Hello Danes

Category: Food & Nutrition

  • Is My Great Dane Puppy Knuckling?

    Is My Great Dane Puppy Knuckling?

    I’m taking a wild guess here that you found this post because you are concerned about your Great Dane puppy knuckling over. We have many resources on this topic, and are here to help!

    Great Dane puppies have HUGE knobby knees. Their limbs look so chunky when they are young that many people, even some veterinarians (who aren’t used to seeing giant breed dogs) are initially alarmed. Knuckling Over (medically known as “carpal laxity”) is a condition where the puppy’s front legs bow out over the tops of the feet.

    This reversible problem is believed to be the result of excessively fast growth, environment, genetics, and incorrect nutrition. We will touch on all of these factors below!

    • What causes puppy knuckling over?
    • Are flat feet and knuckling the same thing?
    • How to treat puppy knuckling and carpal laxity
    karma greart dane puppy knuckling over 800x800 1
    This is a photo of a Great Dane puppy with severe carpal laxity “knuckling“

    Great Dane Puppy Knuckling Photos

    Here are some photos of Great Dane puppies who are experiencing severe carpal laxity (“knuckling”). Your puppy may have only mild knuckling that could progress quickly if left untreated and may not yet look like the puppies below.

    Any kind of bowing out, flat toes, or crooked appearance is cause for concern. While carpal laxity knuckling is the most common growth disorder, it’s also the most benign!

    Other problems related to bone growth in Great Danes include HOD, Panosteitis, Angular Limb Deformity, and Osteochondrosis. If you see ANY kind of abnormality in your puppy’s feet, you must visit your veterinarian to rule out more serious conditions.

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    Normal Great Dane Puppy Legs

    For reference, the image below is a young Great Dane puppy with normal legs. Notice the growth plates; those bumps are normal. The feet are nice and tall, and the limbs appear to hold the puppy up without any struggle or bowing out.

    Having solid feet and good foundations are so important for growing giant breed dogs. At this age, the joints and growth plates are very soft and susceptible to damage.

    The bump above the patella (or, the ‘ankle’) may be alarmingly large! Many people mistake this for knuckling in Great Dane puppies. If that bump is swollen and warm, that is concerning. However, it’s not unusual for them to be knobby in substantial, well-boned Great Dane puppies.

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    Great Dane Health Issues & Orthopedic Growth Disorders

    It is super important to note that while it may be normal for Great Dane puppies to have large growth plates, they should still be strictly monitored.

    Excessive swelling of the growth plates and obvious signs of pain are red flags and warrant a visit to the veterinarian. A struggling Great Dane puppy may limp, appear weak or lame, wobble, whine, chew on their feet and/or have a strange gait when they walk.

    Warm growth plates and flat or turned-out feet or limbs are another sign that something is wrong.

    Some common Great Dane growth disorders include:

    1. HOD  – Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy is a painful disorder in growing large and giant breed puppies that can cause swelling and abnormally large limbs and joints.
    2. PANO – PANOSTEITIS is also known as growing pains, and can cause swelling and pain.
    3. OSTEOCHONDROSIS
    4. INJURY – Injury to the growth plate may be serious and can cause swelling and permanent damage (that may develop into angular limb deformity or similar).

    As before, consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure! Even severe cases start with a mild version, so keep an eye on your puppy and take day-to-day photos if you are concerned. 

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    A double-merle Great Dane puppy with normal knobby knees and Growth Plates

    What Causes Knuckling in Giant Breed Dogs

    While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed that knuckling (carpal laxity), and all other orthopedic growth disorders are related largely to diet and an imbalance of important minerals and nutrients.

    Excess intake of calcium has been shown in studies to contribute to improper growth. Osteochondrosis, HOD, Panosteitis, and even angular limb deformities are commonly associated with too much calcium.

    Great Dane puppies utilize nearly EVERY bit of the calcium they receive in their diets. Adult dogs are better able to regulate this and discard what they don’t need. This makes it very important that we control the amount of calcium our puppies (under the age of 2) are receiving.

    Never feed a diet with more than 1.2% calcium to a Great Dane puppy! If it’s not listed on the bag, contact the company.

    In addition to excess calcium intake, excess food intake (overfeeding) results in obesity and rapid growth. This creates a perfect storm that results in all kinds of deformities and disorders.

    So what is the trick to reducing the risk of orthopedic growth disorders and bone problems?

    Less calcium, less food. I’ll dig into this below!

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    The Best Food to Treat Knuckling in Puppies

    Many foods on the market are NOT safe to feed giant breed puppies. I believe there are only a handful of truly nutritious and correctly balanced choices.

    When choosing food for a Great Dane puppy, especially if they have any kind of carpal laxity or painful growth disorder, you need to check the values.

    The calcium content MUST meet the following guidelines:

    1.2% or less calcium
    3.5g or less calcium per 1000kCal
    A ratio of calcium to phosphorus of as close to 1 : 1 as possible

    These factors alone don’t eliminate all possible options, so to narrow it down even further, choose as follows:

    • Labeled as a large or giant breed PUPPY formula or a large breed ALL LIFE STAGES formula
    • Must have the “formulated for the growth of 70+ lb as adult dogs” AAFCO statement
    • Includes grains (NO “grain-free”)
    • Made by a company that does research and feeding trials
    • Formulated by a highly qualified on-staff nutritionist (either a PhD in Animal Nutrition or a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist

    You may have heard that Great Dane puppies should never have puppy food. This is an OUTDATED MYTH. I cannot say this loud enough. Adult maintenance diets were used in the past but they are no longer the best choice.

    If you want more information on values associated with different food brands, check out the new Giant Dog Food Project website. www.thegiantdogfoodproject.com

    Great Danes need food that is formulated specifically for slow, even growth.

    It is also very important, when treating growth disorders, that food intake is limited and monitored. Do NOT overfeed or free feed. Eliminate all toppers, treats, and supplements.

    We highly recommend a highly researched, extensively tested and scientifically formulated large or giant breed puppy kibble with balanced calcium and phosphorus levels. Our favorites are listed below.

    For more information on Great Dane feeding, visit our Great Dane Feeding Chart post.

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

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    Great Dane Puppy Knuckling and Breeders

    Another contributor to growth problems and bowing legs in Great Danes may be poor breeding and health practices; young puppies that are kept primarily on hard surfaces and fed an improper first diet may be more susceptible.

    Great Dane puppy Knuckling occasionally goes hand in hand with flat feet (weak knuckles and toes). Poor overall foot structure has a genetic component.

    Many breeders still subscribe to outdated ideas about feeding adult foods and low-protein foods; however, these may not prevent growth disorders and often do more harm than good!

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    A Great Dane puppy knuckling before and after photo series

    Puppies that aren’t offered adequate free-play on soft, varied terrain (think grass, sand, dirt, and gravel) or that live in homes with a lot of hard, slick floors may be more prone to knuckling, flat feet, and other orthopedic issues.

    In the early stages of knuckling, you may notice:

    • Weak feet (flat toes/knuckles)
    • Weak ankles
    • Shaking limbs when on soft surfaces
    • What looks like severe knuckling when standing on a softer surface, but may correct and look ‘normal’ when back on the floor
    • Ankles that appear to be moving up and over the foot, even slightly
    • Legs that occasionally ‘bow out’
    • Limbs that look crooked in some way

    Knuckling Before and After

    The great news is that knuckling (carpal laxity) is treatable and can be corrected!

    The treatment for knuckling is also helpful for treating flat feet, which are another symptom of improper flooring, inadequate exercise, poor nutrition, and poor breeding practices.

    BEFORE:

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    AFTER: 
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    How to treat Great Dane puppy knuckling

    There are five big changes to make when treating knuckling.

    • Change Food Immediately
    • Supplements
    • Nail Maintenance
    • Flooring
    • Exercise

    We are going to use the space below to outline each one, including the best foods to offer when correcting knuckling in addition to information on supplements that we recommend.

    As always, consult your veterinarian.

    Of course, we say to consult your veterinarian often because we really do think that you should.

    However, it is extremely important to note that you find a veterinarian with giant breed experience, who is well studied in the latest research when it comes to nutrition and more. Ask questions!

    When you notice the early signs of knuckling, it is imperative that you change foods immediately.

    Knuckling is largely related to nutrition.

    The food you choose for your Great Dane puppy MUST have the correct calcium, and phosphorus ratios.

    More research is needed into the exact mechanisms behind nutrition and knuckling, but it is believed that an imbalance of amino acids and meat proteins may also contribute. For this reason, we only recommend research-backed brands for Great Dane Puppies. These brands include Purina, Royal Canin, Iam’s, Hill’s Science Diet, and Eukanuba.

    A food with the ‘correct’ calcium and phosphorus ratios may still cause knuckling if it is overfed or not professionally formulated by a veterinary nutritionist!

    The best Great Dane puppy foods to treat knuckling

    We like to see:

    Calcium at or below 1.2%

    Phosphorus close behind

    Calcium and Phosphorus should be balanced together as closely as possible, with phosphorus being the lower value. Calcium values of 1.2% or lower are ideal.

    Science-based formulation from a company that follows WSAVA Guidelines and utilizes research and science, not marketing buzzwords (Purina, Iams, Eukanuba, Hills, Royal Canin)

    If possible, look for an AAFCO statement on the bag with information about the formula being correct for the “growth of large-size dogs (70 lbs. or more as an adult)”.

    Better yet, the AAFCO statement should indicate that the food was substantiated in food trials.

    Ingredients: Science-backed formulation with meat, meat, and/or meat by-product meals in the first ingredients. Be wary of any food that uses an excessive amount of legumes or pea protein instead of real meat protein (which may also be linked to heart problems).

    Added probiotics and ingredients such as DHA and fish oil that promote healthy brain development and a shiny coat are recommended.

    NOTE: It used to be said that ‘adult food’ was the only choice for Dane puppies. Formulations and science have been updated. Puppy food may help ensure that your puppy is receiving enough of the right protein and fat for brain development and growing muscles.

