Have you wondered which human food your Bernese Mountain Dog can or can’t eat?
The truth is, dogs have a different metabolic system than ours. That’s why what’s safe food for us may not be safe for our Bernese Mountain Dog. Therefore, you need to know which foods are OK to give your pet and which ones aren’t.
Below are the most common 37 fruits, vegetables & other snacks Bernese Mountain Dogs can (and can’t) eat:
List of fruits Bernese Mountain Dogs can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Bernese can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Bernese can or can’t eat:
Apples
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat apples.
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber for your Bernese. They’re also low in protein and fat, making them the perfect snack for senior Bernese Mountain Dogs.
To make sure your Bernese gets the most out of apples, remove the seeds and core first—they’re not good for them. Also avoid processed apples like applesauce or apple pie filling—these contain added sugar.
Avocado
Avocados are not safe for your Bernese to consume: the fruit, pits, leaves, skin and the actual plant contain persin so these parts are potentially poisonous to your Bernese.
That being said, avocado oil is safe in small amounts.
Bananas
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat bananas.
In fact, it’s a good idea to keep bananas on hand for your Bernese. Bananas are low-calorie, high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They’re also low in cholesterol and sodium. However, they have a high sugar content so we should give them as an occasional treat. Remove the banana peel before feeding because it’s tough to digest and may contain pesticides or chemicals. Avoid processed bananas like banana chips or banana puddings—these may contain added toxic ingredients that could harm your Bernese.
Blackberry
Yes! Blackberries are safe for Bernese Mountain Dogs to eat. They’re low in calories and sugar, high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—and best of all, they’re available fresh or frozen year-round.
Blackberries are a great addition to your Bernese’s diet because they’re full of nutrients that help prevent health issues like heart disease and cancer. Just make sure you don’t feed your Bernese any processed blackberries like blackberry jam, jelly, or ice cream. These types of foods can contain harmful ingredients.
One serving size of blackberries is 2 berries per 10 pounds of body weight daily.
Blueberry
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat blueberries.
Blueberries are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are also high in sugar, so it’s important to feed them in moderation (4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight). Frozen, fresh, dried or mashed, either is fine for most pups.
It’s important to avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt, blueberry pie, and blueberry pancakes because they may contain harmful additives.
Cantaloupe
Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat cantaloupe, but it should be in moderation.
Cantaloupe contains low calories, but high amounts of nutrients such as fiber and moisture. The sugar content is also high, so give your Bernese a small piece of cantaloupe at most.
Remove the rinds and seeds before you give your Bernese some cantaloupe because they can pose a choking hazard in Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Cherry
No, Bernese Mountain Dogs can’t eat cherries. Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the plant contains cyanide. Cyanide destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Bernese, which can cause their heart to stop beating and can lead to death.
If you suspect your Bernese has eaten cherries, contact your vet immediately! The symptoms of cyanide toxicity include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, lethargy, staggering gait, collapse, coma and death.
Grapes
Grapes are delicious and so healthy for us humans, but they’re very toxic to Bernese Mountain Dogs. Even a small amount of grapes can cause sudden kidney failure in your Bernese. Symptoms of grape poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect your Bernese ate grapes!
To prevent accidental ingestion, keep the grapes out of your Bernese’s reach and educate your family about the danger of accidental ingestion.
Mango
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat mango.
The mango is a fruit that contains four different vitamins: A, B6, C, and E. It’s also rich in potassium and fiber. And since it’s an antioxidant-rich food, mangoes are full of healthy phytonutrients that can help your Bernese maintain a healthy immune system.
Mangoes can be a great way to add variety to your Bernese’s diet—just don’t feed them the skin or the pit (these parts can get stuck in your Bernese’s throat) and avoid processed mango products like mango sorbet, mango popsicles, or mango ice cream—because they may contain harmful preservatives or other ingredients that aren’t good for your pup.
If you’re going to give your Bernese fresh mangoes, just make sure they’re ripe enough so they don’t give him an upset stomach; one-quarter cup of fresh mango once a week should be fine for most Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Oranges
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat oranges. Oranges provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture, so they are a healthy addition to your Bernese’s diet. However, you should only give your Bernese the fleshy part of the orange and remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds. Giving 1-2 sections as an occasional treat is enough for most Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Peaches
Peaches are wonderful fruit for humans, but can Bernese Mountain Dogs eat peaches? Yes, if you want them to.
