Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Great Pyrenees
In 2020, the Great Pyrenees is ranked as the 66th most popular dog breed in America, but despite the number, this pooch is far from devilish. To sum his personality up in just three words, calm, patient and loving would spring to mind. But what would be the best word for his appearance? In one word, BIG! Because of his size, it takes a little more research to find the best dog food for your Great Pyrenees, no matter what stage of life your pup is in.
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While he is now more of a family pet than a mountain patroller, he is still a large pooch that needs a high-quality kibble that will cater to his large structure. Not only will this support his heavily laden bones and joints, but also provide him with the high protein content that his muscles need. It will also guarantee a certain calcium and phosphorus level that will control and support bone growth.
Here in this guide we will walk you through each of his life stages; puppy, adult and senior. You’ll learn what nutrients he needs during each stage, as well as recommending our favorite 5 kibbles that tick all the right nutritional boxes for your pup. So, we have taken all the hard work out of your hands and completed all of the time-consuming research and product comparisons just so that you don’t have to, which means extra cuddles for your favorite mountain pup.
Great Pyrenees Puppy Nutrient Needs
The puppy stage is probably the most important life stage for dogs. This is particularly true for large breed puppies. Large and giant breed puppies experience rapid growth, and this needs to be controlled otherwise it can significantly increase the chances of developing orthopedic diseases such as Hip Dysplasia and Patella Luxation, which the Great Pyrenees is already susceptible to. All high-quality kibbles specifically designed for large breed puppies have the optimum balance of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and fat content. These nutrients are key to controlling bone growth. Nothing else will do. In fact, most general puppy kibbles state that they are not suitable for large breed puppies.
The MSD Veterinary Manual recommends that all puppy kibbles should provide a minimum protein content of 22%. Because the Great Pyrenees has a much larger muscle mass, he should be fed a kibble with a minimum protein level of 26%. This will provide him with all the amino acids he needs to develop. The Manual also recommends that a minimum fat content of 8% is needed as well. This can come from Salmon oils and Chicken fat, which supports bone growth, a healthy coat, brain and eye function. They help fuel all that puppy growing power your Pyrenees will need.
A wide variety of vitamins and minerals are also key, either in the form of wholesome fruit and veggies or extra added supplements. These will support his developing immune system, which will ensure that he can fight illnesses effectively. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) contribute towards healthy brain development and eye function. These nutrients are imperative during his puppy stage. They are crucial amino acids that are naturally found in mothers’ milk, and they can be found in proteins, egg products, and fish oils.
Adult Great Pyrenees Nutrient Needs
- When your Great Pyrenees pup reaches the age of 18 months, you need to start thinking about finding a suitable adult kibble. Again, you’ll want to find one that is specifically designed for large and giant breeds. Be sure to slowly transition him to his new kibble. Otherwise, you risk upsetting his stomach, so follow the package instructions accordingly.
- Adult kibbles are lower in both protein and fats compared to puppy kibbles. The MSD Manual recommends that an adult dog should be fed a kibble that contains at least 18% protein. However, for larger breeds the protein content should be at least 23%.
- Ingredients that are rich in DHA, ARA and EPA will ensure healthy brain function. Ingredients such as fish oil, flaxseed and vitamin E will nourish his thick and fluffy white coat and support his joints.
Senior Great Pyrenees Nutrient Needs
- From around the age of 7, your Great Pyrenees will join the senior’s gang. At this point you need to slowly transition him to a senior kibble that will take care of his senior needs. Aging dogs, like older humans, become less active compared to their younger years. This means it’s important to lower the number of calories and carbohydrates that he eats. If he eats more carbohydrates than he burns, he will quickly become overweight. This can be dangerous for an elderly dog, especially for giant breeds.
- A wide variety of vitamins and minerals will help to strengthen his aging immune system so that he can fight illnesses and diseases. Ingredients such as taurine and L-carnitine will look after his cardiac health and metabolism respectively.
