If you own a “gentle giant” like the Great Pyrenees, you need to know how much they can eat. They need a larger amount of food to ensure they get the right amount of calories.
It is essential to ensure your Great Pyr is eating a high-quality diet while they’re developing. Their diet will also help support their joints and bones, depending on their growth rate.
How Much Does A Great Pyrenees Eat?
Since the Great Pyrenees is considered a giant breed, you should feed them at least 4 to 6 cups of dried food daily. Although they require a large amount of food, they don’t eat as much as we’d expect because of their slow metabolism.
Here is what you need to know about what the Great Pyrenees can eat, the best foods for their diet, and foods they should be avoiding. Read on for more!
How Much Should Great Pyrenees Eat In A Day?
Feeding your dog the right amount of food will ensure they are growing at a healthy rate. The Great Pyr is a larger dog, which may require a larger amount of food per day.
As previously mentioned, the Great Pyrenees should eat about 4 to 6 cups of dried food per day. This should be divided into two meals per day. Although an adult Pyr requires larger amounts of food in their diet, the amount of food given will depend on their size, build, age, and metabolism.
Moreover, the quality of their food will determine the number of nutrients they receive.
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How Much Should A Great Pyrenees Puppy Eat?
The duration for feeding a Great Pyrenees puppy differs from an adult. With a Great Pyrenees puppy, it is best to feed them multiple times a day to promote a healthy growing process.
In other words, they need more nutrients and calories than when they are adults. Here is what you need to know about feeding a puppy.
The amount to feed your puppy will change as they continue to grow. From about eight weeks to 3 months, you should feed them at least four times a day. Once they reach 4 to 9 months, you can feed them twice a day. Here is a list of the amount to feed your puppy:
Eight weeks
At eight weeks old, your puppy should be fed 1 to 2 cups a day, split into four meals. This will give them the energy and nutrients they need to grow and develop properly.
Ten weeks
At ten weeks old, your puppy will be excessive weight gain at a rapid pace. Depending on your dog, you can feed them at least 2 to 3 cups per day. This will help to ensure that they are getting enough food to support their growth.
12 weeks
At 12 weeks old, your puppy should be eating at least 2 to 3 cups a day, split into four meals. This will help them to continue growing and developing at a healthy rate.
16 weeks
At 16 weeks old, your puppy should be eating at least 2 to 3 cups a day, split into three meals. This will help them to continue growing and developing at a healthy rate.
Nine months
At nine months old, your puppy should be eating at least 2 to 3 cups a day, split into two meals. This will help them to maintain a healthy adult weight and continue to develop properly.
Great Pyrenees Diet
If you own the Great Pyrenees or are considering one, a proper feeding plan and providing the right foods are essential for a healthy growth chart. Moreover, they require more food than most breeds due to their size.
Here are some options on what you can feed them:
What Kind Of Dog Food Should I Feed My Great Pyrenees?
When creating a feeding program for your Great Pyrenees, you want to ensure they eat a well-balanced diet. High-quality foods are essential for your dog’s diet and contain natural ingredients.
Moreover, look for foods containing probiotics and prebiotics. This will guarantee that your Great Pyr is consuming the right amount of nutrients to digest its food correctly.
A Great Pyr needs a diet with a good source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus. These ingredients are necessary for supporting bone growth. Also, these foods must have omega fatty acids for a healthy double coat and skin.
The type of food you feed to your Great Pyr will depend on their age. If your Great Pyr is an adult, look for suitable foods for large dogs. Most brands like Purina, Blue Buffalo, or Merrick are usually grain-free and should have a high protein content.
If your dog is seven or older, he is considered a senior. You will have to transition your dog from adult food to dog food for seniors. Here are the types of foods you can feed your Great Pyr.
● Dry foods: High-quality dry foods are highly recommended. Search for products with meat products listed as the top ingredients.
● Wet/Moist foods: This is not the most recommended food due to preservatives. Some canned products are high in sugar which can cause plaque and dental problems. If you consider wet food, you can mix it with dry food.
What Human Foods Can Great Pyrenees Eat?
