St. Bernard Vs Pound of Beef
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This updated guide lists all of the Best Dog Foods for Saint Bernards this year.
Originally bred as guardian dogs, these gentle giants were portrayed as rescuers bearing brandy casks—a flight of fancy from olden days.
Today, The Saint makes an excellent pet with a protective nature and is a loyal companion. St. Bernards are great with children and are friendly towards other dogs and pets.
But their significant stature calls for significant responsibility.
Saints can grow up to 27.5 inches tall and can weigh up to 180 pounds at maturity. Their overwhelming size can tax their health, so the best way to maximize your dog's health and lifespan is to pay special attention to what you feed them.
This is a list of what I consider are the best dog foods for Saint Bernards according to their particular needs.
The Best Dog Foods for Saint Bernards
| Top Picks | Category |
| 1. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Dog Food | Best For Adult Saint Bernard |
| 2. Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Food | Best For Puppy Saint Bernard |
| 3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Dog Food | Best For Senior Saint Bernard |
| 4. Nom Nom Beef Mash | Best Fresh Food For Saint Bernard |
| 5. Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Dog Food | Best Premium Food For Saint Bernard |
| 6. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Dog Food | Best Budget Food For Saint Bernard |
| 7. Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Dog Food | Best Food For Active Saint Bernard |
| 8. Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Duck Raw Coated Dog Food | Best Weight Gain Food For Saint Bernards |
1. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Grain-Free Dog Food — Best For Adult Saint Bernards
Ratings: 
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Potatoes, 3. Lentils, 4. Peas, 5. Dried Ground Potatoes
- Life Stage:Adult
- Suitable for:Large, giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,661 kcal
- Analysis:Protein (min.) 24%, Fat (min.) 14%, Fiber (max.) 4%, Moisture(max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Specially formulated for large and giant breed adult dogs over 50 pounds, the recipe contains everything you need for great health benefits to your dogs. The grain-free recipe is composed of ingredients that not only support bone health but maintain high energy levels. With balanced nutrition achieved from the finest blend of ingredients, you can support your Saint's immune system along with great skin and healthy, thick coat.
2. Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Dog Food — Best For Puppy Saint Bernards
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Turkey, 3. Chicken Meal , 4. Turkey Meal, 5. Cracked Pearled Barley
- Life Stage:Puppy
- Suitable for:Large, giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,518 kcal
- Analysis:Protein (min.) 27%, Fat (min.) 13%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture(max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
If you are looking for a great dry food option for your Saint Bernard puppy, this protein-rich formula by Chicken Soup Soul is an excellent option. Rich in essential Omega-3 and Omega- 6 fatty acids, this meal nourishes your Saint Bernard's big and beautiful coat. The high-quality proteins are extracted from turkey and real chicken as primary ingredients, giving it an excellent flavor that even picky eaters will love.
The formulation includes DHA from salmon oil that aids puppies with proper growth, vision, and brain development. The levels of chondroitin and glucosamine ensure they get all that they need to take care of your growing buddy's bones and joint health. The irresistibly delicious flavors are surely going to make mealtime the favorite time for your pup.
3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Senior Dog Food — Best For Senior Saint Bernards
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Barley, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Chicken Meal
- Life Stage:Senior
- Suitable for:Large, giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,413 kcal
- Analysis:Protein min. 20% | Fat min. 10%, | Fiber max. 7% | Moisture max. 10%
- Form: Dry
Feeding your Saint Bernard a diet that can retain their energetic spirit and bone health is crucial in their senior years. And that's exactly what Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Dog Food has to offer. It's made from real foods and grains like chicken meat, brown rice, and flaxseed to keep your dog muscular and frisky without gaining excess fat.
For bone and joint health, the recipe contains glucosamine and chondroitin to create new cartilage, as well as calcium and phosphorus to make their bones stronger. It's also fortified with L-carnitine, which breaks down excess fat and converts it into energy, making your dog leaner and more active. Lastly, the recipe contains LifeSource bits that are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and chelated minerals for strong immunity and general wellness.
4. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Large Breed Chicken Dinner Canned Food — Best Wet Food For Saint Bernards
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Carrots, 4. Brown Rice, 5. Peas
- Life Stage:Adult
- Suitable for:Large, giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 1,392 kcal
- Analysis:Protein (min.) 10%, Fat (min.) 7.5%, Fiber (max.) 1.5%, Moisture(max.) 78%
- Form: Wet
I wanted to add an excellent wet food option to the top of the list, and this is by far my favorite for large-breed dogs, especially Saint Bernards. Keeping their overwhelming size and big structure in mind, it is particularly important to offer your Saint a diet that helps them maintain strong bones and healthy joints. Not only does this rich diet ensures that your dog gets all the nutrition he deserves, but it also supports the frame he needs to lug all that weight around.
The delicious wet food diet by the Blue Buffalo is a complete meal that can be fed on its own or mixed with kibble. The formula is prepared with the best ingredients, including chicken, brown rice, and antioxidant-rich vegetables. It is loaded with added chondroitin and glucosamine to help improve your dog's mobility and keep joints pain-free. The diet is designed explicitly for large-breed adult dogs. It offers chelated minerals to your four-legged buddy for an enhanced immune system to support their overall health, for Saints that prefer pate, this one's highly recommended.
5. Nom Nom Beef Mash — Best Fresh Food For Saint Bernards
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients:1. Ground beef, 2. russet potatoes, 3. eggs, 4. carrots, 5. peas,
- Life Stage:Adult
- Suitable for:Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 1,239 kcal
- Analysis:Protein (min.) 8% | Fat (min.) 4% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 77%
- Form: Fresh
If you're a raw diet enthusiast and want to feed your Saint Bernard the finest-quality diet with convenience, Nom Nom is the best option. This fresh food company offers a customized diet plan for dogs made from human-grade ingredients, delivered timely to your doorstep.
You will provide your dog's age, breed, weight, and health history, and Nom Nom's expert nutritionists will create a personalized diet for your canine. Our favorite recipe for Saint Bernards is Beef Mash as it has a rich meaty taste and suitable macro balance. Rest assured, the diet will be free from preservatives and won't cause diarrhea or stomach upsets.
6. Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult Dog Food — Best Premium Food For Saint Bernards
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. De-Boned Turkey, 2. Whole Dried Egg, 3. Potatoes, 4. Peas, 5. Tapioca
- Life Stage:Adult
- Suitable for:Large, giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,573 kcal
- Analysis:Protein min. 27% | Fat min. 13%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 10%
- Form: Dry
If you're willing to spend extra bucks to get better quality food for your Saint Bernard, Now Fresh Large Breed is the dog food you should pick. Its distinguishing feature is the real-food-based recipe that includes deboned turkey, potatoes, canola oil, apples, blackberries, and papaya, all of which give the kibbles a meaty and succulent taste.
In the nutrition department, the food is full of meat protein and omega fatty acids to promote muscle growth and fur health. It's rich in L-carnitine to keep your dog's weight down, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin to keep their joints in perfect shape. Since the food is grain-free and contains zero preservatives, it can also be fed to sensitive or allergic Saint Bernards without any repercussions.
7. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dog Food — Best Budget Food For Saint Bernards
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients:1. Lamb, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Egg Product, 5. Lentils
- Life Stage:Adult
- Suitable for:Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,611 kcal
- Analysis:Protein min. 25%, | Fat min. 15%, | Fiber max. 5%, | Moisture max. 10%
- Form: Dry
This option by Taste of the Wild is such a complete and balanced diet that it works for small, medium, and large dogs. It contains novel proteins like roasted lamb and other holistic ingredients, including sweet potatoes, peas, and a variety of different fruits and vegetables.
The diet is not only rich in various essential nutrients but natural antioxidants to support healthy digestion and great overall wellbeing. Offer a delicious meal to your furry Saint Bernard adult dog and ensure maximum health benefits.
8. Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Duck Raw Coated Dog Food — Best Weight Gain Food For Saint Bernards
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Duck, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Egg Product, 5. Turkey Meal
- Life Stage:Adult
- Suitable for:Small, medium, large breed
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,345 kcal
- Analysis:Protein (min.) 34.5%, Fat (min.) 20.5%, Fiber (max.) 3%, Moisture(max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
With cage-free duck as the primary ingredient in the blend, the grain-free recipe is easy on the tummy and an excellent option for keeping your dog happy and healthy.
Rich in natural probiotics, high-quality nutrition, antioxidants, and essential omegas, the protein-rich kibbles are a tasty meal that your pooch's going to gobble up. The high levels of real meat protein also support optimal nutrient absorption and high digestibility.
9. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Dog Food — Best Weight Loss Food For Saint Bernards
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Lentils, 5. Peas
- Life Stage:Adult
- Suitable for:Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,300 kcal
- Analysis:Protein min. 32% | Fat min. 12%, | Fiber max. 12% | Moisture max. 10%
- Form: Dry
When on a weight loss regime, dogs must receive a holistic diet and grow stronger rather than become lethargic. And that's exactly what Wellness Core Grain-Free Reduced Fat is designed for. It's created to fulfill the 'core' nutritional needs of canines with protein-rich turkey meat, easily-digestible carbs like peas and lentils, and natural sources of micronutrients like apples, blueberries, kale, and more.
To induce weight loss, the food uses lower quantities of fat. This is safer than dog foods that pump their recipe with grains, which can lead to bloating or GDV in allergic Saint Bernards. It is still full of essential micros like antioxidants, vitamins, and taurine, and even contains glucosamine to repair cartilage for flexible joints.
10. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Salmon Dog Food — Best Food For Saint Bernards With Sensitive Stomach
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon Meal, 2. Whole Dried Potatoes, 3. Whole Dried Peas, 4. Tapioca, 5. Salmon Oil
- Life Stage:Adult
- Suitable for:Large, giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,250 kcal
- Analysis:Protein (min.) 24%, Fat (min.) 10%, Fiber (max.) 5%, Moisture(max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
If your Saint Bernard has a sensitive gut, you want a diet option that's suitable for sensitive digestion. You also want a gluten-free meal that does not include any fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, wheat, corn, or soy. This complete and balanced diet by Gentle Giants offers the complete canine nutrition that your dog needs.
This food for sensitive digestion is a veterinarian-approved with grain-free, wholesome ingredients such as salmon (wild-caught), peas, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and a variety of non-GMO vegetables and fruits including apples, cranberries, blueberries, beets, and spinach. Offer your big dog nothing but the most perfectly formulated diet to support excellent health and vitality.
11. FirstMate Large Breed Pacific Ocean Fish LID Grain-Free Dog Food — Best Food For Allergic Saint Bernards
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Potato, 2. Pacific Ocean Fish Meal, 3. Tomato Pomace, 4. Chicken Fat, 5. Fish Oil
- Life Stage:Adult
- Suitable for:Large, giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,225 kcal
- Analysis:Protein (min.) 25%, Fat (min.) 12%, Fiber (max.) 8%, Moisture(max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
The special large-breed diet by First Mate is a single-source protein formula to make digestion easy for sensitive dogs. The characteristics of this special formula make it one of the best large breed dog foods for Saint Bernards with a sensitive gut.
Not only the recipe features grain-free ingredients, but it is also a limited-ingredient diet, which makes it easier for big fellas to digest the food easily without compromising on the nutrients. The glucosamine offers additional health benefits by improving your dog's joint health.
12. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Red Recipe Dog Food — Best Tasting Food For Picky Saint Bernards
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients:1. Deboned Beef, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Salmon Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Potatoes
- Life Stage:Adult
- Suitable for:Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,704 kcal
- Analysis:Protein min. 38%, | Fat min. 17%, | Fiber max. 3.5%, | Moisture max. 11%
- Form: Dry
Even though Saint Bernards will eat whatever they see, a little motivation from a raw+dry diet like Merrick Backcountry can go a long way. The food contains pieces of freeze-dried beef that greatly enhance the taste of the food and offer a boost of protein for muscle nourishment. For carbs, the formula uses sweet potatoes and peas to increase digestibility.
