The Bernese Mountain Dog is a true ‘gentle giant.’ Originally bred as farm dogs, the large hounds are among the most lovable, calm, and temperate dogs you can ever hope to own.
Their adorable personality, fluffy tail, and beautiful tricolor coat are a few more reasons why people pick the Berner when looking for a loyal, four-legged companion.
Weighing about 80-120 pounds, these giant dogs are famous for their friendly spirit. Historically, Berners were herders, but now they top the list of many looking for the perfect family pet.
Unfortunately, Berners are prone to some health considerations and have some special dietary needs. To ensure that your giant furball stays happy and healthy, you must offer them the best dog foods that meet their specific nutritional requirements.
This article reviews the 17 best dog foods for Bernese Mountain Dogs and highlights the dietary considerations and health issues to give you a better idea of taking care of your giant tail-wagger. The detailed FAQ section also covers common questions so that you can take the best care of your Berner.
Let’s dive into the article!
The Best Dog Foods for Bernese Mountain Dogs
| Top Picks | Top Ingredients |
| 1. Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dog Food (Best For Adults) | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Whole Sorghum, Whole Barley |
| 2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Dog Food (Best For Puppies) | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch |
| 3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Dog Food (Best For Seniors) | Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Meal |
| 4. American Journey Stews Canned Food (Best Wet Meal) | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Beef Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg White |
| 5. Blue Buffalo Basics LID Large Breed Dog Food (Best For Sensitivities) | Deboned Lamb, Potatoes, Pea Starch, Peas, Lamb Meal |
| 6. Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control Dog Food (Best For Weight Loss) | Chicken, Wheat, Barley, Chicken Fat, Dried Plain Beet Pulp |
| 7. Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Dog Food (Best For Active Dogs) | Chicken, Rice, Whole Wheat, Poultry By-Product Meal, Soybean Meal |
How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick
Bernese Mountain Dog Food Reviews
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Best Overall, Best For Adults
Ratings: 
Top Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Whole Grain Brown Rice, 4. Whole Grain Sorghum, 5. Whole Grain Barley
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breed
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,566 kcal
- Form: Dry
The Nutro Ultra recipe is one of my favorite formulas with premium ingredients to support your Berner’s overall health and well-being.
The diet includes a combination of real chicken and whole grains, excellent sources of high-quality proteins and carbohydrates for maintaining joint health and lean muscle mass.
The best part is that this recipe is free from all kinds of fillers, as well as corn, wheat, or soy, making it highly palatable. Glucosamine and Chondroitin content in the recipe contributes to building healthy joints and bones too!
Analysis: Protein (min.) 22% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Dog Food
Best For Puppies
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Pea Protein, 5. Tapioca Starch
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,555 kcal
- Form: Dry
Your Berner puppy is an exuberant and fast-growing dog that needs the proper nutrition to fuel its day. This recipe by Blue Buffalo Wilderness is an excellent choice for large breed puppies because it contains protein-rich kibble perfect for developing a strong and healthy body. The abundance of DHA supports healthy brain development.
Additionally, there’s plenty of phosphorous and calcium to support the bones and joints of these large-bodied dogs. The protein comes primarily from chicken for lean muscles and a robust immune system.
Lastly, potatoes and sweet potatoes provide healthy carbs to fuel your large breed pup. Serve your Berner puppy a bowl full of flavors and nutrition.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 35%, Fat (min.) 14%, Fiber (max.) 6%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Senior Dog Food
Best For Seniors
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Barley, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Chicken Meal
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,413 kcal
- Form: Dry
With 20% crude protein and 10% essential fats, this recipe by Blue Buffalo focuses on covering your dog’s nutritional requirements as it grows older. The delicious formula includes deboned chicken as the primary ingredient, which supports the development of lean muscle mass and maintains healthy skin and your pet’s shiny coat.
The precise blend of prebiotics and probiotics supports your dog’s needs with the optimal level of chondroitin and glucosamine. The high-quality combination of protein and fat helps maintain your pet’s energy to stay active and healthy.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 20%, Fat (min.) 10%, Fiber (max.) 7%, Moisture (max.) 10%
American Journey Stews Chicken & Vegetables Canned Food
Best Wet Meal
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Beef Broth, 4. Chicken Liver, 5. Dried Egg White
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 955 kcal
- Form: Wet Food
Treat your Berner to a delicious meal with the American Journey Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Food. It’s perfect for the moderately active Bernese mountain dog and does a great job at tempting picky eaters with lip-smacking chicken broth — the food bursts with protein from chicken meat that builds muscle and keeps your dog fueled.
