Finding the right dog food is essential and can also be frustrating. You have to work through reviews and clever marketing strategies to determine what’s best for your dog based on its age, activity level, breed, and size. Chances are if you’re here, it’s because you have a gentle giant in your life in the form of a St. Bernard, which means size is a big factor in your decision-making process.
So, to make this decision easier for you, we’ve created a review of the 10 best dog foods for your St. Bernard.
A Quick Comparison of the Winners (2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription
High-quality ingredients
Contains organ meat
Packed with vitamins and minerals
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Best Value
American Journey Active Life Large Breed Dog Food
Affordability without compromising quality
Antioxidants from whole fruits and vegetables
Made without wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meals, and artificial ingredients
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Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Canned Food
High-quality ingredients
Specially crafted for dogs over 50 pounds
Contains essential vitamins and minerals
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Best for Puppies
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Food
Specifically designed for large breeds
High-quality ingredients
Excellent source of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals
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Vet’s Choice
Royal Canin Large Joint Care Dry Dog Food
High-quality protein
Good calorie content
Supports healthy joints
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The 10 Best Dog Foods for St. Bernards
1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
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Main ingredients: Beef, sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, carrots, beef liver
Protein content: 11%
Fat content: 8%
Calories: 721 calories per pound
The Farmer’s Dog recipe is formulated and designed by a team of board-certified veterinary specialists. Other brands use computer programs to verify nutrient content, but The Farmer’s Dog is tested using a method superior to AAFCO’s system by conducting live feeding trials on dogs of multiple ages and breed sizes over a 6-year period. This means the recipes are nutritious for all ages and breed sizes, including the largest breeds like the St. Bernard.
USDA human-grade beef is the first ingredient in this recipe, with extra nutrition from beef liver. The recipe has a high-calorie count, which isn’t suitable for all dogs. It includes fish oil, which is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids and excellent for joint health. It also contains sweet potato for healthy digestion and the superfood kale, which is one of the healthiest greens and is packed with vitamins and minerals.
The Farmer’s Dog is the best overall dog food for St. Bernards. It is only available to order, which means they are tailored to your dog’s specific needs. For a large dog, it means the food will take up a lot of space in your fridge and freeze.
Pros
High-quality ingredients
Contains organ meat
Packed with vitamins and minerals
Tailored specially to your dog’s needs
Cons
High-quality ingredients
Contains organ meat
Packed with vitamins and minerals
Tailored specially to your dog’s needs
American Journey Active Life has been specially formulated for large dogs and features deboned chicken and chicken meal as its primary protein sources. Brown rice is a nutritious whole grain that adds dietary fibers to your dog’s diet and can reduce the risk of a heart attack.
High-quality ingredients
Contains organ meat
Packed with vitamins and minerals
Tailored specially to your dog’s needs
- High-quality ingredients
- Contains organ meat
- Packed with vitamins and minerals
- Tailored specially to your dog’s needs
High-quality ingredients
Contains organ meat
Packed with vitamins and minerals
Tailored specially to your dog’s needs
Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, rice bran, peas
Protein content: 25%
Fat content: 15%
Calories: 342 kcal/cup
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American Journey has superfoods like cranberries, which can promote bladder health, and dried kelp, which is iodine-rich and rich in natural salts and minerals to boost your dog’s overall health.
There is never any corn, soy, or wheat in American Journey’s formulas, and it is the most reasonably priced brand, which makes it the best dog food for St. Bernards for the money.
This recipe has a slightly high carbohydrate rate content (35-40%) which is worth noting.
Pros
Affordability without compromising quality
Antioxidants from whole fruits and vegetables
Made without wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meals, and artificial ingredients
Cons
High carbohydrate content
Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Canned Food is designed for large breeds, specifically adult dogs weighing 50 pounds or more, and Purina packs its can with lots of protein from chicken, liver, and turkey, and calories to support your St. Bernard’s needs.
