What and how to feed your Bernese Mountain Dog and the supplements top breeders recommend.

[@StaceBeaulieu]

Hi Stacy, We've learn so much from you. It's so cool to see someone who has found their calling. You make a real contribution. Thanks for all you do. We LOVE our Berner. Best to You

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Oh you are very kind! I'm happy to help!

[@zaniluap]

This continues to be a video I come back to again and again!! Same goes for your others as well. Thank you!

[@hypnotistscottward]

Very helpful information ! All your videos are awesome…

[@Dustin922]

Thanks Stacy 🙂

[@FancyPantsBelle]

Thanks for making these videos. I have a 9m (103 lbs) William Wallace and I refer to your videos often. ❤

[@holden9518]

Great info. Always appreciate your dedication to this breed and sharing your knowledge. I'm now in the throes of slowly transitioning my 5 month old pup back to her regular kibble after a bout of Giardia and allergies. Her breeder gave each of us a bag of Purina ProPlan Large Breed Puppy to take home and I have continued to feed her this kibble along with a probiotic. Also I just added Olewo Carrots which helped firm up her stools quickly after stopping meds and testing negative! Thanks for mentioning this in another vides! I want to introduce a joint supplement to her diet but not sure when to start. She's a pretty active pup and I have alot of stairs in my house. I try to limit the amount of jumping and climbing up/down steps, but she wants to play and follow me everywhere. I will have to ask my breeder again since she did not give a timeline the first time I asked. Also I think it's great that you have exposed your dogs to different foods. I've read alot of horror stories on FB of dogs with chicken allergies and endless bouts of diarrhea. I thought my dog had developed a chicken allergy initially, but her breeder never had any issues with her dogs. Anyway, did you start doing this after they were off the puppy food. I like the idea of using other foods as a topper to make meal times fun! Thanks again.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Great! I rotate foods in starting about 6 months, but I do watch the calories! Continue to limit jumping and pounding on joints, The growth plates close around a year old.

[@holden9518]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade Thank you!

[@randalwilliams7380]

New subscriber. Very informative. We are picking up our Bernise/ Swiss in four weeks. I look forward to learning everything I can. Thanks

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Good luck!!

[@samanthaedwards5104]

Hi Stacy, Would you recommend a slow feeder bowl for my bernese?

[@AnaSilva-xe4cn]

Hi Stacy! Great content as always! Should I give my 11 week old puppy all the supplements you mentioned or wait until his a little older? Thanks!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I think about 4 months is the right age to start supplements. :)

[@YouTube_UK]

Love your channel and we've been watching everything we can sink our teeth into! I had a Bernese growing up and my partner has fallen in love with them so we have decided these guys are the breed we will be getting in the next couple of years, my question is do you know any way we can look for a reputable breeder in the UK?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I would see if you can find dog shows to go to where you can meet breeders. Crufts is also a good place to meeting breeders too.

[@YouTube_UK]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade Perfect thank you, we will start looking to get to some events :)

[@hairyleggsjoe5046]

I feed orijen freeze dried raw to my aussie and plan on putting my bernese on the same thing when i get him

[@REDandBLUE-c9i]

This helps!

[@lauraconzatti5830]

Good one Stacey! :)

[@swathih9898]

Hi Stacy - could you recommended the brand of bone broth you use for your food? My dog doesn't seem to like the Brutus bone broth in beef

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

My dogs love the chicken bone broth from Costco!

[@AnnE-mn8ny]

Processed foods can eventually cause indirect problems including the preservatives in them. Consider adding BARF raw balanced food rolls into their diet - it can be frozen which is handy. Too many jabs can cause side effects. My dog's 2nd jab resulted in a seizure. My breeder had said only give 1 not 3 but I had not educated myself sufficiently to trust this advice.

[@beverlycole4836]

Great video again. Very helpful. Do you place your dog bowls high up...or do you place the bowls low on the ground?? Which is better for their eating? Thanks 🐾🐾❤

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

There are many studies out there but consensus is to feed on the floor for better results.

