If you want to know right away:
I chose Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food as the best dog food for St Bernards.
Read on if you’re interested in what the best dog food is for St. Bernard seniors and puppies.
St. Bernards are very popular dogs. This is due to their kindness, intelligence, and protective properties. They are real family dogs. They look amazing and grow huge. The lifespan of this breed is about 7-10 years. While this may not seem like much, it is perfectly normal for giant dogs. In order to increase the life expectancy of our dogs, we need the best possible dog food. Read on to find out which is the best dog food for St Bernards.
- What are the best dog foods for St. Bernards?
- Product table
- Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food
- FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe
- Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Large Breed Recipe
- Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Salmon Recipe Dry Food
- Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free LID Lamb & Potato Large Breed Recipe
- My pick
- Three more adult dog foods for St. Bernards
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Grain-Free LID Lamb & Sweet Potato Large Breed Recipe
- Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Adult Recipe
- Adirondack Large Breed Recipe Dry Food
- Best foods for St. Bernard puppies
- Chicken Soup For The Soul Large Breed Puppy Recipe
- Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy Recipe
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Deboned Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe
- Best foods for senior St. Bernards
- Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Weight Management Senior Recipe
- Earthborn Holistic Grain-Free Weight Control Adult Recipe
- More about St. Bernards’ dietary requirements
- Common St. Bernards health conditions, and dietary considerations
- Feeding chart of St. Bernards
- Frequently asked questions about the best dog food for St. Bernard
What are the best dog foods for St. Bernards?
I explain the nutritional needs of St. Bernards in detail in my article. The point is that good dog food should contain natural ingredients. The protein must be provided by high-quality animal sources. The food should contain moderated levels of fats and highly digestible carbohydrates. Below you will find my favorites. I collected the best possible dog food not only for adults but also for puppies and senior dogs.
Product table
[wptb id=4742]Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food
Many people’s favorite is the Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food.
If for some reason you can’t choose between the options on offer, I can assure you that you’re doing well with this food.
You can only say good things about the ingredients. The recipe contains premium animal proteins and easily digestible grain-free carbohydrates. Salmon meal provides protein and omega fatty acids. This will not only allow your dog to easily build and maintain lean muscle mass but will also keep his skin and coat healthy.
In addition, the recipe includes plenty of supplements. Examples include fibers and probiotics that support digestion. Glucosamine and chondroitin are good for the joints.
FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe
Because St. Bernards have a high risk of allergies, it is worth choosing a diet based on it.
This dog food meets your expectations to the maximum. The protein source is premium quality and the number of ingredients is limited.
FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe contains wild herring as the sole source of protein. It provides excellent nutrients for dogs. In addition, the proportion of macronutrients is adequate.
The kibble size is large, making it ideal for large dogs. Chelated minerals promote health and optimal nutrient absorption. The added glucosamine is positive for joint health.
Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Large Breed Recipe
The next member on my list is a Merrick product. Merrick is a deservedly popular brand in the pet food industry.
This dog food can also be a great choice for any St. Bernard owner. An important consideration for these dogs is to buy a digestible product.
The Merrick Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Large Breed Recipe contains real chicken. Not only is it an excellent source of protein, but it also contains glucosamine and chondroitin. Sweet potatoes and peas are grain-free carbohydrate sources. Thus, a dog with a sensitive stomach or allergies can eat this food.
The recipe also includes fresh vegetables and fruits. This will provide your St. Bernard with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In addition, L-carnitine helps support metabolism and maintain lean muscle mass.
Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Salmon Recipe Dry Food
If you’ve been looking for dog food on the market, you may know that there aren’t many that are made specifically for giant breeds.
Gentle Giants dog foods, on the other hand, are positive exceptions.
What I like best about this product is that the main ingredient is salmon. The product contains a lot of protein. Omega fatty acids contribute to the health of the skin and coat.
And that’s still not all. The recipe includes 16 kinds of fruits and 4 kinds of vegetables. So it’s not a question of whether your St. Bernard gets the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. And the added probiotic promotes proper digestion.
Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free LID Lamb & Potato Large Breed Recipe
As I mentioned, St. Bernard dogs are very prone to various food allergies.
If this is the case with your dog, the Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free LID Lamb & Potato Large Breed Recipe is a good choice.
It is a dog food with limited ingredients. The recipe includes deboned lamb, fries, peas, and tapioca. Lamb is a perfect source of protein, and as you can see, carbohydrates are also grain-free and well-digestible.
It also contains omega fatty acids. This is essential for healthy skin and coat. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, the product is considered affordable in its category.
My pick
There are excellent dog foods on the list (and you will find more soon). My favorite is the Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food. It is one of the best products of a reliable and deservedly popular brand.
Click here to get one from Amazon
Click here to get one from Chewy
Three more adult dog foods for St. Bernards
[wptb id=4745]Nutro Wholesome Essentials Grain-Free LID Lamb & Sweet Potato Large Breed Recipe
If you want to avoid showing your St. Bernard signs of various food allergies, this product is a good choice. The recipe is a limited ingredient. Premium quality lamb is an excellent source of protein for dogs. In addition, it contains useful ingredients such as omega fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin.
Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Adult Recipe
In St. Bernard dog food, digestibility is a very important aspect. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Adult Recipe does not contain grain. Therefore, it can remedy the problem of digestibility. The source of protein is real chicken, which is an excellent ingredient if your dog is not sensitive to it. In addition, this product contains glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, and phosphorus. All of this contributes to the health of your St. Bernard’s bones and joints.
Adirondack Large Breed Recipe Dry Food
I like this product because it contains just the optimal ratio of protein and fat for St. Bernards. Adirondack Large Breed Recipe Dry Food contains 23% protein and 12% fat. It contains chicken meal as its primary ingredient, which is a great source of protein. In addition, it contains omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. Carbohydrates are also well digestible.
Best foods for St. Bernard puppies
[wptb id=4747]Chicken Soup For The Soul Large Breed Puppy Recipe
If you want to buy affordable, yet quality dog food for your St. Bernard puppy, be sure to consider this product. The Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Recipe contains chicken, fruits and vegetables, and herbs. In addition to omega fatty acids, you will also find antioxidants in it.
Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy Recipe
This dog food is guaranteed to provide all the important nutrients for your St. Bernard puppy. Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy Recipe contains turkey, salmon, and duck as sources of protein. You don’t have to worry about omega fatty acids either, the product also contains them. In addition, it contains added taurine and probiotics.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Deboned Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe
This dog food will be suitable for those who are worried about allergies or sensitivities in their St. Bernard puppy. This is because the Wellness CORE Grain-Free Deboned Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe contains premium quality animal protein and easily digestible carbohydrates. In addition, it is free of artificial ingredients, fillers, and meat by-products.
Best foods for senior St. Bernards
[wptb id=4748]Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Weight Management Senior Recipe
The Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Weight Management Senior Recipe is the perfect choice if you are looking for food for your senior St. Bernard dog. The recipe includes real turkey, duck, and salmon. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids help maintain skin and coat health. Natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine support the joints of old dogs.
Earthborn Holistic Grain-Free Weight Control Adult Recipe
Dogs’ metabolism slows down in old age. Because of this, the chance of obesity is higher. The diet should be adjusted accordingly. The Earthborn Holistic Grain-Free Weight Control Adult Recipe offers a solution to this problem. It contains a lot of lean protein and omega fatty acids. The latter is necessary to maintain the health of the skin and coat. The recipe also supports the joints with natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine.
Finding the best diet for your dog is not easy. You have to consider several aspects, e.g., activity, breed, age, health condition, etc. If you want to make the best decision possible, check out my comprehensive guide on how to choose the best dog food.
More about St. Bernards’ dietary requirements
Whatever breed you choose as your favorite, you may want to check your dietary requirements. St. Bernards are very active dogs, so keep in mind that in addition to the most important nutrients, they should also be provided with exercise. Their caloric requirements are not very high despite their activity.
