Bernese Mountain Dogs Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes & Nutrition Advice - Canine Bible (2024)

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This is the most comprehensiveBernese Mountain Dog homemade dog foodguide.

As a responsible Bernese dog parent, you want to provide your pet with the best possible food. But what is the best food for a Bernese Mountain Dog? Do you need to buy expensive commercial dog food, or can you make your own homemade dog food? The answer is the latter. As with all dogs, it’s important to ensure they are getting the right nutrition to stay healthy and happy, especially if you are cooking for them.

This guide coversmaking homemade food for Bernese dogs,nutritional guidelines,recipes, and other key breed-specific nutritional advice. Let’s get started!

📖 In This Article: Chapter 1: Benefits, Nutrition & Diet

  • Benefits
  • Why Feed Homemade?
  • Risks
  • Nutritional Guidelines
  • Health Dietary Changes
  • Calorie Requirements
  • Homemade Food For Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies
  • Homemade Food Delivery Service

Chapter 2: Recipes, Cooking Tips & More

  • Homemade Food Tips
  • Cooking For Bernese Mountain Dogs (Video)
  • Recipes
  • Foods Bernese Mountain Dogs Should Never Eat?
  • Bernese Mountain Dog Raw Diet (BARF)?
  • Best Cooking Practices
  • Alternatives

Show MoreShow Less

Chapter 1: Nutrition, Benefits & Risks

Ch 2

Bernese Mountain DogHomemade Dog Food Benefits

Here are some of the main benefits of cooking for your Bernese Mountain Dog

  • Healthy eating habits
  • Quality control
  • More affordable
  • Healthier
  • Portion size control
  • Fresh ingredients
  • Dietary requirements can be met

Board-certified veterinary nutritionists and diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, Jennifer A. Larsen, DVM, MS, Ph.D., and Joe Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., also agree that switching to homemade dog food comes with significant advantages, such asdiet management, appeasingpicky eaters, bond-building, combatting food intolerance andallergies issues,and avoid concern over dog food recalls.[1]

Further benefits include preventing many conditions associated with a poor diet, such asobesity, poor skin, coat condition, pancreatitis, diabetes, and reduced immunity.

Food And Bernese Mountain Dog Health: Why Feed Homemade?

Bernese Mountain Dogs generally live between 6 to 8 years. Some of this breed’s most common health problems include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Diseases likeallergies, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and bloat are also common in the breed. Other minor and less common Bernese Mountain Dog health problems this breed suffers from includehistiocytosis and von Willebrand’s disease.[2]

How Can A Homemade Diet Help Bernese Mountain Dog Health Issues?

  • Increased lifespan. Research shows that dogs eating fresh food diets are linked to a20% longer lifespanthan those that don’t. A year-long study of 522 dogs by Lippert and Sapy found that dogs fed high-quality, freshly made, real food had an average life expectancy of13.1 yearsversus just 10.4 years for dogs fed commercially processed pet food.[3]
  • Avoid allergies. Cooking for your dog lets you pick ingredients that won’t trigger allergies in your Bernese Mountain Dog. If you are unsure what ingredients may cause sensitivities or allergies in your pet, we advise doing anat-home dog food allergytest before selecting the ingredients for your dog’s next meal.
  • Obesity & joints. Switching to homemade dog food allows you to easily calibrate the amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs to maintain a healthy body weight. Obesity in dogs can increase their risk for bone and joint problems (i.e., hip dysplasia) and subsequent osteoarthritis. Studies show that dogs maintaining theirideal body weightlive almost 2.5 years longer (with significantly fewer diseases) than their overweight siblings.[4]
  • Bioavailability. Home-cooked dog food is easier to digest — more digestible food means dogs can absorb nutrients more efficiently and faster. Quicker nutrient absorption means minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and amino acids act quicker in the body to carry out different functions, such as decreasing inflammatory responses that can help prevent allergies or help boost overall health.
  • Cancer prevention. When it comes tocancer, homemade dog food removes the highly processed food from the equation, often linked tocancer issues in dogs. Food processing has been shown to cause free radicals and carcinogenic chemicals to be released. With homemade, you no longer have to worry about oxidative stress due to processed food.[5][6]
  • Fresh ingredients with no chemicals. Homemade meals ensure your pup always eatsfresh, wholesome, and chemical-free foods without additives, fillers, high-glycemic carbs, or colorants commonly found in kibble.
  • Easy digestion. Homemade dog food is easier to digest than those hard-kibble mystery balls. Feeding your pet freshly made food puts less stress on their digestive system and liver, reducing the likelihood ofbloating or other digestive issues.
  • Excellent taste and smell. Dogs love the taste, smell and texture of fresh dog food.

