The Best Dog Food for Bernedoodles: Nutrition Guide
- Grain-free diets with protein from meat as the primary ingredient
- Diets high in nutrients but avoiding fillers and artificial ingredients
- Diets tailored to your dog’s individual nutritional needs
- Diets from brands that conduct research on proper canine nutrition
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Whole grains | Provide carbohydrates for energy |
| Protein | Build muscle and support overall health |
| Vegetables | Provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber |
| Omega fatty acids | Support skin and coat health |
| Key Takeaways | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Bernedoodles need high-quality protein, healthy fats, digestible carbs, fruits, veggies | Support bone, muscle, brain, skin, coat health |
| Appropriate calcium, phosphorus levels prevent joint issues | Added glucosamine, chondroitin protect cartilage |
| Probiotics, prebiotics aid digestion | Antioxidants boost immunity |
| Life stage formulas for puppy, adult, senior | Consult your veterinarian |
When it comes to feeding your bernedoodle – the hybrid cross between a Bernese mountain dog and poodle – choosing the right dog food is crucial to support their health and happiness. Bernedoodles have unique nutritional needs thanks to their large, active frame paired with a sensitive digestive system.
This comprehensive guide will discuss key diet considerations for bernedoodles and reveal the top-rated dog foods to keep your furry friend thriving at every life stage. Let’s dive in!
An Overview of Bernedoodle Nutrition
With their sturdy Bernese build and affectionate poodle temperament, bernedoodles make wonderful family companions. However, their hybrid genetics also predispose them to certain health conditions that can be managed or prevented through proper diet.
Below I’ll summarize the key nutritional priorities for this intelligent, energetic designer dog breed.
High-Quality Protein Sources
As large, rapidly growing dogs, bernedoodles need ample protein in their diet – especially during the first year when much of their adult bone and muscle development occurs.
Diets deficient in quality protein sources lead to skeletal abnormalities, increased fracture risk, muscle wasting, lethargy, and immune impairment.
Some top proteins to look for in bernedoodle diets include:
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Salmon
- Eggs
- Lean red meats
Quality matters, so aim for whole food ingredients over by-products and artificial substitutes.
Healthy Fats
Balancing protein with beneficial fats helps bernedoodles maintain skin health, lustrous coats, cognitive function, joint mobility, and temperament.
Some helpful fats include:
- Salmon oil
- Flaxseed
- Canola oil
- Coconut oil
Fats should make up around 20% of adult dogs’ caloric intake. Puppies and lactating dams require relatively more.
Limited Carbohydrates
While carbs provide energy, excess intake coupled with inadequate exercise risks obesity.
Some quality carb sources to look for include:
- Sweet potatoes
- Barley
- Brown rice
- Oatmeal
About 5-10% of diet coming from low-glycemic carbs balances energy without weight gain.
A Spectrum of Fruits and Vegetables
Micronutrients from fresh produce support vital systems ranging from eyesight to digestion to immunity and more.
Fruits and veggies should comprise around 20-30% of diet volume. Consider:
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Blueberries
- Apples
- Pumpkin
- Peas
- Carrots
These vitamins and minerals nourish cells and neutralize tissue damage from free radicals.
Adequate Calcium and Phosphorus
Large breed puppies like bernedoodles require diets specifically formulated to support controlled bone growth.
- Excess calcium causes defects while inadequate levels risk fractures.
- Calcium and phosphorus levels around 1.2:1 is optimal.
Supplemental Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint cartilage development and integrity.
- Imperative for mobility and injury prevention especially in active big dogs.
- Levels around 1500mg combined proves helpful.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
These friendly bacteria support digestion, nutrient absorption and immunity through gut microbiome balance – especially important for dogs prone to intestinal issues.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants from produce, oils and spices combat free radical damage contributing to disease. They boost immune protection against infection and chronic issues from arthritis to blindness.
Now that we’ve covered the key diet priorities tailored to bernedoodles’ breed-specific needs, let’s explore some top-rated food options to keep them feeling their best.
10 Best Dog Foods for Bernedoodles
With a solid grasp on optimal nutrients for bernedoodles, choosing among commercial brands boils down to those that align with veterinary nutritional standards.
