Introducing a puppy to an older dog can be stressful, but bringing a puppy home is so much fun! If you have an older dog and are bringing home a new puppy- don’t fret!
Dogs teach one another new things all the time. Both the puppy and the other dogs in your home can learn from this experience.
Adding a new puppy to the family can be an exciting time, but it can also be challenging if you have an older dog at home. Older dogs may not be used to having a little one running around and might become agitated or defensive.
Let’s learn how to introduce dogs in a way that helps both the senior dog or adult dog and puppy stay calm and respectful during their first meeting.
INTRODUCING A PUPPY TO AN OLDER DOG REQUIRES PLANNING
It may be hard for you to face the truth: your big dog is not a frisk, young pup anymore.
That’s okay! Older dogs can still enjoy life, but you will need to take some extra considerations into account when bringing home a new puppy.
PREPARATION IS KEY
Before introducing a new puppy to your older dog, you’ll want to do some planning and prep. Take some time to think through the following items:
What is a good, neutral territory that you can have the dogs meet?
Does your dog have any health issues that might cause the pup to scare or hurt them? (Arthritis, for example, can make some older dogs grumpy if they’re not feeling well.)
What is the personality of your current dog? (This will help you better understand how they might react to a new puppy in the home.)
Do you have any other pets in the house that need to be considered in this equation?
Does your existing dog tolerate puppies, or are they afraid/uncomfortable with younger puppies?
Answers to these questions will help you better prepare for a successful puppy-dog meeting.
PICK A GOOD TIME FOR THE INTRODUCTION
You’ll want to make sure that both the puppy and your dog are calm and not too tired or hungry before introducing them. A good time might be after a walk when they’re both relaxed.
SET UP THE INTRODUCTION
Once you’ve decided on a good time and place to introduce the dogs, it’s time to set things up for success.
Here are a few things to consider:
Make sure both dogs are on a leash during the introduction. This will help you keep control of the situation in case things get too rowdy.
Do not introduce your dog in an area where other canines are around.
Create a toy free zone. Some dogs will get annoyed easily when puppies are rude/steal their toys, as puppies tend to not have any manners at all when it comes to sharing.
CHOOSE A NEUTRAL TERRITORY
Choose an area for the dogs to meet where there are no fights for territory.
DO NOT INTRODUCE A NEW PUPPY IN RED FLAG ZONES
A negative example of where NOT to introduce a puppy would be the kitchen.
Kitchens are full of temptations such as food bowls and treats. You don’t want the dogs to go after each other’s food and end up having sibling rivalry.
CHOOSE NEUTRAL GROUNDS
It is best to introduce your new puppy to your dog in an area that neither dog knows too well, such as a quiet park or friend’s house, in a fenced backyard (with no other dogs present).
Putting two new dogs in the same room when the resident dogs already have ‘ownership’ of the home could lead to the resident dog feeling resentful right off the bat- which could result in some territorial behavior.
KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET
Older dogs and especially a senior dog will have way less stamina than your new pup.
Do not ever expect your existing dog to ‘babysit’ your new pup. Your current dog is just that- your dog- do not turn them into puppy raisers!
You- the owner- made the decision to bring home a wild, spunky, energetic puppy. Your senior dog is going to be TIRED after just a few minutes.
Before you see your existing dog show body language of being annoyed and tired- grab your puppy and head for the crate.
Crate training requires a LOT of practice, so why not get started now?
Using treats and a fun, excited voice, practice showing some fun and energetic body language with your pup nearby the crate. Throw a treat inside and see if they’ll go in after it.
If you’ve properly introduced the crate and made it a happy place- your puppy will be more likely to ‘self soothe’ and not cry or fuss when you put them in there for some down time.
Introducing a new puppy to an existing dog doesn’t just stop after the dogs meet.
Dogs need quality time and patience to grow into being best friends. And most of all- older dogs need SPACE!
Keeping your puppy inside a confined area, away from your other dog/dogs, is a fantastic way to teach your puppy that not only do they need to stay calm- but they also need to be QUIET.
You can use baby gates, x-pens, or even a dog crate to help confine your puppy when you’re not able to watch them like a hawk and you want to give your dog a break.
ONE-ON-ONE TIME WITH ADULT DOGS
At times, when bringing home a young puppy, some dogs struggle to understand why there is a new dog in the home.
The new dog is suddenly taking all of your attention away from them. This is a scary feeling for some dogs and they may start to act out or become destructive.
Be sure to give your other dogs extra attention and love during this time- even if it means getting up earlier in the morning or staying up later at night.
They need to know that they are still your number one and that you haven’t forgotten about them.
A great way to show your puppy some love is through positive reinforcement- such as treats, petting, and verbal praise.
Make sure to give your puppy a ton of verbal praise whenever they display any type of good behavior- no matter how small it may be!
And there you have it! These are just a few tips to help make the transition from one dog to two (or more) as smooth as possible.
Remember- every dog is different and will require a different amount of time, patience, and training in order to successfully live together in harmony.
But with a little bit of guidance and a whole lot of love- you’re sure to have happy, furry family members in no time!
Since training is a lifelong practice, what better time to work with your adult dog AND your new puppy than when you’ve just brought home your new pup?
Set aside time each day to do some training with both your pup and your older dog.
You may be surprised at how much your new puppy learns from watching your older dog practice some of the basic commands- such as sit, stay, come, and down.
Training is a great way to help your dogs bond and build a positive relationship with one another.
An adult dog will require different treats than your new puppy, so be sure to do some research as to which treats are best for your new dog and your older dog.
Most dogs love to work hard for treats- and this can be a great way to help your new puppy learn some basic commands while also giving your older dog some much-needed attention.
WATCH BODY LANGUAGE
Dogs communicate with their bodies! They can’t speak English, after all.
When you bring your puppy home into your house for the first time, and everyday after, you will want to play close attention to the communication that your dogs are demonstrating with their bodies.
SIGNS OF STRESS:
TAIL TUCKED
EARS BACK
YAWNING
LICKING LIPS
When you see any of these signs in your dogs- take a step back and help your dogs avoid territorial behavior.
Separating your dogs in different rooms can help make it a more positive experience when they do spend quality time together.
Every dog does need a break from one another, but especially senior dogs or an older dog.
Make sure to have a space in your home, in completely different rooms, where each dog can relax and feel comfortable without the other dog present. This will help to avoid any conflict or stress between your dogs.
If you decide to give your dogs some special bones or chew toys, make sure to set them up for success.
Give your puppy their own bone or chew in their own space, and do the same for your adult dog.
If your pup tries to steal your older dog’s chew toy repetitively, they may start to be annoyed at the pup, and this can cause behavioral issues such as guarding or reactivity.
INTRODUCING YOUR PUPPY TO OTHER ADULT DOGS OUTSIDE OF YOUR FAMILY
It is important that your puppy have adult dogs as role models.
But, what kind of role models are you choosing?
Pick wisely which adult dogs you allow your puppy to play with and interact with.
Only allow your new pup to play with adult dogs whom you completely trust.
Never allow your pup to play with unvaccinated dogs. Choose an adult dog who you know is up to date on their vaccines. If you are not sure if the dog is up to date, you should ask the owner.
Encourage your puppy to play with adult dogs who have the same play styles as ‘puppy energy’ and enjoy playing with puppies.
Choose an older dog that you’ve already met countless times- like a friend or family member.
Your puppy relies on you to provide them with positive experiences interacting with other dogs. Make sure to set your puppy up for success by choosing the right adult dogs for them to interact with.
PUPPIES NEED TO GET EXERCISE
One great way to set up both your puppy and your current dog for success is to make sure your puppy is getting the exercise it needs.
A tired puppy is a good puppy.
Puppies need a lot of exercise- at least two hours a day. This may seem like a lot, but it should be easily broken up into smaller sessions at proper times throughout the day.
A tired puppy is less likely to have the energy to jump on and annoy your current dog.
Plus, if your puppy is properly exercised, they will be less likely to guard their food bowl or toys from your current dog.
So, make sure to get out there and tire out your pup! Both you and your current dog will be happy you did.
IS INTRODUCING A PUPPY TO AN OLDER DOG HARD?
Puppies are a lot of work- but they can also be a lot of fun for both you and your older dog!
If you think your older dog is stressed, try moving a little slower with the introductions.
Give your older dog time to adjust to the new puppy in their home. It may take a few days, or even weeks, but eventually they will warm up to their new furry friend.
