FOOD
Here are a few suggestions on the topic of food.
Please do not feed your puppy grain-free food. There is a trend of feeding “boutique” or grain-free diets right now, but there is much evidence and research pointing to serious health risks, especially in larger breed dogs.
I’ve heard many success stories about the benefits of a raw diet. This requires some research and understanding of macronutrients/micronutrients, but can be a great option if you’re willing to put in the effort.
We have recently made the switch to Kirkland (Costco) brand Adult Dog Lamb, Rice, and Vegetable Formula, and our pups are absolutely in love with it! Costco dog food is produced by Diamond company. Historically we have also liked Purina Pro Plan and Hills Science Diet.
Doodles are hit or miss when it comes to interest in food. They can be notoriously picky eaters, or just more interested in toys/attention/other things than food. We found that giving them a special “dessert” treat once they empty their bowls gives them an incentive to finish all of their food. They look forward to this treat and ask for it once their food is gone! They are proud to show us their empty bowls, and run to the treat cupboard awaiting their reward. Because of their height, we use elevated bowls for their food so they don't have to bend their necks down as far while eating.
Our full grown pups eat anywhere from 2-5 cups of food each (so 4-10 cups between the two of them), every day, depending on how active and hungry they are. We feed them once in the morning and once in the evening. I would guess one 30-40 pound bag of food could last up to a month for one full grown Bernedoodle.
Your puppy with be sent home with a bag of puppy food. You may either continue with this brand, or if you choose to switch brands, use this bag to slowly transition them onto the new food.
The first few days, your puppy may not be as hungry, as they are unsure of their new surroundings. Once they start eating normally, wait at least a day or two before starting to switch the food out.
At first, mix 75% old food with 25% new food. A few days after that, mix 50% and 50%. A few days later, mix 25% old with 75% new. It should take about a week to transition the foods.
Large breeds are still considered in adolescence up to 2 years old, so realistically you could switch them to adult food anytime between 1 and 2 years of age.
TREATS
Make sure you find lots of yummy, healthy treats for training your pup and to show them your love for them! You’d be surprised how quickly treats will build a bond between you and your new family member. Try and find treats with the least number of ingredients possible, and as natural as possible.
Our favorites:
Chicken Jerky [Costco or Sam’s Club]
Jerky [Costco or chewy.com]
Any kind of jerky with limited ingredients (dog jerky of course, not human jerky) is also a great treat because it can be ripped up into small pieces for training.
soft training treats [chewy.com or pet store]
[chewy.com or pet store]
Grain Free Dog Treats Peanut Butter Flavored [Sam’s Club]
As long as their daily diet contains a balance of grains and nutrients, a grain free treat on occasion is fine.
Bones:
Chewing is an important part of your pup’s dental hygiene. It is also a great way to reward them in a bigger way than just a treat. It is a way to keep them occupied, especially if they are going to be left in a kennel for an extended period of time.
Never, ever feed your puppy rawhide bones. They are a byproduct of the leather industry and contain bleach and glue. When eaten, they are not digested and can cause serious problems requiring invasive surgery to remove from the stomach.
If you want to give them nylabones or plastic type bones, just be careful and do your research. Sometimes with this type of chew, pieces flake off, which leaves sharp edges on the toy (dangerous to their gums), and it means they might be consuming bits of non-digestible material.
Our favorites:
Beef bones from local butcher shop or grocery store
Raw or smoked is fine, but avoid fully cooked bones as they may flake/splinter.
pork twists (rawhide free)
bully sticks (single ingredient)
pigs ears (single ingredient)
Chew Stick with Wild Venison
Great for heavy chewers. You can fill them with yummy treats/peanut butter, or stuff it with dog food soaked in water and freeze to give at a later time.