What’s the Best Dog Food for Your Bernese Mountain Dog?
Your big, loveable Bernese Mountain Dog is a worker that will love to be with you in all you do. This breed is from the Swiss Alps and they were used as shepherds for alpine herders and dairy farmers. They are good family dogs, intelligent, and enjoy regular physical activity. They are loyal to their owners and will protect them if necessary. This breed does not need intense exercise but does enjoy long walks and being busy. They tend to get into trouble if they are not given opportunities to get in their exercise time. This large breed dog does have some medical issues it is predisposed to, however—especially in older dogs if feeding your dog a poor diet. These issues need to be taken into consideration when selecting food that is best for your pup. Talk to your pet’s veterinarian to get their thoughts on nutrition in your dog’s diet while looking at their size, activity level, and potential health problems such as:
- Cancer
- Eye problems
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia/ Elbow dysplasia
- Ligament problems
- Musculoskeletal issues
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Food allergies
Your Bernese Mountain Dog needs daily exercise. His exercise regime does not have to be extreme but it has to be steady so you can gauge his caloric needs. Include his potential medical issues and lifestyle in a discussion with his veterinarian, and this will give you the ability to make a good nutritional choice for your dog.
What Brand of Dog Food Is Best for Your Bernese Mountain Dog?
Bernese are loveable family dogs. They are large dogs, but also very active as they were bred as working farm dogs. They often weigh up to 120 pounds depending on their lineage. When choosing food for your Bernese, make sure to look at this active lifestyle along with any medical issues that may crop up. These dogs need a good balance of protein and fat. They do not do well with free feeding when it comes to their food so two measured meals a day for adults is the best with the aim of about 2200 calories. As with all dogs, it’s best to find a food that lists named quality proteins as their first ingredient. The other necessity is a good fat that can provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and DHA to support eye health which can be an issue for these dogs. Make sure the product has no unnamed ingredients, artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives as none are beneficial and can, in fact, be allergy triggers. Looking for the right amount of protein to protect them from getting hot spots and the right amount of fat for digestive health is important. Not too much and not too little is best.
The Best Food Options for Your Bernese Mountain Dog
These very large dogs have some unique nutritional needs. They enjoy having an active lifestyle and can it well into the family dynamic; however, they do need some specialized nutritional support. They grow steadily and for a longer period of time due to their size. Their metabolism is steady, and their love of the outdoors needs to factor into their food choice as well. Proper nutrition is important to ward off any long-term health issues, especially due to their predisposition to cancer. Choosing a good tasting, quality food that will support their long-term health will be helpful as they move into their later years.
Food for Your Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy
Canine Caviar Limited Ingredient Diet Puppy Holistic Entrée Grain-Free
This product offers a great start for your puppy as it’s a Limited Ingredient Diet (LID). Its vitamins and minerals are a benefit toward good growth and eye protection. This recipe has a single protein with pro and prebiotics to keep digestive health good. This recipe supports heart, kidney and liver health as well. There are no by-products, GMOs, or artificial ingredients. The LID diet is great for any allergy issues and reducing negative food interactions.
Pros: Reduces allergy issues, has good fiber, hormone free
Cons: Higher price point, watch urine alkalinity
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy
This nutritional product offers a solid start for your large puppy. It offers a quality protein along with DHA to help support the healthy growth of young brains and eyes. It has calcium and phosphorus to support bone growth in these hardworking pets. It is grain-free and healthy fat for skin and coats. This product will give your puppy a solid nutritional foundation.
Pros: Antioxidants, named protein (chicken), sweet potatoes as healthy carbohydrates
Cons: Possible allergy triggers, can cause digestive upset
Food for Bernese Mountain Dogs Adults
Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed
This is a great product for your adult Bernese as it is has a great balance of protein and fat. All its proteins are named and no preservatives. The recipe is specifically designed to fit the needs of your large breed dog. There are no by-products or extra fillers for useless calories and no artificial ingredients. Its recipe also supports ongoing joint and ligament health for your large dog.
Pros: Larger kibble size, “Wellflex” ingredients for joints
Cons: Can lead to soft stools, higher cost
Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed
This product is great for large dogs. The recipe contains fresh turkey, salmon, and duck. It is free of allergens and includes in its formula ingredients like New Zealand green mussels, glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints along with L-Carnitine for a healthy heart and lean muscle. This is a great product to feed your Bernese in their active adult years.
Pros: No artificial additives, specialized recipe for large dogs
Cons: High price point, strong smell
Conclusion
Your large-sized Bernese Mountain dog has a great number of food products to choose from. These active dogs are generally healthy but have some potential medial issues due to their large size. A discussion with your dog’s veterinarian about the medical conditions you need to be aware of is beneficial when making decisions around his nutritional requirements.