Bernese Mountain Dog Homemade Dog Food Risks

Here are some of the risks you need to keep in mind.

  • Not understanding the nutritional needs of Bernese Mountain Dogs
  • Using inadequate or dangerous recipes
  • Not preparing a balanced meal
  • Using unsafe or harmful ingredients
  • Not understanding the impact of food and dietary changes
  • Neglecting your dog’s health conditions
  • Not understanding your dog’s life stages (puppies, adults & senior) nutritional needs

Research by the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary and two studies published in The journalPreventive Veterinary Medicine and The Journal of Nutritional Science found that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients, and other recipes used dangerously high levels of some nutrients.[7],[8],[9]

Here are the findings:

  • 48% of homemade dog dietshad an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities
  • 71.3%of dog ownersdid know how much food to serve per meal
  • 30.4% of the pet parents admitted to purposely changing the recipe
  • 40% of owners didn’t measure the proportions of the ingredients well enough
  • 28.3% didn’t use any recommended vitamins, minerals, or amino acids.
  • 97% of obesity cases in dogs could be traced to how owners fed and played with their pets.

It’s vital to understand that dogs’ nutritional requirements are unique. We recommend consulting a veterinary nutritionist who can address yourBernese Mountain Dog’sdietary needs and help you make nutritionally balancedrecipes or recommend a homemade food service for convenience.

Bernese Mountain Dog Nutritional Guidelines to Follow

According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO), the entity that supervises the nutritional value of commercial dog food, there are six essential nutrients all dog meals must contain to ensure a balanced and healthy diet for dogs.

A homemade diet should also consider your pup’s weight, health conditions, size, and activity level.

Below is a breakdown of each nutrient and its importance.

NutrientFoodDescription
ProteinChicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggsBuilds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more.
CarbohydratesOats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheatSource of energy for dogs and supplies glucose needed by the brain, nervous system and other critical organs for normal function.
FatFrom meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among othersResponsible for providing quality energy, growth and development. Supports the function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and tissues.
MineralsCalcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc.Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production.
WaterWaterHydration is critical in dogs. A dog that loses too much water (10% to 15% of the water in his body) can get very sick and even die. Ensure they have water available throughout the day.
VitaminsA, B, C, D, E, and KKeeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function.

Recommended Supplements For Bernese Mountain Dogs

Here are the top recommended supplements for Bernese Mountain Dogs based on their main health susceptibility issues.

  • Multivitamin supplement: It’s common for homemade dog food to lack one or more of these nutrients. Using a multivitamin supplement likeZesty Paws Multivitamin Chewscan help your Bernese Mountain Dog get a balanced diet.
  • Hip & joint supplements: Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to bone and joint problems. To prevent or alleviate these problems, it’s wise to supplement their diet with Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help maintain an active lifestyle and support joint tissue. Finn Hip & Jointis an excellent choice.
  • Thyroid supplement: If your Bernese suffers from thyroid issues,Nutrition Strength Thyroid Supplementcan provide healthy thyroid function and help promote hormonal balance in your pet.
  • Multivitamins: Incorporate a multivitamin such as Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews to ensure your Bernese Mountain Dog gets the optimal amount of vitamins and nutrients.

Always consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

You can get personalized nutritional advice from a registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dog’s nutritional needs.

For further dog nutrition guidance, consult “Home-Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative” by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D., a renowned veterinary expert. This book is the go-to resource for healthy homemade dog nutrition for most pet nutritionists.

