Best Dog Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs 2024 — Reviews & Picks
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This is the ultimate guide to finding the best dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs. If you have a Bernese Mountain Dog, you already know how important it is to feed them the right food to ensure they remain healthy and active. With so many dog food options available, deciding which one is the best for your Berner can be challenging. In this article, we will discuss the best dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs, considering their dietary needs and preferences. We will provide all the information you need to decide what to feed your Bernese Mountain Dog. By the end of this article, you’ll better understand what to look for in dog food and which brands are best suited for this breed. Let’s get started!
Best Dog Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs — At A Glance
Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Best Overall
Raised Right
Made with fresh, human-grade
ingredients to offer the most optimal
nutrition for your Berner
Best Dry Food
A Pup Above
A new kind of dry dog food
with the flavor and benefits of fresh
food with the convenience of kibble
Puppy Pick
Open Farm
Perfect for Berner puppies.
Contains all the nutrients puppies need to develop and grow healthy.
Best For Senior
Orijen
Complete and balanced nutrition
designed to meet the specific needs
of senior purebred Berners
Best Raw
Instinct
For dog parents looking to raw-feed
their Berners. Has all nutrients and vitamins dogs need to thrive.
Sensitive Stomach Pick
Hill’s
Formula fortified with prebiotics
for healthy digestion for Bernese
Mountain Dogs with sensitive tummies.
Best For Allergies
Royal Canin
Made with hydrolyzed protein for adult
dogs & puppies with food allergies
that cause skin issues.
Best Grain-Free
Open Farm
For dogs with allergies or sensitivity
to grain. Made with premium-quality
beef, chicken & other meats.
Best Wet
JustFoodForDogs
Shelf stable fresh wet dog food
that offers a premium and delicious
stew-like texture.
Click this link to go to the reviews
(We encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision)
Why You Should Trust Us
145
hours of research went into this review. Hands-on tests, our dog’s experience, competitive analysis and more.
24
dog food manufacturing companies were under consideration for the top ten.
8
experts’ opinions and research studies were used to provide accurate information and rankings.
What Is The Best Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs?
Providing your Bernese Mountain Dog with the appropriate food from weaning to maturity is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Before we recommend the top dog food options for your Bernese Mountain Dog, it’s important to understand how food affects their well-being.
As a large breed, Bernese Mountain Dog has distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The ideal food for your Bernese Mountain Dog should be of high quality and tailored to their unique dietary requirements, taking into account factors such as:
- Health
- Activity level
- Age
- Weight (size)
Food & Bernese Mountain Dog Health
Generally, Bernese Mountain Dogs are healthy, but like any breed, they are susceptible to several health concerns.
Although certain health issues that Bernese Mountain Dogs may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet. To help maintain their health and prevent some health problems that may arise from poor nutrition, it’s essential to provide Bernese Mountain Dogs with a well-balanced and nutritious diet.
Some of the most common health issues faced by Bernese Mountain Dogs include the following:
- Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Bernese Mountain Dogs. Food allergies in Bernese Mountain Dogs may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. It’s important to note that food intolerances can also occur. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens.
- Canine hip dysplasia (CHD). This condition is caused by an unstable hip socket, leading to degenerative arthritic changes. It is common in Bernese Mountain Dogs and often discussed about their health.
- Elbow dysplasia. Another prevalent issue in Berners includes elbow dysplasia which can significantly reduce the quality of life for affected dogs.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). A common eye-related problem, PRA affects the retina and can cause vision loss in Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD). A blood clotting disorder, vWD, can lead to excessive bleeding in Bernese Mountain Dogs.
- Histiocytosis (Cancer). This type of cancer affects the immune cells and can cause tumors in Berners.
- Gastric torsion. Also known as bloat, this life-threatening condition occurs when the stomach twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply and causing tissue death.
- Autoimmune diseases. Aseptic Meningitis is an example of an autoimmune disease that can affect Berners. It isn’t easy to diagnose and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly and adequately.
Food & Bernese Mountain Dog Activity Level
It is important to understand that any dog’s diet and activity level, including Bernese Mountain Dogs, are interconnected.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their high activity levels and need food that provides them with the necessary energy to sustain their activities. Feeding your Bernese Mountain Dog based on its activity level is essential. If your dog is highly active and loves to run, hike, or play, it will need more calories than a less active dog. You can adjust their food intake to ensure they get the right nutrition. Less active or sedentary Berners need fewer calories to prevent weight gain and obesity-related issues.
Food & Bernese Mountain Dog Age
Bernese Mountain Dogs have specific nutritional needs at different stages of their life, and providing them with a diet that meets these needs is essential for their overall health and well-being.
- Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for Berner puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage.
- Adult Bernese Mountain Dogs. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs.
