How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Bernese Mountain Dogs
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a loving, affectionate family friend. A breed that can be naturally wary, the Bernese Mountain Dog is a highly intelligent dog that enjoys every opportunity to spend quality time in active pursuits with its beloved family. To fuel this breed’s high activity requirements, an excellent quality diet that is well-balanced to meet its nutritional needs is critical.
Bernese Mountain Dogs can be predisposed to a number of health conditions. Several of the most difficult ones which can befall the breed are hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat. To help stave off the development of these conditions, it is important to feed only the best dog food for the Bernese Mountain Dog and to carefully measure and monitor all food intake. This will also help to prevent the dog from becoming overweight.
Though it is not known what causes bloat in dogs, experts agree that eating too quickly or too much can be contributing factors. For this reason, it is recommended that the Bernese Mountain Dog be fed a large breed formulation since the pieces of kibble are larger to encourage careful chewing and swallowing, an activity that thwarts rapid eating.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Bernese Mountain Dogs
The Bernese Mountain Dog is considered to be a large breed. To fuel a dog of this size, it is necessary to take into account the dog’s weight and activity level. As a general average, an adult Bernese Mountain Dog will eat between four to six cups of a high-quality food per day or 1,500-2000 calories.
To help assess how much a Bernese Mountain Dog should be fed each day, it is best to follow the suggested serving size listed on the bag. This amount can be adjusted with the dog’s appetite and weight serving as two very helpful guides.
The individual calorie count will vary depending on factors like activity level and whether the dog is spayed or neutered. The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remember to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information.
The Bernese Mountain Dog requires a diet that contains a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.
Dietary Requirements for Bernese Mountain Dog Foods
The Bernese Mountain Dog enjoys a highly active lifestyle. To ensure this dog breed’s energy needs are properly fuelled, the Bernese Mountain Dog requires a food that is based on animal protein. Whole meats are the best foundation for this breed’s diet; however, meat meals are also a good choice.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is not a breed that typically suffers from allergies or stomach sensitivities. With this in mind, most dogs can be fed a grain inclusive formulation with no ill effects. Regardless of whether the carbohydrates are derived from fruits, vegetables, or whole grains, they should be easily digestible and full of fiber and antioxidants for maximum benefit to the Bernese Mountain Dog.
All diets require the addition of healthy fats to provide vital energy to the Bernese Mountain Dog. In addition to this, healthy oils also contribute to good skin and coat quality. The best sources for these fats are animal-based. Among the most optimal choices are chicken fat and oily fish such as mackerel, herring, anchovies, and salmon.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Bernese Mountain Dogs
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Bernese Mountain Dog:
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Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
An animal-based protein, preferably in whole meat form, should be the first ingredient in any food suited to the needs of this active breed.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
All diets can benefit from the addition of probiotics and supplements. Among the most valuable ingredients to look for in a food for the Bernese Mountain Dog are 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 should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.