Proper nutrition is essential for the healthy development of a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. If you have one, then you will need to know how much to feed a Bernese puppy every day.
The Bernese Mountain Dog is highly sought after as a pet because, despite its size, it is very affectionate and faithful. Their intellect has earned them a reputation for versatility, both in the house and the field.
If you give your dog a nutritious diet and keep it active, it may even live longer and have a higher quality of life than you expect!
Our Bernese feeding chart can definitely help you with that. If you want to give your soon-to-be big friend the best possible start in life, we hope the information in this article will be helpful.
How Much Should A Bernese Puppy Eat?
The average Bernese puppy needs three to four little meals each day until they are around six months old, and then they may reduce their food intake to twice a day.
Puppy dietary requirements are conditional on many factors, including but not limited to size, metabolism, and degree of physical activity.
Half a cup to two cups of high-quality puppy chow every meal is a decent starting point, but you should keep an eye on your puppy’s weight and modify the quantity appropriately.
Obesity and other health issues may result from overfeeding, so it’s important to follow the recommended feeding amounts and get advice from a vet if you have any doubts.
Bernese Feeding Chart
Simply put, a Bernese puppy’s RER (Resting Energy Requirement) is the number of calories he or she requires when at rest in order to keep vital organs and systems functioning normally. Use this formula to determine the RER:
For an individual’s RER, multiply their weight in kilograms by 70 (3/4).
The puppy’s weight in kilos is its “body weight” for the purposes of this calculation. Your Bernese puppy’s weight in kilograms may be found by dividing its current weight in pounds by 2.2.
Once you know your Bernese puppy’s RER, you can use it as a benchmark to estimate how much food they need on a daily basis.
It’s crucial to remember that the puppy’s real calorie demands may vary depending on things like activity level and development rate. A Bernese puppy’s diet should be determined after a discussion with a veterinarian.
4 Week Old Bernese Puppy
Bernese pups at this age should still be dependent on their mothers’ milk. Puppies need to be given puppy milk replacer every two to three hours if they have been removed from their mother.
Puppies of various sizes should be fed between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of chow every day.
6 Week Old Bernese Puppy
Bernese pups may be weaned from their mother’s milk and started on solid puppy food at the age of 6 weeks.
Feed your puppy tiny quantities of moistened, soft food 3 to 4 times a day. Depending on the size of the puppy, you should feed it around ½ cup to 1 cup of food every day.
8 Week Old Bernese Puppy
Around 8 weeks of age, Bernese pups may transition to solid puppy chow. There should be three or four little meals a day, each consisting of around 1 cup to 1 ½ cup of puppy chow.
Bernese pups should transition to solid puppy chow at about 8 weeks of age. At this age, they can find comfort in chewing on various items. Little puppies have a lot of energy and are full of life and play.
10 Week Old Bernese Puppy
By the time they are 10 weeks old, Bernese pups may eat three or four little meals a day, totaling around 1 1/2 to 2 cups of puppy chow.
Bernese pups may begin to lose their baby teeth and their adult teeth will start to come in around the age of 10 weeks.
There is a chance they could suffer some pain at this period, so giving them something soft to chew on would be very appreciated. These young pups may be full of unlimited activity and rapid development.
12 Week Old Bernese Puppy
12 Week Old Bernese Puppy Water is another need, and they should have enough of it.
By the time they are 12 weeks old, Bernese pups should have established a pattern of eating 2-3 times per day of solid puppy chow. It ok to give them 2 – 2 1/2 cups of food.
They may begin to show signs of independence and push limits, but they still need much direction and instruction.
This is a crucial developmental stage for puppies, and it may mark the beginning of a period of maturity and reduced activity levels.
14 Week Old Bernese Puppy
Bernese pups need 2 meals per day, totaling around 2 1/2 to 3 cups of puppy chow, by the time they are 14 weeks old.
Bernese pups are likely to be around half their full size at 14 weeks of age. They usually gain control over their bowel and bladder functions.
16 Week Old Bernese Puppy
Bernese pups may continue to get two meals each day, totaling 3 to 4 cups of puppy chow, after they reach 16 weeks of age.
Bernese pups are easily overweight, so it’s important to watch what they eat.
