What Should I Feed My Bernedoodle Puppy?

Bringing home a Bernedoodle puppy is super exciting! These fluffy, friendly dogs are a mix of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, and they need the right food to grow strong and healthy. Feeding your Bernedoodle puppy the right diet is important to keep them happy and full of energy. In this article, we’ll explain what to feed your Bernedoodle puppy, how much to feed them, and tips to make mealtime easy. Let’s dive in!

Why Is Puppy Food Important for Bernedoodles?

Bernedoodle puppies grow fast, especially in their first year. They need food that gives them the right nutrients to build strong bones, muscles, and a healthy coat. Puppy food is specially made to have the right balance of:

• Protein: Helps build muscles and keeps your puppy strong.
• Fat: Gives energy and keeps their skin and coat shiny.
• Carbohydrates: Provides energy for all that zooming around!
• Vitamins and Minerals: Supports their immune system and bones.

Since Bernedoodles come in different sizes (mini, medium, or standard), their food needs might vary a little. But all Bernedoodle puppies need high-quality food to stay healthy.

What Type of Food Should I Feed My Bernedoodle Puppy?

There are a few types of food you can choose from for your Bernedoodle puppy. Each has pros and cons, so pick what works best for you and your pup.

1. Dry Kibble

Dry kibble is the most popular choice because it’s easy to store, affordable, and good for your puppy’s teeth. Look for kibble made for puppies, especially for medium or large breeds if your Bernedoodle is a standard size. Check the label to make sure it has:

• Real meat (like chicken, turkey, or salmon) as the first ingredient.
• No artificial colors or flavors.
• DHA (a nutrient that helps brain and eye development).

2. Wet Food

Wet food comes in cans or pouches and is super tasty for puppies. It has more water, which can help keep your Bernedoodle hydrated. You can mix wet food with kibble to make meals more exciting. However, wet food is more expensive and can spoil quickly once opened.

3. Raw or Fresh Food

Some owners feed their Bernedoodle puppies raw or fresh diets, like raw meat, veggies, and bones. These diets can be healthy but need careful planning to make sure your puppy gets all the nutrients they need. Talk to your vet before starting a raw diet, as it can be tricky to get right.

4. Homemade Food

You can cook food for your puppy at home, like chicken, rice, and veggies. But homemade food needs to be balanced with the right nutrients. Always check with your vet or a pet nutritionist to make sure your recipe is safe and complete.

How Much Should I Feed My Bernedoodle Puppy?

The amount of food your Bernedoodle puppy needs depends on their size, age, and activity level. Here’s a general guide:

• Mini Bernedoodle (10-25 lbs when grown): About 1-2 cups of kibble per day, split into 3-4 meals.
• Medium Bernedoodle (25-50 lbs when grown): About 2-3 cups of kibble per day, split into 3 meals.
• Standard Bernedoodle (50-90 lbs when grown): About 3-4 cups of kibble per day, split into 2-3 meals.

Always check the feeding guide on the food package and adjust based on your puppy’s weight and energy. Puppies under 6 months old should eat 3-4 small meals a day. After 6 months, you can switch to 2 meals a day.

What Ingredients Should I Look for in Puppy Food?

When picking food for your Bernedoodle puppy, read the label to make sure it’s high-quality. Here are some good ingredients to look for:

• Meat: Chicken, turkey, beef, or fish should be the first ingredient.
• Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, or barley for energy (unless your vet suggests grain-free).
• Veggies and Fruits: Carrots, peas, or blueberries for vitamins.
• Healthy Fats: Chicken fat or fish oil for a shiny coat.

Can I Give My Bernedoodle Puppy Treats?

Yes, treats are great for training and making your puppy happy! But don’t give too many, as they can add extra calories. Choose healthy treats made for puppies, like small pieces of freeze-dried meat or soft training treats. You can also use some of their daily kibble as treats to avoid overfeeding.

Safe Human Foods as Treats:

• Small pieces of cooked chicken or turkey.
• Baby carrots or apple slices (no seeds!).
• Plain, cooked sweet potato.

How Do I Know If My Puppy’s Food Is Working?

A happy, healthy Bernedoodle puppy will have:

• Shiny, soft fur.
• Lots of energy for playtime.
• Firm, regular poop (not too soft or hard).
• A healthy weight (not too skinny or chubby).

If your puppy has tummy troubles, itchy skin, or seems tired all the time, the food might not be right for them. Talk to your vet about switching to a different brand or type of food.

Tips for Feeding Your Bernedoodle Puppy

1. Stick to a Schedule: Feed your puppy at the same times every day to help with potty training and digestion.
2. Use a Slow Feeder Bowl: Bernedoodles can eat fast, which can cause bloating. A slow feeder bowl makes them eat more slowly.
3. Keep Water Available: Always have fresh, clean water for your puppy to drink.
4. Transition Food Slowly: If you switch foods, mix the new food with the old one over 7-10 days to avoid tummy upset.
5. Talk to Your Vet: Your vet can recommend the best food and portion sizes for your Bernedoodle puppy.

Final Thoughts

Feeding your Bernedoodle puppy the right food is one of the best ways to help them grow into a healthy, happy dog. Choose high-quality puppy food, feed them the right amount, and keep an eye on their health. With a little care and love, your Bernedoodle will be wagging their tail at every mealtime!

If you’re unsure about what to feed your puppy, talk to your vet for advice. Now, go grab that food bowl and make your Bernedoodle puppy’s tummy happy!

FAQs About Feeding Bernedoodle Puppies