Affordability without compromising quality
Antioxidants from whole fruits and vegetables
Made without wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meals, and artificial ingredients
- Affordability without compromising quality
- Antioxidants from whole fruits and vegetables
- Made without wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meals, and artificial ingredients
High carbohydrate content
- High carbohydrate content
Main ingredients: Water, chicken, liver, wheat gluten, rice
Protein content: 9%
Fat content: 2%
Calories: 316 kcal/can
It provides essential B vitamins for energy, manganese for healthy cartilage, and also biotin, which benefits your St Bernard’s healthy coat. The rice is easily digestible and an excellent energy source that provides calcium and folate for healthy bones. Plus, there’s also phosphorous for healthy teeth and bones!
Pros
High-quality ingredients
Specially crafted for dogs over 50 pounds
Contains essential vitamins and minerals
Cons
Can become expensive
Some dogs suffer from loose stools
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed provides your large puppy with the precise nutrition for growing and getting into mischief. Lamb meal is the first ingredient and a meat concentrate containing nearly 300% more protein than fresh lamb.
High-quality ingredients
Specially crafted for dogs over 50 pounds
Contains essential vitamins and minerals
- High-quality ingredients
- Specially crafted for dogs over 50 pounds
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals
Can become expensive
Some dogs suffer from loose stools
- Can become expensive
- Some dogs suffer from loose stools
Main ingredients:
Lamb meal, brown rice, whole grain wheat, whole grain Sorghum, brewers rice
Protein content: 24.50%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 373 kcal/cup
Lamb meal, brown rice, whole grain wheat, whole grain Sorghum, brewers rice
Lamb meal, brown rice, whole grain wheat, whole grain Sorghum, brewers rice
There is also chicken fat in the recipe, which is a potential allergen that might not be entirely obvious initially because it is the lamb recipe. There is also an egg product that is high in protein and an excellent source of fatty acids and vitamins. Dried beet pulp is also present, and it’s a controversial ingredient because it’s a high-fiber by-product. However, it benefits blood sugar and intestinal health and is perfectly safe in dog food.
Pros
Specifically designed for large breeds
High-quality ingredients
Excellent source of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals
Cons
Potential allergen
Royal Canin Joint Care is our Vet’s Choice best dog food for St Bernard’s in 2022. It is formulated for medium and large dogs and is perfect for your St Bernard. Larger dogs suffer from joint pain, and it’s important to choose a food that’s right for them.
Specifically designed for large breeds
High-quality ingredients
Excellent source of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals
- Specifically designed for large breeds
- High-quality ingredients
- Excellent source of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals
Potential allergen
- Potential allergen
Main ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, wheat, corn gluten meal, chicken fat
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 314 kcal/cup
Compared to other specialty brands, Royal Canin is one of the lowest in terms of calorie content, which helps you maintain your dog at a healthy weight. It also lowers stress on the joints, which can be problematic when your dog is carrying extra weight. Chondroitin sulfate and collagen have also been added to support healthier joints.
Pros
High-quality protein
Good calorie content
Supports healthy joints
Cons
Expensive
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Dry Food is not the cheapest option, but it isn’t one of the most expensive brands. This recipe is an excellent option for those looking for high protein with a blend of calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins that will keep your dog’s bones strong.
High-quality protein
Good calorie content
Supports healthy joints
- High-quality protein
- Good calorie content
- Supports healthy joints
Expensive
- Expensive
Main ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, tapioca starch, fish meal
Protein content: 32%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 377 kcal/cup
It has omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from the fish meal and flaxseed to maintain your St Bernard’s coat, and the optimal blend of fat, protein, and carbs promotes a healthy weight. This recipe avoids gluten, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives and is grain-free. Some fussier eaters might not like the LifeSource bits, and it won’t be suitable for all dogs.
There has been an investigation launched by the FDA1 into the link between heart disease and grain-free diets, which contain high proportions of peas, lentils, and other legume seeds. However, a link between the grain-free recipes and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has not been established.
