7 Hearty Homemade Food For Great Pyrenees Recipes

This recipe is the gold standard for a reason. It’s simple, incredibly easy on the digestive system, and a favorite among dogs of all shapes and sizes. For the Great Pyrenees, who can sometimes have sensitive stomachs, this bland-yet-nutritious meal is a perfect foundational recipe for your homemade food journey.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1.5 cups brown rice
• 1 lb frozen peas and carrots mix
• 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for fresh breath!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil

Instructions:

1. In a large stockpot, add the chicken and water/broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove the chicken from the pot, but save the broth! Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces appropriate for your Pyr.
3. Add the brown rice to the reserved broth in the pot. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
4. During the last 5 minutes of the rice cooking, stir in the shredded chicken, the frozen peas and carrots, and the olive oil. The heat will cook the vegetables perfectly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley. Let it cool completely before serving.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

This is the perfect starting recipe for any Pyr owner new to homemade cooking. It’s a safe, gentle, and balanced meal that’s ideal for dogs with sensitive digestion or for use in a regular meal rotation. It’s the comfort food of the dog world!

For the more active Great Pyrenees or those needing to build a little muscle, this hearty beef stew is a fantastic option. Packed with iron-rich beef and nutrient-dense root vegetables, it’s a meal that sticks to the ribs and provides long-lasting energy for all their guardian duties (even if that’s just guarding the couch).

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 lb green beans, trimmed and snapped
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (to thicken)
• 6 cups low-sodium beef broth or water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, setting them aside once browned.
2. Add the carrots and sweet potatoes to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Return the beef to the pot. Add the beef broth/water and rosemary. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for at least 1.5 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
4. Stir in the green beans and rolled oats. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, until the green beans are tender and the stew has thickened slightly.
5. Let the stew cool completely to a safe temperature before serving.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

This is the ultimate winter warmer or post-hike meal for your Great Pyrenees. It’s a fantastic choice for active dogs, younger Pyrs who are still growing, or any dog that needs a little extra oomph in their diet. The aroma alone will have your gentle giant drooling!

That magnificent white coat and those hard-working joints need special support, and that’s where omega-3 fatty acids come in. This salmon recipe is an omega-3 powerhouse, perfect for promoting healthy skin, a lustrous coat, and supporting joint health to help prevent arthritis in your large-breed companion.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs salmon fillets, skin removed (canned salmon in water with no salt is a great budget-friendly option)
• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 lb spinach, fresh
• 1/4 cup blueberries (a great antioxidant!)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon dried dill

Instructions:

1. Place the sweet potato cubes in a large pot of water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well.
2. While the sweet potatoes are boiling, cook the salmon. You can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or pan-sear it. If using canned salmon, simply drain it.
3. In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes.
4. Flake the cooked salmon into the mashed sweet potatoes.
5. Wilt the spinach by placing it in a colander and pouring some of the hot water from the potatoes over it, or by sautéing it for a minute. Chop it finely and add it to the bowl.
6. Stir in the melted coconut oil, blueberries, and dill. Mix everything together until well combined.
7. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

This recipe is a must-have in your rotation for maintaining your Great Pyrenees’s overall wellness, especially their skin, coat, and joints. It’s particularly beneficial for senior Pyrs or any dog prone to dry skin or allergies. Think of it as a beauty treatment from the inside out!

If you’re looking for a lean, mean, muscle-building machine of a meal, this turkey and quinoa bowl is it. Turkey is a leaner alternative to chicken and beef, making it great for weight management. Quinoa is a fantastic ‘pseudo-grain’ that’s actually a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids for your dog.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs ground turkey
• 1.5 cups uncooked quinoa, rinsed well
• 3 cups water or low-sodium turkey broth
• 1 bag (12 oz) frozen cranberry, kale, and carrot mix (or use fresh equivalents)
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed oil

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
2. In a separate pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and the water/broth. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
3. Once the quinoa is cooked, fluff it with a fork.
4. Add the cooked turkey, frozen vegetable mix, and flaxseed oil to the pot with the quinoa. Stir well to combine. The residual heat will warm the veggies through.
5. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before serving to your eager pup.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

This is the ideal recipe for a Great Pyrenees that needs to maintain a lean body mass. It’s lower in fat but high in quality protein and nutrients. It’s also a fantastic alternative for dogs that may have developed an intolerance to chicken.

For the Pyr with a discerning palate or a sensitive system that doesn’t tolerate common proteins like chicken or beef, lamb is a wonderful and flavorful alternative. Paired with hearty barley and root vegetables, this casserole-style bake is a wholesome and satisfying meal that feels extra special.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs ground lamb or lamb stew meat
• 1 cup pearled barley, uncooked
• 4 cups low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
• 2 parsnips, peeled and diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (aids digestion)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground lamb over medium heat. Drain the excess fat.
3. Stir in the uncooked barley, diced parsnips, and carrots.
4. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer on the stovetop.
5. Once simmering, stir everything together, cover the pot tightly, and transfer it to the preheated oven.
6. Bake for 1 hour, or until the barley is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Remove from the oven, stir in the frozen peas and chopped mint. Let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
8. Fluff with a fork and let it cool completely before serving.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

This bake is a fantastic choice for rotating proteins in your Pyr’s diet or for dogs who have known sensitivities to chicken or beef. It’s a rich, savory meal that provides a different nutrient profile and is sure to be a hit.

