What to feed a St Bernard
St Bernards are one of the largest dog breeds kept as pets, and that size changes what a suitable food actually looks like — particularly for puppies, where controlled growth matters more than fast growth. A food built for large or giant breeds, matched to your dog's actual life stage, is a better starting point than a generic adult formula sized for a medium dog.
Why giant breed puppies need a different food
A St Bernard puppy grows extremely quickly for a relatively short window, and feeding a food that's too calorie-dense or has the wrong calcium and phosphorus balance for that growth rate can put extra strain on developing joints. Large or giant breed puppy formulas are built specifically around slower, more controlled growth rather than maximum growth speed.
This matters more for a St Bernard than for a small or medium breed, because the sheer scale of a giant breed's growth means any imbalance has more room to cause a problem. A food labelled for large or giant breed puppies, fed according to the pack's own guide, is the sensible starting point.
Feeding an adult St Bernard
Adult St Bernards need a complete food built for a large or giant breed, both for the calorie density suited to their size and for joint-supporting ingredients that matter more here than for a smaller dog carrying less weight on the same joints.
St Bernards, like other large, deep-chested breeds, are also associated with a higher risk of bloat, a serious emergency. Feeding two or more smaller meals a day rather than one large one, and avoiding vigorous exercise immediately before or after eating, are commonly suggested precautions worth discussing with your vet.
Managing weight through a St Bernard's life
A large breed carries more weight on its joints for every extra pound gained than a small dog does, which makes keeping a St Bernard at a healthy weight genuinely more important for their long-term joint health, not just their general condition.
As they move into their senior years, a food formulated for large breed seniors, with adjusted calorie content and continued joint support, is worth discussing with your vet, particularly if your dog has slowed down noticeably or is less active than they used to be.
Foods that suit this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Stainless Steel Pet Travel Water Bottle
A compact 304 stainless steel travel bottle with a leak-resistant cap and wrist strap for walks.
From£14.99
Ceramic Pet Food Bowl
A solid matte-glazed ceramic bowl with a heavy base that stays put through a keen eater's dinner.
From£10.99
No-Spill Slow-Drink Pet Water Bowl
A no-spill water bowl with a floating disc that lets pets drink freely while stopping splashes.
From£10.99
LickiMat OH Bowl for Dogs — Slow Feeder with Tongue-Cleaning Tips
A vet-developed dog feeding bowl with raised rubber tips that clean the tongue as your dog licks — calming, dishwasher safe, and available in three sizes.
From£12.99
Paw-Shaped Silicone Cat Treat Spoon
A soft silicone feeding spoon with a cute paw-shaped scoop, made for serving lickable wet treats and purees straight from the pouch. Mess-free, easy to clean and ideal for hand-feeding and bonding.
£9.99
Airtight Pet Food Storage Container
A high-capacity airtight storage container that keeps dry dog, cat or bird food fresh and moisture-free. Sturdy thick walls, a sealed push-lid and a clear window let you check levels at a glance, with a built-in measuring cup included.
From£10.99
Raised Double Ceramic Cat Bowls with Stand
Two tilted ceramic bowls in a gold stand with a cat-ear motif for easier eating.
£19.99
Tarhong Paw Ikat Teal Pet Placemat – BPA-Free PVC & EVA
A vibrant teal ikat placemat with paw print accents — BPA-free, wipe-clean, and 29 × 48 cm for protecting floors under pet bowls.
£8.49
Foldable Silicone Travel Water Bottle
A leaf-textured silicone travel bottle that folds open into a drinking cup, giving your dog fresh water on every walk. Soft, squeezable and roughly 14.5cm tall, with a carry strap for hands-free trips.
From£14.99
Tarhong Country Orchard Melamine Pet Saucer
A pretty fruit and floral orchard-print melamine saucer for pets — BPA-free, non-slip, shatterproof, and dishwasher safe at 13.2 cm.
£9.49
Forthglade Soft Bite Grain Free Joints & Bones Treats
Grain-free salmon dog treats with salmon oil, glucosamine and chondroitin
£2.45
Smart Auto-Lid Pet Bowl with Stainless Steel Insert
A smart pet bowl with a motion-sensor lid that opens automatically as your pet approaches and closes to keep food fresh, dust-free and protected from insects. Includes a detachable stainless steel bowl.
£34.99
Common questions
- What food is best for a St Bernard puppy?
- A complete puppy food specifically labelled for large or giant breeds is the right starting point, since it's formulated for a slower, more controlled growth rate than a standard puppy food. Follow the feeding guide on the pack and check in with your vet if you're ever unsure.
- Are St Bernards prone to bloat?
- As a large, deep-chested breed, St Bernards are considered more at risk of bloat than smaller, narrower-chested dogs. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding strenuous exercise right around mealtimes are commonly suggested precautions, and it's worth discussing with your vet given how serious bloat can be.
- How much should I feed an adult St Bernard?
- This depends on your individual dog's weight, activity level and the specific food you're using — follow the feeding guide on your chosen large or giant breed food and adjust based on your dog's body condition, checking with your vet if you're unsure.
- When should a St Bernard move onto senior food?
- Giant breeds tend to be considered senior earlier than smaller dogs, often from around five to six years old, though this varies by individual dog. Ask your vet when it's the right time to switch for your particular St Bernard.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.