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  • Are Great Danes Allergic to Chicken?

    Are Great Danes Allergic to Chicken?

    There is a lot of misinformation out there about Great Danes and chicken. Some people seem to think that Great Danes are susceptible to chicken intolerances. So what is the truth? Are Great Danes allergic to chicken?

    Let’s put this to rest, once and for all. We’re covering the Great Dane dog food allergy debate today with a heavy dose of controversial information, paired with some real veterinary science!

    In this blog post, we will take a look at the truth about dog food allergies, and we will also provide some information about what foods are safe and healthy for Great Danes to eat!

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    Are Great Danes Allergic to Chicken

    The quick answer is no.

    Despite what you may have heard, Great Danes are not often allergic or intolerant to chicken. A real poultry allergy is actually incredibly rare!

    In fact, chicken is a common and well-researched ingredient in many dog food formulas, and it is generally considered to be a safe and healthy option for most dogs.

    Among the list of common food allergens, chicken is not actually a prime suspect.

    Many pet parents have diagnosed their dog at home with chicken allergies based on anecdotal evidence, speculation, and information they heard from other dog owners.

    They believe their Great Dane has a food allergy based on this alone!

    Many will then change their dog’s diet without recognizing that there are many other factors at play.

    Social media groups have perpetuated the myth that Great Danes are sensitive to chicken!

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    Why do so many dogs have chicken allergies?

    It’s not that so many dogs are intolerant or allergic to chicken, it’s that so many dogs have been subjected to assumptions and misunderstandings about allergies.

    Anytime a dog is itching or has a loose stool, people immediately jump to the food. Because most dog foods contain chicken in some form, it takes the blame.

    Managing a dog’s food allergies can appear particularly daunting to people who believe, based on poor health, social media, marketing, and questionable allergy tests (more on this below), that their Great Dane is allergic to chicken, beef, oats, rice, and barley, lentils, corn, or otherwise!

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    Here are some common reasons why a dog may appear to have a chicken allergy:

    • The dog has not often been exposed to chicken before and is suddenly introduced to a new food that happens to contain it. This sudden change in diet can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea, which is often mistaken for an allergic reaction to chicken.
    • The dog is being fed poorly balanced food and is suffering from nutritional imbalances that cause dry coats, itching, and chronic loose stools.
    • The owner is adding a lot of toppers and/or switching foods often, trying to “find something that works” and resolve allergy symptoms, destroying gut health in the process
    • The dog is being fed the wrong food for its life stage or size and is not getting the right nutrition they need to thrive. (It’s 2022, learn about why Great Dane puppies need puppy food!)
    • The dog is suffering from environmental allergens that cause itchy skin, ear infections, goopy eyes, and other skin issues.

    Medical causes for chronic loose stools or skin problems can also include:

    • Parasites
    • Mites
    • Mange
    • Cushing’s
    • Addison’s
    • Poor gut health

    None of these have anything to do with chicken and yet, time and time again, chicken in dog food is what takes the blame!

    To summarize, most dogs with ‘chicken allergies’ are actually suffering from nutritional imbalances, poor gut health, medical problems, or environmental allergies.

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    How are chicken allergies diagnosed in dogs?

    The only way to definitively diagnose a chicken food allergy is through food trials using an elimination diet and allergy testing, both of which should be done under the care of a veterinarian.

    A food trial involves switching your dog to a new diet that does not contain any chicken or other common allergens for at least 12 weeks. This means avoiding all treats, toppers, and counter surfing which may skew the results of the testing.

    Participating in a food trial requires dedication and attention to detail.

    Hydrolyzed protein diets are often used for food trials because they contain proteins that have been broken down into such small pieces that they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

    If the dog’s symptoms improve on the new diet, then it is likely that they were caused by a food allergy. It could have been chicken OR another ingredient in their old food, and additional tests are warranted.

    Food trial elimination diets are a lot of work, but they are the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies!

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    All about blood & saliva allergy tests

    Allergy testing involves a blood test or taking a saliva sample from your dog and sending it to a laboratory that will test for antibodies to common allergens, including chicken.

    These allergy tests can often be done at home or through your veterinarian.

    However, most blood and saliva allergy tests are a waste of money as they are wildly inaccurate in dogs! So much so that some dogs will receive different test results from the same sample.

    Read more about the poor accuracy of blood and saliva allergy testing in dogs HERE –>

    A more accurate and scientific option looks for reactions to common allergens by introducing them to the sub-dermal layer of your dog’s skin.

    This is helpful when ruling out environmental allergies, which are MUCH more common than food allergies.

    This is called an intradermal allergy test and, while it is more accurate than blood or saliva tests, it still isn’t perfect.

    These tests can be painful for your dog and may be expensive, so they are not usually recommended as the first line of testing.

    The best way to diagnose a chicken allergy is through a comprehensive plan that includes food trials and allergy testing, all of which should be done under the care of a veterinarian.

    Not by diagnosing your dog at home.

    If your dog has allergy symptoms or symptoms that make you suspicious of food intolerance, it’s important to work with your veterinarian.

    Try to recognize that there may be much more to the story than a simple intolerance of chicken.

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    The Truth about Chicken in Dog Food

    Chicken is one of the most common ingredients in dog food, and for good reason!

    It’s an excellent source of protein that is easily digestible for most dogs, especially when presented as chicken meal or chicken by-product meal.

    In fact, chicken is often used as the main protein source in many hypoallergenic diets because it is so unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

    Have you ever seen people give their sick dogs chicken and rice? There is a reason for this practice (even though it’s now considered dated advice). Chicken is a gentle, quality form of protein.

    The fact that so many people believe that chicken allergies are common is a direct result of social media, speculation, and anecdotal evidence.

    When one person claims that their dog’s chronic loose stools or itching firmed up by switching to a food that didn’t contain chicken, people eat it up.

    However, nine times out of ten the dog had been switched to a more appropriate diet, or one that had a better fiber content or didn’t contain something else the dog was actually intolerant of, and chicken had literally nothing to do with it.

    A veterinary-prescribed elimination diet is the only way to definitively find food allergies.

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    What is a hydrolyzed protein chicken diet?

    A hydrolyzed protein diet is a hypoallergenic diet that uses proteins that have been broken down into small pieces.

    It’s a great option for dogs who do appear to have legitimate sensitivities and is often used during food trials to rule out certain allergens.

    Hydrolyzed protein diets are typically only available through your veterinarian, as they require a prescription.

    These diets are spendy and not as palatable; you do not WANT your dog to have a protein allergy. It’s expensive and truly not fun for anybody.

    To put this quite frankly, stop looking for reasons to diagnose your dog with chicken allergies; chances are, they don’t actually have one!

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    Does chicken fat cause allergies?

    No, chicken fat does not cause allergies. In fact, fat is a great source of energy and essential nutrients for dogs.

    Allergies, if they do exist, are caused by the proteins in chicken, not the fat.

    Some dogs with legitimate, proven chicken allergies can actually still have food that contains chicken fat!

    Chicken fat and meat are two different things.

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    Environmental Allergies vs. Food Allergies

    Many dogs that have been diagnosed at home with a chicken allergy are actually allergic to things in the environment!

    Their immune system may be struggling as a result of too much food switching or because of genetics and environmental factors.

    Switching foods often as a means to ‘diagnose the problem’ and resolve allergy symptoms can actually cause things to be worse.

    Some of the most common causes of adverse reactions such as itchy skin and goopy eyes are, you guessed it, good old pollen, grass, weeds, and dander in your home.

    When this happens, food intolerance is often blamed! The truth is that these dogs need support to help their gut and digestive system heal.

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    Symptoms of allergies in dogs

    If you are concerned about your dog’s overall health and believe they may be suffering from environmental or food allergies, here is a list of common symptoms:

    • Severe allergic reactions including difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling
    • Skin rashes and redness
    • Digestive issues including loose stools and diarrhea
    • Goopy eyes
    • Chewing on paws
    • Ear infections
    • Secondary skin infections such as hotspots that often result from chewing, licking, rubbing, and redness
    • Pink skin
    • Swollen paws
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    How to treat environmental allergies

    For Great Dane dogs suffering from environmental allergies, we recommend:

    • Probiotics, such as Fortiflora
    • Fish oil
    • Vetrycin Eye Wash
    • Benedryl, with veterinary guidance
    • Quality veterinary-recommended food (with or without chicken) and stick with it for a minimum of 12 weeks
    • Keep toppers and treats to less than 5% of the overall diet, especially if they are not balanced
    • Brushing your dog daily (we recommend SleekEZ for Great Danes), down to the skin to remove dander and dirt
    • Frequent indoor vacuuming, including washing the dog bed cover and de-shedding your couch
    • Turning off essential oil and scented diffusers, scent warmers, and plug-ins
    • Reducing the use of irritating cleansers such as bleach, scented laundry detergents, or carpet sprinkles which can irritate skin, eyes, and paws
    • Rinsing the dog off daily using a damp towel to wipe dander and allergens from the face, paws, and body
    • Occasional baths using a gentle itch-relief shampoo. Don’t bathe your dog too much, as it can dry the skin out and make it more susceptible to irritation
    • Seeing the vet to rule out mites, fleas, mange, parasites, and other common skin irritants
    • Apoquel and prescription foods for dogs with serious, verified allergies
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    Are Grain-Free Dog Foods Better for Allergies

    Many people whose dogs are sensitive and suffering from itching and chronic loose stools will turn to grain-free diets.

    This is one of the worst choices that can be made.

    How grain-free dog foods are made

    All kibble dog foods require starch of some kind to bind the meat and other ingredients together. This is why you often see things such as brewers’ rice, brown rice, or oatmeal in dog food.

    Grain-free dog foods replace those ingredients with other starchy foods such as potatoes, peas, or lentils. These items sound healthy to the consumer, and also contain protein.

    As a result, they become an easy way for dog food companies to reduce their reliance on real meat to meet AAFCO nutrition minimums.

    Many grain-free kibbles are nothing more than meat-flavored legumes. This is true even if you see “meat as the 1st ingredient”, because most ‘fresh’ or ‘deboned meats’ are 70% water.

    Fresh meat will weigh a lot at first, but once it is turned into kibble there isn’t much left.

    Dogs need meat, bone, organ, and cartilage in their diet, which they cannot get from a grain-free diet that is formulated with fresh muscle meat and peas or lentils.

    As a result of nutritional imbalance, many dogs are needlessly suffering from an enlarged heart, digestive upset, low energy, and other health problems.

    Are you noticing a trend here, yet? These health problems are often blamed on ‘chicken’.

    Certain amino acids, proteins, and nutrients will be missing in poorly formulated diets.

    This is why we recommend feeding a grain-inclusive food with meat meals and meat by-product meals making up the bulk of the finished kibble.

    Read on…

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    Grain-free diets and DCM

    Grain-free and other poorly-formulated food brands have been implicated, on repeat, for causing DCM (enlarged heart) and sudden death in otherwise healthy dogs.

    Many of these dogs’ conditions are reversed through a diet change.

    The FDA has released multiple warnings about the connection between certain diets and DCM.

    They have not, however, been able to pinpoint a specific ingredient, brand, or formulation that is causing this condition. Doing so will take years of research.

    The DCM – Food link is thought to be a combination of factors such as high legume content and poorly formulated foods from companies with no board-certified veterinary nutritionist on staff.

    Nutritional DCM has been seen in dogs being fed both grain-free and grain-inclusive diets, so it stands to reason that this is a formulation problem more than anything else.

    Dogs need organ meats, bone, fat, and cartilage tissue in their diet.

    Despite this, a lot of expensive “natural” food companies will choose fresh meat (such as ‘roasted lamb’ or ‘deboned chicken’) for their product because it makes the label seem more appealing to dog owners who are spending their money.

    Nutritional DCM is essentially the result of serious marketing problems in dog food.

    If a food company is trying to appeal to your human taste, instead of what your Great Dane actually needs, you need to ask more questions.

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    What are the best foods for Great Danes?

    The best food for a Great Dane is going to be a large or giant breed formula that is well-researched, backed by peer-reviewed science, and formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist.

    Great Danes have different nutritional requirements than smaller breeds. The exact balance of amino acids, proteins, fats, and nutrients is key.

    Rendered meat meals (such as beef meal or chicken by-product meal) were shown to reduce the risk of bloat!

    This nutrient-dense rendered meat ingredient is biologically appropriate and exactly what you want to see in a Great Dane’s diet. Meal meal of some kind should be in the first ingredients.

    We also like to see balanced calcium and phosphorus ratios.

    What is the best kibble with no chicken?

    If you do have a Great Dane that is suffering from allergies, the best kibble with no chicken is going to be Pro Plan Large Breed Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon Flavor.

    When choosing food for Great Dane puppies under 24 months, choose from our puppy list.

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

    For Great Danes 18-24 months and up:

  • Are Great Danes Easy to Train?

    Are Great Danes Easy to Train?

    Are Great Danes easy to train?

    Many people believe that Great Danes are stubborn, spiteful, and defiant. It can lead to questions about whether or not Great Danes are hard to train, especially as they are so large and can easily be destructive or dangerous.

    In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for training your Great Dane puppy or adult dog. We’ll also cover some common behavior issues that Great Danes can have and how to deal with them. We are going to show you that training Great Danes is EASY!

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    Are Great Danes Hard to Train?

    We believe that it’s not that Great Danes are hard to train, it’s that they are often misunderstood.

    People see their large size and think that they need to be handled with extreme and forceful techniques. In reality, Great Danes are gentle giants.

    They are loving, loyal, and affectionate dogs that just want to please their owners.

    The training process should be fun. Basic commands are super easy to teach using positive reinforcement, and it’s never too late to start training important commands the right way!

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    Great Dane Temperament

    Despite their large size, Great Danes are really gentle souls. They have a mild and loving temperament, which is why they make such great family pets.

    Well-bred and properly trained Great Danes will generally get along well with children and other animals in the home.

    However, as a large breed, their size can be intimidating to some people, especially if they have training problems that need to be addressed!

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    Great Dane Size

    Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds. They can weigh anywhere from 100 to 200 pounds and stand as tall as 36 inches at the shoulder.

    Because of their size, they can easily pull you around or knock you over, without meaning to hurt you!

    For this reason, it is incredibly important to start early and work hard to reinforce simple commands and basic obedience training.

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    Common Great Dane Training Problems

    Great Danes are huge dogs, so when there are training problems, they feel much, much bigger by comparison to other dogs.

    When a Great Dane jumps, chews things up or pulls on the leash they are a danger to themselves and to others. Smaller dogs often get by with some of these things, where as giants really cannot.

    Common Dane training problems include:

    • Jumping
    • Mouthing/Nipping
    • Barking
    • Destructive Chewing
    • Separation Anxiety
    • Pulling on the Leash
    • Reactivity towards people and dogs
    • Poor recall (not coming when called)

    All of these things are fixed with diligent attention to rules, boundaries, management, and training; but it takes time.

    Great Danes are not hard to train, but they DO require proper behavior management and obedience training. We’re providing more tips on this for you below!

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    Are Great Danes good for Beginners?

    We believe that Great Danes can make excellent family pets and incredible dogs for many people.

    However, people who have never owned a dog before may benefit from adopting an older shelter dog with a known temperament, instead.

    The most common reasons why Great Danes are often surrendered to rescue include:

    1. Aggression, which is largely related to genetics and poor socialization
    2. Out-of-control behavior, which is related to poor socialization, poor enrichment, poor handling, and poor training
    3. Grew too large, which is related primarily to a lack of education about Great Danes and their size
    4. Plays too rough with kids, which is related to poor socialization and training, as above

    All of those things require new Great Dane owners to be well educated on the breed’s size, temperament, and training requirements as well as how to find an ethical preservation breeder.

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    Is Training a Great Dane Easy?

    We believe that the answer is YES, but where most people fail is that they:

    a. Use a heavy-handed punishment-based training approach

    b. Don’t correctly manage or handle their dog’s behavior, social needs, and enrichment requirements

    b. Don’t realize how many times a dog has to be rewarded for something, and how many times and places it needs to be practiced during training sessions before the skill becomes automatic

    We’re going to offer some tips on Great Dane training below, but if you need more help, please consider hiring a certified professional dog trainer in your area.

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    The Best Training Methods for Great Danes

    Not all dog training is created equal!

    At Hello Danes, we stand firmly against heavy-handed dominance, ‘alpha’, ‘be the boss’, ‘intimidation’, and harsh-punishment-style dog training.

    These methods cause an increase in fearful and anxious behavior, and may increase the risk that the dog will bloat as a result!

    Below we will outline acceptable training methods for Great Danes and other big dogs.

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    Positive Reinforcement Training

    Positive reinforcement is the process of rewarding a dog with a treat, favorite toy, play, affection, or praise.

    Doing so increases the chance that a dog will repeat good behavior!

    All new behaviors should be taught this way, including sit, down, heel, come, leave it, wait, touch, and place.

    You must practice and reward these skills many times in many different places!

    Some people are so impressed that their Great Dane puppy will sit in the kitchen for them every time. They are later shocked, however, when their puppy will not sit on command anywhere else.

    Dogs don’t generalize well. They have to learn that sit means sit here, sit there, sit anywhere when asked. It’s imperative that you practice this in different places with lots of distractions.

    Everyday life is much more complex than what happens in your living room.

    Once they have their lightbulb moment, you are home free and can add additional layers of difficulty, including other commands, and phase out the treats to use only verbal praise!

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    Balanced Training

    We recommend pairing positive reinforcement with gentle, modern balanced training.

    Balanced training is when you reward your dog for behaviors that you want them to repeat, and then if needed you either manage (prevent) or correct behaviors that you do not want them to repeat.

