What’s The Best Dog Food For Great Danes? Reviews & Buyer’s 2022 Guide

Great Danes are large-sized German breed dogs. They are gentle, patient, affectionate, and a great choice as a family pet, especially if you have children. The most eye-catching attribute is their posture and bulky physique. To keep these giants healthy and in the pink of health, they should be fed a diverse Great Dane diet.

To sustain their visually captivating built, they need high-quality proteins, be it plant or animal protein. Above all, they need reliable carbohydrate sources amongst other nutrients to maintain their body weight. Each recipe formulated for large breeds as such must be designed to provide great digestion, metabolism, and growth rates.

We already did all the research for you. If you’re in a hurry and just want to see the best dog foods for Great Danes, here are our top choices.

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PRODUCT DETAILS

1. Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free, Roasted Lamb Recipe

Lamb meat protein offer amino acids and essential fatty acids
DHA from fish oil improves vision and skin coats
Chicory root acts as a prebiotic fiber to help in the digestion process
Formula has several antioxidants in the form of vegetables
Zinc and selenium offers strength to the immunity of a Great Dane

2. Blue Buffalo Freedom Large Breed Adult Grain-Free, Chicken Recipe

Free of preservatives, gluten, and grains - thus gut flora is maintained
Great source of high-quality chicken, potatoes, and peas
Epa, glucosamine, and chondroitin improve mobility and joint health
Supplements improve the internal bodily condition of your pet companion
High-protein diet regulates caloric intake and keeps food allergies at bay

3. American Journey Large Breed, Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe

Nutrition is enhanced by antioxidants, glucosamine, and chondroitin
Bones become stronger due to generous amounts of calcium
Veterinarian attention becomes a rare sight with age
Risk of diarrhea, gas, and poor digestion are eradicated due to diverse nutrition
Source of grains such as barley and brown rice helps in quicker digestion

Top 6 Best Dog Food For Great Danes

1. Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free, Roasted Lamb Recipe

All large and giant breeds can reap the benefits of the lamb meal and sweet potatoes as the top elements of the ingredients list. Being amongst the category of premium grain-free dry dog food, the probiotic food ingredients make this one of the best dog food for Great Danes with sensitive stomachs.

In fact, the formula consists of a blend of omega fatty acids that improve skin health and reduce the risk of severe-level skin infections. Its composition also has a mixture of bacteria that erases stomach complications and combats nausea throughout the lifespan of your pet.

Legumes, fruits, and veggies increase your dog's meal standards and curb the need for unhealthy snacks to maintain a calm temperament. These elements strengthen your dog's appetite by combating the trouble of blood circulation in a number of body parts.

PROS

Contains added vitamins and minerals as building blocks for the immune system
Absorption of micronutrients and generic nutrients increases substantially
Control over unwanted weight gain puts a limit to the likelihood of sensitivities
Vitamin C and L-carnitine regulate fat content in the body
Chances are your pet will love the flavor

CONS

2. Blue Buffalo Freedom For Large Breed Adult, Grain-Free, Chicken Recipe

The manufacturers have made this puppy formula the ideal means to set the foundation for a solid diet for Great Danes. To start with, taurine acts as a brilliant support system through every life stage for heart health.

The oxidative balance keeps their organs clean and stool excretion tidy. Secondly, the combination of calcium, phosphorous, and other minerals lets dog owners breed puppies in a stress-free manner.

Above all, the high-quality proteins coming from the chicken meal increases muscle mass and ensures their muscles are constantly developing in accordance with protein levels. If you have an adult large breed then expect to observe minimal health issues, all thanks to the protein sources.

The dog food company, Blue Buffalo, is a top recommendation by veterinarians as compared to its counterparts. Their reputation, knowledge, and ingredient preferences are backed by answers from experts via years of research.

PROS

Teeth and bone health development is improved a lot due to chosen chelated minerals
Zero animal-based by-products, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors
Inclusion of antioxidants reduces bad stomach symptoms such as vomiting and food rundown
Analysis by experts state your pooch will experience fewer health concerns
Several ingredients act as stimulants for the formation of effective hormonal processes

CONS

3. American Journey For Large Breed, Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe

Worried that you can't satisfy the nutritional requirements of your adult Great Dane? You need a recipe formula that is more like a natural dry dog food rather than factory-processed meat ingredients and hormonally-infused plant ingredients.

The salmon and locally-sourced fish meal promise brain development in addition to a combination of stronger muscles and a reduced onset of diseases.