[@beverlycole4836]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade Thank you🥰

[@brianbrown3191]

Hi Stacy, your videos are so informative! Thank you! Why do you switch from puppy to adult food at 4 months?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Because at 4 months they need a slow growth formula to help them mature slowly. Adult formula does that. "Large breed puppy" formula is fine but ultimately is a marketing tool and isn't that much different from adult food. The biggest thing is to Never feed regular puppy food to a Berner.

[@KH-yy6yg]

Great video! Do you have a website?

[@swathih9898]

Hi Stacy - I have a question - is it recommend to keep the protein level at 26% and under even after they transition to adult food? Noticed a lot of large breed adult foods have a high protein percentage. Is that normal?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Ideally yes, but the phosphorus to calcium ratio is more important to get as close to 1:1 as possible. If you can keep the protein level reasonable then you are good.

[@swathih9898]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade okay thank you! Also was wondering do you follow any kind of chart in terms of recommended weight per age? I know you have mentioned to look at your dog and how to feel ribs. But just looking to get like a weight per age so I can compare the approximate amount along side feeling my dogs.

[@tgammell1]

Hi Stacy, thank you so much for your videos!! They’ve been an absolute lifesaver for me with my now 12 week old Berner. Navigating the best food/treats has been the most overwhelming part of having a new pup. So you give kibble and then add supplements and raw meat as toppers? Can you give more detail on how you determine how much to give for supplements and do you do with every meal or once per day? And do you include all the supplements you mentioned or one or two at a time and switch between them? Lastly, can you suggest some healthy treats and chews? Right now giving my puppy freeze dried lamb tripe (K9 Naturals) and freeze dried minnows/wolffish chews (Vital essentials) and keeping her on Purina Pro Lg Breed Puppy from breeder. How much is “too much” for treats/supplements and do these treats have too much protein for a Berner puppy?

[@tgammell1]

Also your suggestion about the red barn white knuckle was key!!! Best thing for Kaija’s teething

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I usually used cooked meats for toppers, I would make sure your calorie count isn't too much for one day, remember all in moderation. :) I give my supplements based on weight and dosage recommendations on the packaging. I start at about 4 months old, with exception, probiotics are on board at 6 weeks old. Your treats sound great, just give small bits for rewards only. Hope this helps!

[@joannegold2987]

Hi Stacey, great video! You mentioned in the video to feed less than 27% protein to encourage slow growth. Is that crude protein or dry matter basis? It’s shown in different ways in the ingredient analysis. Also, is this just in puppies or in adult dogs as well? Our Berner is 14 months and I want to feed him acana and the lowest protein content they have is 27% crude. I figure by 14 months he’s past any major rapid growth but want to be sure it’s okay to go to 27%. Thank you!!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I think you are okay! 27% crude protein is what I go by.

[@TheMarkyMarx]

Hi Stacy, great videos and beautiful, wonderful Berners! Do you add topper fresh protein to the three cups per day for an 8-week old puppy? We are picking ours up tomorrow!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Sure! The all love toppers!

[@prnmeds]

When do you discuss pizza for berners? I think I missed that part :)

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

My dogs love the pizza bones!

[@tonyasumner6310]

Thank you for the video. I have 2 male BMDs 10 months & 4 years. They are pulling grass roots & all eating it all then dirt from my lawn. Vet has said no big deal won’t hurt them but could be lack of vitamins/minerals. If you ignore they will eat a lot Do you have suggestions for this behavior? And for supplement? I feed holistic select lamb & rice large puppy & adult food. And glycoflex plus. Love your videos very helpful. Our latest challenge other than dirt is leash pulling. Thanks again

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Maybe add a probiotic? I wouldn’t let them continue as it develops a habit. Could also be from boredom.

[@ryanthelucky]

Do you use organic fertilizer on the lawn? That stuff is often made out of chicken/cow crap. It's like spraying the lawn with candy.

[@swathih9898]

Hi Stacy - when should I start my puppy on a probiotics? She is 9 weeks old and does not currently have one. Also is there a natural probiotic. Can I feed just plain yogurt as a probiotic? (without sugar or sweetneres)

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Sure! Goats mile Kefir or plain yogurt will work. Probiotics are good at any age.