I’ve compiled 10 science-backed options spanning various lifestages that live up to the gold standard this intelligent hybrid requires to thrive.
Best Puppy Food: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free
Taste of the Wild’s puppy formula provides the balanced nutrition bernedoodle puppies require during crucial developmental phases when foundations form.
Made with quality proteins from bison, venison, fish and fowl coupled with digestible ancient grains, vegetables, fruits and supplements, this formula supports lean muscle mass, bone integrity, brain growth and metabolism.
The ingredients minimize sensitivities and excessive growth. Fish oil DHA nourishes neurological development and vision too. Overall an excellent choice during the first year before transitioning to adult formulations.
Key Nutrients Per Cup (Dry Matter Basis):
- Protein – 28%
- Fat – 17%
- Fiber – 5%
- Calcium – 1.4% phos – 1%
- Glucosamine – 300mg
- Omega fatty acids: 2.8%
Best Adult Food: American Journey Active Life Formula
Once bernedoodles reach maturity around age one, adjusting nutrition to match their adult activity level and metabolism prevents weight gain and associated issues like joint disease.
American Journey’s turkey-and-chicken-based Active Life formula offers complete balanced nutrition for grown bernedoodles maintaining an energetic lifestyle.
Made in the United States with premium proteins, digestible carbs and ample produce, it provides steady energy and stamina without excess. Supportive supplements enhance musculoskeletal development and gut integrity too.
Overall an affordable, quality choice tailored to support adult bernedoodles’ nutritional needs and active dispositions. Consider for ages 1-7.
Key Nutrients Per Cup (Dry Matter Basis):
- Protein – 28%
- Fat – 16%
- Fiber – 4.5%
- Calcium – 1.2% phos – 0.9%
- Glucosamine – 375mg
- Omega fatty acids: 2.25%
Best Senior Food: Blue Buffalo Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
As large breed dogs like bernedoodles begin slowing down around age seven, reducing caloric intake protects against weight gain and obesity-related illness while supporting joints, cognition and vital organ health.
Blue Buffalo’s Senior formulation provides complete, holistic nutrition ideal for less active mature bernedoodles. Thoughtfully crafted with chicken, brown rice, produce and supplements, it delivers steady energy and stamina between naps without unnecessary calories.
The reduced fat protects senior dogs’ digestion while glucosamine and antioxidants support graceful aging. Feeding this formula safeguards bernedoodles’ golden years.
Key Nutrients Per Cup (Dry Matter Basis):
- Protein – 28%
- Fat – 12%
- Fiber – 7%
- Calcium – 1.1% phos – 0.9%
- Glucosamine – 250mg
- Omega fatty acids: 3.1%
Best for Puppies: Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Formula
Purina Pro Plan’s Large Breed Puppy recipe offers an ideal nutrient profile tailored to breed sizes like bernedoodles under 100 pounds fully grown.
Made with quality chicken protein, rice, veggies and fruit, it promotes steady development thanks to precise calcium and phosphorus levels around 1.2% and 1% respectively.
This careful balance coupled with glucosamine supports controlled growth to prevent skeletal defects. Antioxidants from produce protect cells too.
Fortified with vitamins and minerals absent from whole foods as well, this complete and balanced diet nourishes big breed puppies ideally from weaning until 12-18 months old.
Key Nutrients Per Cup (Dry Matter Basis):
- Protein – 30%
- Fat – 20%
- Fiber – 3.5%
- Calcium – 1.2% phos – 1.0%
- Glucosamine – 360mg
- Omega fatty acids: 1.1%
Best for Seniors: Blue Buffalo Senior Homestyle Recipe
Blue Buffalo’s Homestyle Recipe for mature dogs offers gentle nutrition ideal for less active senior bernedoodles over age seven.
Made in the USA featuring slow-cooked chicken and whole grains like brown rice and barley, it balances energy and digestion. The reduced calories prevent unhealthy weight gain.
Glucosamine, chondroitin and omega fatty acids support aging joints, cognition and immunity while antioxidants protect organ health. Plus added probiotics aid digestion.
