How to Choose the Best Dog Food for the Great Pyrenees
The fluffy Great Pyrenees is a dog whose original purpose was to serve as a livestock guardian.
Gentle and affectionate with its family, the Great Pyrenees has moderate activity requirements, but still requires a high-quality diet to fuel its energy levels.
The Great Pyrenees is a healthy breed but can be prone to bloat. To prevent this condition from occurring, it is recommended that the Great Pyrenees be fed smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
This approach discourages eating too quickly or too much, two common problems associated with bloat.
The Great Pyrenees can be prone to weight gain. It is recommended that the best dog food for the Great Pyrenees be carefully measured and monitored to maintain a healthy body condition.
Free feeding should be avoided.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for the Great Pyrenees
Large-breed puppies require a lot of daily fuel to maintain optimal health. The ideal number of calories for this breed is approximately 1800-2000 with the amount divided between two to three meals fed throughout the day.
The individual calorie count will vary depending on factors like activity level and whether the dog is spayed and neutered.
The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remembers to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information.
The Great Pyrenees thrives on a diet that is relatively high in protein with moderate fat. 18 percent is the minimum amount of protein with five percent or fatter desirable in the best dog foods for the Great Pyrenees.
Dietary Requirements for Great Pyrenees Dog Foods
Adult dogs benefit from a diet that is rich in protein. Animal-based proteins are the preferred choice with whole, lean meats the most desirable.
Meat meals are also an excellent basis for the Great Pyrenees’ diet.
This dog breed is not prone to allergies, and thus, most dogs can enjoy either a grain-inclusive formulation with no ill effects.
The main priority in carbohydrates in your dog’s food is that they are easily digestible. They can come from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables.
Healthy fats are important to keep the Great Pyrenees healthy and well. Fats provide needed energy and also support healthy coats and skin.
Whole grain brown rice, sweet potatoes, oats, barley, and quinoa are all good sources of carbohydrates for a Pyr.
The best source for healthy fats is derived from animal origins and can include such items as chicken fat or oily fish like mackerel, sardines, anchovies, or salmon.
Fish oil is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids which have been linked to numerous health benefits in dogs, including improved coat and skin quality. Certain plant-based oils can also be good sources of omega fatty acids.
Many pet stores now carry human-grade fresh food specifically formulated for Pyrs, which are made with human-grade ingredients.
These foods provide complete and balanced nutrition for Pyrs. In addition to human-grade food, commercial dog foods are also available.
These foods provide balanced nutrition, but they may not be as fresh and contain preservatives, fillers, and artificial colors and flavors.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Great Pyrenees
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Great Pyrenees:
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Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
One of the primary ingredients in any diet suitable for the Great Pyrenees is protein. Lean, whole meats are the optimal sources, but meat meals are also an excellent foundation for a healthy diet.
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Enriched with helpful supplements
Supplements help a diet to be well-rounded, providing complete and balanced nutrition for the Great Pyrenees.
Some of the most beneficial supplements to look for in a food for this breed include glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Great Pyrenees should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.