Like all dogs, St. Bernards need a lot of protein to build and maintain muscle mass. Fat is a concentrated source of energy for them. It is best if the fat and protein also come from animal sources. Excellent examples are meat, poultry, and fish. The body of the dogs was perfectly adapted to digest these. Vegetable fats are worth using if you want to balance omega fatty acids in your dog’s diet.
Good quality carbohydrates should not be left out of a St. Bernard dog food either. Namely, they are sources of energy, fiber, and other important nutrients. Whole grains are quite good, but keep in mind that St. Bernards are prone to various allergies and sensitivities that grains cause. In this case, choose vegetables, rice, sweet potatoes, or legumes as a carbohydrate source. Aim for fiber content of around 3-5%.
- St. Bernard puppies diet: Puppies should be on a diet of 22% protein and 8% fat. This will support proper growth and the development of the immune system. A large-breed puppy recipe is the best choice to keep the growth of St. Bernard puppies under control and get all the nutrients they need. In addition, various musculoskeletal problems can be avoided.
- St. Bernard adults diet: In adult dogs, the percentage of macronutrients should be slightly altered. A full-size St. Bernard dog needs 20-26% protein and 8-12% fat. This ensures proper caloric density. Find a large-breed adult or healthy weight recipe. With such dog food, it is easy to maintain muscle mass and prevent obesity.
- St. Bernard seniors diet: As in humans, metabolism in dogs also decreases in old age. You can feed senior St. Bernards with the well-proven healthy weight formula, or look for a large-breed senior recipe.
In addition to the three macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrate), you need to think about other nutrients. A good quality dog food for St. Bernards contains glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, and phosphorus. These support the health of joints, teeth, and bones. Probiotics, vegetables, and fruits are also ingredients worth paying attention to on dog food labels.
Avoid artificial ingredients when choosing a dog food. These have a very bad effect on the health of your Saint Bernard. These include dyes, preservatives, and all kinds of fillers. Soy, corn and by-product meals are also among the ingredients worth avoiding.
Do not feed your dog with human leftovers. Believe me, you don’t do St. Bernard good by giving him everything from the table. In the long run, this may not be good for his health.
Related Dog Food Guides For Specific Breeds:
- Best Dog Food For Bulldogs
- Best Dog Food For Blue Heelers
- Best Dog Food For Cocker Spaniels
- Best Dog Food For Chihuahuas
- Best Dog Food For French Bulldogs
- Best German Shepherd Treats
- Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers
- Best Dog Food For Hunting Dogs
- Best Dog Food For Maltese
- Best Dog Food For Labs
- Best Dog Food For Pitbulls
- Best Dog Food For Yorkies
- Best Dog Food For Pomeranians
Common St. Bernards health conditions, and dietary considerations
Overall, St. Bernards are considered healthy and strong dogs. However, there are some health conditions to which they are prone. Some of these are great with a proper diet. Below you can read about these issues and the dietary solutions to them.
- Hip Dysplasia: This disease occurs in almost all breeds, especially in large dogs. Therefore, St. Bernards is no exception. In dogs with this, the thighbone and socket in the pelvis do not grow equally. This can even result in pain and lameness. Although hip dysplasia is hereditary, there are a few things we can do for our St. Bernard.
Dog food containing glucosamine and chondroitin promotes joint health. They help maintain the cushioning between the thighbone and the socket. This can also reduce pain and other symptoms. Plus, weight-control foods help prevent obesity and sudden growth in puppies. These two things are extremely important for avoiding stress to the bones and joints. - Weight control: Obesity does not only worsen the symptoms of hip dysplasia. It has a bad effect on the health of joints and bones anyway. Not to mention that a lot of excess weight also comes with a number of other health risks.
Good dog food is dense in nutrients and rich in good quality protein. However, it should not contain a lot of fillers. Pay attention to weight management because it affects the overall quality of life of your St. Bernard dog. - Bloat: At first reading, bloat may seem harmless, but unfortunately, it is not. This problem can even be fatal and occurs mainly in large dogs. The stomach twists and distends. Blood circulation cannot function properly and blood pressure drops greatly.
