Bernese Mountain dog is a large-sized, fluffy breed that is popularly known as ‘The Gentle Giant’. The temperament of this breed makes it a perfect companion for an active family in the countryside. It is of gentle, smart, active, and loving natured dog which also makes a great cuddling buddy.

With good-quality food and proper diets, your Bernese Mountain Dog grows up to be a healthy and happy dog.

Diet

Be it homemade food or commercially manufactured dog food, your Bernese Mountain Dog should get a complete nutritional diet. It is hard to track the nutrients contained in the homemade food, but you can know in processed food. So, look for the nutrients in the packet.

Protein: Protein is the main nutrient that any dog needs as it is a building block of cells. Your dog gets protein from different types of meat, eggs, fish, etc. The Bernese Mountain Dog needs 25%-28% of the protein in their diets.

Fat: Fat is the main source of energy for your Bernese Mountain Dog. It provides a shiny coat, healthy skin, and fuel their muscles. Although too much fat can be risky or the health of your dog, so only provide them 8% of fat on their daily diet.

Carbohydrate: The importance of carbohydrate on your dog’s diet is to provide energy. They are able to break carbohydrates and convert them to sugar that is easily absorbed by the body. They get crabs from carrots, grains, sweet potatoes, peas, oatmeal, etc.

Bernese Mountain Dog eating food
Bernese Mountain Dog eating food.
Image Source: DogLab

How Much to Feed Bernese Mountain Dog?

Bernese Mountain Dog is a large-sized working dog which feeding should be more than an average dog breed. A puppy needs around 4-5 meals a day where they need 1-1/2 cup of food per meal. A puppy needs more food as they are in the developing stage. Decrease the meal to 3 meals a day when the puppy is between 2-6 months old.

When the Bernese Mountain Dog reaches 6 months old, there feeding should be decreased to 2 meals a day in a slightly big portion. They need training, so provide them with treats in between, so there is no need to feed them 3,4 meals a day. A few minutes of training before the meal will help your dog to have polite behavior and patience.

Bernese Mountain Dog ready for meal
Bernese Mountain Dog ready for a meal.
Image Source: Life With Dogs

Best Dog Food For Bernese Mountain Dog

While buying commercially processed food, always go for high-quality dog food. Look for the ingredients and nutritional contained in it. Poor quality food does not have all the required nutrient which leads to weak functioning of your dog’s body and weakens their bones.

Here are the best dog foods for your Bernese Mountain Dog based on the quality.

  • Taste of the Wilds
  • Evo
  • Orijen
  • Fromm
  • Solid Gold
  • Natural Balance
  • Wellness
Bernese Mountain Dog eating food
Bernese Mountain Dog eating food.
Image Source: DogLab

Best Supplements for Bernese Mountain Dog

Sometimes your Bernese Mountain Dog needs certain supplements for the proper functioning of the body. Sometimes even if you think you are giving your dog a complete nutritional diet, there are some nutrients lacking. Therefore, there are many great supplements in the market that you can provide your dog after the vet’s recommendation.

  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin
  • Digestive Enzymes
  • Probiotics
  • Tummy Tonic
  • System Saver

Human Food that Bernese Mountain Dog Can and Cannot Eat

When you are eating, you always want to give some of your food from the plate to your favorite pooch. Although you can feed them in a little portion, some food can be toxic to your Bernese Mountain Dog. Feeding food from your plate also leads to bad behavior like begging, mouthing, etc.

Bernese Mountain Dog with its bowl
Bernese Mountain Dog with its bowl.
Image Source: Pinterest

Here is the list of some of the human food that your dog can and cannot eat.

Can Eat

Cannot Eat

  • Avocado
  • Caffeine
  • Raisins
  • Grapes
  • Chocolates
  • Garlic
  • Lime

Why is Bernese Mountain Dog Not Eating?

  • A recent vaccination given to your Bernese Mountain Dog might also be the reason that it is not eating. There are side effects of vaccination which causing loss of appetite which is temporary.
  • There might be swollen or bleeding gum which is causing pain to eat. Therefore, check for the dental problem that your dog is having and take it to a vet.
  • Your Bernese Mountain Dog might have eaten something that is upsetting its stomach. They get better after some time by eating grass and vomiting out the stuff. If they do not get better, take your dog to a vet for a quick check-up.

Visit Doglime for more information about dog breeds diets feeding methods.

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