This wholesome formula delivers complete nourishment for cherished bernedoodle elders so they can enjoy cuddle time comfortably into their golden years.
Key Nutrients Per Cup (Dry Matter Basis):
- Protein – 24%
- Fat – 10%
- Fiber – 7%
- Calcium – 0.9% phos – 0.8%
- Glucosamine – 300mg
- Omega fatty acids: 0.9%
Best Limited Ingredient: Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Chicken Formula
For bernedoodles suffering food intolerances, Natural Balance’s specialized Limited Ingredient Diets minimize exposure to potential allergens.
Their sweet potato and chicken recipe provides novel, easy-to-digest carbohydrates and protein. It’s crafted without common triggers like dairy, corn, wheat or soy.
The determination of triggers requires an elimination diet trial generally 8-12 weeks guided by your veterinarian. If symptoms resolve, single ingredients are slowly reintroduced to identify the culprits. Then custom formulations treat the underlying condition.
This nutritionally-balanced formula eliminates guesswork and supports sensitive dogs. Consider for allergy-prone bernedoodles alongside probiotics and gut barrier supplements to promote tolerance long-term.
Key Nutrients Per Cup:
- Protein – 21%
- Fat – 12%
- Fiber – 5%
- Calcium – 1.4% phos – 1.1%
- Glucosamine – 250mg
- Omega fatty acids: 1.4%
Best Multiple Protein Sources: Merrick Grain Free Recipe Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato
Merrick’s grain-free kibble offers exemplary variety with multiple protein sources ideal for bernedoodle owners seeking diversity.
Crafted in Texas featuring leading farm-raised beef supplemented with lamb, salmon and chicken meals, it delivers quality amino acid nutrition without depending on a sole meat.
The absence of corn, wheat, soy and gluten minimizes sensitivity risk. Digestibility stems from sweet potatoes, chickpeas, peas and produce full of prebiotic fiber.
This nourishing formula meets nutrient recommendations for all lifestages thanks to balance and bioavailability. The protein diversity minimizes potential for developingspecific intolerances too.
Give this wholesome kibble a trial run if your bernedoodle seems bored with chicken-centric recipes alone.
Key Nutrients Per Cup:
- Protein – 34%
- Fat – 18%
- Fiber – 4%
- Calcium – 1.4% phos – 1%
- Glucosamine – 230mg
- Omega fatty acids: 3.2%
Best for Weight Management: Wellness CORE Reduced Fat Formula
For bernedoodles needing to trim down, Wellness CORE’s reduced fat kibble fits the bill without sacrificing taste or nutrients.
A foundation of premium chicken and turkey delivers high quality protein for lean muscle maintenancedespite lowered calories to spur weight loss. Whole grains like barley and brown rice provide steady energy while produce boosts antioxidants.
This stellar formula omits empty fillers like corn, wheat and soy that can trigger allergies. It packs a nutritious punch in each scoop thanks to condensed quality. Consider when obesity reduction becomes a priority to improve life quality without hunger.
Key Nutrients Per Cup:
- Protein – 34%
- Fat – 9%
- Fiber – 10%
- Calcium – 1.3% phos – 1.1%
- Glucosamine – 250mg
- Omega fatty acids: 0.9%
Best Dry Food: Diamond Naturals Large Breed Lamb Meal & Rice Formula
Diamond Naturals dry kibble provides exemplary nutrition wrapped in crunchy convenience for bernedoodle owners desiring a classic chow.
Made in the USA, this lamb and rice recipe meets requirements for large breeds like the Bernese-poodle cross at all life stages.
Supplemental chicken fat, egg protein and fish oil balance the lamb while superfoods like kale, chia and dried chicory root concentrate more nutrients per bite. Probiotics support healthy digestion as well.
This quality formula offers timeless nutrition with the bonus of oils for glorious skin and coats. The balance also prevents overgrowth injuries in developing puppies. An excellent foundational choice at a friendly price point for your furkid.
