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10 Best Dog Foods for Bernedoodles – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Jessica Rossetti

By Jessica Rossetti

Adult brown and white bernedoodle dog laying on the grass outdoors

A Bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. These large dogs have high energy levels, so the food that they eat has to give them the nutrition that they need to stay active.

Since there are so many options on the market today, it can be tough to pick the food that will be best for your dog. Even if you find a food that looks good, you have to make sure your Bernedoodle thinks that it’s tasty enough to eat every day.

Here, we gathered reviews of the 10 best dog foods for Bernedoodles so you can see which one works to meet your dog’s needs. There’s also a buyer’s guide with tips to keep in mind when choosing a dog food.

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A Quick Glance at Our Favorites (2024 Update)

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe (Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service) The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe (Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service)
  • Made with quality ingredients
  • Recipes come labeled with the dog's name
  • Delivered right to your door
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Iams Adult Large Breed Dry Food Iams Adult Large Breed Dry Food
  • Made with real chicken
  • Includes glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Nutritionally complete for large dogs
  • Third place
    Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Food Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Food
  • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Promotes healthy digestion
  • Real chicken is the first ingredient
  • Best for Puppies
    Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Puppy Food Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Puppy Food
  • Contains probiotics for easy digestion
  • Protein from real animal sources
  • Low-glycemic grains won’t raise blood sugar
  • Best Overall
    Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials Dry Food Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials Dry Food
  • Enticing texture with shredded pieces
  • Contains live probiotics
  • Ideal fat-to-protein ratio for body maintenance
  • The 10 Best Dog Foods for Bernedoodles

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe (Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service) — Best Overall

    The Farmer's Dog fresh food turkey recipe in bowl being served to white dog

    Main ingredients: Turkey, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, spinach
    Protein content: 33%
    Fat content: 19%
    Calories: 562 per pound

    The best overall dog food for Bernedoodles is The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe. This is not ca food that you can find on your pet store’s shelves. It’s a delivery service that brings the food right to your door. The turkey recipe is only one option. You can also choose from chicken, beef, or pork to customize the recipe to your dog’s liking.

    This is a grain-free food made with whole ingredients. You can see the different vegetables in the food, including spinach, carrots, and broccoli. The food comes shipped to you frozen, so you’ll have to store the food in your freezer and transfer it to the fridge to thaw it before feeding. This can be time consuming but works well if you stick to a routine.

    If you’re feeding multiple dogs, you can choose different recipes. Each portion comes packaged with the designated dog’s name on it. The Farmer’s Dog can be more expensive than most other foods, but the quality and convenience of the subscription can make the price worthwhile.

    Pros
    • Made with quality ingredients
    • Recipes come labeled with the dog’s name
    • Delivered right to your door
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Takes up room in the freezer

    2. Iams Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food — Budget Buy

    Iams Adult Large Breed Real Chicken Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, ground whole-grain barley, ground whole-grain corn, ground whole-grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal
    Protein content: 22.5%
    Fat content: 12%
    Calories: 351 per cup

    The Iams Adult Large Breed Real Chicken Dry Dog Food is formulated for large breeds. Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient. This food also includes prebiotics for healthy digestion and immune system support. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added for joint health, which is important for large dogs. This nutritionally balanced food is the best dog food for Bernedoodles for the money.

    Corn is included in the recipe. While some pet owners feel that corn offers nothing in terms of nutrition, dogs that can tolerate grain may benefit from the energy-dense carbs and fiber. Some dog owners have reported that their dogs had severe gas and bloating after eating this food, which may mean they are sensitive to grains. Ask your vet whether a diet that includes grain is right for your dog.

    Pros
    • Made with real chicken
    • Includes glucosamine and chondroitin
    • Nutritionally complete for large dogs
    Cons
    • May cause bloating and gas in some dogs

    3. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food

    Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, turkey meal
    Protein content: 26%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 393 per cup

    With deboned chicken as the primary ingredient, Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food is well-balanced and a highly nutritious option for your Bernedoodle. It includes omega fatty acids for coat health and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints.

    In addition to the real meat in the recipe, brown rice and quinoa are added for healthy carbs and easy digestion. Over 80% of the protein in this recipe is from animal sources. For pups sensitive to poultry, there are flavor options available from this brand that use salmon and other fish-based proteins. This food contains no dyes or artificial preservatives.

    Pros
    • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
    • Promotes healthy digestion
    • Real chicken is the first ingredient
    Cons
    • Not suitable for dogs with poultry sensitivities

    4. Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Puppy Food – Best for Puppies

    Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Chicken, Oats, & Turkey Dry Puppy Food

    Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oats, barley, brown rice
    Protein content: 27%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 431 per cup

    For Bernedoodle puppies, one great option is the Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Chicken, Oats, & Turkey Dry Puppy Food. It uses deboned chicken and turkey for animal-based proteins and includes low-glycemic grains that won’t cause a spike in blood sugar.

