The Great Pyrenees is a giant, thickly white-coated, and extremely powerful breed of dog.
Commonly used as a livestock working dog, this breed has developed its protective instincts with humans and fellow animals, making them a good family dog.
They are intelligent but stubborn at times, thus, they can be difficult to train. However, with little quality time and patience, you can surely make them befriend you.
However, there is an ongoing misconception that taking care of Great Pyrenees is expensive, especially when it comes to feeding them. This misconception is probably due to its big size.
The Pyrenees may be big but that doesn’t mean that they consume more food than other giant dogs. These dogs, like other big dog breeds, need the same amount of food and also require a healthy diet plan.
Keep reading to see more healthy dietary plans and to know our best dog food for your Great Pyrenees.
Best Dog Food for Great Pyrenees
1. Purina Pro Plan Sport
Purina Pro Plan Sport is a vet’s highly suggested dog food for growing puppies and the athletic Pyrenees of all ages. It includes DHA which is good for your dog’s healthy immune system.
Having real chicken as a primary ingredient, this recipe really promotes endurance and strength. It is affordable and available in the market, therefore, it is not a problem to stick with this product for your dog.
Pros:
- Enhances metabolism
- Best on puppies but also great for dogs of all stages
- Excellent for working and physically active dogs
Cons:
- No flavors to choose from
- No carbohydrate
2. Diamond Naturals Adult Large Breed Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food
This dog food is great for adult’s Great Pyrenees bones and joints. If your dog has a problem with being overweight, this product is the best for him.
This recipe is rich in protein and has a low-fat content that’s good for your dog’s large body while maintaining his ideal body weight. The glucosamine and chondroitin content also help him build stronger bones.
Pros:
- Highly digestible
- Made with real cage-free protein
- Full of nutrients
Cons:
- No carbohydrate
- Too many ingredients, some may be potential for food allergies
- May not be tasty to some Pyrenees
3. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Large Breeds, Light for Weight Management, Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
Giants have their own diet and nutrition requirements. Fortunately, Hill’s Science Diet is specially made to boost the energy needs of Pyrenees.
Moreover, if your dog is prone to food allergies or is overweight, this product is a must. This dog food contains fewer ingredients but surely nutritious.
This food has a healthy weight formula which means high protein, low fat and calories. It is also highly digestible and good for you Pyrenees’ joints.
The good thing about Science Diet though, for every single purchase, another homeless pet is getting feed and able to find his home.
Pros:
- Good for a low-fat diet
- Effective for weight loss
- Good for developing joints
- Reduces the risk of food allergies because of its limited ingredients
Cons:
- May be too high in protein and fiber for some dogs
- May be expensive for some customers
4. WholeHearted Grain Free Small-Breed Chicken and Pea Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food
Looking for very affordable and nutritious dog food? Well, this product by WholeHearted has you covered!
You will surely save a lot from this product because you can also feed your cat with this recipe. Whatever the size, age, weight of your pet, this recipe will provide the proper nutrition that he deserves.
This food contains real protein nutrients from Chicken and Pea good for your pet’s balanced diet.
It has also a good amount of calcium and phosphorous for your dog’s healthy teeth and bones. It has no artificial flavor, soy, and weight which is good for the highly sensitive Pyrenees.
Pros:
- Food for cats and dogs
- Very affordable
- Recommended for pets having sensitive stomachs
- Ideal for bones and dental problems
Cons:
- No carbohydrate
- Kibble size may be too small for large breed dogs
- Chicken as a recipe may not be good for the sensitive Pyrenees
5. Forza10 Active Depura Diet Lamb Dry Dog Food
Active Depura Vet diet is best for Great Pyrenees under medication. If your dog is suffering from a lack of appetite, liver issues, weak limbs, or skinny, this food is highly recommended.
Depura’s Diet is proven to be effective by research conducted in collaboration with the University of Sassari.
It has limited ingredients perfect for dogs prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. It also has anti-oxidant formulas such as papaya, aloe vera, and pomegranate.
Pros:
- Good for elderly Great Pyrenees as they are more prone to several diseases
- Has the best quality ingredients
- Improves overall health and wellness
- Anti-oxidants formulas help reduce stress, inflammation, tissues degeneration
Cons:
- No carbohydrate
- Expensive
- May not be available to some countries
Why good quality food is necessary for your Great Pyrenees
Since Great Pyrenees are big in nature, their weight can be an issue. The fat content on their diet needs to be checked because of their naturally slow metabolism. Foods having fewer nutrients than they actually need adds more to their weight.
Food with empty calories doesn’t provide proper nutrition necessary for your Great Pyrenees’ energy level throughout the day.
Furthermore, puppies, as well as elder ones, need to maintain their usual size. Too much weight can affect your dog’s musculoskeletal structure. At least 2200 calories are required for them to function effectively every day.
Good quality dog food that’s rich in calcium, complex carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins from fruits and vegetables are necessary for them to maintain good health and weight.
Puppy
Your puppy Pyrenees needs at least 8% fat and 22% protein in his diet.
As a puppy, fat is vital at this point in time for his development and healthy growth. Protein, on the other hand, is important for growing muscles.
