The Great Pyrenees Feeding Chart is a must-have for any Great Pyrenees owner. This gentle giant requires a diet rich in nutrients to maintain its majestic size and beautiful coat.
A Great Pyrenees puppy needs to eat 3-4 times a day until it's about six months old, then gradually switch to twice a day.
At 6-12 months, Great Pyrenees puppies need about 1-1.5 cups of food per 10 pounds of body weight per day. This can vary depending on the puppy's activity level and growth rate.
A Great Pyrenees adult needs about 2-3 cups of food per day, split into two meals.
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Puppy Feeding Basics
Puppies need to eat more frequently than adult dogs, and their feeding schedule will change as they grow. Typically, puppies need to eat three to four times a day, depending on their age.
At just 12 months of age, your puppy will be close to their adult size, so their nutritional plan must support the development of bones, tissue, and cognitive skills.
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Large breed puppies, like Great Pyrenees, need specially formulated food and a lot of it. They require between 2 and 4 1/2 cups of food per day, depending on their size.
Smaller feedings are easier to digest and significantly decrease the risk of gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), otherwise known as bloat.
A Puppy's Core Nutritional Needs
A puppy's core nutritional needs are crucial for their growth and development. Puppies don't thrive on food scraps or a diet that's too high in carbs or animal protein.
To craft a healthy and supportive diet, it's essential to understand specific nutritional requirements for puppies. You want to provide a balance of nutrients, not just protein or carbs. Large breed dogs like the Great Pyrenees need a diet that controls bone growth and supports overall health.
Here are some key nutrients your puppy needs:
- High-quality protein from real meat sources like beef, chicken, fish, and lamb (at least 26% of daily calories)
- Fat content should be 8% or higher (from sources like salmon oils and chicken fat)
- Carbohydrates from healthy sources like vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and legumes
- Minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients
A good puppy food should be certified by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and have natural ingredients, high-quality resources, and human-grade foods.
Growth Chart by Age
A Great Pyrenees growth chart by age is a useful tool to track your puppy's development and ensure they're meeting their growth milestones. At 1 month, your puppy will weigh around 5-10 pounds.
Your Great Pyrenees will continue to grow rapidly in the first few months. By 2 months, they'll weigh between 15-30 pounds for males and 10-25 pounds for females. It's essential to monitor their growth and adjust their feeding schedule accordingly.
As your puppy reaches 6 months, they'll weigh around 70-80 pounds for males and 50-60 pounds for females. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and your puppy's growth may vary.
Here's a rough estimate of your Great Pyrenees' weight at different ages:
By 1 year, your Great Pyrenees will be close to their final weight, but they'll continue to fill out with muscle for another year. Keep a close eye on their growth and adjust their feeding schedule accordingly to ensure they reach their optimal size.
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Health and Maintenance
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your Great Pyrenees. The large size and body build can trick the untrained eye, making it challenging to determine if your dog is overweight or underweight just by looking at him.
Use the "touch method" to feel along your dog's ribs, spinal column, and hip bones by pressing gently against his coat. If you can easily feel the bones, your dog is underweight.
A good way to accurately estimate your dog's weight is to get him wet! Soak him down for a bath, and then you can observe his real figure. When looking at your dog from the top, you should be able to see an hourglass body shape with a marked tuck at the waist.
If you notice problems with weight, check with your veterinarian. Maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way in making sure your Great Pyrenees has a long and enjoyable life.
You can estimate your puppy's final growth weight using a simple formula.
Weight Calculator
To determine the right amount of food for your Great Pyrenees, you need to know their adult weight range, which is typically between 85 and 115 pounds.
Your dog will reach adulthood in 12-18 months, so you'll want to factor that into your feeding schedule.
A Great Pyrenees can measure up to 32 inches in height from paw to shoulder.
This height and weight range will help you choose the right food portions for your dog's adult stage.
You can use this weight calculator as a guide to ensure your Great Pyrenees is getting the right amount of nutrients to grow and thrive.
Related reading: Adult Great Pyrenees
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to feed a Great Pyrenees a month?
The monthly cost to feed a Great Pyrenees is typically between $80 to $120, depending on the dog's size, activity level, and the quality of dog food. Proper nutrition is crucial for their health, and high-quality dog food can make a significant difference in their overall well-being.
What is a Great Pyrenees favorite food?
A Great Pyrenees' favorite food is a raw diet rich in meat, bone, offal, and small amounts of plant ingredients, providing essential vitamins and minerals. This natural diet is inspired by their wild ancestors' eating habits.
How do I fatten up my Great Pyrenees?
Feed your Great Pyrenees a high-protein, high-fat diet to help them gain weight steadily and healthily. This can lead to noticeable weight increases in just a couple of weeks.
How many times a day should you feed a Great Pyrenees?
Feed your Great Pyrenees twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, for optimal health and well-being. This schedule helps maintain a healthy weight and supports their unique needs.
What is the best food for Great Pyrenees puppies?
For Great Pyrenees puppies, Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Puppy Food Dry Formula is a top choice, offering high-quality ingredients to support growth and development. This nutritious food is perfect for health-conscious dog owners who want the best for their furry friends.
Sources
- body condition scoring guide (vcahospitals.com)
- Great Pyrenees (vetcareanimalhospital.com)
- Great Pyrenees (akc.org)
- Click here to order Gentle Giants World Class Canine Cuisine dog food for delivery to your home or office. (gentlegiantscaninecuisine.com)
- WSAVA (wsava.org)
- What You Must Know about Feeding Great Pyrenees Dogs (simplifylivelove.com)
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