    Some examples of this include:

    -Leash walking: you would reward your dog for walking calmly by your side, and then manage or correct them if they pull ahead or lag behind

    -Jumping up: you would reward your dog for having all four feet on the ground, and by keeping your dog on a leash when they tend to jump, you can manage and correct the behavior

    -Chasing kids: you would reward your dog for calm behavior around kids, and then manage or correct the behavior if they start to chase

    -Digging: you would reward your dog for playing near digging spots without digging, and then manage the behavior or balance it by providing an appropriate outlet such as a sandbox or digging pit

    Remember that management is not a punishment, but overuse of restrictions and isolation is unfair to your dog.

    Corrections don’t have to be harsh, forceful, scary, or painful and can bridge the gap between freedom and ongoing restraint for your dog.

    Read here to learn why we don’t recommend “Force-Free” or “Positive Only” dog training!

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    Great Dane Trainer Guidelines: How to Choose a Trainer

    The Best Training Tools for Great Danes

    We believe that the best training tools you can use meet the following guidelines:

    • Work primarily as a form of communication, not a form of physical restraint
    • Do not obstruct the way a dog moves its shoulders, head, feet, or neck
    • Result in dogs gaining more freedom and more enrichment opportunities, without long-haul ongoing processes that may be unreliable or frustrating in the long run
    • Are high quality and work without months of conditioning
    • Will allow Great Danes to be off-leash and free of restraint as much as possible

    For example, no-pull harnesses and Gentle Leaders are aversive tools that rely on physical restraint. They work by altering the dog’s natural movement and restricting forward momentum through physical force. Head collars in particular tend to be distressing and aversive to dogs, even when introduced slowly.

    These tools are unfortunately marketed as ‘positive’ and ‘gentle’. However, if you look at the actual mechanics and science of it, they are anything but that.

    We are a science-based blog, so when people claim that head collars and harnesses are not aversive, we have questions about their motivations and their scientific thought process!

    Keep in mind that Great Danes are GIANT breed dogs. They can and will pull, lunge, and take control of the leash. A Great Dane in a harness can easily become dangerous.

    We recommend the use of positive reinforcement, paired with flat collars and a long leash or off-leash work to teach all skills. Engagement and rewards are key!

    Following that, the use of a positively implemented, correctly fit prong collar (which uses pressure, not pinching or stabbing) for leash walking is a surprisingly humane and appropriate way to keep your Great Dane safe and be able to go places together without months of incremental ‘positive only’ training or restrictive nylon tools.

    Additionally, the use of modern E-Collars, which use gentle muscle stimulation to replace leash pressure, is our favorite go-to training tool for Great Danes.

    E-Collars are the ONLY tool that uses absolutely no physical touch or restraint. The sensation the dog feels is more gentle than the pressure from any head collar or harness; it does not shock or punish the dog.

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    Gentle LeaderProng Collar
    Aversive to wear, no matter the fitNon-aversive to wear with correct fit
    Requires conditioning for wearing & usingRequires training for using, not wearing
    Looks ‘Gentle’ and seems positiveLooks scary and painful, but is misunderstood
    InexpensiveSpendy
    Can damage nerves, eyes, neck, and spine when used normallyCan only cause damage to the skin if used abusively or incorrectly
    May cause sores on the bridge of the noseDoes not cause skin sores or abrasions
    People rarely judge this tool People are often judgmental
    May exacerbate underlying health problemsUnlikely to cause orthopedic damage
    Dangerous for dogs with orthopedic issues, especially wobblers An alternative choice for dogs who should not be pulling into a harness or collar for any reason
    Negative body language is seen with normal ‘positive’ useNegative body language is seen with harsh and incorrect use
    Effective at reducing pullingEffective at reducing pulling
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    Canine Good Citizen

    The AKC Canine Good Citizen test is a fantastic list of goals to work towards.

    When your pup can successfully do the following things, it can pass its CGC test (with an accredited AKC CGC Evaluator).

    The CGC title, which can then be added to your dog’s registered name, is a great way to show the world that your dog is well-mannered.

    Here are the test items:

    • Politely greets a friendly stranger
    • Sits politely for petting
    • Welcomes being groomed, and brushed; and allows paws and ears to be handled
    • Walks as directed on a loose leash
    • Moves politely through a crowd
    • Sits, lies down and stays in place on command
    • Comes when called
    • Behaves politely around other dogs
    • Reacts with confidence to distractions
    • Can be left with a trusted person
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    What Commands Should Great Danes Know?

    All Great Danes should be taught the following commands. Keep training sessions short, exciting, and rewarding!

    To avoid giving too many treats, keep the rewards small and frequent. Your dog doesn’t need a WHOLE treat for each behavior, they just need a tiny bite.

    • Sit
    • Down
    • Leave it
    • Back up
    • Wait
    • Touch
    • Look at me
    • Heel
    • Place
    • Free
    • Crate up
    • Come (arguably the most important command)

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    Great Dane Puppy Training

    With Great Dane puppies, you have an incredible opportunity to start training at an early age. Great Dane puppies are intelligent dogs and will respond well to treats, praise, play, and attention.

    Great Danes are in fact easy to train, so long as you are willing to put the time in!

    PRO TIP: most bad behavior is a direct result of poor training, incorrect socialization, inadequate enrichment, and handling or management issues. It’s rarely because a dog is ‘stubborn, willful or defiant’.

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    Crate training for Great Danes

    The biggest mistake people make when they crate train their Dane puppies is letting them scream, cry and panic inconsolably. This is a bad training technique that literally encourages the puppy to practice the wrong behavior and emotions.

    Instead, use a modern training method that makes the crate a fun, safe, and rewarding space.

    This may mean starting slow and introducing the crate over several days. Feed meals inside of the crate, and play games where your puppy can learn the basic commands of ‘FREE’ and ‘CRATE UP’!

    By making ‘crate up’ and ‘free’ into a game or fun trick, your puppy will be crate trained in no time at all.

    Teach your Great Dane to love their crate, and it will be a safe place for them for years to come.

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    How to Socialize a Great Dane Puppy

    Socialization is one of the most important things you can do for your Great Dane puppy.

    Start socialization early, and continue throughout the puppy’s life. Socialization is how your puppy learns to be comfortable around people, other animals, new environments, and different sounds and situations.

    A well-socialized dog is a happy dog! The best way to socialize your Dane puppy is to expose them to as many new people, places, and things as possible. But, do NOT scare them. If they are fearful, this exposure can actually make things worse.

    Every experience must end on a positive note. The more positive experiences they have, the more confident and well-rounded they will be!

    Avoid having constant tension on the leash; this mild pressure will result in poor socialization experiences.

    Our Great Dane puppy socialization guide will tell you everything you need to know!

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    All about Great Dane Puppy Training Classes

    We recommend starting puppy socialization and 101 obedience classes by 10-12 weeks of age.

    Puppy classes are an excellent way to train and socialize your Dane. They will give them a solid foundation of obedience commands that will result in good behavior.

    Classes are also a great way to meet other dog owners in your area, receive feedback on your technique, and work with your dog around distractions.

    If you only ever train your dog inside of your house, don’t be shocked when they ignore your commands outside of the house!

    Most trainers offer intermediate and advanced obedience classes as well. Don’t stop at puppy classes! As your Dane grows, so should their education.

    Once your puppy has advanced, you may even consider taking classes for fitness or scent work. Fun tricks can be built upon and used to obtain AKC trick dog titles as well!

    Great Dane Puppy Fear Stages
    What is Puppy Culture?
    Great Dane Puppy Training 101

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    Private Training for Great Danes

    Sometimes, group classes aren’t the best option. If you have a dog with special needs, or if you’re looking for more personalized attention, private training may be the way to go.

    With private training, you can work one-on-one with a trainer to address specific training goals. This type of training is great for dogs who are shy, fearful, or aggressive.

    The bottom line is this: if you want a well-trained dog, you need to put in the time and effort!

    Training takes patience, consistency, and commitment.

    Great Dane Health

    WHAT IS INGREDIENT SPLITTING IN DOG FOOD?

    Learn about this dubious marketing practice that may be harming your dog! ↗

    Adult Great Dane Training Tips

    We’re going to provide some of our favorite Great Dane training tips below!

    Having a well-trained, well-socialized Great Dane is an absolute joy. The following basic commands are easy to master if you break them down and start at a level where your dog can learn.

    Loose leash walking

    We recommend a two-step process for teaching loose leash skills for dogs that pull, lunge, and drag you down the street.

    Step One

    Practice off-leash in your living room. Use high-value rewards (small bites!) to reward your dog for taking steps next to your left hip and looking at you as you walk together, turn corners, and navigate obstacles.

    Gradually increase the difficulty, distance, and distractions. Once your dog can take 10 steps, clip a loose leash onto a flat collar and keep practicing both indoors and out in low-distraction environments.

    Step Two

    Once your dog is happily following you around off-leash or on a loose leash, it’s time to add a prong collar.

    A correctly fit prong collar will not hurt your dog and will give you the ability to keep your dog safe while walking in high-traffic areas or around other dogs.

    You must first teach your dog how to respond to the pressure from the collar. Here is an excellent video on this training technique!

    Remember to use reinforcement (praise, treats, and toys) when your dog is walking politely on a leash!

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    How to choose the best prong collar for your Great Dane.

    Read more here ->

    Coming when Called

    We recommend first installing an amazing recall. This means rewarding your dog with treats, toys, and praise when they come to you.

    Offer a cue word or phrase such as “here” or “come” while your dog is not paying attention to you, then immediately reward them when they turn their head towards you.

    Do this in short training sessions throughout the day, and gradually increase the distance and distractions. Never scold your dog for blowing you off or not coming when called!

    Once your dog has a good recall, it’s time to layer in the E-Collar so they can safely be off-leash.

    Polite Social Skills

    Great Danes MUST have polite social skills with people and dogs. It is dangerous for them to be humping, jumping, mouthing, or being rude in any way.

    Positive socialization, obedience training, and working with an accredited AKC CGC Evaluator/Trainer will ensure that your Great Dane is a polite, friendly, calm, confident citizen anywhere you go.

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    Should I Feed My Great Dane Puppy or Adult Food?

    Stay & Place

    Stay and Place training is critical for all dogs, but especially important for Great Danes.

    This is because Great Danes are giant dogs and can easily knock over small children or elderly people when they jump up or lean on them.

    As with all new skills, this is easy to teach using rewards!

    Start with your dog in a sit or down, then take one step away from them. If they move, simply stop and go back to the beginning. Train your Great Dane to stay by starting at a very basic level, and working your way up.

    When they stay put, even if it’s just for a second, reward/treat and then repeat.

    Gradually increase the distance, time, and distractions.

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    Training Great Danes is Easy

    We believe that training Great Danes is easy. Start at a young age if possible. Use lots of verbal praise, small treats, and rewards.

    If you find yourself saying NO more than you are saying YES, ask yourself the following questions:

    • Does my dog actually know the behavior that I am asking, in this level of distractions?
    • Is my puppy mature enough physically and mentally to respond to this?
    • Am I being fair with my corrections, or am I being frustrated?
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    JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

    Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?

    Join our growing Facebook group!

    HELLO DANES ON FACEBOOK
  • Soft Dog Treats: The #1 Best Treat on the Market

    Soft Dog Treats: The #1 Best Treat on the Market

    Dogs are known as “man’s best friend” for a reason. They are loyal, loving, and always happy to see you. What’s not to love? One of the best things about dogs is that they are always excited to eat, no matter what time of day it is. This means that you can get away with feeding them delicious soft dog treats without feeling guilty! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best soft dog treats on the market. We’ll also give you a few tips on how to choose the right treats for your pup.

    Soft Dog Treats

    WHY DO MANY PET PARENTS PREFER SOFT DOG TREATS?

    Although many dogs prefer crunchy treats, chewy dog treats are the better option for some dogs due to a few reasons.

    First, dog treats can be hard for senior dogs or dogs with dental issues to chew with their crunchy texture. The best treats for senior dogs are soft and easy to chew so they can still enjoy a delicious treat without hurting their teeth.

    Second, some dogs simply prefer the taste of softer treats over crunchy ones. If your dog is picky about his treats, then soft ones may be the way to go in order to get him to eat them.

    Soft Dog Treats

    Third, soft dog treats are often more nutrient-rich than their crunchy counterparts. This is because they generally contain more meat and vegetables as well as moisture, which are packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

    Last, puppies and small dogs do better with dog treats that you can break apart into smaller pieces. This way, they can enjoy the treat without choking on it.

    IS YOUR DOG BORED? CHECK OUT THESE IDEAS!

    Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of soft dog treats, let’s take a look at some of the best ones on the market.

    WHAT ARE THE BEST TREATS TO TRAIN YOUR DOG?

    NEED A TREAT POUCH? READ OUR OLLYDOG BACKCOUNTRY DAY PACK TREAT POUCH REVIEW!

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    The Olly Backcountry treat pouch for Great Danes
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    The Olly smaller treat pouch

    Merrick Power Bites Natural Grain Free Gluten Free Soft & Chewy Chews Soft Dog Treats

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    These ‘power bites’ are some of the best soft dog chews as they are made with real meat and come with both a beef recipe and a chicken recipe. The grain free treats allow you to spoil your pup without worrying about any allergies, and they are also gluten free. Some dogs can get nasty ear infections or chin acne from grain, so having this option is VERY helpful! In addition, they are packed with vitamins and minerals that will keep your pup healthy and happy.

    SHOP HERE: Merrick Power Bites Natural Grain Free Gluten Free Soft & Chewy Chews Soft Dog Treats

    Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe with Wild Rice Soft & Moist Dog Treats

    If you’re looking for a soft dog treat that is free of food dyes, is soft and chewy and has quality ingredients, the Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe with Wild Rice Soft & Moist Dog Treats might be the best dog treats for you.

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    Artificial colors are often used in pet foods and treats to make them more visually appealing, but they offer no nutritional value. Zuke’s Mini Naturals are made with all-natural ingredients like chicken, wild rice, vegetables, and fruits. These treats are also low in calories, making them a great option for dogs who are trying to lose weight or maintain their figure.

    SHOP HERE: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe with Wild Rice Soft & Moist Dog Treats

    Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats, Beef Liver, Healthy, Natural, Single Ingredient, Grain Free Dog Treat, Liver Treats for Dogs, Resealable Tub Or Pouch

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    Stewart has low calories which makes these treats great for training sessions. These treats are not as soft as some of the other options, however they are dehydrated liver, which break apart excellent for puppies or seniors. (Treats for puppies). If your dog is experiencing dry skin, adding in some organ like this Beef Liver can also be very beneficial!

    DRY SKIN ISSUES IN DOGS

    Soft Dog Treats
    Soft Dog Treats

    If you are looking to transition a puppy from soft chewy foods to dry foods, these low calorie treats would make a great food form. But, be careful not to overdo it, as too many calories at once can cause an upset stomach.

    SHOP HERE: Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats, Beef Liver, Healthy, Natural, Single Ingredient, Grain Free Dog Treat, Liver Treats for Dogs, Resealable Tub Or Pouch

    Benebone Wishbone Durable Chew Toy For Dogs

    Wag Treats, Chicken and Waffle Bites

    Who doesn’t love chicken and waffles? Your puppy will love these high value treats- and it will be sure to improve your dog to some good behavior!

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    These treats are soft for your canine companion. Most dogs can chew these treats up very easily. The flavors are not the best part- the fact that Farm-Raised American Chicken is the #1 ingredient shows that these treats are filled with more than just flavors, but quality ingredients.

    SHOP HERE: Wag Treats, Chicken and Waffle Bites

    Spot Farms Chicken Apple Sausage Healthy All Natural Dog Treats Human Grade Made in USA 12.5 oz

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    If you are wanting a treat with human grade ingredients, packed with flavor, no artificial colors, then your dog might like Spot Farms Chicken Apple Sausage Healthy All Natural Dog Treats.

    These treats are made in the USA with chicken that is raised without antibiotics on family farms. These all-natural dog treats contain no corn, wheat, soy, or animal by-products and are filled with healthy ingredients like apples and sweet potato. This organic option can help sooth your dog if they are having an upset stomach or make for a wonderful training treat for your puppy.

    SHOP HERE: Spot Farms Chicken Apple Sausage Healthy All Natural Dog Treats Human Grade Made in USA 12.50z

    Nootie PROGILITY Daily Soft Chew Supplements for All Size Dogs – Calming Chews, Hip & Joint Chews, Multivitamin Chews, Urinary Chews, Skin and Coat Chews for Dogs – 90 ct

    Not only will these treats help your dog with anxiety, but they will also improve their coat and nails. These chews are for all size dogs and are a great way to give your pup his daily vitamins. The ingredients in these chews are human grade, which is always a bonus when it comes to your furry friend.

    SHOP HERE: Nootie PROGILITY

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    If your dog or puppy has anxiety, has a hard time staying calm or relaxed, or needs a little bit of relaxation help, you may consider adding in this soft and chewy treat for them. Remember that some of the best dog treats are those that pack vitamins and nutrients into our dogs!

    Cloud Star Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Chewy Low Calorie Dog Training Treats, Made in The USA Wheat & Corn Free, Soft Puppy Bites

    Some chewy dog treats are packed with wheat and corn, but the Cloud Star Tricky Trainers are wheat and corn free! These low calorie treats make for a perfect training bite for your puppy or small dog.

    The Cloud Star Tricky Trainers come in a resealable pouch, which is great to keep them fresh and moist. If you have a picky eater, these treats might not be for them as they have a strong smell. But, most dogs will love the taste of these yummy, soft and chewy treats made with real meat!

    SHOP HERE: Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Chewy Low Calorie Dog Training Treats, Made in The USA Wheat & Corn Free, Soft Puppy Bites

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    Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Food, Turkey Mini Nibs 16 oz

    Vital Essentials soft and chewy dog treats are some of the best soft dog treats for small breeds or puppies, dogs who need small bites, or even big dogs who need a grain free option of soft treats to do their training with.

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    Not only do they taste great, but they ‘re packed with nutrients and vitamins that your dog needs to stay healthy. These freeze-dried turkey mini nibs are a great way to give your pup some extra protein in their diet while also getting them used to new flavors and textures.