If you would like to introduce human foods to your Great Pyrenees, here are options to consider.
When it comes to poultry, you can feed them to your dog, but it is best to avoid meats that contain cooked fats. For example, avoid feeding them skin from beef or chicken. Moreover, they should not consume bones from poultry because it can affect their digestive tract.
In addition, your Pyr can eat vegetables such as green beans, carrots, zucchini, and cooked potatoes. Fruits may include bananas, fresh water, and melons, with apple slices, but be cautious of seeds.
Bread is also okay as long as it is cooked and does not contain nuts or raisins.
How Much Dog Food Can a Great Pyrenees Eat?
We know that Great Pyrenees eat on average 4 to 6 cups daily as an adult, but this amount depends on their metabolism, average weight, age, energy level, etc. An active Pyrenees that weighs about 100-110 pounds should consume at least 2200 calories a day.
A Great Pyrenees puppy should weigh about 60 pounds and consume about 1650 calories per day.
Can I Feed My Great Pyrenees Chicken?
Chicken is the main ingredient in most dog foods and is very lean. It also has a great source of protein and is safe for your Pyrenees, as long as it’s cooked. It is not recommended to feed your dog raw chicken because he will be at risk of bacterial infections.
Does the Great Pyrenees Have Food Allergies?
It is essential to take note of any food allergies your Pyrenees may have. It is stated that food allergies are among the top five most common allergies. Food allergies can cause irritation, itchiness, or digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting.
It is not uncommon for the Great Pyr to be affected by allergies, so careful attention to their diet is required.
The most common food allergies are typically proteins which may include chicken, beef, lamb, soy, or eggs. Gluten or wheat can also trigger an allergy. If your dog suffers from this condition, he may need to go on a hypoallergenic diet.
I would suggest speaking to your veterinarian before making this change to ensure they don’t miss out on key nutrients needed for growth.
Related – Do the Great Pyrenees have Health Problems?
What Food is Dangerous for A Great Pyrenees?
There are several food sources that are quite dangerous to the health of the Great Pyrenees. While we all know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs, there are many other food groups to be aware of. We showcase these below:
What Is The Best Food For A Great Pyrenees Puppy?
A Pyrenees puppy will require a diet with dry kibble. Since most Pyrenees puppies will weigh over 80 pounds, they need foods for giant breed dogs to help them grow properly.
Most puppy brands, including Purina, Wellness Core, and Blue Buffalo, may be grain-free. Other ingredients, such as deboned chicken or turkey, are great sources of protein.
In addition, calcium and phosphorus will support bone growth. Some dog foods may contain vegetables for immune support and digestive purposes.
How Long Should Great Pyrenees Eat Puppy Food?
It is essential to know that Great Pyrenees can eat large or giant-breed dog formula dog food. You should feed your Pyr puppy food for at most the first two years of its life.
When they reach maturity, which is about 12 to 18 months, they can transition into adult food.
What Is The Best Homemade Dog Food For Great Pyrenees?
If you’re thinking homemade, there are many recipes you can create that are not only healthy but will give your dog the proper nutrients and calories necessary for growth.
Homemade diets may take a bit longer to make, but they are simple and cost-efficient. It is recommended to consult your vet before choosing a homemade meal plan.
You can make DIY homemade dog food with ingredients like spinach, carrots, brown rice, chicken, zucchini, and peas. You can also use boiled eggs, lean meats, and tender herbs such as basil, parsley, and rosemary to include in your recipes.
Can the Great Pyrenees Eat Raw Food?
While dogs have a different digestive tract than humans, raw food can have mixed results for a dog’s health issue. Raw foods, especially those with meat, can be a great source of protein for Great Pyrs.
However, raw meat in large quantities is not recommended due to the high presence and risk of harmful bacteria. Along with meats, raw foods such as meats, eggs, and ground or whole bones can have traces of bacteria and can cause issues to the digestive tract.
Overall, the Great Pyrenees can eat raw food; however, it is best in small quantities only. Most of their diet should be high-quality commercial dog food that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
This will ensure they grow to their full potential while reducing their exposure to harmful bacteria and certain health conditions.