Bernese Mountain Dogs Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes & Nutrition Advice - Canine Bible (1)Bernese Mountain Dogs Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes & Nutrition Advice - Canine Bible (2)

Health Dietary Changes In Bernese Mountain Dogs

Bernese Mountain Dogs experiencing any of the issues below might benefit from the dietary adjustments outlined in this table.

ConditionDietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color ChangesIncrease amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI SignsAvoid foods with tryptamine and histamine such as dairy or fermented vegetables and meats. This includes bacon. Try a simple ingredient food trial.
Chronic Itching and DermatitisFortify the diet with vitamin E, vitamin B, 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 ScalingAdjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet. Adding fish oil can promote healthier coats by reducing itchiness and flakiness in the skin due to its omega-3 fatty acid content.
Dandruff and CrustinessAdd Zinc and Vitamin A levels

If your Bernese Mountain Dog suffers from skin allergies or joint pain, addingdog fish oilmay help bring relief. The AKC states that fish oil promotes healthier coats by reducing itchiness and flakiness in the skin due to its omega-3 fatty acid content. Other significant effects include promoting improved immunity (especially against cancer) while strengthening heart health in dogs.

Bernese Mountain Dog Calorie Requirements

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Bernese Mountain Dog usually weighs between 70 and 115 pounds, which means most Bernese Mountain Dogs need between 1312 and 1903 calories a day.

Ensure you adhere to the 10% guideline when giving treats to your dog. Food should account for 90% of calories, while treats comprise 10%. For example, if your Bernese Mountain Dog weighs 90 lbs., he would require 1582 calories daily. With treats included, that’s 1423 calories from food (90%) and 159 from treats (10%). Typically, most adult dogs have two meals a day. Hence, you should divide 1423 into two meals of 711.5 calories each.

Pregnant or lactating Bernese Mountain Dogs may need up to 2 to 4 times the food they usually need as the mother’s energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation. Be sure to talk to your vet.

You can use our dogcaloriecalculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.

Homemade Dog Food For Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies

A Bernese Mountain Dog puppy’s dietary requirements differ from an adult’s Bernese Mountain Dog.

Compared to adult dogs, puppies require higher protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus levels. Inadequate or excessive amounts of these nutrients can lead to deficiencies, hindered growth, or lifelong health complications.

According to the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN), puppies need approximately twice as many calories per pound of body weight as adult dogs of the same breed.

However, many assume puppies require more food and calories daily because they grow quickly. This is not necessarily true. Dr. Justin Shmalberg, DVM, a veterinary nutritionist at Nom Nom, advises that to promote normal growth, most puppies need a similar number of calories and the same type of food from 4 to 12 months of age. Bernese Mountain Dog puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times per day. As your puppy ages (between 6 and 12 months), you can switch to 2 to 3 meals daily at scheduled intervals.

Skipping meals is not advisable during your puppy’s growth and development. As previously stated in our nutritional guidelines, a puppy’s diet should include a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, water, and vitamins to ensure proper growth and development.

Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service

If you struggle to find time to cook for your Bernese Mountain Dog but wish your dog could eat whole, fresh homemade foods more often, a homemade dog food delivery service might be the perfect solution.

Open Farm is one of our favorite options. They offer various fresh, homemade dog food options tailored to your dog’s unique dietary needs, age, health conditions, and nutritional goals. For example, if your Bernese Mountain Dog suffers from food-related health issues such as allergies or illnesses, Open Farm can create a customized recipe that caters to those needs. Their meals are made with real, human-grade ingredients and delivered to your doorstep.

Bernese Mountain Dogs Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes & Nutrition Advice - Canine Bible (3)
Bernese Mountain Dogs Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes & Nutrition Advice - Canine Bible (4)Bernese Mountain Dogs Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes & Nutrition Advice - Canine Bible (5)

The food is developed by veterinary nutritionists who adhere to AAFCO nutritional guidelines. In our experience, using Open Farm saves you time, allowing you to focus on more important things like walks or training your dog. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about the hassle of meal planning, grocery shopping, or cooking, and you can mitigate the risks of cooking for dogs.