Key Nutrients Per Cup:
- Protein – 27%
- Fat – 17%
- Fiber – 4%
- Calcium – 1.4% phos – 1.1%
- Glucosamine – 400mg
- Omega fatty acids: 3%
Best Wet Food: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner
While kibble offers convenience for owners, adding a rotating cast of wet foods brings variety and hydration to benefit dogs.
Blue Buffalo’s Homestyle stews like their Senior Chicken Dinner provide complete balanced nutrition in savory packages. Slow simmered with chicken, carrots, sweet potatoes and salmon oil, this bowl delivers tasty nutrients mature bernedoodles require.
The moisture content aids digestion and urinary tract health while glucosamine supports aging joints. This human grade choice served warm or chilled over kibble delights discerning palates.
Key Nutrients Per Can:
- Protein – 7.5g
- Fat – 5g
- Fiber – 1g
- Calcium – 54mg
- Phosphorus – 45mg
- Omega-3 – 250mg
- Moisture – 78%
Best Freeze Dried: Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble Chicken Recipe
The burgeoning freeze dried pet food sector offers minimally processed alternatives mimicking ancestral raw diets without pathogens or intensive prep.
Stella & Chewy’s raw coated kibbles provide whole food nutrition and enzymes but with kibble convenience. Featuring grass-fed lamb, cage-free poultry and wild caught fish, each morsel delivers ethical quality.
The limited ingredients eliminate common allergens like grain, corn and soy. Absorbed moisture activates nutrients and antioxidants upon hydration for bioavailability.
Offer plain by itself mixed with warm water, as a crunchy topper for canned foods, or even soaked into DIY dough to craft nutritious homemade treats to pamper your pup’s palate.
Key Nutrients Per Cup Rehydrated:
- Protein – 43%
- Fat – 27%
- Fiber – 4.5%
- Calcium – 2.2%
- Phosphorus – 1.6%
- Glucosamine – 1,500mg
- Omega-3 & 6 – 1.1% / 3.7%
This roster of science-backed options offers an excellent starting point to identify foods optimizing your bernedoodle’s unique needs across life stages. Use my nutritional summaries to compare selections high in desired qualities.
Transition gradually between products over 5-7 days while monitoring appetite, energy, coat quality and waste consistency. This helps assess tolerance and nutritional suitability.
Remember no single formula must remain static forever – variety helps prevent deficiencies and intolerances. Now let’s explore how to tweak diets to perfect your pup’s plan.
Tailoring the Ideal Bernedoodle Diet
While guiding formulas exist for generalized canine nutrition, individual needs vary even within breeds based on environment, genetics and lifestyle factors.
Optimizing your bernedoodle’s diet requires fine tuning to determine the ideal macronutrient ratios of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Here’s how to personalize food choices:
Growth Rate Assessment
For rapidly growing large breed puppies like bernedoodles, ensuring controlled bone development prevents future mobility issues.
- Weigh puppies at least biweekly ensuring they stay within normal height and weight gain curves over their first nine months.
- Monitor for appropriate body condition. You should feel ribs without seeing them.
- Discuss discrepancies with your veterinarian and adjust diet as needed.
Activity Level Considerations
More active bernedoodles need additional protein and calories from fat and carbs to fuel muscles and energetic metabolisms. Food motivated pups may benefit from puzzle toys and snuffle mat foraging as well to prevent boredom based excess eating.
On the flipside, less active pets likely require fewer calories to maintain ideal weight. Reduce portion sizes if your bernedoodle prefers cuddling to running.
Health Issue Accommodations
Certain medical conditions like gastrointestinal disease, liver or kidney disorders, pancreatitis, diabetes and allergies necessitate specialized nutrition.
Work with your vet to identify appropriate therapeutic diets to correct or manage diagnosed conditions in your pup. This includes prescription formulations.
Breed Predispositions
Bernedoodles’ shared genetic conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems and skin issues influence nutritional strategies to minimize risks.
For example, diets tailored to large breeds with optimal calcium and phosphorus prevent skeletal defects while omega oils enhance skin and coat health.
Identify your bernedoodle’s needs through genetic screening then select foods supporting their unique predispositions.
