Best Dog Food For St. Bernards

Are you looking for the best food for St. Bernard dogs? This giant breed requires a high-calorie and high-protein diet. But they can gain weight quickly, so fat content must be low or moderate to avoid that. 

Our top choice is Farmina Medium & Maxi Adult Grain-Free dry dog food. 

It provides wild boar for 34% Crude Protein and is low-glycemic to make digestion easy. While it’s higher in fat, it’s full of amino acids to support energy production and joint health.

Plus, the kibble size is perfect for dogs with giant jaws and keeps them from inhaling their food. 

And we have other food options to keep your dog healthy, too — from puppyhood to their senior years.

Our Top Picks for St. Bernards  

• Best Overall — Farmina Medium & Maxi Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 
• Best Budget Food — American Journey Active Life Dry Dog Food 
• Best Premium Food — Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food
• Best for Puppies — Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
• Best for Seniors — Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food
• Best Wet Food — Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Canned Dog Food
• Best for Allergies — FirstMate Large Breed Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food 
• Best for Weight Loss — Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Large Breed Food
• Best for Joint Health — Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Mobility Large Breed Food 
• Best Fresh Food — Ollie Dog Food 

10 Best Dog Foods for St. Bernards Reviewed

The dog foods listed below meet the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. Before switching your dog’s food, please consult with your veterinarian. 

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1 Farmina Medium & Maxi Adult Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Boar, Dehydrated Boar, Sweet Potatoes, Deboned Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken
• Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 2.6% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 431 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Low-Glycemic; Non-GMO
• Life Stage: Adult
• Key Feature: High-protein dry dog food with limited carbohydrates for giant breed dogs

This formula is high in protein and fat for most adult St. Bernards. It also includes low-glycemic and complex carbohydrates to aid in digestion. 

It offers calorie-dense food at 431 kcal/cup that fits most adult dogs’ needs. This comes from the 70% protein content the food offers, from sources like wild boar and deboned chicken.   

With 18% Crude Fat, it’s higher in fat than is typically recommended for adult St. Bernards. But chicken fat and herring oil provide omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 essential fatty acids. These aid in cognitive function, skin health, and healthy joints.  

Instead of grains, this recipe includes pea fiber, dried carrots, and alfalfa meal. These easy-to-digest carbohydrates provide prebiotics for regular digestion and to keep your pup full. 

Canine owners say this food is great for picky eaters. But some note that it’s not an excellent option for dogs who need a healthier diet higher in fiber.

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2 American Journey Active Life Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran
• Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 332 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: High-Fiber; With Grain, No wheat, corn, or soy
• Life Stage: All Life Stages
• Key Feature: Budget-friendly dry dog food high in antioxidants for immune health 

This recipe offers budget-conscious owners high-quality ingredients and high fiber content for gut health. 

With 24% Crude Protein and 332 kcal/cup, it is on the low end of what’s recommended for adult St. Bernards. But even as affordable dog food, it offers real animal proteins like deboned chicken. 

These proteins are easy to digest for most pups — and provide taurine for a strong and healthy heart.  

This is a grain-inclusive formula. The whole grains include brown rice, oatmeal, and barley, which provide essential nutrients like B vitamins and magnesium. These aid in energy production and metabolic health. 

Pet parents say this food is easier on the wallet but still keeps their dog’s tummy happy. But some say you should skip this food if you have a picky pup.

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3 Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: De-Boned Turkey, Whole Dried Egg, Potatoes, Peas, Potato Flour
• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 393 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Grain-Free; Chicken-Free, No wheat, corn, or soy
• Life Stage: Adult
• Key Feature: Chicken-free premium dog food with probiotics for digestive health 

This large and giant breed dog food offers a high-protein and high-quality diet without chicken for dogs allergic to it. 

It is lower in calories, offering 393 kcal/cup, so it may require more significant portions. But it falls in the perfect range of protein and fat, delivering 27% and 13% respectively.

Deboned turkey, salmon, and duck offer just as much glucosamine and chondroitin as chicken — aiding in flexible and limber joints. 

This grain-free recipe offers potatoes, peas, and pumpkin instead. These healthy vegetables still provide prebiotic fiber for easier digestion. And pumpkin is high in beta-carotene, which can aid eye health.

Superfoods like cranberries, pomegranate, ginger, turmeric, and green tea extract provide antioxidants and vitamin C for immune health. Plus, some are anti-inflammatory and essential for large dogs like St. Bernards. 

Dog parents love that this food has larger kibble to avoid their dog eating too fast. But some say they wish they could buy the food in a larger bag, especially when they have multiple pups. 

