St. Bernard: feeding, nutrition and health

Feeding a St. Bernard: what matters

For a St. Bernard, slow, even puppy growth is critical. A giant-breed food with an energy density around 330 to 360 kcal/100 g and a controlled calcium-to-phosphorus ratio protects growing joints from being overloaded under the eventual weight of an adult dog.

An adult dog weighing 70 kg (154 lb) with low activity needs roughly 2,000 to 2,400 kcal a day, considerably less per kilogram than its size would suggest at a higher activity level. Split feeding into 2 to 3 meals a day because of the risk of bloat. Give your dog at least an hour of rest after eating, with no play or vigorous activity, especially in hot weather, which this breed handles poorly.

Given the breed's low natural activity, controlling the amount of food matters more than it does for more athletic giant breeds. Extra calories from treats and table scraps quickly turn into excess weight on a St. Bernard, weight that already-stressed joints tolerate poorly.

What to watch for

• Body condition: excess weight is hard to spot under a dense coat on a giant breed, so check the ribs and waist by hand regularly.
• Puppy growth rate: weigh every 2 weeks, and skip any extra calcium supplements.
• Feeding around exercise: rest for at least an hour after eating because of the risk of bloat.
• Heat and hydration: in summer, feed during the cooler parts of the day and ensure plenty of water.

Practical feeding tips

• Split the daily ration into 2 to 3 meals at set times, rather than leaving food out at all times.
• Use a giant-breed food designed for slow growth until at least 24 months of age.
• Check the puppy's weight every 2 weeks and compare it against the breed's growth curve.
• Reduce the daily ration by 15 to 20 percent after neutering; the risk of excess weight is high in this breed.
• Replace fatty treats with vegetables; obesity is one of the breed's most common problems.

Feeding schedule by age

Health risks that diet affects

Hip and elbow dysplasia

Very common in this giant, heavy breed. Controlled, slow puppy growth using a giant-breed food with balanced calcium, and keeping the dog lean for life, are the key prevention measures.

Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)

A deep chest is a risk factor for stomach twisting. Feeding 2 to 3 times a day in small portions instead of one large meal, and an hour of rest after eating, substantially lower the risk.

Osteosarcoma

A cancer of the long bones with a high incidence in giant breeds. There's no direct dietary prevention, but keeping the dog lean reduces overall strain on the body.

Obesity

The St. Bernard has low natural activity and gains weight easily, especially after neutering. In such a heavy dog, excess weight substantially loads already-stressed joints and shortens its already short life.

Heat intolerance

A dense coat and massive build mean poor tolerance for high temperatures. This connects to diet through hydration and feeding timing: in summer, feed during the cooler parts of the day and ensure constant access to water.

Temperament and exercise

The St. Bernard is a calm, gentle giant with a low natural need for exercise. That easygoing temperament combined with its giant size means it gains weight easily if the owner feeds according to the amount on the bag without regard to actual activity.

A dense coat and massive build mean poor heat tolerance, which indirectly affects feeding too. In summer, it's best to feed during the cooler parts of the day and make sure plenty of fresh water is available.

A puppy packs on enormous weight quickly, but its skeleton doesn't finish maturing until around 24 months. Excess energy and calcium during this period directly increase the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia in such a heavy breed.

Coat: Short-coated or long-coated variety with a dense undercoat; colors range from red-brown to yellowish-brown with white.