. If feeding just once a day, you could supplement the dog's diet with healthy treats, such as dog biscuits.

    Life Stages

    • The dog's eating habits and caloric requirements also depend on its age. Puppies need small but frequent daily portions to help them develop and gain weight. Feed a puppy four portions until it is three months old, three portions when it is between three and six months and two portions until it reaches adulthood. The caloric needs of an adult dog depend on its activity level. A dog that spends hours in the park or playing with children needs larger portions than one that spends all day in the house while its owners are at work.