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Great Pyrenees
Dr. Tim’s Weight Management Metabolite Formula Dry Dog Food
| First Five Ingredients: | Chicken meal, brown rice, whole oat groats, dried field peas, powdered cellulose |
| Calories: | 268.6 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein: | 30% |
| Crude Fat: | 10% |
Dr. Tim’s Weight Management Metabolite Formula Dry Dog Food is another great option for overweight dogs. The formula was developed by a veterinarian and canine nutritionist and contains a healthy blend of carbohydrates, fats, and fibers to help dogs lose weight and provide enough energy for daily activities.
The recipe is also mindful of dogs with food sensitivities and doesn’t contain corn, wheat, or soy. It’s infused with a patented BC30 probiotic that supports a healthy digestive system. It also contains DHA and EPA from fish oil, which has many health benefits, including supporting immune health, brain functioning, and heart health. These elements also help prevent inflammation and control shedding.
One factor to be careful of is the kibble size. The kibble tends to be small, so if your Great Pyrenees tends to swallow food or eat too quickly, you might have to mix the food with gravy or use a slow feeder to ensure that your dog takes its time eating its food.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Dry Dog Food — Best Value
If you’re looking for the best dog food for Great Pyrenees for the money, you may want to consider Purina Pro Plan adult dry dog food. This formula is created to provide complete nutrition for large breed dogs over 50 pounds like your Great Pyrenees.
With added live probiotics, your Great Pyrenees will benefit from better digestion as well as improved immune health. And, most dogs enjoy the tender meaty texture. —
To help maintain your Great Pyrenees’s ideal weight and muscle tone, each serving of this Purina Pro Plan recipe offers a balanced ratio of protein and fat levels. The added EPA and glucosamine supports joint health and mobility. —
Made with real chicken as the first ingredient, be aware that this recipe also incorporates lower quality poultry by-product meal as its protein source. While the grain in this selection provides a complete meal, the addition of corn and wheat may trigger allergic reactions if your Great Pyrenees suffers from skin issues.
- Contains corn which can irritate skin issues
- Contains lower quality poultry by-product
- Most dogs prefer the texture and flavor
- Live probiotics for improved digestion
- Supports joint health and ideal weight maintenance
- Best value
- Complete nutrition
- Ideal for large breed dogs
- Real chicken is first ingredient
American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
| First Five Ingredients: | Lamb, lamb broth, lamb liver, sweet potatoes, sunflower oil |
| Calories: | 460 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein: | 40% (dry matter basis) |
| Crude Fat: | 31% (dry matter basis) |
This dog food has a simple ingredient list with a single source of animal protein, so it’s a great wet food option for Great Pyrenees that have food sensitivities and are prone to bloating. It also doesn’t contain any grain, corn, wheat, and soy. Instead, it uses sweet potatoes, which is a healthy complex carbohydrate that’s also gentle on stomachs.
The recipe also contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support a healthy skin and coat. It includes essential amino acids to support and maintain lean muscle mass.
Both puppies and adult dogs can enjoy this food. However, it can get very expensive when your Great Pyrenees reaches adulthood. The high protein content is great for puppies, but it may be too much for mature Great Pyrenees.
Holistic Select Dry Dog Food
Holistic Select dry dog food is another great premium dog food choice. This is due to its high-quality all-natural ingredients, nutritious proteins with no meat by-products, and a formula that supports the digestive health of your Great Pyrenees. This complete and balanced selection is adapted to meet the dietary needs of large and giant dog breeds, although the kibble size is on the smaller side.
Your Great Pyrenees’s overall health will benefit from Holistic Select’s blend of ingredients. To support better digestion, this recipe is made both prebiotics and probiotics, natural fiber, digestive botanicals, and digestive enzymes. The wholesome protein blend which features real chicken strengthens muscle tone. Added glucosamine supports healthy hips and joints. A variety of essential vitamins and minerals further enhances the overall wellness of your Great Pyrenees.