    Formulations, research, science and kibble diets have changed for the better in the last 10 years.

    You can now choose a puppy OR an adult formula, as long as it’s formulated correctly for the growth of giant breed dogs and from a science-backed, heavily researched brand such as Purina.

    Great Dane puppy foods that we recommend

    Always consult with your veterinarian before a diet change or adding supplements! The brands listed below are heavily tested and researched by Veterinary Nutritionists and are thus formulated with up-to-date information about the growth of large and giant breed dogs.

    These brands are recommended by veterinarians and many of the Top Breeders in the U.S.

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    Whatever you do, do NOT give your Great Dane puppy a calcium supplement or multivitamin!

    Nail trimming to prevent knuckling in Great Dane Puppies

    Overgrown nails lead to:

    • Flat feet
    • Weak pasterns
    • Unnecessary pressure on the toes and joints
    • Altered gait/walking
    • Pain
    • Damage to the skin, furniture, and hardwood
    • Temporary or permanent deformity of the feet & ankles
    • Eventually: joint damage and arthritis

    Nails must be kept short and round, not long and sharp. If they touch the ground, they are too long. If you have a puppy that is knuckling, has flat feet, or has another bone growth disorder, nail maintenance is even more important. 

    For tips on trimming nails, read our ‘how to trim Great Dane puppy nails’ blog post here. 

    Appropriately trimmed puppy nails look like this or better:

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    Hard and slick flooring is extremely bad for the joints and can contribute to flat feet and knuckling in Great Dane puppies.

    We recommend putting down runners and traction. These clear stick-on stair treads are amazing for wooden steps!

    Discourage your puppy from jumping, especially if the landing is on a hard or slick surface. Use a washable, tough bed in the crate to keep feet off the hard crate pan when crating for extended periods.

    Do not allow your puppy to zoomie and slide all over the hardwood and tile floors in your home. 

    It is important to help your puppy strengthen those feet, tendons, and muscles.

    Great Dane puppies should have large, well-knuckled feet. The toes should not be flat. We’ve included more information below on what good foot structure and strong feet should look like!

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    How to strengthen weak Great Dane puppy feet

    Exercise ideas for strengthening Great Dane puppy feet and pasterns:

    • Lots and LOTS of free play on varied terrains such as grass, sand, and pea gravel.
    • Walking up and down gently rolling hills.
    • Have the puppy stand on the bed or the couch, and gently touch each side with a flat palm to encourage the puppy to ‘balance’.
    • Use a stability disk or cushion. Encourage the puppy to stand with both front feet on the disk.
    • When indoors, keep the puppy only on soft surfaces.
    • Limit time spent walking on concrete and in the ‘heel’ position.
    • Create a puppy playground and encourage your puppy to safely explore ramps, tunnels, and things that wobble a bit.

    Be careful about over-using a crate (restricted movement all day and all night) or keeping your puppy on a tile or linoleum floor all day long. This practice can contribute to weak feet, knees and hips.

    Make sure that your puppy receives plenty of time to move outside of the crate or X-pen when you are home.

    If your puppy has a severe case of knuckling, consult with a veterinarian and certified canine physical therapist before adding any additional exercise! 

    Some cases of knuckling benefit from wraps to support the limbs; a professional can help you. We do NOT Recommend wrapping without professional guidance.

    This puppy has weak flat feet, and weak pasterns, and shows what may be early signs of knuckling.

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    Around 5-7 weeks puppies can appear to have flat feet and early knuckling, which will correct itself if the puppy is given the correct food.

    Feet and pasterns may ‘fall’ a bit following surgery (ear cropping, for example) and during teething.

    It’s easy to become alarmed each time this happens, but it’s important to monitor progress toward the end goal: tight knuckles and straight limbs! 

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    A young Great Dane puppy with slightly flat feet

    Great Dane puppy knuckling can look much worse than it is, but it’s still essential to immediately begin correcting the problem.

    Failure to correct knuckling could lead to permanent deformities of the limbs that may become painful and may eventually lead to arthritis or require surgery.

    Have you had a puppy knuckling? What did you do to treat it? How quickly did it resolve?

    Use the comment section below to tell us about it!

  • Don’t Mistake ‘Filling Out’ with ‘Getting Fat’ – Overweight Great Danes is a HUGE problem

    Don’t Mistake ‘Filling Out’ with ‘Getting Fat’ – Overweight Great Danes is a HUGE problem

    Overweight Great Danes is a HUGE problem.

    It’s fairly common knowledge that as a general rule, Great Danes grow until they are 3.

    They will typically gain height for the first 2 years, and then ‘fill out’ until age 3.

    A lot of people, however, seem to mistake ‘getting fat’ with filling out!

    Great Danes are NOT supposed to be a heavy, weighty breed. Even ‘Euro’ built Danes should be lean and have a defined waist.

    Overweight Great Danes

    OVERWEIGHT GREAT DANES ARE PROBLEMATIC

    Overweight Great Danes are not ‘cute’ or ‘funny’.

    Overweight Great Danes cause Great Danes to live shorter and less healthy lives.

    Back yard breeders have been breeding ‘Euro’ Great Danes, which has made many people think it is normal to have Great Danes be floppy, droopy and ‘fat’.

    Euro Danes: A Big, Droopy Problem
    What Does Euro Mean in Great Danes?

    SPAY & NEUTER

    It is around age 2 when many Great Danes have their spay or neuter.

    Spay and neuter causes a shift in hormones that for many dogs also leads to a slower metabolism and weight gain.

    Many people see this happen and assume their dog is ‘filling out’, when really…their dog is just getting fat.

    It’s important to work with your veterinarian following a spay/neuter to make sure your Great Dane stays active and at a healthy weight. We recommend waiting to spay/neuter until your dog is at least 18 months of age.

    OVERWEIGHT GREAT DANES

    WEIGHT IS BAD FOR DANES

    There seems to be a contest to have the biggest, heaviest Great Dane.

    Excess weight, however is extremely hard on them.

    Most Danes are not built to be 170+lbs. Adding food, satin balls and coconut oil to their diet to ‘bulk them up’ or ‘fill them out’ is extremely unhealthy.

    Most Danes may look lean, but very few actually need help gaining weight.

    Dogs that are kept at a health weight live on average 2 years longer than their overweight counterparts. 

    Being ‘EURO’ is not a reason for a Dane to be heavy, stocky or chunky. 

    OVERWEIGHT GREAT DANES

    Lean, fit dogs have an easier time playing, walking, running, and getting around.

    As a society we are so used to seeing heavy dogs that we may find it alarming to see a dog that has been kept lean and at a healthy weight!

    There is nothing cute about letting your Great Dane get fat.

    Overweight dogs are more likely to suffer from:

    • Diabetes
    • Bladder Stones
    • Heart Disease
    • Hypertension
    • Cancer
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Anesthesia complications
    OVERWEIGHT GREAT DANES

    (An overweight Great Dane, above)

    WHAT IS FILLING OUT?

    In Great Danes, filling out refers to the process of the dog developing breadth/width in the chest and hips, as well as developing muscle mass.

    Neither one of those things has to do with becoming heavy. Good muscle development is extremely important for Great Danes!

    As your Great Dane matures and finishes filling out, you may notice a broader chest and hips, stronger more developed shoulders and larger more defined hip and thigh muscles.

    Miniature Great Danes: The Pocket Size Version
    Is My Puppy Too Skinny?

    Their face will mature quite a bit and you may notice an increase on the scale, but that’s not necessarily from fat!

    Keep your Great Dane active. ***Many people believe that Great Danes should be restricted from exercise as a means to reduce the risk of bloat. At this time, studies indicate that there is no advantage to restricting water or activity, even following meals. There are, however, many advantages to allowing your Great dane to move naturally on soft, varied terrain (fields, hiking trails, etc.)

    Below is a health, well-muscled 17 month old intact male Great Dane that is just beginning to ‘fill out’. He is still very lean and gangly and has a lot of maturing left to do:

    OVERWEIGHT GREAT DANES

    Below is a photo of his Grandfather, a mature AKC CH. Great Dane that has been kept at a healthy weight. This gives you a good picture of what a Dane may look like as a young pup and then later as a more mature, filled-out adult.

    You can see that an outline of the ribs may be visible, and the dog has a waist that can be viewed from both the side and above. His head, chest and hips have become broader and have matured. He is not heavy or overweight!

    OVERWEIGHT GREAT DANES

    GENETICS MATTER

    Genetics really matter when it comes to size! Don’t compare the weight of your Dane to the weight of others. 

    Even two Danes of the same weight can look massively different, depending on their body fat ratio, muscle development and overall structure.

    Run from any breeder whose focus is on creating the largest, droopiest, heaviest dogs out there.

    If they are advertising weights as a means to prove their breeding stock, they may not have the best interest of the dogs in mind.  A healthy, well-bred Great Dane is the Apollo of dogs, and will be large without being uncomfortably heavy. 

    HOW TO KEEP YOUR GREAT DANE AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT

    • Choose a high quality, nutrient dense diet and don’t over-feed
    • Keep dietary fat content at or below 14%
    • Keep your Great Dane active! A short walk each night on pavement is not enough exercise for most dogs to stay lean, fit, and mentally healthy.
    • Free play and exploration on varied terrain (grass, sand, gravel, hills, rocks, etc.) is important for physical & mental health, and we believe is more important than leashed walks on the sidewalk.
    • Tug of war, flirt poles (for dogs age 2+), and hiking can be wonderful ways to bond with your dog and keep them in great shape!
    • Take a FitPaws class with a qualified instructor.

    The information contained in this post is for informational purposes only. We do our best to present the most up-to-date research, however it is up to the reader to make decisions regarding the health and well-being of their dog. We make no claims here to prevent or treat bloat or any other condition related to Great Danes. Find a veterinarian with GIANT breed experience, and chat with them. 

    Some of the products we list on our website contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, we may receive a small commission for referring you. We only recommend products that we truly believe in. This commission does not affect the price of the product and is used to fund our content and expenses related to operating this website. 

