Best Dog Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs in 2024

With their massive build and tricolor furs, Bernese Mountain dogs are easy to recognize. They were initially developed as farm dogs; however, nowadays serve their human mates well as true family pets. Weighing around 65 to 120 pounds in adulthood, Bernese Mountain dogs can be very much to handle, not to discuss at enhanced risk for health issues such as cancer, orthopedic illnesses, and eye issues. In this guide, I will dig deeper into some of the health issues affecting the Bernese dog breed and discuss how to select the best dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs. 

Health Issues Affecting the Bernese Mountain Dog

As an enormous breed, it must come as no disbelief that the Bernese dog’s average life expectancy is only 7-10 years. However, although they might not live as long as numerous dogs, this dog breed is still healthy. 

Several of the health issues to which the dog breed is susceptible are orthopedic; thus, be sure to select a dog food that holds the right mixture of calcium as well as phosphorus for sturdy bones with joint-supporting nutrients, for example, glucosamine plus chondroitin.

Additional health issues to which the dog breed might be susceptible comprise the following:

• Hip dysplasia
• Cancer
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Elbow dysplasia
• Epilepsy
• Von Willebrand’s illness

Along with these health problems, Bernese Mountain dogs are also extremely prone to bloat. This is a problem in which the stomach becomes full of air and turns on its axis, stopping the blood supply to the important organs. This occurs once the dog consumes too much simultaneously, eats too rapidly, or swallows air, although eating so ensure your dog consumes slowly.

Buying the best dog food for Bernese Mountain dogs

Once buying Bernese Mountain dog food, the ideal place to begin is with a size-specific recipe made for your dog’s life phase. Bernese mountain dogs frequently take 2 years to get full size; thus, large-breed puppy food ensures your puppy doesn’t raise too rapidly.

Here are some things to consider in dog food for your Bernese:

High-quality, natural constituents. The quality of the constituents in your dog’s food controls the quality of nutrition. Verify your dog’s food is prepared mainly with whole-food constituents, preventing byproducts, fillers, as well as artificial flavors.

High in premium animal protein. Puppies require a minimum of around 22% protein, and adults require 18% protein, preferably from animal sources like meat, poultry, as well as fish. A huge breed similar to the Bernese wants extra protein to sustain lean muscle mass.

Less healthy fat. The Bernese Mountain dog is a massive breed; however, only temperately active, so select a dog food having low-to-moderate healthy fat to offer for your canine’s energy requirements. Seek lots of omega-3s, too, to support a silky coat.

Digestible carbohydrates. Carbohydrates deliver a source of energy as well as fiber; however, they have to come from digestible means such as whole grains as well as vegetables. Due to the FDA’s exploring a potential connection among grain-free diets and heart difficulties in large dogs, you must prevent grain-free diets rich in legumes, except if your dog contains a specific allergy.

At that moment, you know better about your Bernese dog’s nutritional requirements and what to seek, and you can start buying your Bernese s new food. If you’re a bit stunned, don’t worry—I have compiled a list of recommended choices.

Top 10 Best Dog Food for Bernese Mountain Dogs

Image	Product	Feature	Price
Top Seller	Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food	Contains a lot of vitamins as well as minerals Holds live probiotics	Check On Amazon
Best Seller	Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Dog Food	Made for large and active dog breeds Holds quality protein sources  Quality constituents	Check On Amazon
Best Seller	Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food	Grain-free formulation Allergy-friendly for sensitive dogs Holds quality protein sources	Check On Amazon
Best Seller	Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult Dry Dog Food	Formula enriched with MCT oil and botanicals to improve your dog’s cognitive health High in fish oil for healthy skin as well as coat	Check On Amazon
Best Seller	Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Dog Food	Contains several healthy constituents like fruits as well as vegetables Free from soy, corn, as well as wheat constituents	Check On Amazon
Best Seller	Natural Balance Limited Constituent Reserve Dry Dog Food	Free from grains, soy, plus artificial flavors to improve your dog’s health High in omega-3 fatty acids to improve skin health	Check On Amazon
Best Seller	CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Dry Dog Food	Free from grains, soy, dairy and other damaging additives High in omega-3 fatty acids	Check On Amazon
Best Selelr	Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food	Comprises several healthy constituents like fruits as well as vegetables to improve your dog’s immune system The formula is supplemented with omega fatty acids and antioxidants High in protein	Check On Amazon
Best Seller	Orijen Regional Red Dry Dog Food	Made with high-quality constituents that are all obtained from regional suppliers High in protein and fat to improve lean muscle mass and a coat	Check On Amazon
Best Seller	Merrick Healthy Grains Puppy Food	The freeze-dried raw formulation offers a lot of protein Comprises several healthy constituents like fruits as well as vegetables	Check On Amazon