Small amounts of cut-up fresh or frozen peaches are safe for your Bernese Mountain Dogs. Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A, which helps improve their digestion and keep them healthy. However, remove the pit before serving it to your Bernese as it contains cyanide. Also, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful preservatives and additives that are dangerous for pets.
Pears
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat pears. Pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber. Eating the fruit can reduce the risk of having a stroke significantly.
Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide.
Skip processed pears like canned pears as it may contain sugar syrups and other additives that aren’t good for your Bernese. One small slice is ok for most Bernese Mountain Dogs as pears contain sugar.
Pineapples
Your Bernese can eat pineapple, but only the soft inner fruit is safe for your Bernese to eat. If you want to give your Bernese a treat, make sure it’s just a small bite of raw pineapple.
Pineapple contains bromelain, which is a protein-digesting enzyme that can be helpful for Bernese Mountain Dogs with arthritis or swelling. It also contains vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and potassium.
But there are some things to watch out for: avoid processed pineapples like canned pineapple, pineapple cake, or anything else with added harmful chemicals.
The spiky skin on the outside of the pineapple is harmful for Bernese Mountain Dogs and could cause irritation or digestive issues if ingested. The hard inner core should also be removed because it’s tough to chew and could cause choking if swallowed whole by accident.
Pumpkin
Yes, pure pumpkin itself is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Bernese Mountain Dogs. Not only does it taste good, but it also helps with your Bernese’s skin and coat, as well as digestion. It can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Bernese.
But don’t feed your Bernese pumpkin pie mix—it’s not safe for Bernese Mountain Dogs to eat. If you want to give your Bernese canned pumpkin, that’s fine, but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling).
Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today. The amount varies with your Bernese’s size and activity level, but start with a teaspoon per day.
Strawberry
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat strawberries.
Strawberries are a fruit that’s packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They’re also fresh or frozen—both have the same benefits. But always cut the strawberries in small pieces before serving to your Bernese, because they can be a choking hazard otherwise. And remove the stem from your Bernese’s strawberry snack to reduce the risk of intestinal blockage.
It’s important to avoid processed strawberries, which are often made with ingredients that are unhealthy for Bernese Mountain Dogs—like corn syrup and artificial preservatives.
Watermelon
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat watermelon. Watermelon is a low calorie treat with vitamins, minerals, and lycopene that your Bernese’s body needs.
The flesh of a watermelon is safe and nutritious for your Bernese, but you should remove the seeds, rinds, and skin before feeding it to your Bernese.
Cut the melon into small chunks so that your Bernese can more easily swallow them without choking. Half a cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon is enough per 10 pounds of body weight to give your Bernese some nutrients with no risk of overfeeding him or her.
List of vegetable Bernese Mountain Dogs can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Bernese can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Bernese can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs eat broccoli?
Yes! Broccoli contains Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and minerals, as well as fiber. It’s also safe to offer your pup the stems and florets of broccoli—either raw or cooked. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces to avoid choking. You should offer about 1/4 (0.25) cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight for a pup.
Cabbage
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat cabbage. In fact, it’s a good idea to offer your pup some every now and again.
Cabbage contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, so it’s good for their overall health. It’s also rich in fiber and moisture, which means it’ll keep them feeling full longer.
Red cabbage is more nutritious than green cabbage—it has 10 times more vitamins than green cabbage! But both red and green cabbages are safe for Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Lightly cook or roast the cabbage before giving it to your Bernese; this makes it easier for them to digest and prevents any choking hazards from leafy bits sticking between their teeth as they chew on their food. Try mixing a small portion of roasted cabbage with Bernese food for an extra boost of nutrition.
Carrots
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat carrots! Carrots are a great low-calorie treat your pup will love. They contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber—all things that Bernese Mountain Dogs need to stay healthy. The crunching of carrots is also great for their teeth.
Raw or cooked carrots are fine to feed your Bernese, but cooked carrots are better since they’re easier to digest. If you give your Bernese raw or frozen carrots, chop them into smaller pieces to avoid choking hazards.
If you want to give them carrot cake, be sure that the recipe doesn’t include any harmful additives. A single baby carrot per average-sized pup should suffice for most purposes.
Celery
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat celery. It’s a great, low-calorie treat that also contains vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and high levels of moisture and fiber. The best way to feed it is to pair it with other treats or mix it into their regular food.
