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Home » Large Dog Breed Food » 7 Best Dog Foods for Great Danes in 2023 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

7 Best Dog Foods for Great Danes in 2023 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

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As one of the largest dog breeds, Great Danes arguably have the most love to give. Sadly, their large size makes them prone to a variety of health problems and a tragically short lifespan that averages only 7-10 years.

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Dog Foods for Great Danes:

Luckily, feeding your Great Dane with the proper diet can help keep them healthy and potentially extend their life. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best dog food for Great Danes with 7 top picks.

We’ll start with recommending 5 of the best foods for adult Great Danes, and conclude with the best Great Dane puppy food, and the best dog food for Great Danes with allergies or a sensitive stomach.

We’ll also talk about the health issues Great Danes face, the specific nutritional needs in the Great Dane diet, and how much food to feed your Great Dane.

Best Great Dane Dog Food (Adults)

IMAGE PRODUCT
NUTRO Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Dog Food for Large Breeds
  • Farm-raised chicken is the #1 ingredient
  • Non-GMO
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →
Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food Large & Giant Breed Adult
  • Contains probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes
  • Contains live yogurt cultures for improved digestibility
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →
Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
  • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Has LifeSource bits with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food
  • Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Contains omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →
Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken – Large Breed
  • Has glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Optimal levels of fats and carbohydrates
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Puppy
  • Omega 3 fatty acids
  • Pasture-fed lamb is the #1 ingredient
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →
Blue Buffalo Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Large Breed Adult Dog Food
  • No chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs
  • Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids
VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS →

best dog food for great danes

The Great Dane Diet: Important Tips for Picking a Dog Food 

It may seem like enough just to check the ingredients to find a good dog food for your Great Dane, but Great Danes have very specific nutritional needs that aren’t met by a lot of commercial foods. Here’s some information about what to look for when selecting a food for your Great Dane.

Protein and Fat Requirements for Great Danes

Great Danes shouldn’t have diets that are too high in protein, especially when they’re growing puppies. Why not? Protein helps build muscle, after all.

The problem is that muscle is heavy, and any extra weight, even if it comes from muscle rather than fat, puts excess weight and strain on your Great Dane’s joints. This can lead to arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other painful joint problems.

Another problem is fat. Excess fat in your Great Dane’s diet can lead to obesity, joint strain, heart disease, and diabetes, among other problems.

So, what are the optimal levels of protein and fat that should be in a Great Dane’s diet?

Great Dane puppies should have a diet that is no more than 23-26% protein, while adult Great Danes should have no more than 24% protein. As for fat, puppies should eat a diet that is no more than 12-16% fat, and adult Great Danes should have no more than 14% fat in their diet.

Calcium and Phosphorous

While Great Danes need calcium and phosphorous in their diets to develop strong bones, too much of these minerals can cause skeletal abnormalities like the very painful Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD).

To be on the safe side, look for a food that contains no more than 1.5% calcium and no more than 0.9% phosphorous.

Whole Meat Protein Should be at the Top of the List

Many cheap dog foods have meat meal listed as the top protein. Meal, such as chicken meal, is the ground, dried product of flesh, skin, and sometimes bone. It isn’t as nutritious as whole meat protein. It’s often used as a filler, but it shouldn’t be the primary ingredient.

You should also try to avoid by-products. These are the parts of the animal that humans won’t eat – basically everything but the actual meat. There is little nutrition in these parts, and they’re used as cheap filler since it’s the parts of an animal that most people won’t eat.

All Meats, Meals, and By-products Should be Identified

Did you know that pet food companies can get away with adding things like horsemeat or euthanized pets to their food? They do it by calling it “meat meal” or “meat byproduct.” You should make sure that all the meats in your dog’s food are identified.

It Should be Made Somewhere with High Standards of Quality

The United States has stricter quality requirements than many other countries in the world. Do you really want to trust your Great Dane’s health to food made in China or other countries with low product safety standards?

There Should be Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables

While dogs are primarily carnivores, they still get a lot of nutrients from fruits and vegetables. The more fruits and vegetables that are in the food, the fewer synthetic vitamins need to be added to the food later.

There Shouldn’t be Artificial Colors, Flavors, or Preservatives

Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives are unnatural and unnecessary. They don’t need to be in your Great Dane’s dog food.

