If you recently brought home a Mini Bernedoodle puppy (congrats, by the way—you’re in for a lifetime of snuggles, zoomies, and soulful puppy eyes), one of the first big questions you’ll face is: What is the best food for a Mini Bernedoodle puppy?

We’ve got you covered. At Double U Doodles, we’ve raised countless Mini Bernedoodle puppies in our home environment—complete with early socialization, gentle crate training, and lots of cuddles—and we’ve tried it all when it comes to feeding. So let’s talk food: what’s best, what to avoid, how much, and how often.

Why Food Matters for Mini Bernedoodle Puppies

A Mini Bernedoodle is a cross between a Miniature Poodle and a Bernese Mountain Dog. During the first 12 months, your puppy is growing rapidly, developing bones, muscles, brain power, and a range of personality quirks. That means nutrition is foundational.

From personal experience, we’ve seen how the right food can make all the difference in energy levels, coat quality, and even behavior. A mini Bernedoodle puppy puppy who eats well tends to sleep better, train faster, and transition into family life with ease.

Our #1 Pick: Purina Pro Plan Puppy

At Double U Doodles, we confidently recommend Purina Pro Plan Puppy, especially the Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula. This isn’t just a random pick, we’ve used this formula with every litter, and families consistently report excellent results.

Here’s why it works:

• Chicken as the first ingredient: Real meat builds real muscles.
• DHA from fish oil: Supports cognitive and visual development (hello, smart pup!).
• Shredded blend: The texture combo keeps mealtime interesting.
• Live probiotics and antioxidants: For digestive and immune health.

We’ve had families tell us their mini Bernedoodle puppy transitioned home so smoothly because they already loved the food, and we love that peace of mind.

When Should You Feed Your Mini Bernedoodle Puppy?

Your puppy will come home already on a three-meal schedule that looks like this:

• 7:00 AM – Breakfast
• 11:00 AM – Lunch
• 5:00 PM – Dinner

This routine not only keeps their energy balanced throughout the day, but it also helps regulate their bathroom habits (and yes, that’s a big deal during potty training).

Of course, feel free to adjust this schedule slightly to match your household rhythm. Just try to space the meals evenly and avoid feeding too close to bedtime.

How Much Should You Feed Them?

We always send puppies home with guidance, but the gold standard is the weight-based chart on the back of the dog food bag. It takes the guesswork out and adapts as your puppy grows.

Tips we always share with new families:

• Stick to mealtimes—no free feeding.
• Use a measuring cup for consistency.
• Always offer clean water (we keep fresh bowls out in multiple rooms during puppyhood).

We had one family whose pup started guarding the toilet as if it were a water bowl… lesson learned.

What About Treats?

We know, it’s hard to resist those eyes. But treats should stay in the training tool category.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Low-calorie, soft training treats for basic commands.
• Freeze-dried single-ingredient treats for high-value rewards.
• Avoid fatty, salty, or sugary snacks.

Remember: treats should make up less than 10% of daily intake. Balance is key.

Can I Switch Foods Later?

Yes—but not right away.

Your puppy’s digestive system is still adjusting after leaving their littermates and mom, so we recommend sticking with the same food for at least a few months. If you decide to switch later, do it gradually over 7–10 days to prevent tummy issues.

Our go-home packets include a transition guide.

Signs Your Puppy Is Thriving on Their Food

We’ve watched plenty of pups grow up, and when food is doing its job, you’ll notice:

• Glossy, soft coat
• Consistent, firm stools (yes, we talk poop here—it’s essential!)
• Healthy weight gain
• Bright eyes and alertness
• Steady energy without crashes

One of our favorite stories? A family sent us a pic of their pup mid-zoomie wearing a tortilla costume. The caption: “Fueled by Pro Plan.” We framed it.

A Note About Supplements

Unless your veterinarian recommends it, most healthy Mini Bernedoodle puppies on a complete food, such as Purina Pro Plan, do not need supplements.

We’ve had clients ask about joint support or probiotics early on, but unless there’s a diagnosed issue, their food covers everything they need in this stage.

Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s what we see most often (and what we warn every new family about):

1. Overfeeding – It happens faster than you think.
2. Changing food too fast – Stick to what works.
3. Feeding people food – Not as cute as it sounds.
4. Missing water bowls – Hydration = health.
5. Inconsistent mealtimes – Puppies crave routine.

Trust us, your puppy will act like they’re starving 10 minutes after dinner. They’re dramatic like that.

Final Thoughts: Feed With Love (and a Measuring Cup)

At Double U Doodles, we raise every puppy like they’re staying with us forever. That includes setting them up for the best nutritional start.

We’ve seen firsthand how Purina Pro Plan Puppy Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice supports long-term health, smooth transitions, and happy tummies. From our hands to yours, we hope this guide gives you the same confidence and clarity we offer to all our families.

Whether you’re prepping your first meal or measuring out your 100th, remember: every scoop is an act of love.

 

FAQ

What is the best food for a Mini Bernedoodle puppy?
We recommend Purina Pro Plan Puppy Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice. It’s complete, balanced, and breeder-tested.

How often should I feed my Mini Bernedoodle puppy?
Three times a day—7 am, 11 am, and 5 pm. You can adjust the times slightly to fit your schedule.

How much should I feed my puppy?
Follow the weight guide on the dog food bag. Measure with a cup and don’t free-feed.

Can I give my puppy treats?
Yes, but keep it to less than 10% of their daily intake. Use healthy, puppy-safe options.

When should I switch to adult food?
Most Mini Bernedoodles switch around 12 months. Ask your vet for personalized guidance.

What if my puppy skips a meal?
One skipped meal is usually okay. If it happens more than once or they appear to be off, contact your veterinarian.

 

Last updated: June 2025
Written by the team at Double U Doodles – ethical Mini Bernedoodle breeders dedicated to happy, healthy puppies and well-fed families.