The Best Dog Food for Great Danes (Foods to Consider & Avoid!)

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Selecting the optimal nutrition is crucial for the health and well-being of your Great Dane. This article unveils the top choices for the best dog food for Great Danes, ensuring your colossal companion thrives at every stage of life.

The best food choice for most Great Danes will be high-quality kibble. Listed below are several kibble options that meet the strict standards I’ll cover later in this article.

For comprehensive insights on puppy nutrition, check out my dedicated article on Great Dane puppy food. Unlike other sites, I delve deep into how I select the best options!

Dog food isn’t one-size-fits-all, and discussions can be as divisive as politics. Instead of generic advice, I’ll guide you through the various types of dog food, weighing their advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed choice for your pet.

For a detailed exploration, refer to the table of contents to navigate the article, or watch the summary video at the bottom of the bottom of the article.

The Best Type of Dog Food for Great Danes?

Dog food options range from kibble and canned to semi-moist, raw (BARF), and home-cooked meals.

For Great Danes with sensitive stomachs, it’s wise to avoid semi-moist foods due to their high sugar and additive content that can cause gastric issues.

Canned foods, while sometimes suitable, are less economical and calorie-dense, making them less viable for long-term feeding.

This leaves us with kibble, raw, and home-cooked diets. Choosing among these should be based on your personal circumstances.

Good questions to ask yourself might include:

• How much time and effort due you have to put towards food preparation?
• Do you have the financial flexibility to spend more on food?
• How old is your Great Dane?
• Does your Great Dane have any other health considerations that should be accounted for?

Most of us may lack the time and resources to prepare a balanced raw or home-cooked diet for our Great Danes, but this doesn’t reflect a lack of care.

It’s important to be realistic about what we can manage, especially since a dog’s diet significantly affects its health.

In fact, according to the Merk Veterinary Manual, a European study of home-prepared diets found that 60% of dogs had major nutrient imbalances!

Ensuring a balanced diet for your dog is challenging. It requires a commitment to provide healthy meals 2-3 times daily for your dog’s lifetime, without the convenience of fast-food alternatives.

If you can invest the time and money and are adept at meal prep, a raw or home-cooked diet can be excellent! Just make sure to consult with a vet to ensure nutritional balance.

For those with the means but not the time or inclination for meal prep, consider services that deliver prepared dog food directly to your home.

Here is a fantastic option to consider:

Pet Plate delivers fresh personalized meals straight to your door that, completely removes the cooking hassle. If this sounds like a good fit for you, make sure to click here to take advantage of their current 40% OFF offer!

For the rest of us…

A high-quality kibble will be the best choice for the majority of owners to ensure that their Great Dane is consistently eating a balanced diet.

Of course, the keyword to consider is “high-quality”. Let’s dive into exactly what makes for “high-quality” dog food!

My more detailed breakdown of each food type occurs later in the article, so keep reading!

What to Look for in Good Dog Food

When choosing high-quality kibble, it’s crucial to know what to look for rather than relying on a pre-made list.

This knowledge empowers you to make informed choices for your pet. Let’s examine the key factors that determine the quality of dog food.

Protein Sources in Food

Selecting high-quality dog food means looking for multiple named animal proteins at the top of the ingredient list, as ingredients are listed by weight.

Avoid vague terms like “meat” which can indicate lower quality.

“Meals” should also be from specific animals, like “chicken meal” or “salmon meal,” and are acceptable as a secondary protein source. Fresh meat is preferable, and meals should not be the primary protein.

Steer clear of kibble listing meat or poultry by-products, especially near the top of the ingredients, as these can include less desirable parts. If by-products are included, they should appear towards the end of the list.

Technically, there are “regulated” sources of by-products that would be okay for your dog to consume e.g. organ meats.

However, the risk of unregulated sources such as hooves or hair making it in just doesn’t seem worth the risk when we’ve got so many good options available to pick from.

If the food does contain a by-product, it should not be one of the first found in the ingredient list. Ideally – it will be near the bottom.

Fat Sources in Food

The fat source in dog kibble is crucial.

Fat contains more than twice the calories per gram compared to protein, so quality is key.

Opt for named fat sources like chicken, duck, or salmon fat, and be cautious of generic “animal fat” labels.

