If you are considering adopting a St. Bernard breed dog, surely you are thinking about its diet. Being a huge dog, it is important to assess how much a Saint Bernard eats, since it is a fixed expense that we will have to be able to assume.
But it's not just about offering large amounts of food. In this article on our site, we are going to review the feeding characteristics of the Saint Bernard in the different stages of its life.
Daily amount of food for a Saint Bernard
The amount of food that a Saint Bernard has to eat per day is not a single figure, since will depend on different factorsThe first is the food we choose, since there are options such as feed, wet, dehydrated or homemade food.
In any case, dog food should contain animal protein as the first ingredient In commercial diets, it is better than this come from dehydrated meat, since the percentage indicated will be the one that appears in the final composition. On the contrary, fresh meat is reduced during processing, so there will be approximately half of what is declared.
But how much a Saint Bernard eats will also depend on the animal itself, since the amount must be adjusted to its vital circumstances. Thus, as we will see in the following sections, we cannot give the same amount of food to a puppy as to an adult, a pregnant bitch, an elderly or a sick dog. In addition, the daily physical activity carried out by each animal must be taken into account, as well as its weight.
Type of feeding of the Saint Bernard
With all these data we have to choose the type of menu that we will offer and determine the correct daily quantity. We can count on the advice of the veterinarian. In dogs of this size, dry food is usually the most used option. Each manufacturer will recommend an amount based on the dog's weight or activity. We can take it as a reference, but if the dog gains or loses weight, we will have to adjust it. It is important to find the ideal portion and maintain it to avoid problems of being overweight.
Of course, although it is a little more expensive, we recommend you opt for a natural dog food The reason is because commercial feed The cheaper ones tend to lack nutrients. This means that the dog does not feel full and eats very quickly and without stopping, which would be a problem both for the he alth of your pet and for your pocket. With natural feed, on the other hand, your dog will be satisfied with less quantity. Plus, you'll have a he althier dog with a nicer, shinier coat.
Home cooking for a Saint Bernard
Home cooking is a more problematic option, but if it's our choice, we can't just give him leftovers. Establishing a balanced menu is essential for the he alth of the Saint Bernard and a veterinarian specialized in nutrition should advise us on this. In any case, the amount and type of food will vary throughout the life of the dog.
How much does a Saint Bernard puppy eat?
The puppy stage is characterized by being a phase of rapid growth which, therefore, must be accompanied by a considerable amount of food, which is even greater than that consumed by an adult dogBut it's not just about quantity, quality is essential for proper and he althy growth.
Puppies begin to be offered solid food around four weeks of age, combined with their mother's milk. After two months, the puppies usually arrive at their new homes, already eating alone. Until approximately four, the daily ration should be distributed and offered in four feedings. From four to six they can be reduced to three and, from that age, to two.
St. Bernard puppy food
The feeding should be specific for puppies, as this will be the way to ensure that all their nutritional needs are met. As we have mentioned, the first ingredient has to be high-quality animal protein, accompanied by a moderate amount of fat, glucosamine and chondroitin to take care of the joints and a correct proportion of calcium and phosphorus.
It is recommended to include among the ingredients the so-called conjugated linoleic acid, which are essential fatty acids that reduce the percentage of body fat and increase protein levels.
When does a Saint Bernard stop growing?
In general, puppy food is fed during the first twelve months of life, but in the case of a giant breed such as the Saint Bernard, the growth stage is prolongedup to 18-24 months Although it is widely believed that puppies of these breeds need calcium supplements to grow properly, the truth is that this mineral must be present in sufficient quantity in the food we choose.
There is no need to routinely supplement and only the vet can prescribe this or other supplements. Nor should you give more food than scheduled. These puppies do not store excess calories as fat, but instead grow faster than their skeletons can handle. This causes bone problems
How much an adult Saint Bernard eats
The vet, depending on the growth of our Saint Bernard, can tell us when to leave the puppy food and move on to an adult menu. The daily ration can offered in two feedings or just one, depending on the dog's needs. Bear in mind that specimens of this breed are usually gluttonous, so offering two feedings can make them less anxious while waiting for food. Also, the smaller portions prevent gastric torsion in dogs. In any case, we have to respect the daily dose to avoid overweight problems.
Paying attention to the quality of the food and the contribution of proteins of animal origin continues to be essential for proper nutrition. Energy demand decreases by almost half in dogs with medium physical activity. Calcium and phosphorus needs are also reduced and the percentage of fat must continue to be controlled. Ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin are still necessary for joint care. For sterilized dogs there are specially formulated foods in which fats are reduced to prevent obesity. On the other hand, pregnant and lactating bitches will need the same food as puppies.
How much does an elderly Saint Bernard eat?
At this vital stage, which in this breed can begin around seven years of age, it is common for mobility problems to arise with greater incidence due to the great weight that the skeleton supports. It is not uncommon for joint diseases to appear. Food can contribute to maintaining he alth, counting among its ingredients, once again, with glucosamine and chondroitin. Also important antioxidants to delay, as much as possible, the effects of aging, including cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
There are foods specially formulated for this stage. In dog food, the size of the croquette is taken care of to encourage chewing, which can be made difficult by age. The amount of food may have to be reduced if the dog's daily physical activity decreases. Chronic diseases such as kidney failure can also make their appearance at this time. In this case, the food must be prescribed by the veterinarian and will be specific for sick dogs.
To get to know your dog better, you may be interested in knowing the most common diseases of the Saint Bernard.
