How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies
Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are adorable, fluffy balls of fun. Quite distinctive with their soft, tri-colored coat, this breed is affectionate and fun, bonding deeply with its family. A dog considered to be a large breed, the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy should be fed a food formulation designed specifically for its size.
Bernese Mountain Dogs do not have any specific nutritional requirements. Their needs can easily be met through a high-quality food that is properly balanced to address the developmental periods of a growing large breed puppy. The breed can be predisposed to a number of serious health problems. To prevent the exacerbation of such conditions as hip or elbow dysplasia or bloat, the pup should be fed the best food for Bernese Mountain Dog puppies which should be carefully measured with all intake monitored.
Though keeping the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy from becoming overweight is important, there is a more important reason for ensuring this dog is fed the correct portion sizes. Though it is not known what causes bloat, experts believe that eating too much or too quickly may be factors that can lead to this condition. A large breed puppy food will contain larger pieces of kibble that will encourage the pup to carefully chew and swallow each piece.
The Bernese Mountain Dog puppy will not reach full maturity until age two. Because this breed enjoys such a long developmental period, the Bernese Mountain Dog pup should be fed a large-breed puppy food until the dog reaches their mature bodyweight. After this milestone, the dog should be transitioned to an appropriate adult food.
A very important component which any high-quality puppy food suited to this breed should address is the correct amount of calcium to phosphorus. If this balance is not right in a food, it can lead to overly rapid bone growth, which can then lead to orthopedic problems in the dog. A diet specially formulated for large breed puppies will ensure this nutritional requirement is met.
Feeding Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies
Bernese Mountain Dog puppies burn a lot of calories in a day and have a lot of growing to do. To support their active lifestyle, this pup needs a large breed puppy food that is calorie-dense and comprised of the highest quality ingredients in the correct balance to each other. Since large breed puppies grow at their own unique rate, the best means to determine how much the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy should be fed is by using the suggested serving sizes listed on the bag of food.
Suggested serving sizes are a starting point. The amount of food included in each meal should be adjusted to reflect the puppy’s activity level and appetite. Feed the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy three to four times throughout the day during its first six months. After this, meals can be reduced to two times daily.
Any diet that is best for the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy should have a minimum of 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat. The best foods for Bernese Mountain Dog puppies are nutritionally balanced and fortified with the correct vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to support the pup through each critical developmental phase.
Dietary Requirements for Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy Foods
Bernese Mountain Dog puppies require a diet that is rich in animal proteins. Whole meats are the best choice, but meat meals are also acceptable.
Carbohydrates form an important part of the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy’s diet. These can be included in the form of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Healthy fats provide Bernese Mountain Dog puppies with vital energy as well as support for a healthy coat and skin. These are best sourced from ingredients such as chicken fat or oily fish such as salmon or mackerel.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy:
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Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
Any diet suited to the needs of a growing Bernese Mountain Dog puppy should include meat as one of its first ingredients. Whole meats are best, but meat meals also provide all of the nutrition this pup needs.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
All foods can benefit from the addition of supplements to help them provide greater nutritional help to dogs. The most valuable ingredients to look for include prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Bernese Mountain Dog puppy should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.