[@lesliethomas8983]

Would you mind listing the supplement links Thank you

[@carolesposito9210]

Hi Stacy! Thanks for all the great videos. My question is not about food but about water intake. My 6-month-old berner drinks so much more water than any other dog that I've had before. They were not berners but German Shepard and labs. I'm assuming that this is normal since he's not excessively urinating but just wanted to make sure it's not unusual. Thank you!!!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

If you are concerned you can always run a blood panel to make sure kidney and liver values are okay. Each dog is different, I would make sure your dog isn't too hot.

[@emilypresmanes8389]

Thank you for the video! I have a 3 year old Berner who is dealing with a number of skin issues currently. Starting with yeast, now seborrheic dermatitis, as well as some depigmentation of her coat :( . We feed her Canidae Pure Salmon flavor for adult dogs, daily fish oil, tumeric supplements, and have just started up on the probiotic again. Any suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated. Are you familiar with the Canidae brand? Thank you!!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

It sounds like you are doing all you can. I would make sure your breeder is supporting you and you have a couple different vet opinions. I am sorry you are dealing with this. Maybe an allergy panel?

[@mandywilliams4825]

Hi Stacy, thank you so very much for the informative videos! Training is going great with our 10 week Berner thanks to all of your tips! I have a question somewhat related to feeding. Do you recommend the gastropexy procedure with a Berner. I have talked to my vet and breeder but am getting mixed information. I would truly value your opinion!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

That is great! I'm glad it is helping!! I think learning if any dogs in the pedigree have bloated is smart, but honestly, it is worth doing for the peace of mind as bloat is deadly and it can come quickly.

[@mandywilliams4825]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade thank you for the reply….1 more question…I introduced the probiotic by dogzymes and after 2 days he has loose stools. Would you recommend holding for a few days and the reintroducing say every few days and building back to daily? Or would you not think it was related to the probiotic? He had coccidia and worms when we got him, treated for those and his poop was normal after completion of treatment. I started the probiotic about 3 days post treatment.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@mandywilliams4825 I would pull back. He may need less and/or this probiotic doesn't work for him. How old is your puppy?

[@mandywilliams4825]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade He will be 12 weeks on Thanksgiving day so was 11 weeks when I introduced Dogzymes Probiotic max

[@ellikloewer7459]

Hi Stacy! How important is it to get the large breed formula for adult Berners? I know it super important for puppy food. In the past I have gotten Purina Pro Salmon kibble, but more recently I switched to Purina Pro Salmon (sensitive skin and stomach) adultkibble... I'm not sure how much of a difference there is between those two choices or if it was harmful that I was just doing the generic adult kibble!

[@ellikloewer7459]

Also, my breeder told me to try a salmon based protein because Franklin is experiencing some redness in his eyes and snout area, but it hasn't made much of a different. Curious if you have any other tips for allergy-like symptoms, or if it is normal to have a general redness in the eyes and snout.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Apologies for my delay, I feed a regular adult formula PPP Sensitive stomach salmon to my dogs from 4 months forward with mixing in other kibbles and proteins along the way. For allergies it is important to do a blood allergen test to see what they are exactly allergic to.

[@chrismikulski7339]

Hi, Stacy I have been watching your channel for 2 years while I waited with my name on a list with my breeder. Good advice getting a reputable breeder. My berner is 1 year old, 1 month younger than Frenzy, August 1 2020. I love the Frenzy videos their showing me what's coming next weight behavior etc. Can you go onto more detail about how you switch up the food.Like how you gradually introduce new food, 1/4 cup per week or faster then that. Thanks for all you advise.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Hi! I hope your puppy is better behaved than Frenzy!! :) When I transition to adult food at 4 months or so I start with half a handful of the new food in with the old. Then transition to 1/2 a cup a week later then a cup the next week, 3/4 the next and 100% after 4 weeks. Hope that helps!

[@chrismikulski7339]

Stacy how do you rotate the food with your adult dogs. Types, amount you mix in when you rotate, length of time you keep them on 1 brand before you switch, how long to mix in to switch them over.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@chrismikulski7339 I have a main kibble that they get every meal and I may substitute 1/2 cup of new/different kibble each month. I go through one bag and then will get a different bag to mix in.

