The Great Pyrenees, also known as the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, was bred to work in colder climates. Their thick fur and large stature make it easy for them to herd and keep all types of predators away.
This strong and muscular mountain dog can tip the scales at more than 100 pounds, and their dense fur needs to be taken care of to protect them from the elements.
The best dog food for a giant breed like Great Pyrenees will protect their muscles and joints while also maintaining their luscious coats.
To provide higher protein for joints and healthy fats to keep fur shiny, I chose Fromm Large Breed Adult Gold Dog Food as the best option.
It’s crafted for large breeds like your pup, to help them keep their muscle mass without putting a burden on their joints and bones.
In addition to the Fromm Large Breed Adult Gold formula, your Great Purenees could benefit from the other dog foods on this list — including puppy food high in DHA for brain development and allergen-free food if your furry friend has sensitivities.
There is dog food on this list for all life stages.
Our Best Dog Food for Great Pyrenees
- Fromm Large Breed Adult Gold Dry Dog Food (Best for Adult Great Pyrenees)
- Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food (Best for Great Pyrenees Puppies)
- ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best for Senior Great Pyrenees)
- Ziwi Peak Beef Air-Dried Dog Food (Best for Highly Active Great Pyrenees)
- Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best for Great Pyrenees With Food Sensitivities)
- Purina Beyond Alaskan Cod Grain-Free Canned Dog Food (Best Wet Food)
- Ollie Fresh Customizes Dog Food (Best Fresh Dog Food)
- True Acre Foods Grain-Free Beef & Vegetable Dry Dog Food (Best Budget Dog Food)
- Merrick Healthy Grains Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food (Best for Weight Loss)
- Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Lamb Dry Dog Food (Best for Joint & Bone Health)
10 Best Dog Foods for Great Pyrenees Reviewed
The dog foods listed below follow the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. Before switching your Great Pyrenees’s food, please discuss with your veterinarian and switch gradually.
Fromm Large Breed Adult Gold Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Duck, Chicken Meal, Chicken, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley
- Key Feature: Moderate protein dog food with real meat formulated for large breeds
Due to their height and size, Great Pyrenees need enough protein and fat to support their muscle mass, joints, and bones. Fromm Large Breed Adult Gold was specifically formulated to help large breeds with their bodies and needs.
First, real chicken and chicken cartilage contain natural glucosamine to keep joints supple. Eggs are also added for additional protein and chondroitin — a building block for healthy cartilage.
Oat groats and barley offer healthy and easy to digest carbohydrates that are high in fiber and vitamin E for skin health. These protect the intestinal system and keep loose stools away.
There is plenty of healthy fats added as well, including salmon oil and flaxseed. These ingredients provide omega fatty acids for joint support and DHA for brain and eye development.
While the barley and oats offer some natural prebiotics, the dry food also has supplemented probiotics to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
This formula contains no wheat, corn, or soy — helpful for dogs with sensitive digestive systems.
Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Wheat, Chicken Fat
- Key Feature: High protein puppy food for large breed dogs with DHA for brain growth
Great Pyrenees are considered giant breed puppies. They’re around 60 pounds by 6 to 8 months, and can get to their full size of around 100 pounds by the age of 1 year.
In order to support healthy growth while also protecting their joints and bones, they need a formula specifically for large breed pups.
Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed dry dog food can provide your furry friend with everything they need to grow. The recipe starts with real chicken as the first ingredient, which is full of natural DHA for healthy brain development and glucosamine to support healthy growth.
Fish oil provides fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Chicken fat also provides taurine for heart health and chondroitin to maintain cartilage.
Brewers rice is included as well, for natural prebiotics for healthy digestion and fiber to keep your puppy fuller, longer.
The best part of this dog food is the calcium and phosphorus ratio. It is specifically formulated to provide bone and joint support for large breed puppies.
This formula does include wheat and corn, which may not work for pups with food allergies or sensitive tummies.
ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Atlantic Flounder, Whole Atlantic Mackerel, Turkey Giblets
- Key Feature: Dog food high in omega fatty acids and glucosamine for senior Great Pyrenees
As they age, senior dogs will need additional support for their heart, brain, and joint health. Because of this, healthy fats and vitamins will be essential in maintaining their weight and keeping them healthy for many more years to come.
ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free dry food starts with real animal proteins, including chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs. These ingredients help support lean muscle mass and provide glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
The meats are also added to the recipe raw, with refrigeration and freezing as the sole method of preservation to make it safer.
This also helps your dog get the highest concentration of the vitamins and minerals that real meats provide — like B vitamins for energy and vitamin E for a shiny coat.
Turkey giblets and pollock oil supply omega fatty acids for brain health and can help reduce heart health issues.
On top of that, chickpeas, dehydrated pumpkin, and butternut squash provide prebiotic fiber for easier digestion, vitamin A for eye health, and magnesium for additional energy.
Orijen recipe is made in the US, and doesn’t include any corn, wheat, or soy.
Ziwi Peak Beef Air-Dried Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe, Beef Liver
- Key Feature: High protein and raw food for highly active dogs
Highly active and working Great Pyrenees need as much protein as they can get. Your dog will need to keep their lean muscle mass as well as have the energy in order to go about their activities.
Ziwi Peak Beef Air-Dried dog food provides the protein and vitamins that your pup will need day to day.
Beef, beef tripe, and New Zealand green mussels offer 38% Crude Protein as well as chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint and cartilage health. The beef also includes higher levels of taurine for a healthy heart.
And, even though this dog food is high in protein it is also lower in calories — making sure that your dog keeps their lean muscles and doesn’t become obese.
Kelp and chicory are the only other supplemented ingredients, helping to provide prebiotic fiber for digestion.
This high quality dog food is considered a raw diet. The twin-stage air-drying process naturally preserves the meat ingredients and eliminates pathogenic bacteria, keeping the raw food from possibly making your dog sick.
Plus, the meat is ethically and sustainably sourced without added hormones or antibiotics.
There are no added preservatives, flavors, or colors. The formula is a naturally grain free recipe.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
- Key Feature: Limited ingredient food without common allergens for Great Pyrenees with food sensitivities
While Great Pyrenees are generally healthy, they may still experience food allergies and sensitivities. The most common allergens are dairy products, beef, chicken, and gluten.
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream dry food helps provide a high protein formula without ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction.
It starts with novel proteins including real smoked salmon and ocean fish meal. These provide essential fatty acids for joint support and DHA for healthy brain function.
Peas, dried chicory root, and sweet potatoes deliver highly digestible energy and carbohydrates for active dogs, as well as natural prebiotics and fiber for a healthy gut.
Fruits like blueberries and raspberries provide antioxidant support for a healthy immune system. And, the formula is supplemented with a blend of K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics to reduce inflammation.
Taste of the Wild dog food is made in the US by a family-owned brand. The Pacific Stream formula is free of grains, corn, wheat, artificial flavors, and artificial colors.
Purina Beyond Alaskan Cod Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Cod, Chicken, Fish Broth, Turkey, Liver
- Key Feature: High protein wet food with sustainable and ethically sourced fish
If your pup is a bit picky or needs wet food for any reason, it’s important to make sure it’s still high in protein for their muscles and higher calorie for energy. Purina Beyond Grain Free Adult wet food fits all of these needs.
Line-caught Alaskan cod is the first ingredient, providing 8% Crude Protein (equal to about 23% protein in dry food). It also includes omega-3 fatty acids for shiny fur and joint support, and glucosamine to reduce the weakening of bones.
Turkey and liver offer fat content for cartilage health and vitamins like folate and iron for energy.
Sweet potatoes offer healthy carbohydrates — helping to provide natural prebiotic fiber without triggering allergic reactions.
The cod included in the food is responsibly sourced from fisheries that earn the MSC certification. This formula is also evaluated by pet nutritionists to make sure it offers balanced nutrition.
Purina Beyond wet food never includes corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meal. Plus, there’s absolutely no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives added.
Ollie Customized Fresh Dog Food (Turkey Recipe)
- First 5 Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Kale, Lentils, Carrots, Coconut Oil
- Key Feature: High protein and human grade fresh food that’s already portion controlled
Fresh dog food provides high-quality and human grade ingredients without fillers and additives that you may find in dry kibble. And it still has plenty of protein, fat, and nutrients to offer your dog, as well as in the correct ratios.
