What Human Food Can a Bichon Frise Eat? (Eggs, Meat, Fruits & More)

Feeding your bichon frise human food can provide them with superior nutrition compared to kibbles and processed dog food. But, it’s important to know that some foods are toxic to your bichon. Below, we will provide an in-depth overview of different human foods, including meat, eggs, and fruits as they relate to your bichon frise.

So, what can your pooch eat and what should you prevent it from having by any means?

Can a Bichon Frise Eat Raw and Cooked Meat?

We all know that protein is very important for dogs. Feeding your bichon pup raw and cooked meat is allowed, but the diet should include other food groups too.

Let’s see what types of raw and cooked meat your bichon can eat, but keep in mind that bichons are well-known for their food allergies, so it’s always best to start with a very small amount first. Also, avoid spice rubs or sauces on meat as these can be high in salt and sugar or contain toxic ingredients (like onion powder).

Pork

Your bichon can eat pork, but make sure it is thoroughly cooked. Raw or undercooked pork is forbidden for humans and dogs alike because raw meat can be infected by parasites (such as trichinella spiralis larvae). Also, the piece of pork you choose should not be fatty, as bichons should not have a diet high in fats. This could lead to obesity and heart problems, among others.

Beef

Beef is a great food source for your bichon. Unlike pork, you can opt for raw beef, too. Make sure you choose lean beef coming from grass-fed cows to ensure high-quality proteins and other nutrients.

Sausages, Bacon, and Ham

Processed foods like sausages, ham, and bacon should not be fed to your bichon. These contain a high amount of fat and salt, which can cause deadly illnesses like pancreatitis. High-salt foods like ham and bacon will make your pup very thirsty, causing them to drink excessive amounts of water. This water expands their stomach and puts pressure on their internal organs, threatening their life.

Chicken and Turkey

Specialists are split between whether dogs should eat raw chicken or not due to bacteria growth in this type of protein. To stay on the safe side, feed your pup cooked chicken or turkey, with no skin, seasonings, and as part of a varied diet. Make sure you remove all the bones as they can splinter and threaten your pup’s life.

Shrimp

Bichons can eat shrimp as long as it is properly cleaned, shelled, deveined, and thoroughly cooked. However, keep in mind that shrimp and shellfish can easily cause food allergies for many pooches, so you can start with a very small amount first and monitor them after eating. The most common food allergy symptoms are dry, patchy, itchy, and irritated skin, but also vomiting, upset stomach, and gas.

Tuna

Bichons should not eat tuna or other saltwater fish. For instance, tuna is high in mercury, which leads to mercury poisoning, followed by death. Safer fish alternatives include salmon, herring, and whitefish – or other fish types typically included in dog food.

Can a Bichon Frise Eat Vegetables?

Not all vegetables are safe for your bichon. In general, feeding them a few veggies as a treat is a safe practice. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs do not have any real need for vegetables in their diet, but you can share with them a few veggies instead of highly processed dog treats. Also, moderation is key, and you need to be careful when removing all the seeds (and even peel) if necessary.

Broccoli

Occasionally, you can offer broccoli in very small amounts. While broccoli is rich in vitamin C and low in fat, it can cause stomach irritation when eaten frequently or in large amounts. Also, it’s best to avoid feeding large stalks as these can cause the small dog to choke.

Carrots

Carrots are one of the best veggies you can give to your dog. It is low in calories, high in beta-carotene, and a fun treat that keeps teeth clean.

Corn

In moderation, bichons can safely have corn. Many types of dog foods contain corn, too, so it’s a good addition to a balanced diet. However, some pups may develop a food allergy to it, so always start with a very small amount.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are a great snack for your bichon, especially as they are low in calories, thus ideal for overweight dogs or if you’re watching your dog’s diet and overall health.

