Category: Product Reviews

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

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

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

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:
- Royal Canin Giant Puppy (For the initial growth stage, up to 8 months of age)
- Royal Canin Giant Junior (For the second growth stage from 8-18 or 24 months of age)
- Royal Canin Giant Adult (For giants that are 18-24 months of age or older)
Feed until 8 months of age.

Feed from 8-24 months of age.

Adult formula from 24 months on.

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

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.

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What is DCM?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Royal Canine Giant Kibble Size

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

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

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

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

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

Tips & Tricks for Feeding Great Danes & Keeping them Lean

Is Royal Canin Giant Actually a Good Dog Food?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Large Breed Food Necessary?

Do Great Danes Need Grains?

Should Puppies Eat Puppy Food or Adult Food?

Great Dane on gray background

Is a by-product meal bad in dog food?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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Is chicken fat bad for Great Danes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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

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

The concept of ‘fillers’ is a myth.

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

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

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

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

I like that.

Feed until 8 months of age.

Feed from 8-24 months of age.

Adult formula from 24 months on.

Royal Canin Giant Dog Food Line

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

Royal Canin Giant Puppy – Up to 8 Months

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crude Protein 32.0% min

Crude Fat 12.0% min

Crude Fiber 3.4% max

Moisture 10.0% max

Calcium 1.1% min

Phosphorus 0.92% min

Vitamin E350 IU/kg min

Glucosamine 371 mg/kg min

Chondroitin SulFate 3.75 mg/kg min

Caloric Content

3,556 kcal/kg, 341 kcal/cup

Royal Canin Giant Junior 8-24 months

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

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

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

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

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein 29.0% min

Crude Fat 14.0% min

Crude Fiber 3.4% max

Moisture10.0% max

Calcium 1.1% min

Phosphorus 0.92% min

Vitamin E350 IU/kg min

Glucosamine 371 mg/kg min

Chondroitin Sulfate 3.75 mg/kg

Caloric Content

3,649 kcal/kg, 307 kcal/cup

Royal Canin Giant Adult – 18+ Months

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

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

Crude Protein 26.0% min

Crude Fat 18.0% min

Crude Fiber 3.9% max

Moisture 10.0% max

Taurine 0.14% min

Glucosamine446 mg/kg min

Chondroitin Sulfate4 mg/kg min

Caloric Content

3958 kcal/kg, 427 kcal/cup

Nutrition for Giant Dogs

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

Here are our top nutrition tips for giant dogs!

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Protein levels in Great Dane Food

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

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

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

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

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

Science, folks.

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Adult food vs. puppy food for Great Danes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should I Feed My Great Dane Puppy or Adult Food?

Growth disorders from improper nutrition

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

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

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

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

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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.

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What are the Best Foods for Great Danes?

These basic ethics standards include the following 4 things you should ask every company before purchasing the food they sell:
- Do they employ at least one full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist, and is that person formulating and testing the food I’m about to purchase? Can I see their name and credentials?
- Do they own and operate their own manufacturing plants, and in doing so, do they have strict quality measures when it comes to product sourcing and the finished product?
- Do they participate in and contribute to peer-reviewed research?
- Do they utilize feeding trials and tests that substantiate their formulas in real life (not just on paper)? Were digestibility tests completed, or only palatability? Can I see the research results of those trials?
See these questions in more detail below:

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

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

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.

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

Royal Canin Giant Adult Dog Ingredients List

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feed until 8 months of age.

Feed from 8-24 months of age.

Adult formula from 24 months on.
August 9, 2022
5 Dog Boredom Busters: Keep Your Pup Cool!
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.

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Teach a Fun New Trick

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!

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Build a Canine Obstacle Course

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)

-Placing ‘paws up’ on a small platform such as a step, a small trampoline, or a FitPaws balance pod

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!

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Create a Backyard Doggy Waterpark

This hot-day doggy boredom buster is sure to get tails wagging!

Here are some backyard doggie waterpark ideas for hot days:

-A collapsible dog pool filled with floating dog toys. We LOVE Jolly Balls, Bumpers, and training toys for this!

-A sprinkler

–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.

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Frozen Pupsicles Recipe

Of course, once your pup has done all of these fun activities, it will be time to cool off with a delicious frozen treat!

A frozen pupsicle is a great way to add enrichment to your dog’s day. We’ve included two recipes for you!

Frozen Doggy Kong Ingredients ideas:

Dog-safe peanut butter like this one from Bark Bistro →

Yogurt, banana, blueberries

Rehydrated Olewo Carrots

Rehydrated freeze-dried raw dog food

Instructions:

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!
July 10, 2022
My Review of the Gentle Lead Head Harness
Pet parents, of course, LOVE the word ‘gentle’. I mean- who wouldn’t? As a Great Dane owner, I’m always looking for new ways to train my dogs, and that’s what brought about this review of the Gentle Lead Head Harness.

