Best Dog Foods For Great Pyrenees: Puppies, Adults & Seniors

As of 2022, the Great Pyrenees is the 69th most popular dog breed in America, but this pooch is far from devilish despite the number. 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. Many people ask if the Great Pyrenees eats a large amount of food or needs a special diet.

While he is now more of a family pet than a mountain patroller, he is still a large pooch that needs high-quality kibble that will cater to his large structure. This will support his heavily laden bones and joints and 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.

We will walk you through each of his life stages; puppy, adult, and senior. You’ll learn what nutrients he needs during each stage, and we recommend 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.

At A Glance: Our Favorite Foods For The Great Pyrenees

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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, which must be considered. 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 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 best 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 naturally present in mothers’ milk and are also 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 created 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. This breed is prone to gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat. This happens when dogs eat too fast, and the stomach twists. It is painful and can be life-threatening.

Adult kibbles are lower in both protein and fats compared to puppy kibbles. The MSD Manual recommends that an adult dog be fed kibble containing at least 18% protein. However, the protein content should be at least 23% for larger breeds.

During adulthood, the focus of his nutrition should be a well-balanced diet. Healthy carbohydrates will provide him with energy, and wholesome fibers will keep him feeling fuller and prevent him from eating calorific and fatty snacks. It is particularly important to ensure that the Great Pyrenees does not become overweight. Too much weight will only add more pressure to his joints, creating further health concerns.

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, 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 well-balanced diet is still necessary. But now, it’s more important than ever to ensure that the kibble you feed him has higher levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to support his aging joints. Meat meals, fish meals, and omega fatty acids are all rich sources of these ingredients, so be sure to look out for them.

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.

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Best Food for Great Pyrenees Puppies

Great Pyrenees puppies between the ages of 8 weeks and 12 to 15 months do best on dry kibbles crafted for growing giant breed dogs. Their nutritional needs are similar to the English Mastiff’s as most Great Pyrenees pups will get to be over 100 pounds. To support this kind of growth, puppies need nutritional support that will help them grow.

There are a number of different brands that can fulfill your Great Pyrenees puppy food needs. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, so let’s dive in and look at our five favorite Great Pyrenees puppy foods and a comparison of each brand. You’ll find dog owner favorites, like Hill’s Science Diet or Royal Canin, and more.

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This recipe uses real Lamb, Lamb meal, and fish meal. Your Pyrenees puppy’s protein needs are met with this kibble for strong and lean muscle growth. This recipe has the lowest fiber content on this list, which some pups do better with, especially if they have sensitive stomachs.

This formula includes probiotic strain cultures, chia seeds, and dried chicory root. All these ingredients help ensure your pup’s digestive tract and gut flora are healthy. It lists DHA from eggs, fish oils, and exotic fruits such as oranges, coconut, and papaya. All of these are high in vitamins and antioxidants.

We love that this recipe offers an alternative Lamb flavor. This makes it great for those pups who either do not like Chicken or whose digestive system doesn’t agree with it.

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This grain-free recipe lists deboned Chicken, Chicken, and Turkey meals in the first 5 ingredients. This provides his large muscle mass with a high amount of protein. Your pup will also get plenty of glucosamine for his growing joints. Healthy fibers such as lentils and sweet potatoes provide energy through slow-burning carbohydrates.

The calcium and phosphorus ratio supports healthy bone growth. Reviewers loved how their pup’s coat was healthy and shiny, thanks to the flaxseed and Salmon oil. These ingredients also provide DHA for brain development and eye function.

We love that this recipe has a wide variety of superfoods that provide his developing immune system with vitamins and minerals, such as banana, kale, blueberries, spinach, and kale, to name just a few.

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This kibble provides a high protein content with deboned Chicken, Chicken meal, and fish meal. These ingredients all provide a big meaty taste that dogs love and ensure large pups grow steadily. The calcium and phosphorus ratios are correct for large dogs. Additional ingredients such as dried kelp ensure that his bones and teeth are strong.

His body receives vitamins in the form of LifeSource Bits, which are Blue Buffalo’s proprietary blend of antioxidants. It also includes wholesome fruits and veggies, egg products, and fish oil, ensuring that his cognitive and eye function develops as they should. Reviewers commented on how this recipe soothed sensitive skin and stomach problems after switching to this kibble.

We love that this is a grain-free kibble, which many dogs find eases their sensitive stomach.

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Real Chicken is the first ingredient in this recipe. This helps ensure that his large muscle mass will develop as it should, as well as provides a meaty taste and other nutrients that his body needs. Fish oil and egg products are also listed, which provide those all-important DHA ingredients.

With biotin and folic acid, his coat is also healthy. It has a higher moisture content than most kibbles, which some dogs find easier to chew. The kibble size is also slightly larger, which is good news for a big breed like the Pyrenees.

We love that this recipe is for a high-fiber diet, which is great for those with an irregular digestive system or loose stools.