Pros
High-quality ingredients
Antioxidants to boost dog’s immune system
Omega fatty acids 3 and 6
Cons
Possibly unsuitable for fussy eaters
There are several protein sources in Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult dog food, such as fresh chicken, chicken meal, and egg product, while there is minimal protein from plant-based ingredients. It has superfoods like blueberries which are low in calories and contain vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and fiber which support your dog’s immune system.
High-quality ingredients
Antioxidants to boost dog’s immune system
Omega fatty acids 3 and 6
- High-quality ingredients
- Antioxidants to boost dog’s immune system
- Omega fatty acids 3 and 6
Possibly unsuitable for fussy eaters
- Possibly unsuitable for fussy eaters
Main ingredients:
Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
Protein content: 23%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 397 kcal/cup
Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice
This recipe is made without artificial colors or preservatives and there are chelated minerals included for super absorption. The protein comes from whole grain brown rice, which is rich in fiber and minerals, including magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus. However, some dogs may find the meal difficult to digest properly.
Pros
High-quality ingredients
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Cons
Not suitable for all dogs
If you’re worried about your St. Bernard’s tummy, Holistic Select Large Breed Adult dog food will give their digestive system a little support. It’s also an excellent option if they have any food allergies or sensitivities. It has high levels of fiber from oats, pumpkin, and plain beet pulp, which helps regulate your dog’s tummy and provides complex carbohydrates for energy.
High-quality ingredients
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- High-quality ingredients
- Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Not suitable for all dogs
- Not suitable for all dogs
Main ingredients: Chicken meal, rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat
Protein content: 24%
Fat content: 13%
Calories: 453 kcal/cup
The kibble is slightly larger than other dry dog foods because it’s made exclusively for large breeds and encourages your St. Bernard to chew more. This means their body has a better chance of digesting the food properly and avoids the risk of bloating. It has been described as “crumbly,” which fussier eaters may not like.
Holistic Select is supplemented with a balance of prebiotics and probiotics, boosting the immune system and improving digestion. It also contains sources of natural fiber like papaya, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, and cranberries.
Pros
Exclusively made for larger breeds
High-quality ingredients
Cons
Possibly unsuitable for fussy eaters
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility dog food will give your St Bernard the tools it needs to maintain its optimal weight and healthy muscles, and it will also provide added protection for its joints. The first ingredient, chicken meal, is loaded with glucosamine and chondroitin, which aids your dog’s muscles and helps grow healthy cartilage tissue around the joints.
Exclusively made for larger breeds
High-quality ingredients
- Exclusively made for larger breeds
- High-quality ingredients
Main ingredients:
Chicken meal, brewers rice, whole grain sorghum, brown rice, whole grain wheat
Protein content: 28%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 367 kcal/cup
Chicken meal, brewers rice, whole grain sorghum, brown rice, whole grain wheat
Chicken meal, brewers rice, whole grain sorghum, brown rice, whole grain wheat
Fish meal and oil help improve mobility and joint health through a healthy dose of fatty acids like EPA. Hill’s also features natural sources of probiotics to nourish the healthy bacteria in your St Bernard’s gut.
This recipe has a strong smell, which could be off-putting for some dogs (and owners).
Pros
High-quality ingredients
Promotes joint health
Kind to tummies
Cons
Unpleasant smell
The Eagle Pack Adult Large and Giant Breed dog food is specially formulated for larger breeds with the exact fat, protein, and carbohydrates to help them maintain a healthy weight. The first two ingredients are chicken meal and pork meal that contain nearly 300% more protein than fresh meat.
High-quality ingredients
Promotes joint health
Kind to tummies
- High-quality ingredients
- Promotes joint health
- Kind to tummies
Unpleasant smell
- Unpleasant smell
Main ingredients: chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, rice
Protein content: 25%
Fat content: 12%
Calories: 340 kcal/cup
This recipe contains no wheat, corn, or meat by-products and has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is a traditional grain-inclusive formula and is also affordable, which is important when considering a new diet. Some pet parents complained of an unusual smell, which prevented their dogs from finishing their meals.
