Feeding a Bernese Mountain Dog is not as simple as scooping kibble into a bowl and calling it a day. With a breed this large, nutrition plays a massive role in keeping them healthy, mobile, and thriving throughout their life.
When I first looked into what a Bernese Mountain Dog feeding guide should look like, I was surprised at just how much detail goes into it. From portion sizes to timing and even the type of food, everything matters.
Berners are giant, working-breed dogs with big appetites, but that doesn’t mean they should eat nonstop. Overfeeding can lead to serious issues like obesity and joint stress, while underfeeding may stunt growth and weaken their immunity.
So, let’s look at everything you need to know about the Bernese Mountain Dog food amount, feeding schedule, and what kind of diet is best for them.
Table of Contents
How Much Should I Feed My Bernese Mountain Dog?
The Bernese Mountain Dog food amount depends on their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies need more frequent, smaller meals to support growth, while adults require a balanced diet to maintain weight and muscle. On average, here’s what to expect:
- Puppies (2-6 months): 3-4 meals a day, spread out evenly. Total daily food ranges between 3-6 cups, depending on growth stage.
- Adults (18 months+): 2 meals per day, about 4-8 cups total daily, depending on weight and energy needs.
- Senior Berners: Often need fewer calories since they slow down, but high-quality protein is still essential for muscle support.
Keep in mind: Berners are prone to bloat (gastric torsion), a life-threatening condition. Feeding smaller, frequent meals and avoiding heavy exercise right after meals can help reduce risks.
Also read Lifespan of Bernese Mountain
Bernese Mountain Dog Feeding Chart by Age
Understanding how much to feed based on age is important for healthy growth. A Bernese Mountain Dog feeding schedule changes significantly from puppyhood to adulthood. Puppies require more calories to fuel rapid growth, but it’s crucial not to overfeed as that can lead to joint problems.
By adulthood, the focus shifts to maintaining weight and supporting their working-dog build with the right balance of protein, fat, and carbs.
| Age | Daily Food Amount (cups) | Meals per Day | Notes |
| 2 – 3 months | 1 – 1 ½ cups | 4 meals/day | Small meals to support growth. |
| 4 – 6 months | 2 – 3 cups | 3 meals/day | Begin slow transition to adult portions. |
| 7 – 12 months | 3 – 4 cups | 3 meals/day | Large breed puppy food is essential. |
| 12 – 18 months | 3 ½ – 4 cups | 2-3 meals/day | Growth slows; watch weight gain. |
| 18+ months (Adult) | 3 ½ – 5 cups | 2 meals/day | Adjust based on size and activity. |
| Senior (7+ years) | 3 – 4 cups | 2 meals/day | Lower-calorie senior formula recommended. |
Bernese Mountain Dog Feeding Chart by Weight
The Bernese Mountain Dog food amount also varies by body weight. A dog weighing 70 pounds will need much less than a 120-pound adult. Portion control helps prevent obesity, which is a common issue in this breed. Weight-based feeding charts are often more accurate than age-based ones once your dog is fully grown.
| Weight of Dog | Daily Food Amount | Meals per Day | Notes |
| 50 lbs (22 kg) | 2 ½ – 3 cups | 2 meals/day | Younger/smaller adults; split into 2 meals. |
| 70 lbs (32 kg) | 3 – 3 ½ cups | 2 meals/day | Maintain healthy weight; avoid overfeeding. |
| 90 lbs (41 kg) | 3 ½ – 4 cups | 2 meals/day | Typical adult male Bernese. |
| 110 lbs (50 kg) | 4 – 4 ½ cups | 2 meals/day | Large males; monitor weight regularly. |
| 120+ lbs (54+ kg) | 4 ½ – 5 cups | 2 meals/day | Giant-size Bernese; active working dogs may need slightly more. |
Bernese Mountain Dog Food Calculator
If you want a more personalized approach, a Bernese Mountain Dog food calculator can help. These calculators use factors like age, weight, body condition, and activity level to suggest daily calorie intake. While calculators are a great tool, it’s always best to adjust based on how your dog looks and feels. Things to consider when using a food calculator:
- Activity Level: Working Berners or those who exercise daily need more calories.