Discuss any emerging health issues with your veterinarian as well – they can guide nutritional adaptations to manage conditions optimally. Remember that prevention via puppy nutrition sets the stage for lifelong wellness.
Weight Management Approaches
For overweight bernedoodles, reducing caloric intake while ensuring satiety and balanced nutrition is key. Gradually transition to weight control or reduced fat diets while avoiding extreme deprivation.
Incorporating more enriching play, walks and interactive feeders encourages activity to burn calories. Tracking progress through routine body condition checks ensures adjustments stay on track.
On the flip side, underweight pups may need additional meal frequency or caloric density to fuel growth and body condition. High quality proteins and fats help put pounds on safely.
Life Stage Transitions
As bernedoodles evolve from puppyhood to adult then senior milestones, their nutritional demands shift to support developmental stages.
- Puppies need diets ensuring controlled growth rate through appropriate protein, minerals and antioxidants.
- Adults thrive on maintenance formulas with nutrients supporting musculoskeletal tissues and metabolism.
- Seniors require gentle nutrition including joint support, easily digestible ingredients and reduced calories.
Smoothly transitioning foods across lifestages prevents gaps or excesses.
Individual Taste Preferences
While addressing physiological needs stays essential, don’t underestimate the value of keeping your bernedoodle excited about mealtimes too!
Rotating proteins, textures and flavors keeps their palate interested. Try wet toppers, mix-ins like broth or pumpkin, dental chews, scatter feeding and food puzzles to spice things up.
5 Tips to Select the Best Dog Food for Your Bernedoodle
Choosing among commercial pet food options feels overwhelming at times despite good intentions to locate optimal nutrition for your bernedoodle. Where should you start?
I’ve compiled the top 5 tips to streamline your search for quality formulas to nourish your dog correctly at every life stage:
1. Consult Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian offers invaluable personalized guidance identifying recipes aligned with your bernedoodle’s needs based on age, size, activity level, medical history and other considerations.
Receive their input before changing foods to ensure appropriateness especially for puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions.
2. Read Labels Critically
Learn how to analyze pet food labels to determine quality ingredients, red flags like fillers, and nutritional soundness.
Prioritize meat-first recipes with whole food ingredients, not fractions or by-products. Verify claims through third party feeding trials.
Watch out for allergenic items like corn, wheat and soy if needed while ensuring optimal protein and fat. Calculate amounts on a dry matter basis.
3. Focus on Company Trust and Transparency
Research manufacturers to confirm operational transparency, ethical practices and dedication to quality control.
Select brands with on-staff veterinary nutritionists formulating recipes that undergo rigorous testing to verify nutritional adequacy for dogs.
Trusted companies share testing methodology openly and continuously improve through research. Customer satisfaction metrics matter too.
4. Transition Foods Gradually
To minimize stomach upset when changing foods, transition previous and new formulas gradually over 5-7 days.
Start with 75% old and 25% new, adjusting ratios until reaching 100% new food. This allows steady adaptation for continued appetite and digestion.
Watch for changes like loose stool, vomiting, itching and food avoidance indicating intolerance. Seek vet input if these arise.
5. Tailor to Your Bernedoodle
No one-size-fits-all approach exists across the breed – customize nutrition to match your dog’s unique activity level, sensitivities, preferences and health status.
While guiding formulas help narrow options, stay observant of your pup’s response identifying their peak diet through trial and error sometimes.
If your bernedoodle thrives – evident through sound body condition, energetic disposition, lustrous coat and overall vitality – then you’ve likely found the right food fit!
Using these insider tips helps distill the ideal recipe to nourish your beloved bernedoodle properly at every stage of life. Trust the process through partnership between you, your veterinary team and reputable pet food companies dedicated to canine health through science-backed nutrition.
When to Speak With Your Vet About Bernedoodle Nutrition
While many healthy adult dogs maintain status quo needing no nutrition adjustments for long stretches, puppies and dogs managing medical conditions require more frequent modifications.