Besides the chicken, the food also features peas and carrots dipped in gravy that act as a secondary energy source for your dog. Owners of sensitive dogs will appreciate that the food is free from grains, corn, wheat, and soy. It’s also enriched with omega fatty acids to keep your Bernese dog’s coat shiny and lustrous.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 8%, Fat (min.) 5%, Fiber (max.) 1.5%, Moisture (max.) 82%
The Farmer’s Dog
Best Fresh Option
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. brussels sprouts, 3. chicken liver, 4. bok‐choy cabbage, 5. broccoli
- Life Stage: All
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per lb): 721 kcal
- Form: Frozen
Every owner wants to feed their dog a home-cooked diet. The Farmer’s Dog makes this convenient with their customized fresh food meals delivered right to your doorstep. Their recipes contain human-grade ingredients like turkey meat, chickpeas, and broccoli and are prepared safely in USDA-approved kitchens.
You can start by creating your dog’s feeding profile by filling out a form with their age, breed, activity level, and known allergies. Expert vets will use it to make a unique diet plan for your Bernese mountain dog. After selecting a recipe, the company will ship freshly-prepared meals for your dog on a fixed delivery schedule. Despite costing much more than traditional kibble, the food is highly nutritious and will lead to noticeable improvements in overall health with time.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 11%, Fat (min.) 8%, Fiber (max.) 1.5%, Moisture (max.) 72%
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Dog Food
Best Premium Option
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Turkey Meal, 4. Lentils, 5. Peas
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,492 kcal
- Form: Dry
If you’re willing to invest more money into your dog’s diet, you should go for Wellness Core Large Breed Formula. The food is crafted for large breeds like the Bernese mountain dog and is dense in protein with 34% crude content. Most of the recipe is composed of real foods like deboned chicken, turkey, lentils, carrots, and blueberries, making it much easier to digest and significantly tastier than regular kibbles.
Large breeds like the Bernese mountain dog are often prone to joint problems, which is why the food utilizes glucosamine and chondroitin. The larger kibble is easier for bigger dogs to pick and chew.
Vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and antioxidants are all present to promote immunity and overall health. Lastly, fillers like grains, wheat, corn, soy, and artificial additives are absent from this formula.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 34%, Fat (min.) 12%, Fiber (max.) 6%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dog Food
Best Budget Option
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Egg Product, 5. Lentils
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,611 kcal
- Form: Dry
Taste of the Wild has a reputation for offering only the best quality, balanced, and complete diets to fulfill the nutritional requirements of dogs of all sizes, breeds, and life stages. And when it comes to feeding the super adorable Bernese, this particular Sierra Mountain blend is an excellent choice.
This grain-free recipe uses novel proteins extracted from natural lamb and contains a variety of other whole foods to provide complete nutrition. The recipe’s amino acids and chelated minerals help with nutrient absorption and offer maximum health benefits to your Berner.
Analysis: Protein min. 25%, | Fat min. 15%, | Fiber max. 5%, | Moisture max. 10%
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Large Breed Dog Food
Best For Weight Gain
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Oatmeal, 3. Brown Rice, 4. Dried Beet Pulp, 5. Chicken Fat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,213 kcal
- Form: Dry
Made initially for athletic large breed dogs, Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Formula also serves as an excellent weight-gain food for the Bernese mountain dog. It’s loaded with good calories at 4,000 kcal per kg and contains chicken as a source of protein to build muscle blocks. Easily-digestible grains like oatmeal and brown rice are also present to kickstart weight gain.
Both grains provide probiotics and fiber to your dog, promoting gut flora and improving digestive health. A significant advantage of this dog food is that it contains a generous amount of glucosamine, which plays a crucial role in preventing hip/elbow dysplasia. It will nourish your dog’s silky coat and make it healthier with omega fatty acids.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 26%, Fat (min.) 15%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control Large Breed Dog Food
Best For Weight Loss
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Wheat, 3. Barley, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Dried Plain Beet Pulp
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Large, Giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,473 kcal
- Form: Dry
Bernese mountain dogs can easily become couch potatoes, which puts them at risk of obesity. The Eukanuba Fit Body Dog Food can help you manage your Berner’s weight before it gets out of hand. Formulated for dogs over 55 lbs. it contains L-carnitine to metabolize excess body fat. Meanwhile, chicken meat and healthy grains promote the growth of lean muscle mass and keep your dog satisfied for hours to come.