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The first 15 ingredients in this recipe are high-quality proteins that follow a biologically appropriate diet. This means that the meat, organs, and cartilage are all included. It makes this food very nutritious but also super tasty.  In addition to the high-quality protein ingredients, wholesome vegetables, and fruits such as pumpkin, collard greens, carrots, and apples, this kibble provides your pup with the antioxidants he needs to stay healthy.

This food also has a higher fiber content to keep his digestive tract regular. It also has the highest fat content, which is great for his thick coat, skin, and puppy energy. The kibble is also a slightly larger size, which, again, is great for a breed that’s the size of a Pyrenees.

We love that this award-winning premium recipe offers leading protein content. Your Great Pyrenees puppy will get all the tasty protein goodness he needs and wants.

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Best Food for an Adult Great Pyrenees

Once your Great Pyrenees hits between 12 and 15 months, you’ll want to start the transition to adult food. It’s recommended that you do this in stages, mixing your pup’s old food with the new food so you don’t upset their digestive system. Most Great Pyrenees aren’t picky when it comes to food, so you’ll likely find any of the foods we’ve covered below will fit well with their preferences.

If your dog isn’t taking to the new food right away, it’s recommended that you try different flavors like fish or Bison when matching a proper adult formula. Below you’ll see our five favorite foods for the adult Great Pyrenees. Some of these brands include Blue Buffalo or Merrick, as well as The Farmer’s Dog, Purina Pro Plan, and more.

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We are not saying you want to eat this dog food from The Farmer’s Dog, but you certainly could because it includes only human-grade ingredients! This ensures that your dog’s coat stays shiny and his large muscles are kept strong and healthy. And the customized plan, designed by vets and recommended based on your Pyrenees’ specific needs, supports him in maintaining healthy body weight and condition. And to get more bang for your buck, mix in homecooked rice if your Great Pyrenees does not require a grain-free diet.

In addition to high-quality meats, your dog will enjoy the gentle fibers, such as sweet potatoes and lentils, that encourage digestion and healthy gut flora. Prepared in a USDA-certified kitchen, these recipes are sure to please even the most discerning palate.

We love that these grain-free meal plans are customized for your Pyrs’ weight, activity level, level of pickiness, and any special dietary needs. It’s an excellent option that guarantees your dog is eating the freshest, highest-quality, well-balanced meal available.

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With a high protein content, deboned Chicken, Chicken, and Salmon meals provide protein for his muscle maintenance and repair. This formula also supplies plenty of glucosamine for his joints too. It also has the highest fat content thanks to meat meals and Salmon Oil.

These ingredients will keep him energized and provide him with DHA, which nourishes his fluffy coat. This recipe is grain-free, and despite listing a lot of wholesome veggies and fruits, it has the lowest fiber content, which is ideal for some dogs.

We love that this recipe has the highest glucosamine and chondroitin levels. This is great for large dogs and their joints.

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This recipe is grain-free and has a high fiber content. It’s perfect for Pyrenees pups with a sensitive stomach or grain intolerances. Reviewers commented on how it soothed sensitive stomachs and firmed their pooch’s stools. It also lists L-carnitine, which helps keep his metabolism ticking over and contributes to a healthy weight.

Blue Buffalo also includes their LifeSource Bits in this recipe, which are cold-formed to retain their potency. They provide a full range of specific large-breed nutrients required during adulthood. With Salmon as the main protein source, his coat has healthy support, and his joints are supple too.

We love that this recipe lists Salmon as the first ingredient. It provides an alternative protein source to the most common first Chicken ingredient, which some dogs dislike.

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This has the highest protein content thanks to ingredients such as deboned Chicken, Chicken meal, and Turkey meal. These ingredients are a great source of natural glucosamine and chondroitin. Wholesome veggies and fibers such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas support his digestive system and overall well-being.

L-carnitine is also listed, which helps him to manage his weight, and the meat meals listed above, along with ground flaxseed, nourish his skin and coat from the inside out. This recipe is also relatively budget-friendly, which is great if you are looking to save on costs.

We love that this has the highest protein content for the Pyrenees conditioned on a higher protein diet.

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This grain-free recipe is made with large and giant breeds in mind. It’s very gentle on the digestive system thanks to prebiotics, probiotics, natural fibers, live yogurt cultures, and digestive enzymes. Because of this focus on digestibility, it helps to reduce flatulence too. This is a much-needed bonus for this notoriously gassy breed!

With optimum calcium and phosphorus levels, his bones and joints get support, and the first ingredient, Chicken meal, contributes to this function too. This food is the middle of the pack when it comes to budget.

We love that this kibble has the highest calorie content, so it is great for those active Pyrenees.

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Best Food for Senior Great Pyrenees

Once your dog hits around 8 years of age, you’ll want to start transitioning to senior dog food. Because the Great Pyrenees are such big dogs, you’ll likely want something with additional joint support. This means looking at foods that contain chondroitin or glucosamine to help keep joints healthy and extend their longevity.