- Senior Bernese Mountain Dogs. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health.
Bernese Mountain Dog-Specific Dog Food Qualities To Look For
Here are the desirable characteristics of Bernese Mountain Dog food.
- Avoid common allergens. Bernese Mountain Dog often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your Bernese Mountain Dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef.
- Probiotics. Bernese Mountain Dogs can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog Probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Probiotics also help to reduce your Bernese Mountain Dog’s inflammatory responses to allergens and immunological attacks.
- Digestibility: Bernese Mountain Dogs can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs.
- Joint support. To aid in managing CHD and elbow dysplasia, look for dog food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These ingredients help support joint health and reduce inflammation.
- Eye health. To support vision health and prevent PRA, look for dog food that contains vitamin A, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can help maintain healthy eyesight.
- Blood clotting. To manage vWD, look for dog food containing vitamin K. This nutrient helps support proper blood clotting and reduce the risk of excessive bleeding.
- Immune support. To help manage Histiocytosis and other autoimmune diseases, look for dog food that contains antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene. These nutrients can help support the immune system and reduce cancer risk.
- Digestive health. To reduce the risk of gastric torsion and other digestive issues, look for dog food that contains fiber and probiotics. These ingredients can help support a healthy digestive system.
- Cancer-fighting ingredients. To help combat Histiocytosis, opt for dog food with cancer-fighting ingredients such as antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytonutrients in fruits and vegetables.
Other General Tips To Pick The Best Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs
- AAFCO approved
- High-quality protein as the first ingredient
- Avoid meat meals or meat-byproducts
- Made in the USA
- Avoid food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
- Your dog’s preferences
Keep in mind that every Bernese Mountain Dog has specific dietary needs. Seeking advice from a veterinarian can assist you in selecting the best food that meets your Bernese Mountain Dog’s requirements.
Best Bernese Mountain Dog Food
Here are Canine Bible’s top picks for the best dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Our research team chose all dog foods listed below based on AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines, Bernese Mountain Dog’s exclusive nutrition needs, customer reviews, price, and more. This Bernese Mountain Dog food list also includes food for specific needs such as weight loss, allergies, and more.
- Best Overall: Raised Right
- Best Dry Food: A Pup Above
- Best For Puppies: Open Farm
- Best Value: Blue Buffalo
- Best For Senior: Origen
- Best Raw: Instinct
- Best For Sensitive Stomach: Hill’s
- Best For Allergies: Royal Canin
- Best Grain-Free: Open Farm
- Best Wet: JustFoodForDogs
- Other Mentions
Best Overall Dog Food For Bernese Mountain Dog — Raised Right
Our rating: 4.9
Overview
Flavors: Turkey, beef, chicken & pork┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
• Flavors: Xxx
• Life stage: All ages
• Food type: Fresh
• Ingredients: Human-grade
• Manufactured: USA
• Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Raised Right wins the spot for the best dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs. This brand stands out because they use human-grade ingredients to create recipes that are portioned and delivered straight to your door. Feeding your dog fresh food like Raised Right offers many research-backed health benefits, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. It’s also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, Raised Right dog food is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained. This means that your Bernese Mountain Dog will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Raised Right stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but Raised Right takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, weight, and activity level to ensure that your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs. You can tell them about your dog’s food allergies, tear stain issues, bad breath, joint problems and more and they will cook and personalize your dog’s meals to meet your pet’s needs.
Key Features
- Vet-designed. All recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
- Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
- Excellent ingredient sourcing. They only source from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.
Pros
- Level of customization is unmatched
- Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
- Non-processed food (zero chemicals)
- Nom never uses feed-grade ingredients
- Does not process ingredients to be shelf-stable
Cons
- It’s on the expensive side
Our Video Review
Best Dry Dog Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs — A Pup Above
Our rating: 4.8
Overview
Flavors: Beef, chicken, pork & turkey┊ Life stage: Adult ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Premium ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
• Flavors: Beef, chicken, pork & turkey
• Life stage: Adult
• Food type: Dry
• Ingredients: Premium
• Manufactured: USA
• Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
A Pup Above Food Cubies dog formula is our top pick for the best all-around dry dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs. Unlike traditional dry dog food, Food Cubies is less processed and has half the cost of fresh dog food. Think of Food Cubies as freshly homemade dog food with the convince of kibble without the nasty preservatives, additives, and cheap fillers. It’s perfect for Bernese Mountain Dogs because it’s been formulated to surpass the specific nutritional requirements of most dry dog foods.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Food cubies recipes are gently dried using our unique process, which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity. Some recipes use organ meats, one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can give your dog. In fact, entrails contain as many (or more) vitamins, minerals and other valuable nutrients as lean muscle meat.