  • Great Dane Dog Food 101

    Great Dane Dog Food 101

    Choosing the right food for a Great Dane sometimes feels like rocket science. We get it because we’ve been there. Selecting the right food for your Great Dane is crucial for maintaining its health and well-being, so this is important! Our Great Dane Dog Food 101 post cuts through the fluff and gives you the best and most up-to-date answer.

    This post covers several Great Dane food topics including:

    • How much dog food does a Great Dane need?
    • What is the best food for Great Danes?
    • Is Grain-free food good for dogs?
    • Should pet owners be feeding large breed puppies puppy food or adult food?
    • What does a senior dog need to be eating?

    Let’s dive into the best dog food as well as get answers to other commonly asked questions.

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    Great Dane Dog Food Nutritional Requirements

    Giant breed dogs, such as Great Danes, possess distinct nutritional needs due to their size, growth rate, and physiological characteristics. The sheer magnitude of their bodies requires careful attention to nutrient levels to support healthy bone development and prevent musculoskeletal issues.

    It is well-studied, for example, that excess calcium is damaging to growing bones. Giant breeds undergo rapid growth during their puppy stage, making their nutritional requirements specific to this critical phase.

    Additionally, their slower metabolism and susceptibility to health conditions necessitate controlled calorie intake and a balanced diet to avoid obesity-related complications.

    Here is our shortlist of requirements. Check each one of these items to narrow down your choices!

    • Calcium level of 1.0 – 1.3%, ideally less than 1.2%
    • 3.5g or less of calcium per 1000kCal
    • For puppies under the age of two: AAFCO Large Breed Growth Statement
    • Formulated for large or giant breed dogs
    • Grain inclusive (never feed grain-free dry kibble, more on this below)
    • Ideally formulated by a company with a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist on staff, that does feeding trials and nutritional research

    If you are unsure whether your dog’s food meets these requirements, check out the search tool at the Giant Dog Food Project, which outlines that information for over 700 formulas.

    At Hello Danes, we researched this for you and recommend the following formulas (for your convenience). All of these meet the current science-backed recommendations:

    For Adults Over the Age of 2:

    For Puppies Under the Age of 2:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT where you can compare brands and values head-to-head.

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    How Much Food Do Great Danes Eat?

    Determining the appropriate amount of food for Great Danes requires a balanced approach, taking into account their size, age, activity level, and individual metabolism. The food you choose matters, too.

    Generally, adult Great Danes may consume between 2,500 to 3,500 calories per day, but this can vary. Puppies, during their rapid growth phase, may require up to twice the amount of calories compared to adult dogs!

    It’s crucial to follow feeding guidelines provided by reputable dog food brands and to monitor the dog’s weight and condition regularly.

    Feeding too much to puppies can contribute to orthopedic growth disorders, and feeding too much to adults can contribute to obesity-related health problems.

    Splitting their daily food intake into multiple meals helps prevent bloating, a common concern in large breeds.

    Consulting with a veterinarian to tailor the diet to the dog’s specific needs and adjusting portion sizes based on age and activity level is key to maintaining optimal health and weight in Great Danes.

    I’ve seen puppies eat 6-12 cups/day, while adults may eat only 3-7 cups, depending on the nutrient density of the food.

    Author’s Note: The outdated practice of feeding adult food to Great Dane puppies is NOT recommended. It often results in above-average food intake, because the puppy is starved for protein and nutrients. Read more about this HERE.

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    Never Overfeed a Great Dane

    More is not always better when it comes to feeding your dog. Overfeeding can lead to health problems like obesity and digestive issues.

    Great Dane puppies that are fed too much will grow too quickly, putting them at risk for developmental orthopedic conditions such as Panosteitis, HOD, OCD, and Carpal Laxity.

    In many cases, chronic loose stools can be attributed to excess intake of food! Cutting back is a healthy choice.

    • Accelerated Growth: Overfeeding can lead to rapid growth in puppies, contributing to musculoskeletal issues and joint problems.
    • Obesity: Overfeeding contributes to obesity, placing extra stress on joints and exacerbating existing health concerns.
    • Digestive Issues: Consuming more food than necessary can lead to digestive problems, including indigestion and diarrhea.
    • Reduced Lifespan: Overweight dogs are more prone to various health issues, potentially reducing their lifespan.

    In adult dogs, overfeeding increases the risk of many conditions, including surgical complications. For overweight dogs that get Osteosarcoma, life-saving amputation surgery may not be an option.

    Many people are tempted to feed their Great Danes too much food out of concern that they are too thin! They are rarely undernourished.

    For dogs that refuse food and lose weight doing so, a medical emergency is indicated. This is not a sign to add fatty foods to the diet.

    Here are some common health problems associated with excess weight in adult dogs:

    • Arthritis: Overfeeding can contribute to excessive weight gain, placing additional stress on the joints and increasing the likelihood of developing arthritis in dogs.
    • Joint Problems: Excessive weight can lead to joint issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, affecting the dog’s mobility and comfort.
    • Cardiovascular Conditions: Overweight dogs are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems, such as heart disease and hypertension.
    • Respiratory Issues: Obesity can strain the respiratory system, leading to difficulties in breathing and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
    • Reduced Immune Function: Excessive weight can compromise the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
    • Liver Disease: Overfeeding may contribute to the development of liver problems, impacting the organ’s function and overall health.
    • Decreased Quality of Life: Dogs that are overfed and overweight may experience a reduced quality of life due to limited mobility, discomfort, and increased vulnerability to various health issues.
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    Can Great Danes Eat Grain-Free Food?

    In recent years, concerns have been raised about a potential link between certain grain-free diets and a serious heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). While not exclusive to Great Danes, this breed, like others, may be susceptible to DCM if their diet lacks proper nutrients.

    DCM is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and weakened, affecting its ability to pump blood efficiently.

    Several studies have suggested a likely connection between grain-free or boutique diets and an increased risk of DCM. In some cases, the condition is reversed with a diet change, indicating substantial theories that diet does indeed play a huge role in heart health (just as it does in humans!).

    Of course, this is a controversial issue filled with many opinions, including those of influencers who will lose profits and credibility if the DCM-Nutrition link is proven beyond any reasonable doubt. (Read about Dr. Judy Morgan and her inflammatory commentary on this topic HERE).

    Why Is Grain-Free Food Popular?

    Many holistic veterinarians and influencers promote that grain-free foods “have more meat and fewer carbs and fillers”. They also believe that removing grains from the diet can help resolve allergies, itching, and digestive issues.

    This is an absolute myth. At least, the part about having “more meat and less carbs”, is. Grain-free dry diets are loaded with carbs in the form of lentils, potatoes, peas, and other legumes…not more meat as marketing has led us to believe.

    Most veterinarians advise against grain-free diets and encourage pet owners to choose instead research-backed dog food brands that meet WSAVA recommendations. You can read more about that HERE.

    In our popular Great Dane group on Facebook, several members have come forward to tell us their stories of losing (or nearly losing) their beloved Great Danes to heart disease after feeding them grain-free foods. Until we have more information, it’s just not worth the (very real) risk.

    If you have a Great Dane suffering from an unhealthy gut, allergies, and itching, perhaps a trip to a veterinary dermatologist or veterinary internist is in order. They have other treatment options that will be ultimately safer and more effective.

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    Feeding Guidelines for Great Dane Puppies

    You cannot feed a Great Dane Puppy the same way that you feed an adult dog. Great Dane puppies must have a diet with strictly controlled calcium, phosphorus, vitamin, mineral, and energy levels.

    Here are some general feeding guidelines to ensure the healthy development of your Great Dane puppy:

    1. Large or Giant Breed Puppy Food: Choose a puppy food specially formulated for large breeds. Look for options that specify “large breed” or “giant breed” on the packaging, as these diets typically address the specific nutritional requirements of growing Great Danes.
    2. AAFCO Large Breed Growth Statement: The food must have 1.2% or less calcium AND the AAFCO Large Breed Growth Statement to be appropriate. Do NOT feed adult food to Great Dane puppies (this is an outdated practice not supported by science).
    3. Balanced Calcium and Phosphorus: Ensure the puppy food has a balanced ratio of calcium to phosphorus, typically ranging from 1:1 to 1.2:1. This helps support proper bone development and minimizes the risk of skeletal issues.
    4. Caloric Intake: Great Dane puppies have a high metabolism, but it’s crucial not to overfeed. Follow the feeding guidelines on the food packaging, but individualize portions based on your puppy’s age, weight, and activity level. Regularly monitor their weight and adjust portions as needed.
    5. Meal Frequency: Feed young Great Dane puppies three to four meals per day to accommodate their fast growth and reduce the risk of bloat. As they mature, you can gradually transition to two meals per day.
    6. Avoid Rapid Growth: While it’s essential to support growth, avoid overfeeding to prevent excessively rapid growth. This helps reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues, including hip dysplasia.
    7. Treats and Table Scraps: Limit treats and table scraps, as excessive treats can contribute to weight gain. Too many goodies will unbalance the diet and encourage picky eating.
    8. Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to monitor your Great Dane’s growth and ensure they are meeting developmental milestones. Your vet can provide guidance on adjusting the diet as needed.

    Here is our list of foods that meet all recommendations for Great Dane puppies. They need to stay on an appropriate formula until age 2. This is the most current recommendation (2023-2024).

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

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    Supplements for Great Danes

    Navigating the world of supplements for Great Danes is like walking into a Jungle! There are so many options and a lot of companies trying to get our money. The supplement industry is largely unregulated!

    It’s easy for companies to bring new-fangled options to market. All they have to do is pay a factory to manufacture their products and package them with a well-designed label.

    The truth is that many supplements are not proven, not researched, not carefully manufactured, and may do more harm than good.

    When considering supplements for your Great Dane, stick to brands that are both veterinary recommended and/or have the NASC Seal (which is obtained by proving the safety and potency of the formula being sold).