Who says homemade meals are just for dinner? Kickstart your Pyr’s day with a protein-packed breakfast that will fuel their morning patrol of the backyard. Eggs are a fantastic source of highly digestible protein, and this scramble is a quick, easy, and delicious way to serve them.

Ingredients:

• 1 dozen eggs
• 1 lb lean ground turkey sausage (check for no onion/garlic powder)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. In a large non-stick skillet, cook the turkey sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the coconut oil. Sauté the diced red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add the spinach and cook for another minute until it wilts.
4. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Pour them into the skillet with the vegetables.
5. Scramble the eggs, stirring gently, until they are almost cooked through.
6. Stir the cooked sausage back into the eggs. If using, sprinkle the cheese on top and let it melt.
7. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before serving.

Pros and Cons

Verdict

While not intended to be their sole daily meal, this breakfast scramble is a fantastic way to add variety and a high-quality protein boost to your Pyr’s diet. It’s perfect for a special weekend breakfast or as a tasty topper to their regular food to entice a picky eater.

Let’s not forget treats! On a hot summer day, after a long walk, or just because they’re a good dog, these frozen pup pops are a healthy, soothing, and delicious treat. They are packed with probiotics from yogurt and antioxidants from berries, making them a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt (ensure it contains no xylitol)
• 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
• 1/4 cup water, if needed to blend
• A few large, sturdy dog biscuits (optional, for handles)

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine the Greek yogurt and mixed berries.
2. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to reach a pourable consistency.
3. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays, silicone molds, or small paper cups.
4. If you want to create a ‘pupsicle’ handle, you can stand a sturdy dog biscuit upright in the center of each mold once it’s partially frozen (about 30 minutes in).
5. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
6. Pop them out of the molds and watch your Pyr enjoy a refreshing treat!

Pros and Cons

Verdict

Every Great Pyrenees deserves a special treat, and these Frozen Peak Pup Pops are the perfect healthy option. They’re a fantastic way to provide a cooling snack that also supports their digestive health. Keep a batch in the freezer for an easy reward your dog will go crazy for.

Switching to a homemade diet is a rewarding act of love, but it’s not as simple as just sharing your dinner. Giant breeds like the Great Pyrenees have very specific nutritional requirements to support their health. Here’s what you need to know to ensure their homemade meals are balanced and complete.

Key Nutritional Needs

• High-Quality Protein (25-30%): Protein is the building block for their strong muscles. Focus on sources like chicken, beef, turkey, fish, and eggs.
• Healthy Fats (12-18%): Fats provide energy and are essential for a healthy coat and skin. Good sources include fish oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, and the natural fats in meats like salmon and lamb. Omega-3s are particularly important for their anti-inflammatory properties that support joint health.
• Complex Carbohydrates & Fiber (30-40%): Carbs provide energy and fiber aids digestion. Opt for complex carbs like sweet potatoes, brown rice, barley, oats, and quinoa. Vegetables like carrots, green beans, and spinach are also excellent sources.
• Calcium and Phosphorus: This ratio is absolutely critical for a giant breed’s bone health, especially during their growth phase. An imbalance can lead to serious orthopedic problems. This is the number one reason to work with a vet, as homemade diets are often deficient in calcium. You will almost certainly need to add a calcium supplement, like calcium carbonate or eggshell powder, in carefully measured amounts.
• Vitamins and Minerals: A balanced diet should provide most necessary vitamins, but to ensure nothing is missed, many vets will recommend a good quality canine multivitamin supplement designed for homemade diets.

Foods to ALWAYS Avoid

Never include these toxic ingredients in your dog’s food: onions, garlic, chives, chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, avocado, alcohol, and anything containing the artificial sweetener xylitol.

The Importance of a Vet Consultation

We can’t stress this enough: before you start, talk to your vet. They can assess your dog’s individual health and may recommend a consultation with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. A nutritionist can analyze your chosen recipes and help you formulate a precise supplement plan to fill any nutritional gaps, ensuring your Pyr’s diet is 100% complete and balanced for their specific life stage.

How much homemade food should I feed my Great Pyrenees?

This varies greatly based on age, weight, and activity level. A general guideline is to feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight per day. For a 100-pound Great Pyrenees, this would be 2-3 pounds of food daily, divided into two meals. However, this is just a starting point. Monitor your dog’s body condition—you should be able to feel their ribs but not see them—and adjust portions accordingly. Your vet can give you a more precise recommendation.

Can I make these recipes in bulk and freeze them?

Absolutely! This is the best way to make homemade feeding manageable. You can cook a large batch of any of these recipes, let it cool completely, and then portion it into individual meal-sized freezer bags or containers. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw a portion in the refrigerator the night before you need it.

Do I really need to add supplements to these recipes?

Yes, most likely. While these recipes are packed with whole-food nutrients, it’s very difficult to achieve the perfect balance of all essential vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, without supplementation. A general canine multivitamin and a calcium supplement are typically necessary for long-term feeding. Always consult your vet for the right type and dosage of supplements for your specific dog.

Is a raw diet (BARF) good for a Great Pyrenees?

A raw diet, often called BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food), is a popular but controversial topic. Proponents claim benefits like shinier coats and cleaner teeth. However, there are significant risks, including nutritional imbalances and bacterial contamination (like Salmonella and E. coli) that can sicken both your dog and your human family members. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) advises against raw feeding. If you are interested in this path, it is absolutely crucial to do so under the strict guidance of a veterinary nutritionist to minimize risks.