Establish your Bichon Frise puppy feeding schedule as soon as you get your puppy.
Then stick with it, to avoid confusion, whether you decide to use a specific feeding schedule or self-feeding.
As a new pet owner you may be uncertain about healthy dog feeding guidelines. The good news is that feeding a puppy isn’t difficult, but using HEALTHY food is essential.
First of all, it’s important that your Bichon Frise puppy is at least 6 weeks old when you get her.
Twelve weeks is even better. Any younger than 6 weeks and the dog isn’t ready for weaning.
Taking a puppy from its mother too soon, can cause stress for your puppy--which negatively impacts this sensitive breed and may cause behavioral or health problems.
Keeping your Bichon puppy on a feeding schedule is healthy for him.
Dog Feeding Guidelines
At the age of two months, the average Bichon Frise’s puppy feeding schedule includes one cup of dry food in a 24 hour period.
The first serving should be in the morning after you’ve walked your dog. Follow at even intervals (lunch time, 3 pm, and 6 pm) allowing the dog to eat for about 10 minutes each time.
It’s very important to create a routine when feeding a puppy, as it will also help with successful crate training.
Changes to the Puppy Feeding Routine
Around the age of 10 weeks your puppy should be ready for three meals a day. While the amount won’t change, you can adjust the timing so it better fits your family’s schedule.
As before, you want to give the dog the first 1/3 cup portion in the morning followed by another 1/3 cup at lunch, and again at dinner.
Following this pattern of having the last meal at the same time as your own will help the dog get through the night without needing to be walked.
At six months of age your Bichon Frise’s meals can be reduced to two a day – one half cup in the morning and one at dinner time.
Continue feeding your dog puppy kibble until he is a full year of age, at which time you can switch to a high quality adult mix.
Fussy Puppy?
Puppies can be fussy eaters. If you find that your Bichon Frise stubbornly refuses dry food, it’s acceptable to moisten her food with water.
Do not give into the temptation of offering your pup human food or wet food.
Kibble is by far the best choice for your dog’s digestive system and teeth.
And using a kibble like Orijen Grain-Free Puppy Dry Dog Food will help insure that your allergy sensitive Bichon Frise puppy will not develop allergies to her food.
What about Dog Treats?
From time to time giving your dog a little carrot, cooked egg or yogurt as a treat is fine.
Simply limit the amount to a teaspoon. Remember this is a "treat" – not a supplement.
Limit the extras, to keep your dog’s weight at a healthy level.
By following these basic dog feeding guidelines, for the Bichon Frise puppy feeding schedule, you will be supporting your puppy’s health and giving him the best chance for a very long life with you.