    SHOP HERE: Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Dog Food, Turkey Mini Nibs 16 oz

    Pedigree Dog Treats Chewy Dental Treats

    Not all dental treats are created equal. But it is equally important to eliminate tartar buildup on all pets, puppies and dogs, no matter what their stage of life is!

    Pedigree’s Dental Treats are clinically proven to reduce tartar buildup by up to 83% and freshen your dog’s breath. These chewy dental treats have a patented X-shaped design that helps clean even hard-to-reach teeth, and they’re also low in fat.

    While most treats used for dental reasons are a bit on the hard side, these tasty treats remains full of flavor AND soft. So if your dog wants to clean their teeth with some chewy treats, opt for this choice!

    SHOP HERE: Pedigree Dog Treats Chewy

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    Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats

    Blue Buffalo makes treats with both real chicken and real beef.

    These treats have no by-products, are packed with flavors and the ingredient list is transparent and very clean for your pets.

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    SHOP HERE: Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Natural Soft-Moist Training Dog Treats

    ARE SOFT TREATS THE BEST CHOICE FOR ALL DOGS?

    Although chewy treats are good for some dogs, other dogs need to be using their teeth to chew and chomp on things like bully sticks or hard treats.

    This helps with their mental stimulation, keeps their teeth clean and can help redirect bad chewing habits. (Ways to keep your dog engaged)

    Bored Dog?
    Yes- its true- your dog IS bored.
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    So, it really depends on your dog’s individual needs as to whether soft treats or hard treats are best for them. However, all dogs can benefit from a little variety in their treat selection!

    If you’re looking for the best treat and aren’t sure if your pet should have a hard treat or a soft treat, ask your veterinarian during your next visit. They will be able to help you make the best decision for your pup!

    READ MORE:
    EAR INFECTIONS IN DOGS
    CHIN ACNE
    DRY SKIN ISSUES IN DOGS
    NEED A TREAT POUCH? READ OUR OLLYDOG BACKCOUNTRY DAY PACK TREAT POUCH REVIEW!
    BLUE GREAT DANES – FACTS, PHOTOS, CARE

  • Royal Canin Giant Breed Dog Food Review

    Royal Canin Giant Breed Dog Food Review

    Today we’re going to do our Royal Canin Giant Breed Dog Food Review!

    Unlike other dog food review sites, we’re going to deep dive into the science of kibble-based nutrition and give you real information that will help you make a healthy choice for your giant dog.

    Giant breed dogs are prone to growth, joint, and heart issues, so it’s important to feed them a diet that will help them grow correctly and keep their joints and heart healthy.

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    Royal Canin has made a line of dry dog food geared specifically towards extra large dogs, with precise nutrition and balanced energy content to support healthy development during each of the three growth stages:

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    Feed until 8 months of age.
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    Feed from 8-24 months of age.
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    Adult formula from 24 months on.

    Let’s take a closer look at the Royal Canin size, health, and targeted nutrition food line and see how this dog food rates for giant dogs (especially Great Danes)!

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    Royal Canin Giant Breed Dog Food Review

    My Personal Review of Royal Canin Giant Food

    No good dog food review is complete without a personal touch! As you will learn below, it took me a while, as a “boutique dog food snob” to come around to Royal Canin, but I’m so glad I did.

    Pro Plan and Royal Canin are my personal top two picks for Great Danes.

    RC Giant Adult food SMELLS LIKE MEAT! Most kibbles are dry and smell like cardboard or sour milk.

    While we humans may not love the smell of this food for ourselves, we cannot deny that it definitely smells like something a dog should be eating.

    I like knowing that I’m giving my dogs meat, not dried-out stale-smelling kibble made primarily of peas, lentils, and rice.

    Why is Grain-Free Food Bad for Great Danes?

    What is DCM?

    Hip Dysplasia, Everything You Need To Know

    I’ve never seen a ‘sensitive’ tummy clear up so fast! RC giant formula foods are magic for dogs with chronic loose stools. Don’t believe me?

    Read the literal thousands of positive reviews. Many people indicate that they have had this same experience, after battling chronic loose stools and itching for years.

    My dog’s stools on Royal Canin foods are small and infrequent, and my super-sensitive male is no longer littering my lawn every other week with soupy poop bombs.

    I would compare Royal Canin growth formulas stools to what we see from raw-fed dogs.

    Optimal stool quality is one massive benefit of feeding RC foods with targeted nutrition to giant-sized dogs.

    By-Product meal likely contains a fair amount of bone: bone is known to help raw-fed dogs firm up loose stools.

    Between the by-product meal and the added fiber, it’s no surprise that sensitive tummies are a thing of the past for dogs fed this brand.

    Royal Canine Giant Kibble Size

    The adult formula from this line is made into huge kibbles. Each one is about 2/3 the size of a charcoal briquet!

    This promotes slow eating, healthy digestion, and correct chewing, which is good for digestive health and may reduce bloat risk.

    Our Danes absolutely LOVE the giant kibbles in Royal Canin giant formulas.

    I’ve read that some dogs are hesitant because the size is unusual; I recommend that you hand feed a few (as if they were treats) to get your dog started.

    I also recommend measuring this food on a scale. It will be much more accurate than scooping the large kibbles into a cup. Because this is so nutrient-dense, it is easy to overfeed! Less is more, with Danes.

    Tips & Tricks for Feeding Great Danes & Keeping them Lean

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    Is Royal Canin Giant Actually a Good Dog Food?

    Some people who wish to sell you boutique dog food (primarily natural foods pet stores) will say anything to convince you that what they sell is better quality.

    You may hear things such as “Royal Canin is full of fillers, trash, and carbs” or “you might as well feed your dog McDonald’s!” from pet owners, commission-driven salespeople, and people with no qualifications in canine nutrition.

    The truth is that Royal Canin is extremely high-quality dog food; they just don’t use fancy marketing buzzwords. Royal Canin foods are recommended by veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists worldwide.

    Every ingredient in Royal Canin’s foods is there for a good reason, including icky-sounding things such as “by-product meal” and “corn”, which we will dig more into the actual science of this below.

    Royal Canin hires Ph.D. veterinary nutritionists to formulate their recipes, which are based heavily on decades of peer-reviewed science and research.

    Compare this to many boutique brands, which don’t have veterinary nutritionists on staff at all and perform bare minimum (if any) feeding trials, testing, or peer-reviewed research.

    As you read our Royal Canin Giant food review today, we hope this information helps guide you towards a science-backed choice.

    We will be digging into those ‘nasty’ ingredients, the science of canine nutrition, what a natural diet for a dog actually looks like, and more. Read on, friends!

    Is Large Breed Food Necessary?

    Do Great Danes Need Grains?

    Should Puppies Eat Puppy Food or Adult Food?

    Scooby Doo PUCCI Cafe
    Great Dane on gray background

    Is a by-product meal bad in dog food?

    Many people mistakenly believe that meat meals and meat by-product meals are bad. Royal Canin uses a lot of them.

    By-Products are the parts of the slaughtered animal that dogs need and want in their diets.

    This can include bones, necks, cartilage, feet, tendons, and organs. All of these by-products are often included in natural raw diets for dogs.

    For example, look at the ingredients list from this Raws Paws Raw Dog Food Beef Blend:

    Beef Round, Beef Meat, Green Beef Tripe, Beef Bone, Beef Heart, Beef Tongue, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Spleen, Beef Suet.

    These ‘leftovers’ are highly nutritious and contain necessary minerals, vitamins, proteins, amino acids, and even things such as natural Glucosamine for joint health.

    Compare that to fresh deboned chicken, which is 70% water.

    When processing ‘by-products’, very little of the slaughtered animal goes to waste. This is a win-win for your dog, for the environment, and for the animal who was farmed to be processed into pet food.

    The environmental impact of throwing out ‘by-products’ because “natural” food brands want you to believe that organs, cartilage, necks, fat, skin, and the remaining tissues are dirty, gross, and disgusting is, well, tragic.

    What are By Products in Pet food 2

    If a food company is marketing to what you want on your dinner plate (“Fresh deboned chicken, lentils, blueberries”) vs. what your DOG wants (“By-product” liver, cartilage, tissue, skin, and bone), ask questions.

    The reality is that by-product meals are highly digestible and nutritious, and they’re an important part of a giant breed dog’s diet.

    Dare we say that “by-products” are more biologically appropriate for dogs to eat than just “de-boned chicken” and some blueberries?

    If you read your dog food ingredients label and see things such as whole mackerel (which includes the head, eyes, tail, scales, bone, and organs), pork kidney, chicken liver, blood meal, or lamb tripe, you are seeing by-products that were purposefully named to appeal to your human taste.

    Fun Fact: foods containing rendered meat products (meals) in the first ingredients were shown to reduce bloat risk by 53%!

    You WANT to see meat meal and/or meat by-product meal in your dog food.

    How does dog food math work?

    By law, dog food companies must list ingredients in order of their weight prior to extrusion.

    So let’s do the math. Fresh meat is 70% water. It’s pretty heavy! Once you cook it, not much is left.

    If you see ‘deboned chicken’ or ‘fresh salmon’ (for example) at the top of the ingredients list, with no meat meals, chances are that the finished kibble may actually have a higher content of meatless products (such as peas or lentils) than it does real meat.

    Even if the bag says ‘meat is the 1st ingredient’!

    On the flip side, by-product meals and meat meals are already rendered and dehydrated before extruding, so if they are at the top of the ingredients list when they went in, they likely remain as the bulk of the nutrient profile and composition in the finished product, too.

    Meat meals and by-product meals contain a concentrated source of animal-based protein, nutrients, and joint support in other words. You actually WANT to see them in the first ingredients!

    Royal Canin relies on by-product meals because they are nutrient-dense and species-appropriate.

    By-products are regulated and no, they don’t contain “blood and guts scooped from the floor” or “euthanized animals“.

    Have you ever fed your dog a bully stick, pig ear, rawhide, chicken paw, or dehydrated liver training treat? You fed your dog a by-product!

    Is my Great Dane Puppy Knuckling?

    Gentle Giants Dog Food Review: Good or Bad?

    Is chicken fat bad for Great Danes?

    I will admit to being very alarmed seeing fat at the top of the ingredients list for both Giant and Great Dane Royal Canin dry dog foods.

    One study found that dogs who ate food with fat in the first 4 ingredients were more prone to bloat.

    What that study also revealed, however, is that foods with rendered meat meals lowered the risk of bloat.

    Tufts University Study

    Those studies did not differentiate between foods where fat was listed in the top four ingredients when fresh meats were used, vs. foods where meat meals and meat by-product meals were used, and how that might affect the “avoid fat in the first 4 ingredients” rule.

    It also did not discuss ingredient splitting, which can artificially adjust how and where fat shows up in the ingredients list.

    When a company uses a large amount of concentrated, high-protein meat meal or meat by-product meal there is nothing (such as water weight from fresh deboned chicken) to push the fat further down on the list.

    So in that case, fat may show up in the #2 or #3 spot, simply because they kept the formula meat-focused and didn’t also then utilize ingredient splitting to keep the fat lower on the list.

    If they used mostly or all fresh meat (70% water) and the animal fat lands in the top 4 spots, tread cautiously! Tread even more cautiously if you see ingredient splitting.

    After speaking with the Royal Canin directly about this, my mind has been put to ease here.

    Animal fat, before being cooked and extruded into kibble is a heavy product. It will weigh a fair amount compared to other ingredients but will make up much less of the diet once it’s been extruded. Especially when it’s paired with heavy meat meals.

    Fat IS a necessary part of the canine diet. It tastes good to dogs and is a great source of fats and omegas which are essential for skin and coat health, development, and a strong immune system.

    What matters the most is the nutrient profile of the food after it has been extruded and cooked. For this reason, it’s incredibly important to ONLY choose foods that were formulated by board-certified Veterinary Nutritionists.

    How Ingredient Splitting in Dog Food May be Harming Your Dog

    Veterinary Nutritionists understand what nutrition looks like going into the kibble and how each vitamin, mineral, enzyme, acid, or protein works with a dog’s live digestive system and can help or harm them.

    Their allegiance to formulating the product correctly is based on decades of science and research. They formulate for health, not what sells well because it “looks good” to the average, uneducated consumer reading a label.

    Dogs need 22 different amino acids to live a healthy life, 11 of which they can produce on their own. The other 11 must come from their diet, some of which are synthesized naturally from other nutrients in that diet.

    When we see meat by-product meals, meat meals, and chicken fat in the first ingredients, we can be assured that the diet is not only meat-based and high-quality but completely appropriate for canine health.

    The Best Foods for Great Dane Puppies 2022

    The Best Foods for Great Danes 2022

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    How Can Royal Canin be Healthy if it’s Full of Junk?

    This company chose these ingredients because they are the best for your giant dog’s health–not because they’re cheap or fillers.

    The concept of ‘fillers’ is a myth.

    “All our products are researched and developed not by trends in human nutrition or preferences of the pet owner, but through innovative nutritional science and the observation of cats and dogs.“

    Royal Canin

    Read about Royal Canin’s “Nutrition First” philosophy HERE.

    As a former ’boutique foods snob’ who was previously completely disgusted by Royal Canin foods, I have to say this:

    Royal Canin has chosen actual, science-backed canine health and nutrition over marketing an appealing and humanized ingredients list.

    I like that.

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    Feed until 8 months of age.
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    Feed from 8-24 months of age.
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    Adult formula from 24 months on.

    Royal Canin Giant Dog Food Line

    When choosing this formula for your lovable giant dog, we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions for transitioning between life stages.

    Royal Canin Giant Puppy – Up to 8 Months

    This formula is made for giant puppies that are under 8 months of age. It aids in healthy bone development, proper digestion, joint health, and energy levels.

    Many people are confused by the higher protein level in Royal Canin giant breed, which goes against common advice to “keep protein levels below 26%”.

    The protein myth has been debunked by many experts in the canine nutrition field.

    Puppies are growing at an exponential rate and their bodies are using amino acids (the building blocks of protein) to construct new tissue, including muscle, bone, hair, skin, and organs.

    Feeding a lower protein ‘adult’ food deprives them of the nutrition they need to thrive. We see this in play with young Great Danes who appear chronically malnourished and skinny or that may be slow and heavy with no muscle tone.

    Correct calcium to phosphorus ratios are much, much more important.

    Crude Protein 32.0% min

    Crude Fat 12.0% min

    Crude Fiber 3.4% max

    Moisture 10.0% max

    Calcium 1.1% min

    Phosphorus 0.92% min

    Vitamin E350 IU/kg min

    Glucosamine 371 mg/kg min

    Chondroitin SulFate 3.75 mg/kg min

    Caloric Content

    3,556 kcal/kg, 341 kcal/cup

    Royal Canin Giant Junior 8-24 months

    This formula should be fed from 8-18 or even 24 months. Royal Canin giant junior dry dog food was formulated specifically to meet the needs of dogs in the second growth phase.

    This is when rapid bone growth slows and the dog begins to develop more robust muscles and a mature stature.

    Royal Canine giant junior dry dog food is extremely palatable and correctly balanced for this second growth stage. Many giant junior dogs at this age become ‘picky’ and their appetite slows.

    This is normal! Giant junior dogs aren’t actually picky, they just have different nutritional requirements than a puppy does.

    Guaranteed Analysis

    Crude Protein 29.0% min

    Crude Fat 14.0% min

    Crude Fiber 3.4% max

    Moisture10.0% max

    Calcium 1.1% min

    Phosphorus 0.92% min

    Vitamin E350 IU/kg min

    Glucosamine 371 mg/kg min

    Chondroitin Sulfate 3.75 mg/kg

    Caloric Content

    3,649 kcal/kg, 307 kcal/cup

    Royal Canin Giant Adult – 18+ Months

    This formula should be fed from 18-24 months on.

    We recommend keeping Great Danes (among the largest of the giants) on the Royal Canin giant junior dry dog food formula until 24 months of age (or 18 months if neutered/spayed) and then transitioning to the adult formula.

    Crude Protein 26.0% min

    Crude Fat 18.0% min

    Crude Fiber 3.9% max

    Moisture 10.0% max

    Taurine 0.14% min

    Glucosamine446 mg/kg min

    Chondroitin Sulfate4 mg/kg min

    Caloric Content

    3958 kcal/kg, 427 kcal/cup

    Nutrition for Giant Dogs

    Raising a giant puppy and living with any 70+lb dog is a lifestyle that also requires some research.

    Here are our top nutrition tips for giant dogs!

    DCM & Nutrition, What You Need to Know

    Protein levels in Great Dane Food

    You may have heard that Great Danes should not have protein above 22-24%.

    This is a huge myth and old wives’ tale that was based on poor research and anecdotal speculation many years ago.

    Protein helps with lean muscle mass, and since Great Danes are a working breed, they need all the help they can get!

    Peer-reviewed studies have also put this myth to rest. Excess calories, unbalanced meals, and poorly formulated nutrition contribute to bone-growth disorders, NOT protein levels in dog food!

    CA/PH ratios, amino acids, and the overall formulation are where it’s at. Dogs NEED protein and starving them of it to “hopefully” prevent growth problems isn’t actually solving anything.

    Science, folks.

    All about Angular Limb Deformity, Often Misdiagnosed as Knuckling

    Do Great Danes Need a Lot of Exercise?

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    Adult food vs. puppy food for Great Danes

    Many people are confused about whether they should feed adult food or puppy food to their giant puppies.

    Puppies that are given too much nutrition in the form of calories, especially in kibble foods not correctly balanced by a veterinary nutritionist, may struggle with painful and debilitating growth disorders.

    Adult food, which is lower in protein and fat, has often been cited as the solution to this problem; however, giant puppies (including Great Danes) who are only fed adult foods may then be starved of the nutrition they need to support their muscle, skin, and brain development.

    Too little nutrition can make them scrawny, bony, and fragile looking.

    “Adult only” from puppyhood will make a dog more likely to develop a long and lanky teen body or even look malnourished as a result, especially during the second growth stage when hormones kick in and muscle development needs extra support.

