When Do I Start Feeding My Great Pyrenese Adult Dog Food
The Great Pyrenees have dietary needs that must be met, or they can lose or gain weight, depending on various factors. If you have a Great Pyrenees puppy, you must be mindful of their eating habits and how much to feed them in a day.
You should start feeding your Great Pyrenees puppy one and a half to two cups of dry food or kibble when they are eight weeks old. This increases to three cups per day when they are twelve weeks old. If your puppy is highly active or underweight, you can increase the amount of food.
Apart from the quantity of food to feed your puppy, we cover other important elements, such as the type of food to feed them and the various health benefits and issues to be aware of.
What Should I Feed My Great Pyrenees Puppy?
The best food sources for a Great Pyrenees puppy include:
1. Meat Sources
You will find the best meat sources for your Great Pyrenees puppy in wet food or kibble. If you are finding a meat source, the best ones include turkey, chicken, wild game, fish, lamb, etc.
These food sources are recommended because the daily protein intake of a Great Pyrenees puppy must be at least 22% of the food consumed. So, be mindful to feed your puppy properly to ensure they are eating 22% protein in their overall diet.
2. Bone Health Food
Be sure to keep in mind that the Great Pyrenees is prone to hip dysplasia. Because of this, you must provide them with the best food for their bones. That includes foods with glucosamine, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus.
You can easily find such food sources in puppy foods that are meant for large dogs. So, you must include such food in their diet to keep their bones healthy and strong for a long time.
3. Foods That Digest Easy
Another health issue the Great Pyrenees is prone to is bloat. That is why the food they consume must be easy to digest. This is especially important if your puppy has a habit of eating a lot of food.
So, the kibble size must be an important factor for you to consider. It should be right enough for easy digestion in minimal time to enhance the health of your Great Pyrenees.
How Much Should I Feed My Great Pyrenees Puppy?
The amount you feed your Great Pyrenees depends on many factors. However, the most important are the age and size of your Great Pyrenees puppy. Here is your guide to understanding how much to feed your Great Pyrenees according to their age:
- Six Weeks: A quarter cup of puppy food at least five to six times a day
- Eight Weeks: One to two cups of food in a day, which must be split into four meals
- Ten Weeks: Two to three cups in a day
- Twelve Weeks: Three cups a day split into four meals
These are the general estimates only; you can increase the quantity if your puppy is underweight or highly active. On the other hand, if their waist becomes big, you must go easy on the food.
This is why watching their weight is crucial in understanding how much you can feed them. That is why it is best to begin with one to two cups at an early age and then see how your dog responds and its appetite.
Why Do Great Pyrenees Puppies Need High-Quality Protein and Fat in Their Diet?
Bone health and growth is one of the most important factors for the Great Pyrenees, as poor bone health can lead to many health issues for this breed. That is why high-quality protein and fat are important aspects of their diet. For example, their diet needs 26% protein and 8% fat content to maintain optimal health.
These nutrients reduce the chances of the puppy developing any orthopedic diseases they are prone to, such as Patella Luxation and Hip Dysplasia.
So, you should check the kibble and ensure it is high quality and includes these nutrients. Once you do, the diet will support the growth and development of your Great Pyrenees puppy in no time.
Should I Feed My Great Pyrenees Puppy Treats?
Puppy treats are an important aspect of training your dog, which is why you can feed your Great Pyrenees puppy treats. Of course, even the treats must fulfill their nutritional needs and be of high quality.
Another thing you must keep in mind is the number of treats you feed.
Many owners tend to go overboard with puppy treats. It can lead to weight gain and unnecessary health concerns in the long run. So, keep the treats to a minimum each day.
When Should I Feed My Great Pyrenees Puppy?
You must feed your Great Pyrenees puppy at least four times a day. The meals must be spaced in an appropriate manner, so it offers them the best eating routine.
You can feed your Great Pyrenees puppy at 7 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, and the last meal at 6 pm.
These are the ideal times and will create a consistent routine. You can also create an exercise plan around these times to help your puppy stay active and energetic.
Refrain from offering too many treats after the last meal of your puppy.
Is It Fine for My Great Pyrenees Puppy to Skip One meal Every Day?
Puppies and dogs love food and can't get enough of it. However, you must not be alarmed if your Great Pyrenees puppy skips one meal a day on occasion. That is because it is ordinary for many breeds to do this every now and then.