Adult
Once your dog reaches his full size, he needs 5% of fat and a minimum of 18% protein. You can add some protein on his diet up to a maximum of 30%. However, keep the fat lower to avoid obesity.
Senior
As your Great Pyrenees grows older, his metabolism tends to slow down. This time, you need to be extra careful about his diet plan to prevent overgrowth.
He will need a large-breed formula or a senior recipe to keep his body healthy. Phosphorus and calcium are beneficial for a senior Pyrenees’ healthy bones and teeth.
Ingredients that can be harmful to your Great Pyrenees
Cheap fillers are bad for Great Pyrenees health because of the fewer nutrients it provides. Such food may also contain potential food allergens.
To prevent allergies, avoid ingredients such as soy and corn. If available, it is best to feed them with wheat-free and gluten-free foods. Chicken, on the other hand, is harmful to sensitive dogs.
Prior studies have discovered that a diet containing legumes, peas, and potatoes may result in several disorders. A common disorder associated with giant dogs and these ingredients is called Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (CDM).
This kind of disease lowers the ability of the heart to pump blood. Therefore, consider checking the ingredients on your dog’s food.
Moreover, well-known brands such as Ol Roy, Beneful, and Kibbles use fillers. Products of these brands may be less expensive but that’s because fillers are used to minimize the cost of food.
If you keep on patronizing products with cheap fillers, you may end up going to the vet most of the time.
The following is a recommended feeding requirement to keep your Pyrenees healthy:
- Puppies – It is advisable to set a schedule with your vet on this matter. It is important that your puppy does not grow too much and quickly. Talk with the vet to establish good feeding requirements and schedule for your dog.
- Adults – The 2200 calories which are required for the Pyrenees are indeed quite much. Even so, keep in mind that your dog does not need to be free-feed. To prevent weight issues, four to six cups of dog food are required of them per day.
- Seniors – If being overweight is not an issue, seniors need the same amount of food as adult dogs. Since they are getting older, you need to cut down fat content on their diet. For better guidance, it is best to work with your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best dog food for Great Pyrenees?
Homemade food is, of course, the best food for the Pyrenees. However, if you are busy and can’t make homemade ones for your dog, there are excellent dog food available in the market.
What is the normal size of Great Pyrenees?
Pyrenees’ weight varies based on their sex. Usually, a male Pyrenees’ weight reaches between 90 to 120 lbs. Females, on the contrary, can weigh a minimum of 80 lbs.
What should I do if my vet does not agree with my diet plan for my dog?
Most licensed vets under the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AMHVM) suggest reading the latest research by veterinary immunologists.
If you don’t get the same advice from your veterinarian, then it is most likely that he is not a member of the said association. If that’s the case, it is best to change your vet.
Do the Great Pyrenees eat a lot?
No. Pyrenees is naturally big but it does not mean that they eat too much. These dogs have a slow metabolism. They eat the same as other large-sized dogs.
Can the Great Pyrenees be left alone?
If you are worried about your dog starving, don’t fret as the Pyrenees can be left on their own. The Great Pyrenees have protective instincts.
They can protect their own, you, and other animals as well. Most importantly, they can be a guard at home while you and your family are away.
Do the Great Pyrenees need exercise?
Yes. Along with a proper diet, Great Pyrenees also need exercise to keep them healthy and happy. You should take them on long walks in an open area or in a park. When the weather is often too hot or rainy for your dog then you can use a dog treadmill to get your dog the exercise needed.
Play sessions with your dog are also helpful to maintain a good relationship with your Pyrenees.
What kind of vegetables is good for my Great Pyrenees?
Luckily, all dog foods contain minerals and vitamins necessary for your dog’s health and wellness. However, it also matters when you include fresh fruits and vegetables in his diet.
These will give them the best and natural nutrients more than a supplement could give.
Vegetables that are best for your Pyrenees are the following: Asparagus, Broccoli, Carrots, Cucumber, Green Beans, Peas, Pumpkin, and Sweet Potato.
Be careful with giving them raw vegetables though, as they are prone to pollen allergies and bacteria.
What are the most common health problems for the Pyrenees?
Most health issues of Pyrenees can be categorized into groups. They are musculoskeletal problems, eye problems, and cancer.
The most common eye problems of a Pyrenees include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and persistent pupillary membranes. Moreover, these dogs are prone to musculoskeletal issues because of their large size.
For this reason, their joints and bones are usually weak. Cancer, on the other hand, is the scariest and deadly illness your dog could have. Therefore, it matters that you watch out the food they intake.
Final Thoughts
Indeed, Great Pyrenees need proper nutrition and a balanced diet for their healthy growth and weight. The Pyrenees, as a guardian and working dog, need strong bones plus vitamin-rich food for their thick coat.
Consequently, because of their large size, they are often mistaken to be high maintenance. This assumption is, however, wrong. In fact, these giant balls of fur consume a lot less than their other large breed counterparts.
The Great Pyrenees is a great companion and a superb animal. Thus, they are worth every penny you spend on them. With proper care and high-quality dog food, they will surely have a long life and spend a lot of happy times with you.