Holistic Select does not contain wheat, wheat-gluten, corn, or artificial colors, flavors or fillers. While a higher quality, this premium dog food is more expensive. —
- More expensive
- Kibble size is small
- Adapted for large and giant dog breeds
- Supports digestive health
- Wholesome protein blend
- All-natural, premium ingredients
- No meat by-products
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Glucosamine for healthy hips and joints
- No wheat, wheat-gluten, corn, or artificial additives
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food — Best Overall
When selecting food for your Great Pyrenees, you need to take into account not only the size of your dog but also their age and activity level. If you’re looking for high-quality dog food that will keep your dog healthy and strong and that your Pyrenees will love, the best overall dog food is The Farmer’s Dog.
The Farmer’s Dog is a subscription-based dog food service that makes custom-made fresh food for your pup. It is delivered directly to your home, refrigerated to ensure its freshness. You start your order by entering your dog’s information, including their breed, weight, age, activity level, and if they have any known allergies.
There are four recipes to choose from — pork, turkey, chicken, or beef — which are all combined with fresh vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and green beans (to name a few), depending on which recipe you choose. Each recipe has all the right nutrition for all breeds and ages. There are no preservatives.
It’s been board certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) and formulated by veterinary specialists. If your dog doesn’t like it, The Farmer’s Dog will provide you with a different recipe at no extra charge. The food is cooked at low temperatures to retain the vitamins and minerals.
The only issues with Farmer’s Dog are that it is quite expensive and that the website doesn’t give you the chance to look through the recipes and ingredients until you’ve signed up.
- More expensive than regular kibble
- Need to sign up just to look at the recipes and ingredients
- Fresh meat and vegetables combined
- No preservatives
- Delivered fresh and refrigerated to your door
- Choose from pork, chicken, turkey, or beef
- Board certified by the ACVN and formulated by veterinary specialists
- Receive a different recipe for free if your dog doesn’t like it
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
We recommend Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural adult dry dog food as the best overall choice for your Great Pyrenees. This grain-free recipe featuring omega 3 and 6 fatty acids promotes skin and coat health. It’s also helpful for maintaining a healthy weight due to wholesome carbohydrates and its nutrient dense and protein rich formula. Best of all, Blue Buffalo Wilderness doesn’t contain meat by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors and preservatives.
This premium dog food provides real chicken as the main source of protein to help keep your Great Pyrenees lean with stronger muscle mass. Blue Buffalo also incorporates chicken meal, which is a condensed, high quality ingredient and to not to be mistaken with a by-product.
This Blue Buffalo formula incorporates exclusive LifeSource Bits developed by nutritionists and holistic veterinarians. These kibble pieces contain a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to boost the immune system and enhance the overall health of your Great Pyrenees. Added taurine helps offset potential heart issues with this grain free formula. However, some dogs don’t seem to like the texture or the flavor of these bits. Despite this, we think this is the best dog food for Great Pyrenees available this year.
- Dogs may not like taste or texture
- Grain-free has been linked to heart issues
- Grain-free with healthy carbohydrates
- No by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
- High in protein with real chicken
- Nutrient dense
- Exclusive LifeSource Bits
- Added taurine for heart health
Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog Food — Best for Puppies
Ideal for your Great Pyrenees puppy, Royal Canin Giant Junior dry dog food is specially formulated with essential nutrients for the unique growing needs of your large to giant breed puppy.
The size, shape, texture, aroma, and flavor of the kibble is adapted to appeal especially to puppies. Royal Canin’s special blend of minerals allows for the healthy growth of your puppy’s joints and bones. Your puppy’s developing immune system is supported by added antioxidants and vitamins. And, the incorporation of prebiotics and easily digestible proteins encourages your puppy’s digestive health.
This Royal Canin selection is equally as expensive as our premium choice. However, after assessing the ingredients, it offers much lower quality food choices such as chicken by-product meal and corn which may lead to skin issues. Also, one of the main ingredients, brewer’s rice, has significantly lesser nutritional value. We think it is the best puppy food for Great Pyrenees.
