How should you change the dog food for a Bichon Frise? How should a Bichon Frise change dog food and adjust meal portions?

Bichon Frise (detailed introduction)

Sometimes Bichon dogs need to switch to a different brand of dog food; or due to illness or pregnancy, they need an increased amount of food per meal. So how should you increase or decrease dog food or adjust meal portions for a Bichon Frise? The dog feeding section suggests that each time you increase or decrease the Bichon’s meal portion, it should not exceed one-tenth of the original feeding amount.

1. Do not rely too much on the recommended feeding amount on dog food packaging. How much should a Bichon Frise eat daily? Although pet food packaging usually recommends a suitable daily amount, there is no set standard for each pet’s feeding amount. Also, different Bichon Frises eat differently: for example, adult Bichons eat more than puppies, pregnant Bichons eat more than when not pregnant, and more active Bichons also require more food.

The safest method is: observe the Bichon’s eating situation carefully. If the Bichon finishes the meal without adverse reaction and has normal urination and defecation, then the meal portion is suitable. Also, when owners replace dog food for a Bichon, they should not switch immediately; generally, it is best to transition over 10 days gradually. Switching food too quickly may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

2. Increase or decrease the meal portion by no more than one-tenth of the original feeding amount. Bichons experience significant weight changes during puppyhood and pregnancy, so it is recommended to adjust the feeding amount every two weeks. The speed of increasing or decreasing food should not be too sudden; the principle is to increase or decrease by no more than one-tenth of the original amount each time. In addition, when switching food, owners must pay attention to the recommended feeding amounts of the new food. Different brands have varying energy densities (calories per cup or can), which is a major factor in deciding the amount to feed. Some high energy density foods do not require large feeding amounts.

3. Transition period for changing dog food. It generally takes more than 10 days to replace the old brand with a new brand for a Bichon dog. Before feeding, mix the new dog food evenly with the current homemade food (or other brand pet food), then gradually increase the proportion of the new food daily until fully switched. Increase or decrease by 10% daily, so the change can be completed by the tenth day.

4. Do not change dog food for a Bichon too quickly. Bichon dogs prefer food they are gradually familiar with and are very sensitive to new food. This is because the various enzymes in the dog’s digestive tract need to adjust their content ratios to adapt to changes in food components and nutrients.

If the change is very fast, these enzymes may take 2-3 days to complete their adjustment process, possibly resulting in improper digestion and indigestion.