Best Dog Food For Great Pyrenees
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The Great Pyrenees, native to the Pyrenees Mountain Range between France and Spain, have been used by Basque shepherds for centuries to guard their flocks.
They were also popular with Louis XIV and Queen Victoria.
They are gentle, loving, and loyal, but also possess a strong guarding instinct, possibly due to crossbreeding with retrievers.
Compare Best Dog Foods For Great Pyrenees
| BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS  5. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Dry Dog Food | BEST FOR ADULT  6. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food | BEST FOR DIGESTION  7. Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food | ||||
| Protein 29.0% Min | Protein 44% Min | Protein 7% Min | Protein 26.0% Min | Protein 24.0% Min | Protein 26.0% Min | Protein 20.0% Min |
| Fat 14.0% Min | Fat 28% Min | Fat 5% Min | Fat 12.0% Min | Fat 14.0% Min | Fat 18.0% Min | Fat 11.5% Min |
| Fiber 3.4% Max | Fiber 8% Max | Fiber 2% Max | Fiber 4.5% Max | Fiber 4.0% Max | Fiber 3.9% Max | Fiber 4.0% Max |
| Calories 307 kcal/cup | Calories 1,390 kcal/kg | Calories 1246 kcal/kg | Calories 383 kcal/cup | Calories 433 kcal/cup | Calories 427 kcal/cup | Calories 363 kcal/cup |
Our Criteria
The criteria we use in selecting the best dog foods for Great Pyrenees and other breeds comes from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
The WSAVA guidelines recommend dog foods meet AAFCO approval through food trials, with nutritional research supporting formulations.
Pet food companies should have canine or veterinary nutritionists on staff and have strong quality control measures. They should also be willing to discuss these measures with customers. This approach ensures the safety and quality of pet food.
The Best Rated Dog Food for Great Pyrenees Reviewed
Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 29.0% Min
- Fat: 14.0% Min
- Fiber: 3.4% Max
- Calories: 307 kcal/cup
- Suitable for the metabolism of a giant breed puppy
- Designed for puppies that will weigh over 100 pounds at maturity
- Has the proper blend of minerals for good bone and joint growth
- This food is for puppies up to age 8 months; then transition to a “puppy junior” food for the next growth stage
It’s more common to find foods that are labeled for large puppies or large/giant puppies combined so we really like the fact this this puppy food is made just for giant breed puppies.
This formula is made for puppies that will weigh over 100 pounds when they mature. It meets the needs of puppies that have an extended growth period, such as Great Pyrenees.
Royal Canin also provides a specialized blend of minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, to promote proper growth for bones and joints.
Highly digestible proteins and prebiotics help promote optimal digestive health and stool quality. We think this food is an excellent choice for growing Great Pyrenees puppies.
Ollie Dog Food Healthy Turkey Feast Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 44% Min
- Fat: 28% Min
- Fiber: 8% Max
- Calories: 1,390 kcal/kg
- Real ground turkey as main ingredient
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat
- May be too high in fiber for some Bullmastiff dogs
- Grain-free recipe
This Healthy Turkey Feast features ground turkey as a novel source of protein unlikely to trigger food allergies and, while it is a grain-free recipe, it only contains one carbohydrate ingredient high in plant proteins (lentils).
Overall, this recipe is loaded with fresh fruits and veggies, omega fatty acids, and beneficial supplements.
It will provide your Bullmastiff with plenty of protein to maintain lean muscle mass with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and lots of fiber for healthy digestion.
Nom Nom Pork Potluck Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 7% Min
- Fat: 5% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Calories: 1246 kcal/kg
- Wholesome, natural ingredients prepared fresh
- Pre-portioned for dog’s caloric requirements
- Supplemented for balanced nutrition
- More expensive than other options
This is fresh food made with wholesome, natural ingredients in protein- and moisture-rich recipes designed to deliver premium quality nutrition.
Because it is a fresh food product, it is also high in moisture to support your dog’s hydration and digestion. It also retains more of its original nutritional integrity because it hasn’t been cooked at high temperatures.
Poodles are no more prone to food allergies than other breeds, so any of Nom Nom’s four dog food recipes could be a good fit.
We like the higher fat and calorie content of the Porkalicious Potluck for miniature and toy Poodles who have fast metabolisms or the leaner, lower calorie Chicken Chow-Wow or Tasty Turkey Fare for Standard Poodles.
Purina Pro Plan Giant Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26.0% Min
- Fat: 12.0% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 383 kcal/cup
- Formulated especially for giant dogs that weigh over 100 pounds
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Contains glucosamine and EPA, an omega 3 fatty acid for joint health and mobility
- Good protein and fat levels
- This is a maintenance dog food so it’s not suitable for puppies
This formula contains glucosamine and EPA, an omega 3 fatty acid, to support your dog’s joint health and mobility. It has 26 percent protein and 12 percent fat to help your Great Pyrenees maintain an ideal weight and body condition.
Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 24.0% Min
- Fat: 14.0% Min
- Fiber: 4.0% Max
- Calories: 433 kcal/cup
- Great digestive system support
- Optimal calcium and phosphorus levels
- No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or potatoes
- Contains peas – as the 14th ingredient; we don’t think this will affect your dog
Chicken meal is the first ingredient. Contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and no potatoes.
No meat by-products, wheat, or wheat-gluten. This formula has optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus for your dog’s bones. It also has glucosamine and chondroitin to support your Great Pyrenees’ hips and joints.
Live yogurt cultures and natural fiber help keep your dog’s digestive system healthy.
Also Read: The 5 Best Holistic Dog Foods
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26.0% Min
- Fat: 18.0% Min
- Fiber: 3.9% Max
- Calories: 427 kcal/cup
- Very large kibble
- Contains glucosamine and chondrotin for joint support
- Nutrients for your dog’s heart
- Not suitable for puppies
We love the fact that Royal Canin has devoted an entire line of foods to giant breeds from puppyhood to adulthood, especially when it can be difficult to find foods made just for giant breeds.