- Expensive
- Lower quality ingredients with lesser nutritional value
- Contains by-products and fillers
- Supports joint and bone development
- Essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Specially formulated for large/giant breed puppies
- Kibble adapted for puppies
- Encourages digestive health
- Boosts immune system
Diamond Naturals Premium Dry Dog Food
If you’re interested in premium ingredients at an affordable price, we suggest Diamond Naturals for its complete and nutritional recipe. Its specialized formula for large dog breeds supports your Great Pyrenee’s overall health, especially if your pup suffers from skin allergies.
Diamond Naturals encourages strong, lean muscles by using only high-quality protein from sustainable sources and no by-products. While this recipe is lower in animal protein than similar dog foods, the first ingredient is pasture-raised lamb. Next on the list are whole grains rich in nutrients and fiber.
Added vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids further support your Great Pyrenees immune system as well as improve skin and coat health. The incorporation of glucosamine and chondroitin helps with hip and joint health while Diamond Naturals proprietary probiotics improve your dog’s digestion.
Your Great Pyrenees will benefit from no corn, wheat, filler, or added artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Some dogs, particularly different breeds, experienced stomach upset.
- Some dogs experienced stomach upset
- Lower in animal protein
- Sustainable, high-quality pasture raised lamb
- Whole grains, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Affordable price for premium ingredients
- Complete and nutritional recipe
- Specialized formula for large breed dogs
- Probiotics for improved digestion
- No corn, wheat, filler, or artificial additives
Nutro Wholesome Adult Dog Food
Made with non-GMO ingredients and high-quality protein, Nutro Wholesome provides your Great Pyrenees with complete nutrition. Nutro crafts its recipes with real ingredients and never adds chicken by-product meal or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
This selection is specially formulated to meet the needs of large breed dogs. Your Great Pyrenees can build strong muscles with the primary protein source of farm-raised chicken. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support your dog’s hips and joints. And, the essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in this formula help to maintain a healthy immune system.
While Nutro doesn’t use corn, wheat, or soy protein in its recipes, this selection does list brewer’s rice which is low in nutrients and may act as a filler. Also, with included ingredients such as sweet potatoes and split peas, your dog may develop a taurine deficiency which an ongoing study by the FDA suggests may lead to heart disease. Unfortunately, this recipe has no added taurine.
- Contains lower quality brewer’s rice
- Does not contain taurine for heart health
- May be lower in fiber than similar products
- Contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Maintains a healthy immune system
- No corn, wheat, or soy protein
- Non-GMO ingredients
- High-quality, farm-raised chicken
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Solid Gold Holistic Dry Adult Dog Food
Made with high-quality protein, whole grains, healthy fats, and a special blend of 20 superfoods, Solid Gold holistic dry dog food is designed to support every aspect of your Great Pyrenees’s wellness.
Sustainably sourced, pasture raised bison is the first ingredient in this premium dog food followed by ocean fish meal and salmon oil which provide a rich source of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids as well as beneficial EPA and DHA. Non-GMO whole grains such as brown rice and pearled barley are among the main ingredients and provide necessary fiber, B vitamins and minerals.
Solid Gold incorporates numerous whole superfoods which provide an ideal balance of antioxidants. The addition of living probiotics supports the immune system, ensures better digestion system, and improves your dog’s skin and coat.
This specialized recipe for large breed dogs is ideal for the unique needs of your Great Pyrenees. However, it’s relatively higher price and some dogs don’t prefer the taste.
- Some dogs don’t seem to like the taste
- Higher in price than similar products
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, EPA, DHA
- 20 Superfoods for antioxidants
- Living probiotics
- High-quality protein sources
- First ingredient is pasture-raised bison
- Non-GMO whole grains
- Specialized formula for large breed dogs
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Foods for Great Pyrenees
After reading through our reviews, you may not be sure which dog food is best for your Great Pyrenees. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll discuss the nutritional connection between this breed’s common health concerns and certain dog food ingredients.