1.     Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food 

Main constituents:   Buffalo, lamb meal, and chicken meal

Protein content: 32%

Fat content: 14.5%

Calories:         2,959/kg

This dog food from Taste of the Wild is the best option for Bernese for the money as well as a good choice for dogs who need a grain-inclusive diet. It comprises quality protein from bison and venison, plus Angus beef, and ancient grains such as sorghum, millet, plus quinoa. This formulation holds sustainably raised water buffalo. 

This dog food also comprises fruits, vegetables, plus omega-3 fatty acids to improve your BMD’s complete health. If your canine is suffering from grain allergies or sensitivities, then this product won’t be the right food for them. It’s also not suitable for small dog breeds.

Pros

• Low price
• Contains a lot of vitamins as well as minerals
• Holds live probiotics

Cons

• It might not be appropriate for dogs to have food allergies
• Not appropriate for small breeds

2.     Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Dog Food

Main constituents: Bison, deboned chicken, turkey meal

Protein content: 34%

Fat content: 16%

Calories: 3,719/kg

This dog food from Blue Buffalo is one more outstanding choice for Bernese. It holds protein from high-quality bison, together with additional quality sources of protein such as turkey meal as well as duck meal. This formulation is also grain-free and contains a lot of fruits, vegetables, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. If you hold a small breed, this isn’t the product for you. It’s also not suitable for pet owners on a budget because it can be a little pricey once compared to similar products.

Pros

• Made for large and active dog breeds
• Holds quality protein sources 
• Quality constituents

Cons

• More expensive rather than some other choices
• Not appropriate for small dog breeds

3.     Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Main constituents: Chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal

Protein content: 34%

Fat content: 16%

Calories: 3,719/ kg

One more food for Bernese is the Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This food from Wellness CORE is made to meet the requirements of large and active dog breeds such as the Bernese. It holds quality protein sources such as chicken, turkey, as well as whitefish, plus vitamins, minerals, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. 

suffering from sensitivitiHow Much to Feed 12 Week Old Bernese Mountain Dog? (Complete Guide)es

Pros

• Grain-free formulation
• Allergy-friendly for sensitive dogs
• Holds quality protein sources 
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids

Cons

• Grain-free dog foods might not be suitable for some canines
• Substituting a grain-free diet might cause temporary digestive distress

4.     Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult Dry Dog Food

Main constituents: Chicken, brewers rice, and whole grain wheat

Protein content: 30.5%

Fat content: 12.5%

Calories: 3,558/kg

This dog food from Purina Pro Plan is made to support mental health in adult dogs. It comprises boosted botanicals and MCT oil to aid in nourishing your canine’s mind, and this formula is also high in protein as well as vital nutrients to improve your BMD’s overall health. Ensure your pooch is not sensitive to wheat gluten. 

Some dogs might not like the taste of their new food; thus, you might have to mix it with a small quantity of wet food at the start. It’s also not suitable for dogs younger than 7.

Pros

• Formula enriched with MCT oil and botanicals to improve your dog’s cognitive health
• High in fish oil for healthy skin as well as coat
• Comprises constituents like apples, carrots, spinach, as well as blueberries

Cons

• It might need to mix with wet food to make it more edible in numerous cases
• Made only for canines seven years or older

5.     Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Dog Food 

Main constituents: Lamb and chicken meal

Protein content: 28%

Fat content: 15%

Calories: 2,862/kg

If you’re seeking high-quality dog food that’s also inexpensive, check out this choice from Nutro. This dog food holds lamb as the first constituent and is supplemented with vital vitamins, minerals, as well as omega-3 fatty acids to improve your Bernese overall health. 

