Best dog food for Bernedoodles (2024)

Pets Can Smile – 29 April 2024

The best dog food for Bernedoodles in 2024 is The Farmer’s Dog.

But check our below top picks to find the best food for your Bernedoodle specifically.

Because when buying dog food for your Bernedoodle you need to consider your dog’s:

• Age
• Activity level
• Health 

But worry not. 

Our top 10 picks will quickly help you find the right dog food for your Bernedoodle.

This article will also tell you everything you need to know about: 

• What to consider when buying dog food for Bernedoodle
• What are the specific food qualities for Bernedoodle
• What ingredients to avoid

Let’s do this. 

Let’s give your Bernedoodle a healthy and happy life!

Best dog food for Bernedoodles – QUICK PEEK

Here is a quick peek at our top 10 picks for the best dog food for Bernedoodles.

Best dog food for Bernedoodles – FULL REVIEWS

Here are full reviews of our top 10 picks for the best dog food for Bernedoodles.

• Best overall: The Farmers’s Dog
• Best for puppies: Open Farm
• Best for seniors: Orijen
• Best dry food: Spot & Tango
• Best wet food: JustFoodForDogs
• Best for sensitive stomach: Hill’s
• Best for allergies: Royal Canin
• Best grain-free: Open Farm
• Best raw food: Instinct
• Best value: Blue Buffalo

Every dog food review is based on:

• AAFCO nutrient guidelines
• Specific Bernedoodle nutritional needs
• Health benefits and special considerations
• Life stage suitability
• Ingredients quality
• Customer feedback and reviews
• Price and value
• And more

Best overall food for Bernedoodles

The Farmer’s Dog

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Fresh and human-grade meat and vegetables
• Cooked in human-grade kitchens!
• Cooked slowly and gently to ensure retention of key nutrients 
• No additives, no cheap fillers, no harmful chemicals
• No added preservatives to keep dog food shelf-stable for years
• Options for allergies, sensitive stomachs, and other dietary needs & issues
• Two-week trial plan!
• Edit your food subscription at any time
• Designed by vets to comply with AAFCO standards
• Unmatched level of customization (vet-designed)
• Pre-packaged meals as daily portions

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors

Best dog food for Bernedoodle puppies

Open Farm

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Created especially for puppies to ensure optimal growth and development
• Special cooking process that removes bacteria while retaining the flavor
• Human-grade ingredients
• 100% animal welfare certified chicken and pork
• 100% traceable ingredients from certified family farms
• Wild-caught salmon
• Non-GMO vegetables and superfoods
• No hormones, no antibiotics, no steroids
• Chicken broth for healthy joint development
• Prebiotic fiber for perfect digestion
• Complies with AAFCO standards
• Pre-portioned

CONS

• More expensive than some meals for puppies

Best dog food for senior Bernedoodles

Orijen

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Formulated specifically to help maintain healthy weight and joints in senior dogs
• Enhanced with Chondroitin and Glucosamine to minimize cartilage wear and tear as your doggy ages
• Fresh chicken, turkey, and fish packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals
• Uses the most succulent meat parts to ensure nutrient-rich diet
• Freeze-dried coated to ensure optimal taste & flavor
• Contains up to 85% animal ingredients
• No added soy, corn, wheat, or tapioca 

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors

Best dry dog food for Bernedoodles

Spot & Tango

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Dried gently at a low temperature for optimal taste & flavor
• 100% human-grade
• Real meats only!
• No artificial colors, flavors, or additives
• Enhanced with super herbs for easy digestion
• Customized meals based on your dog’s breed, weight, and activity level
• Developed by vets to exceed industry standards
• Sold directly to ensure best price
• Comes in personalized plans to avoid serving guesswork
• Cheaper than fresh dog food

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than traditional kibble

Best wet food for Bernedoodles

JustFoodForDogs

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• 100% human-grade ingredients!
• Cooked at low heat to preserve full taste, aroma, and nutrients
• Nutritionally balanced
• No added preservatives
• Whole food ingredients
• Tetra Pak® packaging for convenient storage and travel
• Shelf-stable for up to 2 years

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than traditional wet dog food

Best food for Bernedoodles with sensitive stomach

Hill’s

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Created specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs & skins
• Easily digestible ingredients, including beet pulp, brown rice, and barley
• No artificially preserved, colored, or flavored
• Contains no wheat or soy that could upset your dog’s stomach
• Formulated with natural ingredients and real chicken
• Prebiotic fiber to support a balanced microbiome for easy digestion
• Contains Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin & coat

CONS

• Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs
• Up to 15% of dogs may still be sensitive to this food

