Ever look at your gentle giant, your massive Saint Bernard, and wonder if you are truly feeding them the best? These majestic dogs carry a lot of weight, and their dietary needs are just as big! Choosing the perfect food for a Saint Bernard can feel like a huge task. You worry about their joints, their rapid growth as puppies, and keeping their thick coats shiny. So many bags on the shelf promise miracles, but which one really works for your specific, enormous best friend?
It is frustrating when you spend money on food, only to see your dog not thrive. Poor nutrition can lead to serious health issues down the road for this giant breed. But don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what Saint Bernards need to eat to stay healthy, happy, and strong throughout their lives. Keep reading to discover the secrets to fueling your lovable behemoth correctly.
Top Dog Food For St Bernards Recommendations
- DRY DOG FOOD: Show your dog how much you care with Kibbles 'n Bits dry dog food—delicious down to the very last bit, every mealtime!
- OVEN ROASTED BEEF FLAVOR: Dog food with spring vegetable and apple flavors, this bag dog food is perfect for your furry friend
- AUDULT DOG FOOD FOR ALL SIZES: Specially crafted for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, this dog food kibble is perfect for every playful companion
- CONTAINS FOUR (4) 3.5 LB BAGS OF DOG FOOD: Simply pour the recommended amount of pet food based on your dog’s weight into their bowl daily—spoil your dog by the bowlful and watch them beg for the BITS!
- TRUSTED TASTE & NUTRITION: Kibbles 'n Bits is trusted for taste and nutrition, making every meal a joyful, flavorful experience. Life without dogs would be like Kibbles without Bits
- Contains one (1) 24-pound bag of Nature’s Recipe grain free dry dog food
- Natural dog food with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients for maintenance of adult dogs
- Real chicken is the number one ingredient
- Made with nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources like sweet potato and pumpkin instead of added corn or wheat
- Fiber helps support digestion and immune system health
- BARKING BLUEBERRY LEMON: St. Blueberry Bernard has outdone himself this time. Enjoy the natural sweetness and tanginess of blueberries in every bite as your tastebuds joyfully prance to the lemony zing.
- Unbeatable Value - Two pairs of crew socks are included for the price of one. One for you to wear and one to wash. Each design comes in two different color variations.
- Superior Quality, Comfort & Fit - Fits shoe sizes 4 -10. Soft, lightweight and stretchable, these socks are the perfect blend of style and comfort. They will slip on your feet like a dream and feel comfortable all day long. Material: 88% Polyester, 10% Nylon, 2% Spandex
- Durable & Long Lasting - All Foozys socks are made to last. They are not thin or flimsy and will not rip like other novelty socks. Perfect as casual and as dress socks. They make a great gift for family, friends or anyone you love.
- High Quality Materials - Ohtomber large dog water bowl is made of high quality, rust-proof stainless steel that is safe and sturdy. Unlike ordinary plastic or ceramic dog bowls, our no spilling dog food bowls not only won't become brittle over time or easily broken by your pet, but also won't change the taste of dog food and water over time. In addition, the dog dishes are heat-resistant and can hold warm food in winter and cold food in summer to protect your pet's gastrointestinal health.
- High Capacity & Stability - Our metal dog bowl has a capacity of 1.25 gallons (4731 ml), 12.4 inches long, 8.46 inches wide and 3.94 inches high. Pet food bowl can hold enough dry/wet dog food and water, allowing you to let your pet enjoy every meal without frequent additions. Also, our large dog food bowl features rectangular structure that is stable and not easily overturned by dogs. Dog dish is perfect for medium and large dog breeds such as Shepherds, Labradors, St. Bernards, Papillons.
- Reasonable Design Dog Food Bowl - Ohtomber stainless steel dog water bowl has rounded corners, which is not easy to hurt your hands when you move it and safe even for dogs who love to push the bowls. The weighted no spilling dog bowl is deep enough to keep food or water from overflowing or spilling. The stainless steel pet bowl has a wide opening that allows dog owners to add dog food or water effortlessly. Its large capacity is also perfect for multiple dogs or other pets to eat together.
- Easy to Maintain & Clean - The surface of the food and water bowl for dogs is polished and smooth to the touch, so it won't easily get food scraps and dirt. All you need to do is rinse with water or simply wipe to keep your dog water bowl clean. This dog feeder has no complicated cleaning dead spots, allowing you to clean it more thoroughly. Also, the no spilling large dog bowl is dishwasher safe, allowing you to clean it easily without worrying about it breaking, saving your time and effort.
- Ideal choice for large breeds - The big dog bowl for large dogs can hold enough food and water at one time to meet the dietary needs of medium, large, and extra-large breeds of dogs, reducing the burden of daily feeding. As large dogs will gradually increase their food intake during their growth, the large capacity metal dog bowl can easily help you solve the trouble of frequently changing the dog plates. The outdoor dog bowl is also perfect for owners who often go out for long time or are busy.
- A uniquely gentle shampoo that cleanses and conditions a puppy's skin and coat. Mild enough for use on the face of puppies 4 weeks of age and older.
- Formulated with the proper ingredients to maintain a moisturized and nourished coat as they get older. Contains aloe Vera, lanolin, and gentle proteins that leave a soft, fluffy coat.
- Safe for use with topical flea control products. No harmful chemicals or irritants. It can be used as often as necessary and will not strip the coat of natural oils.