Everyday walks are supposed to be fun and humane! Dog owners are supposed to be kind, ethical and patient. Every training tool is supposed to be safe, effective and gentle.

It’s no wonder that the Gentle Leader head harness is so popular; we can see from a quick search on social media that it is very effective at stopping dogs from pulling.

Is a Gentle Leader Head Harness Actually Gentle?

But there’s one giant elephant in the room that no one likes to talk about…

I don’t believe that a Gentle Leader is gentle…at ALL.

I purchased a Gentle Leader Headcollar to see what all the hype was about. Many Great Dane owners swear that it immediately transformed their pulling, lunging, wild dog into one they could easily and safely walk.

That’s when I found the mess that Gentle Leader is hiding behind their ‘gentle’ marketing scheme.

Follow along as I prepare my 3-year-old Great Dane, Banks, for her walk with the Gentle Leader Head Collar. I’ll explain EVERYTHING…

I chose to purchase the Petsafe brand Gentle Leader Head Collar because it is extremely popular with over 50,000 reviews on Amazon and almost a complete 5 star rating.

It stated that it came with a training dvd, but mine did not. My order only had the Petsafe Gentle Leader – no training DVD

🙁 womp womp.

Myth: The Gentle Leader Head Collar Will Solve All of Your Problems

Red flag.

You will not and should not be given any promises of a ‘new dog’ after using ANY tool. The Gentle Leader is marketed as a fast, gentle way to transform your pet.

The Petsafe brand itself states that you will be able to fix poor leash manners and discourage excessive jumping or lunging.

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Petsafe brand also states that there is “NO MORE COUGHING AND CHOKING: A padded neoprene nose loop puts pressure on the back of the neck instead of your dog’s throat, which prevents choking and gagging”.

The directions say to, “use the adjustable nose loop and quick-snap neck strap to properly fit the head collar on your furry friend in minutes.”

Well, let’s get started.

I’ve never been one to believe in training dogs in ‘minutes’, but miracles are miracles, right? And who isn’t down for an easy leashed walk with their canine companion.

Following the Gentle Leader Head Collar Directions

I am no no scientist, but I nearly needed to be one in order to follow the directions that Gentle Leader provided. Nonetheless, I was VERY determined to follow them step by step in order to make sure I really used this head halter correctly.

Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Put the Head Collar around the neck

My very well mannered, 3 year old Great Dane stared at me as I read through the first steps:

Position the neck strap as high up on the dog’s neck as possible. Neck strap must be so snug only one finger can fit under it, and it cannot rotate around the neck. (Per Petsafe brand directions found above).

We were able to successfully accomplish steps 2 and 3 on my pup’s neck.

I tried placing gentle pressure underneath the collar to make sure one finger could fit through. We were good, besides the fact that I couldn’t believe it was correct that the collar sits high on her trachea like this.

Oh well, I’m no vet.

Step 2: Fit the Nose Loop

Next, Petsafe brand recommends that you remove what you’ve just done so that you can condition your dog to the nose loop.

Conditioning dogs to their training tools is VERY important, and the nose loop is aversive to most dogs.

Keep the nose loop open while luring your dog through it by ‘offering a treat’. You will want to ‘be ready with tasty treats’ for this part.

Step 3: Use Treats To Lure the Dog

Honest truth, your dog will HATE this thing.

Most dogs probably don’t want something putting pressure and removing full range of their mouth, nose, breathing and face- that’s just my thoughts anyways.

Nonetheless, we survived stages 4 and 5 of the Petsafe brand directions. We survived the nose loop fitting and we managed to get it around my dog’s neck and dog’s nose. (Not, I will say, without concern for the amount of intense pressure on my dog’s nose).

It is VERY common for dogs to paw, whine, fight, roll, and rub trying to get a head collar off of their face. That’s a sign that this tool is NOT as ‘gentle’ as the company wants you to believe.

Step 4 – Adjust the Straps for Proper Fit

Steps 3 and 4 of the Petsafe brand directions directed me to make sure that the strap was high and tight on my dog’s head, and tight enough that it does not fall off of the dog’s head, but not too tight that it can’t be pulled slightly down the nose of my dog. (Call Customer Care Center for our short nosed dogs or furry friends).

As shown, I gave it a good gentle tug against my dog’s desire and we were still up to par with the fitting

instructions.

So far so good. 5 stars on the thorough instructions thus far- apart from the fact that my dog was coughing and could barely open her mouth.

Step 5: Make sure that the Petsafe forms a “V”

Next, you want to make sure your tool is actually on correct, since you may have missed a step somewhere along the way.

When properly fitted, Gentle Leaders should resemble a ‘V’ from the side, and the center bar will rest ‘just above’ the tracheal area. (Brand’s words not mine).

Taking a look at my dog- I think we have the V mastered.