This recipe contains glucosamine and chondroitin to regenerate cartilage and reduce the risk of joint complications.
Finally, it contains DHA for brain plasticity and Vitamin E for immunity against disease.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 9% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
Blue Buffalo Basics LID Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food
Best For Sensitive Stomach
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Lamb, 2. Potatoes, 3. Pea Starch, 4. Peas, 5. Lamb Meal
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,562 kcal
- Form: Dry
The Bernese Mountain dogs are prone to digestive issues, and if your dog suffers digestive upset, it needs an easily digestible diet. This recipe by the Blue Buffalo Basics is very light on the stomach. It uses fresh deboned lamb as the primary ingredient to avoid allergies and sensitivities associated with more common protein sources.
The recipe is also formulated especially for large breed dogs, so you can rest assured that your Berner has its nutritional needs met. Also, the formula is grain-free and contains digestible ingredients for carbohydrates such as peas and potatoes.
This formula contains LifeSource Bits, a blend of minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins to support your pup’s overall health.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 20%, Fat (min.) 13%, Fiber (max.) 6%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Zignature Salmon Limited Ingredient Formula Dog Food
Best For Allergies
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Salmon Meal, 3. Pea Flour, 4. Chickpeas, 5. Peas
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
- Caloric content (per cup): 415 kcal
- Form: Dry
Feed your furry friend a diet loaded with wholesome and complete nutrition that your Bernese deserves. This one’s my favorite pick to feed both puppies and adult dogs with sensitivities.
Based on a single protein source, the recipe only includes a handful of carefully picked ingredients to ensure your dog doesn’t consume any potential canine allergens and ingredients. The formula provides essential nutrients and powerful antioxidants, so your dog gets the best diet and their favorite flavors without compromise.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 29%, Fat (min.) 16%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture (max.) 10%
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Big Game Grain-Free Dog Food
Best For Picky Eaters
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Lamb, 2. Pork Meal, 3. Turkey Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Peas
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, Medium, Large Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,754 kcal
- Form: Dry
Pick this exciting recipe for your adult Bernese dogs with kibble and freeze-dried chunks to add flavor and nutrition to your dog’s diet. This formula by Merrick Backcountry boasts a great variety of ingredients, including lamb, wild boar, and venison, which elevates the protein content in the diet and makes it one of the best grain-free and protein-rich food for your beloved Bernese.
Give your dog the nutritional benefits of a raw diet and feed a blend made with real meat and a variety of wholesome fruits and vegetables for vital nutrients and fiber to maintain your dog’s health and vitality.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 38%, Fat (min.) 17%, Fiber (max.) 3.5%, Moisture (max.) 11%
Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Shredded Dog Food
Best For Active Dogs
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Rice, 3. Whole Grain Wheat, 4. Poultry By-Product Meal, 5. Soybean Meal
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Large, Giant Breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,688 kcal
- Form: Dry
Average dog food cannot compensate for the energy demands of an active canine. We recommend Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Shredded Blend for owners with highly energetic Bernese mountain dogs. The food is precisely balanced with 26% protein and 12% fat content to repair muscle and charge the energy reserves of athletic dogs.
Its crunchy kibble does an excellent job at removing plaque, while shredded chicken bits give the food a mouth-watering texture and flavor. Rice and whole wheat are also present in the food to fuel your dog with healthy carbs and improve stool quality with prebiotic fiber. Your Bernese mountain dog will also benefit from the glucosamine and EPA in the food, which will strengthen their joints and sharpen their minds.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 26%, Fat (min.) 12%, Fiber (max.) 4.5%, Moisture (max.) 12%
FAQs
How much protein does my Bernese Mountain dog need?
Bernese Mountain dog is a large dog breed, so their protein need is also high. An adult Bernese Mountain dog needs a minimum of 22% of high-quality protein that should be based on animal sources such as fish, beef, lamb, duck, chicken, etc. Younger dogs may require more than that to maintain their lean muscle mass and support growth and development. It’s mandatory that you use high-quality feed with no fillers or artificial flavors.
How many times should I feed my Bernese Mountain dog in a day?