- Metabolism: Just like humans, some dogs burn calories faster than others.
- Neutered/Spayed Dogs: They often require fewer calories due to lower activity.
- Health Conditions: Dogs with thyroid issues, digestive sensitivities, or joint concerns may need special diets.
Best Food for Bernese Mountain Dog
Choosing the right food can be overwhelming. Ideally, you want a diet that supports their size, bone structure, and slower metabolism.
- High-Quality Protein: Look for foods with real meat (chicken, beef, salmon, lamb) as the first ingredient.
- Joint Support: Large-breed formulas often include glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
- Balanced Calories: Too many carbs can lead to weight gain. Look for controlled calorie content.
- Omega Fatty Acids: Good for skin, coat, and inflammation support.
- Large-Kibble Size: Helps slow down fast eaters and supports dental health.
Best Food for Bernese Mountain Dogs with Sensitive Stomachs
Many Berners have sensitive stomachs, and finding the right food can make a big difference. If your dog experiences frequent diarrhea, gas, or vomiting, consider switching to a sensitive-stomach formula. Good options include:
- Limited Ingredient Diets (LID): These minimize allergens like chicken, soy, or wheat.
- Grain-Free (if recommended): Some Berners do better without grains, though not all need this.
- Easily Digestible Proteins: Salmon, turkey, or lamb are often gentler on the stomach.
- Probiotics: Support gut health and digestion.
Tip: Always transition to a new food gradually over 7-10 days to avoid stomach upset.
Treats and Snacks: How Much Is Too Much?
While it’s tempting to spoil a Berner with treats, too many extras can quickly lead to weight gain. Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. Opt for healthy snacks like:
- Baby carrots
- Apple slices (no seeds)
- Blueberries
- Training treats with limited calories
Bernese Mountain Dog Diet Schedule
Consistency matters when it comes to a Bernese Mountain Dog diet schedule. Feeding at the same time every day helps regulate digestion and prevents overeating. A good schedule looks like this:
- Puppies: 3-4 smaller meals spread throughout the day.
- Adults: 2 meals daily, ideally 12 hours apart.
- Seniors: 2 meals daily, but with adjusted calories for slower metabolism.
Never feed one giant meal a day, this increases the risk of bloat.
Supplements for Bernese Mountain Dogs
Sometimes food alone isn’t enough. Depending on your Berner’s health, supplements may be beneficial. Common supplements include:
- Glucosamine & Chondroitin: For joint support.
- Fish Oil (Omega-3s): For skin, coat, and inflammation.
- Probiotics: For digestive health.
- Multivitamins: To fill nutritional gaps in picky eaters.
Also read the pros and cons of having Bernese Mountain
FAQs
How much food does a Bernese Mountain Dog eat per day?
Most adult Berners eat between 4-8 cups of food daily, split into two meals. Puppies need smaller, more frequent meals. The exact Bernese Mountain Dog food amount depends on size, weight, and activity.
What should I feed a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy?
Puppies need high-quality, large-breed puppy food with balanced protein, calcium, and calories. This prevents rapid growth that could harm joints. Stick to a Bernese Mountain Dog feeding guide provided by your breeder or vet.
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs eat raw food?
Yes, some owners feed raw diets, but it should be done carefully under veterinary guidance. Raw food should be balanced and safe, avoiding bones that can splinter.
What human foods are safe for Bernese Mountain Dogs?
Safe options include carrots, blueberries, pumpkin, and cooked lean meats. Avoid grapes, onions, garlic, and chocolate; all are toxic.
How often should I feed my Bernese Mountain Dog?
Puppies: 3-4 times daily. Adults: twice daily. Feeding once a day increases the risk of bloat, which is dangerous for giant breeds.