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4 Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Wheat, Chicken Fat
• Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 3.7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 357 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Grain-Inclusive; High-Protein
• Life Stage: Puppy
• Key Feature: High-protein dry puppy food with DHA and larger kibble size for growth

This formula is exclusive to puppies and provides them with high-protein and moderate-fat content to support healthy growth. 

This recipe starts with chicken and chicken by-product meal. While by-product is usually best avoided, this formula sources them from chicken bones, feet, and organs. This provides iron and B vitamins for energy support.

With 14% Crude Fat, this food is packed with omega fatty acids and vitamin E to support growing joints and coat health. And it contains DHA, which is essential in developing brains.  

Some ingredients like whole-grain corn, wheat, and rice may be difficult for some pups to digest. But if your furry friend can handle them, they offer fiber and beta-carotene for digestive and immune system health. 

Owners notice that their puppies grow healthy and have plenty of energy with this food. But some had to switch due to allergic reactions to the grains. 

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5 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 343 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Grain-Inclusive; High-Fiber
• Life Stage: Senior 
• Key Feature: Low-fat and low-calorie senior dry dog food 

This low-fat and low-calorie dog food is excellent for senior dogs who have slower metabolisms. 

With 343 kcal/cup, this easy-to-digest formula keeps your dog’s weight in check. And it contains deboned chicken and chicken meal, which offer taurine and glucosamine to aid in joint support and heart health.

It’s important to note that this is low-protein dog food, offering 20% Crude Protein. For large breed dogs, it’s recommended to provide at least 25%. Senior dogs may be able to get away with less due to decreased activity but talk to your vet about this before choosing this option. 

This recipe supplements probiotics for aging digestive systems too. These offer good gut bacteria to fight against potentially harmful bacteria and keep the digestive tract clean. 

Senior dog owners appreciate that the kibble size is slightly smaller and easy to eat for dogs with fewer teeth. But many say that for picky canines, you’ll need to add broth or a topper. 

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6 Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Canned Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Water, Beef, Liver, Wheat Gluten, Chicken
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 9% Crude Protein, 2% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 309 kcal/can
• Type of Product: Grain-Inclusive; High-Protein
• Food Texture: Chunks in Gravy
• Life Stage: Adult
• Key Feature: High-protein wet dog food for dogs over 50 pounds

This wet dog food is high in protein and a decent option for picky dogs and those who need softer food. 

This formula contains real beef, beef liver, and chicken. These provide 9% Crude Protein when measured on a wet matter basis. When compared to dry food, that’s about 36% protein. 

Rice and wheat gluten are the only grains included in this recipe. They provide easy-to-digest carbohydrates and minerals like zinc and magnesium. These boost immune system health and thyroid function. 

Most vets don’t recommend canned food exclusively for large breeds since they’ll require a few cans per meal. But this is an excellent choice as a topper or special dinner. You can also mix it with dry food to make the kibble easier to eat.

Pet parents say their dogs slurp the gravy and love it when the food is added as a topper. But they hate the smell and say it can cause stinky farts.

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7 FirstMate Large Breed Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Potato, Pacific Ocean Fish Meal, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat
• Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 8% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 500 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Limited Ingredient Diet; Pea-Free; Grain-Free
• Life Stage: All Life Stages
• Key Feature: High-calorie and limited ingredient diet for dogs with allergies 

This formula contains six simple ingredients (not including vitamins and minerals) for dogs with food allergies. 

Instead of common protein allergens like beef and chicken, this dog food provides ocean fish meal. However, if your dog is super sensitive, the included chicken fat may cause a reaction. 

The ocean fish meal provides 25% Crude Protein for muscle maintenance and growth. And it’s packed with omega fatty acids and EPA for joint and brain health. 

This high-fiber and high-quality diet is grain-free. Instead, it contains potatoes and tomato pomace. These are gentle on the stomach and provide prebiotics to keep your dog regular. 

Dog moms and dads say this is the only food that doesn’t cause allergic reactions in their dogs. But some note that the high fiber content can make your pup “extra” regular.

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8 Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Large Breed Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Rice Bran, Split Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 22% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 11% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 245 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: High-Fiber; Human-Grade
• Life Stage: Adult
• Key Feature: Low-calorie and low-fat dry dog food to encourage weight loss 

This low-calorie dog food contains moderate protein and is low in fat to help your dog lose weight and build lean muscle. 

It provides 11% Crude Fiber from rice bran, split peas, and whole-grain brown rice. These provide prebiotics for healthy digestion. But they also contain viscous fiber, which can keep your pup satisfied and keep them from overeating. 

This formula is also low in fat, offering just 10% Crude Fat. While this still provides your canine with energy, it can help them avoid weight gain. 

With ingredients like chicken fat and chia seeds, it also provides vitamin E and omega-3 essential acids for skin and coat health. 