[@jodip719]

What are your thoughts on Victor Purpose Performance? This is what the breeder that I got my Berner from feeds all her dogs. She had also recommended that I soak his food for 15 minutes to basically pre-expanded the food to aid in avoiding any problems with bloat. We picked him up when he was just about 7 months old. He is a little bit behind in growth as he had a surgery a few months prior for swallowing a rope toy and he is obsessed with putting things in his mouth that don't belong there or instead of chewing he will just inhale something. He loves to try it with soft things but outside he tries to find any two to three inch stick and just swallow it. We brought a trainer in to our house and I feel we made great headway with items inside. My problem is outside, like I said he loves sticks and he loves to eat wood chips. I have several gardens on my property and wouldn't you know they all have wood chips in them. Do you have any advice on how to get him to stop eating things he shouldn't outside? He does respond to leave it for about 5 seconds. I'm very consistent with him but it honestly seems to be getting nowhere. I want to be able to trust him out in the yard and have free roam when he wants to be outside. He is 8 months right now and I don't know if he will grow out of this or what to do. We have just shy of five acres and we have an underground fence which he has responded to very well. My plan this year is to extend some of the underground fence around the garden beds and that will keep him out of them but I also have a lot of trees that constantly shed branches. I know this is a very long-winded comment, but also very curious on how to get him to let us know he has to go outside. He has no problem going in the house and I have found that he will stop doing whatever he's doing and start sniffing around so I take him over to the door and try to get him excited and associate the door with him letting us know he needs to go outside. Other than the sniffing around, there are no cues that he needs to go out. I've put a partition in the kennel so he doesn't have as much room but he is got plenty to turn around in and lay down in. Unfortunately he does not bark or whine if he needs to go. The breeder told me that he had no training whatsoever other than crate training. He was on a schedule previously for being let out and their schedule is different from mine. So basically I'm looking for advice on how to get him to let us know he needs to go to the bathroom.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Does the breeder have Pica in their line? It sounds like he may have this condition, especially if the breeder had to do obstruction surgery at a young age, I would research it online. A basket muzzle might be your best management tool in the yard. As for potty training, I would tether his leash to you and keep him on it at all times so you can get him outside as soon as he starts sniffing. Without potty training as a young puppy, it can be very hard to potty train them. Why didn't your breeder do this? Consistency and routine is key. I am sorry you are having challenges.

[@jodip719]

@SitStaywithStacySlade Stacy, I appreciate the response. After finding some things out later on, I would agree that there is definitely pica in his lineage. For months I was cleaning explosive diarrhea nearly every day. I started getting up every hour at night to take him up and was able to reduce to every two hours, but he would still explode a couple times a night and almost every night. I would have to scrub his entire kennel, mat, walls, and floor. We tried slowly changing foods and did fecal tests with the vet, but the food changes didn't seem to help and the fecal tests showed nothing. With two kids and getting them ready for school, I was no longer able to keep this up. Then he had a large attitude change towards our three cats and started to chase and corner them. This was in no way any type of play. There was an unbelievable amount of stress on the entire family and I had to make the unfortunate decision to return him to the breeder. I have never felt worse about anything before and I know it wasn't his fault. I have never had to return any animal and felt like such an incredible failure.

[@lucayaruiz3682]

Hi Stacy- question on the Vitamin E supplement, since it isn't pet/dog specific... how much do you give daily to each dog? Are they gel caps and if so, do you give whole cap or squeeze out oil onto food? Thank you!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I give one gel cap a day.

[@voobii]

I use nutrisource kibble brand

[@rachelmvmm1973]

Hi, I have got a picky berner. Need help. Can you recommend any ways to get him excited about food?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

What are you currently feeding? How many set meals are you offering food? How old is your dog?

[@bettfortune3444]

Is 26% to high in protein?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

No, that is about perfect!

[@GhadaFayek]

Hi stacy.. love all ur videos.. i have a question plz.. i was able to successfully teach my golden retriever puppy biting inhibition as he would start biting softly and when it gets hard i would correct him.. but it is totally different with my 3 months old burner he bites sooo hard every single time that i have to correct him the way you did in one of your videos.. am so scared that i wont be able to teach him biting inhibition.. i really cant stand his bite and he usually breaks skin and he is so fast.. what should i do?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Keep consistent and keep your boundaries. I also will roll the cheeks into the teeth so they are biting down on their own cheek. Play dates are important as puppies teach other puppies bite inhibition better than we can!