As the food is completely grain-free, it's an optimal pick for Saint Bernards with allergies or sensitive stomachs. In fact, your dog's skin and coat will become even healthier and softer since the food contains omega fatty acids. Their joints and bones will also remain strong and flexible thanks to the glucosamine and chondroitin in the food.
13. Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Dog Food — Best Food For Active Saint Bernards
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Rice, 3. Corn Gluten Meal, 4. Whole Grain Corn, 5. Beef Fat
- Life Stage:Adult
- Suitable for:Large, giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,766 kcal
- Analysis:Protein min. 26% | Fat min. 12%, | Fiber max. 4.5% | Moisture max. 12%
- Form: Dry
Allow your Saint Bernard to explore their athletic limits with the high-calorie Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Recipe. The dog food is specifically formulated for large breeds and features 26% protein and 12% fat content for weight maintenance and maximum energy. It is also an ideal pick for dogs with a weak stomach as it contains live probiotics and prebiotics that promote gut flora.
Seeing that large breeds are prone to joint problems, the recipe is fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin to build new cartilage. It's also rich in EPA and omega fatty acids that nourish the fur and improve cognitive skills.
Related:
- Puppy foods for large breed buyer's guide
- Large breed dog foods reviews & list
- Raw Dog Foods buyer's guide & Reviews
Saint Bernards Dog Food Buyer's Guide
If this large, wonderful breed is your pet, there's a lot you must know about their dietary requirements. In addition to the essential nutrients, your Saint Bernard also require regular exercise to stay active and healthy.
These playful tail-waggers can be hyper despite their enormous build. However, their caloric requirement maybe a little less as compared to other large-breed dogs. So let's dive in and learn everything that would help you pick the best dog food for your Saint Bernard.
Understanding Your Saint Bernard's Dietary Requirements
We all know that protein is an essential nutrient for canines. A diet that's rich in protein will help your pooch in the growth and development of lean muscle mass. They also require moderate levels of concentrated fats for energy. Both of these essential nutrients should come from high-quality animal products like poultry, meat, and fish. These sources are easier for your dog to metabolize and digest as compared to plant-based protein.
Additionally, a superior-quality diet for your tail-wagger should also contain moderate levels of digestible carbohydrates to serve as a source of energy as well as for fiber required for easy digestion. Whole-grain options are great when looking for carbs in your dog's diet.
It is also important to remember that St. Bernards have a high risk of food allergies as compared to other large breeds, and grain can be a trigger ingredient. If that's the case with your dog, it is best to pick a grain-free diet and look for alternatives such as beans, vegetables, or legumes instead.
Here's a further breakup according to this breed's different life stage to help you understand the dietary requirements better.
- Puppy Diet:Feed at least 22% protein and 8% fat to your Saint Bernard puppy. These nutrients are essential in the growth stage to help your pup develop stronger and with better immunity. A large-breed puppy recipe is only useful if it matches the minimum nutritional requirement of your young pooch. Ensuring you provide your little one with nothing but the best can save him from developing musculoskeletal problems later.
- Adult Diet:If you have been feeding puppy food to your young St. Bernard, it is important to switch to an adult recipe when your pooch reaches maturity. Opt for a diet that contains at least 20% protein and more than 8% fat to keep the caloric density controlled.
- Senior Diet:When your Saint Bernard enters his golden years, his metabolism is likely to slow down even further. You can either pick a diet that's suitable for a large-breed senior dog or adjust the feeding patterns to help your dog maintain excellent health and ideal weight.
Special Diet Considerations for Your Saint Bernard
As a parent of a large-breed dog, it is your responsibility to meet your pal's basic needs for protein, carbs, and fats. However, there's more to fulfilling your large dog's unique diet considerations. A high-quality, recommended diet will also contain natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine for bone health and joint support.
Additional dietary considerations include phosphorous and calcium to support healthy teeth. Other supplements with health benefits include probiotics and prebiotic fiber for healthy digestions. A proper diet should also include chelated minerals for an optimal mineral supplement as well as a range of veggies and fruits for antioxidant supply.