Dog parents love that this food is free of GMOs, and many note that their dogs did lose weight. But they wish the food was slightly higher in protein to aid in building more muscle. 

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9 Hill’s Science Diet Healthy Mobility Large Breed Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brown Rice, Whole Grain Wheat
• Guaranteed Analysis: 28% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 367 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Grain-Inclusive; High-Protein
• Life Stage: Adult
• Key Feature: High-protein dry dog food with healthy fats to support mobility 

This formula contains healthy fats and is high in protein to protect muscles and joints to keep them limber and strong. 

It provides chicken meal as the first ingredient. This offers 28% of high-quality protein to build lean muscle mass. And it’s packed with glucosamine, chondroitin, and l-carnitine. These work as building blocks for healthy cartilage and joints.

Fish oil contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These lubricate joints to aid in flexibility and mobility. 

While fats are essential for movement, a healthy immune system can keep your dog energetic. This food provides carrots, cranberries, and broccoli for vitamin C and antioxidants that boost immune function. 

Canine owners appreciate the large kibble size and say their pups have much more energy since switching. But they say it tends to get crunchy and stale fast. 

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10 Ollie Turkey Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Kale, Lentils, Carrots, Coconut Oil
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 11% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 75% Moisture
• Caloric Content: Varies 
• Type of Product: High-Protein; Human-Grade
• Life Stage: All Life Stages
• Key Feature: Customizable and fresh dog food for St. Bernards

A human-grade dog food like Ollie can provide your dog with what they need nutritionally, without ingredients they don’t. They’ll customize a diet plan based on the questionnaire you fill out for your dog. 

While this brand offers four protein options, their turkey protein formula is an excellent option for dogs allergic to beef and chicken. Plus, it’s high in protein and fat to aid in energy.

For healthy fats, this food contains coconut oil and cod liver oil. These provide 28% Crude Fat, which may be too much for dogs who are sedentary — it can make them gain weight. 

Instead of grains, kale and lentils provide soluble fiber to keep your dog regular. And kale is high in vitamin A, C, and potassium for eye health, immunity, and bone strength. 

Pet parents love that they can customize this food for their dogs and get the exact amount of nutrients they need. But many hate how they have to have a separate fridge or freezer for storage.

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How to Choose Food for Your St. Bernard

When choosing dog food for your St. Bernard, here’s what to look for. 

High Protein 

A diet with 25% Crude Protein or more per serving works well with St. Bernard dogs. The protein content helps build and repair muscles that help keep your pup in tip-top shape. 

Plus, most protein options — including beef, fish, and chicken, and meat meals to name a few — contain taurine, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These nutrients are essential for heart and joint health.

Healthy Fats 

Fats play a vital role in your dog’s diet — they provide them with energy.

Healthy fats from animal protein, meat meals, salmon oil, and flaxseed oil provide omega fatty acids for joint health, a healthy coat, and cognitive functioning.

However, to avoid extensive weight gain, a common issue for many St. Bernards, aim for food that offers 12% to 15% Crude Fat. 

Carbohydrates and Fiber

Carbohydrates are the perfect addition to dog food for prebiotic fiber and nutrients like vitamin A and magnesium. These aid in gut health, strong eyes, and metabolic support. And prebiotic fiber also keeps constipation and diarrhea away. 

But, be sure to choose easily digestible carbohydrates sources. Brown rice, oats, barley, and sweet potatoes are excellent. And if your dog needs a grain-free diet, focus on carbohydrates from peas, potatoes, and corn.

Vitamins and Minerals

Most commercial dog foods have the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals that your dog needs.

But vitamins and minerals like vitamins B, C, D, and E, plus calcium and potassium, are crucial for St. Bernards. 

These vitamins aid in energy production, immune function, and keep the skin clear and coat shiny. And vitamin D, calcium, and potassium are essential for giant breed dogs to keep healthy bones and avoid them becoming brittle and weak over time due to the dog’s size.

Ingredients To Avoid

Commercial dog foods are getting safer for dogs to eat since more research has come out recently about what to avoid feeding your pet. 

While some additives can help preserve the food and fill up your furry friend, there are a few ingredients to avoid whenever possible. These include;

• BHA and BHT 
• Artificial colors 
• Artificial flavors 
• Corn syrup 
• Melamine 
• MSG 

These fillers can cause minor symptoms like tummy upset or dry and itchy skin. But others, like BHA and melamine, can cause kidney problems, liver issues, cancer, and even death in extreme cases. 

Feeding Guide and Nutritional Needs

How much food do St. Bernards need?

Because they are a large breed and prone to problems with their weight and joints, they’ll require a high protein diet. Aim for at least 25% protein, although up to 35% is okay.