Carbohydrate Sources in Food

Carbohydrates are an essential macronutrient in dog food, providing energy and essential micronutrients from sources like vegetables, fruits, and grains.

Whole, unprocessed carbs are preferable!

Typical wholesome carb sources include:

• Peas
• Carrots
• Tomatoes
• Brown rice
• Spinach
• Barley
• Sweet potatoes
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Oats

Grain-free diets are not inherently better for dogs; grains are nutritious and support overall health.

Only avoid grains if your Great Dane has a confirmed allergy, which is rare (<1% of dogs). If choosing grain-free, ensure the food is nutritionally balanced.

Food Labeling

Dog food labels can reveal the quality of the product.

Look for statements like “meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles,” which means the food meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

The “guaranteed analysis” on labels is also mandatory and indicates the minimum or maximum nutrient levels, such as “at least 26% protein” or “no more than 5% fiber.”

For further details on understanding this analysis, consult the AAFCO’s resources.

Macronutrient Ratios

As an extension of paying attention to the food’s labeling, you should also consider its macronutrient content. Most importantly, how much fat or protein does the food contain?

These numbers will have a large impact on growth rates. Great Danes already grow extremely fast and do not need any help in this department!

In fact, speeding up their growth as puppies will increase the chances for orthopedic issues such as knuckling over, bowed legs, HOD, and OCD.

This is most important during the puppy phase as this is the time that they will experience the most growth. Most growth-related diseases occur in the 2-7 month timeframe, with the most between months 2-4.

Ideally, look for food with protein under 27% and fat between 12%-20%.

Controlling fat is important because it’s so calorie-dense. Higher levels of fat mean greater overall calories and faster weight gain for your Great Dane.

This extra weight only places more stress on their rapidly growing joints and is not conducive to healthy development.

Micronutrient Ratios

Micronutrients are crucial for your Great Dane’s health, and kibble with diverse, wholesome carbohydrates usually provides these.

Yet, calcium and phosphorus deserve extra attention, especially to prevent orthopedic issues in growing dogs!

• For bone health, the ideal calcium content in Great Dane puppy food is 1% to 1.5%, with the lower end preferred.
• Phosphorus should be present in a ratio to calcium, with ideally 1 to 1.5 parts calcium for every part phosphorus.

Since that probably sounds trickly, let’s look at some quick examples.

Calcium	Phosphorus Range
1%	0.67% – 1.0%
1.25%	0.83% – 1.25%
1.5%	1% – 1.5%

While generic puppy formulas are frowned upon for Great Danes due to their high protein content, certain specially formulated blends do a great job of helping to keep these calcium and phosphorus ratios in check.

Once your Great Dane finishes most of their growing around 18-24 months, you can safely switch them over to adult blends.

If you’re looking for a simple guide on how to best care for a Great Dane, then make sure to take a look at my book The Great Dane Puppy Handbook.

Large/Giant Breed Specific Dog Food

While selecting a kibble that meets all of the criteria we have discussed so far will go a long way towards ensuring your Great Dane’s health, there’s a shortcut to saving yourself considerable research time.

Ready for the secret…?

Start your search by looking at kibbles specifically formulated for large or giant breeds!

Thankfully, manufacturers have caught on that large and giant breeds have different nutritional requirements for optimal health and, as such, have created specific formulas.

While you can certainly find “regular” kibble that meets the same criteria, this is a good way to save yourself time.

Results: Best Food for Great Danes

Using the guidelines established above, I researched almost 100 large breed-specific foods found on Chewy.com.

Why Chewy, you might ask?

Aside from being extremely competitive on prices, their scheduled auto-shipping really makes things easy.

Leveraging auto-ship also comes with an additional 5% discount, so yet another reason to use it! Better yet, they’ve got a promo running right now that will get you 35% OFF your first auto-ship. Click here to take advantage of these extra savings.

Without further ado, let’s jump in and take a look again at the best available kibble options for Great Danes.

Recommended Food for Great Danes

All of the links below will take you directly to their listing on Chewy.com.

• Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice
• Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice
• Health Extension Large Bites Chicken & Brown Rice
• American Journey Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice
• American Journey Large Breed Salmon & Brown Rice
• Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed

While all of these passed the same criteria for selection, I’ll share what we’ve been using for the last several years.