Celery sticks are okay for most large Bernese Mountain Dogs, but you should avoid feeding them the leaves unless they’re organic and washed. Always cut celery into bite-sized pieces before giving it to your Bernese. Start by giving one or two pieces at first and then increase the amount over time.
Cucumber
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat cucumbers.
Cucumbers contain vitamins, minerals, moisture, and fiber. They also provide phytochemicals that help freshen your Bernese’s breath. The seeds and peels or skin of a cucumber are safe as long as they are organic. However, processed cucumbers like cucumber pickles may contain harmful preservatives so avoid them altogether.
Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat cucumbers in moderation, but only one or two pieces at most.
Garlic
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs eat garlic?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. While garlic may be a staple in your diet and even your Bernese’s food, it contains a toxic compound that can have dangerous consequences for your Bernese.
The compound responsible for this toxicity is called N-propyl disulfide, which causes hemolysis leading to anemia. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, increased heart rate and respiration rate, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst/urination, pale gums and skin color.
If you suspect your Bernese has eaten garlic, contact your vet immediately.
Onions
Can a Bernese eat onions?
No! Don’t let this happen to you.
Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia in Bernese Mountain Dogs. The toxic dose is 15 gm/kg of body weight of your Bernese—even if it’s just a little piece of onion.
Onions are bad for Bernese Mountain Dogs no matter what type they are: red, white, or yellow. And besides, all parts of the onion plant are toxic to Bernese Mountain Dogs too, including the flesh, ring, leaves, juice, and processed powders.
If you think your Bernese ate onions and has symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea or pale gums or skin, contact your vet immediately.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a low calorie treat and full of vitamins and antioxidants, making it a great choice for your Bernese. It’s also high in fiber and moisture that can help keep your Bernese hydrated.
Plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini is safe for Bernese Mountain Dogs to eat. However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones. If you’re unsure about how much to feed your Bernese, start with just one or two small bites.
List of some other snacks Bernese Mountain Dogs can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Bernese can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Bernese can or can’t eat:
Bacon
No, your Bernese should not eat bacon.
Eating a large amount can cause pancreatitis, which can be fatal if not treated. However, giving your Bernese small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should not cause harm.
Bacon is also high in fat and sodium, so it’s best to limit the amount that you feed your Bernese.
If you want to give your Bernese some bacon once in a while, be sure to cook it thoroughly first to kill any bacteria that may be present on it. Be careful not to give your Bernese any raw meat or uncooked bones; these could splinter inside their mouths or intestines and cause injury or infection.
Beef
Yes! Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat beef.
Lean cooked beef is a great source of protein and many important vitamins and minerals. It’s also safe for your Bernese as long as you don’t feed them too much.
If you’re cooking for yourself and your Bernese, consider using lean beef. You can also make an easy Bernese stew by adding some carrots, potatoes and celery to a slow cooker with some chopped-up cooked beef.
Beef broth is also healthy for Bernese Mountain Dogs (just make sure it’s low sodium), as are specialized Bernese beef jerky treats without excess amounts of salt.
Be careful to stay away from cooked bone because it may splinter and cause choking or blockage in your Bernese’s intestines. But a larger raw bone can make a fun chew toy! For a 20-pound pooch, one cup of kibble or 0.3 pounds of ground beef should be enough if you opt for a raw diet.
Bread
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat bread provided your Bernese is not allergic to it. Plain white and wheat bread are safe for Bernese Mountain Dogs to eat, but only in moderation.
Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Bernese, so offer them in moderation. If you’re going to give your Bernese bread, stick with a crust or a small piece rather than a whole slice. Too much bread can cause digestive problems for your pup, so don’t overdo it.
Cheese
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat cheese—but you should be careful about what type of cheese you’re feeding to your Bernese.
The reason for this is that some cheeses are high in fat and salt, which can make them unhealthy for Bernese Mountain Dogs. Other cheeses contain ingredients that are toxic to Bernese Mountain Dogs, including chocolate, nuts, raisins and grapes.
Mozzarella and cheddar cheese are safe choices for feeding Bernese Mountain Dogs because they contain vitamins and fatty acids that help boost their immune systems. Swiss cheese also contains high levels of vitamin A, which can help keep your Bernese’s eyes healthy as they age. Cottage cheese is a good choice as well, but only in small amounts because it contains lactose (which can cause diarrhea in Bernese Mountain Dogs).