The most you can do against bloat is to divide your dog’s daily food into at least two portions throughout the day. In addition, your dog should avoid strenuous exercise after meals.
Feeding chart of St. Bernards
One of the most important things about feeding is to avoid obesity. The easiest way to do this is to build and maintain lean muscle mass. This is true of most giant breeds anyway.
Of course, you might want to start feeding your St. Bernard puppy with a large-breed puppy dog food. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions and the feeding recommendations on the food package. You will need to change the amount of food every few weeks as your dog grows. This is otherwise likely to be indicated on the packaging. Don’t overfeed your pup! Overfeeding increases the risk of developing musculoskeletal and joint problems.
It will take about two years for St. Bernards to reach their adult size. At the age of one and a half, check your dog’s growth. If it’s slowed down, it’s time to switch to a large-breed adult recipe. A healthy weight formula is also a good idea, with lean protein and moderated fat.
Your St. Bernard will be a senior at about the age of 5-6. In this case, you will probably need a healthy weight formula to avoid obesity.
Frequently asked questions about the best dog food for St. Bernard
Are there any other things to consider when feeding my St. Bernard?
Finding the perfect quality dog food is paramount. However, you should also think about other practical things. Examples include the dog bowl. These dogs eat about 6 cups of food a day. This means that if you divide this into two parts, you will need to buy a dog bowl that can hold 3 cups of food. The material of the bowl is also an important consideration. Choose stainless steel or ceramic. They are easy to clean, durable, and non-scratch.
How can I keep my St. Bernard’s food fresh?
Obviously, you know that buying a big bag is very cost-effective. However, after opening, all products begin to lose their freshness and nutritional integrity. If you can do it, pack the food in an airtight container.
How much food should I feed my St. Bernard?
It depends on several factors. What matters is the age and weight of your dog. These dogs do not metabolize very quickly, so they need about 20 calories per pound of body weight. Choose a high-quality dog food made for large breeds and follow the recommendation on the packaging. By the way, St. Bernards eat about 5-6 cups of food a day. It is best to divide this into at least two parts.
How many times a day do I need to feed my St. Bernard?
In large dogs, eating once a day should be avoided. This is because it involves health hazards (bloat). The luckiest choice is two meals a day. One in the morning and one in the evening. All you have to do is determine the amount of food your dog needs and divide it into two parts.
What is the best dog food for St. Bernards?
I chose Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food as the best dog food for St Bernards.
Should I choose dry or wet food for my St. Bernard?
You can choose both. The point is to choose the right nutrient content and the right amount of calories. Your dog will probably have a pet, so you might want to start with that.
What kind of food do St. Bernards eat?
These dogs need high quality food with natural ingredients. It is important that their diet provides the right nutrients and calories. Examples of the best options are dehydrated, freeze-dried, or fresh food. You can safely choose these for your St. Bernard. They are very digestible and of high quality. However, they are very expensive. If you are on a budget, choose the highest quality dry food you can afford. St. Bernards are prone to various allergies, so you should look for limited-ingredient dog foods.
What are the right vegetables to include in a St. Bernard food?
Most dog foods contain added vitamins and minerals. While this is very positive, fresh fruits and vegetables can provide many more benefits. This is because they have a much greater biological value than added supplements. The best vegetables include broccoli, carrots, asparagus, brussels sprouts, green beans, cucumber, cauliflower, pumpkin, peas, zucchini, sweet potato, and spinach. If the dog food you choose contains these vegetables, you can be sure that you have made the right decision. However, you can also give your dog vegetables in addition to the dog food, because they are low-calorie snacks and treats.
Does my St. Bernard need grain-free dog food?
There is no clear answer to this question. Each dog is unique, so they may react differently to different foods. What you should know is that St. Bernards are quite prone to various allergies. Because of this, there is more chance that you should avoid grains in their diet. However, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding the grain-free diet of dogs. Some research suggests that it can have negative long-term effects if a dog’s diet does not include grains. But there is no clear solid evidence yet. I suggest that if your St. Bernard has no allergies or sensitivities, feel free to choose dog food that contains grains.
