Standard & Mini Bernedoodle Feeding Charts + Recommendations

If you’re trying to figure out how much to feed your Bernedoodles, you’re not alone. With two very different size categories—Standard and Mini—portion sizes can vary a lot. The goal is simple: steady growth for puppies, lean muscle for adults, and joint-friendly weight for seniors.

Below you’ll find feeding charts by life stage and weight, plus practical tips to fine-tune portions for your dog.

How Much Should a Standard & Mini Bernedoodle Eat?

Calorie needs depend on current weight, age, activity level, and metabolism. Puppies burn more (they’re growing!), active adults need a bump, and seniors often do better with slightly fewer calories but high-quality protein and joint-supporting nutrients.

Use the charts as smart starting points—then adjust based on body condition.

Quick note on math: The charts estimate daily calories with standard formulas (puppies need ~2–3× resting energy; adults ~1.5×; seniors ~1.2×) and assume ~380 kcal per cup of kibble. If your kibble lists a different number, tweak the cups accordingly.

Standard Bernedoodle Feeding Chart

For Standards, adulthood often ranges ~60–90 lb, but puppies pass through lighter weights on the way there. Find your dog’s current weight and life stage.

How to use this chart

• Start with the row that matches your dog’s current weight and life stage.

• Check your bag’s kcal per cup; if it’s not 380 kcals, adjust cups (more kcal/cup = fewer cups, and vice versa).

• Feed puppies in smaller, more frequent meals; adults/seniors usually do well with two meals.

• Aim for a visible waist from above and easily felt ribs (not seen)

Mini Bernedoodle Feeding Chart

Mini Bernedoodles are usually between 20–35 lb as adults, and they benefit from smaller, more frequent meals as puppies. Because small dogs can be prone to low blood sugar if underfed, don’t skip meals—especially in the early months.

Match your pup’s current weight and life stage. Keep meals consistent and if your dog's appetite dips, consult your vet. Minis stay lean best with daily walks + short play bursts (it adds up fast!).

Mini Bernedoodle Puppy Feeding Guidelines (both sizes)

• Meal frequency: 8–16 weeks: 4 meals/day → 4–6 months: 3 meals/day → 6–12 months: 2 meals/day.

• Food type: Choose a large-breed puppy formula for Standards; Minis can use small-breed puppy formulas (smaller kibble size helps).

• Transitions: Mix new food in slowly—25% new for 2–3 days, 50% for 2–3 days, 75% for 2–3 days, then 100%.

• Growth checks: Puppies should look athletic, not round. If ribs are hidden under a layer of fat or energy seems low, revisit portions.

Related posts:

Learn about Micro Bernedoodle diets, size & weight

Mini Bernedoodle vs Medium Bernedoodle sizes

Why genetic testing matters for Bernedoodles

Adult Feeding Recommendations

Split the daily total into two meals to support energy and digestion.  Bump calories 5–15% on high-activity days then dial back during couch-potato weeks.  If adding wet/fresh/raw toppers, adjust kibble so the total daily calories stay on target.

Senior Bernedoodle Feeding Recommendations

As dogs move into their senior years, they often thrive on about 10–20% fewer calories than they needed during their adult peak. Even with the reduction, it’s important to keep protein quality high to help preserve muscle.

Adding extra support can also make a big difference—things like EPA and DHA from fish oil, as well as joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, may be beneficial (with your vet guiding the proper dosage). Finally, regular weight checks are essential since extra pounds can place unnecessary stress on a dog’s hips and shoulders, so it pays to stay proactive.

Special Considerations

When it comes to a dog’s coat and skin, diets that include omega-3s and clearly named meat proteins are a smart choice. For pups with sensitive stomachs, limited-ingredient or hydrolyzed diets can be helpful, but it’s best to avoid sudden food switches.

Food allergies or intolerances may also play a role—signs often include ear gunk, itchy paws, or recurring digestive upset—so discussing an elimination trial with your vet can provide clarity. And if you’re considering homemade or fresh feeding plans, they can absolutely work, as long as the recipe is properly balanced and ideally formulated with guidance from a veterinary nutritionist

FAQs About Standard & Mini Bernedoodle Diets

Can these dogs eat human food? Some plain foods (lean meats, certain veggies) are fine in moderation. Skip high-fat, seasoned, or toxic items (onion, garlic, grapes/raisins, xylitol). View different Bernedoodle food options here.

Should I free-feed? For most Bernedoodles, scheduled meals beat free-feeding—better weight control and easier training.

Do Bernedoodles have food allergies? Any dog can. If you see chronic GI or skin issues, ask your vet about a structured elimination diet. Read more about doodle food allergies here.

"Most people don't know that the feeding recommendations for dogs is on the back of the food bags typically!" says dog breeder Jenna Stone, founder of JennaLee Designer Doodles. "It is weight based and comes from the manufacturer and usually is a good baseline to watch!

Use the charts to set a baseline, watch your dog’s body condition, and make small, steady adjustments. When in doubt, your veterinarian is the best partner for personalized nutrition. And hey—don’t stress it. With a little observation and consistency, you’ll dial this in just right.

Have questions about standard or mini bernedoodles? Contact our professional dog breeders here.

Jenna and the JLDD Team