Ollie fresh dog food offers nutritionally balanced fresh dog food that is customized for your Great Pyrenees, without the hassle of measuring everything out yourself.
It starts with a quiz about your pup. You’ll answer questions about their gender, weight, allergies, body type, and activity level. After you complete the quiz, Ollie creates the perfect diet for your Great Pyrenees.
There are four recipe options — turkey, lamb, beef, and chicken. The turkey recipe starts with real turkey breast for protein and coconut oil for omega fatty acids that boost heart health.
No matter which recipe you choose, your dog’s food is shipped every two weeks. Each batch is made in small quantities to be as fresh as possible when you open your box.
All of the formulas come with a storage container, feeding guide, and scoop. These make feeding times a breeze.
True Acre Foods Grain-Free Beef & Vegetable Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Peas, Pea Starch, Poultry By-Product Meal, Canola Meal
- Key Feature: Grain-free and high protein food with USA-raised beef
Being on a budget doesn’t mean that you can’t find highly nutritious and wholesome dog food. True Acre Foods Grain-Free dog food includes real animal proteins and healthy fat ingredients, while also being affordable.
This formula starts with USA-raised beef as the first ingredient, offering protein to maintain muscle mass and a natural source of L-carnitine for metabolism support.
Chicken fat and flaxseed offer healthy fats that help provide a boost of energy. Plus, they include essential fatty acids for joint and cartilage health and healthy brain function.
Flaxseeds have also been studied to be anti-inflammatory — reducing stress on the joints and supporting your dog no matter what age they are.
Peas, carrots, and cranberries then provide fiber and other digestive enzymes for easy digestion, as well as antioxidants for immune support.
Ths formula is free of grains like wheat and corn, and is free of artificial colors and flavors.
Merrick Healthy Grains Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
- Key Feature: Low calorie food with L-carnitine for a healthy metabolism
Great Pyrenees are more prone to gain weight than some other breeds, and extra weight can cause health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems. Merrick Healthy Grains Healthy Weight dog food keeps your dog lean and healthy with their lower calorie option.
Deboned chicken is the first ingredient — offering protein and healthy fats that build and retain healthy muscle tissue. It also includes glucosamine and chondroitin to support hip and joint health.
Chicken fat and flaxseed provide both omega-6 and omega-3 acids to support your dog’s skin and coat health. And healthy grains like barley, quinoa, and brown rice offer fiber to aid in digestion and B vitamins for additional energy.
This recipe is also formulated with L-carnitine to support a faster metabolism, helping your dog shed excess weight.
Merrick Healthy Grains dog food is crafted in the USA with no potatoes, peas, or legumes like lentils.
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Split Peas, Whole Grain Sorghum
- Key Feature: High protein and non-GMO dog food with extra glucosamine for joint support
Large breed dogs like Great Pyrenees are vulnerable to joint issues due to their build. Because of this, your dog may need additional vitamins and minerals that support their joints, cartilage, and bones long-term.
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed dry food is specially formulated for large breed adult dogs and their joint needs. It starts with deboned lamb for a high-quality protein source, which provides glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints.
Then, beet pulp and chia seeds provide essential antioxidants to support immunity health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Whole grain brown rice and peas provide calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus for bone support, as well as B vitamins for energy and healthy brain development. And kale and spinach offer iron as well, helping to repair stressed joints and cartilage.
This formula is made with non-GMO ingredients and is free of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and soy.
Guide to Buying Best Food for Great Pyrenees
Great Pyrenees need a higher protein diet full of healthy fats to protect their joints and maintain muscle mass.
Here’s what to look for when choosing your dog’s food.
Higher Protein to Maintain Muscles
Your Great Pyrenees needs the appropriate amount of protein to keep their muscles lean and to build strong joints and bones. Too little protein can cause brittle bones, resulting in bone issues like arthritis. So, protein is the most important nutrient for your pup.
During their puppy years, focus on around 25% Crude Protein. In adulthood, at least 22% or higher should suffice. Also, be sure to focus on real animal proteins — meat sources like chicken, fish, beef, and lamb are great options.