Your Choice of Dog Food and Common Health Concerns for Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees as a breed tend to suffer from health issues related to their large size and their thick coats. Many Great Pyrenees develop hip dysplasia which is exacerbated by weight gain. Other common health issues are bloat, which can be serious, and skin problems such as allergic reactions. Your choice of dog food plays a vital role in the overall health of your Great Pyrenees.
Great Pyrenees Puppies and Weight Gain
Puppies of large and giant breed dogs such as the Great Pyrenees need to grow at a steady pace. Acquiring too much weight too early can damage to your puppy’s growing musculoskeletal structure. Be sure to choose puppy food that offers higher quality ingredients. Look for wholesome proteins, carbohydrates, fruits, and vegetables as well as — a variety of vitamins and minerals in order to maintain even weight gain and keep your puppy’s energy levels consistent.
Hip Dysplasia and Weight Gain
As an extra-large dog, Great Pyrenees already place plenty of pressure on their joints. While hip dysplasia may be an unavoidable health issue for your dog, your choice of dog food can either help or hinder your dog’s quality of life. Make sure the dog food you choose is nutrient dense without empty fillers and calories that puts unnecessary weight on your Great Pyrenees.
Skin Problems
Your Great Pyrenees has a lush, thick coat. But underneath all that fur, your Great Pyrenees may suffer from a skin condition. The choice of dog food you give your pup has a significant impact on skin health. Certain ingredients such as corn and soy may trigger an allergic skin reaction. Also, wheat, wheat gluten, and meat by-products can be to blame for your dog’s skin irritation and itching. Look for dog foods that offer a healthy supply of essential fatty acids that will support skin and coat health.
Bloat
Great Pyrenees can be susceptible to bloat, also referred to as a condition known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), in which the stomach distends and potentially twists. Bloat needs to be taken seriously as it can be fatal.
To prevent bloat or GDV, avoid vigorous exercise before and after mealtimes and make sure you give your Great Pyrenees multiple, small meals per day. Since mealtime consists of smaller portions, make sure you choose dog food that’s dense with a variety of nutrients. Stay away from fillers, by-products, and otherwise nutritionally deficient ingredients.
Avoiding Taurine Deficiency
Grain-free dog foods can help your dog avoid allergens especially if your Great Pyrenees suffers from skin problems. However, be aware that there’s an ongoing study being conducting by the FDA linking grain-free dog foods, particularly with certain ingredients, potatoes, peas, legumes, and lentils, with the development of a type of canine heart disease, Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Initial studies indicate that the highlighted ingredients may contribute to a taurine deficiency in dogs which then leads to heart disease.
While the study is ongoing and in conclusion, be sure that any grain-free dog food, or dog food containing potatoes, peas, legumes, and lentils, has added taurine. Taurine is an amino acid that supports heart function. Its addition in your dog’s food may be enough to offset a deficiency and keep your dog healthy.
Final Thoughts
Our top pick for the best overall dog food for your Great Pyrenees is The Farmer’s Dog. This subscription based delivery service offers top quality, human-grade dog food, personalized for your specific furry friend.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Dry Dog Food provides complete nutrition and is ideal for large breed dogs. Most dogs prefer the texture and flavor. This recipe features live probiotics for improved digestion, has a balanced ratio of fats and proteins to support joint health as well as ideal weight maintenance, and places real chicken as its first ingredient.
Holistic Select Dry Dog Food contains a wholesome protein blend and no meat by-products, wheat, wheat-gluten, corn, or artificial additives. Adapted for large and giant dog breeds, the complete and balanced nutrition in this recipe supports digestive health. It also contains glucosamine for healthy hips and joints.
Hopefully, our reviews along with our pros and cons lists and our fact-filled buyer’s guide has helped you find the best dog food for your beloved Great Pyrenees. These majestic dogs require specialized nutrition to keep them healthy and well. With the right dog food, your Great Pyrenees can lead a robust life as a wonderful family dog and an alert guardian.