It Should Include Probiotics, Antioxidants, and Omega-3

Probiotics may help improve your Great Dane’s digestion, while antioxidants assist your Great Dane’s immune system. Omega-3 improves skin and coat condition, supports brain function, and reduces inflammation.

Look for Foods That Have Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are supplements that can help reduce joint pain. Since Great Danes are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other bone and joint problems, look for a dog food that has natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin.

best great dane dog food

Best Dog Food for Great Danes (Adults)

Now that you know what to look for in dog food and what health conditions Great Danes are prone to, let’s talk about our picks for the best dog food for Great Danes.

NUTRO Wholesome Essentials Adult Dry Dog Food for Large Breeds

This non-GMO food features farm-raised chicken, brown rice, and sweet potato. It also contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and essential antioxidants to help keep your Great Dane healthy.

Protein 21%

Fat 13%

Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:

  • Farm-raised chicken is the #1 ingredient
  • Made with natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin and is formulated to support healthy joints
  • Non-GMO
  • Larger kibble for big dogs

Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Split Peas, Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Rice Bran, Dried Sweet Potato, Natural Flavor, Lamb Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Salt, Dried Apples, Dried Blueberries, Dried Carrots, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Selenium Yeast, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract

User Reviews: While this food made a few dogs sick, most of the complaints revolve around shipping issues rather than the food itself. Most dogs and their people love this food and thrive on it.

Bottom Line: If your Great Dane doesn’t need a grain-free diet, this is one of the best foods you can get for them. Most dogs thrive on this food and really enjoy the flavor.

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Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food Large & Giant Breed Adult

This food focuses highly on its digestibility. With live yogurt cultures, probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes, Great Danes should have no trouble digesting this food.

Protein 24%

Fat 14%

Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:

  • Made in the USA
  • Contains probiotics, prebiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes
  • No meat by-products, wheat, gluten, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
  • Contains live yogurt cultures for improved digestibility

Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Natural Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Beet Pulp, Pork Meal, Anchovy & Sardine Meal, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed, Tomato Pomace, Carrots, Sun-Cured Alfalfa, Peas, Potassium Chloride, Organic Quinoa, Apples, Blueberries, Taurine, Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, DL-Methionine, Vitamins [Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Biotin], Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Minerals (Polysaccharide Complexes of Zinc, Iron, Manganese and Copper, Cobalt Carbonate, Potassium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Choline Chloride, Lecithin, Rosemary Extract, Inulin, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Enterococcus faecium, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus niger Fermentation Products, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative)

User Reviews: Most of the negative reviews revolve around packaging or shipping issues. Most people report that their large and giant breed dogs have improved digestion and a healthy skin and coat.

Bottom Line: While the occasional dog may have issues with this food, most large breed dogs have improved digestion compared to other foods.

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Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

This grain-free food is specially formulated for large breed dogs with glucosamine and chondroitin along with Blue’s antioxidant-containing LifeSource Bits.

Protein 22%

Fat 12%

Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:

  • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin
  • NO: chicken/poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives
  • Has LifeSource bits with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
  • Grain-free

Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Peas, Potato Starch, Potatoes, Tomato Pomace (source of Lycopene), Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Turkey Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (source of EPA-Eicosapentaenoic Acid), Alfalfa Meal, Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Potassium Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, DL-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Caramel, Choline Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Garlic, L-Carnitine, Vitamin E Supplement, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass Barley Grass A good source of chlorophyll, fiber and phytochemicals. It has been known to be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, diabetes, kidney, liver disease, and cancer. , Yucca Schidigera Extract, Turmeric, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Oil of Rosemary, L-Lysine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite

User Reviews: While a few dogs didn’t like the taste or got sick after eating it, most of the negative reviews were for shipping problems. The majority of dogs thrive on this food and have no problems digesting it.

Bottom Line: If you like to keep your dog on a grain-free diet, this is one of the better foods for a Great Dane.

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Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food

This food was scientifically formulated for large breed dogs, is made in the USA, and has glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Protein 21%

Fat 12.5%

Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:

  • Made in the USA
  • Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Contains omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals
  • Has antioxidants and vitamins C and E

Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, Pork Flavor, Lactic Acid, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, Calcium Carbonate, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Oat Fiber, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas

User Reviews: Dogs seem to either love or hate this food with no in between. Most of the dogs who will eat it do well on it, though, and there are several reports of reduced gassiness.