6 Months – 12 Months Old Bernese Puppy
Bernese pups may have two meals per day, each consisting of around 4 to 6 cups of high-quality puppy chow, from the time they are six months old until they reach the age of one year.
Feeding amounts should be modified according to the puppy’s size and activity level.
12 Months & Above Bernese
Bernese dogs should be switched to adult food at the age of 12 months. Give them two meals a day, each consisting of around 3 to 5 cups of high-quality adult dog food.
Check their weight and degree of activity to determine how much food to give them.
Understanding Bernese Puppy Nutritional Needs
Puppies of the Bernese Mountain breed have unique dietary needs to ensure they grow and thrive. Depending on factors such as age, size, and degree of activity, a Bernese puppy needs anywhere from 1,500 to 1,800 calories daily.
For healthy growth of their bones and muscles, Bernese pups need enough protein. High-quality sources of protein including chicken, steak, and fish should make up around 22 to 24% of a puppy’s diet.
Bernese pups need protein and healthy fats for brain and energy development. They should eat a diet that includes around 8-10% fat.
In the end, pups require a well-rounded diet rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D to promote healthy bone development.
Your Bernese puppy must be fed a premium, complete and balanced puppy diet to for optimal growth and development.
How Many Times A Day To Feed A Bernese Puppy?
Instead of two big meals, a Bernese Mountain puppy should eat three or four smaller meals every day. This aids in preventing stomach problems and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Puppies need more frequent, smaller meals to receive the nourishment they need without becoming overstuffed, since their stomachs are still developing.
Your Bernese puppy will need three meals a day at first, but as it gets older and their digestive system develops, you may go down to two meals a day and feed them a little more at each subsequent meal.
Kibble Vs Wet Food For Bernese Puppies
A Bernese Mountain puppy may be fed either dry kibble or canned food. Kibble is a practical and inexpensive option that also has dental advantages including reducing plaque and tartar buildup on their teeth.
But, wet food may help dogs that have trouble staying hydrated by adding more moisture and taste to their diet.
Wet food, however, might be more costly and go bad sooner than kibble. The ideal option for your Bernese puppy will ultimately be determined by your lifestyle, finances, and the particular requirements of your Bernese.
Switching From Puppy Food To Adult Food
Between 12 and 18 months of age, depending on the individual dog’s growth and development, it is advisable to transition a Bernese Mountain puppy from puppy diet to adult food.
Start by incorporating a tiny bit of the new adult food into the old meal and gradually increase the amount of new food while lowering the amount of old food over the course of 7-10 days before completing the transfer.
Choose a premium, nutritionally-complete feed for your adult Bernese mountain dog.
What If My Bernese Puppy Won’t Eat?
Identifying the reason of your Bernese puppy’s lack of appetite is crucial. A lack of hunger may indicate an illness, emotional distress, or just a distaste of the meal being served.
Puppies that are teething or going through a growth spurt may lose their appetite.
Talking to your vet will help you determine whether your Bernese puppy’s lack of appetite is due to a medical condition.
Provide your dog with a wide selection of nutritious, tasty foods and feed it more often. Restricting incentives and eliminating free feeding may also assist promote a consistent eating routine.
Can You Freefeed A Bernese Puppy?
Bernese Mountain pups are not often suggested for free-feeding, or keeping food out all day for the puppy to eat as they choose.
Puppies need more frequent, smaller meals to keep their energy levels up and assist healthy growth and development due to their smaller stomachs compared to adult dogs.
Overeating, extra weight, and digestive problems are all possible outcomes of free-feeding.
Instead, it’s better to get your Bernese puppy on a regular eating schedule, with three or four little meals each day.
This will ensure they are receiving enough to eat, will assist with any digestive concerns, and will help control their hunger.
Best Puppy Dog Food For Bernese
1. Royal Canin Health Nutrition Giant Puppy Food
Editor’s Choice
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Puppy Dry Dog Food is first on our list because it is the best solution if you want a well-fed pup!
This diet is intended for pups with a projected weight of over 100 pounds.
This meal will keep your pet happy and healthy with prebiotics for digestive health, appropriate protein for muscle growth, and balanced mineral content for strong bones and joints. Vitamins E and C boost immunity, too.
