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What’s the best dog food for Bernedoodles?
Bernedoodles, like any other dog, have specific dietary needs to ensure they stay healthy and active. As a mixed breed of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle, they can have varying sizes and activity levels, so their food requirements may differ.
Here are some guidelines for choosing the best food for Bernedoodles:
Look for commercially available dog foods that are labeled as “complete and balanced” to ensure they meet all the essential nutrients your Bernedoodle needs. Choose products with real meat (e.g., chicken, beef, or fish) listed as the first ingredient.
Dogs need protein for muscle development and overall health. Look for dog foods with a good source of animal-based protein, which is crucial for a Bernedoodle’s active lifestyle.
Fats provide a concentrated source of energy and are essential for maintaining a healthy coat and skin. Look for foods with moderate levels of healthy fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Carbohydrates from whole grains and vegetables can provide a source of energy for your Bernedoodle. Avoid dog foods with excessive amounts of fillers like corn, soy, and wheat.
Try to steer clear of dog foods with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, as these may not be beneficial for your pet’s health.
Depending on whether your Bernedoodle is a puppy, adult, or senior, their nutritional needs will vary. Ensure you choose a formula suitable for their life stage.
Some Bernedoodles may have food sensitivities or allergies. If you notice any adverse reactions or digestive issues after feeding a certain type of food, consult your vet to identify the culprit.
Obesity can be an issue in some Bernedoodles, especially if they have a more sedentary lifestyle. Monitor their portion sizes and adjust as needed to maintain a healthy weight.
Remember, each dog is an individual, and their nutritional requirements may vary. It’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to create a personalized and balanced diet plan for your Bernedoodle based on their specific needs and characteristics.
On the list below…
You’ll find The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog and puppy foods for Bernedoodles.
You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Bernedoodles.
Best Dog Food for Bernedoodles January 2025
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Bernedoodles for January 2025.
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Best Dry Dog Food For Bernedoodles
Redbarn Chicken Recipe
Made with 85% chicken, this air dried recipe from Redbarn has been slow-cooked to retain more nutrition, perfect for Bernedoodles, helping to sustain energy levels and support muscle development.
This particular recipe is one of five included in our review of the Redbarn Air Dried product line. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 51.1% protein, 26.1% fat and 14.7% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 51%.
Redbarn Air Dried Chicken is complete and balanced with a blend of wholesome ingredients including salmon oil, flaxseed and vitamins and minerals — we highly recommend it as a dry food choice for your Bernedoodle.
Read our review of the full Redbarn Air Dried Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Packed with chicken
- Can be used as a full meal or topper
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO
Main Ingredients Chicken, flaxseed, dicalcium phosphate, salmon oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), salt Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 51.1% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Bernedoodles Sample buyer review...
"My dog is the pickiest dog ever. I tried many brands, expensive and cheap, and been purchasing a lot of food air-dried, fresh, kibble but nothing worked for her. Then I saw Redbarn and said 'this is the last thing I'm gonna try'. It's the best decision I have ever made. She eats it like it's a treat — literally worth the money."
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Best Wet Dog Food For Bernedoodles
Weruva Amazon Livin' Chicken & Chicken Liver
Weruva Amazon Livin’ Chicken & Chicken Liver is a natural canned dog food which contains boneless, skinless, white chicken breast with chunks of chicken liver and sweet potatoes in a pumpkin gravy.
It is one of 14 recipes included in our review of the Weruva wet product line and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 57.1% protein, 10% fat and 24.9% estimated carbs… and a fat-to-protein ratio of about 18%.
All of Weruva’s dog food formulas focus on high-quality protein, minimal carbs and a high moisture content. This recipe is grain-free, gluten-free and carrageenan-free, so is also ideal for Bernedoodles with allergies.
Read our review of the full Weruva Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Grain-free, gluten-free and carrageenan-free
- High moisture content
- Super-high protein
Main Ingredients Chicken, water sufficient for processing, chicken liver, pumpkin & sweet potato Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 57.1% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Bernedoodles Sample buyer review...