Because these canines can gain weight quickly, which causes joint and bone stress, keep fat under 15% unless your dog is active or under 18 months old.

Here’s how much they’ll need to eat.

Puppy

Puppies will need about 30 calories per pound that they will weigh in adulthood. St. Bernards average at about 120 pounds, so a puppy would need about 3,600 calories per day.

This should be split between three and five meals. Puppies should also eat a puppy-specific formula until they’re at least 12 months old.

Adult

In adulthood, you can keep your dog’s calories at 30 calories per pound if they work. If they live a sedentary lifestyle, lower this to about 25 calories per pound.

At the average size of 120 pounds, a less active dog would eat about 2,500 calories a day. These calories should be split between two meals, once in the morning and once at night. 

Seniors

Senior dogs should eat even less, around 20 to 22 calories per pound, unless they’re active. This is to help avoid weight gain during their later years. They can still be fed twice a day. 

Since St. Bernards are a large breed dog, their lifespan is shorter than those of small dogs. Because of this, they reach adulthood and their senior years fast. 

You can switch your pup to adult food between 10 and 12 months. They reach seniorhood at around six years old, so you can switch to a senior formula by that age. Talk to your vet before changing since they may request switching faster or later.

Daily Amount of Food 

Be sure to read the feeding instructions on any dog food you choose — they will typically have a chart on how much to feed your canine based on their age and weight. However, most St. Bernards will fall under the following categories. 

Age	Serving Size
Under 3 Months	2 cups, supplemented by mother’s milk
3 Months – 4 Months	3 cups
4 Months – 6 Months	3-4 cups
6 Months – 1 Year	5-7 cups
1 Year – 5 Years	8-9 cups
6+ Years	4-6 cups

Health Problems in St. Bernards

St. Bernards are prone to problems that revolve around their size and weight. Because of this, it will be essential to keep your dog at the proper size and keep them active. But there are other health problems that they can be prone to. Here’s what you need to know. 

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Like most large breeds, St. Bernards can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia — especially as they age. 

Hip and elbow dysplasia happens when the hip bone or elbow socket dislocates, and the bones rub against each other. This can cause extreme pain and lameness. 

While this is usually caused by excess weight, it can also happen if your pup doesn’t have the proper nutrition during the first 12 months of their life. 

To prevent this, feed them high-quality food with moderate fat content and omega fatty acids. These protect joint health. And exercise with your dog for at least 30 minutes a day.

Weight Control/Obesity 

It’s easy for this giant breed to pack on the pounds. But lack of weight control can cause other health issues, including heart disease, hip dysplasia, and digestive problems. 

To keep your pup at a healthy weight level, feed them the correct amount of food and calories according to their size. If they need to lose weight, talk to your vet about the appropriate diet and calorie amount they will need. 

Also, keep your dog active. Daily walks, playing in the yard, and even swimming 20 to 30 minutes daily can keep the pounds off.

Bloat

Bloat, also known as Gastric Dilation Volvulus (or GDV), is when a dog’s stomach fills up with air or fluids. Their stomach will then fold and twist itself, which causes issues with digestion and the other organs around it. 

Symptoms of bloat include a more pronounced belly, excessive gas, vomiting, and whining after eating. Extreme cases can cause death if not treated right away.

Any food can cause bloat, but feeding smaller meals and encouraging slow eating can keep it at bay. In some cases, you may want to switch your dog’s bowl to a slow bowl so they aren’t tempted to wolf down their food.

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer that is most commonly associated with giant breed dogs. While there aren’t any known direct causes, genetics may play a part. 

This cancer is aggressive, so it must be found early to give your pup a better chance of beating it. Common signs include swelling and lameness in the joint areas. 

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are treatment options, and the tumor may be removed if found early enough. While diet won’t cover treatment, it can be an added benefit. Choose a food high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and vitamin D when possible. These help boost immunity and bone health.

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is a hormonal disease where the body attacks the outer layer of the adrenal glands. This is caused by the lack of cortisol. It’s typically genetic and is common in female dogs. 

Common symptoms include; 

• Excessive thirst and potty breaks
• Strong pee odors
• Panting
• Rashes on the skin

This disease requires medication and treatment, like hormone replacement therapy. But a diet rich in healthy fats and slightly more sodium can be beneficial since they’ll aid in cortisol production. 

Our Verdict

Due to their caloric needs and size, St. Bernards do well with a formula high in protein and calories. 

We recommend Farmina Medium & Maxi Adult Grain-Free dry dog food. It offers the highest calorie amount per cup on the list and starts with real animal protein to protect muscle health. 

While the other foods on this list are excellent choices, this is our favorite for St. Bernard adults.