Proper nutrition is crucial for the healthy development of a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy. If you have one, you’ll want to ensure you’re feeding your Bernese puppy the right amount and providing them with a nutritious diet.
Understanding the Bernese Puppy’s Nutritional Needs
The Bernese Mountain Dog is known for its affectionate and faithful nature, making it a popular choice as a pet. These intelligent dogs are versatile in both the house and the field. By giving your Bernese puppy a nutritious diet and keeping them active, you can enhance their quality of life and even extend their lifespan!
At 1mquotes, we understand the importance of providing your soon-to-be big friend with the best possible start in life. Our Bernese feeding chart aims to help you achieve just that.
How Much Should a Bernese Puppy Eat?
It’s important to note that the dietary requirements of a Bernese puppy may vary depending on various factors, such as size, metabolism, and level of physical activity. However, as a general guideline, an average Bernese puppy needs three to four small meals each day until they are around six months old. After that, they usually reduce their food intake to two meals a day.
To start, offer your Bernese puppy half a cup to two cups of high-quality puppy chow per meal. However, it’s crucial to monitor your puppy’s weight and adjust the quantity accordingly. Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health issues, so it’s essential to follow the recommended feeding amounts and seek advice from your vet if you have any concerns.
Bernese Feeding Chart
To determine the resting energy requirement (RER) of your Bernese puppy, you can use a simple formula: multiply their weight in kilograms by 70 (3/4). This calculation considers your puppy’s weight in kilos, which you can find by dividing their current weight in pounds by 2.2.
Once you know your Bernese puppy’s RER, you can use it as a benchmark for estimating their daily food intake. However, it’s important to remember that real calorie requirements may vary based on factors like activity level and development rate. Consult a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your Bernese puppy.
Here’s a breakdown of the recommended feeding amounts based on age:
4 Week Old Bernese Puppy
At this age, Bernese puppies are usually still dependent on their mother’s milk. If they have been separated from their mother, they should be given puppy milk replacer every two to three hours. Puppies of various sizes should be fed between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of chow per day.
6 Week Old Bernese Puppy
At six weeks old, Bernese puppies can be weaned from their mother’s milk and started on solid puppy food. Offer them small quantities of moistened, soft food three to four times a day. Depending on the size of the puppy, you should feed them around 1/2 cup to 1 cup of food per day.
8 Week Old Bernese Puppy
Around eight weeks of age, Bernese puppies can transition to solid puppy chow. Offer them three to four small meals per day, with each meal consisting of around 1 cup to 1 1/2 cups of puppy chow.
10 Week Old Bernese Puppy
By the time they are ten weeks old, Bernese puppies can eat three to four small meals per day, totaling around 1 1/2 to 2 cups of puppy chow.
12 Week Old Bernese Puppy
At twelve weeks old, Bernese puppies should have established a pattern of eating two to three times per day of solid puppy chow. Offer them 2-2 1/2 cups of food per day. This stage marks the beginning of maturity and reduced activity levels for the puppies.
14 Week Old Bernese Puppy
By the time they are 14 weeks old, Bernese pups need two meals per day, totaling around 2 1/2 to 3 cups of puppy chow. At this age, they are likely to be around half their full size and gain control over their bowel and bladder functions.
16 Week Old Bernese Puppy
After reaching 16 weeks of age, Bernese puppies may continue having two meals each day, totaling 3 to 4 cups of puppy chow. It’s important to monitor their food intake to prevent them from becoming overweight.
6 Months – 12 Months Old Bernese Puppy
Between six months and one year of age, Bernese puppies typically have two meals per day, with each meal consisting of around 4 to 6 cups of high-quality puppy chow. Adjust the feeding amounts based on your puppy’s size and activity level.
12 Months & Above Bernese
At the age of 12 months, it’s time to switch your Bernese puppy to adult food. Offer them two meals a day, with each meal consisting of around 3 to 5 cups of high-quality adult dog food. Monitor their weight and activity levels to determine the appropriate food amount.
