Saint Bernard dogs — with their gentle demeanor and impressive stature — are beloved members of many families. As a responsible owner, ensuring the optimal health and well-being of your Saint Bernard involves thoughtful consideration of their dietary needs. Let’s get to know American Natural Premium as the best dog food for Saint Bernard dogs based on their nutritional requirements at different life stages.
An Overview of Saint Bernard Dogs
Originally bred as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernard dogs are gentle giants that have become popular companions worldwide. This breed falls under the “working” group of dog breeds, indicating their strong work ethic and intelligence. Given their roles and substantial size, it’s crucial to provide them with a well-balanced diet that supports their growth, energy levels, and overall health.
Dietary Needs of Saint Bernard Puppies
The Saint Bernard is a large breed, so their nutritional needs are unique. Selecting appropriate food helps develop the robust skeletal structure of Saint Bernard puppies, which is crucial in supporting their substantial weight when they reach adulthood.
- Protein Requirements: According to the Saint Bernard Club of America, a super-premium-grade food containing no more than 25% protein is an optimal choice.
- Feeding Schedule and Portions: Controlling portion sizes is vital to prevent overnutrition. Ideally, this amount should be what the puppy can consume in ten minutes, served three times per day.
- Nutritional Supplements: With a nutritionally balanced diet, there’s no need to add vitamin supplementation.
Dietary Mistakes To Avoid
Due to their inherent ability for swift growth, these puppies may experience accelerated bone development when fed with excess nutrients over a limited timeframe. However, this rapid skeletal growth often lacks the density and strength needed to bear their significant weight as they mature into adults.
Besides overfeeding, other common dietary mistakes include providing low-quality dog food with insufficient nutritional value and ignoring the importance of portion control.
Transitioning to an Adult Saint Bernard Dog Diet
Until the age of 18 to 24 months, Saint Bernard puppies should ideally have a diet specifically designed for large or giant breeds. Following this period, pet parents should transition to a similar dietary formula that’s intended for large or giant-breed adult dogs.
Choosing the Best Dog Food for Saint Bernard
The best dog food for Saint Bernard dogs should:
- Have a high protein content for muscle maintenance and energy
- Contain balanced fats for a healthy coat and skin
- Be rich in essential vitamins and minerals to support overall well-being
One reputable option is American Natural Premium dog food, known for its premium ingredients and commitment to providing nutritionally sound options for large breeds. The optimal ratio for a Saint Bernard dog’s daily food intake should be a 90% combination of dry and wet dog food, while treats should make up the remaining 10%.
Monitoring Weight and Adjusting Portions
Adhering to the feeding instructions outlined on the dog food packaging can be a good starting point in establishing the serving size for your Saint Bernard. For a more personalized approach, consult your vet and determine the right portion size based on your dog’s ideal body mass and life stage.
Special Considerations for Working and Senior Saint Bernard Dogs
Saint Bernard dogs are working dogs credited for saving over 2,000 lives in 300 years of service as pathfinders and rescue dogs. Generally, healthy dogs that actively participate in running, playing, and working need between two to five times their resting energy requirement (RER) daily. Therefore, a robust and active 50-kilogram companion may necessitate a daily caloric intake ranging from 2,632 to 6,580 calories.
Older dogs might need diets with fewer calories to avert excessive weight gain. However, at the same time, they need a diet enriched with fiber and crucial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids to sustain joint health and cognitive function.
Special Considerations for Saint Bernard Dogs With Health Conditions
Not providing the best dog food for Saint Bernard dogs during their growth period or old age can adversely affect their health, leading to common health issues such as Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) or bloat and hip dysplasia.
GDV or bloat happens when the stomach becomes distended due to the accumulation of gas, food, or liquid, subsequently causing it to twist and impair circulation. On the other hand, hip dysplasia — a predominantly hereditary condition quite prevalent in the Saint Bernard breed — arises from improper development of the dog’s hip joint.
American Natural Premium is an excellent choice for Saint Bernard dogs because of the real natural ingredients and premium quality that contribute to healthy diet intake and weight management. The recipes are rich in natural fiber, promoting regular digestion and reducing the risk of bloating. Consider dividing your Saint Bernard’s daily food intake into two smaller meals instead of providing one large meal. Additionally, refrain from exercise immediately after meals.
The high-quality proteins ensure proper muscle support and bone health, mitigating the onset or severity of hip dysplasia. The nutrients present in American Natural Premium dog food also benefit your Saint Bernard’s joint health, reducing inflammation and pain.
Homemade vs Commercial Dog Food
Homemade meals for Saint Bernard dogs allow you to control the quality and ingredients, but determining the exact nutrient balance can be tricky. On the other hand, high-quality commercial dog food like American Natural Premium already provides convenient and balanced nutrition for comprehensive dietary requirements.
You may combine both approaches for your Saint Bernard’s optimal nutrition. This strategy will leverage the diversity inherent in a homemade diet while guaranteeing your dog’s nutritional needs with convenience.
The Takeaway
Owning a Saint Bernard comes with its challenges, but with proper care and attention to their unique dietary needs, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your furry friend. Choosing the best dog food for Saint Bernard dogs sets the foundation for their well-being.
For premium dog food options tailored to the needs of Saint Bernard dogs, explore the range offered by American Natural Premium. Contact us today for bulk order inquiries.
