The Great Pyrenees is a majestic breed that requires a balanced diet to maintain its large size and sturdy build. They need a nutrient-rich food that supports their growth and development.
Great Pyrenees puppies require a diet high in protein and fat to fuel their rapid growth, with a minimum of 22% protein and 15% fat in their food. This helps them develop strong bones and muscles.
As adult dogs, Great Pyrenees need a diet that maintains their weight and supports their overall health. A balanced adult dog food with moderate protein and fat levels, around 18% protein and 10% fat, is suitable for them.
Great Pyrenees are prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
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Nutritional Needs
Great Pyrenees require a balanced diet of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy. This breed needs more food than the average dog, so feed them about four to six cups of high-quality dry food a day.
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To prevent bloating, it's essential to divide their daily intake in half, giving them half their food in the morning and half at night. This will make it less likely for your dog to experience discomfort after eating.
Great Pyrenees need high-quality protein sources in their diet, such as lean meats like chicken, beef, turkey, and fish. These proteins support muscle maintenance and overall growth.
Here are some essential nutrients your Great Pyrenees needs:
- Protein for muscle development and repair
- Fats for energy and coat health
- Carbohydrates for energy and digestion
- Vitamins and minerals for overall well-being
After eating, ensure your dog takes time to rest, never play with them right after meals, and give them time to digest. This will help prevent discomfort and ensure they can absorb the nutrients they need.
Choosing the Right Food
The diets for Great Pyrenees were specifically selected by a certified canine nutrition expert, Justin Palmer, who knows what works best for this breed.
Dry kibble is a convenient option that supports dental health in Great Pyrenees.
Wet food can be more palatable and hydrating for Great Pyrenees, but it's essential to find a balanced formula.
Raw diets can provide natural nutrients for Great Pyrenees, but they require careful handling to avoid contamination.
Home-cooked meals allow you to control the ingredients, but they need to be nutritionally balanced to ensure your Great Pyrenees gets all the necessary nutrients.
Special Considerations
If you're feeding a Great Pyrenees, it's essential to consider their age and life stage.
Great Pyrenees puppies require more frequent feeding than adult dogs, with three to four meals a day until they're about six months old.
As they mature, their feeding schedule can be adjusted to two meals a day.
Take a look at this: Feeding Chart for Great Pyrenees Puppy
Foods to Avoid
Chocolate is a no-go for Great Pyrenees, as it can be toxic to them.
Grapes, raisins, and onions are also on the list of foods to avoid. These can cause serious health issues in Great Pyrenees.
Foods containing xylitol should also be kept out of reach. This sugar substitute can be particularly hazardous to dogs.
Limiting table scraps is essential, as they can be high in fat and salt.
Special Dietary Considerations
Great Pyrenees have a slow metabolism, which means they don't eat as much as other giant breeds.
This is great news for owners, as it means they don't need to worry about overfeeding their Pyr. In fact, they have a gentle mouth, which makes mealtime a breeze - they won't snatch food from your hands.
However, their slow metabolism does mean they require a diet that's tailored to their needs. Puppies, for example, need more calories and nutrients for growth, so they require a nutrient-rich diet.
Senior Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, may need a diet lower in calories and higher in fiber to support their aging bodies. And dogs with health issues like allergies or joint problems may require specialized diets to manage their condition.
It's essential to work with your vet to determine the best diet for your Great Pyr, taking into account their age, health status, and activity level.
Related reading: Great Pyrenees Common Health Problems
They Bury Their
Great Pyrenees have a unique quirk when it comes to food - they like to bury it. We've seen our own Nora run off with a huge bone, only to bury it and remember where she put it.
Their love of burying food can be quite amusing, and other owners of Pyrs have shared similar experiences. They've even been known to bury their entire food bowl!
It's not uncommon for Great Pyrenees to remember where they buried their food, and they'll return to dig it up later.