Just be patient and take things at your older dog’s pace. Never force them to interact with the puppy if they do not want to.
With a little patience and some extra exercise, introducing a puppy to an older dog can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family!
Grain-free options are all the rage at natural pet food stores. Is a grain-free diet for dogs healthier than something with rice, corn, oats, or wheat? Should you feed your dog grain-free? Does grain-free food resolve allergy symptoms such as itching, ear infections, and hot spots?
Feeding grain-free foods to dogs has gained significant popularity in recent years, driven by human diet trends of eliminating grains from the diet. Many pet owners are drawn to this trend, thinking it aligns with a more natural and ancestral canine diet. However, the decision to go grain-free should be made with careful consideration and an understanding of the potential implications.
In this article, we will dig into the concept of grain-free diets for dogs, exploring the reasons behind this dietary choice (including going grain-free for allergies), the pros and cons, and the essential factors to keep in mind when deciding if it’s the right choice for your pet.
Is Grain Free Dog Food Lower Carb?
Contrary to common belief, grain-free dog food is not necessarily low in carbohydrates.
While the term “grain-free” suggests the absence of grains like wheat, corn, or rice, it doesn’t guarantee a reduction in carbohydrate content. In many cases, grain-free dry dog foods replace grains (and often some of the meat, too) with alternative carbohydrate sources such as peas, lentils, or potatoes. These ingredients can be just as, if not more so, carbohydrate-rich.
(Authors note: we realize the DCM “debate” is a controversial one. We are a science-backed blog and cite resources, not propaganda on this topic).
This means that a grain-free diet might not be the solution for pet owners seeking to provide a low-carb or “keto” option for their dogs.
Not only that, but there is this misguided belief out there that grain free dog foods, in removing the grains, have more meat. This is a myth that could not be farther from the truth! Grain free dog foods have the same, or less meat content than kibbles that contain grains.
Understanding the ingredients and nutritional content of grain-free dog food, as well as how pet food formulation works, is essential to make informed choices that align with science, research, and your dog’s dietary needs.
Grain-Free Diet for Dogs 101
Grain-free dog food can come in many forms, and won’t contain common grains such as corn, oats, wheat, or rice:
Grain-free kibble
Freeze-dried raw
Grain-free canned food
Raw-coated grain-free kibble
Air-dried dog food
“Fresh” dog food
Home-cooked pet recipes
Prey-model raw
Grain-free kibble dog food diets became popular in the early 2000s. At that time, there was a lot of debate surrounding the benefits and drawbacks of grains for both animals and for people.
Canine health and dog food trends tend to closely follow human diet trends! For example, in 2022 we are seeing a huge rise in the popularity of “fresh”, “keto”, “paleo”, “vegan”, “cricket-based”, and “whole foods” dog food diets.
Oftentimes, our scientific understanding of these trends is way behind our actual use of them; which can be dangerous and devastating for a dog’s diet.
Remember when eggs and avocados were considered ‘unhealthy foods’? That’s a trend we now know was wildly incorrect and damaging. Just take a look at human diet trends and toxic diet culture in general!
Tread cautiously with trends.
What are common grains in dog food?
Common grains in dog food include:
Rice, brewers rice, brown rice
Corn
Wheat
Oats
Barley
Sorghum
Quinoa
Other “ancient grains” such as amaranth, millet, and rye
Grain-free foods will not contain those items. All kibbles require a starch of some kind to bind the ingredients together, whether the starch is grain-based (rice), or not (lentils). All dry kibbles contain carbohydrates, in other words.
It is a myth that ingredients such as corn or rice are “fillers”. This unfortunately misunderstanding is driven by profit driven social influencers, pet stores, and small food brands that make their money by generating fear and anxiety about pet food through misinformation.
Corn, often a subject of debate in pet food ingredients, is actually be a quality component in many pet food formulations. First and foremost, it is a highly digestible source of carbohydrates, which can provide a steady supply of energy for dogs and cats. It is more digestible than beef (truth!) and is a good source of essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To respond to the “grain-free” trend, pet food manufacturers figured out how to replace common grains with grain-free carbohydrates such as lentils, garbanzo beans, peas, and potatoes. Many grain-free kibbles are literally loaded with these ingredients.
Unfortunately, the carbs included in grain free kibbles have much less data, research, and studies associated with them. On paper they seem to work from a ‘nutritional’ standpoint, but in practice there seems to be problems.
Biovailability and the complex interplay of nutrients in dog food make a big difference on whether or not a food is truly healthy for your pet.
Do dogs need grain in their diet?
There is a lot of conflicting information about whether or not dogs need grains in their diet at all.
If a dog is offered a whole prey animal to eat, it will rip into the meat, bone, cartilage, and organs (yes, the by-products!) and consume everything, including the contents of the stomach.
Dogs by nature are scavengers and opportunists: they can and will eat just about anything offered to them. Modern pets are FAR removed from their wild ancestors; their digestive system has actually evolved and changed to process foods more commonly seen in the human diet (grains, for example).
Grains provide energy in the form of carbohydrates, not to mention they fulfill important dietary needs such as omegas, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Because kibble MUST contain some kind of starch or carbohydrate for binding, grains are a solid and nutritious choice.
Some people believe that their dog has grain or chicken allergies, however, this is rarely true.
Most of the time there are other factors at play and veterinary advice is recommend. In reality, true grain allergies in dogs are quite rare. Allergies in dogs are more commonly associated with proteins, such as those found in meat or poultry (though, chicken allergies are also a bit of a wild social media driven myth).
It’s essential to differentiate between true allergies and food sensitivities, where certain ingredients may cause gastrointestinal discomfort but are not true allergies involving the immune system. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian to accurately diagnose the issue. While some grain-free diets may have their place for specific dogs with dietary sensitivities, it’s important to base feeding choices on individual dietary needs rather than assuming that grains are the primary culprit behind canine allergies.
It’s important to note that only a veterinarian-monitored food elimination diet can definitively diagnose food allergies in dogs. Scientific study shows that blood and saliva allergy tests are wildly inconsistent and inaccurate. Save your money.
For pets that have been scientifically diagnosed with a legitimate grain allergy, choosing a well-researched food or working with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist will be key.
I did a google search with two different search terms. Each one gave me WILDLY different results.
The first one was “Is grain-free dog food bad for dogs”. This phrase produced a slew of scientific articles and information from reliable sources, including articles and studies written by highly educated people in veterinary medicine.
Every single one stated that “grain-free kibbles can be dangerous for dogs to eat” and that dogs can digest grains without any problems at all.
So, because I like to look at science and evaluate both sides of the coin, I searched again.
The second term I tried was “Is grain an inflammatory ingredient in dog food”. This produced a bunch of inflammatory (catch my drift here?) and alarmist blog posts written by bloggers with no credentials, including ‘nutritionists’ who obtained their “certification” from online correspondence courses.
They all said grains are bad, of course. But does their unscientific opinion have merit?
I think not.
As above, grain allergies are exceptionally rare. It’s been scientifically proven that dogs are easily able to digest and obtain nutrients from grains.
This is one that confuses a LOT of dog owners! I’ve even seen self-proclaimed nutrition experts have absolutely no understanding regarding this topic.
So here it is: just because a food is labeled as ‘grain-free’ does NOT mean that it is low in carbohydrates.
Grain-free dog foods are, in theory gluten free, but they are not carb free! Gluten contamination is possible unless you choose a veterinary prescription diet.
Fact: many dog foods manufactured without grains are high in legumes, peas, beans, and potatoes; all of these things are high in carbs!
If a “nutritionist” or other “expert” is telling you that “dogs don’t need carbs, choose a holisticgrain-free dog food”, RUN far away.
I said what I said.
How Grain-Free Dog Food is Made
As you may have noticed above, I mentioned how kibbles must be manufactured with some kind of carbohydrate. This is how the the final kibbles are held together. Without it, the food would just turn to dust.
Certain diets such as air-dried and ‘fresh’ foods can be made without grain or carbohydrate sources, but these diets aren’t well-researched and may lack the full spectrum of nutrients and amino acids that pets need.
Ingredients in grain-free dog food
In grain-free kibble foods, rice, oats, wheat, or corn is replaced by peas, potatoes, garbanzo beans, lentils, and other similar plant-based proteins and carbohydrates.