    Never give a multivitamin or multi-supplement. If your pet’s diet is properly balanced, a vitamin or mineral supplement may result in excess nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium intake. This can result in a slew of nutritional problems. More is not better!

    Here are some supplements you might consider!

    The Best Fish Oil for Great Danes

    Great Danes are prone to many health conditions. Some include food allergies, skin issues, joint conditions, and digestion problems.

    Fish oil is a great way to support large breeds regardless of the dog’s age. It can be given at any life stage, in moderation. Because fish oil is high in fats, it does add a lot of calories to the diet. Watch your pet’s body condition score and don’t let them become overweight!

    Buyer beware, not all fish oils are created equal. With any product you choose, you must verify that the company is using exceptional quality control and proving its supplements in clinical and safety trials.

    Nutramax Welactin is a great example of a fish oil that is carefully sourced and formulated, manufactured by a company that backs up their promises with clinical research and industry-leading quality control.

    Joint Supplements for Big Dogs

    There are MANY joint support options on the market, and like the others, it can be hard to choose. Save your money! Don’t even consider ones that don’t have clinical research and owned manufacturing facilities.

    We use and recommend Dasaquin and Cosuquin products.

    For more information about joint supplements and Great Danes, check out our blog post on the topic HERE.

    Vitamin C for Great Dane Puppies

    A lot of Great Dane breeders recommend giving all puppies a lot of vitamin C to “prevent knuckling”.

    This practice is not backed by science. Like many home remedies, this is one that may do more harm than good.

    See, here is the thing. Puppies DO need vitamin C in their diet. At one time, decades ago, pet food manufacturers didn’t know how to formulate food for giant breed puppies.

    As a result of incorrect nutritional levels, big puppies were experiencing all sorts of problems with growth including Carpal Laxity and growing pains. In response, breeders tried all sorts of things!

    They tried feeding adult foods to slow growth (you’ve probably heard this outdated and damaging recommendation before!) and adding vitamin C to promote healthy bones and collagen development. These remedies seemed to work, and this advice has stuck around in the giant breed community for decades now.

    There is a fair amount of clinical research showing the important role that vitamin C plays in bone growth and stability!

    “Overall, vitamin C exerts a positive effect on trabecular bone formation by influencing expression of bone matrix genes in osteoblasts.”

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4833003/

    Now it’s 2023 and modern large and giant breed puppy foods have been formulated correctly to remove dietary influence on bone growth disorders. We no longer have to starve our puppies of nutrition on adult foods to slow their growth.

    These new foods also contain the correct amount of vitamin C to support healthy bone and cartilage development. There is not too little, nor is there too much.

    Reread the above quote about “influencing [the] expression of bone matrix genes in osteoblasts”. To put this simply, in the context of wanting to SLOW bone growth and prevent the bones from maturing too quickly, we have to consider once again that over-supplementation may be harmful.

    I’d also like to point out that too many Great Dane puppies suffer from chronic loose stools. This is a side effect of excess vitamin C.

    Don’t blame those loose stools on chicken or grains; look at your supplements, first.

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    Great Dane Feeding Chart

    The numbers on the chart below can vary depending on the food you feed, your dog’s age, their overall health, and their activity level. If your pet receives a lot of additional calories in the form of treats, toppers, enrichment toys, and supplements this chart will be inaccurate.

    We recommend offering puppies 3 small meals a day. Transition to 2 meals each day at around 6-8 months of age, if you wish.

    This chart is just a guideline of what you can generally expect when feeding a proper diet that meets WSAVA recommendations. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and your veterinarian’s advice. Always monitor body condition, too! Fast growth and excess weight are bad for Great Danes. Err on the side of caution.

    Pro Tip: if your dog has loose stools, you may be overfeeding them!

    AgeTimingAmount
    Puppies under 12 weeks3x/day2-4 cups/day
    Puppies 12-24 weeks old3x/day3-6 cups/day
    Puppies 24 + weeks (6 months) or older2x/day5-10 cups/day
    Puppies 12-18 months2x/day6-12 cups/day
    Adults 18+ Months2x/day4-8 cups/day
    These values are averages. Your pet may need more or less. Always talk to your veterinarian and use the manufacturer’s feeding chart as a guideline.
    19

    Pet Food Ingredients 101

    Distinguishing between fact and fiction is crucial when making informed choices while selecting pet food. Common misconceptions can arise regarding ingredients such as by-products and grains.

    A lot of misinformation about pet food is spread by profit-driven influencers and veterinarians who want to drive sales for their books, courses, and supplements.

    Not to mention the millions of dollars made by pet food rating websites such as Dog Food Advisor. They earn money every time you click.

    Here is some information about pet food ingredients that mirrors what board-certified veterinary nutritionists have to say on the topic!

    Chicken Meal and By-Product Meal in Dog Food

    Meals (such as chicken meal, beef meal, salmon meal, or chicken by-product meal) in dog food are essentially a concentrated and dehydrated form of meat, excluding moisture content.

    When utilized in well-formulated pet foods, meat meals are far superior to ‘fresh meat’ or ‘raw meat’ in terms of nutritional content, protein, and balanced amino acids.

    To put this simply, pet food companies that attempt to woo you with “freshly roasted meat” as the primary or only meat ingredient may be making up for the resulting nutritional deficiency in the synthetic vitamins (which are in all pet foods). Some companies have to use more added vitamins than others.

    Fresh meat is 80% water and doesn’t have bone, organ, or cartilage in it; these are nutrient-dense and biologically appropriate foods for dogs, even if they don’t sound good to all humans.

    Better yet, meat meals have been shown to reduce the risk of canine bloat!

    Chicken By-Product meals from companies like Royal Canin are a nutritious and high-quality source of protein that is more similar to a properly formulated raw diet than anything else. If you’ve heard otherwise, you’ve been misled.

    I don’t know about you, but I am SICK and tired of predatory influencers that spread misinformation in exchange for profits. Let’s move onward…

    Rice & Corn

    Rice and corn are commonly included in dog food for several nutritional reasons. While many influencers have disparaged these ingredients, they are desirable when feeding Great Danes!

    1. Energy Source: Both rice and corn are excellent sources of carbohydrates, providing a readily available energy source. Carbohydrates are crucial for fueling the day-to-day activities and metabolic functions of dogs.
    2. Digestibility: Rice, in particular, is easily digestible for dogs, making it a suitable option for those with sensitive stomachs. Corn, when processed properly, is also digestible (more digestible than beef, actually) and provides dogs with essential nutrients.
    3. Fiber Content: These grains contain dietary fiber, which aids in promoting healthy digestion. Adequate fiber in a dog’s diet supports regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation. It can also reduce the risk of bloat!
    4. Nutrient Profile: Rice and corn bring a range of essential nutrients to the table, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients contribute to overall health and well-being, supporting functions such as immune system maintenance and skin health.
    5. Cost-Effective: Both rice and corn are cost-effective ingredients, which can contribute to making dog food more affordable without compromising on nutritional value. This affordability allows pet owners to provide their dogs with quality nutrition at a reasonable cost.
    6. Alternative Protein Source: While not as high in protein as meat, rice, and corn can still contribute to the overall protein content of the diet. This can be beneficial for dogs that may have allergies to certain meat proteins or for pet owners looking to diversify protein sources.
    7. Gluten-Free Option: Rice is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable option for dogs with sensitivities or allergies to gluten-containing grains. This provides a grain alternative for dogs with specific dietary requirements.

    It’s important to note that the quality of rice and corn in dog food depends on factors such as sourcing, processing, and overall formulation. Responsible pet food manufacturers carefully select and process these ingredients to ensure they meet the nutritional needs of dogs.

    Additionally, individual dogs may have unique dietary requirements, so consulting with a veterinarian can help tailor a diet that best suits a particular dog’s health and preferences.

  • Great Dane Puppy Food

    Great Dane Puppy Food

    Welcome to the world of owning a Great Dane Puppy! Now you have to figure out what to feed it. Choosing the right Great Dane puppy food can be difficult and confusing. There is a lot of conflicting, misleading, and even dangerous information out there. We get it, because we’ve totally been there!

    Great Dane puppies grow extremely fast and unfortunately, the wrong dog food can be devastating for their health. Giant breed dogs are susceptible to a number of nutrition-related imbalances and orthopedic growth disorders.

    Many of these conditions are preventable with the right diet. Choosing the best puppy food for your Great Dane is key, and the right kibble may not be what you think!

    If you have a new Great Dane puppy and are confused about what to feed it, you’ve found the most scientific, up-to-date article! We are driven by current research and science, not outdated advice or clickbait.

    In this post you will find:

    • A list of the best foods to feed a Great Dane puppy (2023 update!)
    • Health problems caused by incorrect nutrition in puppyhood
    • How to choose food for a Great Dane puppy
    • Best practices for feeding Great Dane puppies
    • Supplements and health information

    Read on, Great Dane friends!

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    2023 Best Foods for Great Dane Puppies

    Before we dig into the WHY, please check out this list of foods that are the best and most well-researched options. You don’t need to flip endless bags to find the right one; choose from the list below and you WILL be making a solid choice.

    We know you are busy chasing that cute puppy around, so if you want the simple, already researched-for-you answer, here it is. Easy-peasy!

    The foods on the list below meet the following science-backed recommendations:

    • 1.2% or less calcium
    • 3.5g or less calcium per 1000kcal
    • Formulated by a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist who is on staff for the company (not a consultant)
    • Grain-inclusive
    • Contains Meat Meal as a top ingredient (reduces bloat risk)
    • Has the AAFCO Large Breed Growth Statement
    • Formulated correctly for the growth of large AND giant breed puppies (not “adult maintenance” diets)

    Click on any link below to view on Chewy.

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    34

    Great Dane Puppy Growth Disorders Caused by Wrong Food

    If you are new to Great Danes, you may not be aware of how they are different than other dogs. They experience explosive growth from birth to 8 months of age, and then continue to grow and fill out until they are nearly 3 years old.

    Imagine going from 1 pound to 100 pounds in just 8 months!