I can ALREADY tell we’re going to have greater control now that I can slash her delicate throat with this durable nylon whenever I want!

We were ready to embark on our first walk. I was really impressed with my dog’s focus.

Or maybe it was just that she couldn’t breathe. Either way, she was being super quiet, and that’s all that mattered.

Is Gagging and Coughing Normal with a Head Harness?

Before we left, I made sure to read the big, bold ‘CAUTION’ at the bottom of the Petsafe Gentle Leader Head Collar Directions.

Incase you can’t read it, here’s what it says: “Follow instructions carefully when fitting and using on bulldogs and other breeds with genetically limited airways or flat noses. It is typical for these dogs to frequently experience breathing difficulties when exercising or under stress because of their physically limited airways. If their breathing difficulties increase when wearing the headcollar, immediately discontinue use and consult your veterinarian.”

Phew, good thing my dog is a Great Dane. I feel bad for other dogs that have to worry about not breathing in this great training tool! Off we go!

Video Fitting of the Gentle Leader Head Collar on a Great Dane

Incase you’re like me, and have an attention span of 0, here’s a video from start to finish of me fitting the Gentle Leader onto my girl.

Attach the Leash to the Gentle Leader

The Gentle leader is not like traditional collars. Unlike traditional collars that you typically find the leash attached behind your dog’s head, the Gentle Leader requires you to attach the collar underneath the dog’s neck.

Intrigued about the placement of the leash and the fact that the collar sits high against her neck (and tight), I did a few google searches of the anatomy of a dog’s face.

Of course, I wasn’t at all worried about making sure the Gentle Leader didn’t paralyze my dog… I just, you know, have always been interested in the nerves my dog carries in her head… Regular, everyday research here people.

DOG FACE ANATOMY

This image shows where the dog’s nerves are located, including (orange) the Trigeminal Nerve and (yellow) the Facial Nerve. The “trigeminal nerve is the part of the nervous system responsible for sending pain, touch and temperature sensations from your face to your brain”.

Hmm… It seems like, it feels like, no… it couldn’t be that the Gentle Leader Head Collars is smashing directly over the two main nerves in my dog’s face… No way- the company itself says they are GENTLE!!!!

KEEP IGNORING THE RISK AND KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE

Eyes on the prize, people. Remember the goal. Basic obedience is WAY more important than your dog having function of its face.

Do not fret- putting pressure of this astronomical weight MIGHT damage their Trigeminal Nerve, BUT, it really will make SUCH A DIFFERENCE when your dog pulls.

Finally: Take Your Dog for a Walk

Next, you guessed it, begin to take your dog for an easy walk. Using the front clip harness and Petsafe GENTLE Leader, venture out to see your new dog in action.

Off we went!

My Dog Banks

A little bit of background- since you probably don’t care.

My dog is just a really good girl, always carries a loose leash and makes for an easy walk.

She never demonstrates ‘unwanted behaviors’. But I can relate to the frustrations that other dog owners feel when choosing a tool like this. Untrained Great Danes are big, strong dogs that can be dangerous!

Walk Your Dog Like Normal in a Head Collar

Next, just walk your dog like normal while they wear the gentle leader headcollar.

I encourage you to take a video while your dog walks, turns, and moves in the easy walk harness.

Taking a video will help you notice what happens when the nose loop ‘redirects’ your dog as they turn or move or when they see a rabbit and take off or when you drop your phone and yank that leash on accident.

So yeah, your dog won’t pull on leash with the gentle leader harness.

Because THEY CAN’T. Because they are trapped. As the quick snap buckles choke your dog, the Gentle leader ‘gently’ moves to trap their face, making it physically impossible for them to NOT behave.

I believe that your dog deserves better than the Gentle Leader.

TAKE NOTICE OF WHEN YOUR DOG MOVES / PULLS OR TURNS

If they pull forward, the nose loop ‘redirects’ them.

Every single ‘redirect’, is attached to your dog’s head, which is attached to your dog’s neck, which not only is attached to your dog’s face but rather plastered onto their facial nervous system.

Out for a nice walk?

You see a friend and pull your arm upward to wave hello- nerve pain.

Your dog stops to smell the roses- neck crank.

You forgot your phone and turn suddenly to go inside unbeknown to your dog- neck / spinal issues.

Your dog sees other dogs up ahead and gets excited and begins to pull on leash- major no no buddy- you know better than that- here’s some chronic face pain due to damage on your Facial Nerve.

ANSWER THIS QUESTION

Do you want your dog to listen to you because you want a dog who has a great life, is happy and healthy and a functioning citizen of society?

Or, do you want your dog to listen to you simply so that you can prove that your daily walks are easy, manageable, and you’re the boss?

The Gentle Leader is a Control Device, not a Gentle Device

The Gentle Leader Headcollar is not gentle.

Actually, in my opinion, it’s one of the most dangerous tools on the market for dogs.

