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Dealing with food allergies in your Bernese Mountain Dog can be incredibly frustrating. To help, we reached out to our Facebook community of over 800,000 Bernese Mountain Dog owners. We asked: “For those whose dogs have allergies, what food do you use and why?” The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of owners sharing their experiences and recommendations. We’ve gathered and summarized the most helpful insights for you here.
Healthier Meals for Dogs With Allergies
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Ultamino Adult Dry Dog Food
I’m feeding this (Royal Canin Ultamino), it’s the only thing that has worked so far! She is starting to hate it, so I am adding in boiled hamburger. I just keep trying. Vindy is 9 and 122lbs and healthy, other than her ears act up fast if she gets into something (even Ramidel made her itch)
Author: Michelle M.
Likes: 1
My daughter Berner had Giardia in the puppy litter, which they never told her about until we threatened the vet cause we’d made so many ER dog vet trips. So after we got that cured, he had a food sensitivity. The dry food is made with chemical ‘ binders’; he couldn’t even tolerate that. So she followed the Dog’s Veterinary manual for cooking home-cooked food. Boiled chicken breast, softest white rice & boiled carrots all chopped in its own broth. He ate that for a year & gradually she was able to try a little dry food after his 3 cooked meals. Boiled low-fat hamburger works too. We found this out from a friend who runs a dog Rescue. She said the dogs all come in stressed, & they have to start slow on real food. It worked; he lived to be 10 years old.
Author: Susan A L.
Likes: 2
Welcome to the world of owning a Berner! Both my boys are allergic to chicken! Chicken is in so many foods, even if the label says lamb and rice, it can still have chicken in it! My boys love the Kiwi brand wet dog food! Venison, beef, lamb, and salmon are wonderful!
Author: Patty D.
Likes: 1
Zignature, Kangaroo Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Zignature brand is working on my dog. My Bernese can eat anything. Gets nothing with chicken.
Author: Carla P.
Likes: 1
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe
My Bern does not have so many allergies, but stomach/gastric issues. He did well on Taste of the Wild grain-free buffalo. There are other protein mixes. Also, only white rice, as other rice is not good for dogs. Sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true. I also use cooked turkey burger with white rice.
Author: Sabina M.
Likes: 1
Nature’s Logic Dry Dog Food – 100% Natural – No Synthetics – For All Ages
I would try an unusual protein, rather than the traditional proteins. Examples: venison, rabbit, bison, kangaroo, etc. My guy is in a rabbit. The only traditional protein that he can eat is beef. High protein is hard on their kidneys, so I do not want him to eat beef all the time. My guy eats mostly raw (pre-made raw) with veggies I make, and some kibble. His kibble is the rabbit (Nature’s Logic). It has other traditional proteins in it, but his diet is mostly raw.
Author: Karen H.
Likes: 1
I make my own. I know what is in it, and she is flourishing. There are tons of recipes and videos to teach you. I make about 2 weeks ‘ worth at a time and freeze them until I need them. Then just take out 2 or 3 servings at a time and keep them in the fridge.
Author: Robin T.
Likes: 1
Nature’s Blend DR Marty’s Dog Food
Try Dr Marty’s pet food, which worked for our Berner, but expensive. A friend who has Berner use lamb only, and that seemed to work.
Author: Mike P.
Likes: 2
Nature’s Domain Grain-Free All Life Stages Salmon Meal & Sweet Potato Formula for Dogs
We use Kirkland brand salmon and sweet potato
Author: Darcy Frank P.
Likes: 1
Our Berner has had gastric issues since he was a pup. He does really well on this……We use the RX Purina brand for gastric issues. Ask your Vet. We boil ground beef, carrots, and broccoli and blend them to a gravy-like consistency. We then pour this onto the dry food (in a gigantic stainless steel bowl) and let it cool. When the dry food absorbs the liquid, we blend it again. We keep it in the fridge, and it makes about 2.5 days’ worth of meals. Good luck!
Author: Brenda B.
Likes: 1
DIAMOND CARE Dry Dog Food Sensitive Skin
Diamond Care Hydrolyzed Protein for sensitive skin – Salmon. We also give her Smart Earth Camelina Oil. Worth looking into.
Author: Connie B.
Likes: 0
My boy is on HP Hydrolysed protein, from the vet, in less than three days, no more diarrhea, and he stopped having skin problems
Author: Josée Turgeon D.
