What are the Best Dog Foods for Saint Bernards?
The sweet-natured Saint Bernard is truly a gentle giant that thrives in the company of those it loves most. To maintain optimal health and wellness in this giant breed, it is important to select a diet that has been designed to support the requirements of dogs of this size. Whether your Saint Bernard is a puppy, an adult, or a senior, you will be sure to find the right diet to meet your dog’s every nutritional need on our list of the top foods for this beloved giant breed.
AKC Classification: Working Group
Exercise Required: Up to 60 minutes/day
Ideal Weight
Healthy Male: 140-180 lbs
Healthy Female: 120-140 lbs
Breed Summary
The gentle, kind Saint Bernard was originally put to work by monks in the Swiss Alps rescuing travelers who had lost their way in the cold and snow. Intelligent and sweet by nature, the Saint Bernard is a giant dog whose size is rivalled only by the magnitude of its heart. The Saint Bernard comes in two different coat types: long haired and short haired.
Though the Saint Bernard has a coat that has well prepared it for the cold, the breed does best indoors close by the side of its family. This dog type is naturally calm but does requires regular daily exercise to remain physically and mentally content. Not typically a high energy breed, the Saint Bernard still is not well suited to life in an apartment. The ideal home environment for this breed is a house with a fenced yard.
Saint Bernards tend to do a lot of drooling and shedding, meaning families must be prepared to deal with a fair bit of mess. Loyal and willing to protect its family from perceived harm, the Saint Bernard possesses a sharp bark that is sure to scare any would be intruders away. The breed is a loving family companion and is especially kind with children.
Unfortunately, as with most giant breeds, the Saint Bernard has a short life expectancy. A good diet can help keep this gentle giant in excellent health and prevent the development of diseases common to the breed.
Physical Traits
Strong, sturdy, muscular, giant, substantial
Personality Traits
Gentle, affectionate, quiet, calm, sweet-natured
Health Considerations for Saint Bernards
As with most giant breeds, the Saint Bernard has a short life expectancy and can be prone to developing a number of different health problems. A high quality diet can help stave off the effects of any illness or injury that can be common to the breed. Supplements added to a food can provide a vital help for preserving cardiac, eye, and joint health, a very important component of attaining health and wellness in the Saint Bernard.
Among the health problems that are sometimes seen in the Saint Bernard are entropion, osteosarcoma, hip and elbow dysplasia, and gastric torsion (bloat).
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Larger dogs often struggle with joint issues, particularly as they age. Hip Dysplasia is a condition that occurs when the joint does not rest properly within the socket. Over time, the rubbing of bone against bone causes deterioration of the bones, leading to lameness and pain. The same can happen in the elbow. Excess weight can further exacerbate a pre-existing condition, so it is important that the Saint Bernard not be allowed to become overweight.
Gastric torsion and Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat
Giant breed dogs are particularly at risk for developing the life threatening condition known as Bloat. It is believed that eating too rapidly and too much are contributing factors to the development of this problem. Feeding a giant breed food formulation can help the Saint Bernard learn to eat more slowly and thoughtfully thus preventing this condition in the breed.
Complete a nutritional assessment to view individualized diet recommendations specifically for your pet.
Foods We Recommend: Saint Bernard Puppies
How long do Saint Bernards need puppy food?
Until they're 24-36 months old
The Saint Bernard enjoys a very long puppyhood often not reaching full maturity until the dog is 36 months of age. To help the Saint Bernard pup to grow at the correct rate, it is important to feed these puppies a food designed specifically for giant breeds. These foods will contain the correct amounts of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous to encourage healthy development.
The Saint Bernard puppy should be fed a giant breed puppy food until the dog reaches one year of age or 75 percent its full adult size. At this time, the dog should be transitioned to an appropriate adult food. Here are some of our top picks:
Foods We Recommend: Saint Bernard Adults
When do Saint Bernards become adults?
24-36 months old
The adult Saint Bernard thrives on a diet of moderation. Foods that are based on a lean, meat-based protein are best. It is also a good idea to select a diet that includes foods that support good digestion and a healthy immune system through their high dietary fiber and antioxidant content. Our nutrition team recommends these diets:
Foods We Recommend: Saint Bernard Seniors
When do Saint Bernards become seniors?
Around 6-7 years old
The senior Saint Bernard begins to slow down between 6-7 years of age. To help keep the elderly Saint Bernard in good condition, a diet with fewer calories that is packed with high quality ingredients and exceptional flavor is the key to ensuring eating satisfaction. Supplements added to the food that promote joint, cardiac, and eye health can be a great help. We also recommend a probiotic to assist with digestion. Some of our top picks right now include:
Affiliate Disclosure
We do not accept money to recommend pet foods. However, we do receive referral fees from online retailers (such as Chewy or Amazon) on qualifying purchases. Our recommendations are neutral, and diet recommendations are made without considering whether we will receive a referral fee.