Pros
Specially formulated for larger breeds
High-quality ingredients
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
Unusual smell
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Food for Saint Bernards
You might feel stressed about your choices, but we have some tips for you to consider when choosing a diet for your St Bernard.
Specially formulated for larger breeds
High-quality ingredients
No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Specially formulated for larger breeds
- High-quality ingredients
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Unusual smell
- Unusual smell
How Do You Know Which Diet Is Best?
Your best resource is the internet. Research a brand or recipe that stands out the most to you and see what other owners say about it. You need a brand that maintains your St Bernard’s health, is tasty, affordable, and easy to find online or in stores. Some dogs have sensitivities and allergies, while others are fussier with flavors. Research your preferred food and see if it can satisfy your dog’s specific needs.
With a large breed, you have to store large bags of food. Start small when changing to a new diet, in case your dog doesn’t like the new food. Also, be aware that if the dog food isn’t stored properly, it can become infested with insects.
Large Breeds and Weight Gain
Saint Bernards have large, stocky bodies and are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia than other breeds. This can harm their mobility and affect their energy, which in turn causes them to gain weight.
Overweight dogs are prone to a variety of health risks, such as:
Arthritis
Back problems
Breathing problems
Cancer
Cruciate ligament problems
Heatstroke
Incontinence
Injury
Reduced lifespan
If you’re ever unsure about your dog’s weight management, contact your vet for advice.
Arthritis
Back problems
Breathing problems
Cancer
Cruciate ligament problems
Heatstroke
Incontinence
Injury
Reduced lifespan
- Arthritis
- Back problems
- Breathing problems
- Cancer
- Cruciate ligament problems
- Heatstroke
- Incontinence
- Injury
- Reduced lifespan
Healthy Protein and Fats
Not all ingredients are equal. Choose high-quality meat proteins and stay away from by-products and meat meal. If the ingredients are concentrated sources of protein, they will appear as “salmon meal” or “chicken meal.” They are excellent protein sources, and you don’t have to worry about them, but avoid food that contains “meat meal.” If it’s unnamed, it’s best to avoid it, and that goes for by-products too.
A fat to avoid would be something like canola oil, whereas fish, eggs, salmon oil, coconut oil, or flaxseed oil are much better fats. You also want a diet that is high in omega fatty acids and glucosamine concentrations since they promote heart and joint health.
High-quality ingredients will cost you more, but choosing lower-quality ingredients could result in health problems that will shorten your dog’s life and also potentially cost you more in vet bills in the future.
Digestible Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates should always appear in moderation because too many can cause weight gain. High-quality carbs provide fiber for digestion, like potatoes, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, or quinoa. These ingredients are rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium which supports your dog’s nerves, heart, and muscles.
Conclusion
Our pick for the best overall dog food for St. Bernards is The Farmer’s Dog fresh dog food subscription. Its dedication to nutrition is clear from its tasty recipe designed by vets specifically for your dog’s needs. American Journey is reasonably priced but does not compromise on quality and is specially formulated for large dogs.
Purina Pro Plan is our premium choice. It uses high-quality protein and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Hill’s Science Diet is perfect for puppies. It is designed to keep your puppy healthy and happy. Lastly, our vet’s choice is Royal Canin Large Joint Care. The recipe has a low-calorie count to keep your St Bernard’s weight down and its joints healthy. Hopefully, our reviews will help you select the ideal brand for your furry best friend.
Sources
Petkeen Dog Lovers Digest Honest Whiskers Pets At Home FDA PDSA
Featured Image Credit: rokopix, Shutterstock
- Petkeen
- Dog Lovers Digest
- Honest Whiskers
- Pets At Home
- FDA
- PDSA