    Omega fatty acids help puppies develop glistening, soft coats. Taurine is included for heart health, and probiotics are added for healthy digestion. The high protein in the food helps puppies grow strong, lean muscles and keep their energy up.

    This is an expensive option, but it offers high-quality nutrition for growing puppies. Some dog owners noticed a strange smell to the food that they didn’t like, and some of their dogs didn’t like it either.

    Pros
    • Contains probiotics for easy digestion
    • Protein from real animal sources
    • Low-glycemic grains won’t raise blood sugar
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Food may have a foul odor

    5. Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials Dog Food

    Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Beef, rice, whole-grain wheat, corn gluten meal, poultry by-product meal
    Protein content: 26%
    Fat content: 16%
    Calories: 360 per cup

    The Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Dry Dog Food includes live probiotics for digestive health. The food is made with a mix of dry kibble and tender, meaty pieces for a soft texture and enticing flavor.

    This food has an ideal fat-to-protein ratio that can help your dog stay active and maintain an ideal body weight. Vitamin A and omega fatty acids promote skin and coat health. While the flavor on the front of the bag says, “beef,” the recipe includes poultry, so this won’t be suitable for dogs that have poultry sensitivities.

    Some of the dry kibble in the bag can get crushed into dust before the bag is opened. This seems to be the biggest issue with this food.

    Pros
    • Enticing texture with shredded pieces
    • Contains live probiotics
    • Ideal fat-to-protein ratio for body maintenance
    Cons
    • Dry kibble crumbles into dust in the bag
    • Not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies

    6. Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Dry Dog Food

    Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients: Chicken, whole-grain brown rice, whole-grain sorghum, brewers rice, chicken meal
    Protein content: 20%
    Fat content: 12%
    Calories: 335 per cup

    Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food is formulated for large dogs and provides the balanced diet that they need. Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient and offers delicious protein for healthy muscle development.

    Low-fat carbs like brown rice and sorghum add to the easy digestibility of the food. Chondroitin and glucosamine provided through the addition of chicken meal help ensure that your dog maintains bone and joint health. All the essential vitamins and minerals add to your dog’s overall health and well-being.

    The kibble tends to be on the dry side and will crumble easily. There are also reports that the kibble has changed size recently, and now some dogs won’t eat it.

    Pros
    • Easily digestible
    • Promote healthy muscle development
    • Completely balanced and formulated for large dogs
    Cons
    • Kibble crumbles in the bag
    • Uses a new recipe that some dogs don’t like

    7. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    american journey large breed

    Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, chickpeas
    Protein content: 30%
    Fat content: 12%
    Calories: 370 per cup

    The American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dry Dog Food has deboned chicken as the first ingredient for healthy, high protein levels. This helps your dog maintain lean muscles and meets their craving for real meat.

    The fruits and vegetables in the recipe provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Kelp, blueberries, and carrots work to keep your dog’s immune system healthy and add fiber for easy digestion. Salmon oil and flaxseed offer omega fatty acids for coat, skin, brain, and eye health. Glucosamine and chondroitin keep joints moving easily.

    Some dog owners feel that the kibble size is too small for large breeds. Even though some dogs love this food, other picky eaters won’t eat it, no matter what. Also, it should be discussed first with your vet if your dog will benefit from a grain-free diet.

    Pros
    • Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
    • Fortified with fruits and vegetables for overall health
    • Easy on digestive systems
    Cons
    • Small kibble size
    • Some picky eaters won’t touch it

    8. Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food

    Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients:  Beef meal, grain sorghum, chicken fat, pork meal, chicken meal
    Protein content: 30%
    Fat content: 20%
    Calories: 406 per cup

    All dogs can enjoy Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus Dry Dog Food. It’s made for dogs of all life stages, including puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, and seniors. Since it provides a necessary balance of nutrients for all dogs, it’s a good option if you have multiple dogs to feed in your household.

    The meat protein in this food is made up of 88% beef, chicken, and pork meals. It’s an ideal food for dogs with high energy levels, like Bernedoodles. It can give them the energy that they need to support their physical demands.

    The food includes prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion. One issue is that some dogs don’t seem to like the taste of this food. They’ll consume it, and many dogs seem to do quite well on it, but they don’t seem excited to eat it.

    Pros
    • Made of 88% real meat ingredients
    • Promotes healthy energy levels
    • Nutritionally balanced
    Cons
    • Some dogs don’t love the flavor

    9. Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie Dry Dog Food

    Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients:  Water buffalo, pork, chicken meal, grain sorghum, millet
    Protein content: 32%
    Fat content: 18%
    Calories: 445 per cup

    The protein in Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie With Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is sourced from roasted bison, venison, pork, and chicken meal for bone and muscle health. In addition to the high protein content, this food is blended with vitamins and minerals from real fruits and ancient grains.

    K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics are included with antioxidants and prebiotics for healthy digestion and immune system health. The meats in this recipe are smoke flavored and are roasted for the optimal taste to entice your dog. There are no artificial colors or flavors added.

