Feeding
Saint Bernard Scientific Feeding Guide
Feeding for Slow, Healthy Growth
Saint Bernards are a giant breed and should be raised differently from smaller dogs. Rapid growth places excessive stress on developing joints, ligaments, and bones. The goal should always be steady, controlled growth rather than rapid weight gain.
While every dog is different, proper nutrition during the first two years of life plays a major role in long-term soundness and overall health.
Phase 1: Puppy Development
8 Weeks – 12 to 16 Weeks
During this period puppies are growing rapidly and require a diet formulated specifically for giant breed puppies.
Feeding Recommendations
- Feed twice daily.
- Use a quality giant breed puppy food.
- Ensure fresh water is always available.
- Monitor body condition rather than simply increasing food amounts.
Goals During This Phase
- Healthy skeletal development.
- Controlled growth rate.
- Development of muscle and immune system.
- Establishing good eating habits.
Phase 2: Controlled Growth Period
12–16 Weeks to 18 Months
This is the period when growth plates remain open and the skeleton continues developing.
At Gwenevre Saints, we prefer transitioning puppies onto a quality adult maintenance food during this period.
Feeding Recommendations
- Feed once daily.
- Maintain a lean, athletic body condition.
- Avoid excessive weight gain.
- Monitor growth rather than weight alone.
Why Reduce Protein and Energy?
Saint Bernards do not benefit from rapid growth.
Controlled growth helps reduce excessive strain on:
- Hips
- Elbows
- Shoulders
- Ligaments
- Developing joints
The objective is not to grow the biggest puppy possible, but rather the healthiest adult possible.
Phase 3: Adult Maintenance
18 Months and Older
By approximately 18 months, most Saints have reached their adult height.
Growth in substance, muscle mass and maturity may continue until 3–5 years of age.
Feeding Recommendations
- Feed once daily.
- Return to a higher-quality nutrient-dense food if desired.
- Maintain ideal body condition.
- Adjust feeding according to activity level.
Ideal Body Condition
A Saint Bernard should never appear obese.
When viewed from above, there should be a visible waist behind the rib cage.
Healthy Saint Bernards Should:
✔ Have a visible waist.
✔ Have ribs that can be felt beneath a light fat covering.
✔ Move freely and comfortably.
✔ Maintain good muscle tone.
Overweight Saints Often:
✘ Tire more easily.
✘ Place additional stress on joints.
✘ Experience reduced mobility.
✘ Have increased risk of orthopedic issues.
Transitioning Between Foods
Any food change should be gradual.
Recommended Transition Schedule
Days 1–2
- 75% old food
- 25% new food
Days 3–4
- 50% old food
- 50% new food
Days 5–6
- 25% old food
- 75% new food
Day 7 onwards
- 100% new food
A gradual transition helps prevent digestive upset and allows the gastrointestinal system to adapt.
Bloat Prevention
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat, is one of the most serious emergencies affecting giant breeds.
Important Feeding Practices
- Avoid feeding dry kibble completely dry.
- Pre-wet kibble before feeding.
- Allow the food to absorb moisture before serving.
- Prevent excessive water intake immediately after meals.
- Avoid vigorous exercise immediately before or after feeding.
Why Pre-Wet Kibble?
Dry kibble can absorb water and swell significantly after ingestion.
Pre-wetting:
- Reduces expansion within the stomach.
- Encourages slower eating.
- Promotes better hydration.
- May help reduce risk factors associated with bloat.
Fasting and Digestive Health
Dogs evolved to cope with periods between meals.
For healthy adult Saint Bernards, a single daily meal can be an effective feeding strategy.
Potential benefits include:
- Improved digestive efficiency.
- Reduced grazing behaviour.
- Better appetite regulation.
- Easier weight management.
Individual dogs vary, and feeding schedules should always be adjusted according to age, health status and activity level.
Final Thoughts
There is no perfect feeding program for every Saint Bernard.
The best approach is to:
- Maintain a lean body condition.
- Encourage slow, controlled growth.
- Monitor your dog’s individual development.
- Adjust feeding as needed.
Remember:
A Saint Bernard that grows slowly and steadily is far more likely to become a sound, healthy adult than one that grows too quickly.
Gwenevre Saints