    We recommend research-backed large and giant puppy foods that have been substantiated in feeding trials for the growth of 70+lb dogs.

    The veterinary community and veterinary nutritionists agree. We’ve done the research for you and feel that science is the way to go when it comes to this decades-old debate.

    19 1

    Should I Feed My Great Dane Puppy or Adult Food?

    Growth disorders from improper nutrition

    Great Danes and other giant dogs are prone to a number of developmental growth disorders that are made worse by incorrect nutrition.

    For this reason, it is essential that you feed your puppy a large or giant puppy diet that has been specifically tailored to meet their growth needs.

    Royal Canin Giant Puppy food is designed to support the health of your puppy and giant junior during their crucial first 8-24 months of life when knuckling, HOD, Panosteitis, and Angular Limb Deformities can easily form.

    It has the correct balance of nutrients, amino acids, calcium, and phosphorus and when you choose the correct formula for the life stage of your giant junior or puppy dog, the adapted energy intake will promote healthy bones and joints.

    My Great Dane is Not Eating, What do I Do?

    What are the Best Collars for Great Danes?

    Blue Great Danes: Read about this Beautiful Coat Color!

    What to look for when choosing food for a Great Dane

    You’ll see list after list of the ‘best foods for a Great Dane’, and information about protein levels, fat, meat meals, and calcium.

    Much of this information is important and true, however it’s important to keep in mind that countless dog food options are available to you as a consumer, and every single brand is trying to get your business.

    Pet stores, sales clerks, “natural pet food shops”, bloggers, influencers and the Dog Food Advisor all want your click and your purchase. They stand to gain from convincing you that they are the best.

    “Holistic”, “Human-Grade” and “Super-Premium” are common marketing terms with no legal definition. These are unregulated statements that any food company can apply to their labels.

    We recommend choosing only foods that meet the ethical standards outlined by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (below), to ensure that you are getting the best and most balanced nutrition for your dog.

    Is Large Breed Food a Gimmick?

    Life’s Abundance Dog Food Review

    What are the Best Foods for Great Danes?

    These basic ethics standards include the following 4 things you should ask every company before purchasing the food they sell:

    • Do they employ at least one full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist, and is that person formulating and testing the food I’m about to purchase? Can I see their name and credentials?
    • Do they own and operate their own manufacturing plants, and in doing so, do they have strict quality measures when it comes to product sourcing and the finished product?
    • Do they participate in and contribute to peer-reviewed research?
    • Do they utilize feeding trials and tests that substantiate their formulas in real life (not just on paper)? Were digestibility tests completed, or only palatability? Can I see the research results of those trials?

    See these questions in more detail below:

    https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Selecting-a-pet-food-for-your-pet-updated-2021_WSAVA-Global-Nutrition-Toolkit.pdf

    As of this writing, only 5 companies can legitimately say they are following WSAVA Guidelines for animal nutrition, without fudging the words to make it look like they are: Purina, Hill’s, Iam’s, Eukanuba, and yes...Royal Canin!

    What are By Products in Pet food 3

    Royal Canin Giant Supplements

    This food contains taurine (for heart health), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Biotin, and Chondroitin sulfate among others.

    Chondroitin provides joint support, in addition to the fish oil in this dry dog food. Remember, natural joint support like this literally COMES from animal by-products!

    Chicken paws and cartilage are naturally rich in joint support, for example.

    These added vitamins and supplements help support energy needs, joints, skin health, eye health, and more.

    Antioxidants and trace minerals boost immune support.

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

    Royal Canin Giant Adult Dog Ingredients List

    We’ve posted the actual list below. Here is a breakdown of what you’ll see in this food:

    Chicken By-Product Meal – as above this is a high-protein and nutrient-dense meal made up of biologically appropriate tissue, cartilage, bone, and organ.

    Chicken Fat – provides fats, proteins, and amino acids. Plus, it’s tasty! Dogs love it.

    Pea fiber, corn gluten meal, wheat, and dried plain beet pulp aid in digestion and the production of healthy stool. This combination of substances may be one reason so many Great Dane owners claim that this Royal Canin food eliminates chronic loose stools so quickly. These ingredients also provide additional amino acids and nutrients to help balance the food.

    Brewer’s rice is chipped or broken rice that was sifted out during regular rice production. It’s a great source of fiber and energy and a smart place for the manufacturer to lower costs, without compromising quality, so they can put more money into the meat meals.

    Brown rice provides additional linoleic acid, omega 6, and fiber for healthy digestion.

    I LOVE that Royal Canin Giant Adult has so many different forms of fiber: studies have shown that fiber reduces bloat risk. It also creates optimal stool quality; that’s a win-win.

    The balanced energy content from different forms of fiber-rich ingredients is just one reason why dogs fed Royal Canin will have great stools, shiny coats, incredible muscle development, and tons of energy.

    Fish oil provides additional omegas for skin, coat, and eye health. Natural flavors make this food even more palatable.

    The highly digestible proteins in quality, properly sourced, well-researched by-product meals are a key to this formulation.

    Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat, Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Pea Fiber, Wheat Gluten, Fish Oil, Vegetable Oil, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Choline Chloride, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source Of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Niacin Supplement, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Taurine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Gla Safflower Oil, Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Magnesium Oxide, L-Carnitine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.

    5 Stars, HIGHLY recommend for giant breed dogs over 100lbs.

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    Feed until 8 months of age.
    63278 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1530030508
    Feed from 8-24 months of age.
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    Adult formula from 24 months on.
  • Do Great Danes Need a Lot of Exercise?

    Do Great Danes Need a Lot of Exercise?

    Great Danes are often seen as couch potato dogs that don’t need a lot of exercise. This is a bit of a myth! Of course, every dog is different, so considering their age, health, and energy levels is key. But Great Danes can be a surprisingly athletic and agile dog!

    We believe in allowing Great Danes freedom to run, play, and explore. Too many people allow their big dogs to become obese, which can shorten their lifespan by two years on average. All too often we’ve noticed that obesity and the outdated belief that resting after meals will “prevent bloat” go hand in hand (read more about the resting myth here).

    The truth is that most Great Danes are not getting enough enrichment OR movement, and it’s causing health issues, anxiety, destructive behaviors, and boredom.

    Today we’re going to dig into this and discover:

    • How much exercise do Great Danes need
    • If Great Danes are a high energy dog or a couch potato
    • How to keep a Great Dane fit and healthy
    • Alleviating boredom, “stubbornness”, and destructive behaviors with exercise and enrichment
    4 1

    What is it Like to Live with a Great Dane?

    Great Danes are giant breed dogs that weigh anywhere from 120 to 200 pounds. They are one of the tallest breeds of dogs, and they are also one of the heaviest.

    Despite their large size, Great Danes are gentle giants who are known for being loving and affectionate with their families. Great Danes thrive on human interaction and many enjoy guests in your home and will happily meet people in public, too.

    Well-bred, well-trained, and properly socialized Great Danes are a joy to live with.

    It’s important to choose a reputable and dedicated Great Dane breeder, as aggression and fearful behavior have roots in genetics and unethical puppy-raising practices.

    Many Danes, unfortunately, suffer from anxiety and stress, which can also increase their risk of bloat.

    Make sure that your Great Dane is well-socialized and give your dog plenty of opportunities to build confidence and positive associations with the world.

    14

    Do Great Danes Need a Big House?

    Contrary to popular belief, Great Danes don’t need a huge house or yard! Unlike higher-energy working breeds (such as poodles or shepherds), many Great Danes have an excellent off-switch.

    This means that when they are provided with enough enrichment and exercise, they are perfectly content to lounge (so long as there is a couch with their name on it).

    The key word here, however, is enrichment.

    Even the calmest and most docile Dane can become destructive when bored, anxious, or under-stimulated.

    Many people believe that some toys, other pets, and a yard are enough. They are then surprised when their huge dog eats the house!

    All big dogs, but especially Great Danes who live in smaller homes or in homes with no yard benefit greatly from off-leash training.

    This will allow them natural freedom of movement and opportunities to explore the environment without frustrating physical restraints.

    You don’t need a big house, as long as you are willing to give your Great Dane access to the big world.

    Do Great Danes Need a Fenced Yard?

    A fenced yard is a wonderful thing to have, but we know that many people who live in apartments or in homes with no fencing would love to own a Great Dane!

    If you live in an apartment, we recommend that you get involved in some form of dog sports such as rally obedience, scent work, off-leash hiking, or even just basic obedience classes.

    This will give your dog the physical and mental stimulation that they need to be happy and well-adjusted.

    Are Great Danes High-Energy Dogs?

    There is a misconception that Great Danes are couch potatoes.

    Many Dane owners are surprised to find that their dog needs a good amount of exercise!

    While Great Danes are not as high-energy as some other breeds, they do need daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.

    Some dogs will respond to a lack of enrichment by becoming depressed and having low energy.

    Others will be difficult to control, noisy, and frustrating.

    A bored or under-enriched Great Dane can, AND WILL, destroy your home. That’s not fair to you or to the dog who felt the need to do it in the first place.

    Unlike a small herding dog, a Great Dane has large teeth and can eat entire couches, tear up the carpet, and shred drywall in a matter of minutes.

    Some people mistake these behaviors as ‘defiance’ or ‘spite’. The truth is that the dog is simply bored and needs an outlet for its energy.

    Providing your Great Dane with daily exercise, both mental and physical, is the best way to prevent them from becoming destructive.

    20

    Can Great Danes Stay Home Alone?

    Great Danes are not the best breed for people who work long hours or are gone frequently.

    Like all dogs, they require regular exercise, which may be difficult to provide if the schedule is too busy to provide much more than a few short walks.

    While they can stay home alone for short periods, they do much better in homes where someone is around more often. Great Danes thrive on social contact with humans and other dogs, so daily isolation can be hard on them.

    If you work long hours or are gone frequently, we recommend that you get a dog walker to let them out and make sure to set aside plenty of time in the morning or evening to let them get some exercise. You can also use a FURBO (see our review here) to monitor them on video and toss treats at them when you aren’t home!

    One important note to keep in mind: too much crate time can make Great Danes unstable and weak.

    Make sure that your dog can move freely often and has the opportunity to experience off-leash freedom outdoors.

    This will keep their muscles and tendons strong.

    If you must leave your Great Dane for long periods, make sure they are receiving plenty of enrichment when you are home.

    A confident, properly exercised dog will likely sleep while you are gone all day!

    How Much Exercise do Great Danes Need?

    Joint health and muscle development are key considerations when exercising your Great Dane.

    Young puppies have soft growth plates that are easily damaged by slick floors, pavement, forced running, and jumping.

    Panosteitis, HOD, Knuckling, and Angular Limb Deformity are just some orthopedic disorders that can result from damage to the limbs.

    Older dogs, especially those fed incorrect nutrition as puppies, that are genetically prone to things such as flat feet or hip dysplasia, or that are overweight, will need additional special care regarding movement and exercise.

    Read on to learn more about Great Dane enrichment and exercise!

    Great Dane Puppies Exercise

    We recommend that the majority of enrichment your puppy receives comes from off-leash play and positive socialization.

    Walks are, quite frankly, overrated! A growing puppy does not make a great running partner, either.

    Large breeds (and giants especially) should be fully mature before engaging in running or long walks on pavement.

    Our socialization guide covers several activities that build strength and confidence, including fun puppy playgrounds, exploration, and early training tips. We’ve included alternatives to traditional ‘walks’ that are more fun, engaging, and enriching!

    Many people believe that their puppy should “go on walks”, but we don’t consider that an important form of exercise for most dogs, especially Dane puppies.

    Walks, if used, should be for socialization and training purposes, or to get from point a to point b. Good leash skills are important and all Great Danes must be taught to walk politely from a young age.

    However, a daily walk is the most over-rated form of exercise we can think of. Walking on pavement does little for muscle development and mental enrichment, especially when you compare this activity to a more natural form of exercise (off-leash exploration).

    Puppies need a LOT of sleep. Make sure your Great Dane puppy is resting and napping often. When your puppy is awake, work on socialization and basic positive reinforcement training!

    The more time you can spend exposing your puppy to different textures, sights, and sounds, the better.

    15 minutes in a small kiddie pool filled with some water and floating toys is much better enrichment for a puppy than a walk.

    As above, keep in mind that your puppies’ joints require care. Avoid slick floors, jumping, and excessive playing or running on asphalt and pavement.

    Health problems related to joints are a common problem with Great Danes, and a little care when they are young will go a long ways!

    Crates are important for keeping your Great Dane safe when it has to be left alone, however, too much crate time can lead to weak feet and poor development.

    The BEST Huge Crates for Great Danes 2022

    Keep this in mind when evaluating if a Great Dane puppy is the right fit for your family.

    You can provide a secure area with a lot of space for your puppy to move (such as an empty room) as an alternative to excessive crate times, and hire a dog walker to help.

    We recommend limiting crate time to no more than one hour per month of life, and no more than 8 hours from 8 months of age up.

    For proper bone development, it’s also important that your Great Dane puppy is being fed an appropriate large or giant breed puppy food.

    This will ensure that their bones and muscles are receiving the correct balance of nutrients to thrive. See our most popular nutrition articles below for more information!

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    Great Dane adult exercise

    Adult Great Danes should receive at least 30 minutes of off-leash exercise per day.

    This can be in the form of swimming, playing with another dog friend, or going for a hike.

    They should also receive at least 30 minutes of enrichment. These can be things such as obedience training, food puzzles, trick training, or visiting a novel place.

    Short on time? Use the food puzzles during meal times!

    If you have more time and your giant dog is well-trained, visit a brewery!

    If training issues are a problem, enroll in a weekly obedience class with a positive reinforcement balanced dog trainer and work towards a Canine Good Citizen Title.

    Many people believe that Great Danes should be lazy and slow because of their giant size. This is a common misconception of the breed that simply isn’t true. Great Dane dogs should be lean, athletic, and fit.

    A well-kept, healthy-weight Great Dane will be muscular, agile, shiny, energetic, friendly, confident, and healthy. Not slow, cumbersome, heavy, or weak. Giant dogs can do incredible things when we keep them fit!

    7 1

    What happens when dogs don’t get enough exercise?

    Danes that do not get enough exercise are often destructive, anxious, and difficult. They can also suffer from health problems such as weakness and flat feet, resulting from a lack of muscle development and unrestricted movement.v

    Some dogs need more than just 30 minutes, too!

    All of that pent-up energy has to go somewhere, and chances are that you are not going to like where your big dog puts that energy. (Goodbye, couch!).

    We say this often and we will say it again; for most dogs, a daily leashed walk and some toys are just not enough.

    Think about how many dogs lived before vast urban environments and busy suburban lifestyles became normal.

    They were free to run, play, nap, explore and sniff around. Many of them were never on a leash. A lot of dogs worked by chasing rats, herding livestock, retrieving things, or hunting.

    Dogs would run, play in the water, pick up sticks, nap in the grass, and then run some more. Aggression and anxiety were minimal at best.

    Destructive, anxious, frustrated, reactive, and difficult dogs are a modern concept that has come with the belief that dogs should stay indoors most of the day and live their life restrained by leashes, harnesses, and collars.

    Modern dogs are all too often coddled, humanized, and isolated.

    We all want to spoil and love on our pets, but we should never forget that they are still, in fact, dogs.

    We believe that whenever possible, dogs need to be able to run and play freely without being restricted by a leash. This is how they relieve stress, build confidence, and stay mentally and physically fit.

    Not to mention the fact that Great Danes are prone to several orthopedic health issues, which can be made worse by the overuse of physical restraint. This is especially true when relying heavily on training tools such as front-clip harnesses or head collars.

    All dogs must learn to walk politely on a leash, however, given the chance, being off-leash as much as possible is a much more humane and healthy choice.

    Off-leash training comes with responsibility, though! You should only let your Dane off-leash if they have excellent recall, an appropriate temperament, and only in places where doing so is safe, appropriate, and legal.

    Prioritize this training. We recommend E-Collar training for all Great Danes. If your Dane cannot be off-leash or is dangerous to people or dogs, work with a trainer! They may be able to help.

    If you live in an urban area, many dog parks provide a great opportunity for your friendly and social Great Dane to play and move.

    We are covering dog parks in more depth below; they can be good OR bad, depending on the situation!

    How do I Keep my Great Dane Healthy?

    Great Danes are prone to several health issues that can shorten their lifespan.

    Some of these issues are genetic, and some are environmental. Unfortunately, because Great Danes are so unusually large, they are more susceptible to environmental factors than other dogs.

    Great Dane joint health

    Great Danes grow extremely fast as puppies. The wrong nutrition and too much of the wrong kind of exercise can do a number on their joint health, which will affect them into adulthood.

    Not only that but Great Danes are plagued by unethical breeders who are carelessly passing on structural faults, which are damaging and painful to our gentle giants.

    Roached backs, weak hips, cow hocks, dysplasia, flat feet, and poor angulation all play a role in how a Great Dane moves and functions in its body.

    Dogs with poor structure will especially benefit from strength-building and natural movement on soft, varied terrain.

    Make sure you are choosing diligent breeders who are proving their dog’s structure before breeding them.

    Good nutrition will contain natural joint support (such as glucosamine chondroitin) from cartilage (look for a meat meal and/or a meat by-product meal in your pet food).

    Great Dane weight

    Keeping your dog at a healthy body weight is one of the most important things you can do to keep them healthy!

    Great Danes are especially prone to obesity, which puts a lot of strain on their joints and internal organs.

    On average, dogs that are kept lean and fit will live 2 years longer than if they are allowed to become overweight!

    You should be able to feel your dog’s ribs without too much effort. If you can’t, they are likely overweight and could benefit from a change in diet and an increase in exercise.

    Obesity in Great Danes can lead to heart problems, diabetes, arthritis, and more.

    Great Dane nutrition and food

    Nutrition plays a key role in the health of any dog, but it’s especially important for Great Danes.