Readers get20% offsubscription orders with code CANINE20 + an extra5% offfor subscribing. Cancel anytime. Usethislinkto get started!

  • Learn more:Read our fullOpen Farm dog food review

Best Homemade Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs

The best homemade food for Bernese Mountain Dogs is a balanced diet that provides optimal nutrients for proper function while considering your dog’s nutritional goals and health. We highly recommend Open Farm or Raised Right as the best homemade food for Bernese Mountain Dogs, adults and puppies.

Don’t feel like cooking for your Bernese Mountain Dog? Here is the most comprehensive guide to help you find the best dog food for Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Chapter 2: Recipes, Cooking Tips & More

Ch 1

Bernese Mountain Dog Homemade Food Tips

Before sharing our favorite Bernese Mountain Dog homemade food recipes, follow these best practices when preparing your dog’s next meal.

  • Set a consistent feeding schedule
  • Feed your Bernese Mountain Dog twice daily (puppies under 12 months, 3 to 4 times a day, check with your veterinarian)
  • Meal prep weekly or monthly
  • Measure and controlportionsizes depending on your dog’s calorie needs
  • Keep mealsfrozen for 2 to 3 months or refrigerated for about five days
  • Make a new batch when the food supply is getting low
  • If you want to feed different recipes, you can make multiple batches and color code by ingredients, rotating out the different meals
  • Prepare the food in bulk and portion it into containers (one container per meal makes it extra easy)
  • Increase portions appropriately as your puppy grows
  • Monitor weight to make sure you are feeding the proper amount of calories

How To Cook Homemade Food ForBernese Mountain Dogs ( Video)

Watch this video and learn how to cook homemade meals for Bernese Mountain Dogs.

Best Bernese Mountain Dog Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Browse the best homemade dog food recipes for Bernese Mountain Dogs that will make your pup beg for more.

We’ve also included a special treat recipe for your Bernese Mountain Dog, enriched with the health benefits of our favorite ingredient: dog CBD oil. CBD oil might help with issues like seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, and overall wellness.

Note:Consult your vet before adjusting your dog’s diet. The recipes below don’t specify serving sizes since they depend on your dog’s breed, weight, age, activity, and health. As a guideline, consider feeding the equivalent amount you’d give in kibble, but always consult your veterinarian for proper portioning.

  • CBD-Infused Dog Treats

Blueberry-Banana CBD-Infused Dog Treats

Treat your Bernese Mountain Dog with these nutritious, therapeutic, and delicious homemade CBD dog treats. They are made with bananas, a great source ofessential vitamins and minerals(like potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6). Banana also aids with digestion and energy. Coconut is added for skin and coat, digestion and helps reduce allergic reactions.

Remember to consult your vet to ensure CBD is safe for your dog and that you are giving the correct dosage. Alternatively, you can buy commercially available CBD dog treatsso your pup can experience CBD’s benefits without the cooking.

Ingredients

  • 120 mg of the best CBD oil for dogs
  • 2 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/3 cup of coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • A pinch of sea salt

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil.
  2. Mash the ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks left.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, blend the gluten-free flour and oats.
  4. In another bowl, whisk the egg until it’s beaten. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix until well combined.
  5. Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir until you get an even consistency. Drizzle in the CBD oil and give it another stir to ensure even distribution.
  6. Use a tablespoon measure to scoop out portions of the mixture. Press each scoop firmly into the dog treat baking mold.
  7. Place the tray in the oven and bake the treats for 30 to 40 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and slightly golden when ready.
  8. Once the treats have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage.