Likes: 1
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
I use Wellness puppy for large breeds
Author: Janet M.
Likes: 1
A hypoallergenic food, chicken and beef, and all grains (including rice) are big culprits in aggravating sensitivities. There are lots of hypoallergenic choices out there that deliberately avoid these ingredients. Also, if you go down the raw road mixed with dry food, then make sure you serve raw at a separate time because raw and dry foods digest at different rates.
Author: Ian L.
Likes: 2
Zignature, Kangaroo Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Zignature kangaroo and omega pills
Author: Christa H.
Likes: 0
Fromm Four-Star Nutritionals Whitefish & Potato Dog Food – Premium Dry Dog Food
Author: Denise L.
Likes: 1
FirstMate Pet Foods Dry Dog Food
We do first-mate lamb and potato, the only food that works for his sensitive stomach.
Author: Amarjit M.
Likes: 1
Farmina N&D Dog Dry Puppy Grain-Free Pumpkin Medium/Maxi Lamb & Blueberry
We use N&D Pumpkin / Lamb and a probiotic
Author: Sean M.
Likes: 1
Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Lamb & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food
My dog seems to be sensitive to chicken products. I switched her to Purina One Smart Blend. I have also found that I have to be careful about how many dog biscuits I give her.
Author: Linda F.
Likes: 1
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food
Royal Canin HP Hypoallergenic Dog Food
Changing foods doesn’t help unless your dog has a food allergy. Food allergies come from long-chain proteins in the diet, stimulating the immune system to release histamines. Just changing the protein source isn’t enough. You need to hydrolyze the proteins. Switching from one protein to another is just a temporary fix. Eventually, the immune system will respond. Prescription diets like Hill’s Z/D, Purina HA, and Royal Canin HP are all hydrolyzed and effective.
Author: Amy H.
Likes: 1
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foods for Bernese Mountain Dogs with Allergies
1. What are common food allergies in Bernese Mountain Dogs?
Bernese Mountain Dogs can be allergic to common proteins like beef, chicken, and dairy. Grains like wheat, corn, and soy can also trigger reactions. Symptoms include itchy skin, ear infections, chronic gas, and upset stomach. Identifying the allergen through an elimination diet or allergy testing is key to managing their condition.
2. What are the best protein sources for allergic Bernese Mountain Dogs?
Novel proteins such as duck, venison, rabbit, or salmon are ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. These are less likely to cause a reaction because the dog’s immune system hasn’t been exposed to them as frequently as common proteins like beef or chicken.
3. Should I choose grain-free food for a Bernese Mountain Dog with allergies?
Not always. Unless your dog is specifically allergic to grains, there’s no need to avoid them altogether. Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal can be beneficial. However, for dogs with confirmed grain allergies, grain-free formulas using sweet potatoes or peas as carbohydrate sources are recommended.
4. Is a limited ingredient diet good for Bernese Mountain Dogs with food sensitivities?
Yes. Limited ingredient diets (LIDs) contain fewer components, which makes it easier to identify and avoid allergens. They often use a single protein source and a simple carb, making them a safer choice for sensitive dogs.
5. Can homemade food help manage allergies in Bernese Mountain Dogs?
Homemade diets can be very effective, as you control every ingredient. However, it’s crucial to work with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the meals are balanced and complete. A poorly formulated diet could lead to nutrient deficiencies or exacerbate health issues.
6. Are there specific brands recommended for allergy-prone Bernese Mountain Dogs?
Some reputable hypoallergenic dog food brands include Hill’s Prescription Diet (z/d or d/d), Royal Canin Veterinary Diet, Natural Balance LID, and Zignature. These formulas are crafted with novel proteins, limited ingredients, and no common allergens.
7. How do I transition my Bernese Mountain Dog to a new allergy-friendly diet?
Gradually transition over 7–10 days. Start by mixing a small portion of the new food with the current food, and slowly increase the new food ratio. This helps prevent gastrointestinal upset and allows your dog to adjust smoothly to the new formula.
Support Your Dog’s Allergy Relief With Better Nutrition
Choosing the right food can make a world of difference for dogs with allergies. When you select recipes made with gentle ingredients and clean nutrition, you help soothe irritation, support digestion, and keep your pup feeling their best. Every thoughtful choice brings your dog closer to the comfort and wellness they deserve. With the right allergy-friendly diet, you can ease symptoms and enjoy more joyful, energetic days together. Because a healthy, comfortable dog is a truly happy dog.
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