- Made in the USA so you can buy with confidence. All shampoos made in federally regulated manufacturing facilities. Excellent customer service and return policy. 100% satisfaction Guaranteed.
- Healthy Breeds offers an assortment of dog healthcare products, grooming products and treats for over 200 breeds! Make sure to search for your breed! Click the Healthy Breeds hyperlink above to see our amazon storefront!
- Stationary, Happytails (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 100 Pages - 03/04/2020 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Lucas, Derrrick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 152 Pages - 12/31/2024 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Best Food for Your St. Bernard
St. Bernards are gentle giants. They need special food to keep their large bodies healthy. Choosing the right dog food is very important for their long, happy lives. This guide helps you pick the best meals for your big friend.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for St. Bernard food, look for specific things on the bag. These features help support their unique needs.
- **Large Breed Formulas:** Always choose food labeled for “Large Breed” or “Giant Breed” dogs. These foods have the right balance of nutrients for big dogs.
- **Controlled Calcium and Phosphorus:** St. Bernards grow very fast when they are puppies. Too much calcium can cause bone and joint problems. Look for formulas that control these minerals carefully, especially for puppies.
- **Joint Support Ingredients:** These big dogs often have hip and elbow issues later in life. Good food includes supplements like Glucosamine and Chondroitin. These help keep their joints strong and moving smoothly.
- **Appropriate Calorie Density:** Giant breeds need fewer calories per pound than smaller dogs. Overfeeding can lead to rapid growth and obesity, which hurts their joints. The food should not be too rich in calories.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients list tells you what your dog is actually eating. Focus on quality sources for energy and health.
Protein Sources
Protein builds strong muscles. The first ingredient listed should be a high-quality animal protein. Good choices include deboned chicken, beef, lamb, or fish. Avoid foods where the first ingredient is corn or wheat.
Fats for Energy and Coat
Healthy fats provide energy and keep their thick coat shiny. Look for Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega-3s, which also fight inflammation.
Carbohydrates for Digestion
Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy. Sweet potatoes, brown rice, or barley are better than simple fillers. These ingredients help your dog digest their food well.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Food Quality
Not all dog foods are made equal. Certain ingredients boost quality, while others hurt it.
Quality Boosters:
- **Real Meat First:** High-quality food always lists a specific, named meat source as the primary ingredient.
- **Natural Preservatives:** Look for Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) or Vitamin C to keep the food fresh.
- **Probiotics:** These beneficial bacteria support a healthy gut, which improves nutrient absorption.
Quality Reducers:
- **Artificial Colors and Flavors:** Your dog does not need bright colors in their kibble. These are just for human appeal.
- **By-Products:** Ingredients listed vaguely, like “meat by-products,” offer lower nutritional value than named meats.
- **Excessive Fillers:** Foods heavy in corn gluten meal or wheat gluten offer poor nutrition for a giant breed.
User Experience and Use Cases
How the food works in your home matters. Think about your dog’s life stage and specific needs.
Puppy vs. Adult Food
St. Bernard puppies need special growth formulas until they are about 18 to 24 months old. Adult food is for dogs over two years old. Transitioning too early stresses their developing bones.
Sensitivity and Bloat Risk
St. Bernards are prone to bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus or GDV), a life-threatening emergency. While food cannot prevent bloat entirely, some owners prefer kibbles with slightly larger, irregularly shaped pieces. These pieces force the dog to chew more slowly, potentially reducing air swallowing. Always feed two smaller meals a day instead of one large one.
Watch your dog’s stool. If the stool is firm and your dog has good energy, the food works for them. If you see loose stools or excessive gas, you might need to try a different formula.
St. Bernard Dog Food FAQs
Q: How much should I feed my adult St. Bernard each day?
A: This depends on the food’s calorie count and your dog’s activity level. Always follow the feeding guide on the bag, but divide the total amount into two separate meals. Consult your vet for precise amounts.
Q: When can I switch my St. Bernard puppy to adult food?
A: Most giant breeds should stay on large-breed puppy food until they are 18 to 24 months old. This slow growth protects their joints.
Q: Are grain-free foods better for St. Bernards?
A: Not necessarily. Grain-free became popular, but some grain-free diets have been linked to heart issues in certain breeds. Unless your dog has a specific grain allergy (which is rare), a high-quality food with wholesome grains like brown rice is perfectly fine and often safer.
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for?
A: Key features include Large Breed specific formulas, controlled calcium/phosphorus levels for puppies, and added joint support like Glucosamine.
Q: Does the size of the kibble matter for this breed?
A: Yes, slightly. Larger kibble pieces encourage slower eating, which can be helpful for breeds prone to bloat.
Q: How important are Omega fatty acids?
A: They are very important. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation in their large joints and keep their thick coat healthy.
Q: What ingredients should I avoid completely?
A: Avoid artificial colors, artificial flavors, and vague ingredients like “meat meal” or “animal digest.”
Q: How do I know if the food is agreeing with my dog?
A: Good signs are firm, manageable stools, a shiny coat, consistent energy, and no excessive itching or digestive upset.
Q: Should I feed my St. Bernard wet or dry food?
A: Dry kibble is generally recommended as the main diet because it helps clean teeth and is easier to control calorie intake. You can mix in small amounts of wet food for flavor.
Q: What is the best way to introduce new food?
A: Introduce new food slowly over seven to ten days. Mix a little new food with the old food, increasing the new food amount each day. This prevents stomach upset.