The Bernese Mountain dog reaches its full growth between 12 and 14 months of age. Therefore, it is important that you ensure preventing the rapid growth of your hound. Fast-paced growth can cause health issues in the long-run and can even have an adverse impact on your dog’s life span. This means that you will need to monitor your dog’s food consumption closely. Divide their food into two equal meals and feed your Bernese Mountain dog only twice a day.
Can I give my Bernese Mountain dog treats every day?
If you are training your dog, you may need to give him treats every day. While there is no harm in giving your dog treats daily, but make sure you don’t opt for fried or sugary treats every time. Also, avoid feeding treats to your dog more than 10% of his diet, or it might lead to obesity. For a farm dog that doesn’t get much activity, obesity can be a big issue.
How many cups of feed should I give my Bernese Mountain dog a day?
Bernese Mountain dogs are a large breed, so they will need enough food to stay happy and energetic. As they weigh around 80 to 120 pounds at full growth, you should go for 4 to 6 cups of feed a day. Also, take into account the age, weight, and activity level of your furry friend to determine your dog’s specific needs. This will also help you decide on the right calories based on their weight so you can divide the food into nutritious meals twice a day.
How is feeding a Bernese Mountain dog different than feeding a Bernese Mountain puppy?
A puppy in his developing age will need more nutrients than an adult Bernese Mountain dog. The little ones are in their development phase and much more active and playful than their older selves. To keep up with their energy levels and to achieve optimal growth, puppies require more calories and higher nutrition levels. You feed your Bernese Mountain dog twice a day, whereas Bernese Mountain puppy should be fed at least thrice a day. You can follow the diet chart after consulting from your vet or can even follow the feeding instructions on the package.
What is the best food to give my Bernese Mountain dog?
Always opt for high-quality nutrition. This is the most important consideration not only for your Bernese Mountain dog but for any breed. This is the best way to guarantee the great health and wellbeing of your dog. Also, you can prevent health problems if you provide the right nutrition to your beloved dog and improve his lifespan. Hence a high-quality diet that’s prepared with premium ingredients and excellent sources of nutrition is of extreme importance.
Can I feed my Bernese Mountain dog sweet potato?
There are a variety of veggies that should be fed to your beloved Bernese as a great source of healthy nutrition. Vegetables are an excellent treat for Bernese Mountain dogs, mainly because they also love vegetables. Out of the preferred options, sweet potato is on top of the list. But since your Bernese is also prone to gaining a lot of weight too soon, it is important to keep an eye on their calorie consumption. Sweet potatoes are dense in calories and feeding too much can lead to obesity. While you can feed sweet potato and other vegetables to your dog separately, you can even opt for a diet option that contains these high-quality and healthy ingredients to provide great nutrition to your dog.
How to calculate the right number of calories that I can give my Bernese Mountain dog per meal?
To start off, you can rely on a simple calculation that could help you figure out the number of calories you can feed your dog per meal. Remember that your Bernese Mountain dog needs 20 to 25 calories per pound of his actual weight, this takes around 1300 to 3000 calories per day. You can divide this into separate meals and feed your dog 2-3 times per day. Always account for your dog’s health condition and activity level to calculate more accurately.
Should I exclusively feed a grain-free diet to my Bernese Mountain dog?
There is no right answer to this question. Although Bernese Mountain dogs aren’t prone to allergies, all dogs may not develop food-related allergies. Therefore, it is important to figure this out beforehand so you can choose a more suitable diet for your hound. This may require a little experimenting at first but you can avoid tons of problems that you would’ve faced otherwise.
If your dog shows any sign of discomfort or symptoms of digestive issues, make sure you switch to a more relevant, simple, or a limited-ingredient diet for your dog. If your Bernese Mountain dog is already suffering from skin irritation or ear infection, it’s better to stick to grain-free food or consult with your vet to eliminate all the canine allergens and problematic foods out of your list.
Does Bernese Mountain Dog prefer dry dog food or wet canned food?
Dry food is a great source to feed your dog a balanced diet. You should look for a reputable brand that sells high-quality dry food. The ingredients should have an excellent nutrient profile to maintain a healthy weight in a large dog. Look for a complete diet with high-quality ingredients to nourish your dog’s health. However, some dogs prefer canned food for the delicious flavor it can add to the meal. Moreover, the added supplements of canned food can contribute to better absorption of nutrients as well as probiotics for healthy digestion. While feeding your beloved four-legged friend depends on his personal preferences, you can always give a combination of dry and wet food to boost nutrition and flavors.
