Best Dog Food for Bernedoodles: Nutrition Guide & Feeding Tips
What’s the best dog food for Bernedoodles? A high-quality diet with animal-based protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients supports their optimal health, digestion, and coat condition. Whether feeding kibble, fresh food, or a raw diet, choosing the right nutrition for your Bernedoodle ensures a healthy, happy life.
Key Takeaways
✅ Bernedoodles need protein-rich food for muscle development and sustained energy.
✅ High-quality fats and omega-3s promote a healthy coat and skin.
✅ Puppies require puppy-specific food with DHA, while adult Bernedoodles need a balanced diet.
✅ A raw diet can be beneficial but must be nutritionally complete to avoid deficiencies.
✅ Prevent obesity and digestive issues by following a proper Bernedoodle feeding guide.
What Should a Bernedoodle Eat?
A Bernedoodle’s diet should include animal protein sources like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb, along with healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals.
Bernedoodles are prone to digestive issues, so their diet should include probiotics and fiber for gut health.
| Nutrient | Puppy (%) | Adult (%) | Senior (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 24-30% | 20-25% | 18-22% |
| Fat | 12-18% | 10-15% | 8-12% |
| Fiber | 3-5% | 4-6% | 5-7% |
| Omega-3 & 6 | High | Moderate | High |
| Calcium | 1-1.5% | 0.8-1.2% | 0.6-1% |
Bernedoodles are a mixed dog breed, combining the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle. Their dietary needs depend on their life stage, size, and activity level.
What Is the Best Food for a Bernedoodle Puppy?
Bernedoodle puppies grow rapidly, so they need high-quality puppy food with at least 24% protein for muscle development. Omega-3s support brain function, while calcium and phosphorus keep bones strong.
Veterinary nutritionists recommend feeding puppies a diet rich in DHA and essential fatty acids to support cognitive development.
Best Puppy Foods for Bernedoodles:
- Wellness CORE Puppy – High-protein, grain-free, with DHA and probiotics.
- Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy – Tailored for large-breed growth with joint support.
- Orijen Puppy – Biologically appropriate raw-infused kibble with 85% animal ingredients.
Look for dog food brands that prioritize real meat and avoid fillers like corn, soy, and artificial preservatives.
- LARGE BREED PUPPY FOOD: Royal Canin Large Breed Dry Puppy Food for puppies 2 to 15 months with an expected adult weight …
- CRUNCHY KIBBLE: Crunchy kibble texture is simple to serve and pairs well with Royal Canin Large Puppy Thin Slices in Gra…
- GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: Large breed dog food for puppies supports brain development and energy needs during growth
- GRAIN-FREE DRY PUPPY FOOD: Premium protein from responsibly sourced chicken is expertly balanced with nutrient rich supe…
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: Guaranteed levels of DHA from Salmon Oil supports brain and eye development, an…
- LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs thrive on a natural diet mainly comprise…
- One (1) 13 lb bag of ORIJEN Puppy Grain Free* Dry Dog Food
- Grain free* dog food kibble tailored to provide the protein-powered nutrition your growing puppy needs to support peak d…
- ORIJEN dog food made with 85 percent** fresh or raw poultry and fish ingredients, including ORIJEN WholePrey ingredients…
Kibble vs. Raw vs. Fresh – What’s Best?
| Diet Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Kibble | Convenient, long shelf life, affordable | May contain fillers, lower moisture |
| Fresh Food | Nutrient-rich, highly digestible | Expensive, needs refrigeration |
| Raw Diet | Mimics natural diet, great for coat health | Risk of bacteria, requires careful balancing |
Can Bernedoodles Eat Raw Food?
Yes, but a balanced raw diet must include:
- Muscle meat (chicken, beef, turkey)
- Organ meat (liver, kidney)
- Edible bones (for calcium)
- Vegetables & supplements
A raw diet must be carefully planned to avoid nutrient deficiencies.
Best Raw Dog Food Brands for Bernedoodles:
- Primal Raw Freeze-Dried Nuggets – Balanced, complete raw nutrition.
- Stella & Chewy’s Raw Coated Kibble – Combines kibble with freeze-dried raw.
- Instinct Raw Boost – High-protein, real raw bites mixed with kibble.
The American Veterinary Medical Association warns about food safety risks, bacterial contamination, and nutrient imbalances in raw diets. Always consult a veterinarian before switching to raw dog food.
How Much Should You Feed Your Bernedoodle?
Feeding amounts depend on size and activity level.
| Bernedoodle Weight | Bernedoodle Daily Calories (Kibble) | Bernedoodle Daily Calories (Fresh/Raw) |
|---|---|---|
| 10-24 lbs (Mini) | 400-600 kcal | 450-650 kcal |
| 25-49 lbs (Medium) | 750-1,000 kcal | 800-1,200 kcal |
| 50+ lbs (Standard) | 1,200-1,500 kcal | 1,300-1,700 kcal |
To prevent obesity, adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s activity level.
How to Transition to a New Dog Food?
When introducing new food, do it gradually over 7-10 days:
Days 1-3 → 25% new food, 75% old food
Days 4-6 → 50% new food, 50% old food
Days 7-9 → 75% new food, 25% old food
Day 10 → 100% new food
This prevents digestive upset and allows your Bernedoodle’s gut to adjust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best dog food for Bernedoodles with allergies?
Limited-ingredient or grain-free food with novel proteins like duck, venison, or salmon can help reduce allergic reactions in Bernedoodles.
How much should I feed my Bernedoodle daily?
Mini Bernedoodles (10-24 lbs) need 1-2 cups/day, Medium Bernedoodles (25-49 lbs) require 2-3 cups/day, and Standard Bernedoodles (50+ lbs) should eat 3-4 cups/day.
Can Bernedoodles eat human food?
Yes, but only safe options like carrots, blueberries, and lean meats. Avoid toxic foods like grapes, chocolate, onions, and garlic.
Is a grain-free diet good for Bernedoodles?
Only if food allergies are present. Otherwise, whole grains like brown rice provide fiber and essential nutrients beneficial for digestion and overall health.
Can Bernedoodles eat raw food safely?
Yes, but a balanced raw diet must include muscle meat, organ meat, bones, and supplements. Consulting a veterinarian ensures proper nutrition and food safety.
Sources
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Raw Pet Food Safety
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/raw-pet-foods - Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) – Pet Food Nutritional Standards
https://www.aafco.org - World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) – Nutrition Guidelines
https://www.wsava.org - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Dog Food Recalls & Safety Alerts
https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/recalls-alerts