20 Best Foods for Bichon Frise with Allergies

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Dealing with your Bichon Frise’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members of the Bichon Frise community on Facebook the following question: “Those of you with Bichon Frise’ who have allergies…. what food do you use and why?” We received hundreds of replies, and summarized the top 20 responses here.

As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Bichon Frise’s diet.

Healthier Meals for Dogs With Allergies

Freshpet Healthy & Natural Dog Food,

My Zack seemed to have terrible allergies. He scratched all the time. I started bathing him with baby shampoo, and there were no more problems! I feed him Fresh Pet beef and Purina’s one lamb and rice. He’s doing great!

Author: Mary H.

Likes: 0

Purina ONE Dry Dog Food

Fromm Small Breed Adult Gold Premium Dry Dog Food

Bichon is allergic to everything! She does amazing on Fromm small breed!! We have to avoid wheat and soy products

Author: Jacey L.

Likes: 1

Freshpet Dog Food

I used Fresh Pet chicken and rice. The dog was allergic to wheat, soy, corn, and beef, and didn’t particularly stomach potatoes or salmon very well either. And Mother Hubbard chicken Apple treats.

Author: Tammy A.

Likes: 2

Freshpet Healthy & Natural Dog Food

Ground lamb, beef (no salt, rinse and drain off grease) chopped broccoli, carrots, celery, white rice, zucchini, sweet potatoes, squash. The veggies can be switched around. Sprinkle a little parsley or oregano and a good multivitamin. Meal prep. Fresh Pet beef can be a substitute. A little expensive, but no more itching and picky eating.

Author: Carol A.

Likes: 2

My Molly is allergic to everything but rice, barley, oats, and I do mean everything!

I give her a mixture of oatmeal, rice, carrots, and peas! So far, she is B not allergic to veggies or fruit! I buy baked pumpkin or sweet potato treats from Wilco! The only thing I have found that has nothing she’s not allergic to! I can’t buy B anything meat flavored, no eggs, yeast, dairy B products, absolutely nothing else but those. She is doing great! She also gets an allergy shot every 5 or 6 weeks! Good luck!

I cook 2 cups of rice and 2 cups of oats with 2 cans of carrots and 3 cups of peas!

Author: Mazey M.

Likes: 0

Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin

Hill’s Science Diet for Sensitive Stomach and Skin works great for my Bichon

Author: Holly Wright

Likes: 1

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food

Author: Sharilyn M.

Likes: 1

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food

Author: Lourdes D.

Likes: 1

Our Bichon had terrible allergies for several years. We took him to several vets, we tried shots, allergy pills, everything but steroids (too dangerous), sprays, creams, oils, various shampoos. Finally, we tried a highly recommended vet who asked questions…yes, he’s allergic to every food we gave him, including home-cooked. Found out he’s allergic to protein. She put him on Blue’s hydrolyzed food, problem solved…no more scratching and bleeding sores, just a happy little guy. You may want to ask your vet about it. It’s prescription only. Good Luck!

Author: Cooper S.

Likes: 0

Author: Jerry B.

Likes: 1

My boy is allergic to fish and many meats and has a lot of intolerances to certain meats too, but the true allergies showed with chewing himself and scratching at himself and constant ear infections it was so sad, we did food elimination, just introduce one food at a time when we found a food that had no reaction we introduced another food, about 2 weeks apart, it took forever but our vet said its the best way as the food allergy tests they use are for humans and are only 50 percent accurate and 50 percent false, we found he is fine with chicken, brown rice and any vege,, but as he has severe fish allergies,, he vomits violently ,, we had to search to find a food without added fish oils, it was tricky but he has been on the food for years now with no issues at all, it’s a long road, but so worth it, the occasional treat of something else is ok we find, but not regularly,, good luck helping your fur baby x

Author: Melanie T.

Likes: 0

Iams was the only thing my bichon wasn’t allergic to

Author: Allie M.

Likes: 1

Try Nutra Thrive for superior gut health and vitamins. mines been on it for 5 years and not 1 digestive issue. She’s doing great. Highly recommend!

Author: Life With Doggos

Likes: 1

Give grain-free food for bichons with whatever you buy. We put ours on Tractor Supply’s 4health grain-free (made by Diamond Foods), no more allergies, and no more picky eaters.

Author: Kimberly K.

Likes: 1

Mine was the same, and the only thing that didn’t upset him was Eukanuba (That’s how you say it, the spelling is probably wrong). He was on that all his life until he pinched the kids’ chocolate and got really poorly and died, and the vet’s bill was in the thousands

Author: Teresa T.

Likes: 1

I fed my Georgie Caesar and Bakers biscuits, as anything else he ate would be sick, and I never gave him what I was eating

Author: Karen C.

Likes: 1

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Frequently Asked Questions About Feeding a Bichon Frise with Allergies

1. What are the most common food allergies in Bichon Frises?

1. Bichon Frises are prone to allergies caused by proteins such as beef, chicken, dairy, and grains like wheat or corn. Some may also be sensitive to soy or artificial additives. Identifying the specific allergen often requires an elimination diet supervised by a vet.

2. Which ingredients should I avoid when feeding my allergic Bichon Frise?

2. Avoid common allergens like chicken, beef, wheat, corn, soy, and dairy. Also steer clear of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavorings. Look for limited-ingredient diets that use novel proteins such as duck, venison, or salmon.

3. What are the best hypoallergenic foods for Bichon Frises with allergies?

3. The best foods often include limited-ingredient diets, hydrolyzed protein formulas, or grain-free recipes. Brands offering salmon and sweet potato, lamb and rice, or venison blends are generally well-tolerated by allergic dogs. Consult your vet to choose a suitable option based on your dog’s specific needs.

4. Can homemade food help with my Bichon Frise’s allergies?

4. Yes, homemade diets can help, especially when crafted under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist. This approach allows you to control every ingredient, helping isolate allergens and tailor the nutrition to your dog’s requirements. Always ensure meals are nutritionally balanced.

5. How do I know if my Bichon Frise is allergic to their food?

5. Symptoms of food allergies in Bichons include excessive itching, chronic ear infections, gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or vomiting, and skin rashes or hot spots. If you notice these signs, consult a veterinarian for allergy testing or an elimination diet trial.

6. Are grain-free foods better for Bichon Frises with allergies?

6. Not necessarily. Grain-free diets help only if your dog is allergic to grains. Many dogs thrive on grains like brown rice or oats. It’s more important to identify your dog’s specific allergens rather than assume grain-free is automatically better.

7. How long does it take to see improvement after switching to allergy-friendly food?

7. You may begin to see improvements within 4–6 weeks, but it can take up to 12 weeks for full relief from allergy symptoms. Be consistent with the new diet and avoid giving treats or table scraps that might contain allergens during this period. Always follow up with your vet for progress assessments.

Support Your Dog’s Allergy Relief With Better Nutrition

Choosing the right food can make a world of difference for dogs with allergies. When you select recipes made with gentle ingredients and clean nutrition, you help soothe irritation, support digestion, and keep your pup feeling their best. Every thoughtful choice brings your dog closer to the comfort and wellness they deserve. With the right allergy-friendly diet, you can ease symptoms and enjoy more joyful, energetic days together. Because a healthy, comfortable dog is a truly happy dog.