Bottom Line: Your dog may not like the flavor of this food, but if they do, your Great Dane will likely be healthy on it.

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Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken – Large Breed

This food doesn’t have the same quality of ingredients as other foods on our list, but it’s much more affordable than our other picks and has the right amount of protein and fat to keep your Great Dane healthy.

Protein 23%

Fat 13%

Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:

  • Has glucosamine and chondroitin
  • Contains DHA and vitamin E
  • Optimal levels of fats and carbohydrates
  • Has fiber and probiotics for improved digestibility

Ingredients: Chicken, Corn Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal (Natural source of Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine), Ground Whole Grain Barley, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Flavor, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Dried Egg Product, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil (preserved with mixed Tocopherols, a source of Vitamin E), Salt, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Flax Meal, Fructooligosaccharides, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Carbonate), DL-Methionine, Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Acetate, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate (source of vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement (source of vitamin B2), Inositol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (source of vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Vitamin E Supplement, Brewers Dried Yeast, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract

User Reviews: Some dogs get sick on this food, while others don’t like the taste, but a majority of reviews said that their dogs were doing well on it.

Bottom Line: With corn as the second ingredient, this isn’t the healthiest choice for your Great Dane, but if you need something more affordable, this food is just fine and better than many other brands.

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best dog food for great dane puppies

Feeding a Great Dane Puppy

Great Dane puppies have special nutritional needs compared to smaller dog breeds. Growing too large too quickly can cause a lot of skeletal problems in giant dog breeds like Great Danes. That’s why it’s crucial to buy puppy food that’s designed specifically for the nutritional needs of large breed dogs. You want your Great Dane puppy to grow big and strong without growing so quickly that they develop problems.

Large breed puppy food differs from regular puppy food in 4 main ways. It is lower in:

  • Phosphorous
  • Calcium
  • Vitamin D
  • Fat

That’s because too much of these nutrients can cause puppies to grow too quickly, which can lead to skeletal problems like hip dysplasia.

With most dog breeds, you want to keep them on puppy food until they’re 1 year old. Great Dane puppies, however, are often on puppy food until they’re around 18 months old. That’s because Great Danes grow slower than other dog breeds, and it’s crucial that your puppy doesn’t have a sudden growth spurt when they’re a year old because you switched them to adult food too quickly.

Best Puppy Food for Great Danes

We could write a whole article just on the best puppy food for Great Danes (in the meantime, check out the 10 Best Large Breed Puppy Foods), but for now, we’ll just give you our top pick for the best Great Dane puppy food:

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Puppy

Specifically formulated for large breed puppies, this food contains glucosamine and chondroitin, essential antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids like DHA. The first ingredient is deboned lamb, with chicken meal as the next ingredient for its source of glucosamine and chondroitin.

Protein 26%

Fat 15%

Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:

  • Non-GMO
  • Pasture-fed lamb is the #1 ingredient 
  • Has omega-3, antioxidants, calcium, glucosamine, and chondroitin
  • No: artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives corn; wheat; soy protein; chicken by-product meal

Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Split Peas, Pea Protein, Lamb Meal, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Sunflower Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Soybean Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Chickpeas, Fish Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid (preservatives), Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Selenium Yeast, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.

User Reviews: While there are a few quality control complaints, most dogs and their owners love this food and puppies thrive on it.

Bottom Line: Unless you get a bad bag or you prefer to feed a grain-free diet, this is probably the best food you can give your Great Dane puppy.

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Best Dog Food for Great Danes with Allergies or Sensitive Stomach

Food allergies can be a frustrating problem for dog owners, and Great Danes can suffer the same as any other dog breed. That’s why we’ve included our pick for the best-limited ingredient food for Great Danes with allergies or sensitive stomachs:

Blue Buffalo Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Large Breed Adult Dog Food

This limited ingredient diet has turkey as the primary meat ingredient, which is less likely to cause allergies than other meats. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which is perfect for large breed dogs like Great Danes. The limited ingredients are also easier on Great Danes who are prone to diarrhea.