Let's look at the special diet considerations for your Saint Bernard in detail.
- High-Quality Protein: Dogs, in general, are closely related to wolves, and so is their requirement for protein and other nutrients. Dogs are carnivores, just like wolves, and that's the reason why experts recommend mostly animal-based protein in your dog's diet. Saint Bernards require a high protein diet. Most of the off-the-shelf dog food options cater to these requirements. And the choices I narrowed down in this article contain the highest levels of protein to guarantee optimal levels of protein for your dog's diet.
- Carbohydrates:In addition to novel protein, Saint Bernards also require optimal calories to fuel their large muscles to stay active and playful for hours. While protein offers calories, your Saint Bernard requires a denser quantity to have all the energy they need for daily activities. Opt for options that contain complex carbs that help pump up the calories without causing health issues. Complex carbohydrate sources such as sweet potato, brown rice, chickpea, and other whole-grain options are great additions to your Saint Bernards diet.
- Considerations about Artificial Colors and Preservatives:All kinds of artificial ingredients are associated with adverse health effects for your dog. Consuming a diet that contains artificial preservatives and colors on a long-term basis can pose various health threats to your Saint Bernard. You will be feeding the same food 2-3 times to your dog in a day. When this goes on for months, feeding the artificial compounds can cause severe harm to your dog's health. They should be avoided completely!
- 100% Complete and Balanced Diet:Your dog deserves a diet that's 100% complete and balanced, ensuring guaranteed levels of nutrition. These recipes are made using the best and highest-quality ingredients to supply the key nutrients from the best possible sources. A 100% complete and balanced diet is also often prepared under expert supervision.
Saint Bernard Feeding Chart
One of the main priorities of St. Bernard owners is to offer them enough nutrients to help build and maintain lean muscle mass. However, restricting the calories at the same time is equally important. Just like any other dog, St. Bernards may end up gobbling up a lot of calories, which could lead to obesity and related health problems. Therefore, you should refer to the feeding recommendations printed on the package before feeding your giant puppy or adult dog.
Overfeeding your pup may cause rapid growth, which eventually puts his health and musculoskeletal health at risk. Also, if you are not sure about the appropriate portion size for your pooch, speak to a veterinarian and adjust according to the feeding recommendations made by experts. Controlling portion size without compromising on nutrition is the key.
As a large breed dog, your puppy will take up to two years to fully grow into an adult dog. You should feed puppy food to your dog until about 18 months before switching to adult food. You may find recipes that are suitable for both puppies and adult dogs, and in such cases, making the transition won't be necessary.
As far as feeding patterns are concerned, that may vary according to your dog's specific requirements, size, gender, life stage, activity levels, and health concerns. For an active, healthy dog, feeding 20 calories per pound of their body in a day is perfect, this applies to puppies as well. Divide the daily calories into 2-3 meals per day to avoid stressing the digestive system.
Saint Bernard's Common Health Issues and the Role of Diet
These furry giants are quite sturdy in terms of health. However, they're still prone to some health risks. Keeping an eye for symptoms can help prevent or manage the condition. Also, paying attention to the right diet can help avoid some health issues altogether. Here are some of the most common health issues your Saint Bernard may develop:
- Hip Dysplasia:Like many large and giant breed dogs, St. Bernards are prone to hip dysplasia. The pressure of growing weight on the bones often leads to this problem. Look for recipes that contain chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health and maintain the cushioning between the socket and the ball. Also, pick a diet that provides all essential nutrients without causing weight gain. Weight control prevents obesity and prevents stress on the joints and bones.
- Weight Control:It is easy for Saint Bernards to gain excess weight, which can cause further health problems and even affect their bone structure. Choose a high-quality diet that contains an excellent nutrient profile to fulfill your Saint's requirements without including unnecessary fillers that would only pack on the pounds. For large-breed dogs, weight control is crucial. If they gain weight, not only they have a tough time losing it, but it can instantly have detrimental effects on the muscles and bone structure. Therefore, you cannot overlook weight management.