Legumes, peas, and potatoes have very different amino acid and digestibility profiles than other more researched carbohydrates such as rice, corn, and oats. It’s not a cup-for-cup replacement.
Here are some examples of common inclusions in ‘fancy’, ’boutique’, grain-free or grain-inclusive dog foods:
Deboned meat. This can include things such as ‘fresh deboned chicken’, ‘roasted deboned lamb’, or ‘deboned fish’, which appeal to American dietary tastes. While these ingredients are not harmful and sound healthy, it’s important to keep in mind that dogs need bone, organ and cartilage in their diet.
Not just muscle meat, which contains only a small percentage of the actual nutrition dogs get from other parts of the animal (the ‘by-products’).
But wait, there is more!
Deboned fresh meats are 70% water. By law, companies must list ingredients by weight before extrusion.
So if you see that “fresh chicken is the first ingredient” on the label, you are likely being fooled. Especially when it comes to grain-free diets that use a lot of starchy carbs!
After extrusion, how much fresh deboned meat is really there? Around 70% less than you think.
PRO TIP: You want to see meat meals and meat by-product meals in the first ingredients. This dry, rendered product is heavy before and after extrusion, not to mention chock full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
What about veggies?
Pumpkin, Squash, Blueberries, etc. Ingredients like this are often considered to be nothing more than ‘fairy dust’ by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Like fresh meat, these ingredients are mostly water. By the time they are extruded there isn’t much left. Plus, they may displace room in the composition of the kibble for vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from better sources.
Why grain-free dog foods are not healthy
Because so many grain-free dog diets have replaced a significant amount of meat with peas, potatoes, lentils, and other pulses, the diet may be lacking in the correct balance of trace nutrients and amino acids.
These starchy ingredients contain protein and as a result can, in some ways, replace meat. The final kibble will still meet AAFCO nutrient profile minimums on paper.
Unfortunately, the pet food industry is a sketchy place, and not for the reasons that you think.
What is ingredient splitting?
Ingredient splitting is a common practice, for example!
This is when companies will take an ingredient such as peas and split it up on the ingredients list.
Peas, pea protein, pea fiber, pea flour, and pea starch are things you may notice. Or green lentils, red lentils, yellow peas, green peas.
This splitting allows manufacturers to trick you into believing the food has more meat in it than it actually does, and is a COMMON practice of boutique and grain-free dog food brands.
Some people believe that grain-free dog diets contain more meat than what is seen in grain-inclusive diets.
They believe this because of marketing, and because of the assumption that the grains taken out of the food are replaced with meat.
Oops! Grain free diets are actually quite often loaded with pulses and legumes to replace the grains, not meat.
Dogs need meat, bone, organ, tissue, fat, skin, and cartilage in their diet. Many of these things are considered ‘by-products’. By-products are great in a dog’s diet, but marketing has made them into a dirty word.
Grain-free dog foods are not, in fact, higher in meat nor are they necessarily healthier for your dog.
We believe that correctly balanced kibbles will have meat meal and meat by-product meal as a primary protein source, paired with well-researched healthy grains such as rice, corn, and oats for energy and nutrients.
Here is our list of grain-inclusive foods for large breed dogs:
This belief is backed by science coming from board-certified veterinary nutritionists and the top veterinary institutes and organizations in the Country.
Heart disease is just one proven complication of feeding a poorly formulated diet. You may have heard this from people and veterinarians who tell you to stay away from grain-free foods because of the risk of DCM!
The nutritional relationship to DCM is well documented. Many pet food manufacturers have had to adjust their formulas in the past.
For example, once veterinary nutritionists learned that cats couldn’t reliably synthesize their own taurine, an essential amino acid, it was added to food and the problem was solved.
Taurine deficiency causes heart disease in dogs and cats. However, the veterinary community does not currently see taurine deficiency as the primary cause of the current nutrition-DCM speculations.
Dog breeds genetically prone to canine dilated cardiomyopathy include Great Danes, Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, and Cocker Spaniels.
Secondary DCM can be caused by unbalanced nutrition, and as above, it is well documented.
Several board-certified veterinary cardiologists have reported an alarming increase in dogs with no known genetic predisposition to DCM showing up with the disease.
Many of these dogs diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy dcm presented with very few symptoms!
Dilated cardiomyopathy is often a silent killer and will take the lives of dogs who had been playing, eating and enjoying life normally just minutes before.
Adding grains or taurine does not fix this problem; as they say, you cannot supplement your way out of a bad diet!
It is believed that the consequences of feeding poorly balanced diets are grossly under-represented, and that many more dogs would have been diagnosed with heart disease had they lived long enough or had a post-mortem autopsy completed.
90% of the dogs reported with DCM, following scientific observation and diagnosis by a board certified veterinary cardiologist, were eating grain-free dog food, indicating a strong potential dietary link.
It doesn’t matter what you hear and from whom, there absolutely is a problem here. Heart disease is terrifying, and we believe that dog owners should be cautious and base their opinions here on the most up to date science.
An FDA investigation was launched, and since then the discussion has become hotbed of misinformation.
The FDA actually released a statement citing that grain-free diets may not specifically be the issue. People misinterpreted this statement as a resolution of what they believed to have been financially biased, corporate-driven data and ran with it.
This happened despite the fact that 1000’s of reports submitted by veterinarians and dog owners around the Country indicate that BEG diets (boutique, exotic, grain free) foods are causing health problems and heart failure.
Naysayers often cite that the “original studies were bonk” and that “grain free and BEG diets are safe and healthy” as a result, furthering the divide with statements that are not backed by facts or science.
That doesn’t mean there is no problem, however.
The correlation is now believed to be within dog foods where no on-staff board-certified veterinary nutritionists formulate the diet, and/or where a significant nutrient source includes peas, legumes, potatoes, beans, or pulses.
Both grain-free AND grain-inclusive diets are to blame, in other words!
Commonly implicated brands include:
Fromm
Victor
Orijen/Acana
Diamond (including Costco and Nutra-Nuggets)
Earthborn and Unrefined
4 Health
Taste of the Wild
Solid Gold
Rachel Ray
Nutrisource
Nutro
and many others
FACT: None of those brands have a qualified individual formulating, testing, and researching their diets.
Fromm, for example, has a chemical engineer creating recipes. Victor uses a guy with an online certification in dairy cattle nutrition. Diamond uses proprietary software to spit out a formula, and has the results checked off by a team of consultants.
That is where the problem ultimately lies.
Nutritional DCM is the direct result of ‘health’ food marketing and pet food shaming, which was designed to turn people away from the big-5 science-backed brands and promote the sales of poorly balanced, untested, and grossly under-researched boutique diets.
Think about this for a moment. We’ve all be scammed by the dog food industry.
Keep in mind that there is a difference between a ‘nutritionist’ and a ‘board certified veterinary nutritionist’.
The former are generally people who obtained certifications from online nutrition courses and smaller pet food manufacturers.
The later are veterinarians who obtained several years of additional study and then a board certification in small animal nutrition. Personally, I trust science and people who are highly educated.
Veterinary nutritionists recommend a grain-inclusive diet from a company that has a full-time veterinary nutritionist on staff to formulate, test, and research the diets, participate in peer-reviewed research, and prove their formulas in feeding trials.
As of this writing, only five manufacturers meet this standard.
We believe that the best food to prevent nutritional DCM based congestive heart failure is a grain-inclusive diet from an established, science-backed company. These foods have been proven to reduce and at times eliminate heart disease in dogs that had been diagnosed with nutritional DCM!
Here is our list of the best foods for giant breeds, including Great Danes.
Giant breed dog toys can be hard to find! One minute you order a ‘giant size toy ball’, and the next it shows up the size of a ping pong ball. What just happened?! You thought you were ordering a durable dog toy, when in reality you just bought a choking hazard.
If you’re the proud owner of a giant breed dog, you know that they require a lot of exercise and stimulation. Toys are a great way to keep your pooch entertained and out of trouble.
But with such a big personality, it can be tough to find the right toy for them. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best options for giant breed dogs!
What are the biggest giant breed dog toys?
Dog toys are hard enough to find in the first place. But big dog toys that are designed for big dogs are even harder to find!
We put together a few of the best big dog toys, rope toys, tennis balls and more for your large breed dog.
THE BIGGEST LARGE BREED DOG ROPE TOYS:
This chew toy is perfect for big dogs who love a sturdy toy that is made for large dogs.