Green Pepper

Bichons can eat green peppers. In fact, they can have any type of bell peppers regardless of their color. Also, you can feed them both raw and cooked pepper, but make sure you clean all the seeds and the stem before serving. Avoid seasoned or fried peppers, and keep in mind that cooked pepper will be easier to digest, while raw pepper will be more fun due to its crunch.

Lettuce

Similar to cucumbers, lettuce is made of mostly water (about 90%), which means it is a healthy, safe, and low-calorie snack for your bichon. It’s also a good snack for an overweight dog. However, all greens can lead to diarrhea in large amounts, so moderation is key.

Potatoes

Potatoes belong to the same family as tomatoes, which means that they are toxic to dogs. You should not feet raw potatoes to your bichon. When baked or boiled, potatoes become safer for dogs as the levels of the toxic compounds are reduced during cooking. Fried potatoes should not be served to your dog, and you need to provide plain potatoes without any salt or seasonings.

Pumpkin

Plain pumpkins are great for your bichon – they are rich in many vitamins and are good for digestion. Also, they are recommended for treating diarrhea in dogs. However, moderation is key as pumpkins are rich in calories. You should avoid pre-cooked pumpkin (like pie filling, for instance) as this comes with many harmful additions, including spices and sugar.

Spinach

Spinach should be avoided if possible. This veggie prevents your pup from absorbing calcium, damaging the kidneys. This happens when high amounts of spinach are ingested, but best to avoid and opt for a safer veggie instead.

Tomatoes

Most people love tomatoes, but they are not very safe for our furry friends. In general, ripe tomatoes are considered safe, but the green parts of the plant are toxic. To stay on the safe side, it’s best to avoid tomatoes altogether, along with other foods based on tomatoes (like tomato-based sauces, for instance).

Zucchini

Zucchini is one of the safest options for dogs. It is rich in nutrients, but moderation is important, just like with any other veggie or fruit. It’s a good low-calorie treat as part of a well-balanced diet.

Can a Bichon Frise Eat Fruits?

Your bichon frise could enjoy fruits as an occasional snack. However, keep in mind that fruits are higher in sugar than veggies, so you should limit this type of food and watch their calorie intake.

Apples

Apples are great snacks, especially if your bichon is an adult. However, you should not feed your pooch the apple core or the seeds.

Bananas

Another good snack in moderation, bananas are great sources of nutrients for your pooch. Just like most fruits, this should be given as a treat and not part of the main meals because bananas are high in sugar.

Blueberries

Blueberries prevent cell damage, so they are an excellent choice for your bichon’s diet.

Cantaloupe

Similar to bananas, cantaloupes are safe for bichons, but they are high in sugar, so they must be given in a limited amount and as a snack, not the main meal. Avoid these high-sugar fruits if your bichon is overweight.

Grapes

Bichons cannot eat grapes. Feeding grapes to your dog can lead to immediate kidney failure, threatening their life. Always make sure that your dog does not eat any foods that contain grapes or raisins (which are dried grapes).

Oranges

If your bichon can cope with the smell of citrus, this could be a healthy snack alternative rich in vitamin C. You should eliminate orange peel and seeds, as these could upset your dog’s stomach.

Papaya

Bichons can enjoy exotic fruits like papaya. Like with other fruits and vegetables, you need to remove the seeds first as these may lead to intestinal blockages. Also, seeds are rich in a toxic substance called cyanide that can poison your pup.

Peaches

Small amounts of peaches are safe for your bichon, except for the pit and as long as they are fresh (not canned) fruits. A small amount of peach as a treat can help your pup fight infections and stay healthy.

Pears

As long as you remove the pit and seeds and you offer fresh (not canned) pears, these fruits are a safe choice for your bichon. In fact, eating pears will reduce the risk of stroke by 50%. Make sure the fruits are cut into small, chewable bites.

Pineapple

Fully peeled, pineapple is a nutrient-rich food for your bichon. Similar to other fruits, avoid canned varieties and go for the fresh fruit instead.