    The wrong kibble formulation and unbalanced, untested foods from boutique companies or home cooking can cause:

    There is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there about what to feed a Great Dane Puppy.

    Today we are using science and modern knowledge to clear it up, once and for all!

    If you are looking for dog food for an older or adult Great Dane (18+ months), read HERE.

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    Great Dane Puppy Food – What You Need to Know

    We are going to cover some important need-to-know topics below. You may notice that we are going to dispel a LOT of myths about what to feed Dane puppies, too!

    Here are some common nutrition myths in the world of Danes. If you hear these, you are hearing information from people that are stuck in 1993.

    “Never feed puppy food!”

    “Great Dane puppies should only eat adult food!”

    “The protein level must be very low! Never feed a food with protein above 24%”

    “Add calcium to the diet so their bones can grow.”

    All of those statements are outdated and misleading! Let’s dig into this!

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    Should I feed puppy food or adult food to my Great Dane?

    This is the biggest and most important question you can ask yourself as a Great Dane Owner! Should Great Dane puppies eat adult food?

    Absolutely not! Get that idea out of your head right now.

    Story time!

    20 years ago we didn’t have an understanding about what causes growth disorders in large and giant breed puppies. Anecdotally, breeders found that if they fed adult food to their puppies, they experienced fewer growth problems.

    At one time, this concept did have merit. The problem here is that it’s now 2023 and we have much, much better choices.

    Adult food works to minimize growth disorders by literally starving the puppy of the nutrition that it needs to grow.

    Seriously. I don’t know about you, but I am not ok with that. We see a LOT of 8-18 month old Great Danes that have no muscle tone and are hopelessly lanky and skinny. This is why! They are being fed adult food and don’t receive enough nutrients to support their muscle, tendon, and brain development.

    Guess what?

    Through feeding trials and data research, dry dog food formulas have been modified and updated. Many large and giant breed PUPPY foods are now considered ideal for giant breed puppy dogs.

    A science-backed, properly formulated large-breed or giant-breed puppy food will have been designed, tested, and proven to encourage slow growth and healthy bone development. Veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists will repeat this.

    Great Dane puppies should be on a well-researched large or giant breed puppy formula until 18-24 months. Intake and body condition should be monitored. You should never, ever feed traditional puppy foods that are not made for large breed dogs! This is of key importance.

    Here is our list of appropriate foods to feed a Great Dane Puppy (more on why, below!):

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

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    Calcium & Phosphorus Ratios in Great Dane Puppy Food

    In addition to being an appropriate grain-inclusive large or giant breed growth formula, the ratio of calcium to phosphorus is a key consideration when choosing food for your puppy.

    Calcium must be at or below 1.3% (1.2% is even better) and the Phosphorus should be CLOSE behind it.

    NOTE: However, even foods with correct calcium and phosphorus ratios may not be appropriate!

    There is a lot more to nutrition than just that. Amino acids, the source of those nutrients (meat vs. peas or legumes), and ultimate bioavailability and formulation of the finished product are incredibly important. It is also believed that vitamin D and zinc levels contribute, which is why it is difficult to compare foods in an informed manner. Two foods may appear to be very similar based on the limited information the label provides, however, they likely are not.

    A typical CA/PH analysis might look like this below, or similar. Do not feed food brands that don’t have this information easily accessible on the label!

    Calcium 1.2%
    Phosphorus 1.0%

    Look specifically for the AAFCO large breed growth statement on the bag of food. This is a requirement to find in addition to seeing the calcium levels at or below 1.2%!

    The AAFCO large breed growth statement will contain something that looks like this:

    “including growth of large-size dogs (70 pounds or more as an adult)“

    If it says “excluding growth of large-size dogs”, do NOT feed it. If it does not have a statement about the growth of large-size dogs, don’t feed that either.

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    What is the Best Protein Level for Great Dane puppy food?

    Many people believe that protein is the most important thing to look at. This is fairly dated information, based again on old observations. Some people believe you should keep protein levels less than 24%.

    Many Great Danes are being starved of protein in the name of this. Protein provides amino acids that are necessary for health. Protein must come primarily from a meat source. Meat meals and meat by-product meals are ideal, as they offer a concentrated source of amino acids and protein!

    Food brands that use ‘fresh deboned meat’ and no meat meals will be deficient and likely heavy in starches; don’t fall for marketing that is designed to appeal to your tastes. Foods that are extremely heavy in peas, lentils, garbanzo beans, potatoes, or derivatives of them are not safe to feed.

    Meat meals (or by-product meals) contain biologically appropriate meat tissue, bone, cartilage, and organ. These ingredients have also been shown to reduce the risk of bloat by 53%!

    Some of the best foods will have protein levels up to 32%! Royal Canin Giant Breed Puppy, for example, which has been scientifically proven for growth.

    Here are other considerations:

    AAFCO Food Guidelines for Puppy Foods

    The food you choose for your Dane puppy should have an AAFCO statement on the bag with only small variations to the following statement.

    This statement should indicate that the food is formulated for the growth of large-sized dogs AND that food trials were used to prove that the formulation is correct for growth:

    Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [THIS FORMULA] provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages, including growth of large sized dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).

    ***Note: In dog food, ‘Large Sized Dogs’ is a simplified term that INCLUDES giant breeds.

    Here is some additional information on AAFCO statements.

    If the nutrition statement says “formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles”, it means that the food wasn’t substantiated in food trials. It was only seen to meet certain minimums on paper.

    It’s important to understand that MANY food companies can use a computer program to spit out recipes, send it to their marketing department to make adjustments that appeal to you (ingredient splitting), and have it signed off by a consulting company that it meets AAFCO minimums.

    Use your best judgment here. Ask questions and look past the marketing.

    Best Food Brands for Great Danes

    The following food brands are recommended for these reasons:

    • They meet the highest standards for analysis, formulation, testing, science, nutrition, and ethics
    • Formulated by on-staff board-certified veterinary nutritionists
    • They use biologically correct ingredients such as meat by-product meals
    • Subjected to millions of dollars in research, testing and feeding trials
    • Balanced protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus ratios
    • Proven
    • Science-based, not marketing-based

    All of the items below are links to this product on Chewy. We recommend placing your choice on autoship!

    Large Breed Puppy foods from these brands are ideal for Great Dane Puppies:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    This list is not exhaustive, and it is up to you to do your own research. It is important to note that the Great Dane community is full of anecdotal stories and dated advice.

    Our blog is focused on science and we update it often with the most current recommendations.

    We no longer recommend brands that do not meet WSAVA guidelines. See our FAQ for more information.

    My great dane is not eating, now what?

    Signs that your Great Dane puppy food may not be the right choice:

    • You’ve chosen a food from a boutique ‘feel good’ company that doesn’t employ a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist (DACVN) to formulate and test the food
    • Your puppy is knuckling
    • Your pup has developed flat feet
    • Your dog is experiencing panosteitis, HOD or wobblers
    • You notice that your puppy has swollen joints, pain or limping
    • You see your puppy suffering from lethargy and general weakness, unrelated to disease
    • Your puppy is not developing muscle tone
    • Your puppy is experiencing excess gas and loose stools that aren’t related to parasites or frequent dietary changes
    • You’ve chosen a brand from an MLM scheme

    We do not recommend Life’s Abundance or similar foods or supplements (including NuVet) where breeders receive commissions (‘kickbacks’) when you purchase from them.

    These foods are not formulated by boarded, professional Veterinary Nutritionists. The high pricing is reflective of the commission scheme underneath the brand, not of the actual quality.

    Choose science, instead:

    The Ultimate Great Dane Feeding Chart

    What is DCM in Great Danes?

    Royal Canin Giant Breed Dog Food Review

    Is Large Breed Dog Food Necessary?

    Large Breed Adult vs. Puppy Food

    Red Flag Dog Foods

    Here is our list of dog foods and supplements we would never feed for any reason. These brands made this list because of extra-shady marketing tactics, having a bad reputation among the veterinary and veterinary nutritionist community, having high rates of harm caused by unbalanced nutrition, extreme ingredient splitting, and/or because they are MLM.

    • Orijen
    • Acana
    • Gentle Giants
    • Life’s Abundance
    • Paw Tree
    • NuVet
    • Most grain-free kibbles, especially 4Health, Acana/Orijen, Zignature, Fromm, etc.
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    When should my Great Dane puppy switch to adult food?

    As long as you are feeding one of our recommended formulas, you should follow the manufacturers recommendation.

    Pro Plan, for example, has foods that encourage you to feed them until 18-24 months. Royal Canin does as well.

    We believe that Great Dane puppies should have puppy food until 18-24 months.

    Puppy Food Q&A

    What are WSAVA Guidelines?

    1 harlequin great dane samantha huynh

    The WSAVA is a non-profit, worldwide organization dedicated to supporting veterinarians, health, science, and nutrition. Any food brand can sponsor these important efforts, however, most boutique brands do not.

    The WSAVA has released a set of common-sense guidelines to consider when choosing food for your dog. These guidelines are simply a set of recommendations. There is no such thing as ‘WSAVA Approved’, and the WSAVA does not make ‘kickbacks’ or money from food brands.

    See the guide HERE.

    Is Large Breed Dog Food ok for Great Danes?

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    Some science-backed food companies (including Royal Canin and Purina) make ‘Giant Breed’ specific formulas, and those are fantastic!

    The Royal Canin Giant Breed line is perfect.

    However, many ‘giant breed’ formulas have been phased out or are hard to find.

    Large Breed foods from Purina, Hills, Science Diet and Royal Canin are formulated and tested for dogs over 70+lbs, and this includes our giant breed dogs.

    Therefore, both giant and large breed formulas are ideal and can be correct for Great Danes!

    Meat Meal and Meat By-Products? YUCK, right!?

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    Many people see ‘Meat Meal’ or ‘Meat By Product Meal’ on the ingredients list and immediately believe that it must mean the food is full of cheap protein and junk.