The size of this rope was definitely designed for a large dog in mind. If your dog’s favorite toys include ropes and their favorite games include tug of war, be sure to check out this great toy for giant breeds:
THE WOBBLE WAG INTERACTIVE TOY FOR GIANT BREEDS OR LARGE DOGS
If your big dog loves interactive games but you can’t seem to find one their own size, this is the toy for you!
This giant breed dog toy is a great way to keep your pooch entertained and mentally stimulated. The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball features an internal maze that will keep your dog’s attention while they try to figure out how to get the ball to make noise.
It’s also durable and matches your pup’s play style AND size! Pet parents have reported that their dog LOVES this toy which is made from a durable nylon.
KONG TOYS FLYING DISK FOR GIANT BREEDS
This dog toy will serve not only to play fetch easily for larger dogs, but it is made from industrial strength rubber, keeping it protected from any aggressive chewer.
Larger breeds have larger mouths and with that comes more biting and even more drool. This disk is great for easy cleaning and dogs love to chase after it too.
What is the best chew toy for big dogs?
Superchewer (from Barkbox) makes a monthly subscription just for extra large dogs or hard chewers with strong jaws.
Power chewers are no joke! Smaller dogs can manage with the regular ‘Bark Box’ subscription, but extra large dogs, dogs weighing about 70 lbs or above, or dogs who just love to chew and destroy their toys should opt for the Super Chewer subscription.
Not only are they durable, but they are absolutely adorable and they occasionally send plush toys, squeaky toys, or treats all to keep your big pup busy. These are excellent for aggressive chewers and all of the toys are made from non toxic materials.
Bark Box offers Super Chewer monthly themed boxes delivered to your door with adorable toys and best of all- they are made for SUPER CHEWERS! Click here to check them out.
It has a unique shape that dogs love to chew on, making it one of the best toys for a large dog.
If you have a hard time getting your big dog to let you brush their teeth, try sticking some dental sticks inside of this toy- you’ll get their teeth clean all while they play!
What is the best toy for a large dog?
Each big dog has a different personality and loves to play with different types of toys. But, we’ve categorized toys into some of the many different, great toys and we’re going to give you the best of each category.
The categories we’re ranking are: The best rubber ball, the best tennis balls, the best plush toys, and the best dog chews.
THE BEST RUBBER BALL FOR BIG DOGS
Chuck-it is one of the best toys for large dogs. It has a durable rubber material and we consider it an ultra ball for a big dog.
Make sure to get the ‘Chuck it’ chucker that goes along with it if your big dog loves to run.
Large dogs hardly ever get to find something that is suitable for their own size. That is one reason pet owners love giant tennis balls.
These tennis balls are AWESOME for gentle giants who love to run and chase balls. Any big dog will get so excited at the thought of a tennis ball that is actually made for large breeds!
We love this octopus, squeaky toy for large breeds.
Not only does it have a unique shape that is intriguing for large dogs, but it also is durable for aggressive chewers.
If you have a big dog, always be sure to monitor them when they are playing with a plush toy. The natural cotton inside of any plush toy can be very dangerous for any dog, even if it is nontoxic.
Large dogs and giant breed dogs require lots of stimulation, exercise and engagement.
If you are having a busy day and don’t have the time to take your big dog outside for quite as long, it is helpful to have engagement toys on hand to keep them busy and happy.
TREAT DISPENSING PUZZLES
Some toys for large dogs dispense treats when your big dog presses a button.
Pet owners (and dog trainers) love these toys, because it can help to keep your gentle giant engaged and help them work hard mentally.
This one requires your dog to press a button before the treat will be dispensed. Large breed dogs are NOT always couch potatoes. By providing dog toys that help to stimulate your dog, they will be more of a gentle giant and less of a giant pain in the butt!
FEED YOUR DOG WITH A DOG TOY MADE FOR LARGE BREED DOGS
Some of the best big dog toys serve multiple purposes: having fun AND feeding your dog!
For dog’s who love brain games, providing a tough dog toy that not only allows them to work hard for their meal, but also engages their brain, is a win/win.
Food puzzles do just that. They are usually choking hazard free, but if you have aggressive chewers it is best to stay and monitor the dog toy as your dog uses it.
Check them out here:
What are the best outdoor toys for dogs?
From tug of war to chew toys, dog owners love it when their dogs play outside. It keeps the mess out of the kitchen and tires your doggo out!
But, what are the best toys for big puppers to play with outside?
Dog owners agree that there are some top contestants.
The Kong Extreme Dog Toy (found here) is one of the best big dog toys. Not only are Kong products able to be used as a dog chew toy (indestructible!) but they can serve as a fetch toy or war toy, depending on what kind of dog you have!
Dog owners will agree that if you are looking for big dog toys, the Kong extreme dog toy is one chew toy that you should invest in.
Shop here:
How do I keep my dog entertained outside?
Chew toys are not the only way that you can keep your dog entertained outside.
Did you know that sniffing is one of the best ways to tire your dog out?
Dogs have 220 million smell receptors in their noses, which is 40 times more than what humans have.
This means that dogs can smell up to one trillion different smells! When your dog is outside, they are constantly sniffing and trying to identify all of the different scents around them.
This uses a lot of energy and can tire your pup out quickly.
So, the next time you are looking for ways to keep your big dog entertained outside, try taking them on a walk or hike instead of just letting them in the backyard.
You may be surprised at how tired they become from all of the sniffing!
How do you keep a dog entertained in a small area?
If your dog is getting tired of their toys and you’re looking for ways to tire them out, try the ‘grass scavenger hunt’ game.
Just simply take your dog outside with their kibble, and throw their kibble into the grass. Make sure to scatter it all over the grass.
SIDENOTE: Make sure that there are no toxic pesticides in the grass prior to this activity. Dirt/etc are all nontoxic and it will be fine if your dog eats a little bit of grass and dirt, however the same is not true with pesticides!
Once you and your dog have scattered the kibble, simply let your dog ‘hunt’ for the food!
This activity will let your dog use their natural scavenging instincts, and will likely tire them out quickly.
SNUFFLE MAT LARGE DOG TOY FOR STIMULATION
Another way to keep your dog entertained in a small area is by using a ‘snuffle mat’.
A snuffle mat is basically a mat with fabric ‘strings’ attached to it. You can put your dog’s kibble/treats inside of these dog toys to help the dog have to work and engage their brain in order to find the food.
To find a snuffle mat or dog toys similar, click here:
Sometimes, dog toys are meant to be played with outside!
Dog owners need some space and even more so, dogs need to spend time outside getting some fresh air.
A good fetch toy is a must for dog owners who have the luxury of having a nice yard.
So, what are the best dog toys for spending time outside?
DOG TOYS TO GET YOUR BIG DOG RUNNING
The Chuckit! Ball Launcher (found here) is a great toy for dogs who love to fetch. This toy makes it easy for you to throw the ball far without having to put any extra effort in, and dogs love it!
This is a great way to keep your dog entertained while also getting some exercise.
CHEW TOYS FOR DOG’S TEETH
The Benebone dog chew toy is good for dog’s teeth because it helps to clean their teeth and massage their gums.
This dog toy is made out of durable nylon and has a ‘bone’ shape that dogs love. It’s also infused with bacon flavor to make it extra enticing for your pup!
Not all dog’s love the same large dog toy, tug of war, or playing fetch.
There are other toys available for dogs who are on the go or love to dig.
If you have a digger, sometimes it is best to set up a station or area that your dog can go to when they want to dig.
You can put some of their favorite toys in this spot, or even just bury their toy in the sand/dirt so that they have to work a little bit harder to get it out.
This will help to simulate their natural digging instincts while also giving them something to do that they won’t get in trouble for.
If your dog is destroying their toys, it may be a good idea to get them some tougher/more durable toys that will last longer. Or, you can try to engage their brain more by hiding their favorite toy around the house or yard so that they have to ‘hunt’ for it.
You can also try to work on some training with your dog so that they have something else to focus their energy on.
All dogs are different, so you may have to experiment a bit to find what works best for your pup! If all else fails, there’s always the option of exercise! Exercise usually works better than any dog toy at wearing your pup out.
HOW TO STOP MY DOG FROM DESTROYING A TOY
There are a few things that you can do to try and help your dog from destroying their toys.
First, try and get them some durable toys that are made specifically for dogs who like to destroy things. Kong makes a good line of these types of dog toys. Check out some of them here:
Second, try to rotate their toys so that they don’t get bored with the same toy. This will help to keep their interest in the toys and they are less likely to destroy something that they are still interested in.