Feeding and Health
Feeding your Great Pyrenees requires careful consideration of their unique nutritional needs. A diet with adequate levels of taurine, L-carnitine, and amino acids essential for heart health can be beneficial, as these nutrients are found in animal-based proteins like meat and fish.
Great Pyrenees are large-breed dogs and need more food than the average dog, so feed them about four to six cups of high-quality dry food a day. This should be divided into two meals, with half given in the morning and half at night, to prevent bloating.
To ensure your Great Pyrenees get the nutrients they need, choose high-quality protein sources like lean meats like chicken, beef, turkey, and fish. These proteins support muscle maintenance and overall growth.
Here are some general guidelines for feeding your Great Pyrenees:
- Feed them about four to six cups of high-quality dry food a day.
- Divide their daily food into two meals, with half given in the morning and half at night.
- Choose high-quality protein sources like lean meats.
Monitoring your Great Pyrenees' weight is crucial, as overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can result in nutritional deficiencies. Regular check-ups with a vet can help in maintaining an ideal weight.
Importance of Hydration
Hydration is as important as food for dogs, and it's essential to have fresh, clean water available at all times.
Some dogs may benefit from wet food or added water in their meals to increase hydration, especially in hot climates.
Dogs with urinary tract issues may also require extra hydration to stay healthy.
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Nutrition and Feeding
Feeding your Great Pyrenees requires careful consideration of their unique nutritional needs. They need more food than the average dog, so be prepared to feed them about four to six cups of high-quality dry food a day.
A balanced diet is crucial, with trusted protein sources, carbs to fuel exercise, and nutrients and vitamins. This will ensure your dog's health and happiness.
To prevent bloating, it's essential to cut your Great Pyrenees' daily intake in half. Feed them half their daily food in the morning and the other half at night. This will give their digestive system time to rest and reduce the risk of bloating.
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After eating, give your dog time to rest, digest, and avoid playing with them right away. This will help prevent discomfort and ensure a smooth digestive process.
Monitoring your Great Pyrenees' weight is vital to prevent obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Adjust their portions based on their activity level, age, and health status, and schedule regular check-ups with a vet to maintain an ideal weight.
Here's a quick guide to their daily nutritional needs:
By following these guidelines and consulting with a vet, you can create a balanced diet that meets your Great Pyrenees' unique needs and helps them thrive.
Feed Puppies Adult Food
Feeding your puppies adult food instead of puppy food is a common recommendation among Great Pyrenees owners. I've heard this advice from many breeders and owners, including our own breeder.
The concern is out-of-proportion growth spurts, which can be very painful for the breed. This is a significant issue that many owners are aware of.
I've done my research and found that this advice is not just anecdotal, but also based on some real concerns about the breed's health.
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Care, Feeding, Training
When feeding your Great Pyrenees, it's essential to remember that they need more food than average due to their large size, so aim for four to six cups of high-quality dry food a day.
A balanced diet is crucial, with trusted protein sources, carbs to fuel exercise, and nutrients and vitamins.
To prevent bloating, which is more common after large meals, give your dog half their daily food in the morning as breakfast and then half at night.
Here's a simple feeding schedule to follow:
- Half of their daily food in the morning (breakfast)
- Half of their daily food at night
After eating, it's vital to give your dog time to rest, digest, and relax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Great Pyrenees favorite treats?
Great Pyrenees and other LGDs enjoy raw food treats, cooked meat, and natural chews like bully sticks and deer antlers. Healthy, animal-based treats are a great option for these breeds.
Sources
- https://iheartdogs.com/ideal-diet-for-great-pyrenees-the-ultimate-great-pyrenees-feeding-guide/
- https://www.db-farms.com/beyond-the-barn/o2qv41rsnnivf9hee6x86xw3x03t5k
- https://www.holistapet.com/blogs/dog-breeds/great-pyrenees
- http://greatpyrenees.club/caring-feeding-training/
- https://simplifylivelove.com/feeding-great-pyrenees-dogs/
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