It is not gentle on your dog’s neck, their spine, their trachea, their throat, or their face.

The Gentle Leader Headcollar is a control statement.

A way to show the world that you are in charge and your dog will do as you say- no matter what.

Video of My Dog Walk With the Gentle Leader

The Gentle Leader Head Collar is Dangerous

The Gentle Leader is a marketing scam.

How foolish of pet parents to think that they can correct excessive barking safely by sewing their dog’s mouths shut.

How dangerous of pet parents to think their is an easy fix to leash pulling- all at their dog’s muscular skeletal and nervous system’s disadvantage.

The Gentle Leader Head Collar is Lazy

Not only is the Gentle Leader absolutely dangerous and dog’s hate it- but it’s SO LAZY.

You are telling your dog “Do as I say or else”.

You are not teaching your dog anything about how to behave on a leash, you are not creating a relationship with mutual respect, and you are not showing your dog that walks can be fun.

A dog in a head collar cannot comfortably move, sniff, or explore like they can in a harness, collar, or off-leash.

Active Dogs Deserve Daily Walks and Freedom of Movement

Your dog should be allowed to stop and smell the roses.

Your dog should stop and sniff the neighbor dog’s pee from earlier.

Dog’s live their entire lives enclosed in the house. They don’t go to work and they don’t have social lives the same way that humans do.

Allowing dogs the freedom to safely explore on their leashed walks is a gift for both parents and dog.

Restricting their every single movement down to the flinch by garnishing their face is a strip of their complete freedom- one that I will not ever stand for with my own dogs.

The Gentle Leader is One of the Most Aversive Tools I’ve Seen

Overall, it was fascinating for me, as an avid e collar user, to test out a tool that I consistently see positive trainers rave about.

The Gentle Leader is spoken so highly about in the world of positive training.

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But, would you rather have a tool that communicates with your dog (whether aversive or not!) WITH or WITHOUT potentially PERMANENTLY damaging their entire structure, muscles, nerves, or worse.

The Gentle Leader is Not Appropriate for Many Dogs

The Gentle Leader scared me for many reasons:
1. It is SO easy to put on incorrectly
2. It can be permanently damaging if your dog pulls or turns wrong
3. It is SO tight that it DEFINITELY restricts air flow- my dog was coughing the second she got it removed
4. It is a ‘control’ tool- pet parents can yank when their dog is not listening and ‘snap’ them into better behavior
5. It is being advertised to prevent other unwanted behaviors such as barking- which implies it DOES NOT allow dog’s to open their mouths to achieve a full pant/bark
6. The immense pressure on the face can irreversible damage
7. Dogs hate them!
There are better options out there that don’t damage your dog’s face, neck, or spine.

I would not recommend the Gentle Leader to anyone. The only thing gentle about this tool, is the name: Gentle Leader.

Opt for an E collar.
June 10, 2022
OllyDog Backcountry Day Pack Treat Pouch Review
Our OllyDog Backcountry Day Pack treat pouch review was written just for you.

After years of searching, trial and error I think I’ve found a near-perfect treat training pouch.

A bait bag like the OllyDog Backcountry is made to carry treats for your dog during luring, training, sports, and activities.

Having a great treat training pouch that is easy to use, rugged and simple to wear is so important. At Hello Danes we believe in positive reinforcement (and modern balanced) dog training, and treats are a HUGE piece of that puzzle!

OllyDog Backcountry Day Pack Treat Pouch Review

I ordered my OllyDog treat pouch directly from Amazon. What really caught my eye was the fact that they had several colors to choose from, including CUTE patterns like the one I chose (with pine trees and hearts. I’m obsessed!).

(SEE IT ON AMAZON HERE).

It came fast with one-day shipping (YAY! I needed it for a training class after my old treat pouch bit the dust).

Some of the colors were out of stock or took longer to arrive, so be aware of that before you fall in love with a color or pattern they have!

OllyDog Treat Pouch First Impressions

I LOVE this pattern so much, it’s adorable. I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that I was worried about the white getting dirty (because you know, dogs) but it’s worth the risk.

The pattern part with the white background does appear to be a high quality, possibly waxed canvas material. I suspect like similar products from that fabric that it’s going to hold up VERY well.

This bag is well-made and sturdy, from heavy canvas, zippers and linings. It’s actually much nicer in quality and build than other treat pouches I’ve had (and believe me, I’ve had several).

I personally like that this dog treat pouch is substantial in size. Many of the smaller ones will spill treats out if you bend over, but this one is deep and wide.

OllyDog Backcountry Treat Pouch Features

This treat pouch offers:
- Sturdy construction
- Beautiful decorative details
- A LARGE deep pouch with a zipper closure, for holding your favorite dog treats
- A zipper pouch for your keys and cell phone (keep them secure!)
- A pouch with a dispenser hole for doo-doo bags (we prefer the biodegradable or compostable kind)
- A stretchy side-pocket made of webbing, may be useful for clickers and small toys
Two of the biggest complaints that people (including me) have about treat pouches (in general) is that they are NOT deep enough OR that their hand doesn’t easily fit into the pouch.
OllyDog has solved both of these problems.