And lastly, make sure that you give them plenty of chew toys and bones to help satisfy their need to chew!
IS IT POSSIBLE TO FIND A DOG TOY THAT IS MADE FOR A LARGE DOG?
Although most brands make dog toys that are smaller and not suitable for large dogs, it is definitely possible to find a dog toy that your big pup will love.
We hope that you have gotten some suggestions in this blog post on the best dog toys for large dogs. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below!
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!
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!
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!
Are Great Danes good for Beginners?
We believe that Great Danes can make excellent family pets and incredible dogs for many people.
The most common reasons why Great Danes are often surrendered to rescue include:
Aggression, which is largely related to genetics and poor socialization
Out-of-control behavior, which is related to poor socialization, poor enrichment, poor handling, and poor training
Grew too large, which is related primarily to a lack of education about Great Danes and their size
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
How to choose the best prong collar for your Great Dane.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
Merrick Power Bites Natural Grain Free Gluten Free Soft & Chewy Chews Soft Dog Treats
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.
Stewart Freeze Dried Dog Treats, Beef Liver, Healthy, Natural, Single Ingredient, Grain Free Dog Treat, Liver Treats for Dogs, Resealable Tub Or Pouch
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!
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.
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!
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.
Spot Farms Chicken Apple Sausage Healthy All Natural Dog Treats Human Grade Made in USA 12.5 oz
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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:
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)!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
“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.“
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Deformitiescan 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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
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.
Are you wondering if Great Danes are good with kids and babies?
They are MASSIVE dogs, but are they really gentle with children?
We believe that Great Danes make great pets for families with children, but you might want to learn a bit about this huge dog breed before committing.
They are gentle giants and love to play and cuddle, chase, run, zoomie, and…steal kids’ stuffies.
In this blog post, we will discuss the temperament of Great Danes and whether or not they are good with kids and babies.
We will also provide some tips on how to raise a Great Dane if you do decide to get one!
Are Great Danes Good with Kids and Babies?
Let’s dig in! We’ve included a helpful table of contents below:
All About Great Danes
If you are new to Great Danes, you might be wondering what they are all about.
This breed is loyal, loving, and protective of its family. Danes are an affectionate breed that is also very intelligent.
Many people believe Danes are couch potatoes. This is a myth! A lot of Great Danes are actually very active, athletic dogs. What they DO have, however, is an off-switch!
When they aren’t running and playing, they love to lounge and keep the couch (and your lap) warm.
Great Dane Temperament
You may have heard from others that Great Danes are timid, aggressive, shy, or scared of everything.
This is simply not true!
Great Danes are gentle giants who love nothing more than to cuddle with their humans. They are also playful and silly and will make you laugh on a daily basis.
The Great Dane is an intelligent, gentle, breed and they can be easy to train if you start young and help them understand proper behavior.
The truth is that a timid, aggressive, fearful or overly anxious Great Dane is not normal. We’re providing resources below on how to find a Great Dane that will be a great fit for your family!
Great Danes are the tallest of all dog breeds, and they are also one of the heaviest.
Males can weigh up to 175 pounds (79 kg) and females can weigh up to 150 pounds (68 kg).
Their height ranges from 28-34 inches (71-86 cm), with males being taller, averaging as tall as 37″ at the shoulder!
Because they are so big, it is important to work on obedience training so that your new Great Dane and your kids can interact safely. There is nothing worse than having a human-sized dog pull on the lead or jump on guests (or your kids)!
Danes are highly intelligent dogs that thrive on human interaction. Well-bred, well-socialized, and well-trained Great Danes generally love being around young children and will be calm, friendly, and tolerant.
We’ve included Dane puppy training tips below so that you can raise a good family dog that is loved by everybody in the house, including the young kids.
Don’t be afraid of their size, Great Danes truly are gentle giants.
Finding the right dog for your family may take some time and effort on your part. It’s important that you do your research to find a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs and raises them in a loving home environment.
We’ve put together some tips on what to look for when choosing a Great Dane puppy that will be a good fit for your family.
Choosing an ethical breeder
If you are looking for a Great Dane puppy to add to your family, choosing the right breeder can mean the difference between an excellent family pet and a nightmare.
A well-bred Great Dane puppy will be confident, friendly, calm, mature, and easy to train.
A poorly-bred Great Dane puppy will be timid, nippy, destructive, anxious, and riddled with health problems.
Choose a breeder that meets the following criteria, with no exceptions:
Full health testing of both parents, including heart, hips, eyes, and thyroid. Verify this at www.ofa.org (Pro Tip: MOST breeders will fail at this key point!)
Keeps puppies with litter mates until 8-10 weeks of age and utilizes ENS and puppy culture to socialize them
Has excellent parents who are beautifully structured and proven in dog shows, obedience/training, or therapy work
Will support you and your puppy for the life of the dog
Raises the puppies around other animals, children, etc. Not in a barn or on a tile floor with no interaction outside of that.
There are many great family dogs of all ages in need of homes, and reputable rescues will be focused on finding you the right fit.
When adopting a Dane, look for a rescue that:
Takes the time to get to know you and your family before placing a dog with you.
Has resources to educate you with modern information about owning, loving, and caring for Great Danes, including proper training techniques, nutrition and more.
Will support you and your dog for the life of the dog, including if things don’t work out for some reason.
We aren’t here to scare you, but you should know why this happens and how to prevent dog bites. Most Great Danes are exceptionally tolerant and gentle, however, they can still accidentally hurt a child.
Your children’s safety matters most.
It’s so important to teach your kids how to be safe around dogs, even if the dog is a family member. It’s also important to understand dog body language, so you can intervene before anything bad happens!
Here are some tips on keeping your kids safe around dogs:
Teach your children to never sit on, lay on, or climb on your Great Dane. While this may be cute, it can be harmful to your dog and may result in growling, nipping, snapping, and even bites.
Make sure your kids never take food, bones, or toys from the dog. They should not be playing in the food bowl or trying to pet your puppy while your dog is eating.
Do not allow your kids to approach a dog that is sleeping, as a startled dog may respond aggressively.
Encourage your children to maintain a calm presence around dogs. Squealing, screaming, and throwing things can make puppies see them as a threat, or as if they are other dogs to play with and tackle.
Did you know that the idea of ‘nanny dogs’ is a myth?
While Great Danes are often gentle and loving with children, you still need to supervise when they are together.
‘Nanny Dogs’ is something of a marketing term, used to sell Great Danes (and other powerful breeds) to families with small children.
The bottom line is that all dogs are individuals. Some will be better with kids than others, and some will have zero patience for them.
It’s important that you do your research before getting any dog, especially if you have small children in the home!
If you are bringing a baby home, it’s important to get your house (and your Great Dane) ready!
Make sure your Dane has a dedicated space to get away from loud noises (such as babies crying).
Put a plan in place to make sure that your dog receives enough exercise and enrichment during the first few weeks of having the baby home. You can hire a dog walker or ask a friend for help.
Before the baby comes home, play baby noises on your phone at low volume, and toss high-value treats on the ground.
Your dog will have a positive association with this sound by the time you bring the baby home!
When it comes time to introduce them to each other, keep your Great Dane on a leash and allow a quick sniff, then redirect, reward, and praise. Do not allow hovering, licking, pawing, or whining.
It is important that you work on your puppy training from day one. Never let your new Great Dane practice behaviors that you don’t want to see when they weigh 140lbs!
This includes jumping, running away, chasing the kids, pulling on a leash, stealing, and counter surfing.
Remember that good training is 90% YES! If you are spending a lot of time shouting ‘NO’ or STOP’, think about how you can flip that around. Teach more YES behaviors.
We believe that for Great Danes and kids to coexist beautifully, it’s important the dog is taught a few key things. Great family pets are part genetics, part training. Unwanted behavior from large dogs can actually be dangerous!
A bored, under-enriched, poorly trained giant breed dog with pent-up energy will be difficult to live with, no matter what. So get out the treats and start working with your new pet.
We recommend teaching Great Danes from an early age, the following obedience commands:
Down (so they don’t hover over and intimidate children)
Leave it (so you can redirect them away from children, food, and toys)
Off (so you can tell them to get OFF the couch of OFF your lap)
Place (so they have a safe spot to go where they aren’t chasing your kids)
Come (so they can be off-leash and enjoy family life with you)
The more time you can spend rewarding these behaviors, the more times your puppy will repeat them and respond enthusiastically to your commands.