Key Features
- 100% human-grade. Real ingredients
- Simple, limited ingredients. Use radically simple recipes ideal for a picky eater or dog with food allergies.
- Superherbs. Boosted with super herbs for join, immunity, digestive support and more
What We Like & Don’t Like
Pros
- Meals customized for your dog’s weight, breed and activity level
- Exceeds industry standards
- Cheaper than fresh dog food
- Crunchy texture
- GMO and hormone free
- Custom plans and scoops
Cons
- It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.
Our readers have access to save 25% off their first A Pup Above order by using the code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started.
- Learn more: Read our full A Pup Above dog food review
Best Food For Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy — Open Farm
Our rating: 4.7
Overview
Flavors: Blend of chicken, pork & salmon┊ Life stage: Puppies ┊ Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
• Flavors: Blend of chicken, port & salmon
• Life stage: Puppies
• Food type: Dry
• Ingredients: Fresh
• Manufactured: USA
• Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Bernese Mountain Dog puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This formula is designed specifically for Bernese Mountain Dog puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.
Key Features
- Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
- Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.
What We Like & Don’t Like
Pros
- Made with non-GMO fruits and veggies
- No potatoes, rendered poultry or meals
- Serve as a topper or complete meal
Cons
- This premium food for puppies is more costly than your average kibble. Open Farm offers a dry puppy dog food option if you want something more affordable.
Our Video Review
Our readers have access to 20% Off on their first order with the code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started!
- Learn more: Read our full Open Farm dog food review
Cheapest Dog Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs — Blue Buffalo
Our rating: 4.8
Overview
Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish┊ Life stage: Adult┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
• Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish
• Life stage: Adult
• Food type: Dry
• Ingredients: Natural
• Manufactured: USA
• Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is great if you are looking for the most affordable dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs. For a slightly lower price than other brands, this dry food is formulated to provide your Bernese Mountain Dog pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with real meat, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health. It is made with real meat as the first ingredient, rare in most affordable dog food brands.
Key Features
- Omegas. This dog food is also packed with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.
- Muscle support. L-Carnitine to help burn fat while preserving lean muscles
- Bone and joint health. It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development.
What We Like & Don’t Like
Pros
- No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
Cons
- It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities, as it is not specifically designed for these conditions
- The inclusion of brown rice and sweet potatoes may be higher in carbohydrates than some dogs need, which could be a concern for overweight or diabetic dogs
Best Food For Senior Bernese Mountain Dogs — Orijen
Our rating: 4.6
Overview
Flavors: Chicken, turkey & fish┊ Life stage: Senior ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Fresh┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
• Flavors: Chicken, turkey & fish
• Life stage: Senior
• Food type: Dry
• Ingredients: Fresh
• Manufactured: USA
• Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Bernese Mountain Dog is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If you’re concerned about keeping your Bernese Mountain Dog healthy during his older years, Orijin Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Bernese Mountain Dog to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
With rich inclusions of a whole prey diet, ORIJEN dog food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need.
Key Features
- Wholeprey diet inclusions. It uses fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, nourishing dogs according to their natural and biological needs. Note“ “r”w” in this context means that the ingredients are super-fresh when they arrive at the factory/kitchen. The kibble is cooked by the time it is in the bag. This is high-quality cooked pet food, not raw food.
- Bones and joint support. Enhanced with Glucosamine to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
What We Like Don’t Like
Pros
- Protein, including poultry, fish and organs
- Freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor
- 85% quality animal ingredients
- Great feedback from senior dog parent
Cons
- A bit expensive
Raw Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs — Instinct
Our rating: 4.8
Overview
Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Raw
Ingredients: Raw┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
• Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef
• Life stage: All ages
• Food type: Raw
• Ingredients: Natural
• Manufactured: USA
• Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and out of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Bernese Mountain Dog a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.
What We Like Don’t Like
Pros
- Never cooked
- Non-GMO vegetables, fruits, and wholesome ingredients
- All ingredients are frozen in their prime to maintain the highest level of nutrients
- Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact
Cons
- Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
- Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw.
Best Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs With Sensitive Stomach — Hill’s
Our rating: 4.7
Overview
Flavors: Chicken & Barley┊ Life stage: Adult┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
• Flavors: Chicken & Barley
• Life stage: Adult
• Food type: Dry
• Ingredients: Natural
• Manufactured: USA
• Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
If you are looking for the best food for Bernese Mountain Dogs with sensitive stomachsHill’s Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a top choice. This kibble is formulated to protect sensitive tummies and skin. It’s made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice, and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Bernese Mountain Dog.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.