Best food for Bernedoodles with allergies

Royal Canin

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Formulated specifically for adult dogs with skin allergies & food sensitivities
• Contains highly digestible hydrolyzed soy protein for optimal gastrointestinal and dermatological health
• Provides your Bernedoodle’s skin with a natural protective barrier
• Enhanced with EPA and DHA fatty acids for perfect skin & easy digestion
• Helps regulate the intestinal passage
• Supports a balanced digestive flora

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors
• Requires vet authorization

Best grain-free dry dog food for Bernedoodles

Open Farm

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Formulated specifically for dogs with allergies and sensitivity to grain
• No grain, corn, soy, or wheat
• Packed with superfoods (non-GMO pumpkin, leafy greens, coconut oil, and carrot)
• Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
• No added antibiotics, hormones, or artificial preservatives
• Sourced locally with 100% traceable ingredients
• Uses only humanely raised and ethnically sourced meats

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors

Best raw food for Bernedoodles

Instinct 

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• The ingredients are frozen (never cooked) in their prime to preserve all nutrients
• Cold-pressured to create raw meal full of taste and flavor
• Minimally processed and never cooked to ensure the highest-quality nutrition
• 85% meat and organs
• 15% of non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and wholesome ingredients 
• No fillers such as grain, wheat, corn, and soy
• No artificial colors or preservatives 

CONS

• Needs to be kept frozen until it’s used
• Less convenient than feeding your dog dry dog food

Best cheapest food for Bernedoodles

Blue Buffalo 

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Amazing value for money!
• All dog food formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies, and fruits
• Packed with calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins for strong teeth & bones
• Added glucosamine for optimal bone and joint health
• Supports the immune system with added vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants
• No added wheat, soy, corn, or chicken byproducts
• L-carnitine that burns fat while preserving strong and lean muscles
• Added omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and perfect coat

CONS

• It may not be suitable for dogs with serious food sensitivities or allergies 
• The added brown rice and sweet potatoes are not ideal for overweight or diabetic dogs

Why you should trust us

Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet’s health and happiness. But with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to know which dog food is the best for your pet. This is where we come in. To help you find the best dog food for your pet, we follow a strict set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and extensive personal experience.

Specifically, we examine all the following when reviewing dog food:

• Nutritional balance
• Ingredients quality
• Absence of fillers and artificial additives
• Meat meal vs fresh meat
• Digestibility
• Allergens consideration
• Life stage suitability
• Transparency and sourcing
• Health benefits and special considerations
• Customer feedback and reviews
• Price and value
• Recall history and safety

VIDEO: Everything you need to know about Bernedoodles

What to consider when buying dog food for Bernedoodle

Feeding your Bernedoodle the right food is critical to your dog’s health. 

As a medium-large breed, Bernedoodle has very specific nutritional needs. 

Here are the most important factors you should consider when buying dog food for your Bernedoodle: 

• Age
• Activity level
• Health

Bernedoodle has very specific nutritional needs at different stages of its life. 

Puppy 

Bernedoodle puppy requires a diet:

• High in calories (for healthy growth)
• High protein count of at least 22% (for healthy development)
• A balanced calcium and phosphorus content (for healthy bone growth)
• Added DHA (component in omega-3 fatty acid) for optimal brain development

Yes, a puppy grows and develops much faster than an adult dog.

This is why your Bernedoodle puppy needs more of the good stuff.   

But of course don’t overdo it!

Make sure your Bernedoodle puppy doesn’t get too much of certain ingredients (especially calcium), as these can cause problems when consumed in excess. 

We recommend that you feed your Bernedoodle puppy food that is specifically designed for puppies. This will ensure your furry cutie receives all the necessary nutrients it needs at the puppyhood stage. 

Adult 

An adult Bernedoodle requires a diet:

• Moderate in calories and protein (for healthy weight and to prevent obesity)
• A balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (for optimal health and energy)
• Protein count between 18% to 26%, depending on your dog’s activity level

Senior 

A senior Bernedoodle requires a diet:

• Lower in calories and fat (to maintain a healthy weight)
• Higher in fiber (for optimal digestion)
• Added joint supplements (for improved mobility and healthy joints)
• Packed with minerals, vitamins, antioxidants (to boost the weakening immune system)

You should slowly transition your Bernedoodle to senior dog food at around eight year old. 

Bernedoodles are well known for their playful and energetic nature. 

We totally agree with this statement! 

One of our team members has an adorable Bernedoodle (Sparky). We see Sparky so often that we call it “our Sparky” or “our Bernedoodle”.

And yes, our Bernedoodle never stays still.   

Such an active nature requires a diet packed with high-quality proteins, balanced fats, and complex carbohydrates.  