This is how you create dependable dogs who love being with you and become incredible members of the family. It’s all about repetition, training, and positive socialization (check out our popular Great Dane socialization guide below).
Crate training your Great Dane puppy means that your puppy will be given a safe, kid-free space and YOU will be given a safe, dog-free space, too!
Overtired puppies will chase, nip, and rough house with children. Positive crate training means that your puppy will have a place to be where everybody is calm and safe.
Not all dogs love the crate at first; we recommend starting slow and encouraging positive experiences in the crate. Never allow your new puppy to ‘cry it out’.
Truly calm dogs are secure and confident, not shut down and frustrated!
Do not let your puppy practice incorrect emotional behavior in the crate. Instead, take a step back and start with shorter, more rewards-focused training sessions.
Great Dane puppy biting catches a lot of family members off guard.
They are so big and their mouths are so BIG!
The first thing to remember is that puppies bite. It is developmentally appropriate for them as they are teething and exploring the world with their mouths.
That being said, there are things we can do to help redirect this behavior:
Encourage your puppy to nap! Over-tired puppies tend to roughhouse and become inconsolably wild. See above where we talk about dog crate training; this is a major reason why!
Make sure your puppy is getting enough calm socialization, exercise, and mental stimulation throughout the day.
Provide your puppy with age-appropriate chew toys and bones. This will help redirect their need to mouth on you and your clothes.
Be consistent with rules and boundaries. Keep your puppy on a leash and redirect them away from puppy biting and playing rough.
Teach your children (and yourself) to cross your arms, sigh, turn your back, and WALK AWAY from a wild nippy Great Dane puppy!
The puppy will quickly learn that the biting game means nobody wants to play with them, and the behavior will go away.
Great Danes make excellent family dogs but you have to get past the rough play stage.
While your kids play in the yard, you may find that your puppy wants to chase, nip and jump on them. A puppy must be taught how to behave properly in this situation, as large dogs like this can accidentally hurt children (without meaning to).
We recommend that you keep your puppy on a leash while they are outside during training. This will help you to control them and stop them from chasing after your kids.
You should then use LOTS of positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior!
Practice releasing your puppy to play with the kids gently. As soon as rough play starts, say ‘uh-oh’ and bring your pup back to your side on a leash. After a few repetitions, most Great Dane puppies are smart enough to understand the rules.
Harnesses, collars, and long leashes can cause frustration or worse, orthopedic damage. A dog that is responsive off-leash will be safer on-leash, too! This kind of obedience will keep you, your kids, and your dogs safe.
When you E-Collar train your Great Dane puppy (don’t worry, it’s not a shock collar and we have TONS of resources for you) you won’t have to stress about the kids leaving a door or gate open.
Pulling on the leash, bolting out of doors, chasing after kids in the neighborhood, and jumping the fence will be a thing of the past!
Not to mention the fact that Great Dane dogs benefit greatly from being able to move and explore freely and naturally without physical restraint. 10/10, highly recommend.
Here are some additional resources on E-Collar training!
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?
The weather is heating up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about how to keep your dog cool – and entertained! Here are five dog boredom busters that will help your pup beat the heat!
If your dog is anything like mine, they love being outside. But when the temperatures start to soar, it’s important to make sure they’re staying safe and comfortable.
Dogs are notorious for getting bored easily, and you know what they say! If you don’t give a dog a job to do, they’ll find one themselves – and it’s usually not one you’re going to be happy about.
So, what can you do to keep your dog from getting bored on hot days? Here are five ideas to keep your dog entertained and cool in the summer!
Dog Boredom Busters for Hot Days
Play Doggie Search Games
This fun activity encourages calm behavior, and thoughtfulness, and can be done both indoors and out.
To play, simply hide your dog’s favorite treats or toys around the house or yard, and let them sniff them out! You can make it as easy or difficult as you like, depending on your dog’s age, size, and energy level.
For dogs that are becoming well-versed and scent and search games, you can try hiding their treats in different rooms, or even in different areas of the yard.
Here are some other search enrichment games that you can try:
Roll small treats up in a towel (your dog has to unroll the towel to get them out)
Put treats inside of an egg carton for your dog to unwrap. For dogs that make quick work of destroying things, up the difficulty level by wrapping it in gift wrap or butcher paper!
Use a muffin tin. Put a smelly treat in one of the cups. Then place tennis balls in all of the cups. Your dog has to use their nose to figure out which ball the treat is under!
Carnival game: hide a treat under one of three cups, and have your dog find it
Magic trick: hide your hands behind your back with a treat hidden in one fist. Show both fists to your dog. Encourage your dog to boop their nose or paw at the hand with the hidden treat, then reward!
As always, supervise your pet! If your dog tends to ingest things they shouldn’t, choose activities that are safer for them.
Teaching your dog a new trick is a great way to work their brain! Commit to teaching your dog one new trick each week, all summer long. Before you know it, your dog will have obtained a few fun AKC Trick titles!
Always use positive reinforcement to teach new tricks. Here are some dog trick ideas:
Spin
Take a bow
Crawl
Play dead
Open and close doors (tie a dishtowel to the knob for them to grab and pull)
Roll over
High Five
Paws UP!
Beginner dogs can start with simple tricks like sit, stay, down, come, or shake. When teaching your dog a new trick, start small. It’s important that they have a great experience and are rewarded with success!
If they are frustrated, take a step back. Use luring and lots of treats, then as they get the hang of it, fade those things out!
A fun obstacle course can help your dog build confidence and strengthen its muscles.
You can create an obstacle course indoors when it’s hot out! If you’re short on space, no problem – you can set up a simple course with just a few items.
Here’s how to get started:
First, choose the obstacles you want to include. Some ideas are:
-Hopping over things such as a broomstick on the floor
-Maneuvering in a ‘heel’ position, off-leash around balls, toys, and furniture
-Crawling under something (have the kids hold a broomstick up higher!)
-Walking along a line (use painter’s tape or washi tape on the floor)
-Jumping through a hoop (keep it low, don’t encourage high jumps)
Now, put it all together! Start with the easiest obstacle first, and help your dog through each one. Lure them with a treat and encourage them to be slow and methodical.
As they master each obstacle, add in another until you have a full course!
As always, think safety first! Active, athletic, and agile dogs will be able to do more. Some dogs need gentle activities; be smart and know your dog!
–A dog splash pad. This one is a MUST-have! We found a large version with a non-slip top, perfect for our big dogs!
Set up the waterpark in a shady spot, and as always, watch for signs that your dog is too hot! Play with your dog and encourage them to use their brains and their bodies to explore, splash and find things.
Water activities are fantastic enrichment that will help cool your dog off. However, for dogs who tend to guzzle water or inhale it, be safe and cautious here.
Pour mixture into a Kong or other toy of your choice. You can mix the ingredients together OR do it in layers for fun! Freeze the mixture in the Kong for several hours before giving it to your dog.
Frozen Pupsicles Ingredients Ideas
For this version, freeze large blocks inside disposable cups or silicone molds. Pop them out of the mold to serve.
Water, chicken bone broth, beef bone broth, goat’s milk
Pureed vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash
Cooked meat such as chicken, beef, lamb
A few favorite doggy treats
Instructions:
Fill each cup or mold with your desired ingredients and mix together or create layers. Freeze for several hours before giving it to your dog.
Pro Tip: Go easy on the goat’s milk. It can cause upset tummies if not fed in moderation! Keep treats (including doggy popsicles) to 10% or less of the overall diet.
Do not feed popsicles to dogs who are experiencing signs of heat stroke! These dogs require immediate veterinary attention.
What are your favorite ways to keep your dog entertained on hot days? Share them in the comments below!
Ingredient splitting in dog food is the dubious practice of rearranging labels to make the ingredients list look ‘healthy’. Like most dog owners, you want to ensure that your pup is eating the best nutrition possible.
How does ingredient splitting work? What does that mean, and should you be worried about your bag of pet food?
Ingredient Splitting in Dog Food: a uniquely boutique problem
The pet food industry is a growing multi-billion dollar franchise with new boutique diets popping up every single day. It is estimated that there are 300-400 new ones, each year!
Every new brand wants a piece of the pie and will say what they need to in order to gain your trust – and your money.