Chicken & Rice Delight

Many dogs have a soft spot for chicken, making this dish a universal canine favorite. This easy-to-make recipe ensures your Bernese Mountain Dog gets a nourishing and delightful meal. This batch yields approximately four servings, which can be stored in your refrigerator.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup brown rice (or white rice if preferred)
  • ½ cup peas
  • ½ cup chopped carrots
  • ½ cup flour (whole grain is preferable, but white flour is acceptable)
  • ½ cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying

Directions

  1. Chicken Preparation. Cut the chicken into half-inch pieces. In a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, cook the chicken on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside the pan drippings.
  2. Rice preparation. In a pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions or until it’s soft and fluffy. Once done, set aside.
  3. Gravy creation. Over medium to low heat, warm the chicken drippings in the pan. Combine ½ cup of water or chicken broth with ½ cup of flour. Gently stir until it becomes a smooth mixture. Continue cooking until it evolves into a thick gravy consistency.
  4. Combining ingredients. Add the cooked chicken, rice, peas, and carrots to the gravy. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender.
  5. Cooling. Let the stew cool down to room temperature before serving to ensure it’s safe for your dog.

Turkey, Vegetable & Quinoa Feast

As a lean protein, Turkey is excellent for Bernese Mountain Dogs aiming for a healthy weight. This enhanced dog food recipe combines the richness of turkey with the nourishment of vegetables and quinoa – a superfood known for its protein and fiber content. A nourishing blend of lean protein and wholesome veggies, it’s the ideal meal for your Bernese Mountain Dog.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of water
  • 1 pound of ground turkey
  • 1 cup of quinoa
  • 1 cup of carrots, finely chopped
  • 1 cup of green beans, finely chopped
  • 1 cup of spinach, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of fish oil
  • A sprinkle of turmeric (for anti-inflammatory benefits, optional)

Directions

  1. Cooking the turkey. Over medium heat, cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet until fully done. Ensure it’s crumbled well to make it easier for your dog to digest.
  2. Preparing the feast. Combine the quinoa, cooked turkey, and water in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a boil.
  3. Simmering. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes soft and translucent.
  4. Adding vegetables. Introduce the carrots, green beans, and spinach to the pot. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not overly soft.
  5. Finishing touches. Once off the heat, stir in the fish oil and sprinkle turmeric, ensuring it’s mixed well.
  6. Storing. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving. Extra portions can be refrigerated and consumed within five days.

Beefy & Veggie Medley

Packed with lean protein from grass-fed beef and fortified with the nutritional punch of veggies, this recipe is both delicious and nourishing. Adding eggs and beneficial herbs ensures your Bernese Mountain Dog gets essential vitamins and nutrients.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups organic brown rice
  • 4 eggs (hard-boiled, peeled, and finely chopped)
  • 2 pounds lean ground sirloin (preferably grass-fed, cooked through, with excess fat drained off)
  • 3 medium-sized carrots, either shredded or finely diced
  • 1 cup fresh green peas or chopped green beans
  • 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons of olive or safflower oil
  • A sprinkle of ground turmeric

Directions

  1. Egg prep. Begin by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once done, peel and finely chop them.
  2. Beef cooking. Brown the ground sirloin over medium heat in a large skillet, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked. Once done, drain off any excess fat.
  3. Mix & combine. In a large mixing bowl or container, combine the cooked brown rice, browned sirloin, chopped eggs, diced or shredded carrots, peas or green beans, minced parsley, and the optional sprinkle of turmeric. Drizzle with olive or safflower oil.
  4. Stir together. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and well combined.
  5. Serve & store. Serve the mixture in your dog’s dish, ensuring it’s cooled to a safe temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

If you want more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your Bernese Mountain Dog, cookbooks can be useful for various recipes. Our top pick isHome Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.

Bernese Mountain Dogs Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes & Nutrition Advice - Canine Bible (7)Bernese Mountain Dogs Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes & Nutrition Advice - Canine Bible (8)

Best Dog Cooking Practices

Ensure that your Bernese Mountain Dog’s meals are safe and nutritious with these tips.