The formula is free from corn, soy, and wheat constituents for dogs having sensitive abdomen or allergies. One disadvantage is this brand doesn’t hold any probiotics or prebiotics, which numerous pet owners seek. It’s also not suitable for small-breed dogs.

Pros

• Contains several healthy constituents like fruits as well as vegetables
• Free from soy, corn, as well as wheat constituents
• High in protein plus omega-3 fatty acids to improve skin and fur

Cons

• It might not be appropriate for small dog breeds or puppies
• No probiotics or prebiotics involved

6.     Natural Balance Limited Constituent Reserve Dry Dog Food

Main constituents: Duck and duck meal

Protein content: 32%

Fat content: 12.5%

Calories: 3,067/kg

This dog food from Natural Balance is an excellent choice for dogs with allergies. It holds a single protein source (duck) and lacks grains, soy, dairy, colors, as well as preservatives. This recipe also contains omega-3 fatty acids to improve your BMD’s health. You’ll get this to be more costly than most companies. It’s also conceivable for potato-based foods to distress your canine’s stomach initially.

Pros

• The single protein source is suitable for dogs suffering from food allergies
• Free from grains, soy, plus artificial flavors to improve your dog’s health
• High in omega-3 fatty acids to improve skin health

Cons

• More expensive compared to some other choices available on the market
• It may not be appropriate for dogs with sensitive stomachs

7.     CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Dry Dog Food

Main constituents: Lamb meal and peas

Protein content: 26%

Fat content: 14%

Calories: 3,500/kg

If you are seeking high-quality food that’s also inexpensive, check out this food from Canidae. It does not have grains, fillers, and non-natural additives and comprises some key ingredients to improve your BMD’s general health. This dog food also contains omega fatty acids to sustain healthy skin as well as coats. 

It’s significant to note that some canines are allergic to peas. Always talk to a veterinarian about big variations to your canine’s diet and carefully examine your dog’s health and behavior after any diet alteration.

Pros

• Comprises numerous healthy ingredients such as fruits as well as vegetables
• Free from grains, soy, dairy and other damaging additives
• High in omega-3 fatty acids

Cons

• Some dogs might be allergic to peas

8.     Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Dog Food

Main constituents: Chicken meal and barley

Protein content: 30%

Fat content: 15%

Calories: 3,364/kg

This dog food from Hill’s Science Diet is an additional great choice for large breeds such as the Bernese Mountain Dog. It contains a high protein content and is supplemented with important vitamins, minerals, as well as antioxidants to improve your dog’s health. The formula from Hill’s Science also contains natural fiber to encourage healthy digestion in dogs. 

On the other hand, some people find their canines have extra gas on a higher fiber diet. This food is also one of the most expensive companies on the market.

Pros

• Comprises several healthy constituents like fruits as well as vegetables to improve your dog’s immune system
• The formula is supplemented with omega fatty acids and antioxidants
• High in protein

Cons

• More expensive compared to some other options
• Increased fiber might cause gas until your canine adjusts

9.     Orijen Regional Red Dry Dog Food

Main constituents: Angus beef, wild boar, and heritage pork

Protein content: 38%

Fat content: 18%

Calories: 2,476/kg

If you’re seeking premium food for your Bernese, check out Orijen. This Canadian brand makes high-quality foods that lack fillers and hold no by-products. This food is prepared with fresh regional constituents, counting Angus beef, wild boar, as well as heritage pork.

Pros

• Made with high-quality constituents that are all obtained from regional suppliers
• High in protein and fat to improve lean muscle mass and a coat
• Does not hold any chemical additives 

Cons

• It might be more expensive than some additional options
• Some dogs might be allergic to the high meat content
• Your dog might need to adjust to this food slowly

10.     Merrick Healthy Grains Puppy Food 

Main constituents: Deboned chicken and chicken meal

Protein content: 28%

Fat content: 16%

Calories: 3,751/kg

A great choice for Bernese puppies is this dog food from Merrick. It comprises freeze-dried raw pieces that hold protein from chicken. These fragments are then covered in a nutrient-rich combination of grain, fruits, as well as vegetables. This food is free from corn, soy, as well as wheat constituents to support your canine’s overall health. Numerous pet owners dislike the high price of this product, particularly since it utilizes the universal “chicken meal” as one of the main constituents.