In this blog post, we’ll answer all of your questions about ingredient splitting in dog food and help you decide what nutrition is best for your giant breed dog!
What is Ingredient Splitting in Dog Kibble?
Ingredient splitting is when a pet food company takes a whole ingredient (for example, peas, oats, salt, or corn), and then lists it under multiple different names on the ingredients list.
This is a sneaky trick that makes the food look like it has more meat and high-quality, whole foods at the top of the ingredients list than it actually does.
Common pet food ingredients subjected to splitting
Below are some examples of common whole foods that may be split up on an ingredient list. Keep in mind that one single item, such as pea fiber, is ok. The problem is when a company uses multiple items from the whole ingredient, indicating that they are likely using splitting.
Peas may be listed as:
Peas
Whole Peas
Pea Protein
Pea Fiber
Pea Flour
Pea Starch
Green Peas
Yellow Peas
Corn may be listed as:
Corn
Corn Meal
Corn Gluten Meal
Corn Flour
Corn Starch
Whole Grain Ground Corn
Potatoes may be listed as:
Potatoes
Potato flour
Potato protein
Dried Potatoes
Whole Potatoes
Potato starch
Oats may be listed as:
Oats
Whole Oats
Oatmeal
Oat Groats
Oat Flour
Oat Fiber
Additionally, food companies may choose to use multiple versions of the same food so that each one makes up a smaller weight. Examples include:
Yellow peas, green peas, split peas
Red lentils, yellow lentils, green lentils
By turning a single, whole item into separate ingredients on paper, dog food manufacturers can artificially inflate the perception of real meat content in the food, even if it’s not the most abundant ingredient.
How Pet Food Manufacturers Fool Dog Owners
The FDA regulates what goes on pet food labels in the United States, but there are still ways for companies to manipulate their ingredient lists.
For example, a company could put ‘chicken’ as the first ingredient on their food list. But because “fresh” chicken contains roughly 70% water, it could actually be of lower content than other ingredients (once the kibble is extruded).
It would still be listed first, however, because labeling requirements state that ingredients must be listed based on their pre-cooked (water included) weight.
Ingredient splitting further ensures that chicken stays at the top, even though most of its weight and bulk of it is lost during the cooking process. Read our section on by-products below to learn more!
Water content is not required to be listed on pet food brand labels so that companies can get away with this.
Marketing in commercial dog food
The dog food industry is a multi-billion dollar market with thousands of companies fighting for market share.
To differentiate their products, pet food companies will use marketing tricks such as:
-Attractive packaging, often with photos of vegetables, fruits, and skinless, boneless fresh, or roasted meats
-Making bold claims of robust health and longevity
-“Humanizing” their ingredients (“Farm Fresh Deboned Chicken”)
-Placing large amounts of different fruits and vegetables in the ingredients list (which appeal to the consumer but do little for nutritional content)
-Using celebrity and influencer endorsements, including viral pet owners on social media, “veterinarians”, and “nutrition experts”
-Relying on unregulated marketing terms such as “holistic”, “human-grade” and “super-premium”
These tricks are NOT actually an indication of a product being “higher quality”, though people perceive it that way.
How Ingredient Splitting Math Works
Let’s do the math!
If I have 10oz of “widgets” and 8oz of Fresh Roast Beast in my kibble, by law I have to list “widgets” first (because they weigh the most, before cooking).
BUT I want people to believe that roast beast is the primary ingredient, so I break “widgets” up to keep it on the top of the list (and add some yummy-sounding ingredients in minute amounts to appeal to the customer)
10oz of “widgets” becomes (for example):
5oz of widget fiber
3oz of widget starch
2oz of widget protein
Each one has smaller pre-cooking weights that add up to the original 10oz, but because they now individually weigh less than the roast beast, they can move down the ingredients list.
Widgets as a whole, however, still outnumber the meat in the final extruded product…especially once all of the water is removed from the roast beast!
My new more ‘appetizing’ looking formula might look like this, even though the ingredients are essentially the same:
Fresh deboned roast beast, rice, widget fiber, roast beast fat, green lentils, widget starch, widgets, pumpkin, widget protein, red lentils, squash, green lentils, choline chloride, apples, fish oil, potassium chloride, vitamins & minerals.
Companies that practice ingredient splitting are not being truthful to their consumers. Savvy consumers should ask questions and move well beyond the “holistic” and “super-premium” marketing labels.
Ingredient splitting is one of the pet food industry’s biggest, most dirty marketing tricks.
Real-Life Example #1 – Ingredient Splitting
Here is an example of a boutique dog food that uses ingredient splitting to make its formula look meat-focused. This brand uses ‘premium grade’, ‘organic’, and ‘biologically appropriate’ marketing terms. They also promote that their brand has ‘meat in the first ingredient’.
Peas, pea starch, and pea protein all add up to…PEAS. We can reasonably assume that peas are ingredient #2, or even #1 by weight because both lamb tripe and fresh salmon are heavy in water (before cooking).
They have also split salt into 3 different ingredients so that it’s lower on the ingredients list than the pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, and other ‘nutritious’ foods that were included in minuscule amounts for marketing purposes.
This healthy-looking ‘holistic’ brand contains very little meat meal (meat+bone+organs) and no animal fats; two things that are, in fact, biologically appropriate.
When you learn to look past the marketing and read labels correctly, the results are shocking:
Pet Kind Tripe & Salmon Formula
Real-Life Example #2: Ingredient Splitting
See below and note the use of multiple versions of the same ingredients (red and green lentils, green and yellow peas), which is a form of ingredient splitting.
Also take note of the addition of kelp, collard greens, apples, pears, and pumpkin. These items are listed after salt on the ingredients list, indicating that they make up only a few grams per pound (or less) in the food.
The marketing on the bag makes you think that this is a healthy, well-balanced meat feast for your dog. What you are really getting may be nothing more than a bag of meat-flavored lentils, beans, and vegetables.
Lastly, in their effort to avoid the word ‘by-product meal’ (which has unfortunately negative connotations despite being incredibly nutritious), they have utilized multiple forms of kidney, liver, and tripe instead.
All of those things are in fact, by-products.
Acana Red Meat Recipe
Real-Life Example #3: Ingredient Splitting
The next example is from Earthborn Holistics Large/Giant Breed formula. The blue bag with the Great Dane on it!
This popular food in the Great Dane community is full of ingredient splitting. As you can see, this practice is not uncommon and has been made to mislead you!
By now, you may start to see the splitting happening. If not, here is the run-down.
Chicken meal is fantastic. It’s followed by rice, oatmeal and oats.
But wait, aren’t oatmeal and oats the same thing!?
They are. But by splitting them, this company effectively moved chicken fat down into the 5th spot on the ingredients list.
Some studies have shown that chicken fat in the first 4 ingredients increases the risk of deadly bloat in dogs.
EDITORS NOTE:
The only acceptable forms of chicken fat high on the list in large/giant breed foods will be from companies who use a well-sourced by-product meal in the first ingredient. This is a biologically correct inclusion with meat, organs, tissue, and bone that even after cooking will still comprise the bulk of the food and nutrition.
Royal Canin Giant Breed is a great example of this and is thus exempt from the “avoid chicken fat in the first 4 ingredients” rule.
Earthborn Holistic below has also split the salt up into multiple ingredients; many companies do this and it’s not necessarily bad (there may be a nutritional reason for the two different forms).
However, it’s important to note that this keeps marketing inclusions such as apples and cranberries higher up on the list – even though they likely make up less of the actual formula than salt.
Pet Food Industry Myths Busted
Several myths in the pet nutrition industry have been perpetrated by people with very little background in peer-reviewed, scientific canine nutrition.
By-products (often seen on the label as ‘Chicken By-Product’ or ‘Meat By-Product Meal) are catch-all terms for anything that is left over after other parts of the animal have been used.
This can include bone, beaks, feet, tendons, tissue, and internal organs; all things that some humans do not care to eat and may even find repulsive.
A meat by-product meal is the rendered version of this; all of the water and fat is removed and what is left is a nutrient-dense, pathogen-free product that, when added to pet food, can make up the bulk of the important nutrition.
Beef meal, chicken meal, and fish meal are similar products (rendered meats) that you may have seen on a food label. By-product meal is similar, nutrient-wise, to a whole-prey model raw food diet and is much more protein-rich and nutritious than ‘fresh deboned meat’.
Have you ever given a whole chicken to a dog? If you aren’t aware, dogs will eat the WHOLE THING. Eyes, feet, organs, bone, meat, blood, and yes, the beak.