    Meal and Meat By-Product Meals are a concentrated form of whole-prey meat, not junk as you may have been led to believe.

    Dogs don’t eat nicely cut and trimmed steak and chicken filets like us humans do.

    They eat the WHOLE animal! Bone, organs, muscle, tendons and more. There is absolutely nothing wrong with meat meals and meat by product meals.

    “By Product” simply means that the food is a rendering left over from some other process. Us humans don’t eat a lot of organ meat. Therefore, organ is ‘by product’.

    Dogs NEED organ, bone and other ‘yucky’ things in their diet.

    Whole prey model raw diets rely heavily on bone, organ and other tissues.

    It’s not junk, it’s necessary nutrition.

    What are Boutique Food Brands?

    Dear Danes 1

    A boutique food brand is a dog food from a company that:

    -Does not employ a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist (DACVN) to formulate and test foods
    -Does not regularly utilize ongoing AAFCO food trials to test and substantiate their formulas
    -Does not participate in or contribute to veterinary-level research and nutrition science
    -Does not support ongoing veterinary health efforts (WSAVA, for example)

    Boutique food brands often:

    -Use marketing to make you ‘feel good’ about the food

    -Rely on generic, unregulated terms such as ‘holistic’, ‘farm fresh’, ‘family-owned’ and ‘human grade’ to guide you so that you look past deficiencies in their scientific practices

    -Will intentionally misrepresent science-backed and heavily-researched foods as ‘trash’, ‘garbage’, ‘fast food’ or ‘horrible’ so that you feel emotional or worried about food and buy their brand instead

    Boutique food brands are linked to secondary DCM, a devastating heart condition that can cause sudden death in ‘healthy’ looking dogs.

    I don’t see a popular food recommended here, why not?

    2124862 800 1

    Popular foods seen in the Great Dane community include Victor, 4Health, Diamond Naturals, Costco, Fromm, Zignature, Nulo, Nutro, Solid Gold, Orijen, Acana, The Farmer’s Dog, Honest Kitchen, Canine Caviar, Liberty, and Holistic Select (among others).

    These are all ’boutique’ foods. We will not recommend them.

    They do not employ DACVN Board-Certified veterinary nutritionists to formulate their foods. They do not participate in well-run nutrition research and food trials for their brand or for the greater good of dogs.

    For example, Fromm foods are formulated by a chemical engineer.
    Victor foods are formulated by a guy with an online certificate in dairy cattle feeding.

    Contrary to popular belief, boutique food brands are not inherently ‘higher-quality’.

    Marketing is what makes you believe that it is.

    Boutique food brands are linked to secondary DCM, and should be fed with caution.

    Many dogs that suffer from nutritional DCM have healthy coats and good stools! They die suddenly, often without warning because their heart enlarges and eventually gives out.

    It is believed that a majority of nutritional DCM cases go undiagnosed, because of this.

    Nutritional (Secondary) DCM is caused by unbalanced nutrition.

    We recommend sticking with science at this time and feeding only the highest quality, heavily researched diets that were substantiated in actual feeding trials, not just looked over by a ‘nutritionist’ on paper.

    Don’t vets get a kickback on food?

    Brindle Great Dane

    Many people believe that the only reason their veterinarian recommends Purina, Hill’s or Royal Canin is because their vet is receiving kickbacks and took all of their nutrition education from those companies.

    Considering that those companies are the ones spearheading and funding most, if not all of our existing canine nutrition research, those are the companies that should be educating veterinarians!

    Veterinarians that sell foods in their lobby mostly offer the prescription formulas to pets who need them and yes, they do receive a nominal amount of money for this, which covers the costs associated with stocking the food.

    Keep in mind that the pet store who is trying to sell you the pricier boutique food brand with the higher margin is ALSO receiving a ‘kickback’ to promote the foods they sell. As a matter of fact, these kickbacks can be both high-pressure and HUGE. Influencers, bloggers (yes, even us here at Hello Danes), and brand reps all make money selling food brands to you.

    No matter what food you buy, somebody somewhere stands to make money on the deal. Veterinarians are approached by ’boutique’ food brands OFTEN and absolutely could sell those options in their lobbies.

    But they don’t, because veterinarians believe in science and research. Not marketing and woo.

    My trainer/breeder/nutritionist recommended something else

    main qimg 0640dc1ddf44529f7dea250c31d33357 lq

    Your trainer and breeder are not nutritionists. They are subject to the same marketing as you, which was created to make you feel nervous and guilty about choosing food for your dog. Follow the money here!

    ‘Nutritionist’ is an unregulated term. Anybody can take an online course and obtain that as a ‘title’. There are many ‘nutritionists’ out there, many of whom charge money for their services.

    The only legitimate nutritionists are veterinarians who have obtained additional credentials, study, degrees, and board certifications in the field of animal nutrition. Read more about DACVN at https://acvn.org/

    What about fresh foods?

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    We believe in fresh foods!

    As a matter of fact, studies have shown that feeding a dry-kibble-only diet may increase the risk of bloat.

    We recommend supplementing a healthy, well-formulated science-backed kibble with up to 10% raw or fresh foods. Purina One or Pro Plan Canned, balanced raw, Olewo Carrots, fresh fruits and vegetables, or Dr. Harvey’s are some of our favorites.

    What about raw feeding?

    Raw feeding can be done right!

    We recommend working with a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist and learning a lot about raw feeding before getting started. www.perfectlyrawsome.com is a great resource.

    Formulating your own raw dog food at home is rewarding, but you have to do it correctly. There are many misconceptions and myths about raw feeding and the truth is that most owners are not educated or equipped enough to do it correctly. Each meal must be perfectly balanced, and care must be taken to ensure food safety.

    We do not recommend raw-feeding giant breed puppies during their extreme growth phase (birth to 9 months) without professional veterinary nutritionist support. https://acvn.org/

    What about home-cooked diets?

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    Meat, veggies, and rice is NOT a balanced diet and may be extremely dangerous, despite the fact that it makes you feel like you are doing something ‘healthy’ for your pet.

    If you do make a home-cooked stew, use it as a topper for an already balanced, science-backed commercial food.

    Studies show that over 94% of home cooked diets are not correctly balanced (leading to nutrient deficiency or worse, toxicity). https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/homemade-dog-food-recipes-can-be-risky-business-study-finds

    To feed a full home cooked diet, work with a veterinary nutritionist and utilize BALANCE IT to view what nutrients are missing from your recipe.

    You can hire a DACVN HERE.

    We do not recommend home-cooking for Dane puppies under the age of 1 year, if ever at all.

  • SUPPLEMENTS FOR GREAT DANES

    SUPPLEMENTS FOR GREAT DANES

    Supplements for Great Danes matter because we all want our Great Danes to live long, healthy lives.

    We are all here because we know that Great Danes are a SPECIAL breed!

    They also grow astronomically fast and astronomically large. Hence the ‘Great’ part!

    We love their big faces, bracing ourselves for the famous Dane lean, accessorizing our couch with them, and walking these gorgeous animals down the street.

    SUPPLEMENTS FOR GREAT DANES

    These dogs deserve the best that we can give them. Because they are so large, they tend to be especially prone to painful and debilitating health conditions of their immune system, digestive system and joints. Some may have additional health and structural problems that are an unfortunate result of unethical breeding practices.

    WHY DO OWNERS NEED SUPPLEMENTS FOR GREAT DANES?

    Great Danes, on average, live only 8 years. The high incidence of bloat and cardiac problems, which are perpetuated primarily by friendly BACKYARD BREEDERS (who appear reputable) greatly contribute to this statistic.

    We believe that a quality diet and supplements can give our Danes the best chance at robust health. Read below for our favorite joint, anxiety relief, digestive and overall wellness supplements for Great Danes.

    Please consult with your giant-breed veterinarian before changing or adding supplements. This is especially important if your Great Dane has a pre-existing health condition or is taking medications.

    SUPPLEMENTS FOR GREAT DANES

    1. PROBIOTICS, PREBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE ENZYMES

    Current research indicates that bloat may be notably related to gut health & genetics. If your dog is suffering from allergies, gas, itchy skin, or loose stools a probiotic supplement is highly recommended.

    Prebiotics and digestive enzymes can provide even more benefit! Add this kind of supplement even if your kibble contains probiotics.

    We like the powder form because most dogs will eat it right up when sprinkled onto their food.

    Many people believe that farting and gas are just part of owning a Great Dane. We believe that is a sign that your dog needs digestive support and an adjustment to their diet. This is especially important in light of the current research that suggests  a gut health and genetics link to bloat.

    SUPPLEMENTS FOR GREAT DANES

    2. JOINT SUPPLEMENTS FOR GREAT DANES

    Glucosamine supports joint health and can be found in chicken feet, trachea, bone broth and other tasty whole food raw treats. “By-Products” in pet food are a good thing, as they are made from bone, cartilage (and organs) which contain a natural source of glucosamine.

    Royal Canin Giant Breed Dog Food – Are By Products Good or Bad?

    We like Green Lipped Mussel for joint health as well because it comes in powder form, is incredibly simple and is based on a whole food source.

    You can also choose one of these veterinary-backed formulas for joint support:

    Glcoflex III
    Dasaquin

    Be careful about using multiple commercial glucosamine chondroitin tablets and supplements! Too much can lead to toxicity.

    SUPPLEMENTS FOR GREAT DANES

    VITAMIN C FOR GREAT DANES

    A vitamin C supplement is one of those standard Great Dane things that a lot of people do.

    It can help the dog process stressful and anxiety-inducing situations (ear cropping, spay/neuter, board and train, vet exams, etc.).

    Unlike humans who must obtain vitamin C from their diet, dogs synthesize their own vitamin C. Low vitamin C levels can cause problems with bone growth in human babies. This explains how some people drew a connection between vitamin C and knuckling in dogs.

    Supplementation itself has never been proven in research to prevent, treat, or cure developmental disorders in growing Great Danes.