    As we mentioned before, they grow very quickly and their bones and joints are under a lot of strain. Young dogs are particularly susceptible to joint injury, bone growth problems, and the development of health problems such as brittle bones and knuckling.

    A diet that is too high in calcium or not balanced correctly can cause problems down the road. Your dog’s diet can greatly impact their health, and the best foods for Great Danes may not be what you think!

    DCM (heart failure) is a problem associated with poorly formulated and poorly researched foods.

    Many pet foods have excellent marketing departments but have people with questionable credentials formulating the food that your dog eats every single day. They market these foods with unregulated terms such as ‘holistic’, ‘human grade’, and ‘super-premium’.

    We recommend feeding your Great Dane the following brands (see our list below, all are clickable).

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

    Nothing else compares when it comes to research, science, nutrition, quality, and dedication to correct formulations.

    Puppies, including giant breeds such as Danes, should receive puppy foods until 18-24 months. Use manufacturer guidelines and the recommendation of your veterinarian as a guide for this.

    What are the Best Forms of Exercise for Great Danes?

    Not all exercise is created equal! Here are some of the best ways to provide movement and enrichment to your dog.

    Off-Leash Enrichment and Free-Play

    As above, we believe that off-leash enrichment and free play are ideal activities for Great Danes.

    Use a long leash until your dog has a rock-solid recall, and be mindful of when and where you let your dog off-leash (especially if there are children, wildlife, or traffic nearby).

    E-Collar training is a gentle and positive way to ditch the leash! The sensation from an e-collar replaces leash pressure, and dogs respond enthusiastically to this communication.

    If you want to learn more about getting your dog off the leash once and for all, our famous Great Dane E-Collar Training Guide will get you, and your dog, off to a fantastic start!

    Puzzles & brain games

    Slow eating is an excellent way to reduce bloat risk in Great Danes. Bloat is a deadly condition and dogs who eat quickly are at a higher risk of experiencing it.

    Puzzle feeders and slow feeders are a great way to turn mealtime into enrichment time!

    Your dog will have to use their brain to figure out how to get the food out of the toy, and they’ll be getting a little bit of exercise in the process. Here are some of our favorites!

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    Are Dog Parks Good?

    Dog parks are not for every dog, and they are not always good.

    It depends on the individual dog, the other dogs at the park, the type of park, and how well-supervised the play is.

    We never want to see a bunch of overwhelmed, over-excited dogs in a small boring fenced area with owners who aren’t paying attention.

    The best dog parks are large (multiple acres), have varied terrain (including hills and different textures such as water, grass, sand, gravel, wood, etc.), and the dogs there can easily choose to interact with or avoid other dogs.

    When taking your dog to a dog park, evaluate whether or not your dog has the temperament for it. Dogs that are fearful, nippy, pushy, or aggressive need to be working with a trainer, not visiting the dog park.

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    Training your Great Dane

    Dog training classes are a fun way to provide enrichment for you and your dog! Obedience classes don’t have to stop with Puppy Class 101 graduation.

    Many great trainers offer weekly drop-in classes where you can work on your Canine Good Citizen title, scent work, confidence building, and more.

    As a Great Dane owner, you must be willing to put the time into training.

    A Great Dane is such a large dog that pulling, nipping, running away, fence hopping, and jumping on guests can be dangerous.

    Attending training classes is a solid win-win for both enrichment and sanity reasons!

  • Great Dane Diet: What to Feed a Great Dane

    Great Dane Diet: What to Feed a Great Dane

    Great Dane diet has been a controversial topic for awhile now as giant breed dogs are known for needing specific dog food brands and nutrients in order to be at their optimal health.

    Great Dane Diet
    Great Dane Diet

    Great Dane owners should take note that it’s important to know what to feed your puppy or adult Great Dane for healthy growth. Below we’ll discuss the best diet for a Great Dane puppy and how to make sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need.

    SUPPLEMENTS FOR GREAT DANES- WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW AND INCLUDE?

    GREAT DANE DIET FOR GREAT DANE PUPPIES

    Great Dane puppies grow quickly and need a diet that will support their rapid growth. Feeding growing puppies the wrong food can cause joint problems, issues with your dogs skin, and most of all serious issues with their growth plates.

    READ EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GROWING ISSUES IN PUPPIES

    Great Dane Diet

    GROWTH PLATE ISSUES WITH A GREAT DANE PUPPY DIET

    Giant breeds need specific foods, but it is especially important to know how to feed a Great Dane who is still growing. (GROWTH PLATES IN PUPPIES)

    GROWTH PLATES- READ MORE ABOUT YOUR PUPPIES LEGS
    BEST TOYS FOR PUPPIES
    BIG DOG MYTHS
    BEST NAIL CLIPPERS FOR GREAT DANES
    TOENAIL PROBLEMS- COULD THEY BE CAUSING GROWTH ISSUES?
    HOW TO TRIM YOUR PUPPIES NAILS

    This is because your dog’s diet plays a role on their growth plates. Growth plates in large breeds are made of cartilage and they are what turn into your dog’s bones.

    If a large breed puppy eats too much or the wrong type of food, it can cause their growth plates to close too early. This will cause your dog to have bones that are too short and thick which leads to all sorts of joint problems later on in life.

    Normal growing Giant Breed puppies will have open growth plates until they are about 18-24 months old, but some breeds can have open growth plates until they are about 30 months old.

    So it’s important to make sure you know what food to feed your Great Dane puppy and how much so that you don’t accidentally cause any problems with their growth plates.

    The best way to ensure your Great Dane puppy is getting all the nutrients they need is to feed them a high-quality, large breed puppy food. However, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about how much food your puppy needs as every dog is different.

    ANGULAR LIMB DEFORMITY IN GREAT DANES

    SHOULD MY GREAT DANE PUPPY EAT ADULT GREAT DANE FOOD OR PUPPY FOOD?

    Great Dane Diet
    Great Dane Diet

    Commonly you will hear people who talk about feeding their Great Danes ‘adult‘ or ‘puppy‘ formula, depending on their opinions on the topic.
    (READ MORE HERE)

    The truth is that historically puppy food was not the best dog food for a Great Dane puppy because it was too high in protein, calories and calcium. This could cause joint problems and other health issues down the line. (SHOULD YOUR DOG EAT ADULT OR PUPPY FOOD?)

    Nowadays, however, many large breed puppy foods are made with large breed puppies in mind and are formulated to have the right amount of calories and nutrients for a growing Great Dane.

    So while you may hear people say that they believe the best dog food for growing giant breeds is an adult food, that is simply not true in todays age. A giant breed puppy should be on a Large Breed Puppy Food. They are, large breed puppies after all.

    Keep in mind that NOT all companies are formulating their kibble to be a proper diet for a big dog. Knowing which companies, ingredients and products to feed your big dogs will eliminate health problems down the line.

    NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS FOR GIANT BREED PUPPIES

    IMG 8418
    Great Dane Diet

    Do not be fooled into thinking that all giant breed puppy foods are created equal.

    Just because a food is marketed as a ‘giant breed’ or ‘large breed’ formula does not mean that it has the right amount of nutrients for your growing pup. (PUPPY FOOD RESOURCES)

    LARGE BREED DOG FOOD: A LIST OF OUR FAVORITES
    WHAT IS THE BEST FOOD TO FEED A GROWING GREAT DANE?
    SHOULD I FEED GRAIN FREE?

    The best way to know if a food is properly balanced for large breeds is to check the guaranteed analysis on the bag. This will tell you the minimum percentages of crude protein, fat and fiber as well as the maximum percentages of moisture, ash and calcium.

    When it comes to giant breeds, you want a well balanced diet that has:

    1. The right amount of calcium and phosphorus
    2. Animal protein as the first ingredient
    3. The right amount of animal protein
    4. High quality ingredients with minimal fillers, peas/lentils and legumes (PART OF THE GRAIN FREE PROBLEM IS FILLERS LIKE THESE)
    5. Should follow the WSAVA Guidelines for Canine Nutrition – FIND THEM HERE

    WHAT IS THE BEST DRY FOOD FOR A DANE PUP?

    Great Dane Diet
    Great Dane Diet

    Large breed dogs are hard to feed, but does feeding Great Danes really have to be so hard?

    When you follow the WSAVA Guidelines, feed a large breed puppy food with protein as the first ingredient and high-quality ingredients, it makes it a lot easier. (WSAVA GUIDELINES)

    WHAT IS WSAVA GUIDELINES AND WHY DO THEY MATTER?

    From there, you can find the best dry food for your Great Dane by looking at reviews, asking your veterinarian and doing your own research.

    A good place to start is by looking at some of our favorite foods for giant breeds. We have done the research to find the brands who are experts in Canine Education and Nutrition.

    Great Dane Puppy Food:

    GREAT DANE FEEDING CHART

    Great Dane Diet
    IMG 8752

    How much should you feed Great Danes?

    Well, the answer is that MANY Great Danes are HIGHLY overfed.

    Obesity continues to rage as a huge problem in Great Danes, causing joint health issues, body weight issues, loose stool issues and even shorter lifespans.

    The best way to know how much to feed your Dane is by using a weight scale and measuring their food. This can be done once a week to make sure they are on track.

    A healthy weight range for an adult Great Dane is between 110-190 pounds depending on the sex, age and height of the dog. Age and activity level will depict how much a Great Dane eats. If you are feeding a Great Dane puppy, you can refer to the Great Dane feeding chart. However, always look at the body weight and condition of your dog, seek veterinary guidance and examine how their energy levels are when considering how much to feed your Great Dane and keep them at a healthy weight.

    Check out the Great Dane dog food chart here:

    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.

    GREAT DANE FEEDING CHART

    THE BEST DOG FOOD FOR ADULT GREAT DANES

    Great Dane Diet
    Great Dane Diet

    Adult Great Danes not only need less food, but they need different food. A Great Dane puppy requires more caloric intake and more food in general, but adult dogs generally do not need as many calories.

    IS LARGE BREED DOG FOOD NECESSARY?

    There are many factors to consider when deciding how much to feed your dog:

    1. How old is your dog?
    2. Is your dog male or female?
    3. How active is your dog?
    4. Is your dog spayed or neutered?
    5. Does your dog have any outstanding health issues that impact the dog food that they eat?

    These are all important questions to ask when considering how much food to give your adult Great Dane. The best way to know for sure is by asking your veterinarian and keeping a close tab on your dog’s skin, digestion and body condition.

    SKIN PROBLEMS
    THE MOST COMMON GREAT DANE CANCER
    OVERWEIGHT DANES AND THE CONSEQUENCES

    If you are interested in dog food that we prefer for Great Danes, be sure to check them out here:

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    67519 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1649116932
    218811 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1649132230
    114165 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1605828408
    90755 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1635866247
    67470 MAIN. AC SL1200 V1649113309

    FEEDING A RAW DIET TO GREAT DANES

    Great Dane Diet

    Raw feeding can aid in healthy digestion, keep skin and coat healthy, boost immunity and increase energy levels. (Check out our favorite raw food here)

    Raw meals are not for everyone and they do require some preparation on the pet parent’s part. If you are considering switching your Great Dane to a raw diet, please consult with your veterinarian first and do your research.

    When choosing to feed your dog raw food, you should consider starting with adult Great Danes. Homemade dog food is extremely hard to balance and a Great Dane puppy requires a perfectly balanced meal at all times.

    A balanced raw meal will consist of :

    1. 80% meat
    2. 10% organ meat (liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas)
    3. 10% bone (some weight bearing bones are NOT okay to feed your dog)

    You want the ingredients to look something like this:

    60555CHUB 3

    The amount fed will change depending on the age and activity level of your dog. You should always consult with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist when starting your dog on a raw plan.

    Great Danes thrive when eating raw food.

    Since puppies are more difficult to feed, do not attempt to raw feed them independent of an expert. If you are determined to include raw food in your growing puppies diet and do not want to hire a nutritionist, consider adding some pre-made/balanced raw such as the following:

    505128PAT 2T
    2006200 2T
    505555CHUB 2T
    (Use CODE: HELLODANES10 FOR 10% OFF ENTIRE ORDER)

    ADDING SUPPLEMENTS IN TO A GREAT DANE’S DIET

    Great Dane Diet
    Great Dane Diet

    Vitamins and minerals are essential to a dog’s diet, but they CAN be overdone.

    Omega-fatty acids are great for skin and coat health. Antioxidants can help boost immunity and fight off free radicals that damage cells. Probiotics are live bacteria that aid in digestion.

    Veterinarian approved probiotics:

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    71df46l3EES. AC SL1500

    There are many different ways to add supplements into a dog’s diet.

    Adding too many supplements into a dog’s diet can do more harm than good, so it is important to only give your dog what they need and nothing more.

    FISH OIL FOR HEALTHY FATS

    One great way to get some Omega’s and other healthy fats into your dog’s diet is by using fish oil.

    Fish oil comes in a liquid or pill form and can be added to any dog food.

    The most important thing to remember when adding fish oil (or any other supplement) into your dog’s diet is to start slow and increase gradually. This will help your dog’s stomach adjust to the new supplement.

    There are many different types of fish oil on the market and they are not all created equal. Be sure to choose a high quality fish oil that is free of mercury such as Dr. Harveys:

    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.

    MIXING CANNED FOOD WITH ADULT FOOD

    Another way of getting extra nutrients is by adding canned foods. Since Great Danes are prone to bloating, canned food is very beneficial.

    CAN PUPPIES GET BLOAT?
    BLOAT: NINE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

    Adding in a moist, wet food as a mixture or topper can help increase moisture intake and add essential nutrients.

    When choosing a canned food, be sure to read the labels carefully. Many commercial brands contain fillers, preservatives and other harmful ingredients.

    We recommend Purina Pro Plan Canned Dog Food:

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    815VoWiiJSL. AC SL1500 1
    815VoWiiJSL. AC SL1500 2

    Dog food can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to feed Great Danes whom are more complicated to feed than other dogs. However, these tips will help make the process a little easier for you. Just remember to always consult with your veterinarian first and do your research before making any big changes to your dog’s diet.

    What other questions do you have about feeding Great Danes? Let us know in the comments below!

    READ MORE:

    GROWTH ISSUES IN PUPPIES
    SKIN PROBLEMS
    THE MOST COMMON GREAT DANE CANCER
    OVERWEIGHT DANES AND THE CONSEQUENCES
    CAN PUPPIES GET BLOAT?
    BLOAT: NINE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Angular Limb Deformity in Great Danes

    Angular Limb Deformity in Great Danes

    If you are the owner of a Great Dane, it is important that you are aware of angular limb deformity. Many people mistake this more serious conditioning with simple knuckling in puppies!

    Angular limb deformities result in deformed bones that can cause your dog pain and mobility problems. It may require surgery to correct.

    In this article, we will discuss what angular limb deformity is, the difference between ALD and knuckling, how to spot it in your dog, and what treatment options are available.

    Angular Limb Deformity in Great Danes

    What does Angular Limb Deformity Look Like?

    Angular limb deformity can be mild or severe and may present itself in one or both legs. The signs of ALD include:

    * Lameness or stiffness in the affected limb

    * Pain

    * Muscle wasting

    * A flat foot or feet that turn out away from the body

    * Weak pasterns or ankles

    * Joint deformity

    * Crooked, bent or deformed feet and ankles

    A dog with more advanced ALD may walk with a floppy, turned-out foot that faces outward

    ALD is not to be mistaken with knuckling or Queen Anne (“Ballet”) feet.

    This Great Dane below has a severe case of Angular Limb Deformity.

    IMG 4458
    SOURCE: https://www.animalsurgicalcenter.com/angular-limb-deformity-of-the-forelimb

    Why are my dog’s legs bowed?

    A dog’s legs can be bowed for a number of reasons, including Carpal Valgus or knuckling, Angular Limb deformity, poor nutrition, neglect, injury, birth defects, or congenital disorders.

    If you notice anything unusual about your dog’s feet or limbs, especially while they are growing, it’s important to take them to the vet for an evaluation.

    Dogs are exceptionally good at hiding pain, so don’t take ‘acting normal’ as a sign that your dog is ok. A dog with an affected limb may or may not limp.

    Angular limb deformity, also known as ALD or Angular Stance Deformity, is a condition that causes the bones in a dog’s legs to grow at abnormal angles.

    This can cause pain, lameness, and mobility problems.

    ALD will often present initially as mild changes to the foot and ankle that may be mistaken for other things, such as knuckling.

    Screen Shot 2022 07 30 at 11.25.06 PM

    Can a dog live with Angular Limb Deformity?

    While a dog can live, move and even play with any number of odd conditions, Angular Limb Deformity should be evaluated by a board-certified veterinary orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible.

    Many times, the deformity can be corrected surgically. The earlier the surgery is performed, the better the outcome for your dog.

    Left untreated, Angular Limb Deformity can cause your dog a great deal of pain and will likely lead to arthritis later in life.

    Your dog will walk with an altered gait, which can be hard on the healthier or more normal joints.

    Severe deformities will eventually make it hard for your dog to walk at all.

    gr5 lrg
    Source: https://www.vetsmall.theclinics.com/article/S0195-5616%2820%2930127-3/fulltext

    Types of Bowed Legs in Dogs

    In order to better understand angular limb deformity, it is important to first understand the different types of bowed legs in dogs.

    We will cover knuckling, HOD, Panosteitis, Angular Limb Deformity, genetics, birth disorders, OCD, and more.

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    Get a FREE Jolly Ball with the purchase of a Big Barker bed.

    Knuckling in puppies

    Knuckling is a condition most often seen in large and giant breed puppies during their rapid growth phase.

    A puppy that is knuckling will have feet that appear to bow out, up and over the top of the toes. This is caused by nutritional deficiencies but also may be the result of weak muscles and tendons in the feet.

    Correct nutrition and strengthening the feet with gentle forms of exercise on soft surfaces can help puppies recover from knuckling.

    Appropriate nutrition is also required. Large and giant breed dogs need correctly balanced large or giant breed puppy food.

