The 13 Best Dog Foods for Saint Bernards in 2023

This updated guide lists all of the Best Dog Foods for Saint Bernards this year.

The Saint Bernard originated as a rescue dog in the western Alps of Italy and Switzerland. Often, these gentle giants were portrayed as rescuers, bearing brandy casks—the monks of the St. Bernard Hospice that first bred the dogs deny they ever did.

Today, The Saint makes an excellent pet with a protective nature and a loyal companion. Despite their huge size, St. Bernards are great with children, and are friendly towards other dogs and pets.

But their significant stature calls for substantial nutrition.

Saints can grow up to 27.5 inches tall and weigh up to 180 pounds at maturity. Their overwhelming size can tax their health, so the best way to maximize their lifespan is to pay special attention to what you feed them.

To help you pick the best food for your Saint, I’ve assembled this list of what I consider the best dog foods for Saint Bernards. These top options are chosen based on our in-depth 40-point inspection list.

Let’s dive in right away!

The Best Dog Foods for Saint Bernards Reviewed

#1. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Grain-Free Dog Food

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, this recipe contains everything your St. Bernard needs. The grain-free formula is composed of ingredients that support bone health and maintain high energy levels.

With balanced nutrition from the best blend of ingredients, your Saint’s immune system will benefit along with its skin and coat.

#2. Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Dog Food

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 for the Soul is an excellent option. Rich in essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, it will provide your Saint pup with a healthy coat and skin. The high-quality proteins from turkey and real chicken are so tasty that even picky eaters will love this recipe.

The formulation includes DHA from salmon oil for proper growth, vision, and brain development. It also contains chondroitin and glucosamine for growing bones and healthy joints. 

#3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Senior Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Barley, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Chicken Meal Rice

• 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

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior Dog Food uses real foods and grains like chicken meat, brown rice, and flaxseed to keep your senior dog sound and energy-filled without gaining weight.

This recipe contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy cartilage, along with calcium and phosphorus for strong bones, which are critical issues in aging Saints. 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 full of vitamins, antioxidants, and chelated minerals for immunity and general wellness.

#4. Blue Buffalo Homestyle Large Breed Chicken Dinner Canned Food

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 St. Bernards. Keeping their overwhelming size and prominent structure in mind, offering them a diet that helps them maintain strong bones and healthy joints is vital. This rich diet ensures your dog gets all the nutrition it deserves and 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 utilizes 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 for immune system support. If your Saint Bernard prefers pate to kibble, this recipe may be for them.

#5. Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult Dog Food

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 more for better quality food for your Saint Bernard, Now Fresh Large Breed is the dog food you should pick. It is a real-food-based recipe that includes deboned turkey, potatoes, canola oil, apples, blackberries, and papaya, all of which give the kibble a meaty and succulent taste.

This recipe contains meat protein and omega fatty acids to promote muscle growth and a healthy coat. 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, your sensitive or allergic Saint Bernards can enjoy it without stomach upset. 

#6. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dog Food

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 a complete and balanced diet that works for small, medium, and large dogs. It contains novel proteins like roasted lamb and other holistic ingredients, including sweet potatoes, peas, and other wholesome fruits and vegetables.

The diet is not only rich in essential nutrients but also contains natural antioxidants to support healthy digestion and overall wellbeing.

#7. Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Duck Raw Coated Dog Food

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, this grain-free recipe is easy on the tummy and an excellent option for keeping your dog happy and healthy.

Rich in natural probiotics, antioxidants, and essential omegas, the protein-rich kibble is a tasty meal that your Saint will love. High levels of meat protein also support optimal nutrient absorption and high digestibility.

#8. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Dog Food

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 can benefit from a holistic diet to grow stronger without becoming lethargic, and that’s what Wellness Core Grain-Free Reduced Fat does. It fulfills 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.

The recipe uses lower quantities of fat to achieve weight loss, which is safer than other foods that use added 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. 

#9. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Salmon Dog Food

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 suitable for sensitive digestion. You also want a gluten-free meal that does not include fillers, artificial preservatives, colors, wheat, corn, or soy. This complete and balanced diet by Gentle Giants offers your dog complete nutrition.

This food for sensitive digestion is 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.

#10. FirstMate Large Breed Pacific Ocean Fish LID Grain-Free Dog Food

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. This formula is one of the best large-breed dog foods for dogs with a sensitive gut. 

