What Do Great Pyrenees Eat and Why It Matters

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Close-Up Shot of a Great Pyrenees Dog Standing on the Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a Great Pyrenees Dog Standing on the Grass

Great Pyrenees are large, majestic dogs that require a diet tailored to their unique needs. They have a thick double coat that sheds heavily, which means they need a diet rich in protein to maintain their coat health.

Their ideal weight is between 85 and 115 pounds, and a balanced diet is crucial to maintaining this weight.

A Great Pyrenees' diet should consist of high-quality protein sources, such as lamb or beef, to support their muscle mass and overall health.

Nutritional Basics

Great Pyrenees are large-breed dogs that require a balanced diet of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to stay healthy.

Protein is essential for muscle development and repair, while fats provide energy and support coat health.

Carbohydrates offer energy and aid digestion, and a mix of vitamins and minerals ensures overall well-being.

A Great Pyrenees' diet should consist of quality calories, not empty ones, and both protein and fat are necessary for a healthy dog.

Products containing corn are not recommended, as most dogs find it difficult to digest.

A balanced diet with both meats and vegetables is crucial for a Great Pyrenees, and it's best to avoid foods that are high in corn.

For your interest: Heart Healthy Food for Dogs

Food Options

Credit: youtube.com, Great Pyrenees Feeding Tips- Vital Tips

When it comes to feeding your Great Pyrenees, you'll want to focus on high-quality commercial dry food. This is the most recommended type of prepared food for the breed.

Justin Palmer, a certified canine nutrition expert, has carefully selected the best diets for Great Pyrenees, and he recommends looking for brands that have large dog varieties.

Meats should be listed at the top of the ingredient list, and foods with "byproducts" included as part of the meat description should be avoided.

Our Top 5 Foods

Our founder, Justin Palmer, a certified canine nutrition expert, carefully selected these diets specifically for Great Pyrenees.

Justin's expertise ensures that these foods meet the unique needs of this breed.

The diets were developed with Great Pyrenees in mind, taking into account their specific nutritional requirements.

Justin's knowledge of canine nutrition is impressive, and it shows in the diets he's chosen for Great Pyrenees.

These diets are tailored to promote the overall health and well-being of Great Pyrenees.

If this caught your attention, see: Sport Dog Nutrition

Dry Food

Credit: youtube.com, TOP 5 Best Dry Dog Foods 2025

When choosing a dry food for your Great Pyrenees, consider high-quality commercial brands that cater to large dog varieties.

Look for brands that list meats at the top of the ingredient list, as this indicates a more nutritious and balanced diet.

Avoid foods with "byproducts" included as part of the meat description, as these can be low-quality ingredients.

Natural preservatives like vitamin E are acceptable, but be cautious of foods that rely heavily on chemical preservatives, as these can be detrimental to your dog's health.

Food

Our Great Pyrenees friends have specific dietary needs, and it's essential to choose the right food for them.

High-quality commercial dry food is the most recommended type of prepared food for Great Pyrenees.

Look for brands that cater to large dog varieties, but also scrutinize the ingredient list carefully.

Meats should be listed at the top of the ingredient list, and it's best to avoid foods with "byproducts" included as part of the meat description.

Foods with natural preservatives like vitamin E are acceptable, but those with large amounts of chemical preservatives are not good for any dog.

Special Considerations

Credit: youtube.com, Feeding Great Pyrenees: Dietary Restrictions & Tips

Great Pyrenees have specific dietary needs that change as they age. Puppies require more calories for growth.

As they mature, senior Great Pyrenees may need a diet lower in calories and higher in fiber. This can help support their joint health and digestive system.

Dogs with health issues like allergies or joint problems may require specialized diets. These diets are designed to alleviate symptoms and manage their condition.

Special Dietary Considerations

Great Pyrenees have unique dietary needs that change as they age. Puppies require more calories and nutrients for growth.

Their diet should be adjusted as they mature, with senior dogs needing a lower-calorie diet higher in fiber.

Dogs with health issues like allergies or joint problems may need specialized diets.

High-quality commercial dry food is the most recommended type of prepared food for Great Pyrenees. Owners should look for brands with large dog varieties.

Meats should be listed at the top of the ingredient list, and foods with "byproducts" should be avoided.

Natural preservatives like vitamin E are acceptable, but foods with large amounts of chemical preservatives are not good for any dog.

Consider Switching to Adult Food for Puppies

Credit: youtube.com, Pet Questions: Switching from puppy to adult dog food

Some breeders and owners recommend feeding puppies adult food instead of puppy food, citing concerns about out-of-proportion growth spurts that can be painful for the breed.

Our breeder told us that Pyr puppies should be fed adult food, and many other Great Pyrenees owners have shared the same advice.

Research suggests that this is due to the breed's tendency to grow at an unusual rate, which can be uncomfortable for them.

This is not a decision to be taken lightly, and it's essential to do your own research and consult with a veterinarian before making a change.

Pyrenees owners who have made the switch report positive experiences, but it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

For your interest: Adult Great Pyrenees

Weight Management

Great Pyrenees dogs have a slow metabolism, which means they don't eat as much as other giant breeds.

Monitoring your Great Pyrenees' weight is crucial to ensure they don't become overweight or underweight. Regular check-ups with a vet can help in maintaining an ideal weight.

A Great Pyrenees' diet should be adjusted based on their activity level, age, and health status. This will help prevent nutritional deficiencies and ensure they stay healthy.

Their gentle mouth is also a blessing when it comes to eating, as they won't snatch food out of your hands.

Foods Harmful to Dogs

Credit: youtube.com, What I feed my Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees are sensitive to certain foods that can be toxic to them.

Chocolate is a big no-no for Great Pyrenees, as it can cause serious health issues.

Grapes, raisins, and foods containing xylitol are also off-limits, as they can be toxic to dogs.

Limiting table scraps is essential, as they can be high in fat and salt, which can be detrimental to a Great Pyrenees' health.

Onions and garlic should be avoided at all costs, as they can cause anemia in dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of food do Great Pyrenees like?

Great Pyrenees dogs benefit from a giant- or large-breed dog food formula, especially during their first two years of life. Choosing the right food is crucial for their growth and development.

What is the best dog food for a Great Pyrenees?

For Great Pyrenees, a large breed dog, NUTRO ULTRA Adult Large Breed Dog Food is a great choice due to its suitability for sizable canine companions. Consider this option for a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

What are Great Pyrenees favorite treats?

Great Pyrenees and other LGDs enjoy healthy, natural treats like raw food, cooked meat, and animal-based chews. Favorites include bully sticks, deer antlers, and Himalayan yak chews.

Shane Gislason

Assigning Editor

Shane Gislason is a seasoned editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With over a decade of experience in publishing, he has honed his skills in assigning stories and managing editorial teams. As an accomplished Assigning Editor, Shane brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, having worked on numerous high-profile projects and publications.

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