While many people have fallen in love with the adorable depictions of St. Bernard dogs on television and in movies – gentle giants who rescue lost alpine hikers with barrels of brandy tied around their necks – few realize the fascinating history and unique needs of these majestic creatures. The St. Bernard origins trace back to the Swiss Alps, where these muscular dogs were bred by monks as rescue dogs that could weather the freezing and treacherous mountain terrain. Today, St. Bernards are loved by many, not just for their impressive size and strength, but also their gentle, loving personality and loyalty to their families.
As a St. Bernard owner, you’ve likely marveled at your furry friend’s enormous appetite. You look at that giant, slobbery mouth and wonder, “Does my St. Bernard need special dog food?”
Contrary to popular belief, St. Bernards don’t need any specific brand or type of dog food because of their breed. However, they do have unique dietary requirements compared to smaller breeds because of their large size and active nature.
St. Bernards are known for their hearty appetites. Yet, feeding a St. Bernard is not as simple as just filling up their bowl with whatever dog food is on sale at the supermarket. Their dietary needs are unique and if not met, can lead to health issues such as obesity, bloat, and heart problems.
The critical factor is ensuring that your St. Bernard gets a balanced and nutritious diet. This breed requires a higher calorie intake than smaller dogs due to their size. However, more food doesn’t necessarily mean more health – it’s all about quality over quantity. What goes into your dog’s bowl should be packed with high-quality nutrition, including a good balance of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
As a rule of thumb, St. Bernard puppies require about 1,500 to 2,500 calories daily, while the adults need between 2,000 and 2,500. Less active, older St. Bernards may require fewer calories. These figures may vary based on activity level, age, and overall health condition.
A high-protein diet should be at the core of your St. Bernard’s nutritional plan. This will help fuel their muscles and keep them strong, as their job (in the past) involved lots of heavy pulling and carrying. It’s also key to maintaining their higher energy requirements. Look for a dog food that lists real meat — such as chicken, beef, fish, or lamb — as the first ingredient.
St. Bernards also benefit from a diet rich in healthy fats, particularly Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy coat, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall good health. Try to find dog food brands with ingredients like fish oil, flaxseed, and canola oil.
Of equal importance are complex carbohydrates, which help keep your dog’s energy levels steady throughout the day. Brown rice, barley, and sweet potatoes are all fantastic sources of complex carbohydrates.
That said, while considering all these nutritional elements, it’s also crucially important that your St. Bernard doesn’t overeat. This breed has a tendency toward obesity if not monitored properly – a serious issue that can lead to joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease.
One way to prevent overfeeding your St. Bernard is to stick to scheduled feedings. Instead of leaving food out all day, establish one or two set meal times each day. This can also help minimize their risk of developing gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, which is a potentially life-threatening condition common in large dogs with deep chests like the St. Bernard.
Providing your St. Bernard with the right kind of food in the proper amount is an achievable goal, especially when supported by advice from your vet and perhaps a little trial-and-error at home. And remember, good nutrition is an investment in your dog’s health and longevity, and odds are, the happier and healthier your St. Bernard is, the happier you’ll be too!