- Bloat:As simple as it sounds, bloat can be a life-threatening health problem in large-breed canines. Bloat causes the stomach to twist and distend, resulting in death if not taken care of in time. While it is essential to provide a nutrient-dense food to your big pooch, make sure you divide it down into several small meals during the day to keep the bloat away. Here are all the signs and symptoms that indicate bloat, so keep a watch and seek immediate assistance if you witness any of these:
- Distended, hard, or bloated abdomen – you need to have a closer watch as figuring this out in a large chested Saint Bernard can be challenging.
- Unproductive retching
- Excessive saliva
- Restlessness and pacing
- Standing with next extended and elbows pointed outward
- Rapid pulse and heart rate
- Heavy breathing or difficulty in breathing
- Collapse
- Pale mucus membranes
What to Feed Your Saint Bernard
A Saint Bernard needs a combination of whole proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals in their diet. Only the right balance in these essential nutrients will help a Saint Bernard take care of his massive frame and maintain excellent health.
As far as the proteins are concerned, they should only come from supreme-quality animal sources such as salmon, chicken, lamb, beef, etc. By-product meals are cheaper quality and do not offer enough benefits to your dogs. And while some debate against carbs, your Saint Bernard needs a balance of complex carbs in his diet to maintain health and stay energetic throughout the day without spiking blood sugar.
A healthy diet would include a variety of vegetables and fruits too. These ensure the blend has all the essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, chondroitin, and glucosamine that your big pooch needs for
What Not to Feed Your Saint Bernard
As mentioned earlier, steer clear of artificial ingredients and cheap fillers that most manufacturers still use to minimize cost and boost their profits. These empty calorie foods contain no real health benefits or nutrients for your precious pup and can lead to health problems in the long run.
Soy and corn are two cheap fillers to avoid. Steer clear of unspecified by-product meals as they are often the low-quality sources of protein and do not fulfill a St. Bernard's protein requirement for optimal growth and maintenance. Last but not least, avoid feeding table scraps and human-food leftovers to your dogs, especially if they contain lots of sugar and fat.
Saint Bernards Dog Food FAQs
How much food should I feed my St. Bernard?
Your big boy's calorie requirement will depend on several factors, including his body weight and age. Generally, these gentle giants have slow metabolisms and therefore do not require more than 20 calories per pound of body weight in a day. First off, pick the right formulated diet for your Saint Bernard and refer to the feeding directions on the package to determine his daily portion. Commonly, a Saint Bernard should eat between 5 and 6 cups of food a day, divided into two-to-three meals.
How many times do I need to feed my St. Bernard?
Often, large breed dogs have slower metabolisms, which means feeding them too much at a time can put a lot of stress on their digestive system and even cause bloat. Divide their daily portion into two to three meals and consider using a slow feed dog bowl.
Can I feed vegetables to my St. Bernard?
Good quality dog food usually contains minerals and vitamin supplements to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. However, including fresh vegetables to your dog's diet has many health benefits. Veggies are a source of crucial nutrients and are healthier than synthetic supplements. The best vegetables you can feed your Saint Bernard include spinach, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, sweet potato, peas, cucumber, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and peas.
What fruits can I feed my St. Bernard?
Just like vegetables, fruits can also add to the nutrients you offer your dog. Pick fruits that contain more vitamins and antioxidants such as berries, apple (without seeds), coconut, cantaloupe, banana, mango, peach, orange, pineapple, and pears.
Should I feed a grain-free diet to my St. Bernard?
It depends on your dog. While grain-free diets are still a debatable subject, it is the best option for dogs with allergies. And unfortunately, Saint Bernards are pretty susceptible to various allergies. In case your dog is diagnosed with sensitivities or allergies, it is best to offer a grain-free diet to your dog to avoid further problems.
Should I feed dry or wet food to my St. Bernard?
You can feed both dry and wet food to your dog based on your furry buddy's preference. Since they have a high caloric requirement for their size, you can mix and match both forms of food to make the meal more palatable for your dog. Just make sure that whatever you pick for your Saint Bernard offers a great balance of nutrition for optimal health.