How to wear (and use) a dog treat pouch

You can attach your new OllyDog Treat Pouch to your body with the included (removable) belt OR the metal clip. Your choice!

We recommend using positive reinforcement to teach your dog new behaviors. These include things such as:
- Sit, Down, Stand
- Stay
- Wait
- Leave it
- Let’s Go!
- Look
- Touch
- Place
- Heel
- Back up
- COME!
Positive reinforcement means to add something to reinforce (increase) a behavior.

Professional dog trainers use treats and dog food to motivate and reward dogs.

When using treats for positive reinforcement, HIDE the treat until your dog completes the behavior!

Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

When you hide the treats (in an OllyDog or similar treat pouch), the treats become a surprise reward.

The goal with all treat training is to fade out the reliance on treats, so don’t spend too much time luring!

Keep your hands off the treats until your dog shows the behavior you want. Storing the goodies in a treat pouch, but still easily accessible, is the professional way of doing things.

A good treat pouch is a must-have for training classes, rewarding good behavior around the house (especially for puppies!), hiking, and more.

Is the OllyDog Treat Bag missing anything?

If I had ONE piece of feedback for the makers of this beautiful treat pouch, it’s that I wish it had a small clip for an E-Collar remote.

A simple clip on the outside front would have made it so that the remote could be attached to this bag, and you could also have the treats within reach. E-Collar training should always be taught with lots of positive reinforcement, and the Mini-Educator (low stim, feels like a touch sensation) paired with treats = magic for you and your dog.

Until I figure out how to fashion my own clip for this, I’ll continue to wear my E-Collar remotes around my neck.

The Olly Backcountry treat pouch for Great Danes

The Olly smaller treat pouch

OllyDog Styles

The OllyDog Treat pouch comes in two versions: the Backcountry (my personal favorite, as we walk and hike off-leash often), or the smaller goodie bag with magnetic closure.

The smaller version is perfect for dog owners who want something more compact with fewer features.

Like the Backcountry treat pouch, it comes in a range of gorgeous designer colors and patterns.

Figaro approves!

Choose Your Treat Pouch

The Olly Backcountry treat pouch for Great Danes

The Olly smaller treat pouch

Fill Your Treat Pouch UP!

Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

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June 4, 2022
Embark DNA Review: Worthwhile or Waste of Time? 6 Things I Learned!

Coming in hot with my non-biased Embark DNA Review!

A few months ago I decided to do an Embark DNA Test for my Great Danes, even though I assumed they are purebred dogs.

Although I figured my dog’s results in the breed identification portion of the breed health kit would be Great Dane, I still wanted to get the test results and thought it would be fun to see both their breed results and their health report.

Here’s how my process went, what it was like to complete the DNA test and get my dog’s tested, and what pet owners should expect when taking an Embark DNA test.

ONE: EMBARK DNA REVIEW: THE DIFFERENT DNA TESTS AND WHY I CHOSE TO DO AN EMBARK TEST

There are a few different types of DNA tests for dogs. The most popular ones are the Embark and the Wisdom Panel.

The Wisdom Panel is a test that tells you the breeds in your dog’s ancestry going back three generations. It also screens for more than 250 different diseases. The Embark dog dna tests for over 160 different breeds and screens for more than 175 different genetic health conditions.

In 2019, Embark said its breed results were 95% to 99% accurate. At the time, Embark analyzed 110 times more genetic markers than Wisdom Panel, so its results were more granular (200,000 versus 1,800, respectively).

After debating between an Embark and Wisdom Panel, I chose to do an Embark test because of the sheer amount of dogs tested compared to Wisdom.

With the amount of dog’s dna that Embark has tested compared to Wisdom- I felt more assured with their dog dna test.

TWO: EMBARK DNA TEST: THE DIFFERENT TESTS

The process of completing a dna test on your fur baby is pretty simple.

First, you need to decide which test you want to take.

Embark offers three different forms of genetic testing for dog owners:

BREED + HEALTH KIT

The Breed + Health Kit is the most comprehensive dna test of your dog’s sample.

This test costs $159, and tests your dog’s breed, potential health risks that your dog will face based upon genetics, and provides a family tree.

This test gives a thorough breed composition as well as can go as far back as great grandparents on your pup’s family tree.

PUREBRED KIT

The Purebred Kit tests your dog’s dna for potential health risks as well as contains a breed identification kit. This health test kit is also $159.

This sample, however, is more targeted to the dog’s genetic makeup in regards to comparing it with another dog dna test that is related.