"You can see the shredded chicken. My dog loves this and she’s quite fussy about her food. In fact she won’t touch chicken flavors from most brands but she LOVES this!"
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Best Fresh Dog Food For Bernedoodles
Ollie Beef & Sweet Potato
Ollie Beef & Sweet Potato recipe provides Bernedoodles, of all ages, with the essential nutrients they need to sustain energy throughout the day.
Made from 100% human grade ingredients, this recipe also includes sweet potato, which offer fiber to supports digestion, spinach, chickpeas and peas.
The formula is one of five recipes included in our review of the Ollie fresh product line. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 23.3% fat and 38.7% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
Bernedoodles are a mixed breed with specific dietary needs to support their energy, coat health, and potential sensitivities. Ollie Beef & Sweet Potato provides a wholesome, balanced, and fresh diet that checks all the boxes for a healthy and happy Bernedoodle.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Protein from beef
- Beef-based amino acids
- 100% human-grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Beef, peas, sweet potatoes, potatoes & carrots Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Bernedoodles Sample buyer review...
"As a puppy Charlie was he pickiest eater and eventually started losing weight. We tried every brand of dry dog food and nothing worked. The first time he tried Ollie he was hooked. He started gaining weight and was eager for his mealtimes. Five years later, mealtimes are still his favorite. At almost six, Ollie keeps him looking young, a proper weight and with the energy of a puppy."
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Best Dog Food For Bernedoodle Puppies
Spot & Tango Turkey & Quinoa
This dog food is ideally suited to Bernedoodle puppies due to the high level of turkey-based protein and abundance of nutrients from ingredients such as spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, quinoa, and apples.
Spot & Tango Fresh Turkey & Red Quinoa food is one of three recipes included in our review of this product line. It derives most of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43.5% protein, 18.7% fat and 29.8% estimated carbs, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
Bernedoodle puppies are active, intelligent, and require tailored nutrition for their unique coat, energy levels, and developmental needs. Spot & Tango Fresh Turkey & Red Quinoa delivers balanced, whole-food nutrition to support their growth, while being gentle on their digestive system.
Read our review of the full Spot and Tango Fresh Dog Food (Wet) range here
Things we like
- High amount of protein
- Gently cooked at a low temperature
- Omega fatty acids
Main Ingredients Turkey, quinoa, spinach, carrots & peas Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 43.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Bernedoodles Sample buyer review...
"So far my puppy is loving this food! "
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Best Affordable Dog Food For Bernedoodles
Canidae All Life Stages Chicken Meal & Rice
Canidae All Life Stages Chicken Meal & Rice is a popular and affordable dog food, highly recommended for Bernedoodles by our nutritionist, Laura Ward.
Laura said: “This food sources the majority of its protein from chicken meal, a meat concentrate which contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken. Active Bernedoodles benefit from this high-protein content to sustain their energy and vitality.
“It is also rich in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids which promote a healthy coat and skin — important for Bernedoodles with their characteristic wavy or curly fur.”
This recipe is one of six included in our review of this product range. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28.9% protein, 15% fat and 48.1% estimated carbs, with a fat-to-protein ratio of around 52%.
Read our review of the full Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- All life stages
- Veterinarian-formulated
- 100% free of corn, wheat or soy
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, white rice, rice bran, cracked pearled barley, peas, chicken fat Type Grain-Inclusive Protein Percentage 28.9% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Bernedoodles Sample buyer review...
"My dog loves this food! Good price and fast delivery. "
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Best Dog Food For Bernedoodles With Allergies
Open Farm Grass Fed Beef
Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Grain-Free recipe is a nutrient-dense kibble which uses beef as the sole animal protein, making it ideal for Bernedoodles with allergies to common proteins such as chicken or lamb.