Are scrambled eggs healthy for my St. Bernard?
According to experts, eggs in any form are great for dogs as they are rich in protein and contain many essential fatty acids and amino acids. Boiled and scrambled eggs make a nutritious and healthy snack or treat for your dog and work as dietary supplements for great nutrition.
Are St. Bernards fussy eaters? What Should I do?
St. Bernards can be fussy eaters and should be dealt with calmly. While abandoning food can be a sign of a health problem, but if your dog is just fussy about food, you may consider changing her diet. Introduce new food and gradually try to make the transition.
What should I look for in an ideal St. Bernard's food?
The nutrition requirements of Saint Bernards are similar to other large breed dogs. They require a nutrient-rich diet with optimal levels of high-quality protein, moderate-to-low complex carbohydrates, and moderate levels of fats. Moreover, it should be a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
What are the common health problems this breed is susceptible to?
Due to their large size, St. Bernards may develop joints and bone problems with age. According to research, it is important to feed a careful balance of phosphorous and calcium to your dog to maintain strong bones and healthy teeth. Other health problems include canine hip dysplasia, gastric torsion, elbow dysplasia, entropion, distichiasis, osteosarcoma, and ectropion.
What food should I never give my St. Bernard?
In addition to avoiding sugary and high-fat table scraps, you should also avoid feeding your St. Bernard onions, garlic, onion powder, coffee or caffeine, raisins, grapes, and avocados.
What's the best dog food for a St. Bernard with allergies?
You can always consult your vet or pet nutritionist to guide you on the best food for your dog's particular allergies. Generally, if the allergies are related to food, you can opt for a grain-free or a limited-ingredient diet.
What human foods can I treat my St. Bernard with?
I do not recommend sugary treats, fried foods, and other table scraps that contain salt and high-fat content. These foods are not healthy for your dog. Stick to healthy fruits and vegetables if you wish to feed human food to your dog. Not only are these delicious treats that your pooch will love, but they contain natural nutrients and goodness.
Is chicken a healthy ingredient for my St. Bernard?
Yes. Most high-quality dog foods available have chicken as the primary ingredient. It is also a great source of a novel protein that your dog requires for lean muscle building. However, some dogs may be allergic to chicken and in that case, ditching a poultry meal with other sources of protein will be a better idea.
Why is my St. Bernard not eating?
Abandoning food or throwing up after eating are signs of health problems. You must try feeding your big tail wagger by offering treats or changing the diet. In case the problem persists, seek professional help and get your dog diagnosed for any potential health issues.
Can I feed raw meat to my St. Bernard?
St. Bernards are prone to developing allergies. While feeding raw meat means a natural and direct source of nutrition, contamination is a significant concern that holds back many pet owners. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, avoid feeding raw meat to your furry friend.
When's the right time to switch my St. Bernard puppy food to an adult diet?
Saint Bernards are fully grown by the age of 18 months. However, you can introduce an adult diet food before that as well, making the transition easier.
Can my St. Bernard have milk intolerance?
Yes, this breed may have milk and dairy intolerance. If you still wish to feed milk or dairy, it is best to give a small portion first and see if your dog can digest it without a problem. In any case, always feed in moderation.
Can my St. Bernard have a sensitive stomach?
St. Bernards are prone to allergies and may even have a sensitive stomach. No wonder there are so many suitable grain-free and limited-ingredient diet options available for this breed.
Should I feed rice to my St. Bernard?
As long as your giant furry buddy is maintaining a healthy weight, adding rice to your dog's meal is fine.
Final Thoughts
Your precious big boy is a part of your family, and it is your responsibility to give him the best life during all life-stages. Understanding your dog's unique nutritional requirements can help you make a better and more informed choice when picking the best dog foods for Saint Bernards.
The information shared here will help you learn it all in detail and also gives you a list of our top favorite food choices based on research and real-life experiences. With more than half the work done for you, refer back to your options and pick the best one that offers the right nutrition to your beloved giant companion.
Source: https://www.dogloversdigest.com/dog-food/best-dog-foods-for-saint-bernards/
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