How Many Times A Day To Feed A Bernese Puppy?
Instead of two big meals, it’s recommended to feed a Bernese puppy three to four smaller meals throughout the day. This helps prevent stomach problems and maintains healthy blood sugar levels. Puppies have smaller stomachs compared to adult dogs, so they need more frequent, smaller meals to receive the nourishment they need.
Start with three meals a day and gradually decrease to two meals as your puppy’s digestive system develops. You can increase the portion size slightly with each meal as they grow.
Kibble Vs. Wet Food For Bernese Puppies
When it comes to choosing between dry kibble and wet food for your Bernese puppy, both options have their advantages. Dry kibble is convenient, more cost-effective, and offers dental benefits by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. On the other hand, wet food can help puppies stay hydrated and often adds more flavor to their diet.
Choose the option that best suits your lifestyle, finances, and your Bernese puppy’s specific needs. Regardless of your choice, always opt for high-quality puppy food that meets their nutritional requirements.
Switching From Puppy Food To Adult Food
Between 12 and 18 months of age, depending on your Bernese puppy’s growth and development, it’s advisable to transition them from a puppy diet to adult food. Start by incorporating a small amount of the new adult food into their old meal and gradually increase the quantity of new food while decreasing the old food over 7-10 days.
Choose a premium, nutritionally-complete feed specifically formulated for adult Bernese mountain dogs. Monitor their weight and adjust the food amount accordingly to ensure a smooth transition.
Best Puppy Dog Food for Bernese
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Royal Canin Health Nutrition Giant Puppy Food – Our editor’s choice, this dry dog food is specially designed for giant breed puppies. It supports digestive health, muscle growth, and strong bones and joints.
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Big Breed Chicken & Brown Rice – This high-quality dog food promotes growth and includes DHA and ARA for brain and eye development. It’s packed with nutrients for healthy skin, coat, bones, and teeth.
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Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Recipe – Ideal for puppies, this grain-free dry dog food contains real fish, essential vitamins and minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy and thriving Bernese puppy.
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Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Puppy Food Dry Formula – This US-made puppy food supports healthy skin, muscle development, and a strong immune system. It’s packed with high-quality protein and doesn’t contain artificial flavors or preservatives.
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Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken & Rice Formula Large Breed – This dry puppy food supports big breed puppy growth, joint development, and immune system function. It contains real chicken as the main ingredient and is packed with essential nutrients.
Remember, each puppy is unique, so it’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best food choice for your Bernese puppy.
Is a Raw Diet Healthy for a Bernese Puppy?
While a raw food diet may seem appealing, it’s not recommended for a Bernese puppy’s nutrition. Dogs on a raw food diet are more prone to bacterial infections, malnutrition, and dental problems. Commercial dog food is a more reliable option as it is specifically formulated to meet a puppy’s nutritional requirements. Your Bernese puppy may have specific dietary needs based on their age, size, breed, and overall health.
How Much Do Bernese Puppies Grow Each Week?
Bernese puppies typically experience rapid growth in their first few months of life. In the first week, they usually gain around 10% of their birth weight, followed by a gain of 2-3 pounds each week until they reach approximately six months of age. However, it’s important to note that genetics, food, and activity level can influence the pace of a puppy’s growth. Monitoring their weight is crucial to ensure they remain within a healthy range.
How Much Water Should a Bernese Puppy Drink?
Bernese puppies require constant access to fresh, clean water. As a general guideline, dogs need between half an ounce and an ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. For example, a 20-pound Bernese puppy should consume 10-20 ounces of water daily. However, environmental conditions, activity level, and diet may cause this requirement to fluctuate. Keep an eye on how much your puppy drinks and consult a vet if you notice a significant decrease in water consumption.
For more information on Bernese puppies, feeding charts, and tips on raising a healthy and happy dog, visit 1mquotes.
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Remember, providing your Bernese puppy with the proper nutrition is vital for their growth and well-being. Consult with your veterinarian to create a personalized feeding plan that suits your puppy’s specific needs.