  • Never use unsafe or toxic ingredients for dogs
  • Useonly boneless meats(no cooked bones)
  • Cook all animal products thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria
  • Cook all grains, beans, and starchy vegetables to make them easier to digest
  • Research every ingredient before using it for safety
  • Follow recipes as instructed
  • Add supplements to their diet if needed
  • Run any questions by a vet nutritionist

Monitor Weight And Health

A dog’s weight and gut health are essential indicators of their health, and you need to track them when switching to a new diet (i.e., homemade). Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your Bernese Mountain Dog is fed the right dog food. If your dog’s weight increases or decreases rapidly, it might be due to food-related health issues. A healthy gut can confirm a smooth transition to your dog’s new diet, among other health issues. However, identifying a healthy gut is not an easy task. Fortunately, an at-home dog gut health test can provide insight into your dog’s gut health.

Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by unbalanced and insufficient meal plans. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your dog meals, stop doing it immediately and seek expert advice.

What Foods Should Your Bernese Mountain Dog Never Eat?

Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients dogs need to avoid.

  • Chocolate
  • Xylitol
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Avocados
  • Raw bread dough
  • Coffee, tea, and other caffeine
  • Grapes
  • Raisins
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Alcohol

Here is the complete list oftoxic ingredients your Bernese Mountain Dog should never eat. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.

Bernese Mountain Dog Raw Diet (BARF)

Raw dog food mimics dogs’ diet in the wild millions of years ago. Raw dog foods, organs, muscles, whole or ground bones, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are usually included. Several raw dog foods are available, includinghomemade raw dog foodand store-bought (frozen, freeze-dried, and dehydrated).

As the risk of contamination and nutritional imbalance is higher when handling raw foods, preparing a BARF diet for your Bernese Mountain Dog requires a lot of extra care and planning. Raw dog diets are gaining popularity because of their fantastic health benefits for teeth, coats, digestion, and allergies.

Read our article on the raw diet for dogs to discover more about its advantages and risks. Also, discover the top raw brands for Bernese Mountain Dogs in our best raw dog food post.

Homemade Dog Food For Bernese Mountain Dogs — Conclusion & Alternatives

Learning how to cook homemade food for your Bernese can be a bit overwhelming.

Each dog has unique nutritional requirements. It’s advised to always consult with your vet and build a diet based on your dog’s health and dietary goals. According to our research, homemade dog food is healthier, more nutritious, and can help you improve your Bernese’s overall well-being for a happier pup. Bernese Mountain Dogs are hearty dogs that require adequate food to function normally. Homemade dog foods can provide them with all of the nutrients they need to live their happiest, healthiest life.

Read up onvegan dog foodif your Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to food allergies or food-related health issues. Plant-based diets are also becoming increasingly popular for dogs with food sensitivities and other health issues.

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

[1]AKC, [2] SPOT PetInsurance, [3] Lippert & Sapy [4] AVMA [5] Lyka, [6] Hardvard [7] NCBI, [8] PubMed, [9] UC Davis

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Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.


Bernese Mountain Dogs Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes & Nutrition Advice - Canine Bible (2024)

FAQs

What is the best diet for Bernese Mountain dogs? ›

Nutritional requirements of a Bernese Mountain

When selecting what to feed your Bernese Mountain, choose a diet with high-quality animal-based protein sources, such as beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, duck, eggs, and fish.

What are the best ingredients to put in homemade dog food? ›

Good homemade food for healthy dogs includes all the vitamins, calcium, proteins and minerals your pet needs to stay healthy. You can add ground beef, chicken, lamb or venison, as well as vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, parsnips, beets, yams, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes.

Why are vets against homemade dog food? ›

Reason #1: Nutritional imbalance

Dogs not getting the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need to thrive is a major concern, especially with homemade diets. Many pup parents simply use recipes passed around the internet; recipes that are often unbalanced, leading to severe malnourishment.

How many cups of food should a Bernese Mountain Dog eat a day? ›

The Bernese Mountain Dog is prone to overeating. The general recommendation for how much high-quality dry dog food (based on average weight and activity level) to feed is three to five cups of food per day. This amount should be split between two or three meals, or can be offered in a food-dispensing puzzle toy.

What can Bernese Mountain dogs not eat? ›

Avoid garlic, onions or any plant species from the “Allium” family. These include chives, leeks, shallots, and others. While both garlic and onions add that quintessential punch to our food, none of them are good to go when it comes to your pet dog.