Can I make healthy Bernese Mountain dog food at home?
Yes, you can definitely make your dog’s food at home only if you are 100% sure about the nutritional balance of the meal. You can consult your vet or a pet nutritionist to learn more about this. Just follow a healthy set formula, and you are good to go. Your homemade diet should have a balance of carbs, fat, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This, however, can be a little difficult to manage unless you’re totally dedicated to this task. Fortunately, the readymade meals available today can help you ensure good nutrition of your Bernese without compromising on his health. So weigh the pros and cons of this decision before settling.
Can I feed my Bernese Mountain dog a bit of my chocolate?
Chocolate is a big no for any dog let alone Bernese Mountain dog. Any kind of chocolate can be fatal for your hounds. You can cheer up your dog with different treats, especially if they’re under training, but giving out a chunk of chocolate is out of the question.
Can I feed my Bernese Mountain dog leftovers from the table?
Again it’s a complicated answer. It really depends on what’s leftover on your food table. Most of the time, food that’s fit for humans is not suitable for pets. The high sodium content in most food that we consume can be extremely harmful to your dog. Food with high salt can lead to electrolytes’ imbalance in Bernese Mountain dogs.
Also, regularly feeding leftovers can increase caloric intake and cause obesity and related health problems. Dogs may also end up developing a taste for human food, which may put your dog off their own food and compromise on a balanced diet that’s designed for them. Therefore, it isn’t a good idea to fed table leftovers to your Bernese.
Can I control my Bernese Mountain dog’s diabetes through a good diet?
The jury is still out there looking for authentic sources on whether diet alone can control diabetes in Bernese Mountain dogs. However, high protein and high fiber diet, with a limited amount of fat and carbs, will help keep your diabetic dog’s health in check. Many special formulas will help control the blood sugar level as well.
What food should I never feed my Bernese Mountain dog?
There’s a list of things that you should avoid feeding your Bernese. First off, steer clear of fried, salted, sugary, and other quick meals that are designed for humans. Next, strike off options with low-quality ingredients and empty fillers. Feeding the wrong food may not have immediate reactions but it can cause a lot of damage to your dog’s health in the long run.
Here are a few things you should avoid completely:
- Chocolates and other sugar-loaded food
- Coffee, tea, and other forms of caffeine
- Grapes and raisins
- Table leftovers
- Food with empty fillers and uncategorized by-product meals
- Food with low-quality ingredients
- Food with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Can my Bernese react to common food allergens? What do I need to know?
While not all dogs are prone to food-related sensitivities, it is better to be safe than sorry. Maintaining the standard when choosing the best dog food for your Bernese mountain dog is important and therefore, you should always pick a reliable option that offers optimal nutrition to your dog. Avoid food with artificial ingredients and unnecessary fillers. Other common allergens that could trouble your beloved fella’s tummy include corn, soy, wheat, grain, chicken, and beef.
How big can I expect my Bernese Mountain pup to grow?
An adult male Bernese dog can weigh between 35 and 55 kg while an adult female can reach up to 50 kg in weight. In height, your male Bernese can grow up to 70cm and female to 66cm.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs need a lot of exercise?
Your giant fella has a tendency for weight gain, which necessitates daily exercise and physical activities. If your dog is in good shape and perfect weight bracket, a 30-minute exercise routine is great for maintenance. However, experts recommend increasing the duration to 60-90 minutes to reduce the risk of weight gain, obesity, and other health problems.
Buyer’s Guide
As a giant breed, Bernese requires high-levels of proteins to support their lean muscle mass, yet controlled fats to avoid extra weight. As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to pay attention to their special dietary requirements and ensure they get the best nutrition they deserve. The food you offer them should be able to take care of their health inside and out. And with that, I mean that it should also contain all the essential nutrients necessary for taking care of your dog’s skin and fur as well.
You must also ensure the proper growth and development of your precious pup. Feeding the wrong food can expedite their growth rate and cause various health problems due to the unnatural speed of growth. Overfeeding or feeding the wrong balance of nutrition during the growing age can cause musculoskeletal problems in dogs, especially in Bernese.
We have all the information here to help you avoid these risks and make the right decision about the best dog food for your Bernese Mountain dog. Keep reading!