The adult formula helps supports your Great Pyrenees’ adult weight. His bones and joints can be under stress from his weight, especially if he becomes overweight.
This formula contains an exclusive complex of antioxidants. It also has a combination of nutrients, including taurine, to help support a healthy heart.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 20.0% Min
- Fat: 11.5% Min
- Fiber: 4.0% Max
- Calories: 363 kcal/cup
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Contains natural fiber and healthy grains
- Provides natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin
- Hill’s is currently recalling some of its Science Diet and Prescription canned foods because of excess Vitamin D. This only affects canned foods but it may cause some customers to be concerned.
The food has natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility – one of the things we like best about it.
This formula also has an exclusive blend of omega 6 fatty acids, vitamins and other nutrients to nourish your dog’s skin and promote a shiny coat.
This Science Diet formula also supports a healthy immune system with a clinically-proven blend of antioxidants and Vitamins C, A, and E.
What Kind of Diet Should You Feed Your Great Pyrenees?
Most Great Pyrenees should be able to eat a normal diet for dogs. As long as your dog doesn’t have a health problem, he should be able to eat the nutrients described here.
- Protein
Great Pyrenees require a minimum of 18% protein for daily maintenance, while pregnant/nursing females and puppies need at least 22%. Overly high protein intakes can negatively impact skeletal development and calcium metabolism. Puppy foods can have protein percentages up to 29%, while adult Great Pyrenees should have a protein percentage between 22 and 26%.
- Fat
Fat adds taste to a low-fat dry kibble diet. Fat is essential for dogs’ diets, providing taste, energy, and vitamins. Adult dogs need a minimum of 5 percent fat daily, while pregnant/nursing female dogs and puppies need at least 8 percent daily. Most dog foods have higher fat levels than these percentages. It’s important to be aware of the fat percentage and calories in any food, as fat and calorie levels vary between foods. A fat percentage of 12 to 16 percent is considered moderate for moderately active Great Pyrenees.
- Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are not empty calories, but they provide energy, fiber, and nutrients. They are essential for your dog’s brain, gastrointestinal system, and brain. Complex carbohydrates help maintain glucose levels and prevent blood sugar spikes, while also preventing hunger after meals. Your dog’s brain and gastrointestinal system require these carbohydrates.
- Fiber
Dogs require fiber for digestion, similar to humans. Soluble fibers like chicory, inulin, and beet pulp slow the process, while insoluble fiber adds bulk. Dog food typically contains 3-6 percent fiber. If your Great Pyrenees have loose stools, try feeding them less fiber or a more fiber-rich food. Consult a veterinarian if your dog is experiencing digestive issues, as they may need to be switched to a less fiber-rich food.
- Probiotics and prebiotics
Prebiotics and probiotics are essential for a dog’s health, as they help maintain proper gastrointestinal function and strengthen the immune system. Prebiotics, like chicory and inulin, encourage beneficial bacteria growth in the digestive system, while probiotics, living microorganisms, colonize the system. Both are often added to dog foods or purchased separately. With about 70% of a dog’s immune system based in the digestive tract, prebiotics and probiotics are crucial for overall health.
- Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are usually added back into pet foods after cooking. This is done because kibble, in particular, is cooked at a very high temperature, which can destroy the natural vitamins and minerals in the food. Adding vitamins and minerals back into the food ensures that the food is nutritionally complete.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Dog Food for Great Pyrenees
When selecting dog food for Great Pyrenees, it is recommended to use grain-based food unless your veterinarian advises otherwise. Adult dogs should have a protein percentage between 18-26%, moderate fat between 12-16%, and a fiber percentage between 3-6%.
If your dog has health issues and needs grain-free food, consult your veterinarian. Food allergies are not as common as people believe, but some dogs may have them.
Consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment, which may include a food elimination diet and a food trial, which is generally better than trying multiple foods and inflaming the digestive system.
Special Considerations for Feeding Great Pyrenees Dogs
The Great Pyrenees breed, known for its slower metabolism and giant size, is prone to bone and joint problems. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to feed them a food formulated for giant breed puppies, which contains the right amount of calcium, phosphorus, and calories.
Fast growth in a giant breed can lead to bone and joint problems later in life. It may be necessary to feed them puppy food for 18 months before switching to adult food for giant breeds. Skeletal problems in the breed, such as hip and elbow dysplasia and osteochondritis dissecans, can also occur.
Adult Great Pyrenees can thrive on a food formulated for giant breeds, but it is crucial not to let them become overweight, as it can put undue stress on bones and joints, potentially leading to arthritis problems and increased risk of hip or elbow dysplasia.
How Much Should You Feed Your Great Pyrenees?
A mature male Great Pyrenee can stand 27-32 inches tall and weigh around 100 pounds, while a mature female can weigh 85 pounds. Some large males can weigh up to 130 pounds. To determine the right amount of food, use calories instead of cups or other measurements.
A three-month-old male can weigh 40 pounds and need 1849 calories per day, while a six-month-old male can weigh 70 pounds and need 1876 calories per day. In a year, a 105-pound Great Pyrenee might need 2288 calories per day.
It’s important to remember that puppies grow until at least 18 months old or slightly older. Adjusting the diet based on the puppy’s condition is crucial, as they may appear skinny or fat, and growth spurts can change the amount of food given.
Sometimes, it’s necessary to use your best judgment or consult a veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
The Great Pyrenees are a beautiful, gentle, strong-willed, and independent breed, good with children and small animals. They can be territorial and protective. Due to their size, they require special diet care. This article aims to help choose the best dog foods for them.