Pros
- Intended to help gigantic breed pups
- Digestive health is supported by prebiotics
- Promotes muscle and bone development
- Antioxidants like vitamins E and C for immune system
- Tastes great
#2 .Blue Buffalo Life Protection Big Breed Chicken & Brown Rice
Runner-Up
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Big Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is a high-quality dog food that promotes growth.
It has DHA and ARA for brain and eye development, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins for strong bones and teeth—this mix has it all.
“Puppy-sized” kibble removes tartar and fits tiny jaws. High-quality protein and L-Carnitine help build lean muscle, while vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants boost the immune system. Best of all, no corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meals.
Pros
- Designed for big breed pups
- DHA and ARA for brain and eyes
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and hair
- Calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins for bones and teeth
- Vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants for immune system
#3. Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is ideal for puppies.
This smoke-flavored salmon dry dog chow supports bone, joint, and muscle health in pups, nursing, and pregnant moms with actual fish as the #1 ingredient and 27% protein.
Vitamins and minerals from natural fruits and superfoods, omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and energy-boosting nutrients help your pet flourish!
K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics help digestion, immunity, and well-being.
Pros
- Real fish as the #1 ingredient and 27% protein
- Vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids
- K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics
- Chelated minerals improve absorption for balanced nutrition.
- Grain-free puppy food
Cons
- Not the best packaging
4. Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Puppy Food Dry Formula
Check out Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Puppy Food Dry Formula! This US-made SmartBlend product promotes healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
Protein from real chicken builds strong muscles, especially the heart. DHA in mother’s milk helps brain and visual development.
Four antioxidant sources assist the immune system, while high protein and glucosamine promote your puppy’s particular development pace and hip and joint health.
Without artificial flavors or preservatives, crisp and delicate meaty bits make dinner delightful.
Pros
- Real chicken as the first ingredient
- DHA, a vitamin in mothers’ milk, for brain and eyesight
- Four antioxidant sources for your puppy’s immune system
- Glucosamine for hip and joint health
- Tasty and highly digestible
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
- Large kibble for smaller pups
5. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken & Rice Formula Large Breed
Check out Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken & Rice Formula Large Breed Dry Puppy Food for loads of nutrition!
This formula promotes big breed puppy growth and joint and cartilage development with high-quality protein, including genuine chicken as the #1 component.
Calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals form strong bones and teeth, while omega-3 fish oil DHA supports brain and eyesight development. This formula supports your pup’s immune system and tastes great.
Pros
- Designed for big breed pups’ development
- Glucosamine for growing joints and cartilage
- Real chicken is the #1 ingredient
- DHA from omega-3 fish oil for brain and eyesight
- Calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals for strong bones and teeth
Cons
- Not the best packaging
Is A Raw Diet Healthy For A Bernese Puppy?
Raw food is not a good choice for a Bernese puppy’s diet. Dogs fed raw food are more likely to develop bacterial infections, malnutrition, and dental issues.
Puppies of the Bernese breed should be fed a well-balanced diet that allows them to get all the nutrients they need to flourish.
Commercial dog food is the more reliable alternative since it is specifically made to suit the nutritional requirements of pups. Your Bernese puppy may have specific dietary requirements according to their age, size, breed, and current health.
How Much Do Bernese Puppies Grow Each Week?
Puppies of the Bernese breed usually develop quickly in their first few months of life.
Babies usually acquire around 10% of their birth weight in the first week, and then another 2-3 pounds each week until they are about 6 months old.
It’s worth noting, however, that genetics, food, and activity level are just a few of the variables that might affect a puppy’s pace of growth.
Keeping an eye on their weight is also important to make sure they don’t end up either overweight or underweight. It is important to take your Bernese puppy for regular checkups to the vet to make sure he or she is developing normally.
How Much Water Should A Bernese Puppy Drink?
Puppies of the Bernese breed need constant access to fresh, clean water.
Dogs need between half an ounce and an ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. Hence, a Bernese puppy weighing 20 pounds has to consume 10–20 ounces of water every day.
Puppies typically require around two to three quarts of water per day, although this number might rise or fall depending on environmental conditions, degree of activity, and nutrition.
Be sure your dog is getting enough water by keeping an eye on how much they drink. A drop in water consumption that is very large should raise red flags that need a trip to the vet.