Factors to Consider While Shopping for Best Dog Foods for Bernese Mountain Dogs
When shopping for dog food for your furry Bernese, some of the important aspects to consider are:
Premium Animal Proteins: Bernese Mountain Dogs require a minimum of 18-22% premium protein in their diet to maintain lean muscle mass and optimal health. The best sources of rich protein include poultry, fish, and meat. Pick a diet that includes animal-based protein instead of plant-based protein as the primary ingredient.
High-Quality Ingredients: I can’t emphasize more on how imperative it is to focus on the quality of ingredients used to prepare the kibble or canned food that you’re opting for. This factor decides the overall quality of nutrition you are offering your dog for maintaining great health conditions. Ensure that your canine companion gets a diet prepared with whole, natural food ingredients including at least one meat protein source.
Essential Carbohydrates: Your dog also needs digestible carbohydrates to fuel energy for their day-to-day activities. Some of the best sources include vegetables and whole grains. You can opt for a grain-free diet if your dog has health problems or food-related sensitivities.
Healthy Meaty Meals: Meat-based meals are a great source of protein for Bernese dogs since they contain around 10% moisture level which makes them highly concentrated in proteins; more than fresh meat.
Healthy Fats: Essential fatty acids, such as Omega 3 and 6, are excellent for supporting soft and healthy skin of your fur pet. Healthy fat sources are also great for providing your dog with the energy she requires to stay up and going all day long. However, it is important to maintain moderate levels of fat consumption for your big Bernese to avoid obesity. Healthy fats can be obtained from high-quality sources such as flaxseeds, fish oil, and canola.
Bernese Mountain Dogs and Their Specific Dietary Considerations
As one of the furriest, friendly breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs are a joy to keep! But this large breed is, unfortunately, prone to a number of diseases that shorten their life span. These common diseases include Cataracts, Portosystemic Shunt, Cancer, Gastric Dilation, and Arthritis. Moreover, this breed usually develops food allergies or sensitive stomachs. Thus, it is essential to provide them with digestive supplements through their diet to avoid these problems.
How much you feed this fluffy friend entirely depends on the type of food you choose. Divide their food into several small meals after determining the caloric requirement. Essentially, you can feed 3-4 cups of quality food to your puppy Bernese. Your adult should eat 2-3 cups of larger meals during the day.
Diet Requirements of Bernese Dogs in Different Life Stages
When it comes to the nutritional needs of a Bernese, protein tops the chart since that’s what your pet needs the most! It is essential to have chondroitin and glucosamine as a part of your Bernese’s diet to provide the essential supplementation for joint support.
Here’s the break up of your Bernese dietary requirements based on different life stages:
Puppy – At the initial life stage, your Bernese requires about 22% proteins and 8% essential fats to fuel their high energy levels. A high-quality diet will help your beloved pet grow lean muscle mass. This giant breed is prone to joint problems and thus need low-density carbohydrates and essential fats to support joint and hip bones.
Adult – An adult Bernese is less energetic as compared to a puppy. Therefore, it is important to adjust their nutrition support accordingly. At this stage, they require at least 18% high-quality, meat-based proteins and 5% crude fats to meet their nutritional requirements. An adult Bernese is more prone to obesity and weight issues so it is important to keep an eye on the calorie count of their diet. In addition to taking them for regular exercise, give your dog the required calories based on their activity level.
Senior – As a fully grown, senior Bernese, your pet still requires essential proteins to support their nutritional requirements but it becomes crucial to control their caloric intake at this point. During this golden age, the activity levels of your big boy are likely to drop, which makes it all the more important to pay attention to weight management. Picking a diet that’s suitable for a senior life stage is an ideal option. Control the calories as per the activity level of your hound. It is also suggested to add digestive supplements to your pet’s diet at this stage since they are more likely to become overweight.
Conclusion
Your big fella has exceptional qualities and a very friendly temperament, which makes her such an amazing companion. To make sure your canine buddy stays around wagging his tail for longer, it is important to feed him the right diet that meets his specific nutritional requirements.
Here I have covered all the important aspects that will make the decision easier for you. Narrow down your options and use the information shared here in the best interest of your dog and pick the best dog food for your Bernese Mountain dog. Also, don’t forget to check out the top foods I have listed in this article to make the search easier for you.
So what are you planning on feeding your big, beautiful hound? Do let me know your experience in the comments!