Key Features
- Omega-6. Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
- Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach
What We Like Don’t Like
Pros
- Supports a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
- No artificially colored, flavored, or preserved
Cons
- Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
- 15% may still be sensitive to this diet. Another option is going fresh with a premium choice like JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy. Its plain composition of a single protein source, single starch source, and low-fat levels make it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Best Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs With Allergies — Royal Canin
Our rating: 4.7
Overview
Flavors: Natural┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Hypoallergenic ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
• Flavors: Natural
• Life stage: All ages
• Food type: Dry
• Ingredients: Hypoallergenic
• Manufactured: USA
• Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Whether your Bernese Mountain Dog suffers from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance to certain ingredients, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Bernese Mountain Dog. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.
Key Features
- Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
- Supports GI health. Contains a special blend of fibers and prebiotics.
What We Like Don’t Like
Pros
- Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
- Helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
- Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation
- Best dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs with skin allergies
- Best dog food for itchy skin Bernese Mountain Dogs
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can help also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.
Best Grain-Free Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs — Open Farm
Our rating: 4.7
Overview
Flavors: Beef, chicken & turkey, salmon, lamb, venison & more┊ Life stage: All ages
Food type: Dry┊ Ingredients: Premium ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
• Flavors: Beef, chicken & turkey, salmon, lamb, venison & more
• Life stage: All ages
• Food type: Dry
• Ingredients: Premium
• Manufactured: USA
• Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Does your Bernese Mountain Dog suffer from grain allergies or intolerances? If so, Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is your best bet. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Bernese Mountain Dog nutritional needs. Open Farm grain-free recipes are specifically designed for dogs with grain sensitivities.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.
Key Features
- 100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient in their bag of Open Farm pet food
- Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies
- Ethically sourced protein. Only uses ethically sourced and humanely raised meats
What We Like Don’t Like
Pros
- No rendered poultry or meat meals
- Meats from audited higher welfare farms
- High in protein
- Local carbon footprint per bag
Cons
- It can be more expensive than other brands on the market
- Learn more: Read our full Open Farm dog food review
Best Wet Dog Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs — JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh
Our rating: 4.5
Overview
Flavors: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Wet
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
• Flavors: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more
• Life stage: All ages
• Food type: Wet
• Ingredients: Human-grade
• Manufactured: USA
• Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Are you looking for the best-wet food for Bernese Mountain Dogs? JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite choice. JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, Pantry Fresh uses only ingredient fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Pantry Fresh preserves the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Aside from traditional flavors, they have specialized wet food for targeting health problems including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism and liver function.
Key Features
- Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulates every recipe.
- Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
- Travel friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.
What We Like Don’t Like
Pros
- USDA certified meats
- Organ meats
- A convenient way for busy people to feed their dogs a fresh diet
- Offers health-specific options
- A variety pack for picky eaters
- Provides the benefits of fresh dog food
Cons
- More expensive than traditional wet dog food
Other Best Dog Food For Bernese Mountain Dog
- Best dehydrated dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Bernese Mountain Dogs to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated dog food can be easier for them to eat than traditional kibble.
- Best food topper for Bernese Mountain Dogs. Portland Pet Food Company offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
- Best health-specific custom diet food for Bernese Mountain Dogs. JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Bernese Mountain Dog has a medical need for a restricted diet.
- Best dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs to lose weight. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is great if your Bernese Mountain Dog needs to lose weight.
- Best dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs to gain weight. With 484 calories per cup, Purina Pro Plan Performance is ideal for helping your Bernese Mountain Dog gain lean muscle mass.
Bernese Mountain Dog Food Calorie Requirements
The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Bernese Mountain Dog usually weighs between 79 and 110 pounds, meaning most Bernese Mountain Dogs need between 1640 and 2103 calories daily. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.
How to Switch Bernese Mountain Dog Food
If you decide to switch your Bernese Mountain Dog’s food to a new dog formula, it’s advised to adhere to the following recommendations by vets:
- Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
- Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
- Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
- Week 4: 100% new food
Pro tip: Never change your dog’s food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Only increase the weekly food percentage if your Bernese Mountain Dog seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor closely, and if you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, stop feeding it to your dog.
Health Dietary Changes In Bernese Mountain Dogs
If your Bernese Mountain Dog is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can be beneficial to get these dog-related issues under control.
Condition | Dietary Needs & Adjustments |
---|---|
Coat Color Changes | Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories) |
Concurrent GI Signs | Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, such as dairy, fermented vegetables, and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial. |
Chronic Itching and Dermatitis | Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial. |
Dull Coat and Scaling | Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try food with added zinc. |
Dandruff and Crustiness | Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels |
Best Dog Food For Bernese Mountain Dog — Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best dog food for your Bernese Mountain Dog is critical for their health and wellbeing. By following our recommendations and consulting with your veterinarian, you can decide what to feed your furry friend. Remember to read the ingredients list, choose high-quality brands, and adjust your dog’s food intake based on their activity levels. Your Bernese Mountain Dog deserves nothing but the best, so choose wisely.
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