As your Great Pyrenees ages, they will likely slow down. That means that calorie intake should be lessened compared to traditional adult food. Continuing with smaller multiple feedings daily will ensure that your pup doesn’t put on extra unwanted pounds as their energy levels start slowing down. Below are our five favorite foods for your aging Great Pyrenees.

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Real Chicken and Chicken meal are found in the first three ingredients. This means you can be sure that he will get all the protein he needs for his muscles and energy. This formula also has added glucosamine and chondroitin for his aging joints. With a select bend of fats, fish oils, and other vitamins, this recipe is crafted to help maintain a nourished coat and cognitive health.

Wholesome fruits and veggies such as apples, blueberries, and carrots also provide him with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals for his immune system. Highly digestible fibers such as sweet potato and dried beet pulp will maintain a regular digestive system and healthy gut flora.

We love that this recipe has the lowest calorie content per cup. This is important to consider if your senior Great Pyrenees is inactive.

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This kibble is designed for all breeds. While we wouldn’t normally recommend such a generic product, Merrick has created this kibble with leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin. Both of these ingredients are critical for giant breeds to support their joints.

This formula is also rich in fish oils, which will nourish your senior’s drying coat. Deboned Chicken and Chicken meal are the first two ingredients, followed by wholesome veggies for his fibrous needs. It is grain-free too, so it is a great option for those dogs who struggle to digest grains.

We love that this has the highest protein content and the high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for his large and aging joints.

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This recipe has the lowest fat content. This is an important factor to consider for the senior dog who has digestive concerns. Seniors can struggle to digest fat as well as he did in his younger years. In conjunction with the high fiber content, this formula is great for an aging pup’s sensitive digestive tract. It’s been noted to improve regularity and stool consistency.

The LifeSource Bits also provide him with the optimum blend of nutrients he needs in his later years. This is a Blue Buffalo proprietary blend that will help boost your pup’s immune system later in life. Deboned Chicken and Chicken meal support his muscle mass. hips and joints.

We love that this recipe has a high level of fiber. This is great for the senior who has digestive irregularities or a sensitive stomach.

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This diet is based on exactly that, science, and it is made with larger breeds in mind. Chicken meal is the first ingredient, which supports his muscles, bones, and joints, as well as being super tasty. It has an ideal blend of easy-to-digest ingredients. It also carries a balanced set of minerals that will take care of his heart and kidney health.

This formula also has a high-fat content. Thanks to the optimized calories and L-carnitine, it means that his metabolism is kept in check, and he doesn’t pile on too many pounds, which is important in his senior years.

We love that this recipe is made and recommended by canine nutritionists and Veterinarians alike, so you can be sure that all the nutrients that large breed seniors need can be found in this recipe.

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This grain-free recipe lists deboned Trout, Turkey meal, and Salmon meal as the first three ingredients. This means you can be sure that your senior pup’s taste buds will be impressed! It has a higher protein content which is great for his overall health and muscle retention.

With lower glycemic ingredients and L-carnitine, he will maintain a healthy weight despite a slightly higher calorie content. Patented probiotics and easy-to-digest fibers, such as chickpeas and sweet potatoes, support a regular digestive system too.

We love that this recipe uses no Chicken or egg protein ingredients. This is important for those Great Pyrenees who do not like the flavor of Chicken or don’t do well on Chicken protein.

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Food for Overweight Great Pyrenees

It’s not too uncommon for a Great Pyrenees to find himself a little plumper than he should be. Whatever the reason, it is important to return him back to his healthy weight. Otherwise, you risk other weight-related health concerns, which will add to the pressure on his joints and bones. So, along with daily exercise, simply switch him to a weight management kibble, and below, you can find our top picks for your mountainous doggo.

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The protein content here is 27%, the fat content is 9%, and the calorie count is 330 per cup. Purina has made this weight management kibble with larger breeds in mind. This is a grain-inclusive recipe, but protein is still the first ingredient, and as such his large muscles are still well cared for.

We love Purina Pro for weight loss.  This food is great for many overweight breeds, including labs or boxers.

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From the Life Protection series, this kibble offers a protein content of 22% and a fat content of 9%. The fiber content is 10%, which means he will feel much fuller for much longer, so you can be sure your Great Pyrenees will not scavenge for naughty snacks half as much as he used to with this recipe. L-carnitine is also listed, so this will help stimulate his metabolism.

We love that Blue Buffalo released a weight management line of food that matches some of its other premium offerings.

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Final Thoughts

The Great Pyrenees is a giant dog with an equally big heart. With that also comes a large stomach that needs the very best nutrition. His large structure and pressurized bones and joints need extra support.  Leveraging the information we’ve provided here will help you find the best dog food for your Great Pyrenees on today’s market.  All the nutritional needs your pup has can be met in any of the high-quality kibbles that we have recommended in this article.