While it’s not the cheapest option on the list, “wellness large breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice” has been our go-to for many years.

In addition to their use of fantastic ingredients, Wellness also has a fantastic reputation in the pet food industry.

In typical Daney fashion, Gus was not amused when it came time to take a photo of her with the latest Chewy delivery. Maybe she was just upset that I wasn’t opening it fast enough 😉

Best Grain-Free Food for Great Danes

While I don’t think grain-free food is necessary for most dogs, I did come across two with adequate nutrient profiles. Keep in mind that grain-free diets have been tied to cases of DCM, so make sure to consult with your veterinarian before making this switch.

In the event that your vet does recommend grain-free food, these are two that I would recommend looking into.

• Simply Nourish Grain-Free Chicken with Peas & Potatoes Recipe Large Breed
• Nature’s Recipe Large Breed Grain-Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin

While good kibble is never cheap, it will undoubtedly save you money in the long run by improving your Great Dane’s health.

Veterinarian visits add up much faster than food bills, and without the pain and heartache of watching your dog’s health suffer.

Types of Dog Food for Great Danes

Type 1: Kibble

Kibble is the most common type of dog food found in the United States. It can be manufactured in large quantities and has a long shelf life, making it one of the cheapest options.

Walking down a grocery or pet aisle, you will likely see dozens of kibble brands. This count can quickly balloon to hundreds of options when looking at online retailers such as Chewy‘s.com, Costco, etc…

Kibble is created by mixing together the ingredients and crushing them to create a dough-like compound. The “dough” is then fed into a pressurized machine where it’s cooked and extruded into small bits of kibble.

Pros

• Cheap
• Good shelf life
• Easy to store
• Can be found in many locations
• Wide variety of brands and options to choose from
• Simple portion management
• Formulas available for different stages of life
• Easy to take on the go or travel with
• Simple cleanup after or around mealtime

Cons

• Dry composition requires extra water intake to make up for lost fluids
• Product recalls are common due to contamination and other manufacturing mistakes
• Selecting one can be tough due to a large number of options
• Very little regulation and oversight around food quality
• While not proven, the combination of low-quality nutrients and cereals is suspected to play a factor in bloat

Type 2: Canned Dog Food

Canned food can almost be considered the wet equivalent of kibble. It’s produced in mass quantities and generally available in a variety of locations and brands.

Canned dog food is created by blending together raw and sometimes frozen meats. These are then ground into small bits and then often supplemented with vitamins, minerals, or grains.

This final mixture is then mixed and cooked before being canned. The cans are sterilized through heating before finally being shipped out for distribution.

Pros

• Increases the dog’s water intake
• Good shelf life
• Can be found in many locations
• Soft consistency makes it easier to eat for dogs with oral issues
• Stronger smells may make it more appealing to dogs not wanting to eat i.e. elderly, sick, etc…

Cons

• More expensive than kibble
• Lower calorie density than kibble
• Can leave a mess to clean up
• Requires additional dental due diligence to prevent periodontal disease
• Needs to be used quickly or refrigerated after opening
• Not typically used as a standalone diet. Often combined with kibble or supplementary food

Type 3: Semi-Moist Dog Food

Interestingly, this type of dog food was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s and came in a hamburger-like patty. You may also see it referred to as “soft-moist” food.

As the name implies, semi-moist acts as the happy middle ground to dry kibble and wet canned food. It contains more water than kibble but less than canned (usually in the 60% – 65% range).

They do not require refrigeration and use preservatives to extend their shelf life.

Pros

• Easy to chew for dogs with oral issues
• More appetizing than dry kibble
• Less messy than canned food
• Cheaper than canned food

Cons

• More expensive than kibble
• High sugar and salt content can lead to loose stool for Great Danes
• Requires additional dental due diligence to prevent periodontal disease
• Many contain artificial flavorings and colorings

Type 4: Raw diet (BARF)

The concept behind a raw diet is that your dog eats foods more closely aligned to their ancestral diet. In other words, they primarily eat meat, organs, and bones as the bulk of their diet.

This often also includes a small portion of vegetables and fruits as well.

Contrary to what your own stomach may be telling you right now – this is not why it’s also often called “BARF!

It’s an acronym for “Biologically Appropriate Food” and “Bones and Raw Food”.