The formula is one of 11 recipes included in our review of the Open Farm grain-free dry product line. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28.9% protein, 16.7% fat and 46.4% estimated carbs, featuring a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
Many dogs with allergies have sensitivities to grains such as wheat, corn, or soy. This grain-free recipe eliminates these allergens while providing alternative carbohydrate sources like lentils, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Beef-based protein
- 100% traceable ingredients
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Beef, oats, ocean whitefish meal, millet & quinoa Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 28.9% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Bernedoodles Sample buyer review...
"Highly recommend it. My pup has lots of issues with allergies and so far this seems great. I am all about feeding her the best."
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Best Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food For Bernedoodles
pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Real Turkey Recipe
pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Real Turkey recipe delivers all the benefits of raw food to your Bernedoodle in a convenient, easy-to-serve freeze-dried format.
Packed with high-quality protein, this particular formula is one of three recipes included in our review of the pawTree freeze-dried product range.
The primary ingredient is turkey, a lean protein source, and dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 44.7% protein, 34% fat and 13.3% estimated carbs, and a fat-to-protein ratio of about 76%.
Bernedoodles are known for their energy, intelligence, and unique coat. PawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Real Turkey provides the balanced nutrition, digestibility, and skin and coat support they need to thrive. Its raw nutrition benefits and allergen-friendly formula make it a standout choice for ensuring your Bernedoodle’s health and happiness.
Read our review of the full pawTree Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food range here
Things we like
- High protein
- Convenient
- No fillers, by-products or non-GMO ingredients
Main Ingredients Turkey, turkey liver, turkey hearts, garbanzo beans, dried sweet potatoes, turkey bone broth, kale, apples Type Grain-Free Protein Percentage 44.7% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Bernedoodles Sample buyer review...
"This product exceeded my expectations as a pet parent and Miller "goes crazy" when I just show her the bag!! I have always know a Raw Diet for my dogs is the BEST, yet I wasn't willing to mess with the handling and storage of the raw products. Not to mention the cost of RAW food and the fear of contamination. When I heard about pawTree and the detailed testing done for contaminants, I was immediately sold on changing her diet! Thank you pawTree, I now know I am doing the BEST I can for Miller!!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Bernedoodles are a hybrid dog breed that results from crossing a Bernese Mountain Dog with a Poodle. This designer breed is known for its adorable appearance, friendly nature, and intelligence.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, gentle, and affectionate dogs, while Poodles are renowned for their intelligence and hypoallergenic coats. Combining these traits creates a popular and sought-after companion dog with a variety of desirable qualities.
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about Bernedoodles:
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Bernedoodles look like?
Bernedoodles often have a wavy or curly coat that can be either short or long, depending on whether they have more Poodle or Bernese Mountain Dog traits. Their coloration typically resembles that of the Bernese Mountain Dog, with a combination of black, white, and rust or tan markings.
Bernedoodles’ coats are typically low to non-shedding, thanks to the Poodle influence. However, grooming requirements can vary depending on the coat type. Regular brushing is necessary to prevent matting, and occasional professional grooming may be required.
How big are Bernedoodles?
The size of Bernedoodles can vary on the size of the Poodle used in the breeding process. They come in various sizes, including standard (large), miniature (medium-sized), and tiny (small).
What is the temperament of a Bernedoodle?
Bernedoodles are known for being friendly, affectionate, and sociable dogs. They usually get along well with children, other pets, and strangers, making them great family pets. Their intelligence and trainability also make them suitable for various dog sports and activities.
How much exercise does a Bernedoodle need?
Being a mix of two active breeds, Bernedoodles require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential to keep them physically and mentally engaged.
What health conditions can affect Bernedoodles?
Like all hybrid dogs, Bernedoodles can inherit genetic traits from both parent breeds. They may be prone to some of the health issues that affect Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, such as hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions. Responsible breeders perform health testing on their parent dogs to reduce the risk of passing on hereditary issues.
Final word
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