If you want to give your Bernese some cheese as a treat once in a while, try giving them small pieces of mozzarella or cheddar instead of other varieties like blue cheese or cream cheese because those types have more salt than the others do.
Chicken
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat chicken. Chicken meat contains protein, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for your Bernese’s health.
Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option because it is higher in protein but lower in fat than skin and other parts of the chicken. The amount depends on the size of your Bernese, but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Bernese is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs eat chocolate?
The short answer: no. Chocolate is toxic to Bernese Mountain Dogs, even in small amounts. Theobromine and caffeine are the culprits here: they’re both found in cocoa powder (most toxic), unsweetened baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, dark chocolate and milk chocolate. If your Bernese ate chocolate, contact your vet immediately—and be sure to educate your family about the danger of chocolate in Bernese Mountain Dogs to prevent accidental ingestion.
Eggs
Yes, your Bernese can eat eggs.
Eggs are a great source of protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. They’re also easy to digest which means your Bernese’s body will use all the nutrients from the egg.
The only thing you need to watch out for is raw eggs. Raw eggs contain avidin which prevents absorption of biotin, which is necessary for healthy skin and coat. In addition, raw eggs may contain harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli that could make your Bernese sick.
To keep your Bernese safe when eating eggs, cook them well so they’re soft enough to eat. Egg shells are ok too but first grind the shells in a blender or food processor until they’re ground into tiny pieces that aren’t sharp anymore.
Fish
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat fish. Fish is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. But not all of them are safe for your Bernese.
Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon and shrimp are safe for your Bernese as they contain less mercury than larger fish like tuna and swordfish. Avoid longer-lived species that may contain heavy metals like mercury.
Always clean them properly, debone them and cook them before feeding them to your Bernese, adding no harmful additives. Feeding your Bernese one or two times per week in small controlled amounts is okay.
Icecream
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs eat ice cream?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Ice cream contains high amounts of dairy products and sugar, which are not safe for Bernese Mountain Dogs to ingest. Bernese Mountain Dogs can become sick from eating ice cream, including symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. If you suspect your Bernese has ingested some ice cream, it’s important to seek veterinary help immediately.
Peanut butter
Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat peanut butter, but in moderation. Peanut butter provides protein, vitamins and healthy fats.
However, ensure the peanut butter is pup-safe without xylitol or chocolate. Also, avoid peanut butter pretzels, as it contains 3 times more sodium.
Amount depends on the size of your Bernese, but start with a half teaspoon per day.
Popcorn
Can Bernese Mountain Dogs eat popcorn? Well, the answer depends on the type of popcorn you give them. Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for Bernese Mountain Dogs to eat in small quantities as an occasional treat, but only if it’s plain—dusted with salt or sugar is definitely off-limits. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Bernese Mountain Dogs, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc. They also have fiber and trace amounts of vitamins.
However, don’t feed your Bernese a lot of un-popped or partially popped kernels because they can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Bernese’s teeth. Also, avoid processed popcorn—buttered popcorn or any kind of prepackaged snack containing popcorn (like chips) will not be good for your pup.
Turkey
Yes, your Bernese can eat turkey.
Turkey is a great source of protein and fatty acids, so it’s safe as long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat. Turkey breast meat is the best option because it’s higher in protein than other cuts of turkey.
Turkey also provides minerals like zinc, selenium and phosphorus. If your Bernese has a sensitive stomach or suffers from pancreatitis, it may be better to avoid dark meat turkey since it’s high in fat.
It’s also important to avoid processed turkey because it may contain harmful chemicals or additives that could make your Bernese sick.
Yogurt
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs can eat yogurt. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Bernese Mountain Dogs, and there are many benefits to feeding your Bernese plain yogurt.
However, if your Bernese can’t digest dairy products, it’s best to avoid giving them any form of yogurt. While some Bernese Mountain Dogs will have no trouble with dairy-based foods, others won’t be able to digest them at all. The good bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system and can improve your Bernese’s overall health by aiding digestion.
Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Bernese. We should avoid yogurts with added sugar as they can cause diarrhea in some Bernese Mountain Dogs. Artificial sweeteners may also cause problems, so you should skip all yogurts with artificial sweeteners as it can lead to diarrhea or even vomiting sometimes.
One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most Bernese Mountain Dogs. If you’re unsure whether your Bernese can eat yogurt, check with your vet before starting him on this healthy snack food!