Healthy Fat
Your dog doesn’t need a high fat diet, but they will need healthy fats. These will help protect their joints, keep their heart healthy, and even provide energy and a brain boost. But, of course, the type of fat that you feed your dog is important as well.
Focus on healthier fats, like salmon or fish oil, chicken fat, and flaxseeds. Other options like canola or coconut oil work as well.
Digestible Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide fiber for easier digestion, supply your dog with energy, and can even help reduce bloat — which is common for Great Pyrenees.
Just like with fat, the quality of the carbohydrates you provide is the most important factor to consider. Easily digestible grains and carbs like oats, chickpeas, quinoa, and sweet potatoes are the best options.
Vitamins and Minerals
Luckily, commercial dog foods already supplement the appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals in their formulas. This means that you shouldn’t need to supplement any of these ingredients.
However, pay attention to your Great Pyrenees’s food and the calcium and phosphorus ratio. An imbalance of these vitamins can cause brittle bones and inflamed joints. You shouldn’t have to supplement this, but the ratio is important.
Also, focus on higher levels of taurine, glucosamine, and chondroitin in your dog’s food as they get older. These ingredients will help protect their joints, heart, and muscles.
Caloric Content
The typical adult Great Pyrenees will require around 25 calories per pound, or about 2,500 calories a day for the average size of 100 pounds. Puppies will require slightly higher calories to encourage proper growth and muscle mass — about 30 calories per pound will suffice.
Of course, every dog has individual needs. Based on your pup’s age, activity level, and current weight, you may need to adjust their calories.
Ingredients to Avoid
While your dog won’t need fancy vitamins and superfoods, they will need dog food that’s free of harmful and avoidable ingredients. Fillers in dog food in the best case scenarios offer no benefits to your dog — but in the worst case scenarios, they can cause health issues.
For example, the artificial preservatives BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin have been studied to cause adverse health effects like hives, kidney disease, and even cancer.
Other ingredients to avoid are artificial flavors and colors. While small quantities are okay for humans, your dog’s digestive system is simpler and can’t break down the ingredients as easily. This may cause allergic reactions or other health problems.
While soy, corn, and wheat can be beneficial for some dogs, others can have allergic reactions to them. If your pup has sensitivities to these ingredients, avoid them as well.
Common Great Pyrenees Health Issues
Great Pyrenees are relatively healthy. However, just like most dogs their size, there are a few health concerns to keep in mind.
Bone and Joint Problems
Great Pyrenees are at risk for many different musculoskeletal problems due to their size. Elbow and hip dysplasia are most common, and, if undiagnosed or untreated, can result in arthritis.
This is why it’s important for a Great Pyrenees to grow slowly and also maintain a healthy weight. Studies show that this can help prevent bone and joint problems later in life.
Bloat
Gastric Dilation Volvulus, commonly known as bloat, is a common issue with large breed dogs. While the true cause is unknown, bloat can be exacerbated by overeating. This causes the stomach to fill up with air or fluid — cutting blood flow and nutrients from the other organs.
Common symptoms include a distended belly, gassiness, and vomiting. In worst case scenarios, bloat can require surgery or may even cause death.
To combat bloat, offer more frequent and smaller meals. You can also switch to wet food to coat the stomach lining and help keep your dog’s stomach from expanding.
Lower carb diets can help as well, and surgical options like suturing the stomach to the abdominal wall will help in severe cases.
Obesity
Great Pyrenees have a lot of energy to burn. But, if they’re not active, they can easily gain weight. This leads to health issues like obesity, which then leads to other health issues such as bone and joint problems.
To prevent obesity, focus on dog food that’s lower in calories and fat, while still having higher protein to maintain lean muscle mass. Also, always be sure to measure the correct portion sizes for your dog.
Our Verdict
Great Pyrenees need a specific diet to support their larger bodies — including their joints and bones.
Fromm Large Breed Adult Gold Dog Food offers protein and fat for joint support and lean muscles. It also includes vitamins and omega fatty acids to protect your dog’s dense fur.
If you need food for your Great Pyrenees’s special needs, this list has other options as well. They all offer support for your furry best friend and will help keep them healthy — no matter their life stages.
