The 7 Best Dog Foods For Great Pyrenees

Dog Food Nutrition February 28, 2024
Best Dog Foods For Great Pyrenees

The 7 Best Dog Foods For Great Pyrenees

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Best Dog Foods For Great Pyrenees

As their name suggests, the Great Pyrenees come from the Pyrenees Mountain Range between France and Spain in southwestern Europe.

Basque shepherds have kept them to guard their flocks for centuries. But these large, elegant white dogs were also popular with Louis XIV and Queen Victoria.

It’s believed that, crossed with retrievers, they played a role in producing the Landseer color in Newfoundland.

The Great Pyrenees are gentle, loving, and loyal at home, but they are naturally protective with a strong guarding instinct.

Compare Best Dog Foods For Great Pyrenees

OVERALL BEST
Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog Food

1. Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog Food

RUNNER UP
Ollie Dog Food Healthy Turkey Feast Recipe

2. Ollie Dog Food Healthy Turkey Feast Recipe

BEST FOR PICKY EATERS
Nom Nom Pork Potluck Recipe

3. Nom Nom Pork Potluck Recipe

BEST FOR BUDGET
Purina Pro Plan Giant Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

4. Purina Pro Plan Giant Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Dry Dog Food

5. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR ADULT
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food

6. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR DIGESTION
Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

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

This breed is not extremely active but they do require a lot of space and regular exercise. Great Pyrenees are still kept as working livestock guardian dogs on some farms and ranches.

If you like a large/giant breed, it’s hard to find fault with the majestic Great Pyrenees. We can help you find the best dog foods for Great Pyrenees.

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.

Using the WSAVA guidelines, we look for dog foods that meet the following standards:

  • The food should meet AAFCO approval, preferably by means of a food trial instead of a nutrient profile.
  • We like dog food companies that have nutritional research to back up their formulations.
  • Pet food companies should have canine or veterinary nutritionists on staff to formulate their foods.
  • A pet food company needs to have strong quality control measures and be willing to discuss them.

The Best Rated Dog Foods for Great Pyrenees Reviewed

OVERALL BEST
1.

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
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • This food is for puppies up to age 8 months; then transition to a “puppy junior” food for the next growth stage
Our top pick for the best dog food for Great Pyrenees is Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog Food. Most companies don’t make a puppy food that is designed specifically for giant breeds.

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.
RUNNER UP
2.

Ollie Dog Food Healthy Turkey Feast Recipe

Product Info

  • Protein: 44% Min
  • Fat: 28% Min
  • Fiber: 8% Max
  • Calories: 1,390 kcal/kg
Pros
  • Real ground turkey as main ingredient
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat
Cons
  • May be too high in fiber for some Bullmastiff dogs
  • Grain-free recipe
Made with human-grade ingredients and delivered fresh to your door, Ollie pet food is an excellent source of balanced nutrition for your Bullmastiff.

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.
BEST FOR PICKY EATERS
3.

Nom Nom Pork Potluck Recipe

Product Info

  • Protein: 7% Min
  • Fat: 5% Min
  • Fiber: 2% Max
  • Calories: 1246 kcal/kg
Pros
  • Wholesome, natural ingredients prepared fresh
  • Pre-portioned for dog’s caloric requirements
  • Supplemented for balanced nutrition
Cons
  • More expensive than other options
Because the Poodle comes in three sizes, it can be difficult to choose a pet food but Nom Nom is perfectly portioned according to your dog’s age and size, no matter which type of Poodle you have.

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.
BEST FOR BUDGET
4.

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
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • This is a maintenance dog food so it’s not suitable for puppies
Purina Pro Plan is another brand that makes a giant breed formula. Purina Pro Plan Focus Giant Breed Formula Chicken Adult Dry Dog Food has real chicken as the first ingredient. It’s designed for adult giant breed dogs that weigh over 100 pounds.

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.
BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS
5.

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
Pros
  • Great digestive system support
  • Optimal calcium and phosphorus levels
  • No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or potatoes
Cons
  • Contains peas – as the 14th ingredient; we don’t think this will affect your dog
Formulated for large and giant breed dogs, Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food has a unique digestive health support system featuring prebiotics, probiotics, natural fibers, and digestive enzymes.