Are eggs good for Bernese Mountain dogs? ›

TIPS FOR FEEDING BERNERS

Many Bernese love eating a variety fresh food. Small additions of yogurt, cooked or lean raw meat, fish , eggs or fresh fruits, including banana, apple or pear and vegetables, including carrots, broccoli, squash, cooked pumpkin or yams can be offered as a way of introducing enzymes to a diet.

What not to put in homemade dog food? ›

There is a wide variety of unhealthy and unsafe foods to avoid when preparing meals for your dog. Potentially toxic ingredients are of special concern, including chocolate, xylitol, avocado, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and macadamia nuts.

What should be the number 1 ingredient in dog food? ›

The best dog foods will always have meat as the top ingredient, and you should look for recipes that emphasize real animal proteins, rather than just meat meals. Because your dog's food should have more meat than any other ingredient, it's vital to choose a meat source that will benefit your dog's health.

What is the correct ratio for homemade dog food? ›

The general rule of thumb for a home-made diet for a healthy canine patient is 75% meat/15%vegetables/10% carbohydrate. Variety is the key to a healthy diet so be sure to vary your meat, carbohydrate and vegetable sources from time to time.

How do I make sure my homemade dog food has all nutrients? ›

Here are some tips for making nutritionally complete homemade food for your dog's health:
  1. Use a variety of human-grade ingredients. Dogs need a balance of protein, veggies, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. ...
  2. Include a protein source. ...
  3. Add a carbohydrate source. ...
  4. Don't forget the fats. ...
  5. Add vitamins and minerals.
Nov 24, 2023

What three meats should dogs avoid? ›

Processed meats, such as hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats, often contain high levels of sodium, preservatives, and additives that can wreak havoc on your dog's health. These ingredients may contribute to issues like obesity, digestive upset, and even certain cancers.

What's missing from homemade dog food? ›

Many dog food recipes fall short in certain nutrients, especially iron, copper, calcium, and zinc. Even some recipes created by veterinarians don't measure up.

What is the best food to feed a Bernese Mountain Dog? ›

Protein is a crucial component of a Bernese Mountain Dog's diet. Look for foods where high-quality sources like chicken, beef, or fish are listed as the main ingredient. The right amount of protein supports muscle maintenance and repair, which is especially important for this large, active breed.

Is 2 cups a day enough for a dog? ›

Small Breeds (10-20 pounds): 3/4 cup to 1 1/2 cups per day. Medium Breeds (30-50 pounds) 1 3/4 to 2 2/3 cups per day. Large Breeds: (60-100 pounds) 3 to 4 1/2 cups per day, plus 1/3 cup for every 10 pounds over 100 pounds.

How long does it take for a Bernese Mountain Dog to be fully grown? ›

Bernese are SLOW MATURING DOGS. Most Berners do not reach their adult height and weight until they are 2 or 3 years old. Berners continue to 'flesh out' and add substance and bulk well into their middle years. Often during the first year to 18 months of age puppies look gangly, leggy or unbalanced, and gawky.

How do I keep my Bernese Mountain Dog healthy? ›

Bernese mountain dogs can become overweight if they do not get enough exercise or if they're fed too much dog food or table scraps. Your dog should have high-quality food appropriate to their age and size. To ensure you have a happy, healthy pup, you should: Make sure they get plenty of exercise.

Should Bernese Mountain dogs eat chicken? ›

Chicken can be a healthy food for dogs if prepared correctly. It's an excellent source of protein and contains several nutrients that can help maintain your dog's overall health, including vitamin B6, vitamin B3, and zinc.

What is the best exercise for a Bernese Mountain Dog? ›

Bernese Mountain Dogs have moderate exercise needs and benefit from daily physical activity. They typically require around 1 to 1.5 hours of exercise each day to keep them happy and healthy. This can include walks, playtime in a securely fenced yard, or engaging in activities such as hiking or swimming.

Are bananas good for Bernese Mountain dogs? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

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