    Should I Feed Puppy or Adult Food to my Dog?

    The HELLO DANES Puppy Knuckling Resource Page

    Nutrition for Large + Giant Breed Puppies

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    This is a Great Dane puppy that is knuckling. This is a treatable condition that doesn’t require surgery and is NOT the same thing as angular limb deformity. Source: The Great Dane Lady. Read more about knuckling HERE.

    HOD or Panosteitis

    HOD or Panosteitis is a disease of the long bones that causes lameness and pain. It is seen most often in large and giant breed dogs between the ages of four and fourteen months old. A dog with HOD may limp and act painful.

    The cause of HOD is unknown but it may be related to rapid growth, genetics, or nutrition.

    Panosteitis (also known as growing pains) can also result in pain, lameness, and swelling.

    Both often present with limbs that look ‘off’.

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    Off Leash and Out of Control: Funny Stories

    Angular Limb Deformity

    Angular limb deformity (ALD) is the purpose of our article today. ALD is believed to be caused by damage to the immature growth plates and may be made worse by incorrect nutrition.

    Many people think that their dog with Angular Limb Deformity is simply knuckling. A dog with ALD needs PROMPT treatment, as this condition cannot likely be fixed by nutrition alone.

    We will dive into this condition more throughout this article.

    Genetic Crooked Limbs

    Some dogs just have crooked feet. If a breeder is not paying close attention to the structure of the dogs that they are breeding, they will pass these genes onto the puppies.

    Queen Anne or “Ballet” feet are often seen in Dachshunds and Basset Hounds. These dogs have a genetic predisposition for this condition and it is not painful.

    Other dogs who should have correct limbs will present with turned-out feet (sometimes called ‘Easty-Westy’), flat splayed toes, or chronically weak pasterns: these genetic conditions can be painful or damaging and should not be passed on through a pedigree.

    Birth & Congenital Defects

    Birth defects and congenital (genetic) disorders can cause limbs to be deformed in puppies. These deformities can be mild or severe and may affect one or more limbs.

    Some congenital disorders that may cause crooked legs to include:

    * Osteochondrodysplasia (OCD) – a disorder that affects the growth of bones and cartilage

    * Elbow dysplasia – a condition that causes the bones in the elbow joint to grow abnormally

    * Hip dysplasia – a condition that causes the bones in the hip joint to grow abnormally

    * Patellar Luxation – a condition that causes the kneecap to slip out of place

    If you suspect your puppy has a congenital disorder, it is important to take them to the vet for an evaluation.

    Surgical treatment may be indicated to reduce pain and improve the quality of life.

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    A giant breed puppy with bad feet, likely a combination of poor genetics, nutrition, exercise, and possibly growth plate damage.
    Source: https://m.facebook.com/greatdanerescueinc/photos/helen-williams-askedhi-my-6-month-old-dane-has-the-strangest-feet-but-only-the-f/10152068849680756/

    What Causes Angular Limb Deformity?

    There are several reasons why a dog may develop a limb deformity, including injury, genetics, incorrect nutrition, and rapid growth.

    We will cover them in more depth below.

    Growth Plate Injuries in Dogs

    Young puppies have very delicate growth plates in both the front and hind limbs. These are areas of cartilage near the ends of the long bones that turn into bone as the puppy grows.

    Growth plate injury is a leading cause of angular limb deformities in dogs, especially in dogs with significant remaining growth potential.

    If these growth plates are damaged, it can cause the bone to grow at an abnormal angle. This can happen if the puppy has a fall, is hit by a car, or sustained any other type of trauma.

    For some puppies, jumping or sliding on slick floors is enough to cause damage to this sensitive area. In other words, a traumatic injury is not necessarily required to cause enough damage.

    To protect the growth plates, we do not recommend letting your puppy play excessively on concrete, asphalt, hardwood, or tile floors until they are fully grown and their bones are no longer at risk for injury.

    Additionally, growing puppies should never be subjected to on-leash running, treadmills, or forced exercise on hard surfaces (including the pavement) until they are fully grown.

    angular deformities fig 5 25336 gallery
    A boxer with angular limb deformities in both front limbs. Source: https://www.cliniciansbrief.com/article/image-gallery-angular-deformities

    Nutrition Concerns in Large and Giant Breed Dogs

    Nutrition plays a key role in your dog’s health, especially when it comes to puppies who are rapidly growing.

    Poor nutrition can ultimately lead to an angular limb deformity and bowed limbs.

    Large and Giant Breed dogs have different nutritional needs than smaller breeds. They need precisely balanced calcium and phosphorus ratios, as well as the correct levels of amino acids, nutrients, and fats.

    Puppies who grow too quickly are at risk of developing joint problems and limb deformities, including ALD. We see this often in the Great Dane community.

    Current research indicates that dogs who will be 70+ lbs as an adult (including giant breed dogs such as Great Danes) should be fed an age-appropriate large (or giant, if available) breed puppy formula.

    These foods have now been formulated correctly for slow, even bone growth, while still providing the dog with enough nutrition to support building muscle and nice, tight feet.

    It’s important to choose a food with Meat meal and meat by-product meals as the first ingredients. These are high-quality protein sources that contain biologically appropriate meat, bone, and organ.

    If you are unsure about what type of food to feed your large or giant breed puppy, we recommend speaking to your veterinarian and referencing our articles on nutrition.

    The addition of supplements, toppers, and training treats can throw off the balance of these nutrients, so keep that in mind as you are building your dog’s food bowl!

    What is WSAVA Dog Food?

    What are the Best Foods for Giant Breed Puppies?

    How do I choose Dog Food when Looking at the Ingredients?

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    Side view of angular limb deformity. You can see the bowed radius bone. Source: https://www.fitzpatrickreferrals.co.uk/orthopaedic/angular-limb-deformity/

    How is Angular Limb Deformity Treated

    Getting a diagnosis of Angular Limb Deformity can be devastating, however, it’s important to take action quickly.

    In growing dogs, Angular Limb Deformity can be progressive, and the sooner you take care of it, the better.

    Depending on the complexity of surgical correction required, your dog may need to be on crate rest for weeks at a time. Restricting movement while bone healing and fusion of the bone plates take place is important.

    We recommend preparing yourself financially and emotionally for this.

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    THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

    Everything you need to know! ↗

    Understanding Limb Anatomy

    There are two bones inside the front limbs of your dog. The Ulna, and the Radius.

    The radius is the large weight-bearing bone. This bone is often the one that becomes deformed.

    The ulna may have stopped growing (as a result of growth plate damage) and will restrict the radius from growing normally.

    Orthopedic Surgery Options

    There are three types of surgery offered for dogs suffering from angular deformity. The earlier it’s caught and diagnosed, the better, especially in growing puppies.

    Any visible limb deformity should be evaluated by a board-certified orthopedic surgeon.

    First, the surgeon will rule out other causes of bowed legs. Radiographs will be used to confirm if the deformed bones are in fact Angular Limb Deformity.

    They will also evaluate how much further growth is expected, before making a recommendation. A severe deformity may result in the recommendation to amputate, rather than attempt to fix the bones of the affected forelimb.

    The four types of surgical correction for limb deformities include Ulnar Ostectomy, Osteotomy, Arthrodesis, and Amputation. Read more about each option below.

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    A puppy with early Angular Limb Deformity, treated with Ulnar Ostectomy. SOURCE: https://www.vetlexicon.com/treat/canis/technique/osteotomy-distal-ulnar-ostectomy

    Ulnar Ostectomy

    This is the most common type of surgery and is recommended for puppies under one year of age, especially for dogs that have significant remaining growth potential in the affected and normal limbs.

    This procedure involves cutting and removing a portion of the deformed bone (the ulna) in the forearm or affected joint.

    The radius is then allowed to rotate into its new position as the puppy finishes growing.

    With this option, the ulna bone will be ‘free-floating’ from that point forward, and can no longer restrict the growth of the radius bone as it was before.

    Compared to other options, this is the least-invasive choice.

    However, it will be ineffective if the puppy is nearly fully grown.

    With the Ulnar Ostectomy, time is of the essence.

    Some dogs who undergo this procedure will still have a valgus deformity and may need additional surgeries.

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    Ulnar Ostectomy for Angular Limb Deformity. Source: https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/orthopedics/juvenile-orthopedic-disease-in-dogs-catspart-2-congenital-neonatal-orthopedic-diseases/

    Osteotomy

    This orthopedic surgery involves cutting, realigning, resetting, and pinning the bone. Metal plates and screws are commonly used to connect bone segments and joints adjacent to the deformity.

    Corrective osteotomy is a more involved surgery, but it often results in a better long-term outcome for your dog.

    This type of surgery is recommended for dogs over one year of age and may be necessary if the Ulnar Ostectomy (the cutting of the ulna bone) performed previously didn’t provide satisfactory results.

    Many surgeons will place an external skeletal fixation device following the procedure. These look scary and can be alarming to pet parents, but will help with stabilizing the bone while it heals from surgery.

    An external skeletal fixator is similar to a cast in how it functions, while still allowing the skin to breathe and heal. It is removed once the bones have fully set.

    It is not uncommon for dogs with ALD to need both surgeries in the journey to restore acceptable limb function, especially for those with more severe deformities. The adjacent joints may also undergo arthrodesis (see below).

    Expect your dog to need 6-8 weeks or more of crate rest, followed by physical therapy.

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    Angular Limb Deformity Osteotomy Treatment. Source: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Correction-of-antebrachial-angulation%E2%80%90rotation-in-Franklin-Dover/300fc2fe7a7aac898948386e99a9805b3f6620b0

    Arthrodesis

    This is a newer technique that fuses the bones together using bone grafts in the affected forelimb.

    Many orthopedic surgeons will choose to pair Osteotomy with Arthrodesis.

    While this option may ultimately restrict some movement of the bones and joints, it can also provide a lifetime of support and pain-free living for a dog with angular deformities.

    No matter which type of surgery your dog needs, it’s important to discuss all pros and cons with a board-certified Veterinary Orthopedic Surgeon.

    The opposite limb can be affected in some ways, too, because of how angular limb deformities affect gait and movement.

    Orthopedic limb-sparing surgery of any kind will require diligent crate rest and low activity for several weeks.

    german shepherd dog showing deformed antebrachium
    A German Shepherd with Angular Limb Deformity. Source: https://www.ndsr.co.uk/specialist-referral-service/pet-health-information/orthopaedic-surgery/limb-deformity

    Amputation

    For some dogs with a severe deformity, or dogs with small, weak or brittle bones, amputation may be advised.

    This is considered a last-resort effort as it will permanently remove the use of the affected limb.

    Dogs typically do very well on three legs and can lead long, happy lives, however!

    Unlike the other orthopedic surgeries mentioned above, amputation has a relatively short recovery time.

    It will only require crate rest for 10-14 days while the sutures heal, followed by physical therapy so your dog can build strength and balance in the remaining limbs.

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    A three-legged Great Dane

    Living with Angular Limb Deformities

    A dog that has an Angular Limb Deformity, whether it has been amputated, surgically corrected, or not treated at all, will have special considerations when it comes to joint care, diet, and body condition.

    Nutrition Support for Angular Limb Deformity

    Dogs who have angular limb deformities will benefit from a correctly balanced diet.

    It may be tempting to seek out holistic and natural alternatives such as home cooking, however, we advise doing so with caution.

    Home-cooked diets are rarely if ever balanced correctly. They are dangerous at best.

    A dog with any kind of orthopedic issue or limb deformity, especially while growing, needs a scientifically-backed balance of calcium, phosphorus, fats, and amino acids to support bone growth and healing.

    It’s important to note that many ‘super-premium’ boutique dog foods that you find in the pet store or online are formulated by people with nominal, if any, nutrition or veterinary credentials. They often use ingredient splitting to trick you and may make things worse for your dog.

    Make sure you are choosing dry kibble food that is formulated by veterinary nutritionists. The food you choose should have also been subjected to legitimate research and feeding trials.

    We recommend choosing a kibble that is appropriate for your dog’s size and age and then using toppers (see below) to add fresh and whole foods nutrition.

    Appropriate toppers for dog foods include:

    Professionally balanced raw food

    Dr. Harvey’s

    Olewo Carrots

    Olewo Beets

    Fresh fruit or veggies such as blueberries, green beans, spinach or shredded apples

    Fish oil

    Bone Broth (unsalted)

    Make sure that toppers comprise 10% or less of your dog’s overall food intake when choosing unbalanced options such as fruit and veggies (which can fill your dog up and make them less interested in their balanced nutrition). Don’t overdo fish oil or bone broth. Less is more!

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    Our favorite Fish Oil for Great Danes: Health and Shine Salmon and Krill and Omega-3 Fish Oil. Use code HELLODANES10 for 10% off.

    Conditioning for dogs with Angular Limb Deformities

    It is extremely important to keep a dog with any kind of limb deformity strong and lean.

    Extra weight puts unnecessary stress on joints, ligaments, and bones and can worsen the effects of angular limb deformity.

    We recommend a combination of moderate exercise and a correctly balanced diet to help your dog maintain an ideal body condition.

    The safest and most natural form of movement for a dog will be off-leash on soft, varied outdoor terrain.

    For this reason, we recommend that all dogs are E-Collar trained so they can benefit from unrestricted movement and enrichment.

    The soft, varied terrain will keep their muscles and feet strong, without causing additional damage to the joints.

    Pavement, pulling, harnesses, head collars, hard surfaces, jumping, and sliding around can be painful and damaging to dogs with healthy joints.

    Therefore, dogs with any kind of deformity or orthopedic challenge will require additional attention to their joint and muscle health and should be allowed to move as naturally as possible.

    17

    How to get started using an e collar

    Joint Support for dogs with Angular Limb Deformity

    Dogs with Angular Limb Deformity often require joint supplements and pain medication to help them stay comfortable.

    Your veterinarian or orthopedic surgeon may prescribe muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatories, pain medications, and joint support.

    If you choose a correctly balanced kibble with meat meal and meat by-product meal in the ingredients, Glucosamine (a joint support supplement that is naturally occurring in nutritious by-products such as chicken feet, tracheas, and cartilage) should already be naturally included in the diet.

    We also recommend the following products, however, be careful not to overdo it! Too much joint support can actually be detrimental.

    Green Lipped Mussel

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    Fish Oil

    Talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate diet and supplements for your dog.

    My Story of Angular Limb Deformity

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    We have a small terrier who, at 14 weeks of age had a very tiny ‘greenstick’ fracture in his front limb.

    The injury was very mild and required a cast and crate rest. Our veterinarian said it was fairly common and not concerning.

    His final x-ray showed that he had healed perfectly, and there was no apparent damage left. It was as if it had never happened!

    After having been in a cast, however, his leg was pretty weak. Our veterinarian said this was normal and that it would quickly become stronger as he was able to move, play and be a puppy.

    Two days after his cast was removed, we attended (with veterinary permission) a puppy 101 training class.

    The instructor, who promoted herself as a ‘positive’ dog trainer, didn’t like how he was getting excited and biting his leash.

    To fix it, she spun his collar around her finger until he was choking. Then she grabbed his scruff in the same hand, picked him up off the ground, shook him, and then slammed him onto a concrete floor. She held him there until he stopped screaming.

    Doing this, she caused irreparable damage to his soft growth plate and to the tendons in his leg, which just days before had been considered healed. Her training method is a form of abuse.

    How to Find & Choose an Ethical Dog Trainer

    Within weeks, he began to show signs of Angular Limb Deformity. I had to advocate for him; I didn’t know what ALD was but I knew something was wrong with the foot. His symptoms were very mild at first. By the time he was 6 months of age, I was alarmed.

    We saw three different veterinarians in our journey to find out what was happening.

    What started as a very mild deformity quickly become worse, almost overnight.

    At that point, we were referred to an orthopedic surgeon, who diagnosed him with Angular Limb Deformity. He said that his tendons had also likely been stretched beyond repair by the dog trainer.

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    Which training methods are cruel, and which are not?

    He was a candidate for Orthopedic Osteotomy (plates and screws) paired with Arthrodesis (bone fusion) to support the tendons in his foot.

    We were told that because his bones were so small, there was a 40% chance these surgeries would fail, leading us to additional surgeries or amputation.

    The estimated costs were running upwards of $8000-$10,000, and we were prepped to anticipate 6-8 months of crate rest and rehabilitation if we wanted our best chance at success.

    We we also told that the risks associated with orthopedic surgery included bone fractures, cold intolerance (in the affected limb), and early onset arthritis.

    Jackson was also a candidate for amputation of his affected limb.

    He is an extremely agile and athletic dog; for this reason, we chose (under the advisement of both our veterinarian and our orthopedic surgeon) amputation.

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    This isn’t the correct choice for all dogs, but it was for ours.

    He is fast, strong, fit, balanced, and incredibly happy. Amputating his painful, damaged leg was a gift.

    If you are facing an angular limb deformity diagnosis, don’t be afraid to ask questions and advocate for your pet!

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  • Pyometra Symptoms in Dogs: A Harsh Killer Amongst Female Dogs

    Pyometra Symptoms in Dogs: A Harsh Killer Amongst Female Dogs

    Pyometra symptoms in dogs can vary between each female dog. But, one thing is for certain: pyometra infection has toxic effects on the female canine body when left untreated.

    UVC Pyometra Comparison

    If your dog is displaying any of the following symptoms, it’s important to bring her to the vet right away for proper diagnosis and treatment of this life threatening condition.

    PYOMETRA SYMPTOMS IN DOGS

    Clinical signs depend on when pyometra develops, whether cysts form, the fluid accumulation, bacterial growth, and whether it is an open pyometra or closed cervic pyometra.