This sample kit could be used for canine research, breeders, or scientific research. Breeders often look at this kit for obtaining health results of the dog’s parents- however you should NOT rely on health results from a breeder who relies on a dog’s dna or breed ancestry from Embark. Refer to our blog post on OFA Health Testing.

BREED ID

The Breed ID kit is a simplified version of the breed health kit in the sense that it DOES NOT include any potential health issues that your dog’s DNA implies.

The breed identification kit ONLY checks for what dog breed your pup is- and can provide family trees on your rescue dog, any mixed breed of up to 350 dog breeds. So, instead of BOTH a health DNA report AND a breed identification report, the breed identification kit is ONLY providing you with breed identification.

The Breed ID Kit will look at the genetic makeup of your dog’s traits in the breed identification process in order to inform you what dog breed you have.

If you are looking to just simply provide a dna sample and learn about the breed ancestry of your dog, the Breed ID kit features just that for $109.

THREE: GIVING A DNA TEST TO YOUR DOG: WHAT’S IN IT FOR DOG OWNERS?

One of the primary reasons I wanted to do a dog dna test review was because of the fun and easy process of getting my dog’s results: from start to finish.

It was SO much easier to complete the dna test than I thought it would be. Here is how it went:

CHOOSING THE BREED HEALTH KIT

First, I made the decision to purchase the Breed Health Kit.

Remember, the Breed Health Kit is the dog DNA test that checks for BOTH health markers as well as breed identification. The cost of my sample kit was $159.

RECEIVE THE KIT IN THE MAIL

When you get the DNA test in the mail- you need to activate it.

Go online and register your kit. Inside of your kit you will find a code that is individual to your dog.

Click on the ‘Activate Kit’ button as shown below. This will prompt you to create an account for your doggo and register your dog’s sample.

Trick: I opted NOT to fill out the physical traits of my dog OR add any photos prior to getting my results. I wanted to see if the dog DNA test was accurate enough to REALLY know that she was a Great Dane before I shared all of her physical traits with the portal.

SWAB YOUR PUP

Next, you want to swab your pup.

The DNA sample is collected with a swab that is provided in the kit.

You want to make sure you get a good sample- so I recommend following the directions clearly- I have seen some Embark reviews stating that their dog DNA test came back a few weeks later requesting an additional swab (owners did not swab thoroughly enough).

I swabbed my pup’s gums and inside of her cheek for 30 seconds. Then, I stuck the swab back into the swab vial and put it into the prepaid envelope.

MAIL YOUR RESULTS

It really is as easy as that! After you have swabbed- stick the prepaid envelope with your dog dna test into the mail.

Then comes the hard part- the waiting! The test can take WEEKS to come back- even months.

My test results came back within about 6 weeks- but luckily Embark sent a few emails along the way to let me know that the dog dna test had made its way to the facility and give updates that they were working on finding the results, etc.

FOUR: WHAT DID I LEARN WHEN I GOT MY DOG’S DNA TEST BACK?

As soon as your dna test results are back- you will get an email with the results.

If you got the Breed ID Kit- your results will be JUST breed identification related. If you got the Breed/Health kit, like I did, your results will be indicative of both breed/genetic diversity/dog’s background as well as indicators of any health markers you should be aware of within your dog’s genetic diversity.

Your ‘portal’ looks like this, and is broken up into multiple sections: Health, Breed and Relatives.

HEALTH

The Embark Dog DNA Test checks for 210+ genetic health risks. That is more genetic health risks than any other dog dna test on the market.

The Embark Dog DNA Test also screens for the MDR-01 gene that predisposes dogs to adverse reactions to certain drugs. Basically, this means that if your pup has this gene- they may have a harder time metabolizing certain types of drugs and may need a lower dosage or different drug altogether.

Gigi’s Health Results

The test will also let you know if your pup is a carrier of any genetic diseases, even if they don’t have the disease themselves. This is important information to have because it means you can be extra vigilant about health screenings for those diseases and make sure you are not breeding carriers with other carriers (which can produce puppies with the disease).

Because it checks for common adult onset diseases, the test can be used preventatively to help you stay on top of any diseases that are common in your dog’s breed.

BREEDS

The Embark Dog DNA Test can identify more than 350 breeds, including some wolf and coyote content. This is the most breed diversity of any dog dna test on the market.

My pup’s results said she was 100% Great Dane- which I knew. But, it was SUPER fun to dive into the colors that she carried for, as it also checks your dog’s coat and colors.

Gigi’s Colors

The test will give you a ‘breed family tree’ that shows what percentage of each breed is in your pup as well as the history/origin of each breed.

RELATIVES

This was my favorite part of the results .

The Embark Dog DNA Test will tell you how closely related your pup is to other dogs in their database.

My pup is distantly related to another dog in the database that is also 100% Great Dane. I also found several other relatives including a possible match for great grandparents.