This product has everything to positively impact your dog's height, irrespective of how senior he is. Due to the glucosamine and chondroitin, you will notice your dog can withstand greater pressure on the joints. The joints around the hip also receive a collection of vital ingredients that reduce the effort involved in possible future treatment.

There is a blend of carrots, whole grain wheat, and other fruits, that plays the role of catering to organ maturity. This brings value to dogs of all ages as care for inflammation and a clogged tract reduces.

PROS

High-volume of natural fibers reduces the frequency of injuries
Formula will bulk muscles by the utilization of quality protein sources
Omega fatty acids erase coat-related problems for any type of dog skin
Support the immune system of adults in specific
Means of healthy nutrient composition due to carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes

CONS

4. Purina ONE SmartBlend For Large Breed, Puppy Formula

Does your dog struggle with bloat despite exercise? He needs something that not only has an appealing taste but also has an effective ingredient composition. All generic filler ingredients are replaced with vitamin A, Vitamin E, and vitamin D ingredients that help in improving your dog's activity level.

Adults can enjoy healthy gums, hair, and joint health, whereas junior Great Danes can enjoy energy bursts due to the nutrient content of this pet food. The crunchy kibble food clears gum issues and reduces the probability of harmful bacteria entering the stomach.

If your pooch is flavor-picky and also has allergies, then the minimalistic approach will ensure dietary satisfaction through all life stages. Additionally, the DHA, beef fat, and extensive nutrient list is the key to substitute a poor dietary lifestyle.

PROS

Fruit ingredients manage weight abnormalities
Optimum percentage of supplements will build a resistance to pain in their bodies
Vitamin and omega-3 acids composition caters to the requirement of your animal companions
Formulation did in guidance of AAFCO guidelines

CONS

5. Nutro Ultra For Large Breed Adult, Chicken, Lamb & Salmon Recipe

Need a variety of high-quality protein ingredients for large breeds like a Great Dane? This natural dry dog food boasts a variety of quality dog food ingredients rich in optimum protein and fat. Each of its contents has plenty of micronutrients and this factor assures the desirable aspects of your dog's physical ability stays intact.

The presence of healthy oils and whole-grain oatmeal aids in the functioning and growth of cells for good health. Quality nutrition assures that cartilage health doesn't face problems and your dog can perform activity rather than sitting around and being the culprit of obesity.

Each kibble has a number of vegetables rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that ensure you are feeding your pet the best dog foods for Great Danes. In fact, your dog will have a clearer mind and do wonders performing tricks with those active legs.

PROS

Regulated fat intake to help an adult size Great Dane with oxygenation problems
Puppy owners can say goodbye to weight management, weak bones, and delicate joints
High amounts of amino acids take care of muscle mass and muscle development
Lots of poultry protein and gluten-free ingredients helps with muscle concerns
Works well as a large breed dry dog food for puppy Great Dane and adult Great Danes

CONS

6. Eukanuba For Large Breed Adult

Are you one of those pet owners who can't feed their dogs milk products due to their food sensitivities? Searching for a large breed formula packed with nutrients from rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and proteins?

Want to cater to your dog's energy needs? These large breed puppy formulas have ground grain sorghum, meat meals (chicken by-product), and chicken fat to keep your dog equipped for all life stages.

The source of chondroitin and glucosamine along with animal protein will result in the development of lean muscles. In addition to this, DHA and vitamin E will solve the issue of logical disabilities and support your dog's brain system to work in unison. Eukanuba also pays attention to the carbs and fat content to offer enough energy.

When compared to Taste Of The Wild and Blue Buffalo Wilderness, there are few better choices than Eukanuba.

PROS

Dogs over 55 kilograms will experience a quick resolution of joint problems
Chance of weight-related factors negatively affecting your dog reduces
Senior dogs are protected against the problem of common diseases
Corn and wheat contribute to a mild amount of fiber

CONS

5 Common Health Problems In Great Danes

Based on the activity levels, existing health conditions, and dietary considerations of your dog, you must identify the best dog food for Great Danes. Ensure the Dane food they eat induces at least 2,500 calories per day. Also, follow a healthy feeding schedule to maximize the efficiency of their heart's pumping capacity.

Remember, dog food for adult Great Dane dogs or puppy Great Danes need high-quality ingredients that make sure these giant breeds are satisfied.