Not only does the recipe feature grain-free ingredients, but it is also a limited-ingredient diet, making it easier for big fellas to digest the food easily without compromising on the nutrients. Glucosamine offers additional health benefits by improving your dog’s joint health.

#11. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Red Recipe Dog Food

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.

The food is completely grain-free, so it’s an optimal pick for Saint Bernards with allergies or sensitive stomachs. 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. 

#12. Nom Nom Beef Mash

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, Nom Nom is the best option. This fresh food company delivers a customized diet plan for your dog made from human-grade ingredients to your doorstep. 

You \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, which has a rich, meaty taste and a suitable balance. Rest assured, the diet will be free from preservatives and won’t cause diarrhea or stomach upsets.

#13. Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Dog Food

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. 

Because 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 to nourish the fur and improve cognitive skills. 

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

Related:

• Puppy foods for large breed buyer’s guide
• Large breed dog foods reviews & list
• Raw Dog Foods buyer’s guide & Reviews

The Best Dog Food for Saint Bernards – A 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 requires regular exercise to stay active and healthy.

These playful tail-waggers can be hyper despite their enormous build. However, their caloric requirement may be 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

Below is everything your Saint’s diet should comprise:

Protein

We all know that protein is an essential nutrient for canines. It is the building block for muscles. St. Bernards are large and powerful dogs, so they require adequate protein to support the growth and maintenance of their muscle mass.

Proteins are also necessary for the production of antibodies and other immune system components. A strong immune system helps St. Bernards fight off diseases and infections. And since these are active dogs, protein helps them stay energized for their daily activities and exercise.

Fats

These large dogs require significant energy needs, especially if they are active or working dogs. Dietary fats provide a long-lasting and efficient source of energy. It plays a crucial role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and other fat-soluble nutrients. These vitamins are essential for various bodily functions, including maintaining healthy bones, vision, and immune system.

Saint Bernards have thick fur, and a diet rich in fats can help prevent dry, itchy skin and promote a lustrous coat.

Carbohydrates

While dogs primarily derive energy from fats and proteins, carbohydrates still contribute to their energy needs, and St. Bernards are no different. Carbs provide quick, easily accessible energy, especially during periods of increased activity or exercise.

Some carbohydrates contain prebiotic properties, which can support a healthy balance of gut bacteria, aiding in digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.

Fiber

St. Bernards, like other dog breeds, require fiber in their diet, but it’s not a nutrient they need in large quantities. Fiber is essential for maintaining good digestive health in dogs. It can help prevent constipation and diarrhea by regulating bowel movements.

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.

St. Bernard Dietary Requirement According to Lifestage

Here’s a further breakup according to this breed’s different life stages 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 digestion. 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.

• 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 feed 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

Feeding a St. Bernard requires a balanced approach. Providing the right nutrients to build and maintain lean muscle mass is crucial, but so is controlling calorie intake to prevent obesity and related health issues. Check the package recommendations for portion sizes, and consult a veterinarian for guidance if needed.

Since St. Bernards are a large breed, it takes up to two years for them to fully mature. Puppy food should be fed until around 18 months, but some recipes are suitable for both puppies and adults, eliminating the need for a transition.

The feeding pattern depends on factors like size, age, activity level, and health. A general guideline is to feed around 20 calories per pound of body weight daily, divided into 2-3 meals to support healthy digestion.

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 out 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: St. Bernards, like other large breeds, can develop hip dysplasia due to the strain on their growing bones. Opt for food with chondroitin and glucosamine to protect their joints. Ensure the diet provides essential nutrients without causing weight gain to prevent joint and bone stress.
• Weight Control: Saint Bernards are prone to obesity, which can harm their health and bone structure. Opt for a high-quality diet with essential nutrients and avoid fillers. Weight control is vital for large breeds like Saint Bernards as gaining weight can have immediate negative effects on their muscles and bones.
• 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 retchingExcessive salivaRestlessness and pacingStanding with next extended and elbows pointed outwardRapid pulse and heart rateHeavy breathing or difficulty in breathing
  • Collapse
  • Pale mucus membranes

What to Feed Your Saint Bernard

Saint Bernard needs a combination of whole proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals in their diet. Only the right balance of these essential nutrients will help 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 of lower 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 costs 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 in 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, apples (without seeds), coconut, cantaloupes, bananas, mangoes, peaches, oranges, pineapples, 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 with 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.

Conclusion

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 give 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.