A few of the dogs who share DNA with Gigi

I was able to reach out to one pet parent who shared a TON of physical traits (and DNA!) with Gigi and we talked for a few messages about how fun it would be if Gigi and Layla ever got to meet.

FIVE: ARE DOG DNA TESTS WORTH IT?

I do believe that the Embark dog dna test is worth it.

Although it is a bit pricy, I was glad that I went with the Health AND Breed identification kit.

If you already know your dog’s breed, but want to check for health markers only, there is no other option BUT to purchase the kit with both breed identification and health.

If you do not know your dog’s breed, they are a mixed breed or rescue, and you ONLY want to find out their breed- you can opt for the $109 breed identification kit- but in my opinion it is worth the extra $50 to get the health information as well.

I think the Embark Dog DNA Test is especially worth it if you have a pup with unknown parentage.

The test can give you a lot of information about genetic diversity as well as any markers you should be aware of.

SIX: SHOULD THE EMBARK DOG DNA TEST BE USED BY BREEDERS TO HEALTH TEST?

In my opinion, breeders should NOT use the Embark Dog DNA Test to health test their adult dogs in order to prove that they are fit to breed.

It is just NOT sufficient enough to provide enough information.

What makes a Great Dane breeder ‘good’?

There are other, much more comprehensive health tests that provide far more information about the health of a dog and their suitability to breed.

The Embark Dog DNA Test is a great tool for learning about your own pet- but it should not be used as the sole source of information when making breeding decisions.

OPT FOR OFA HEALTH TESTING

When looking into dog breeds who are healthy and health tested, find a breeder who uses OFA Health Testing on their dogs.

OFA health testing tests things that Embark cannot test, like hips, heart, and eyes.

To further read, feel free to view my blog post about OFA testing.

Purchase a Breed + Health Kit, JUST a Breed Kit, or a Purebred Breed Kit

HAPPY TESTING

I hope you enjoyed my Embark Dog DNA review! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them!

Happy testing!

June 2, 2022
Gentle Giants Dog Food Review
Today, we’ll be providing a comprehensive Gentle Giants dog food review, offering fresh insights to help you make an informed decision when choosing food for your Great Dane or other giant breed dog. We are experts in large and giant breed dogs, and share science-backed information!

This review is part of our ongoing series on dry dog food.

Here are some things I will cover in our Gentle Giants review:
- Where Gentle Giants dog food is manufactured
- If Gentle Giants food will make your dog live longer
- The carbohydrate content of Gentle Giants dog food
- Whether or not Gentle Giants can be fed to puppies
- Our opinion on the quality of this pet food brand
- Science and research behind dog nutrition
Gentle Giant Dog Food Ingredient Analysis

Here is a list of the ingredients in Gentle Giants’ chicken dog food formula. While they have other formulas, they are all comparable. For this review, chicken and rice will be used as an example.

Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Poultry Flavor, Whole Flaxseeds, Menhaden Fish Meal, Dried Yeast, Dried Kelp Meal, Dried Egg Product, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Spinach, New Zealand Green Mussel, Pumpkin, Cranberries, Blueberries, Apples, Chicory, Ascorbic Acid (Source Of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Methionine Complex, Copper Sulfate, Copper Lysine Complex, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Methionine Complex, Beta Carotene, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate, Cobalt Glucoheptonate, Mixed Tocopherols And Rosemary Extract

Caloric Content

3,323 kcal/kg, 358 kcal/cup

Chewy.com

Author’s Note: It’s important to note that we are not Veterinary Nutritionists, so our assessment is limited to a cursory examination, and we cannot provide a definitive judgment on commercial dog food recipes or the specific ingredients in this formula.

Chicken meal is a quality first ingredient, indicating that a low-moisture and nutrient-dense meat meal is used in the formulation. A meat meal is essentially flesh and skin that has been rendered so that the water and fat are gone. It is an incredibly nutritious ingredient that may even reduce the risk of bloat!

The addition of fruits and vegetables in Gentle Giants is a marketing gimmick; the amounts of each of these would be so low that they essentially amount to fairy dust. Each one is listed after salt in the ingredients, which means they make up less than 1% of the final formula.

Green Lipped Mussel has some promising indications for joint health, but as with fruits and vegetables in this formula, there is very little of this product in the final food. It is unlikely to have any benefit at all.

According to Gentle Giants, this food is classified as a “natural formula” designed to offer balanced nutrition for dogs of all ages and sizes.

Carb Content of Gentle Giants Dog Food

It does appear to be high in starchy ingredients such as barley, brown rice, oatmeal, and peas, especially compared to many other dog foods and dry food recipes.

Brown rice is an excellent example of a typical healthy grain in Gentle Giant Dog food. Brown Rice may contain higher levels of arsenic than white rice, so brown rice must be included thoughtfully and only from companies that do a lot of product lab testing during and after production. It is unclear what their testing processes are.