Strawberries

Raspberries and strawberries are recommended for your bichon, especially for senior ones. However, as they are rich in sugars, make sure you keep an eye on the amount. Raspberries also contain xylitol, which is toxic in large amounts.

Can a Bichon Frise Eat Nuts?

Nuts are a favorite snack for most humans, so can you share a few of them with your pup? In general, it’s best to avoid nuts as most varieties are harmful or toxic to your pooch. This type of food is high in fat, while salted nuts should be avoided at all costs.

Cashews and Peanuts

Cashews and peanuts are considered the safest types of nuts for bichons, but make sure they are not seasoned or salted. Despite this, it’s best to avoid them as they are too high in fat to make for a healthy treat. The amount should be very, very small – like occasionally picking up a few nuts off the floor rather than a proper serving.

Other nuts, like almonds and macadamia nuts, are extremely dangerous for your pooch. It’s best to go for fruits or veggie treats instead.

Can a Bichon Frise Eat Cheese?

In short, yes and no. Cheese can be consumed by dogs in limited amounts, but some bichons may be intolerant to it. Most pups love cheese and trainers use it as a treat, but keep in mind that this type of food is high in fat, leading to weight gain and obesity, or even pancreatitis. The cheese should not be flavored or contain herbs or garlic.

Can a Bichon Frise Eat Chocolate?

Chocolate can lead to death when eaten by dogs, although they may seem like they love it – just like we do. Bichons eating even a small bit of chocolate can become extremely ill, so make sure that all the chocolate in your home is safely out of your pup’s reach.

Can a Bichon Frise Eat Eggs?

Some people state that eggs are not good for dogs. The truth cannot be further away – eggs, including yolk, white, and shell, are full of nutrients and perfectly safe when eaten by your bichon. One reason against eggs is that the whites can interfere with your dog’s digestion but, for this to be true, you have to feed your dog many, many egg whites.

Eggs come with many benefits for your bichon. They contain important nutrients that keep their skin and coat healthy and shiny and boost cellular growth.

The best way to feed your dog eggs is raw and provide the whole egg, including the shell (make sure you turn it into a fine powder before feeding). However, as your bichon is a tiny pup, a teaspoon of egg per day should be more than enough. Larger breeds could have up to one egg per day, but your tiny pup might get a loose stool if they eat more than 2-3 teaspoons of egg per day.

The debate on feeding raw eggs has proponents on both sides. Most people state that raw eggs are safe for dogs and may contain more vitamins and benefits than cooked eggs. If you really want to be on the safe side, you could opt for boiled egg instead of raw. Make sure you avoid fried eggs, though, as the high content of oil will harm your pup.

Can a Bichon Frise Eat Bread, Toasts, and Rice?

Bichons can eat bread, toast, and rice as long as they have a balanced diet rich in nutrients and is active throughout the day. However, keep in mind that bread, toasts, and rice are filler foods – as in, they provide little to no nutrition, so probably not the best food choice for your pup. These foods are typically recommended for bichons with an upset stomach.

Other Human Food That a Bichon Frise Can and Cannot Eat

We all have our favorite “sin” foods like pasta, ice cream, or even peanut butter. Can we share these treats with our furry friend? Let’s look at a few more human foods and whether your bichon can share your joy.

Peanut Butter

There is some good news: your furry friend can have some peanut butter from time to time! However, make sure your chosen brand doesn’t contain any xylitol (a sweetener) and keep the amount moderate.

Crackers

This depends on your crackers. If they are high in sugar or contain herbs, salt, and seasoning (like onion, chives, garlic, and others), the answer is no. So, you can offer unsalted, plain crackers as a treat, but keep this on a very rare basis. Just like bread or rice, crackers have no nutritional value for your pup.

Cheerios

If you have some regular, plain Cheerios, you can share them with your bichon as they are made of whole grain oats. Favored or sweetened cereal varieties should be avoided because they may contain artificial sweeteners, toxic nuts like almonds, and others. Just like crackers and other foods made of grains, Cheerios provide “empty calories” to your pup, so it’s best to keep them to a minimum.