[@GhadaFayek]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade thank you so much.. will do as u say. Wish me luck ❤️

[@carolmcintyre2684]

Ok this is a newbie question. Can you feed dogs human supplements or is there a difference between human and dog versions?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I would definitely check with your vet! I do use human Vitamin C, E but sometimes the dosages differ.

[@gabriellaalice4359]

What do you think about Hills Science Diet Large Breed?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I am not a fan of Science Diet foods unless a dog needs a prescription diet. Usually the ingredients don't have genuine protein sources as the first 2 or 3 ingredients listed, they use corn as a filler and typically aren't quality ingredients.

[@tmo216]

Do you feed from the floor/ground, or with a raised stand?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I fed from the floor.

[@ClaysRen]

How can I get my berner to not bite me as much? Most of the time it’s okay biting and sometimes he seems to do it to stir chaos. I feel like I’m being a horrible dog mom by yelping and tapping his muzzle but is there any way I can start teaching him not to nip, especially my face?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

How old is he?

[@ClaysRen]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade 10 weeks

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@ClaysRen I do have a "Puppy Teething" video. Puppies explore the world with their teeth, redirecting and removing yourself from the target area is the best method. You are not being a horrible mom, think of what another dog would do, they actually will snarl, growl and potentially bite but not to injure, to communicate what is appropriate. That is what you are doing. If you don't, your puppy will be in control and that isn't the relationship you will want when he is 100 pounds. Set the boundaries early.

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@ClaysRen Here is the video, there are many on raising BMD puppies you might find useful on my channel under this playlist. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3uYqH6NoadliKc

[@angelashepard9224]

How do you feel about Costco brand kibble?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I like feeding kibble with grain in it, outside that, it’s a decent formula.

[@cma1234]

What are your thoughts on grain free kibble?

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I would talk with your vet. There have been links to DCM (heart disease) with grain free food. Dog's don't have gluten allergies like humans, so grains are just fine to feed, not need to avoid them.

[@mennasalem1992]

hey stacy, i have a Bernese he’s 9 weeks and i feed him purina one large breed puppy, but i guess he’s allergic to it while the breeder used to feed him the same food, when i feed it to him he gets diarrhea how do i know if its from the food? or something else? and my puppy keeps eating grass and everything on the ground how can i make him to stop Thanksss

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Is the protein in the food chicken? I would avoid it and try a salmon or trout based food. I would also add a daily probiotic. When you switch, take four weeks to make that switch. I would also add a prebiotic and a scoop of pumpkin. I would withhold all treats until you know the cause, using kibble for training. Hope this helps.

[@mennasalem1992]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade Thank youu and how can i stop him from eating grass and everything on the ground or do they stop doing that in a certain age ??

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

@@mennasalem1992 Would work on teaching "leave it",. They do eventually get better. The key is having a ton of great chews around so they see those more than "stuff".

[@christinec.3817]

When our Rollo was a pup, he had frequent diarrhea too. Vet put him on prescription Hills Science Biome. It firmed his stool up right away. About 1 month later I transitioned him to Orijen Large Puppy and then Annamaet puppy and he did well on both. He's almost 2yrs. and is on Annamaet Sustain now. Great line of food baked at low temps to retain more nutrients. I agree with Stacey... give a probiotic supplement always, for life. Good luck and enjoy your baby!

[@Crumbly6060]

What Brand is that Fish oil? Thanks!

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

Grizzly!

[@swathih9898]

@@SitStaywithStacySlade Hi Stacy - when should I start introducing fish oil into my puppies food? she is 9 weeks old. She is on a NuVet joint and immune supplement currently.

[@joannb5908]

What kibble do you feed your dogs

[@SitStaywithStacySlade]

I rotate through Purina Pro Plan salmon, NutriSource, Pet's First, Orijen, Acana, Wellness and a few others.

[@joannb5908]

Thank you!!