    One thing some dog owners have noticed is that this food makes their dog’s breath smell terrible.

    Pros
    • Contains probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health
    • High protein content from various meat sources
    • Nothing artificial is added
    Cons
    • May cause some dogs to have foul-smelling breath

    10. Purina Beyond Simply Dry Dog Food

    Purina Beyond Chicken & Whole Barley Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients:  Chicken, rice, whole barley, canola meal, chicken meal
    Protein content: 24%
    Fat content: 14%
    Calories: 411 per cup

    Real farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient in Purina Beyond Chicken & Whole Barley Dry Dog Food. This food is completely balanced for adult Bernedoodles and blended with probiotics and omega acids for gut and coat health. The recipe is full of simple ingredients that you can recognize.

    Best of all, the food is manufactured in facilities that take steps to improve water efficiency and reduce waste, making the food good for dogs and the planet. The recipe includes nothing artificial and the ingredients are from trusted sources.

    The biggest size available is a 24-pound bag, which may be too small for some Bernedoodles to eat for long. Owners of large dogs prefer large bags of food so they don’t have to buy them so often.

    Pros
    • Complete balanced nutrition for dogs
    • Simple ingredients
    • Environmentally friendly manufacturing process
    Cons
    • Biggest bag size is only 24 pounds

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    Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Food for Bernedoodles

    There are many great options for foods to give to your Bernedoodle, but you may need more help deciding which is best. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.

    Nutrition

    Balanced nutrition is important in a Bernedoodle’s diet. They need the right amount of protein, fats, and carbs to keep them healthy and give them energy. The protein content should always be higher than the fat content in any food that you give your dog. Browse the labels to read the ingredients and their amounts in the food.

    Allergies

    If your Bernedoodle suffers from food allergies, you’ll have to browse labels to make sure the allergen isn’t present. Some dog food flavors may say “beef” or “lamb,” but poultry may be included on the ingredients list.

    If you don’t know what your dog is allergic to, you should make an appointment to take your dog to the vet. In the meantime, you can try foods that are aimed at those with sensitive stomachs or skin issues. These tend to be more hypoallergenic in terms of ingredients so they are less likely to cause reactions.

    Mini Bernedoodle puppy
    Photo Credit: Kat-Franklin, Shutterstock

    Grain Free or Not?

    The inclusion of grain in dog food can provide several health benefits. Unless your dog is allergic to grains, they don’t have to avoid eating them. There are several health claims that the FDA is still investigating about grain-free diets leading to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. Talk to your vet about whether a grain-free diet is right for your dog.

    Taste

    You may have to compromise with your dog when it comes to the taste of their food. After all, they know what it tastes like, and they’re the ones that have to eat it! You can choose the healthiest food that you can find, and if your dog doesn’t like it, it doesn’t matter. They won’t enjoy it and won’t eat it.

    The best thing to do is find a suitable food that they do like to eat. Otherwise, every meal will be a struggle, and dogs shouldn’t have to dislike what they’re eating. They only get one option for their food: what you give them. You can try to doctor the food with warm water or additives to entice them, but if they don’t eat it, you’re wasting your time and money.

    The healthiest food that your dog enjoys is the best food for them.

    dry dog food in bowl
    Photo Credit: 279photo Studio, Shutterstock

    Budget

    Since dog food is something that you’ll have to buy repeatedly for the duration of your pet’s life, it should be something that fits easily into your budget. The most expensive food on the market may be great, but if it’s not affordable, it’s not the right food for you.

    This list has foods that can fit different budgets. If you can easily buy it whenever you need to, your dog likes eating it, and it offers good nutrition, it’s a winner.

    Every Dog Is Different

    Even if your friend has a sibling of your Bernedoodle because you got them from the same breeder, the two dogs may have different nutritional needs. One may suffer from allergies or a sensitive stomach, while the other does not. While the Bernedoodle breed requires certain nutrients to stay healthy, each individual dog may also have specialized needs.

    The food that you choose should be suitable for your dog’s age, weight, activity level, and breed size. If your dog needs specialized nutrition for a sensitive stomach or anything else, take that into consideration when choosing its food and start from there.

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    Final Thoughts

    For the best overall food for Bernedoodles, we like The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe. This delivery service brings wholesome dog food right to your door. The Iams Adult Large Breed Real Chicken Dry Dog Food is a great value option that provides complete nutrition for large dogs. Those willing to spend more may like Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food. It’s made with real chicken and includes glucosamine and chondroitin. Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Chicken, Oats, & Turkey Dry Puppy Food provides complete nutrition for growing Bernedoodle puppies. Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Beef & Rice Dry Dog Food offers a blend of dry and tender textures to entice dogs.

    We hope that you’ve enjoyed these reviews and were able to find the best food for your Bernedoodle. Remember to check with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.


    Featured Image Credit: Cavan-Images, Shutterstock

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