Below I outline key scenarios where consulting your veterinarian proves fundamental for bernedoodles:
- Selecting an initial puppy food
- Tracking growth patterns in rapidly developing large breed puppies
- Noticing potential nutrient deficiencies – excessive shedding, dull coat, increased infections, lethargy, poor concentration, loose teeth, weight loss or gain
- Diagnosis of new medical conditions like gastrointestinal disease, kidney disease, diabetes, allergies or hormonal disorders
- Recognition of emerging breed-associated conditions like osteochondritis dissecans, eye abnormalities, skin disorders
- Presence of signs indicating food intolerance – itching, chronic ear issues, vomiting, diarrhea
- Recent decreased appetite or refusal to eat certain foods
- Evidence of undesirable weight gain or loss
- Preparing to switch foods due to boredom or cost
- Entering new lifestages like adulthood or senior years
- Planning for circumstances requiring specialized nutrition – pregnancy, lactation, planned surgery
While day-to-day diet details for healthy adult bernedoodles on maintenance diets may not warrant frequent veterinary oversight, their guidance remains invaluable during population-level transitions, medical needs and growth phases.
Tracking details between annual wellness visits helps identify baseline trends for your pup too. Don’t hesitate to call your vet with pressing nutrition questions either – that’s what they’re there for!
Top 5 Bernedoodle Diet-Related Health Conditions
Despite best intentions providing dogs optimal nutrition, certain health conditions affecting lifespan and quality of life still prevail in many breeds – but the right diet can both prevent and treat disease.
Below I summarize the top 5 diet-related health conditions impacting bernedoodles followed by tailored nutritional strategies to overcome them:
1. Obesity
With an inherited predisposition for weight gain from their Bernese Mountain Dog parent coupled with low activity spurring appetite, obesity afflicts over 50% of family companion bernedoodles.
The resulting stressed joints, hearts, endocrine systems and shortened lifespans warrant intervention through prescription weight loss diets lower in fat yet energy dense to prevent feeling deprived. Portion control and measuring cups track progress.
2. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
These inherited musculoskeletal growth abnormalities cause arthritis, lameness and disability tie to inadequate nutrition for large breed puppies.
Following specified labels for optimal protein, calcium, phosphorus and antioxidants moderates growth rates giving cartilage and connective tissues time to stabilize on track for sound musculoskeletal health long-term.
3. Skin Allergies
Inhalant allergies to pollen, mold or dust mites often manifest through uncomfortable dermatitis and secondary ear/skin infections.
Diagnostic dermatology trials help characterize triggers then stringent elimination diets confirm food allergens for customized home cooked or prescription hydrolyzed protein formulas to enable tolerance.
4. Gastrointestinal Disease
Sensitive digestive systems in poodles prevail in bernedoodle offspring as well impacting nutrient absorption.
Probiotic and prebiotic supplements prove beneficial restoring microbial balance and gut barrier function when coupled with limited ingredient diets ideal for food sensitivities like novel protein and carbohydrate sources.
5. Diabetes Mellitus
Middle age obesity coupled with a genetic predisposition for insulin dysregulation and pancreatitis risks diabetes in up to 25% of bernedoodles.
Getting weight under control early through measured feeding, oral hypoglycemics if needed under veterinary care and therapeutic high protein, low glycemic foods keeps metabolism balanced preventing crisis.
As evident by these common issues in the breed, diligent nutrition plays a commanding role reducing morbidity when tailored to support their needs proactively. Now that we’ve built a thorough understanding of optimizing diets for bernedoodles, let’s explore some final frequently asked questions on the topic.
FAQs about Bernedoodle Nutrition
Below I’ve compiled answers to the top 5 most frequently asked questions by pet parents seeking to provide their bernedoodle the best diet possible:
Is it important to feed my bernedoodle high-quality food?
Yes, because bernedoodles are a large designer hybrid breed with some disease predispositions, feeding a premium diet supports optimal health and longevity compared to low-quality alternatives with more fillers.
How much food should I feed my bernedoodle puppy?
Guidance varies across products, but an approximate starting point is 1.5-2 cups daily for a 3 month old puppy, gradually increasing to 8 cups for adult bernedoodles divided across 2-3 meals at maturity around 12 months old.
Can I supplement my bernedoodle’s commercial diet with home cooked food?