• Proteins will ensure a proper muscle development and repair
• Balanced fats will provide your Bernedoodle with tons of concentrated energy
• Fats are also essential for healthy coat and skin
• Complex carbohydrates (slow-releasing carbs) will keep your dog’s energy stable throughout the day  

But avoid overfeeding your lively dog!

Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems. 

If your Bernedoodle gets hyperactive right after meals, try switching to dog food with animal-based protein as the first ingredient and with plenty of fiber to slow down sugar absorption.

Bernedoodles are in general healthy dogs. 

Still, Bernedoodles are prone to certain health issues. 

Some of these health problems are beyond our control. 

Luckily, some health risks can be minimized by feeding your Bernedoodle the right food.

Here are some of the most common health issues facing Bernedoodles. 

Food intolerances & allergies 

Certain ingredients in dog food can trigger food allergies or food intolerances in Bernedoodles. 

These conditions may present as dry and itchy skin, ears, or paws. 

Here are some of the most common allergens: beef, chicken, lamb, rabbit, pork, fish, dairy, wheat, egg, and soy. 

Eye conditions

Unfortunately, Bernedoodles are susceptible to hereditary eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. 

Note that both PRA and cataracts can result in blindness if not treated early.

Hip & elbow dysplasia

Bernedoodles are also at a relatively high risk of developing hip & elbow dysplasia.

In a dog with hip or elbow dysplasia, the joints don’t fit properly. Namely, the affected joints rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly. Unfortunately, this often results in further deterioration and an eventual loss of proper function of the joints. 

Note that there are ways to help a dog with hip and elbow dysplasia. We recommend dietary supplements, such as chondroitin and glucosamine. But make sure to consult your vet for advice tailored to your dog specifically.

Hypothyroidism

Bernedoodles are also at relatively high risk of developing hypothyroidism. 

In a dog with hypothyroidism, the thyroid produces insufficient amounts of the hormones involved in metabolism. This often leads to lethargy, hair loss, and weight gain. 

Sadly, a dog with hypothyroidism will need medication for the rest of its life. 

But note that your veterinarian can recommend specific foods that can help treat hypothyroidism symptoms.

For example, adding omega-3 fatty acids to a dog’s diet can prevent dry skin and coat problems that commonly occur in dogs suffering from hypothyroidism.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

Like many dogs, many Bernedoodles eat too fast. 

In fact, our Bernedoodle sometimes just swallows its food.

Unfortunately, eating too quickly can cause bloat. 

Bloat occurs when a dog’s stomach bloats and twists around itself. After the stomach twists, it quickly starts to fill with gas, leading to life-threatening bloat.

To prevent bloat, we sometimes add water to our Bernedoodle’s dry dog food. This nicely slows down our dog’s eating speed. This reduces the risk of bloat and other potential health issues. Slowing down the eating speed of your dog will also reduce the risk of diarrhea. 

Von Willebrand disease

Von Willebrand disease is a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in a blood clotting factor called Von Willebrand factor. 

A Bernedoodle with this disease will often suffer from excessive bleeding and bruising.

If your Bernedoodle suffers from Von Willebrand disease, avoid dog food containing ingredients that interfere with blood clotting, such as garlic and onions.

Addison’s disease

Unfortunately, Bernedoodles are also prone to Addison’s disease. 

In dogs with Addison’s disease, the body’s adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol (hormone). 

Here are the most common symptoms of Addison’s disease:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Increased thirst and urination
• Increased urination
• Weakness and sluggishness
• Clotting problems
• Depression

If your Bernedoodle suffers from Addison’s disease, look for dog food that contains adrenal glandular supplements or natural cortisol precursors. This will help support healthy hormone production.

Specific food qualities for Bernedoodles

Here are the most important qualities to look for in dog food for Bernedoodles. 

Avoid common allergens

Bernedoodles can develop allergies and food intolerances. 

So make sure to feed your Bernedoodle dog food that is free from common allergens, such as wheat, corn, beef, and chicken.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

We add omega-3 fatty acids (and omega-6) to the diet of our Bernedoodle. This helps our dog maintain healthy coat and skin. 

Omega-3 fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation in a dog. This can reduce the risk of developing eye issues. 

Omega-3 fatty acids will also support joint health of your Bernedoodle. This can be especially useful if your dog suffers from hip or elbow dysplasia. 

To ensure our Bernedoodle gets the required amount of omega-3 fatty acids, we feed our pup foods that contain salmon (and other fatty fish), flaxseed, and some plant oils.

Probiotics

Bernedoodles often have sensitive digestive systems. 

So make sure to look for foods that contain probiotics. 

Dog probiotics will support digestive health and strong immune system in your doggy.

