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What to Feed a Bernese Mountain Dog? Diet & Feeding Chart

Dr Julia Brassel
Reviewed by:
Dr. Julia Brassel
Veterinarian

The big, loveable Bernese Mountain dog puppies are active yet so calm that you just want to cuddle up with them. Just remember, their diet is super important.

You’ve probably got one already or thinking about it by clicking on this article. Your breeder should provide advice or a nutrition plan for when they’re still a pup, including wet or dry food.

You should always ensure to only use the best dog food for your Bernese mountain dog puppy, and that’s why this guide to Bernese Mountain dog feeding can help you.

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How Much Should I Feed My Bernese Mountain Dog Each Day?

Puppies

The Bernese mountain dog food intake will increase as they get older. Your puppy eats ¾ – 1 and ½ cups per meal. You’ll have a healthy puppy with a well-balanced diet.

Adults

We recommend 3-6 cups of any foods we’ve listed below. The amount will depend on their level of exercise. Dogs older than one and ½ years old can get one meal daily, equating to 3-6 cups of food. If your dog is highly active, you can opt for two meals daily, monitoring their weight.

Seniors

Their metabolism will decrease as they age, affecting the dog’s health. So their calorie intake needs to be adjusted. You can keep it to 3-6 cups per meal daily of the same food while monitoring for a healthy weight.

Pregnant

Remember that your dog will gain 15-20% beyond their weight when pregnant. The nutritional requirements will stay the SAME as for any adult dog, but you can increase food when weight gain is insufficient.
 

Raw, Fresh, or Commercial Food: Which is Best for My Dog’s Diet?

You won’t be disappointed with the choices whether you go the commercially prepared food/raw dog food route. For wet food, you’ll look at about 1500 grams of food per day, and dry food will be less, at 400 grams a day. Dog owners often opt for dry dog food because it’s easier to manage.

Or, if you want to be adventurous, you can mix the two, as Bernese dogs love fresh food. You can introduce small additions of fresh homemade food like cooked eggs, fish and cooked meat. You could also include some bananas, carrots, cooked sweet potatoes or squash, introducing some enzymes into their diet.
 

FAQs

Can I give my Bernese Mountain Dog treats?

Yes, but Bernese Mountain dog owners must use it as an educational tool in moderation.

What should a Bernese Mountain Dog not eat?

A Bernese should not eat any of the following: onions, chocolate, raw eggs, cheese, raw fish

Are Bernese Mountain Dogs fussy eaters?

No, not necessarily. You must find the right food that your dog will enjoy and will benefit his overall health.

How much water do Bernese Mountain Dogs need?

Typically, these dogs need fifty times their weight in kg. For example, 10 kilograms dogs will need 500 millilitres of water.
 

Final Thoughts on feeding a Bernese Mountain Dog

These dogs need a proper diet, so avoid free feeding. The foods we have mentioned will give your Bernese puppy or dog optimal energy, skin health, and a beautiful coat, not to mention your dog’s teeth will also be beautiful.

The proper amount of food will also benefit their bone and joint health, which is crucial in larger breeds. They can suffer from hip dysplasia, and glucosamine and chondroitin can prevent that.

Learn more about: Bernese Mountain Dog

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