These items are necessary for good health and nutrition in our canine companions.
So don’t let the word “by-product” fool you. If you feed your dog pig ears, bully sticks, freeze-dried liver treats, or chicken feet, you are feeding your dog by-products!
As a rendered item, by-product meals already have the moisture removed before extruding. So unlike fresh muscle meat, if they are heavy before cooking, they still will be after they become kibble, too.
Real-life example
Below is a traditionally “scary-looking” ingredients list with a by-product meal as the first ingredient.
Marketing has taught us to view this label as ‘garbage’ or ‘junk’.
Influencers ‘flip the bag’ and teach us to be disgusted and alarmed.
BUT:
Each ingredient is different, from a different source, and has a different purpose. Because a by-product meal is a nutrient-dense dry product before cooking, it remains at the top of the list without any ingredient splitting needed to keep it there.
It may be tempting to choose the Acana formula (from the real-life example above) that contains healthy-sounding lentils, kelp, pumpkin, and multiple meat sources.
However, don’t be fooled! This Royal Canindiet below very likely contains more actual nutrition from meat than the Acana ‘Red Meat Recipe’ from above.
The more you know!
Royal Canin Giant Breed Adult
Does dog kibble contain slaughterhouse waste?
This is a myth that has been perpetuated by people with very low actual credibility.
The fact of the matter is that there are laws in place (regulated by the FDA) regarding the sourcing, control, and quality of ingredients that are processed into dog and cat food.
The FDA has a zero-tolerance policy for any adulterated products (including drugs, cosmetics, and feed) that enter the marketplace. It’s time to lay this myth to rest.
Grain-free diets have become super popular because of, you guessed it, marketing.
People see the words “grain-free” and think that it means healthier when in reality, it just means… grain-free.
There is no nutritional evidence to support the claim that grain-free diets are any healthier for dogs than diets that contain grains.
In fact, the FDA has identified a link between untested boutique dog foods (often “grain-free”) and an alarming increase in life-threatening heart problems in dogs.
How to Choose an Ethical Pet Food Company
When looking for an ethical pet kibble company, look for these key things:
-A full-time board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist (DACVN or ACVN) on staff (not “consults with” or “works with”, but employs)
-The use of AAFCO food trials to substantiate their formulation in real life, not just on paper
The WSAVA is the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
They are an organization of over 200,000 veterinarians in over 100 countries who are dedicated to improving the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide.
The WSAVA has a Nutrition Toolkit that provides comprehensive resources for pet owners and veterinarians on how to choose a pet food and what to look for on the label.
The WSAVA does NOT endorse or approve any pet brands.
The list of foods below comes from companies that put their money into scientific research, feeding trials, nutrition sciences, veterinary support, and hiring highly qualified board-certified veterinary nutritionists to formulate the kibble.
All of these are formulated correctly for giant breed dogs.
Want more? Here are some great, comprehensive articles on food and nutrition, from a veterinary professional (not influencers or boutique food companies that stand to make money on your purchase):
Have you ever been around a big dog and suddenly they are leaning on you? If you have, chances are it was a Great Dane. And if you’re like most people, your first reaction is probably to think ‘Aww, how sweet!’ But have you ever stopped to wonder why they do it?
Researchers have found that there are a few reasons that giant breeds tend to lean on their owners or even strangers.
A few reasons that a Great Dane dog leans might be:
Most dogs feel safe when they are touching humans
The leaning behavior might be a dogs way of showing affection
The Great Dane may be feeling afraid and finding comfort in their person or family
Some dogs may try to show protective behavior with a lean
GREAT DANES LEAN BECAUSE THEY FEEL SECURE WHEN THEY ARE TOUCHING FAMILY
Great Danes are a dog who simply love being with people.
Great Danes are known for being a ‘gentle giant’ and they are absolutely people dogs.
The most common reason that your Great Dane might start leaning on you or your family members, kids, or even friends is just because they are gentle souls who love to show affection.
A Great Dane leaning is typically NOT anything more than a Great Dane hug! Danes lean because they have a soft spot for affection and your Great Dane likes to make you aware (and I mean REALLY aware) that they consider you a friend in life.
GREAT DANES ARE A GIANT DOG WITH A TON OF LOVE, AND SOMETIMES THAT MEANS A GIANT DOG WITH LOTS OF DOG LEANING
Great Dane owners know that Great Danes are a lot of dog.
Their massive size can be quite overwhelming, but they make up for it in personality and heart.
While it might become a bit annoying when Great Danes try to lean while you are cooking dinner or working at your desk, it’s important to remember that they are just trying to show you how much they love you.
If your Great Danes lean on your children- consider it a compliment!
That leaning typically implies that the dog leaning trusts the child enough to lean and show affection.
Great Danes love any form of physical touch, attention and will even lay their big heads on you to show they care.
GREAT DANES LEANING COULD BE IMPLICATIVE OF WHEN THEY FEEL THREATENED OR FEELING ANXIOUS
If your Great Dane leans in uncomfortable situations, they might be leaning because they are trying to show you they are scared.
Typically, this will happen if strangers come in to the house, or if they bring pets in to the house that your Great Dane doesn’t know.
You might notice your Great Dane try to lean extra hard if they see a dog that they are afraid of, or feel uncomfortable with the presence of.
This is a dog’s way of asking you to protect them, and they feel more comfortable when you are close by.
Try not to over complicate the situation by showing your Great Dane an abundance of ‘attention’ in that moment. That will show your Great Dane that the lean behavior will get them attention and then they will continue to do it more and more.
DOGS CAN SHOW LEANING BEHAVIOR TO ‘PROTECT’ THEIR OWNERS
You want to find a trainer that uses gentle, reward based training methods for the best results with your Dane.
We believe in the ethical use of E collars for the breed, as they combine a powerful use of positive reinforcement with a necessary dose of correction- both of which the breed needs to succeed.
IF YOUR GREAT DANE FEELS THREATENED THEY MIGHT RESORT TO LEANING
Do you remember as a child if you felt threatened or insecure, you usually wished you were sitting in your mother’s lap?
Likewise, Great Danes tend to resort to the one person who they know best, their mom or dad.
When your Great Dane tries sitting on your lap or leans up against you, they might be feeling threatened or scared and are looking for reassurance from you.
This is a normal behavior in dogs, however if the leaning starts to become too much, you might want to consider some training to help your dog feel more secure.
GREAT DANES MIGHT START LEANING BECAUSE THEY ARE SICK
If your Great Dane is typically NOT a dog that leans, but begins to show signs of leaning one direction or the other, they might be having health issues.
HEALTH ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH DOGS THAT LEAN
Ear Infections: ear infections can cause a Great Dane to lean one way or the other because they are trying to relieve the pressure or pain that they are feeling. If you notice your dog leaning and tilting their head to one side, make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible.
Anxiety: Great Danes can suffer from anxiety just like humans. If your dog is leaning against you or trying to get on your lap and they don’t typically do this behavior, they might be feeling anxious.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia can cause somewhat of a ‘lean’ in your pup from one side to another. This could be described as an unsteady walking. The best way to treat Hip Dysplasia is prevention, which starts with Great Danes when they are just a pup.
One of the first things you’ll notice about your Great Dane is their leaning. You might think to yourself- ‘is my dog going to be okay?’, ‘should I be worried about this?’ or even ‘is my dog trying to tell me something?’.
The answer is- all of the above. Let’s explore each one.
WHAT TO DO WITH NOTORIOUS LEANERS
First, don’t worry- this is a completely normal behavior in Great Danes. You might notice your Great Dane try to lean on you when they are tired, want attention or even when they are just happy to see you.
One thing to be aware of is that if your Great Dane starts to lean on you when they are feeling threatened or scared, this could be a sign of anxiety or even aggression. If you notice this behavior, it’s best to stay on top of it!
Cbd is a great resource for helping anxiety, but be careful which one you choose!
Another thing to keep in mind is that if your Great Dane begins leaning more than usual, this could be a sign of an ear infection or even hip dysplasia. If you notice your dog leaning to one side or walking unsteadily, make an appointment with the vet right away.
IN CONCLUSION
As you can see, there are a few different reasons why your Great Dane might be leaning. However, the most important thing to remember is that this is a completely normal behavior and there is no need to worry. Just enjoy the snuggles! :). Thanks for reading!
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