Feed them a generous amount of probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin for ensuring top-notch nutrition. Pups should be taken to a vet to identify and check for any reasons that may later lead to a course of poor health.

1. Hip Dysplasia

Weight gain in an adult large breed as such proves to put too much pressure on the joints. This ruins the positioning of the ball and the socket joint. Hip joint displacement is the primary reason for hip dysplasia and most often even arthritis.

As your dog ages, the pain will build-up and a range of bone health-related issues would arise. If your Great Dane’s growth rate is too fast, then expect hip dysplasia to occur sooner or later.

Another possibility under this category is Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD). In Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy. their foot fails to bare the rapidly gaining weight of their body. This could also impact the bones in the ribs. To avoid this you need to avoid feeding already huge dogs too much protein content.

Thus choosing grain-free dry dog food with an almost equal mixture of carbs, vitamins, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus are crucial to controlling the growth rate, especially of males.

As Wobbler Syndrome, Elbow Dysplasia, and Panosteitis are related to a similar issue, you must ensure their weight and size are always in check.

2. Hypothyroidism

Due to their bulky physique, these gentle giants often struggle with several hormonal fluctuations. When the ratios of mood-specific hormones are off-balance, then you will notice a frequent change in behavioral patterns. You should aim to treat this condition with anything except strong medication.

Common symptoms of this disease include an abnormal gain in weight without the slightest sign of an increase of food consumption, lethargy, fur shedding, thin hair coat, and a large amount of dark pigmentation on the skin coat.

Prevent feeding your dog with canned food items. They act as a source of the ingredient iodine that promotes the development of thyroid hormones.

If left untreated, it slows down metabolism. This ruins digestion, bone condition, absorption of nutrients, and can even lead to bloating. Irrespective of the protein content the dog food consists of, untreated hypothyroidism will activate a variety of disease-inducing free agents.

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3. Gastric Torsion

Remember, Gastric Torsion condition has no medicines that can treat it. It can only be resolved by surgery. Also known as bloating, gastric torsion will cause a dog's intestines to twist and turn, cutting off blood circulation in the process. Keep in mind, issues like this are life-threatening and cannot be handled by a dog owner in the house itself.

Increasing the fiber levels in their diet is key to avoiding such issues, unless not already grave. The fiber proves as a beneficial way to combat poor digestion that comes with bloating. Whether you opt for supplements and meats rich in fiber, you are saving your dog from perpetual diarrhea.

As this is a grade-A killer disease for Great Danes, you would want to take recommendations from a vet regarding how to avoid this kind of bloat from arising. Mild exercise also helps deal with the pain.

4. Cancer

Osteosarcoma, also known as bone cancer, is a commonly occurring health problem among large breeds like Great Danes. Its growth could easily spread to the joints and other body parts. Increasing your dog's intake of probiotics, glucosamine, and such bone-relevant nutrition could help avoid this disaster.

Much like Osteosarcoma, Lymphoma is another cancer type that arises due to the uncontrollable growth of lymphocytes. It could develop in their spleen, bone marrow, thymus, or even the lymph nodes. In an extremely unlucky situation, it could attack the Central Nervous System (CNS) or even the eyes.

Pet owners could keep this cancer strain at bay by keeping a check on the carb and calcium intake of their pets. Sadly, the costs associated with treating such cancers are in the range of tens of thousands of dollars and may not be an option for some people.

5. Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a condition that directly affects the heart. It increases the size of heart muscles due while also giving birth to a number of breathing difficulties. Essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are the way to go for such health concerns.

Also, make sure to only occasionally feed your dog foods that have rich fat content. This is because obesity is a probable cause for the onset of this disease. Once the walls of a puppy's heart begin to become thin, then no amounts of quality dry dog food could help improve the blood pumping capability of Great Dane puppies.

To avoid cardiomyopathy you need to choose the best food for Great Danes. [1] And the best Great Dane dog food can be identified by a mixture of nutrients that offer support to a long list of body parts.

Important Features To Consider

Protein

Being a giant breed, Great Danes need dog food that has approximately 23% of protein. Most of these proteins should be animal protein, as plant proteins fail to meet nutritional needs due to the absence of 10 crucial amino acids.

Remember, more than 23% of protein could easily result in weight gain and make your dog an unhealthy hound. Avoid mistakes of feeding your pet fillers that claim to aid in protein supplementation.

Rather opt for a protein source like chicken meal, turkey or wild boar as the three of these boast high protein levels while also offering a desired animal protein source. Also, avoid feeding your Great Dane puppy any form of meat by-product.

