Choosing the Best Puppy Food for a Bernese Mountain Dog

How Much Should a Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy Eat?

Due to their size and quick growth rate, Bernese mountain dogs need to be fed a controlled diet to prevent joint issues. They should be fed based on their target adult weight and current growth rate; there should be guidance on the puppy food bag that you choose, but not always. Check out our puppy food calculator below to determine the right amount.

As a starting point, you can follow this table:

Puppy age	Approx. daily amount of dry large-breed puppy food	Meals per day
8–12 weeks	300–450g/day	4 meals
3–4 months	450–600g/day	3–4 meals
5–6 months	600–750g/day	3 meals
7–9 months	650–800g/day	2–3 meals
10–12 months	600–750g/day	2 meals
12–18 months	500–700g/day	2 meals

Amounts are a general guide based on an average-sized Bernese Mountain Dog and typical large-breed dry puppy food. Always check the feeding instructions for your chosen food and adjust according to your puppy’s weight, growth and body condition.

All puppies are different, so consider booking a wellbeing consultation with a canine nutritionist to determine the best diet for your puppy based on their breed, size and lifestyle.

What is the Best Food for a Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy?

When choosing puppy food for a Bernese mountain dog, looking for high-quality, protein-filled options is incredibly important. Our top recommendations at Fetch include:

· Nourish Rite Grain Free Large Breed Puppy Food : not only is Nourish Rite a grain free option (perfect for puppies with sensitive stomachs), but they also have formulas tailored specifically to small and large breed dogs, like Bernese mountain dogs. Their large breed formula contains 60% salmon, a highly digestible protein perfect for strong muscles and shiny coats.

· Naked Pup : raw puppy food is a great choice for Bernese mountain dog puppies, as it mimics a natural diet and ensures optimal muscle and bone development. Naked Pup provides complete raw food meals in different tasty flavours, with 100% fresh, responsibly sourced ingredients.

· Carnilove salmon and blueberries pouch : Carnilove’s wet food pouch uses salmon for easy digestion and the provision of Omega-3s, which can aid your puppy’s joints, skin, brain and heart development. This option also comes with blueberries, which are packed with antioxidants and fibre.

· Naturo grain free chicken, potato and vegetables: made with 65% chicken, this option is perfect for large breed puppies. Complete with carrots, peas and potato, Naturo can provide your Bernese mountain dog puppy with a balanced diet throughout their puppyhood.

· Kudo Cold Pressed Turkey Duck Junior Chicken and/or turkey duck : for a cold-pressed option, Kudo Junior is packed full of meat to support muscle growth in young pups, particularly large breeds such as Bernese mountain dogs.

You can discover our full range of puppy food options here .

What Nutrients are Most Important for a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Bernese mountain dogs, like most large breeds, need various vitamins and minerals to support their rapid growth and development. The main nutrients Bernese mountain dog puppies need a lot of include:

· Protein: such as chicken, beef or lamb, which builds strong muscles. Large breeds usually need around 22%-26%

· Calcium and phosphorus: these nutrients are essential for bone growth, but maintaining the right balance is required to prevent bone issues (no more than 1.5%). Calcium should be a named nutrient on all puppy food options for your Bernese mountain dog

· Omega-3 fatty acids: you can get Omega-3 from ingredients such as salmon, sardines and fish oil. You can add fish oil, such as this Atlas & Tail salmon oil, to your puppy’s meals.

· Antioxidants: Bernese mountain dogs are prone to heart conditions, so antioxidants from fruits and vegetables can make all the difference.

Should I Choose Raw, Wet or Dry Puppy Food for a Bernese Mountain Dog?

The type of puppy food you choose depends on various factors, including your own personal preferences and lifestyle. Take a look at our table below to make the best decision for your pup:

Factor	Dry puppy food	Wet puppy food	Raw puppy food
Best suited to	Most Bernese owners; good default option	Owners who want higher palatability or have a fussy puppy	Experienced owners with freezer space, strict hygiene habits and vet/nutritionist guidance
Budget	Usually lowest cost per day	Usually medium to high, especially for a large breed	Often highest, particularly with complete commercial raw
Convenience	Very convenient: scoop, store, travel, use in puzzle feeders	Easy to serve but heavier, smellier and creates more packaging	Least convenient: freezer space, defrosting, hygiene, harder for holidays/daycare
Storage	Simple cupboard storage	Tins/pouches need storage; opened food needs refrigeration	Requires freezer/fridge space and careful defrosting
Large-breed growth suitability	Strong option if labelled large/giant breed puppy	Can work if complete, but may be bulky	Only suitable if it is a properly balanced complete puppy diet; homemade raw is risky for growth balance
Dental impact	Kibble may help reduce soft food build-up, though it is not a substitute for tooth brushing – not ideal if a puppy is teething	Softer; more residue around teeth	Bones are sometimes promoted for teeth
Owner lifestyle fit	Best for busy households, first-time giant-breed owners, travel, daycare	Good for owners at home more often, or as a topper/mixed feeding	Best for highly organised owners with time, storage and hygiene discipline

At Fetch, we will always recommend the best diet not only for your puppy, but for your needs and preferences too. Book in with us today for a wellbeing consultation to see how we can give your puppy the best start in life!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Common Allergies in Bernese Mountain Dogs?

Yes, Bernese mountain dogs can suffer from a range of allergies and sensitivities, such as intolerances to chicken, beef and grains, as well as allergies to pollen, mold and dust mites.

Can You Recommend a Feeding Schedule for a Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy?

Consider the simple plan below, but all dogs are different, so you should consider booking a wellbeing consultation:

Puppy age	Meals per day	Example routine
8 weeks to 4 months	4 meals a day	Breakfast, lunch, afternoon meal and early evening meal
4 to 6 months	3 meals a day	Breakfast, lunch and early evening meal
6 months+	2 meals a day	Breakfast and evening meal

What are the Signs That My Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy Isn’t Getting the Right Nutrition?

Signs that your Bernese mountain dog puppy is nutritionally deficient include:

· Poor weight gain

· Dull/flaky coat

· Persistent diarrhoea

· Low energy

· Itching

Get them checked by a vet if you’re concerned.

Is Homemade Puppy Food Suitable for Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies?

Preparing your puppy’s food yourself can be suitable, but it comes with risks, such as bacterial contamination, especially with raw food. It is important to take care and seek guidance from a professional.

What Treats are Safe for Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies?

As puppies, Bernese mountain dog puppies need low-calorie, easily digestible treats; you should avoid feeding them table scraps as little treats, as this can make them put on weight quickly. Small pieces of plain, cooked chicken, baby carrots, blueberries or puppy treats such as Fish 4 Dogs morsels are great treats for rewarding good behaviour.

Related Content

• How Much Food Should a Puppy Eat?
• When Can Puppies Eat Adult Food?
• How Do I Transition My Puppy to Adult Food?