Adding probiotics to the diet of your Bernedoodle will also help reduce immunological attacks and inflammatory responses to allergens.

So yes, talk to your vet to see if probiotic supplements can improve your pup’s digestive health. You can check here to see how long it takes for probiotics to work in dogs.

Digestibility

As mentioned above, Bernedoodles are prone to digestive issues. 

This is why you should look for dog food that is minimally processed. 

For example, we never feed our Bernedoodle lower-quality kibble, as it may contain artificial preservatives, cheap fillers, and other ingredients that dogs often struggle to digest. 

And remember that highly-processed foods can cause digestive upset in some dogs.

Joint care

As mentioned earlier, Bernedoodles are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. 

This is why we recommend that you look for dog food containing glucosamine and chondroitin. This is exactly what we do for our Bernedoodle.  

Both glucosamine and chondroitin will support joint health in your Bernedoodle. For example, glucosamine and chondroitin can alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis. 

Antioxidants

Make sure the diet of your Bernedoodle is packed with antioxidants. 

Antioxidants are great at supporting eye health, for example. 

For your information, Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant properties.

This is why we feed our Bernedoodle food containing carrots, spinach, and berries. 

Iodine

As mentioned earlier, Bernedoodles are prone to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid produces insufficient amounts of the hormones involved in metabolism.

To promote healthy thyroid function, look for dog food containing ingredients high in iodine. Fish is a good source of iodine, for example. 

As always, talk to your vet if you’re considering adding any supplements to your dog’s diet.  

Vitamin K

While Vitamin K won’t alleviate symptoms of Von Willebrand’s disease (disorder that affects the blood’s clotting ability), Vitamin K plays an important role in the blood clotting processes.

Balanced electrolytes

If your Bernedoodle suffers from Addison’s disease, avoid too much potassium and sodium in your dog’s diet. 

This is because dogs with Addison’s disease often have imbalances in electrolyte levels, especially potassium and sodium. 

What ingredients to avoid

Avoid these ingredients in your Bernedoodle’s diet.

Meat byproducts

Low-quality meat byproducts usually come from slaughterhouse leftovers, which may include ingredients like blood, brains, and chicken feet. 

As you can guess, such meat byproducts are a poor source of protein. They may also contain diseases. 

So yes, avoid low-quality meat byproducts in your dog’s diet.  

But meat byproducts are not always bad. 

For example, meat byproducts such as heart and liver are quality offal. Both heart and liver come with tons of protein and vitamins. 

Still, remember that your Bernedoodle’s diet shouldn’t contain more than 10% quality offal. This is because heart and liver are very rich.  

Fillers 

Avoid fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy in your dog’s diet. 

These fillers will provide very little nutritional value to your Bernedoodle. 

Also, your dog may struggle processing these fillers. This may lead to gastrointestinal issues and even life-threatening bloat. 

But it’s also worth noting that some dog brands state that wheat, corn, and soy are fine in small amounts.

Rendered fat

Dog food brands often use rendered fat to add flavor to dog food. 

Unfortunately, rendered fat contains heavy metal toxins and potentially harmful microorganisms. 

Furthermore, rendered fat can contribute to the growth of mold or harmful bacteria in dog food. All this can make your Bernedoodle very sick.

Artificial preservatives & food colorings

The following artificial preservatives can cause allergic reactions in your Bernedoodle:

• BHA
• BHT
• Ethoxyquin

These food colorings can cause cancer in dogs: 

• Red 3 and 40
• Yellow 5 and 6 

And these food colorings can cause hypersensitivity reactions in dogs: 

• Blue 1
• Red 40
• Yellow 5 and 6 

So yes, consider replacing artificial additives with natural ingredients whenever you can.

Toxic

These foods are toxic to dogs:  

• Chocolate
• Garlic & onions
• Grapes & raisins
• Tropical fruits and nuts (Macadamia nuts, cashews, papayas, and mangoes)
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener used in sugar-free candy and gum)

Best dog food for Bernedoodles (2024) – CONCLUSION

As shown in this article, the best dog food for Bernedoodles in 2024 is The Farmer’s Dog.

But this article also helped you find the best food for your Bernedoodle specifically.

Just check our below top picks to find the right food for your Bernedoodle:

• Best overall: The Farmers’s Dog
• Best for puppies: Open Farm
• Best for seniors: Orijen
• Best dry food: Spot & Tango
• Best wet food: JustFoodForDogs
• Best for sensitive stomach: Hill’s
• Best for allergies: Royal Canin
• Best grain-free: Open Farm
• Best raw food: Instinct
• Best value: Blue Buffalo

Our team wishes your Bernedoodle a good appetite!