    If you choose to give your puppy Vitamin C, split the dose up over the course of the day. 1000-1500mg is standard. Too much will cause loose stool, so start slowly and work up to a full dose over the course of 2 weeks.

    -Some foods contain added vitamin C in some form already, and a supplement may be excessive

    Is My Great Dane Puppy Knuckling?
    How to Prevent Knuckling in Great Dane Puppies
    Is My Great Dane Puppy Too Small?
    Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart

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    Fish oil comes in many forms and it’s not hard to find good ones. Even human grade fish oil capsules work! Just pop them with a pin and squirt the oil onto the food. 

    4. FISH OIL FOR DOGS

    Fish oil is an amazing and simple way to help your dog receive the benefits of Omega 3’s. It’s good for skin, coat and teeth as well as cardiovascular health and brain development.

    omega 7105acfb0b8053ecf181cfcb58ca10a5
    health and shine pump
    salmon 35a247dc9508e2792c4e216150c7e17e
    Our favorite Fish Oil for Great Danes: Health and Shine Salmon and Krill and Omega-3 Fish Oil. Use code HELLODANES10 for 10% off.

    Health Risks in Great Danes
    Fish Oil for Great Danes

    Fish oil gives dogs a clean, shiny coat and healthy skin, which will keep your Great Dane looking amazing.

    The information contained in this post is for informational purposes only. We do our best to present the most up-to-date research, however it is up to the reader to make decisions regarding the health and well-being of their dog. We make no claims here to prevent or treat bloat, cancer, arthritis or any other condition related to Great Danes. Find a veterinarian with GIANT breed experience, and chat with them.

    Some of the products we list on our website contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, we may receive a small commission for referring you. We only recommend products that we truly believe in. This commission does not affect the price of the product and is used to fund our content and expenses related to operating this website. 

  • Our list of the Best Foods for Great Danes

    Our list of the Best Foods for Great Danes

    Walking into a dog food store is like walking into a shark tank. You’re immediately inundated with nutrition advice and thousands of bags with bright colors and promises of better health for your pet. If you are interested in what we believe are the best foods for Great Danes, this blog post is the place to be (NOT the pet store)!

    Back in the day, before Natalie and I started this site and put literal years into educating ourselves about the most current advice for Great Dane care, we were confused. So confused! It’s easy to get sucked into marketing and anecdotes from other dog owners. We all love our pets and want what is best.

    When we dug around in search of the best foods for our Great Danes, here is what we found:

    • Outdated advice, including food brands that no longer exist
    • Nutrition information and ideas that are not based on any actual research and science
    • Recommendations for food brands that are poorly formulated
    • Click bait articles that seem to know very little about Great Danes
    • Promotional articles from dog food companies that don’t know how to formulate for Great Danes
    • Fear mongering, elitism, and pseudoscience in pet food marketing
    • A whole lot of confused Great Dane owners!

    This blog post today is for those who feed Great Dane KIBBLE, and we are bringing you science-backed, UP TO DATE information about what to feed your giant breed dog! Raw and fresh info coming soon, though we share some of that here, too!

    Great Danes have very specific nutritional requirements. 

    The appropriate food will keep them at a healthy weight and will support their gut health, joints, growth, and structure. Read on!

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    Food Requirements for Great Danes

    The best foods for Great Danes may not be what you think.

    Remember, on this blog we look at science, research, and evidence; not marketing.

    Foods for Great Danes must be formulated specifically for the growth (puppies) and maintenance (adults) of large and giant breed dogs. This means that puppies need a large or giant breed puppy or all life stages food, and adults over the age of 2 need an adult or all life stages food.

    For more information on how to feed Great Dane puppies, read here.

    Additionally, we like to see foods meet the following guidelines (especially for Danes under the age of 2):

    • Calcium level at or below 1.2%
    • 3.5g or less calcium per 1000kCal
    • Calcium to Phosphorus ratio of as close to 1 : 1 as possible
    • Specifically labeled for large or giant breed dogs
    • Grain-inclusive
    • Includes meat meal or meat by-product meal, which may lower the risk of bloat
    • Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist or PhD in Animal Nutrition employed by the company

    We are going to break down the science of dog food in this blog post below. Our recommendations MAY surprise you, so we’re backing up our information with science!

    Now before you go crazy and start looking at a million labels, let us help you.

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    What are the Best Food Brands for Great Danes?

    To keep things simple, here is our list of foods that meet the guidelines and recommendations outlined in this post. Click on any to see them on Chewy.

    FOODS FOR GREAT DANE ADULTS OVER THE AGE OF 2:

    FOODS FOR GREAT DANE PUPPIES UNDER THE AGE OF 2:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    I like to note that some people have not loved our recommendation to choose well-researched, science-backed foods. We believe that such opinions are often misinformed. To be perfectly honest, I used to be misinformed as well, and actively considered foods such as Purina and Royal Canin to be absolute garbage.

    Of course we all want to believe that the ‘holistic’ option is best, but I’ve learned that’s not always the case; millions of dollars are spent every year on dog food marketing and we are all susceptible to it.

    Great Dane puppies have additional needs when it comes to their food. You can see our blog post on Dane puppy food brands here: https://www.hellodanes.com/great-dane-puppy-food/

    Find a veterinarian that has a lot of Giant-breed knowledge and experience and talk with them when choosing food for your Great Dane.

    We recommend following the advice of your veterinarian, NOT a pet store sales employee or “nutritionist” with no verifiable veterinary credentials.

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    All About Meat Meals and Meat By-Product Meals

    When choosing a kibble, we like to see meat meal and meat by-product meals in the first ingredients.

    Studies show that rendered meat meals may help lower the risk of bloat!

    See the study on this HERE.

    A dry diet which contains named (chicken, beef, or salmon) meat meal or meat by-product meals will have MORE meat and more meat based nutrition in it, and that’s just good science.

    Meat meals are nutrient-dense ingredients that include meat, bone, organ, and cartilage. Dogs need these things in their diet. You may notice these ingredients in raw food!

    “Fresh meat” and “deboned meat” can be in the food as well. It’s important to note, however, that fresh meats are roughly 70% water, and once extruded into kibble won’t be a large portion of the final product.

    For this reason, we recommend steering clear of foods that only use fresh or deboned meats to appeal to YOUR taste and wallet.

    Organ, bone, tissue and cartilage on the other hand (in the form of meat meals and meat by-product meals) are species-appropriate and will contain necessary amino acids, vitamins, proteins, fats, and even glucosamine!

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    All about Calcium & Phosphorus Levels

    Calcium should be 1.0% – 1.2%
    Phosphorous should be 1.1%-.8%

    The overall calcium level should not exceed 3.5g per 1000kCal

    For puppies, it is also very important that the food has the AAFCO Large Breed Growth Statement, indicating that the formulation is appropriate for growing puppies that will be 70+lbs or more as adults.

    The ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be as close to 1:1 as possible. (For example, a 1.4 to 1 ratio is not acceptable, but 1.2 to 1 is)

    However, these are NOT the only considerations!

    A food with the correct ‘analysis’ and ‘healthy sounding ingredients’ may still be incorrect.

    This is why choosing an appropriate large or giant breed formula from a company with qualified nutritionists on staff matters so much.

    Additionally, many foods on the market that are popular in the Great Dane community are actually dangerously high in calcium and way too low in protein.

    Compare over 600 brands head to head @thegiantdogfoodproject for more information about this.

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    What protein level should Great Dane food have?

    There is a lot of outdated misinformation out there about protein levels in Great Dane food. Many people believe (and promote) that Danes should be fed ‘low protein’ foods to ‘prevent knuckling’.

    That statement is unfortuantely based on pseudoscience, anecdotes, and misunderstandings about protein in pet food.

    Quality protein from meat, meat meal and meat by-products is necessary, and studies show that protein does not actually “cause knuckling”.

    Too many calories and too much of the wrong kind of nutrition is what causes growth problems in Great Danes, not too much protein.

    Foods that use a lot of peas or legumes, especially when paired with “fresh deboned meat” (which as mentioned above is 70% water) may have replaced a significant amount of meat protein with plant-based protein. This is not healthy.

    Large Breed foods that are backed by legitimate peer-reviewed science and research will have optimal fat, protein, calcium, and phosphorus levels. Most also offer joint support.

    If you are choosing an appropriate food, the protein level on the bag should not be a consideration.

    A more extensive list of our favorite foods for Great Danes is below, but until then, here are some of our favorites.

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    Great Dane Food Dealbreakers

    Here are some foods that you definitely want to avoid for your Great Dane.

    Grain Free Food for Great Danes

    Unbalanced foods from boutique companies are believed to lead to dietary-induced heart problems (Secondary DCM).

    Grain-free foods in particular are problematic as most are from boutique food companies that tend to replace a lot of actual meat content with peas, potatoes, chickpeas and legumes.

    There is a growing body of evidence that should be addressed, especially because Great Danes are already prone to genetic heart problems (Primary DCM).

    For more information on Diet-Induced DCM, Grain-Free and Boutique Dog Foods, READ HERE.

    Secondary (nutritional) DCM is often a silent killer. You may not know your dog is sick until it’s too late.

    Secondary DCM is often reversed completely, however, by choosing science-backed dog food formulated by Veterinary Nutritionists.

    Bloat & Nutrition Risk Factors

    To date, no food brand has been correlated with an increase in bloat risk.

    However, the following factors HAVE been noted and require more study:

    • Low fiber diets
    • Poorly formulated diets with fat in the first 4 ingredients, often seen in foods from Victor and Life’s Abundance which are not formulated by a veterinary nutritionist or backed by research. There is one exception to this rule; the Royal Canin Giant Breed line. Read more about this HERE.
    • Dogs that are fed only a dry food diet (we recommend mixing in canned food into at least one of your dog’s daily meals
    • Dogs that eat quickly (we recommend slow-feeder bowls)
    • Dogs that eat from raised bowls (though more study is needed). This is likely related to gulping and excess intake of air from the unnatural eating position that occurs with raised feeders.