Of course, you should be alarmed if your puppy goes without eating after 48 hours. You should call the vet and inform them of the situation if that happens.
What Are the Signs of Hunger with Great Pyrenees Puppies?
It is easy to spot a hungry puppy through their behavior. A Great Pyrenees puppy will be upset when they are hungry, and they might start eating or chewing things not meant for them.
That is a result of hunger tension, which is why it is crucial to keep a consistent routine for your furry companion.
So, if your dog starts showing upset behavior and eating everything, it means they are very hungry. When you notice these signs, be sure to feed your Great Pyrenees puppy swiftly to alleviate their hunger pains.
What Are the Signs of Overfeeding?
Understanding the various signs of overfeeding in your Great Pyrenees puppy is crucial. After all, your furry companion is your responsibility, and you must ensure they maintain optimal weight.
Here are the top signs you are overfeeding your Great Pyrenees:
1. Weight Gain
Of course, weight gain is the biggest sign that you are overfeeding a Great Pyrenees. Their waist will expand, and they will feel heavier than before. This highlights the importance of checking your dog's waistline to ensure you are not overfeeding it.
2. More Lethargic
The Great Pyrenees are energetic and active dogs. They are always up for going outdoors, and rarely will you witness your dog becoming lazy. As active mountain dogs, they don't like sitting for extended periods.
A common sign that you are overfeeding your Great Pyrenees is that it will become lethargic. The puppy will not have the energy to do anything and will lie around most of the time.
This highlights the importance of maintaining healthy food portions while ensuring they get enough exercise.
3. Bowel Movements
A common symptom of overfeeding is the change in the bowel movement of your Great Pyrenees. For example, it will be normal in the morning, and as the day progresses, it will become softer.
That is one of the easiest ways to determine that you are overfeeding your dog.
Of course, the symptoms and signs may vary depending on how much activity your dog is getting, the food they are eating, and much more.
What Are the Best Foods for My Great Pyrenees Pup's Diet?
Foods that contain meat products are one of the best foods for your Great Pyrenees pup's diet. You must fulfill their protein intake from sources such as poultry, fish, wild game, lamb, and much more.
All of these will enhance the health and growth of the Great Pyrenees pup as time goes on.
Other important minerals and vitamins are also crucial for the functioning of the Great Pyrenees pup. You can include these in the form of supplements, such as ARA, DHA, EPA, and others.
These nutrients are crucial during the pup stage, but you might not need to opt for additional oral supplements because they are present in the mother's milk.
On the other hand, you should also understand the foods to avoid. To ensure your pup's health, avoid feeding them food filled with fillers, gluten, corn, etc. These ingredients will expose the Great Pyrenees to many health and weight issues.
That is why when choosing a dog food brand, always check the ingredients. The fewer fillers, additives, and chemicals there are, the better it is for your dog's health.
It is always best to opt for healthy, organic, and wholesome puppy food to maintain the optimal health of your Great Pyrenees.
When To Switch Great Pyrenees from Puppy Food?
It takes two years for the Great Pyrenees to reach their adult size. If they are less than two years old, you can expect them to keep growing until they reach adult size. That is why you can switch the Great Pyrenees from puppy food after two years.
You must wait for your Great Pyrenees pup to develop fully before they reach their adult age and size. Once they do, you don't have to feed them puppy food anymore.
This also includes supplements and other growth food that you may have been feeding them in their puppy stage.
When To Consult Your Veterinarian Regarding Your Puppy's Diet?
Having a veterinarian close by is crucial when taking care of an animal, as you can always contact them in case of any emergencies.
If your puppy's diet is not supporting their growth and you are noticing signs and symptoms that concern you, it is best to contact your vet for advice.
This includes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, irregular bowel movements, weight loss or gain, etc. You should first try changing their diet, and if this fails to make a difference, you should consult your vet as outlined.
Final thoughts
Keeping the diet right for your Great Pyrenees can be challenging, especially if you are a new pup parent. We hope this blog post has given you a better understanding of how much a Great Pyrenees should eat.
By following these guidelines, you should be better equipped to respond to any signs or symptoms of health issues as they arise.
Source: https://yourgiantdog.com/how-much-should-a-great-pyrenees-puppy-eat/