Protein 20%

Fat 12%

Noteworthy Features and Characteristics:

  • No chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs
  • Contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance
  • Supports gentle digestion
  • Contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids

Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Peas, Turkey Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (source of EPA-Eicosapentaenoic Acid), Pea Protein, Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Calcium Carbonate, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Potato Starch, Choline Chloride, Caramel, Vitamin E Supplement, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Mixed Tocopherols (a natural preservative), Taurine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), DL-Methionine, L-Carnitine, Ferrous Sulfate, Parsley, Kelp, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Turmeric, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Oil of Rosemary, L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Biotin (Vitamin B7), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1) Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1) Vitamin B1 is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein. It is also important for a healthy nervous system, keeps mucous membranes healthy, maintains normal function of the nervous system, muscles and heart. Also promotes normal growth and development. , Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite.

User Reviews: Most of the complaints are about the price. The majority of dogs on this food saw improvements in skin conditions and stomach issues.

Bottom Line: If you have a Great Dane with allergies, they will likely thrive on this food.

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great dane nutritional needs

Health Problems Common in Great Danes

Unfortunately, Great Danes are prone to several health problems. Let’s talk about some of them so you have a better understanding of how they can affect the food you should be feeding your Great Dane to optimize their health and lifespan.

Bloat

According to the AKC, bloat is the number one killer of Great Danes. Bloat typically occurs after a Great Dane (or another susceptible dog breed) eats or drinks too much all at once.

Air in their stomach can put pressure on the diaphragm and certain veins. Bloat can progress very quickly and can kill a dog within a few hours.

Bloat in dogs has an overall mortality rate of 50%. 1 out of 3 dogs with bloat who receive immediate vet care still die. If you notice any of these symptoms of bloat in your Great Dane, you should take them to the vet IMMEDIATELY:

  • Drooling
  • Gagging or vomiting
  • Restlessness
  • Swollen abdomen
  • Crying if you put pressure on their belly

Hip Dysplasia

Another common health issue with Great Danes is hip dysplasia, a condition where a dog’s hips don’t develop properly. Sadly, this can cause great pain that gradually gets worse as the dog ages. It can seriously reduce a dog’s quality of life and progress to the point where they can no longer use their back legs.

The primary causes of hip dysplasia include:

  • Genetics
  • Growing too fast as a puppy
  • Improper nutrition
  • Obesity
  • Too much or too little exercise

If your Great Dane is displaying signs of pain in their back legs, talk to your vet about whether it could be hip dysplasia and what you can do to improve your dog’s quality of life.

Other Health Conditions

Other health problems that are common to Great Danes include:

  • Cancer, especially bone cancer
  • Cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart
  • Vision problems
  • Neurological problems

Great Dane

How Much Food Does a Great Dane Need?

Different foods have different calorie and protein amounts, so you’ll want to follow the feeding guidelines on the food you buy. More expensive food usually has fewer fillers, so you can feed your Great Dane less than you would need to feed them of cheaper food.

Feeding guidelines are based on weight, so a small female Great Dane who only weighs 100 pounds will need less food than a 200-pound male Great Dane. Your Great Dane could require anywhere from 3 to 12 cups of food per day based on their size, energy levels, and the quality of food they eat.

Great Danes should be fed at least 2, and up to 3 times per day, to help reduce the odds of them developing bloat. A slow feeder can also help reduce the chances of bloat.

You should always follow the feeding directions on the food you buy for your Great Dane, but here is a general feeding guideline for puppies and adults:

  • 8-11 weeks old: 2-4 cups per day
  • 12-15 weeks old: 3-5 cups per day
  • 16-19 weeks old: 4-6 cups per day
  • 20-23 weeks old: 5-7 cups per day
  • 24-27 weeks old: 6-8 cups per day
  • 28-35 weeks old: 6-9 cups per day
  • 9 months to 1-year-old: 7-10 cups per day
  • Adults: Males: 8-14 cups per day. Females: 6-9 cups per day

What to Avoid Feeding Great Danes

Some foods are dangerous for dogs, including giant Great Danes. Make sure to avoid giving your Great Dane any of the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Avocadoes
  • Candy or gum, ESPECIALLY sugar-free because it often contains toxic xylitol
  • Chocolate, coffee, tea, or other stimulants
  • Dairy products
  • Garlic or onions
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Persimmons, plums, peaches
  • Salty or sugary foods
  • Table scraps, especially those that are fatty or heavily seasoned

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, we’ve given you plenty of information to help you find the best dog food for your Great Dane. Do you feed your dog something that’s not on our list? Be sure to comment down below to recommend it to other Great Dane lovers!

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