Fats

Great Dane food needs a low to medium amount of fat content ranging from 12% to 15%. Being the second most important ingredient after protein, large breeds need fats to aid in cell recovery and quicker healing durations. Remember, the sources of fat nutrients need to come under the category of healthy fats.

Be cautious of the fact that fats have more calories per gram than protein. One should thus keep a close eye on their dog's nutrition throughout their life. Things like flaxseed oil and chia seeds could be lovely options to add to dog food formulas due to their healthy fat composition. If you observe an indication of pork fat on the labels of dog food, steer clear of such recipes.

Calories

Feed your Great Dane only a moderate amount of calories per day. Excess calories could result in long-term complications like diabetes and hyperglycemia. As mentioned above, a diet with about 2,500 calories a day based on the type of meal consumption patterns they follow. This could vary for pups, adults, and seniors too.

The whole idea is to create a comparison between their activity levels and the number of calories they consume. Considering 2,500 calories a day is for fairly active dogs, it's easy to make a decision based on your dog's lifestyle.

Probiotics

Found in fermentation ingredients, probiotics act as a great resource to resolve digestive tract issues. As Great Danes are highly susceptible to bloating, probiotics have gained popularity amongst their diets. As long as added to all meals, in very limited amounts, there is no extra harm or side effects to their stomachs.

The calculation of most brands offering probiotics in their dry dog food formulas can be trusted. Moreover, most of the Great Dane puppy food recommendations you come across will have probiotics as a part of their ingredient list.

Tips For Feeding A Great Dane

Active Great Danes must be fed 3,500 calories a day, along with their diet consisting of 23% and 12% of protein and fat respectively. A total of 8 to 10 cups a day should do the job, as long as they are spread across the day (three meals).

If your Dane puppy is 4 to 8 weeks old, then this giant breed should be fed puppy food generously. As they are growing at a fast pace, their body needs extra nutrients to cope up. Once the 8-week phase has passed, you can alter their feeding schedule to 10 to 12 cups a day, split across three meals.

Avoid feeding Great Danes table scraps, garlic, grapes, chocolate, cocoas, coffee, tea, macadamia nuts, peaches, plums, persimmons, candies, liquor, beer, wine, and even salt.

If your Great Dane is under three weeks old, then frequent small portions with supplements throughout the day would make a lot of difference in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Great Danes need large breed food?

Yes, Great Danes need large breed food to cater to their quick development cycles. They need large quantities of calcium and protein, while also needing a solid combination of probiotics in their dog food. This is the only way Great Danes can remain healthy as they age.

Can Great Danes eat human food?

Yes, Great Danes can eat human food, but only a limited palette of what humans eat is available to them. You surely can't give them dishes with several sauces and super diverse ingredients like humans feast on. Something simple that erases the can't-consume elements should work.

Are eggs good for Great Danes?

Great Danes can eat eggs as long as it is a part of their diet and not fed separately. Many companies use it as a supplement to dry dog food to provide added nutrition. It is a cost-effective solution and also offers great sources of proteins and vitamins for overall health benefits.

Conclusion

Dane puppies have a tendency to develop into gentle giants that run, jump, and gallop all over. Choosing the best dog foods for Great Danes is instrumental in catering to their demanding nutritional needs, be it in the form of dry dog food, puppy food, or even wet dog food.

More than anything, what a Great Dane eats will decide their lifespan, quality of life, and overall health. Make sure you choose the best dog food for Great Dane puppies, adults, and seniors by checking their taste preferences, muscle mass, dietary habits, and existing health problems. Your best bet is, of course, Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free, Roasted Lamb Recipe.

Spending money on top-notch Great Dane food should be a no-brainer. The affectionate attitude and loving personality of this breed make them a valuable gift to all of mankind.

Editor's Choice

Taste Of The Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free, Roasted Lamb Recipe

Lamb meat protein offer amino acids and essential fatty acids
DHA from fish oil improves vision and skin coats
Chicory root acts as a prebiotic fiber to help in the digestion process
Formula has several antioxidants in the form of vegetables
Zinc and selenium offers strength to the immunity of a Great Dane

Kathy R. Conner

Kathy is a licensed veterinary surgeon and writer in Miami. With over 20 years of experience in deal with pets and small animal, she hopes to share her knowledge on what she learned throughout her life to all animal lover. On her free time, she likes to attend Yoga and Meditation classes.

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