    Pyometra Symptoms in Dogs

    Generally, pyometra symptoms in dogs include:

    1. Vaginal discharge varying in color
    2. Increased thirst and urination
    3. Lethargy and weakness
    4. Fever
    5. Decreased appetite or anorexia
    6. Vomiting
    7. Diarrhea
    8. Distended or enlarged abdomen
    9. Pus or discharge from the vulva (VAGINAL DISCHARGE)
    10. Bloody vaginal discharge
    11. Increased urine production occurs
    12. Dog appears severely ill

    These are just a few of the most common pyometra symptoms in dogs. If your dog is displaying any of these signs, it’s important to bring her to the vet as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and to see clinical improvement. Developing pyometra can cause a very ill female dog and require emergency surgery.

    These pyometra symptoms in dogs can appear suddenly or gradually. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

    Time is of the essence when it comes to treating pyometra infection. The longer it goes untreated, the greater the risk for serious health complications, including sepsis (toxic shock), organ failure, and death.

    TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PYOMETRA IN DOGS

    Pyometra Symptoms in Dogs

    Fortunately, pyometra is treatable. Upon going to the emergency room, your Veterinarian will inform you that Pyometra in dogs is a life threatening infection and surgical removal of the uterus is required.

    The most common treatment options are:

    1. Surgery to remove the infected uterus (ovariohysterectomy)
    2. Antibiotics to clear the infection (systemic or local)Intravenous fluids to support the dog during treatment
    3. Hospitalization for close monitoring

    Your veterinarian will recommend the best course of treatment based on your dog’s individual case. It’s important to follow their recommendations and get the medical treatment.

    WHAT IS PYOMETRA IN DOGS?

    Pyometra Symptoms in Dogs

    Pyometra in dogs happens in female dogs when they get an infected uterus. Pyometra is a bacterial infection that can occur in any unspayed female dogs, though it’s most common in older dogs.

    While pyometra can happen at any time of the year, it’s more likely to occur during or after a heat cycle. This is because the hormones produced during a heat cycle create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow in the uterus.

    Untreated pyometra is a life-threatening condition. But, with early diagnosis and treatment, most dogs make a full recovery.

    WHAT CAUSES PYOMETRA IN DOGS?

    Pyometra Symptoms in Dogs

    Pyometra is most often caused by a hormonal imbalance in the dog’s body. This can be due to several different reasons, including:

    1. Spaying your dog too late in life
    2. Use of certain drugs, such as progesterone-based drugs
    3. Cushing’s disease
    4. Tumors of the adrenal gland or pituitary gland
    5. Hormonal changes that occur during a normal heat cycle

    In most cases, pyometra is preventable with early spaying of the female dog. This helps to avoid the hormonal imbalances that can lead to this condition. Pyometra is a serious, major bacterial infection that can even lead to death in a healthy dog if left untreated.

    HOW IS PYOMETRA IN DOGS DIAGNOSED?

    If a dog owner notices unusual vaginal discharge, or any of the other clinical signs of pyometra, they should take their dog to the vet as soon as possible to get pyometra diagnosed.

    Pyometra is diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam, lab tests, and imaging. The most common tests used to diagnose pyometra are:

    1. Complete blood count (CBC)
    2. Biochemical profile Urinalysis Abdominal radiographs (X-rays) or ultrasound examination
    3. Cytology of the vaginal discharge
    4. Culture and sensitivity of the pus from the infected uterus

    CLOSED PYOMETRA

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    Closed pyometra has different clinical signs. These signs can be very subtle and go unnoticed until the infection is severe. The most common clinical sign of closed pyometra is a lack of heat cycles.

    With a closed cervix pyometra, the uterine wall thickens, and the cervix (the opening to the uterus) is closed. This prevents pus from draining out of the vagina. As a result, dogs with closed pyometra often have a milder form of the infection. However, since dog owners are unable to see the abnormal discharge from the dog’s abdomen, the infected womb can continue to fill with pus until it ruptures.

    RUPTURE OF THE FLUID FILLED UTERUS

    Rupture of the infected uterus is a life-threatening emergency. If you notice any of the signs of pyometra, or if your dog has stopped having heat cycles, take her to the veterinarian immediately.

    SYMPTOMS OF CLOSED PYOMETRA

    Other clinical signs that may be seen with closed pyometra include:

    1. Lethargy (HOW MUCH SHOULD A DOG SLEEP?)
    2. Decreased appetite
    3. Weight loss
    4. Fever
    5. Increased thirst
    6. Vomiting
    7. Diarrhea (STOMACH PROBLEMS IN DOGS)
    8. Abdominal pain or bloating
    9. Pale gums
    10. Dehydration

    WHY DO DOGS YAWN?
    REMEDIES FOR STOMACH UPSET

    OPEN PYOMETRA

    Pyometra Symptoms in Dogs

    Open pyometra is the more common form of the infection. Open pyometra is when the cervix is open and pus is able to drain from the vagina. This drainage can range from a small amount of pus to a large discharge. The most common clinical sign of open pyometra is an abnormal vaginal discharge.

    Other clinical signs that may be seen with open pyometra include:

    1. Increased urination
    2. Straining to urinate or defecate
    3. Excessive licking of the genital area
    4. Vaginal discharge that is bloody or pus-like
    5. Foul odor coming from the vulva
    6. Fever
    7. Lethargy
    8. Decreased appetite
    9. Weight loss
    10. Abdominal pain or bloating
    11. Pale gums

    CAN PYOMETRA OCCUR IN A DOG THAT HAS BEEN SPAYED?

    Pyometra Symptoms in Dogs
    Pyometra Symptoms in Dogs

    When a dog gets spayed, the reproductive system is removed. This includes the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, and cervix. However, it is still possible for a dog to get pyometra even after she has been spayed.

    STUMP PYOMETRA

    Stump pyometra is when a dog has been spayed but still has a small section of the uterus left behind. This can happen if the spay surgery is not performed correctly, or if the dog is not completely healed from her last heat cycle before she is spayed.

    The most common cause of post-spay pyometra is when the dog’s ovaries are not completely removed during the spay surgery. If there is even a small amount of ovarian tissue left, it can continue to produce hormones. This can lead to the development of pyometra.

    It is highly unlikely for an unspayed female dog to undergo the bacteria affect of Pyometra. Most dogs who undergo the hormonal changes of a routine spay have their entire reproductive system removed, making this diagnosis nearly impossible.

    PYOMETRA SPAY

    Early Spay or Neuter

    Can early spay or neuter hurt your dog? Check out our blog here.

    In the event of an emergency, the veterinarians will check the white blood count to see how severe the uterine enlargement is and how infected the uterine wall has become.

    In order to get pyometra treated, the dog will need to have surgery to remove the infected uterus. This is called a ovariohysterectomy or “spay.” The sooner the surgery is performed, the better. If pyometra is left untreated, it can lead to sepsis (a blood infection) and death.

    Without this emergency pyometra surgery, the bacterial survival can cause kidney failure and blood poisoning as the bacteria release toxins into the blood stream.

    MINIMAL UTERINE ENLARGEMENT

    Pyometra Symptoms in Dogs
    Pyometra Symptoms in Dogs

    When pyometra occurs, an enlarged uterus is normal in the abdominal cavity. The cystic lining fills with pus, and the entire uterus can become enlarged. This happens in both closed and open pyometra.

    A mild form of pyometra may only have a small amount of pus in the uterus. The infection is still present, but it has not progressed to the point where the dog’s life is in danger. Mild pyometra is more common in younger dogs.

    CHECK OUT OUR PUPPIES INFORMATIONAL PAGE

    In some cases, a dog with pyometra will not have an enlarged uterus. This is most likely to happen in older dogs who have had multiple heat cycles. The infection can still be present, but the lack of enlargement means that the dog’s life is not in danger. No matter how severe the case is, the uterine wall undergoes changes and it should be treated medically.

    In some cases, the vet may be able to drain the pus from the uterus without performing surgery. This can be done if the uterine enlargement is minimal and the dog is not showing any other signs of illness.

    The vet will insert a needle into the uterus and draw out the pus. The dog will then be placed on antibiotics to clear the infection. This is not a cure for pyometra and the infection can return. The dog will also need to be spayed to prevent it from happening again.

    PREGNANCY AND PYOMETRA

    Pyometra Symptoms in Dogs

    Even if your dog has had a normal pregnancy, they are still at risk for pyometra. This is because the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can lead to the development of pyometra.

    The best way to prevent pyometra is to be hyperaware of the symptoms of the condition until they are spayed. When it comes time to spay, it will remove the ovaries and uterus, so there is no chance for the infection to develop.

    CAN DOGS TAKE HUMAN ANTIBIOTICS?

    The preferred treatment of pyometra is spay. This is because it removes the entire reproductive system and prevents the infection from recurring. In some cases, the vet may be able to drain the pus from the uterus without performing surgery. This can be done if the uterine enlargement is minimal and the dog is not showing any other signs of illness.

    Although pyometra is extremely scary and dangerous, it is important to remember that it is treatable. The earlier it is caught, the easier it will be to treat. If you think your dog may be showing signs of pyometra, take them to the vet immediately.

    Caught early, pyometra is a highly treatable condition in dogs. Be sure to watch for the symptoms and take your dog to the vet if you think they may have pyometra.

    READ MORE:
    ALL ABOUT PUPPIES
    WHY DO DOGS YAWN?
    REMEDIES FOR STOMACH UPSET

  • The Deadly Risk of Mammary Tumors in Dogs: The Number 1 Most Common Tumor in Female Dogs

    The Deadly Risk of Mammary Tumors in Dogs: The Number 1 Most Common Tumor in Female Dogs

    Mammary tumors are the most common type of tumor found in female dogs. While they can often be benign, it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of mammary tumors as much as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss this deadly disease and what steps you can take to prevent or treat it.

    MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS

    MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS

    A mammary tumor is a growth or lump that develops in the breast tissue of a dog. Mammary tumors occur mostly in female dogs and can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They can, however, happen in male dogs as well.

    MAMMARY CHAINS

    A mammary chain is a line of mammary glands that extends from the chest to the groin on each side of a dog’s body. There are typically five to eight mammary glands in each chain.

    ADENOCARCINOMA

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    The most common type of mammary tumor in dogs is an adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the ducts of the mammary gland. Adenocarcinomas make up about 50% of all mammary tumors.

    MAMMARY CARCINOMA IN DOGS

    There are several different types of mammary carcinomas, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. The most common type of mammary carcinoma is an adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the ducts of the mammary gland. Adenocarcinomas make up about 50% of all tumors in mammary glands.

    INFLAMMATORY MAMMARY CARCINOMA

    An inflammatory mammary carcinoma is a type of adenocarcinoma that is characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the tumor. This type of tumor accounts for about 15% of all mammary tumors. Inflammatory Carcinoma of the mammary gland is a very aggressive form of cancer and has a poor prognosis.

    LOBULAR CARCINOMA IN SITU (LCIS)

    Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a type of non-invasive breast cancer. It is considered a precancerous condition because it may develop into an invasive cancer over time. LCIS is not common in dogs, but it is important to be aware of it.

    METASTATIC DISEASE

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    Metastatic disease is cancer that has spread from the original tumor site to other parts of the body. Metastatic mammary tumors are relatively rare in dogs, but they can occur.

    MAMMARY GLAND HYPERPLASIA

    Mammary Gland Hyperplasia is a condition in which the mammary gland cells grow excessively. It is the most common benign mammary tumor, accounting for about 25% of all tumors.

    FIBROCYSTIC CHANGES

    Fibrocystic changes are a type of benign breast disease that is characterized by the growth of abnormal tissue in the breasts.

    BENIGN TUMOR

    Benign tumors are not as serious and are not usually life-threatening. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, can be very aggressive and spread to other parts of the body.

    Although benign tumors are not as dangerous, they can still cause problems. They can grow to be large and uncomfortable, and may even interfere with your dog’s ability to urinate or defecate properly.

    MALIGNANT TUMOR TYPES

    Malignant tumors occur in about 50% of all tumors and are the most serious type of tumor. These tumors can spread to other parts of the body, and are often fatal.

    There are several different types of malignant mammary tumors, but the most common type is Adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinomas make up about 50% of all malignant mammary tumors. Other types of cancerous tumors include sarcomas, lymphomas, and mast cell tumors.

    RISK FACTORS FOR MAMMARY CANCER

    MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS

    There are several factors that can increase your dog’s risk of developing a tumor in their mammary glands. Each risk factor will be different for your individual dog. These include:

    1. Age: Older dogs are more at risk for a mammary tumor. The average age of dogs diagnosed with tumors is six years old and older dogs are more likely to develop a mammary mass than those of a young age.
    2. Breed: Some commonly affected breeds are more prone to a mammary tumor than others. Breeds that are at an increased risk include: Poodles, Bichons Frises, Boston terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, Springer Spaniels, and Yorkshire Terriers.
    3. Unspayed females: Dogs that have not been spayed are at a much higher risk for developing mammary masses. In fact, unspayed dogs are six times more likely to develop mammary sarcomas than spayed dogs and have a poorer prognosis with treatment.
    4. Certain health conditions: Dogs with certain health conditions are also at an increased risk for tumors in dogs. These conditions include Cushing’s disease, diabetes, and obesity.

    FALSE PREGNANCY- WHAT IS IT?
    Is My Dog ‘Filling Out’ or Getting Fat?
    8 Nutrition Facts to Keep Your Dog at the Right Weight
    Obesity in Great Danes: Fat Danes Face Serious Health Risks
    Supplements for Great Danes
    Male Great Dane Weight
    How to Stop Overfeeding Your Dog

    Now that we know some of the risk factors for mammary cancer, let’s discuss some steps that you can take to help reduce your dog’s risk.

    REDUCING THE RISK OF MAMMARY CANCER IN DOGS

    MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS
    1. GETTING FEMALE DOGS SPAYED (READ ABOUT SPAY/FALSE PREGNANCY HERE)
    2. REGULAR CHECKUPS AND SCREENINGS FOR EARLY DETECTION
    3. KEEPING YOUR DOG AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT
    4. AVOIDING AND PREVENTING ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CONDITIONS
    5. FEED A HEALTHY DIET (FIND OUR FAVORITE FOODS HERE)
    6. PROVIDE GOOD EXERCISE (READ MORE)

    GETTING DOGS SPAYED CAN PREVENT MAMMARY CANCER

    Spaying your female dog: This is the number one thing that you can do to reduce your dog’s risk of developing malignant tumors. Spaying your dog eliminates her heat cycles, which helps to reduce the chances of developing malignant tumors.

    SHOULD YOU SPAY YOUR DOG

    REGULAR SCREENINGS TO CHECK HEALTH STATUS

    Regular check-ups and screenings: Taking your dog for regular check-ups and screenings can help to catch any potential problems early. Your veterinarian can check for lumps or bumps and may even recommend mammary gland screenings.

    TAKING YOUR DOG TO THE VET

    KEEPING YOUR FEMALE DOGS AT THE RIGHT WEIGHT

    Weight control: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important for many reasons, including reducing the risk of mammary gland cancer. Obesity is a risk factor for a malignant mammary tumor, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help to reduce her risk.

    Is My Dog ‘Filling Out’ or Getting Fat?
    8 Nutrition Facts to Keep Your Dog at the Right Weight
    Obesity in Great Danes: Fat Danes Face Serious Health Risks

    PREVENTING ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CONDITIONS

    MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS

    Avoiding certain health conditions: As we mentioned before, certain health conditions can increase the risk of breast cancer. Cushing’s disease, diabetes, and obesity are all risk factors for mammary tissue Cancer. Keeping your dog healthy and avoiding these conditions can help to reduce her risk.

    COMMON HEALTH CONDITIONS

    FEED A HEALTHY DIET

    Feeding a healthy diet: A healthy diet is important for all dogs, but it can be especially important for those at risk for mammary gland cancer. A healthy diet can help to keep your dog at a healthy weight and can also help to reduce the risk of other health conditions that can increase the risk of a malignant tumor.

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    GIVE A LOT OF GOOD EXERCISE

    MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS

    Exercise: Exercise is important for all dogs, but it can be especially important for those at risk for mammary tumors. Exercise helps to keep your dog at a healthy weight and can also help to reduce the risk of other health conditions that can increase the risk of cancer cells developing.

    Socialization Activities For Great Danes
    Can Great Danes Swim?
    Should I Go to the Dog Park?

    MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS

    By following these steps, you can help to reduce your dog’s risk of developing a tumor in their mammary gland.

    SYMPTOMS OF CANINE MAMMARY TUMORS

    MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS

    Symptoms of a malignant tumor depends on the tumor size, type, and location.

    Common symptoms of a mammary tumor may include:

    1. a lump or mass in the mammary area that is usually not painful
    2. discharge from the nipple
    3. enlargement of the breast tissue
    4. severe swelling of breast tissue
    5. ulceration or crusting of the skin over the tumor
    6. inverted nipples

    Some physical symptoms may include:

    1. weight loss
    2. lethargy
    3. poor appetite
    4. vomiting
    5. diarrhea

    If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your dog to the veterinarian for an examination. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

    DIAGNOSING BREAST CANCER IN DOGS

    MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS

    Diagnosing benign mammary tumors in dogs requires:

    1. identification of clinical signs by pet owner
    2. a physical examination
    3. breast radiographs (x-rays)
    4. mammary ultrasound
    5. fine needle aspiration or biopsy
    6. biochemical profile
    7. complete blood count (CBC)
    8. chest x rays
    9. abdominal ultrasound

    A chest x-ray may be recommended to check for metastasis, or the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. When caught early, the chances of successful treatment are much higher.

    Mammary tumors are relatively common in dogs, but that doesn’t mean

    TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CANINE MAMMARY TUMORS

    MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS

    The type of treatment recommended will depend on the stage of the tumor, as well as the size and location.

    SURGERY / TUMOR REMOVAL

    Surgery is the most common treatment for mammary tumors, and involves removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. The margins of the tumor will be checked to ensure that all of the cancerous tissue has been removed. If the entire tumor has not been removed, additional surgery may be needed.

    CHEMOTHERAPY

    Chemotherapy may be recommended in addition to surgery or as a standalone treatment. It is typically only used for malignant tumors, as benign tumors do not usually respond to chemotherapy.