Ice Cream

Who doesn’t love some ice cream on a torrid summer day? Unfortunately, while your bichon may love this treat, it’s best not to share it. The high content of milk in ice cream can hurt your bichon, as adult dogs become milk intolerant after being weaned. Thus, ice cream can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as pain, vomiting, and others.

Also, ice cream may contain numerous toxic ingredients (including nuts) and is very high in sugar, affecting your furry friend’s health in the long term.

If you want a nutritious and fun summer treat, you can freeze apple pieces (after removing the core and seeds) and give them to your bichon.

Pasta

On the good side, pasta is totally safe for your bichon, both cooked and uncooked! It is usually made of safe ingredients like flour, eggs, and water. However, make sure that the pasta shape is safe for your bichon and will not lead to choking.

Keep in mind that added sauces, especially store-bought ones, can contain toxic ingredients – such as tomatoes (best avoided), Allium veggies (such as onion, garlic, leeks, chives, and similar ones that are toxic to dogs), and other ingredients.

Pizza

In short, your dog cannot eat pizza. There are many harmful ingredients in a slice of pizza – too much fatty cheese, sauce that may contain garlic and onion (among others), garlic and herbs, processed meats like sausages, ham, and pepperoni. Also, if your bichon accidentally ate raw pizza dough or any raw dough, go to a vet immediately.

Pancakes

Pancakes are safe for your bichon as long as they are plain, unsweetened, and thoroughly cooked. You may want to proceed with caution, though, if your buddy is intolerant to dairy (as the batter contains milk). Yet, pancakes should be offered only from time to time since they are high in fat and carbs, potentially leading to gaining weight.

The pancakes should not be topped with any harmful ingredients, such as nuts, chocolate, raisins, maple syrup, or other sugary syrups. If you want to add a sweet treat to the pancake, you can opt for any safe fruit discussed above (such as banana or strawberry), and a small amount of peanut butter.

Tortillas

Despite the minimum nutritional content in tortillas, these are not harmful to your bichon. It also depends on what the tortilla is made (for instance, corn or flour) and whether your bichon has any food allergies. In general, tortillas are safe in small amounts and on rare occasions.

Yogurt

We all know that puppies have milk, but not many people know that adult dogs may completely lose their ability to digest dairy products as they age. Thus, your bichon may develop an intolerance as it grows up. It depends on how your bichon behaves when having dairy – signs of intolerance include gas, loose stools, and other gastrointestinal discomforts.

If your pup is okay when having dairy, yogurt should be safe. Avoid flavored, high-fat varieties that may contain harmful sweeteners and other ingredients. For instance, plain Greek-style yogurt is the safest option as it contains less lactose than other types.

Summary

All in all, your bichon frise can enjoy many human foods, including eggs, several types of meats, fruits, and vegetables. It’s important to keep in mind that your dog must have fruits and vegetables in moderate amounts – especially fruits which are naturally higher in sugars. Also, certain vegetables must be avoided at all costs, including onion, garlic, and others from the same family.

If your bichon ingests harmful food by mistake, make sure you go to the vet immediately. Also, if your dog suffers from health conditions like obesity or diabetes, it’s always best to consult with your vet and decide what foods to add to the diet.

Many bichons may develop food allergies, which means that they will feel sick even if they ingest a typically safe food – such as bread. This could be caused by wheat allergies and typically include skin irritations, itchy patches, or gastrointestinal symptoms, such as vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools, and many others.

Finally, all veggies and fruits must be served without the core (like in the case of apples) and without any seeds. Raw meats are best avoided, but raw beef is generally considered safe. Avoiding all processed foods, like sausages, ham, canned veggies, and fruits, or dishes made for humans, is best for your pooch. These can contain high amounts of salt, fat, sugars, and many other toxic ingredients that can endanger your bichon’s life.