    MLM Foods for Great Danes Scam

    MLM foods such as Life’s Abundance (also NuVet Vitamins) are foods where breeders profit off of the (expensive) food being sold to puppy buyers.

    Some breeders also participate in the unethical practice of essentially requiring this purchase or in offering a more robust health guarantee if you feed this food.

    These foods are backed by a lot of marketing claims, but no science.

    For more information on the problem with Life’s Abundance food, READ HERE.

    Here are our top choices to feed your Great Dane.

    It’s 2022, read why Great Dane Puppies should be on PUPPY food —>

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

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    What is WSAVA?

    The WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) is a worldwide non-profit dedicated to supporting veterinarians and research.

    Any and all dog food companies can donate funds to and support the WSAVA. Only a few companies do.

    The WSAVA does NOT approve, certify or recommend specific food brands. They make no money on their recommendations.

    There is no such thing as ‘WSAVA Approved’.

    WSAVA has published a helpful guide of things to look for when choosing food for your dog.

    You can see the WSAVA nutrition guide HERE.

    Some foods meet WSAVA Guidelines but unfortunately, most don’t.

    Look past the marketing and fancy words on your dog food bag.

    Start asking questions.

    Food should be formulated by on-site, employed, credentialed Ph.D Veterinary Nutrition professionals with extensive, certified knowledge in veterinary health and nutrition.

    If you reach out to a company and they have a list of excuses for why they don’t actually staff a full-time board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist (DACVN or ACVN), or why they don’t also then test their foods by investing heavily into research and trials, tread cautiously.

    Many companies will say they use a “team of nutrition experts, including nutritionists“.

    What this most often actually means is that they paid a consulting company to sign off on a formula they generated using software or spreadsheets. If it meets nutritional minimums, a box can be checked and the company can claim that a ‘Nutritionist’ was involved.

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    Photo credit to @born.greater

    The List of Best Foods for Great Danes

    As before, this food list is not exhaustive. Remember to get your nutrition advice from credentialed professionals and those who share the same ethos of choosing science-backed, highly researched nutrition.

    This list is for ADULT dogs over the age of 12-18 months.

    Puppies should be on the PUPPY version of these formulas.

    These are the same foods that are recommended by veterinarians and fed by the top breeders (whose dogs are healthy, lean, robust and long-lived). We recommend putting your favorite on autoship from Chewy.com!

    For puppies, choose the Large Breed puppy version.

    The addition of fresh whole foods and toppers (up to 10% of the diet) on a professionally formulated food will provide better nutrition than a few dried blueberries in a bag of ’boutique’ food ever will.

    We recommend feeding same-brand canned food, in addition to dry food.

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    Here is a list of ‘popular’ Great Dane food brands that we do not recommend.

    Why are these foods on the ‘not recommended’ list?

    Simply put, they don’t meet basic criteria for ethical, quality formulation and nutrition.

    In other words, these foods are not typically formulated, researched and/or then fully tested by people with legitimate credentials to do so.

    Most ’boutique’ foods only look healthier and feel ‘higher quality’ because of marketing, not because they actually are.

    They do not participate in common canine health research and journals (choosing instead to do their own ‘testing’), and they often do not substantiate their formulas in actual food trials (choosing instead to pay somebody to just look it over on paper to see that AAFCO minimums are reached).

    Most of these brands below have documented, verified cases of secondary (dietary-induced) DCM.

    This is despite having only a tiny market share and minuscule sales compared to ‘big dog food’ (science-backed brands with a huge market share) that do not have any documented cases of nutrition-related DCM).

    It is a myth that ‘holistic’, ‘ancient grains’, ‘super premium’, or ‘human grade’ boutique dog foods are healthier or better for your pet.

    These are marketing terms with no true regulations or standards.

    Foods that are not Recommended

    Many of these foods are popular in the Great Dane community, but that doesn’t make them better. A lot of these foods are made in factories that manufacter many other brands on contract, and none of the brands listed below have qualified nutritionists on staff. Many of them have calcium levels that are in excess of current recommendations, too!

    Nutrition is a KEY element in Great Dane health. We believe these brands should be looked at with higher consumer demands of quality and ethical formulation practices:

    • Earthborn Holistics
    • Diamond Naturals
    • 4Health
    • Victor (high calcium levels in all but one formula)
    • Nutrisource
    • Fromm (formulated by a chemical engineer)
    • Costco/Kirkland (made by Diamond)
    • Nulo
    • Nutro
    • Acana – Never! Lots of ingredient splitting
    • Orijen – Training treats or toppers only, many verfied cases of DCM
    • Solid Gold
    • Gentle Giants – Puppy mill/rescue scheme
    • Life’s Abundance – Never! Breeder MLM scheme
    • Open Farms – co-packed marketing brand
    • Blue Buffalo
    • Just Food for Dogs (can be used as a topper, also the safest ‘fresh’ food option)
    • Ollie (can be used as a topper)
    • Spot & Tango (can be used as a topper)
    • The Honest Kitchen (can be used as a topper)
    • Ziwi Peak (can be used for training treats)
    • Zignature
    • Blackwoods
    • Nutra Nuggets (made by Diamond)

    Want more science-based nutrition research and information?

    Here are some of our favorite resources!

    WSAVA Nutrition Guidelines

    The Tufts University Petfoodology Blog

    Why You Shouldn’t Judge Pet Food by the Ingredients

    The Pet Nutrition Alliance

    Purina Institute

    All Trades DVM (formerly Doc of All trades) Nutrition Category

    AAFCO Talks Nutrition

    Blue Great Danes – Facts, Photos, and Care

  • Best Training Treats for Great Dane Puppies

    Best Training Treats for Great Dane Puppies

    What are the best training treats for Great Dane puppies?

    I noticed this question is asked a LOT in the Great Dane community and thought a blog post was in order!

    Great Dane puppies have special dietary needs, but they are also not a dog that you can just hope turns out with lazy parenting.

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    Why Do You Need Training Treats for Great Dane Puppies?

    You have to train them. A lot. There is nothing worse than a 150lb dog that pulls, lunges, barks, steals and runs away!

    Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training
    Great Dane Puppy Fear Stages
    How to Stop a Great Dane from Jumping Up

    Positive reinforcement (rewarding behavior that you like) is the most powerful form of training, and is a basic principle upon which all living creatures learn and survive.

    What is Balanced Training?

    We tend to do things more often when we are rewarded for them. Dogs are the same way.

    Most dogs are highly motivated by food. From a biological perspective, this makes a lot of sense. Use food to your advantage when training, and gradually distance and eventually fade out the rewards over time.

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    Treats for Puppies

    Puppies especially need teeny, tiny bites.

    I like to use pieces that are the size of my pinky nail or even smaller!

    You do not need huge chunks of meat to teach with food; offering several rewards quickly is much more effective than a few big rewards spaced farther out.

    By minimizing the size of each reward, you are also able to give more rewards in the same span of time, which is really handy for teaching difficult behaviors such as ‘STAY’ and ‘COME’.

    Start with a high-rate of reward and as your dog understands the trick, space the rewards out.

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    Lots of tiny bites quickly is much more effective for training than just a few large chunks! Break treats up into small pieces and have fun making your dog think he hit the jackpot!

    Our Favorite Training Treats for Great Dane Puppies

    • Ziwi Peak dog food is an air-dried natural food that is similar to jerky. Dogs love this stuff.
    • Fresh chicken. Buy inexpensive boneless chicken. Boil it without salt & cut it up into tiny bites.
    • Charlee Bear crunchy treats are inexpensive and tasty.
    • Zuke’s mini natural are amazing and dogs go wild for them. I like to cut them in half so they go farther; these are rich, use sparingly.
    • Frozen veggies: some dogs will go nuts for a basic blend of carrots, peas and green beans in tiny bites.
    • Freeze-dried organ meats are fantastic when you really need to ‘get the point’ across. Use tiny bites sparingly.

    Training has to be fun, otherwise why would either of you be interested? If you or your dog aren’t having fun, figure out why that is and fix it. The goal here is to reinforce correct behavior and build a bond based on trust, engagement and good habits.

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    The best training treat is the one that your dog will work for. Some dogs are happy to work really hard for plain old kibble, others need more motivation. The more difficult the skill you want to teach, the more valuable the rewards need to be.

    Some dogs are more motivated by access to toys or affection than they are by food. If training treats aren’t it, try rewarding your dog with a game of tug or with a ball toss instead.

    Go Slow With Training a Great Dane Puppy

    Your puppy can only learn so much in a day. Break training sessions up so they happen several times per day, only a few minutes at a time.

    Lastly, make sure you aren’t using so many training treats that it replaces more than 10% of the diet.

    Great Dane puppies are exceptionally sensitive to dietary and diet-based growth issues, so you need to make sure that most of the nutrition is coming from their actual food.

    If you notice loose stools or excess gas, back off on the training treats! Try even smaller bites, or use a spoon coated in pumpkin to do a quick lesson in ‘heel’, where they walk in position and lick the spoon as the reward.

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    We recommend that ALL Great Danes, especially puppies receive a daily probiotic supplement. This can help keep the gut bacteria healthy which is great for eliminating gas and loose stools. Additionally, gut health and bloat seem to go hand-in-hand! Having a healthy gut may be a key factor in reducing bloat risk.

    What is Bloat?
    Can You Prevent Bloat?
    Stomach Tacking: Pros and Cons
    Bloat and Gut Health
    The Scary Bloat Timeline

    HAVE FUN TRAINING!

    The information contained in this post is for informational purposes only. We do our best to present the most up-to-date research, however it is up to the reader to make decisions regarding the health and well-being of their dog. We make no claims here to prevent or treat bloat or any other condition related to Great Danes. Find a veterinarian with GIANT breed experience, and chat with them. 

    Some of the products we list on our website contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase, we may receive a small commission for referring you. We only recommend products that we truly believe in. This commission does not affect the price of the product and is used to fund our content and expenses related to operating this website. 

    READ MORE:

    The Best Crates For a Great Dane: Fits 100 lb+ Dogs