Now that we’ve cleared that one up…

A typical raw diet consists of the following:

• 70% muscle meat
• 10% bone
• 5% liver
• 5% other secreting organs
• 10% fruits and vegetables

Note: For more details on a raw diet, please refer to my dedicated article here.

Pros

• Easier weight management
• Many owners report better musculature and healthier coats after switching to a raw diet
• Less poop 😉 (yes, I’m definitely keeping this one on the list!)
• Full control over your dog’s diet

Cons

• Increased risk of exposure to harmful bacteria that could make you and your dog sick
• Requires more diligence to maintain a proper dietary balance
• Switching over may result in periods of diarrhea before the dog’s body adjusts
• Typically more expensive

Type 5: Home-cooked Dog Food

This option needs no introduction because it’s what most of us do every day 😉 Like a raw diet, you can choose to simply take matters into your own hands and cook food for your dogs.

A common example of this type of meal would be boiled chicken and rice or sweet potatoes. However, the options are virtually unlimited.

Pros

• Full control over your dog’s food
• Cheaper than a raw diet
• Less chance of bacterial exposure due to cooking
• Cooking softens foods which can make them easier to consume for dogs with oral issues

Cons

• Requires more diligence to ensure proper dietary balance
• Additional time spent planning and prepping meals
• More expensive than kibble food
• This may lead to more food stealing and begging (you can train them not to do this, but that’s also more potential work)

Note: We all lead busy and stressful lives, and worrying about our Great Danes is just another piece of this puzzle. If you’re looking for a guide to simply walk you through everything that you need to know from A-Z about Great Danes, then you should absolutely look at my ebook “The Great Dane Puppy Handbook“. It’s exactly what you need to feel calm and confident about caring for your dog.

Avoiding Harmful Ingredients in Dog Food

As a Great Dane owner, I know how important it is to provide my furry friend with the best dog food possible.

However, not all dog foods are created equal and some may contain harmful ingredients that can negatively affect my dog’s health. That’s why it’s crucial to read the ingredient label and avoid certain ingredients.

Here are some harmful ingredients that you should avoid when choosing dog food for your Great Dane:

Artificial Colors

Artificial colors are often added to dog food to make it look more appealing to humans. However, these colors are not necessary for your dog’s health and can actually be harmful.

Some artificial colors have been linked to cancer and other health problems in dogs. Therefore, it’s best to choose dog food that doesn’t contain any artificial colors.

Artificial Flavors

Artificial flavors are often added to dog food to make it taste better. However, these flavors are not necessary for your dog’s health and can actually be harmful.

Some artificial flavors have been linked to allergies and other health problems in dogs. Therefore, it’s best to choose dog food that doesn’t contain any artificial flavors.

Artificial Preservatives

Artificial preservatives are often added to dog food to extend its shelf life. However, these preservatives are not necessary for your dog’s health and can actually be harmful.

Some artificial preservatives have been linked to cancer and other health problems in dogs. Therefore, it’s best to choose dog food that doesn’t contain any artificial preservatives.

In conclusion, it’s important to read the ingredient label when choosing dog food for your Great Dane.

Avoiding harmful ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives can help keep your dog healthy and happy.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight and Joint Health

As a Great Dane owner, it’s important to maintain your dog’s healthy weight and joint health. Great Danes are prone to gaining weight, which can put extra strain on their joints and lead to health issues such as arthritis.

Here are some tips to help maintain your Great Dane’s healthy weight and joint health:

Feeding a Balanced Diet

Feeding your Great Dane a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and joint health.

Look for dog food that is specifically formulated for large breeds, as they have different nutritional needs than smaller dogs.

A diet that is high in protein and low in fat can help your Great Dane maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, look for dog food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help support joint health.

Incorporating Exercise

Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy weight and joint health. Great Danes require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Take your Great Dane for daily walks or runs, and consider incorporating other activities such as hiking or swimming. However, be mindful not to over-exercise your Great Dane, as this can also lead to joint issues.

Supplementing with L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is an amino acid that can help support healthy weight management in dogs. It works by helping the body convert fat into energy, which can help your Great Dane maintain a healthy weight.

Look for dog food that contains L-Carnitine, or consider supplementing with it if your Great Dane needs extra support in maintaining a healthy weight.