Pros

• The freeze-dried raw formulation offers a lot of protein
• Comprises several healthy constituents like fruits as well as vegetables
• Glucosamine plus chondroitin aid support healthy joints

Cons

• More expensive compared to some other choices available on the market
• Comprises chicken meal

Best Dog Food for Bernese Mountain Dogs: Buyer’s Guide

I went through plenty of dog food, testing out different recipes. I liked plenty of them I liked, and many of them our canines did. There were even numerous foods that our dogs and we correspondingly liked, and those outdid our list.

However, if you doubt how I went about grading these foods, this buying guide is for you. It’s one thing to take our suggestions; however, it’s one more to use our suggestions to learn how to make up-to-date decisions regarding what’s best for your canine, which I recommend.

To that end, this buyer’s guide contains the information you want to pick the right dog food for your Bernese.

Dog Foods for Big Breeds

One important thing that makes Bernese special concerning their diet is their size. Weighing 15 pounds, these canines are larger than some individuals, and careful deliberation requires to be assumed their dietary requirements.

The common-sense question is; what particular thoughts need to be made while buying food for a bulky dog?

Caloric Density

One of the chief differences between feeding a large dog and a smaller one is the quantity of food they want. Large dogs have to intake a lot of extra calorie. If you feed a big dog the same dog food as a smaller pooch, the large pooch will need to consume more of the same food.

Based on their size, Bernese Mountain Dogs require approximately 1500 to 1900 calories daily. That works to around 3 to 6 cups of dry dog food daily. As you can see, you’ll go through large bags of canine food in no time feeding your pooch six cups daily.

However, foods intended for larger breed canines are more calorically dense to fight this problem. Caloric density is the number of calories confined in a given quantity of food; generally, a cup once talks about canine food.

Let’s use two imaginary dog foods as an example. Dog food A holds 300 calories for each cup, whereas Food B contains 500 calories per cup. Imagining that our canine consumes even 1500 calories, we would have to feed our pooch 5 cups of food daily to fulfil their requirements.

However, they’d only require three cups of food B to fulfil the same caloric needs. If we have the same quantity of food in all bags, then food B will last twice as long.

Joint Support

The most common health issues affecting large-breed canines are hip as well as elbow dysplasia. Either can significantly decrease your dog’s life value and even make them lame. Large dog breeds are more prone to these health issues than other dogs, including the Bernese Mountain Dog.

Because of this reason, I suggest always seeking joint support supplements for a large dog. The two most significant ones are glucosamine as well as chondroitin.

These supplements aid in building damaged cartilage. They’re also frequently given to canines with arthritis. In the meantime, they can help to decrease inflammation and pain. By feeding your Bernese a diet that is high in these useful supplements, you’ll be aiding your pooch to fight off joint issues such as arthritis as well as dysplasia, letting them live a good, long life.

Protein

Large dog breeds grow faster rather than smaller breeds; thus, they require extra nutrients, mainly protein. Proteins contain amino acids, the main building blocks of the whole body.

Bones, muscles, as well as organs all require appropriate quantities of protein to grow, which can be significant for large dog breeds. That is why I prioritize dog foods having higher protein content. At least, I like to see around 24 to 25% minimum crude protein. Under this, your Bernese likely won’t achieve as much protein as they want.

Some foods I liked contained around 37 to 38% crude protein, lots of fuel, and all of the growing procedures going on inside your pooch.

FAQs

Can Bernese eat rice?

White rice is safe for dogs. Besides, it’s excellent for eliminating dogs’ digestive issues, for example, diarrhea. It’s bland, which aids in slow stool creation and comfort diarrhea. It contains easily digestible carbs. It holds fiber.

Is Royal Canin good for Berners?

Bernese mountain dogs mature gradually and have different nutritional needs after eight months. I suggest Royal Canin Junior GIANT Formula for Bernese pups between 8 to 24 months of age.

Is Royal Canin Food better than pedigree?

Royal Canin dog food is a must if your canine has a special nutritional requirement or a health condition requiring a special food. If your pooch is otherwise vigorous and you need the greatest diet, Pedigree is the best to go.