The internet has plenty of advice on what to feed a purebred dog. But what if you have a young mixed breed pup such as a Bernedoodle? In this article, we’ll help you choose the perfect dog food for your Bernedoodle puppy.
What Should I Feed my Bernedoodle Puppy?
A mix of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle breeds, the Bernedoodle is a beautiful animal in its own right. Also known as a Bernepoo, these curly-haired puppies are especially adorable.
But just like all dogs, their tummies will get hungry and they expect you to deliver! Here are some factors to consider when choosing a brand of kibble for your dog.
Size Considerations
Bernedoodles generally come in four sizes: tiny, mini, medium and standard. This means that there is a lot of potential range in the height and weight for this breed.
Pay close attention to the feeding instructions on your dog food to ensure that your puppy gets the optimum portion for his size. And if you are adopting a new puppy, ask your Bernedoodle breeder what they feed their new litters so that you can prepare for the transition.
Protein
All dogs need protein! It gives them energy and helps build lean muscle. This is vital for Bernedoodle puppies since they are still growing. All formulas on this list are in the range of 24 to 38 percent protein level, which should be more than sufficient for a growing pup.
Vitamins and Minerals
There are many minerals and vitamins offered in the dog foods we have compiled in this list. The most important ones include calcium (to improve the health of bones and teeth), phosphorous, and the usual vitamins: A, D, E, K, and B-complex.
Probiotics
Probiotics are essential microorganisms that help keep your Bernedoodle’s gut healthy and running smoothly. Whenever you consider a new food for your puppy, you should check the ingredients list to ensure that it contains probiotics.
Our Favorite Bernedoodle Puppy Foods: At a Glance
Best Food for Bernedoodle Puppies: Top 7 Picks
Wellness Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal Recipe
This food starts with deboned chicken and chicken meal as the first ingredients. It also contains salmon meal, which is a high-quality variety of fish meal.
With a solid 29% protein level, this Wellness Complete Heath formula is sure to help strengthen your curly-haired Bernedoodle’s lean muscles. We’re happy to see that salmon oil was added to provide omega fatty acids.
Like other Wellness offerings, this food is made in the USA without artificial preservatives or meat by-products.
Buyer review: “This was the 3rd kibble I purchased for our new puppy. He loves it and I like the fact it is vet recommended and has both pre and probiotics.”
Read more at Chewy.com
Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food
This Royal Canin puppy formula is made specially for medium-sized breeds, which is a great indicator that Bernedoodles will love it. It’s great to see a high protein level (30%) and chicken fat to deliver fatty acids.
It contains all the essential vitamins and minerals your dog needs: vitamins B6, B12, and D3, to name a few. Click the link below and you’ll see some rave reviews from puppy owners.
Our only complaint is that the first ingredient is chicken by-product meal. Our first pick would be a real meat of higher quality. However, the nutrients and substantial protein level make this a great food for a growing Bernedoodle puppy.
Buyer review: “This is one of the brand names recommended by our vet. Royal Canin does studies and tests to make sure their food supplies all the nutrition needed.”
Read more at Chewy.com
Purina Pro Plan High Protein DHA Lamb & Rice Formula Puppy Food
Yum! The first ingredient in this Purina food is real lamb. Formerly known as FOCUS Lamb and Rice Formula, this is a quality meal that has no artificial flavors or colors.
It’s not the most protein-rich food on this list (28%), but it’s still more than sufficient for an energetic young Bernedoodle.
There are plenty of nutrients here, including DHA, vitamins, and live probiotics for gut health. It even has a small amount of garlic oil which helps lower cholesterol and prevent blood clots.
Buyer review: “My puppy loves this kibble and judging from her growth – her coat is beautiful, she has LOTS of energy and usually cleans the bowl! I am very happy with it.”
Read more at Chewy.com
Eukanuba Puppy Medium Breed Dry Dog Food
Another food made specifically for puppies of medium-sized breeds, your Bernedoodle puppy will love this Eukanuba formula. Real chicken is the first ingredient in this one.