    RADIATION THERAPY

    Radiation therapy may be recommended in addition to surgery or as a standalone treatment. It is typically only used for malignant tumors, as benign tumors do not usually respond to radiation therapy.

    The type of treatment recommended will depend on the stage of the tumor, as well as the size and location.

    HORMONAL THERAPY

    MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS

    Hormonal therapy may be recommended in addition to surgery or as a standalone treatment. It is typically only used for malignant tumors, as benign tumors do not usually respond to hormonal therapy.

    These are just a few of the treatment options available for dogs with mammary tumors. Your veterinarian will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for your dog.

    PROGNOSIS OF MAMMARY GLAND TUMORS

    MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS

    The prognosis for dogs with mammary tumors is generally good, especially if the tumor is caught early.

    With treatment, most dogs make a full recovery and live normal, healthy lives.

    However, it’s important to keep in mind that mammary tumors can be aggressive and have a high rate of recurrence. It’s important to always monitor intact female dogs closely.

    READ MORE:
    Great Dane Not Eating – What to Do
    Great Dane Farts: The Funniest Collection of Photos and Videos on the Internet
    The Best Collars for Great Danes
    Blue Great Danes – Facts, Photos, and Care

  • Is Large Breed Dog Food Necessary?

    Is Large Breed Dog Food Necessary?

    Providing balanced nutrition for our large canine companions is a topic close to the hearts of many pet owners. The question often arises: Is opting for specialized large-breed dog food a necessity, or can regular dog diets meet the needs of our large and giant breed dogs?

    In this discussion, we’ll navigate the unique nutritional requirements of large breeds, weighing the advantages of tailored food formulations and considering alternative dietary approaches.

    A few topics we will discuss:

    • Is large breed dog food a marketing gimmick
    • How large breed dog food is different than regular food
    • The nutritional requirements of large and giant breed dogs
    • The best foods for big dogs
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    Large Dog Nutrition 101

    As if choosing dog food wasn’t confusing enough, the truth is that large and giant dogs such as shepherds, Great Danes, and mastiffs have much different nutritional needs than a chihuahua.

    Large and giant formulated dog foods provide necessary and important nutrition that will support healthy growth, healthy joints, and energy for big dogs.

    What is the difference between large-breed dog food and regular dog food?

    A properly formulated large-breed dog formula will have a few key differences when compared to standard adult maintenance or regular puppy formulas.

    The first, and most important difference is the calcium to phosphorus ratio.

    This ratio is very important in growing large and giant breed puppies as it helps control the rate of skeletal growth.

    If this ratio is too high, rapid growth can cause growth deformities and pain from knuckling or panosteitis (growing pains).

    Nutrition for a growing puppy (especially a super-sized one) is a key consideration when it comes to preventing environmental hip dysplasia, poor muscle development, and other orthopedic disorders that are common in big dogs.

    Not to scare you here, but choosing the wrong food can be detrimental to muscle growth and the development of healthy bones.

    What is Knuckling in Puppies?
    Puppy Growing Pains: Does Nutrition Cause it?

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    IS GRAIN-FREE FOOD DANGEROUS?

    Read more here ↗

    Is large breed dog food needed?

    Large and giant breed dog foods that are well-researched and formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists (DACVN) will also have the correct levels of fat and protein to support their size and energy needs.

    Many will also have added nutrients and supplements for gut health, joint support, and healthy skin such as additional vitamin d, DHA, EPA, Glucosamine, taurine, and the correct balance of fatty acids.

    Small breed dogs do not have the same needs; their bodies grow and burn energy in different ways.

    In other words, choosing an ‘all-life stages’ or ‘all-sizes’ dog food is like trying to fit your entire family into the same pair of one-size-fits-all pajamas – it might work, but is it ideal?

    The best way to ensure that your large or giant breed dog is getting the nutrition he or she needs in its food bowl is to feed a food that has been specifically formulated for its size, age, and activity level.

    9 Things All Puppy Owners Need

    Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart

    photography of three dogs looking up

    Can I feed large breed dog food to a small dog?

    While smaller dogs could eat foods that were formulated for bigger dogs, doing so long-term could be detrimental to their health.

    Small breed dogs have different nutritional needs that should be addressed with a scientifically formulated food that was designed to meet their specific requirements.

    We should also mention that large and giant breed kibbles are often larger in size, which could make it difficult, frustrating or even painful for smaller breeds to chew up.

    Lastly, small dogs typically have a higher metabolism and need more calories per pound than their larger counterparts.

    What is Hypocalcemia in Dogs?

    Can Dogs Have Fake Pregnancy?

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    Is grain-free dog food good for large breed dogs?

    Grain-free kibble is often marketed as being a healthier, more natural option.

    However, there is no evidence that grain-free diets are any better for dogs than those that contain grains.

    As a matter of fact, grain-free and boutique dog foods are tied to a significant increase in nutritional DCM heart failure, likely because many formulas are unbalanced and often heavy in peas and legumes.

    Nutritional DCM causes sudden congestive heart failure in dogs who often appear robust, shiny, and healthy just moments before their death. Dogs with undiagnosed nutritional DCM are a ticking time bomb.

    While many large and giant dogs may be prone to this condition for genetic reasons, incorrect nutrition is also to blame.

    You should never feed a grain-free or boutique kibble diet to your Great Dane or any other large or giant breed dog.

    Read about this dirty pet food trick

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    What is DCM in Dogs?

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    Should I Feed My Great Dane Puppy or Adult Food?

    Understanding Dog Food Labels

    It’s important to understand that not all foods are created the same.

    Understanding this can help you simplify your search for the best nutrition for your pet.

    Many dog foods are created from a computer algorithm, created to meet nutritional minimums on paper and look appealing to the buyer.

    Occasionally, somebody with moderate nutrition credentials may help with the formulation, or a veterinary nutritionist may be commissioned temporarily to sign off on the food (indicating that it meets the basic legal nutrition requirements).

    These foods are sold at a premium price with eye-catching ‘natural’ and ‘holistic’ marketing. They often include ingredients such as squash, blueberries, and deboned meats.

    These things sound appealing to the consumer and will drive sales, but often have very little to do with your pet’s health.

    This can make it difficult and confusing for consumers to know how to choose a healthy balanced diet for their pets, especially when we consider the fact that 300-400 new premium boutique food brands hit the market every year!

    When you read labels and look at the ingredients in a bag of dog food, you must look past the marketing.

    “Holistic”, “super-premium” and “human grade” are unregulated terms that have no legal definition.

    Read on below to learn more about how to choose a dog food that was formulated correctly and ethically for your pet’s health and well-being!

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    The Olly smaller treat pouch

    Is the Dog Food Advisor a good source of information?

    The Dog Food Advisor is a click-bait affiliate income blog run by a human dentist. Take that for what it’s worth.

    Your veterinarian (and the board-certified Veterinary Nutritionists and journals that they get their information from) will be a much better source of nutrition information for your pet.

    We have made a conscious effort on our blog to be science-based when it comes to health and nutrition. However, you should still talk to your veterinarian.

    Many ‘highly rated’ foods on Dog Food Advisor were scientifically proven to be associated with multiple cases of nutritional DCM; a condition that can often be reversed in dogs that are put on a different diet.

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    THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

    Everything you need to know! ↗

    Large Breed Puppy Food

    Large breed puppy food will be formulated with the correct levels of energy and nutrients to support proper growth and muscle development.

    Unlike adult dogs, puppies need more nutrition. However, it’s important to not overdo it! Don’t overfeed your puppy.

    Most importantly, large breed adult and puppy dog foods will have a calcium to phosphorus ratio that is lower than what you’ll find in many standard puppy foods.

    This is essential for preventing skeletal problems now and down the road. A dog’s risk of developmental growth disorders such as knuckling, pain, HOD, and limb deformities is much higher when a dog eats too much or is offered the wrong food.

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    What is considered a large breed puppy?

    Large breeds are dogs that are going to weigh over 50 pounds as adults.

    Some popular large breed dogs include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, and Boxer.

    Many research-backed dog food manufacturers consider giant breeds to be the same as ‘large breeds’, as their requirements for nutrition are similar. If you have a giant dog, ‘large’ foods will be appropriate as well.

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    When should I switch from large breed puppy to adult food?

    This largely depends on the manufacturer.

    Many brands will have you switch to adult food once your dog reaches 70-80% of his or her projected adult weight.

    Others may recommend waiting until your dog is a year old or even 18-24 months old before switching them over.

    The best way to determine when to make the switch to adult food is by following the manufacturer’s recommendation and the advice of your veterinarian.

    Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon Puppy food, for example, should be fed until 18-24 months.

    Royal Canin has a line of foods formulated specifically for giant breed dogs (100lb + adults) with targeted nutrition based on age. Puppy for dogs up to 8 months, Junior for dogs 8-24 months, and adult for dogs 24 months and up.

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    What are the best large breed puppy foods?

    Here is our list of the best large breed puppy foods.

    All of these are also appropriate for giant breed puppies, including Great Danes!

    Click on any to view on Chewy (our favorite place to auto-ship pet foods).

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

    Here is a great article on why dog food ingredients are misleading and aren’t always the best way to make educated decisions about your dog’s nutrition! https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/06/why-you-shouldnt-judge-a-pet-food-by-its-ingredient-list/

    photo of brown and white boston terrier puppy sitting on grass

    Giant Breed Dog Food

    Giant breed dogs have very similar nutrition needs as large dogs, however, special attention should be paid to their muscle development and orthopedic health.

    What is considered a giant breed puppy?

    A giant breed puppy is one that is going to weigh over 90 pounds as an adult.

    It’s important to note that an overweight large breed dog tipping the scales at 90 lbs is NOT considered a ‘giant breed’.

    Giant breed dogs include Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, Great Dane, Mastiff, and Irish Wolfhound.

    Is there a giant breed dog food?

    As of this writing, there are only TWO research-backed formulas made specifically for giant breed dogs.

    Royal Canin Giant Breed

    This formula is a top-tier food choice for your dog and while it’s pricy, it’s also one of the best options. Because it is so nutrient-dense, you may find that your dog doesn’t eat (or poop) as much on this formula. RC Giant Breed contains by-product meal, which sounds scary, but is closer to being biologically appropriate for dogs than deboned muscle meat.

    Royal Canin is heavily researched and has created a series from puppyhood to adult that is perfect for giant breed dogs, providing correct nutrition for every stage of life.

    Many giant dogs absolutely thrive on this food.

    Royal Canin Giant Puppy (to age 12 months)
    Royal Canin Giant Junior (8-24 months)
    Royal Canin Giant Breed (from age 24 months +)

    Click on any below to view.

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    Feed until 8 months of age.
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    Feed from 8-24 months of age.
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    Adult formula from 24 months on.

    Purina Pro Plan Giant Breed

    This formula is hard to find and may have been discontinued or temporarily suspended (2022). It is for adult giant breeds only.

    Giant puppies should be fed one of the Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy formulas listed below until 18-24 months, and then can be transitioned to the giant formula (if available).

    If you cannot find Pro Plan Giant Breed for your adult Great Dane, consider the following alternatives:

    Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Large Breed (Salmon)
    Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Shredded Chicken & Rice (Large Pieces & Chicken Shreds!)
    Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Weight Management (Get the weight off)
    Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Bright Mind Age 7+ (for Senior Great Danes)

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    Other options:

    Earthborn Holistic makes a giant breed dog food formula.

    Earthborn is not, however, backed by the same level of science, research, and dedication to qualified Veterinary nutritionists as Purina and Royal Canin.

    The Earthborn brand has multiple cases of nutritional DCM associated with it, and we don’t recommend feeding it. It also utilizes several forms of ingredient splitting, to trick you into thinking the food is more natural and nutrient-focused than it is.

    Blue Buffalo now also has a joint support food out with a Dane on the label that they claim is ‘science-based’.

    Unfortunately, Blue Buffalo does not have a good track record, and the veterinary community does not typically recommend this brand for numerous reasons.

    In sticking with actual science and research, we don’t recommend it either.

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    Should I Feed My Great Dane Puppy or Adult Food?

    How to choose food for your dog

    It’s actually very simple to choose a kibble food for your dog when you look at science and research instead of marketing!

    We only share brands that meet the following 4 basic ethics requirements for manufacturing dog food:

    • Utilizes at least one full-time on-staff board-certified veterinary nutritionist who formulates the food
    • Participates in peer-reviewed research and science for the greater good of companion animal health and to better inform their nutritional formulation decisions
    • Owns and operates their own facilities (no co-packing)
    • Utilizes feeding trials to substantiate their kibbles in real life, not just on paper

    Only a few brands legitimately meet these requirements: Purina, Royal Canin, Iam’s, Hill’s, and Eukanuba.

    https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Selecting-a-pet-food-for-your-pet-updated-2021_WSAVA-Global-Nutrition-Toolkit.pdf

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    The best foods for large breed puppies

    Here is our list of the best foods for large pups who will be over 50lbs as an adult. Click on any to view.

    Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy
    Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed puppy – OUR TOP PICK
    Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy
    Purina One Large Breed Puppy
    Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed
    Iam’s ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

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    The best foods for giant breed puppies

    Giant puppies have similar nutritional needs to large breeds.

    Any science-backed food from the list below will be appropriate for dogs that will be over 100lbs as an adult:

    Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy
    Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Large Breed puppy – TOP PICK
    Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy
    Purina One Large Breed Puppy
    Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed
    Iam’s ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
    Royal Canin Giant Puppy Dry Dog food (to age 12 months) – TOP PICK
    Royal Canin Giant Junior Dry Dog food (8-24 months)

    Never feed small breed foods to giant dogs.

    These formulas are generally higher in calories and carbs, plus the small kibble size may make it easy for them to eat too quickly (increasing their risk of bloat, a deadly disease).

    Additionally, the most current research indicates that giant and large puppies should be fed a science-backed large or giant breed PUPPY food!

    We do not recommend feeding adult food to puppies, especially dogs that will be 50-100 or more lbs as an adult.

    While it used to be said that giant puppies should only be fed adult food, this outdated advice was based on speculation and not science.

    Puppies need different levels of calcium, phosphorus, energy, and other nutrients than adults or any size.

    Feeding incorrect food, including adult formulas, to a giant breed puppy, can actually cause developmental orthopedic disease (DOD) due to too little calcium or too much calcium.

    Additionally, adult foods don’t have the calories, protein, and fat that a puppy needs for robust muscle development, brain development, and energy.

    Great Dane pups raised on adult foods are often hopelessly lanky with poor muscle tone. They are nearly malnourished until maturity because of this. We are so excited that new research gives Dane pups the nutrition they need to thrive!

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    The best foods for large and giant breed senior dogs

    Senior dogs require lower calories and additional cognitive and joint support. Here is our list of the best foods for mature large and giant senior dogs.

    Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Weight Management (Get the weight off)
    Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Bright Mind Age 7+ (for healthy senior dogs)

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    Common Ingredients in Large Breed Dog Foods

    Here is some information about common ingredients in giant and large dog foods. We hope this helps you dispel some myths you may have read on social media!

    Meat Meals and Meat By-Product Meals

    Many people believe that meat meals and meat by-product meals are lower-quality.

    This is because many humans prefer choice cuts of meat, grilled to perfection…not the bones, organs, fat, and skin that dogs want and need in their diet.

    The truth is that meat meals and by-product meals are highly digestible sources of protein, containing all of the essential amino acids your dog needs.

    Meat meals of any kind, including meat by-product meals, will be closer, nutritionally, to a species-appropriate raw diet than fresh muscle meats will be.

    Meat meals and meat by-product meals are also great sources of calcium, phosphorus, glucosamine, and other minerals. In fact, meat meals are often used as a natural source of these minerals in pet foods.

    Because meat meals are processed and dehydrated before cooking, when they show up at the top of an ingredients list, they stay there after cooking, too.

    So, if you see “chicken meal” or “chicken by-product meal” as the first ingredients in a food, that means there’s likely more meat and more species-appropriate nutrition in the food than if “fresh chicken” was used instead.

    Fresh muscle meat sounds appealing to humans, but it is 70% water and doesn’t contain the same nutrition, amino acids, and joint support that a dog should be getting from bone, connective tissue, and organs.

    Large breed puppies, adults, and giant dogs of all ages need meat and meat by-products in their diet.

    As a matter of fact, foods with meat meals have been shown to help reduce the risk of bloat in dogs!

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    Chicken Fat

    Chicken fat is a necessary and high-quality ingredient for large breed dogs. It’s a natural source of omega-six and omega-three fatty acids, which are essential for your dog’s coat and skin health.

    Chicken fat is also an excellent source of meat-based energy for dogs. In fact, it’s one of the most calorie-dense ingredients in pet food.

    Remember, just because us humans think it’s gross doesn’t mean it’s bad for our dogs!

    Fish Oil

    Fish oil is a natural source of omega-three fatty acids, which are excellent for your dog’s coat and skin health.

    Fish oil is also a great cognitive support ingredient. It’s been shown to improve memory, learning, and attention in dogs.

    Many well-formulated large-breed puppy foods and adult foods contain fish oil.

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    Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

    Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are natural ingredients found in the connective tissue of animals. Remember the ‘by-product’ meal? Yes, that.

    These ingredients are excellent for joint health. They’ve been shown to slow the progression of osteoarthritis and improve joint function in dogs.

    Many large breed puppy foods and adult foods contain added joint support, either added as a supplement or from the meat meals and by-product meals included in the formula. Look for a brand that tells you what balance of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate is in the finished dry product.

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    Overall, large breed dog foods are necessary for giant and large breed puppies, adults, and seniors.

    They contain more nutrients, calories, and protein than smaller breed dog foods. Additionally, they often have special ingredients for joint health and cognitive support. If you have a large or giant breed dog, be sure to feed them food that is formulated specifically for their life stage!

    We have a lot of articles on this topic and love sharing the most up-to-date research-backed nutrition information you’ll be able to find.

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