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
BEST FOR ADULT
6.

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
Pros
  • Very large kibble
  • Contains glucosamine and chondrotin for joint support
  • Nutrients for your dog’s heart
Cons
  • Not suitable for puppies
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food is the adult food that follows our top pick, Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog Food. (There is also a Royal Canin Junior Giant for dogs between 8 months and adulthood.)

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.
BEST FOR DIGESTION
7.

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
Pros
  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Contains natural fiber and healthy grains
  • Provides natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin
Cons
  • 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.
We can also recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food. Hill’s recommends this food for dogs that weigh over 55 pounds.

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 Foods for Great Pyrenees

When choosing the best dog foods for Great Pyrenees, we recommend the following:

  • Unless your veterinarian recommends otherwise, look for dog food that contains grains;
  • Choose a food that has a protein percentage between 18 and 26 percent for adult dogs;
  • Most healthy dogs need a moderate fat percentage between 12 and 16 percent;
  • A fiber percentage between 3 and 6 percent is suitable for most dogs.

These recommendations are based on kibbles.

If your Great Pyrenees has a health issue and needs a grain free dog food, talk to your veterinarian about choosing a dog food.

Food allergies are not as common as people believe, but some dogs do have them. If your dog has a food allergy or sensitivity, consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. They may recommend a food elimination diet and a food trial, which is usually better than trying multiple foods and inflaming the digestive system.

Special Considerations for Feeding Great Pyrenees Dogs

Bone and joint problems

The major food-related problem you should be aware of with your Great Pyrenees relates to his bones and joints. According to the Great Pyrenees Club of America, the breed has a slower metabolism than most dogs. They are also considered a giant breed.

This means that it will take your Great Pyrenees a long time to fully mature, even if he begins to look like he’s fully grown. It’s best to feed a Great Pyrenees puppy a food formulated for giant breed puppies.

These foods have the right amount of calcium and phosphorus for your puppy, along with the correct calories so he won’t grow too fast.

Fast growth in a giant breed can lead to bone and joint problems later in life. You may need to feed your Great Pyrenees a puppy food for 18 months, then change to an adult food for giant breeds.

Skeletal problems found in the Great Pyrenees can include hip and elbow dysplasia and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) so please feed your puppy good food for giant breed puppies and don’t overfeed him.

Adult Great Pyrenees will do well eating a food formulated for giant breeds. Although they are adults, you need to be careful about not letting our Great Pyrenees become overweight.

Being overweight puts undue stress on bones and joints and can lead to problems with arthritis. Being overweight can also increase any tendency toward hip or elbow dysplasia.

How much should you feed your Great Pyrenees?

A mature male Great Pyrenees can stand about 27–32 inches tall at the withers; a female stands 25–29 inches tall.

Expect a mature male dog to weigh about 100 pounds. A mature female can weigh about 85 pounds. However, it’s not unusual for some large males to weigh up to 130 pounds.

Since dog foods vary, it’s best to use calories to determine how much to feed your dog instead of cups or some other measurement.

  • A three-month-old Great Pyrenees male can weigh about 40 pounds and would need about 1849 calories per day.
  • A six-month-old Great Pyrenees male can weigh about 70 pounds and would need about 1876 calories per day.
  • In one year, your Great Pyrenees might weigh 105 pounds and he would need about 2288 calories per day.

Remember that your Great Pyrenees won’t be finished growing until he’s at least 18 months old or a little older.

These are only estimates. Your puppy could weigh more or less. Female puppies will usually weigh a little less. It’s best to adjust your puppy’s diet based on his condition instead of just considering his weight.

If your puppy looks skinny or fat, you can change the amount you are feeding. Puppies also go through growth spurts so your puppy might look perfectly balanced one day and the next he could look like he’s all legs.

Sometimes you have to use your best judgment about how much to feed or ask your 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.

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Carlotta Cooper is a long-time contributing editor for the weekly dog show magazine DN Dog News. She's the author of The Dog Adoption Bible, a Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) award winner. In addition, she is an American Kennel Club Gazette breed columnist and the author of several books about dogs. She has been reviewing pet foods and writing about dog food for more than 10 years.
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