The amount of fat, carbs, calcium and phosphorous has been carefully planned by nutritional experts, so you can feel confident knowing your dog is getting just the right amount of nutrients for his size and age.
We also love to see sufficient levels of DHA here that will help your pup with brain development.
Buyer review: “It was nice to find Eukanuba puppy food available in a variety of sizes. I was only interested in a small bag and found exactly what I needed. Fair price and rapid delivery!”
Read more at Chewy.com
Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison & Oatmeal Puppy Formula
This is a fairly unusual entry on our list: bison is the first ingredient, followed by ocean fish meal. It’s great to see high quality animal products leading the pack, even though the protein level is fairly average at 26%.
One huge benefit of this Solid Gold formula is the number of superfoods packed into it: veggies like broccoli and carrots, and fruits such as blueberries and cranberries. It even has pumpkin and kelp! This is sure to deliver the vitamins and antioxidants your little Bernedoodle is craving.
If your dog is prone to food allergies, you might be in luck here. No wheat, corn or soy are used in this food.
Buyer review: “My 8 month old pup has been on this for 2 weeks now, he’s not so ribby, his coat is shiny and he loves it! Very happy we switched to this.”
Read more at Chewy.com
ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food
The first ingredients in this food are a cornucopia of real animal meat: chicken, turkey, turkey giblets, flounder, and mackerel! The list goes on from there, including eggs, chicken liver, and herring. It’s easy to see how this formula has a whopping 38% protein level.
Orijen is known for its pricey kibble, but you’re definitely getting what you pay for here. With unusual ingredients such as butternut squash, collard greens, and pears, you’ll be treating your Bernedoodle puppy to an exotic feast while keep his growing body healthy.
Like other Orijen formulas, this kibble is freeze-dried coated for extra flavor. But that’s just icing on the cake. The ingredients are so good, your little pup should dive right into this one.
Buyer review: “I have had our 7 month old mixed breed puppy on this since he was 10 weeks and it has been great. He is healthy, has tons of energy, a beautiful coat and no digestive issues.”
Read more at Chewy.com
Nulo Freestyle Puppy Grain-Free Salmon & Peas Recipe
If your puppy has issues digesting grain, this grain-free food from Nulo might be just what he needs. Check with your veterinarian if you have concerns about food restrictions.
Salmon is the first ingredient. In fact, this product contains no beef or chicken, so it will also work well for pups who have allergies to those ingredients.
Many dog owners have given this formula high ratings for improving their pup’s skin health. The omega fatty acids should also help maintain a shiny coat.
Buyer review: “This is the first dry kibble that my pup started eating. She has a soft and shiny coat! She loves it!”
Read more at Chewy.com
FAQ
How much do you feed a Bernedoodle puppy?
Your Bernedoodle puppy’s weight and size determine the amount you should feed him. Your pup will likely eat between 2/3 and 1 1/4 cups of dry kibble per day. Check the feeding instructions on the package for more detailed information.
How long should a Bernedoodle eat puppy food?
You should feed your Bernedoodle puppy food until he is no longer growing. This will typically occur between 6 and 18 months. After you have confirmed with your veterinarian that your Bernedoodle has reached full size, you can switch to an adult kibble formula.
What are Bernedoodles allergic to?
Like many breeds, bernedoodles are prone to food allergies. Your puppy may be allergic to beef, chicken, wheat, dairy, eggs, or other ingredients. Whenever you switch to a new food, you should monitor his behavior and appearance and take note of any allergic reaction. Check with your vet if you have any questions.
Conclusion
We know you want the absolute best food for your precious Bernedoodle puppy! Now is the best time to consider his nutritional needs since he is still growing and needs plenty of protein, vitamins and minerals. Pretty soon he’ll be fully grown and you’ll be shopping for an adult formula. For now, we hope this article helps you select a great dog food for your pup.