Yes, as long as home cooked items meet nutritional standards and veterinary guidance. A certified veterinary nutritionist can ensure homemade diets are complete and balanced for long-term feeding.
Is grain-free food better for my bernedoodle?
Contrary to marketing claims, grain-free diets offer no health advantages for non-allergic dogs. Traditional whole grains like rice and barley are perfectly digestible for dogs, while boutique alternatives present nutritional risks like heart disease according to the FDA.
Can I feed my adult bernedoodle puppy food long-term?
No, puppy food should not be fed after maturity around 12-18 months old since formulas differ in nutrients like protein, fat, calcium and calories needed to fuel growth vs maintenance. Vets recommend transitioning to adult food when growth plates close.
I hope these FAQs offer helpful answers to common questions pet parents have regarding the ideal nutrition approaches to keep their beloved bernedoodles feeling fabulous. Please reach out with any other diet-related questions along your journey together!
Final Thoughts
As we’ve explored throughout this comprehensive guide to bernedoodle health and nutrition, dietary factors largely influence the development, longevity and disease susceptibility of these sensitive, energetic big pets.
Providing your growing puppy or adult dog an appropriate foundation through scientifically balanced premium foods gives their genetics the fighting chance they deserve. Diet proves foundational conquering breed hurdles like obesity, dysplasia and allergies.
Of course, exceptions exist where even pristine nutrition succumbs to other factors affecting oncology, immunity and metabolism. Yet adhering to breed-specific recommendations offers Midas-like potential tipping scales from illness toward envisioning vigorous dogs leaping vibrantly across fields chasing frisbees into old age thanks to conscientious caretakers like you.
Our canine companions depend upon us, their humans, to provide all the nourishment they need to thrive. Thankfully top-notch pet food companies shoulder research illuminating recipe repertoires optimized for modern breeds. Ample options exist to please palates while sparing dogs suffering.
Here’s to many healthy, active years ahead with hearts intertwined between adoring pet parents and the quirky, snuggly bernedoodles gracing our homes with furry love! Just be sure to grab another bag of their favorite food while out shopping next time.
Bernedoodle Nutrition FAQs
Do bernedoodle puppies need specially formulated large breed puppy food?
Yes. Unlike regular puppy food, large breed puppy formulas carefully control calcium, phosphorus, protein, and calorie levels to match their rapid growth rate. This prevents developmental bone abnormalities.
Can I make my own dog food if I ensure it’s nutritionally complete?
You may attempt creating balanced home cooked dog food recipes after first consulting a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. However, meeting all micronutrient levels through whole foods without risking excesses or toxicity proves extremely difficult. Commercial foods offer easier nutritional soundness for average pet owners through research teams. Veterinary-prescribed options then suit special needs.
What common human foods or ingredients should be avoided for bernedoodles? Cats and dogs demonstrate noteworthy differences in metabolic pathways and detoxifying enzymes compared to humans – hence their unique nutritional needs and associated vulnerabilities. Toxic substances range from chocolate, alcohol and processed sugar-laden items to seemingly innocuous fare like grapes, garlic and artificial sweeteners. Extensive lists of prohibited people food for pet safety exist online. When in doubt, leave human food out of the pet dinner bowl.
Do I have to stick to one dog food brand or formula lifelong for my bernedoodle? Not necessarily. Certain medical conditions like food allergies sometimes require consistent proprietary protein sources. However, most healthy adult dogs thrive long-term even with rotational diets offered increased variety preventing boredom or micronutrient inadequacies. This contrasts with felines more resistant to change. Stick with reputable brands matched to your dog’s stage of life.
Should I give glucosamine supplements if feeding a joint-supportive bernedoodle diet? Yes, veterinary orthopedists typically recommend combining commercial diets already formulated with glucosamine, chondroitin and omega fatty acids with additional triple strength gluco/chondroitin supplements as well. For the average 70 pound moderately active adult bernedoodle, daily regimens around 2,400-2,800mg glucosamine HCL/sulfate + 1,800-2,000mg chondroitin sulfate taken continually supports musculoskeletal integrity best – levels difficult achieving through food alone hence the need for both.