Regular Vet Check-Ups

Regular vet check-ups are important for maintaining your Great Dane’s overall health, including their weight and joint health.

Your vet can help you develop a plan for maintaining your Great Dane’s healthy weight and joint health, and can also monitor for any potential health issues.

In summary, maintaining your Great Dane’s healthy weight and joint health is crucial for their overall well-being.

Feeding a balanced diet, incorporating exercise, supplementing with L-Carnitine, and regular vet check-ups can all help support your Great Dane’s healthy weight and joint health.

Understanding Food-Related Health Issues in Great Danes

As a Great Dane owner, it’s important to understand the potential food-related health issues that your dog may face.

Here are some of the most common health concerns related to diet in Great Danes:

Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious heart condition that can affect Great Danes. It causes the heart to enlarge and weaken, which can lead to heart failure. Recent studies have linked DCM in dogs to a deficiency in the amino acid taurine.

To help prevent DCM, it’s important to choose a dog food that contains adequate levels of taurine. Look for dog foods that list taurine as an ingredient, or consider adding a taurine supplement to your dog’s diet.

Bloating

Bloating is a common health issue in Great Danes that can be caused by eating too quickly or consuming large amounts of food. It occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

To help prevent bloating, it’s important to feed your Great Dane smaller meals throughout the day instead of one large meal. You can also use a slow feeder bowl to help your dog eat more slowly and reduce the risk of bloating.

Taurine

Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a critical role in your Great Dane’s health. It’s important for maintaining healthy eyes, muscles, and heart function. Great Danes are at a higher risk for taurine deficiency, which can lead to serious health issues like DCM.

To ensure that your Great Dane is getting enough taurine, choose a dog food that lists taurine as an ingredient. You can also consider adding a taurine supplement to your dog’s diet.

By understanding these common food-related health issues in Great Danes, you can make informed decisions about your dog’s diet and help keep them healthy and happy.

Great Dane Care and Feeding Tips

As a Great Dane owner, I know that providing proper care and nutrition is essential for maintaining the health and well-being of these gentle giants.

Here are some tips to help you keep your Great Dane healthy and happy:

Consult with a Veterinarian

First and foremost, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet and feeding regimen for your Great Dane.

They can provide valuable advice on the nutritional requirements of your dog based on their age, weight, and overall health.

Consider the Immune System

Great Danes are prone to certain health issues, such as bloat and hip dysplasia, which can be influenced by their diet.

To support their immune system, look for dog food that contains antioxidants and essential fatty acids, such as DHA.

Opt for Appropriate Kibble Size

Great Danes have large jaws and mouths, so it’s important to choose kibble that is appropriate in size.

Large kibble can help promote dental health and prevent choking hazards.

Consider Energy Needs

Great Danes have lower energy needs than other breeds, so it’s important to avoid overfeeding them.

Feeding your Great Dane the appropriate amount of food can help prevent obesity and other health issues.

Provide Plenty of Water

Great Danes need access to plenty of fresh water throughout the day. Make sure to provide clean water in a large bowl that is easily accessible to your dog.

By following these tips and providing your Great Dane with proper care and nutrition, you can help ensure that they live a long and healthy life.

For more information on Great Dane care, consider subscribing to the Great Dane Care Newsletter or consulting with a veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the nutrition requirements for Great Danes?

Great Danes are a large breed of dog that requires a specific diet to maintain their health and well-being. They need a balanced diet that is high in protein and low in fat.

This helps them maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity, which can lead to a variety of health problems. Great Danes also need plenty of vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium, which is important for their bone health.

What are some homemade dog food recipes for Great Danes?

It is important to consult with a veterinarian before making homemade dog food for Great Danes.

However, some recipes that are generally safe and nutritious for Great Danes include a mixture of cooked chicken, brown rice, and vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes.

Another recipe is a mixture of cooked ground beef, quinoa, and green beans.

What should be included in a Great Dane’s diet to keep them healthy?

A healthy diet for a Great Dane should include high-quality protein sources such as chicken, beef, and fish.

It should also include complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and sweet potatoes, as well as plenty of vegetables for vitamins and minerals.

It is important to avoid feeding Great Danes table scraps and human food, as this can lead to obesity and other health problems. Additionally, it is important to provide fresh, clean water at all times.