Gentle Giants chicken dog food contains whole peas in the first five ingredients. This is a major red flag, as it correlates with an increased risk of the dog developing heart disease.

After a quick calculation using the Dog Bone Market carb calculator, I learned that Gentle Giants is 53% carbs.

This puts Gentle Giants dog food at a much higher carb content than Purina One Large Breed Chicken and Rice, which lands at 44% carbs, and higher than Purina Dog Chow Chicken which lands at 51% carbs.

This means that the Gentle Giants formula has LESS meat than other more established and known pet food brands.

It is priced at $44 U.S.D. for 30 pounds.

Author’s note: Purina Puppy/Dog Chow is $28 for 40 lbs. It’s a less expensive food by far, yet, has a lower carbohydrate content than Gentle Giants.

Dog Chow also has an insane amount of research (including lifetime feeding trials) behind the formulation. If you would not feed Purina Dog Chow to your pet, you should begin to recognize how Gentle Giants is unquestionably the lower quality option between the two.

Where is Gentle Giants Dog Food Manufactured

As of this update (2024), it is believed that Gentle Giants Pet foods are manufactured by Consumers Supply Distribution in Sioux City, Iowa. It is made in the U.S.A.

While marketing would like to lead consumers to believe otherwise, Gentle Giant pet food is a classic example of a mass-manufactured brand coming from a co-packing factory that is responsible for hundreds of other labels, formulas, and products.

Because it is unclear where Gentle Giants Dog food is made, I did a deep dive for this blog post!

Gentle Giants has a video on their website showing how their food is manufactured.

It starts with sweeping views of a factory, where a computer-generated version of their logo appears on the signage and distribution trucks. This would be believable to the untrained eye, but once you realize what is happening, it is clear that they are attempting to white-label the factory.

The video takes us inside the facility where this dog food is made, and we can see employees wearing “Consumers Supply” polo shirts.

Gentle Giants do NOT manufacture their food; they contract it out. While this is an acceptable albeit sub-standard practice (it’s better to choose pet foods coming from owned manufacturing facilities with strict quality control and dedication to the safety and bioavailability of the final product), it’s so much worse that they attempt to lie about it!

Consumers Supply manufactures and distributes several products that service the pet, wildlife, and livestock industries including food, minerals, salts, bird seed, and even rope and twine. They are commissioned by companies to make and distribute products and have no affiliation otherwise with the mission or branding of the product being sold.

Is Gentle Giants dog food made in China?

No, it is made in the U.S. However, most, if not all dog food companies (even ‘natural’ ones) source vitamins and minerals from other countries (including China).

Does Gentle Giants Dog Food Contain Grains

Yes, Gentle Giants dog food contains grains (barley, brown rice, oatmeal). If you want more information about grains vs. grain-free, read our blog post here.

Many people believe that their dog has grain allergies, however, this condition is exceedingly rare. Grains provide important nutrients and energy that dogs need to thrive.

Unfortunately, many grain-free dry dog foods have been associated with a preventable and deadly form of heart disease. We do not recommend feeding grain-free dry diets to dogs.

Is Gentle Giants dog food holistic?

The term ‘holistic’ is a marketing term that is not regulated. It’s made up!

Anybody can claim that the food they make and sell is “holistic”. It’s a catchy term that encourages well-meaning pet parents to make a purchase.

Holistic should imply that a food is formulated to treat the “whole body”.

Any good science-backed food would thus, actually be holistic. Comprehensive veterinary care including prevention is thus, holistic.

Gentle Giants dog food does claim to be “holistic”. Take that with a grain of salt. It doesn’t mean anything.

Here is a great article that outlines common food marketing terms: https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/nutrition/natural-vs-holistic-dog-food

Can Gentle Giants Be Fed to Puppies?

Gentle Giants is an “All Life Stages” food, meaning that it’s formulated for puppies and adults.

All Life Stages foods are essentially puppy foods. This can be okay in some cases, but in others, it’s simply a way for companies to minimize the need for different formulations, bags, and feeding trials.

When evaluating whether a food is appropriate for a large or giant breed puppy, it is critical to assess the calcium and phosphorus levels.

An appropriate food for a big puppy will have 1.2% or less calcium, a CA/PH ratio of as close to 1:1 as possible, and 3.5g or less calcium per 1000 kCal. It will also have the AAFCO large breed growth statement.

Ideally, the food will have also undergone feeding trials, extensive lab testing, and research, proving the availability of other important bone-growth nutrients such as Vitamin D, zinc, and phosphorus. From what we can tell, Gentle Giant’s food has not been subjected to rigorous and thorough testing.

Gentle Giants Chicken and Rice does have the AAFCO Large Breed Growth statement, indicating that the calcium level is expected to be 1.8% or less.

However, it is impossible to find calcium and phosphorus levels for this food. Without this information published and easy to find, we cannot verify that the food is 1.2% or less (the value recommended for giant breed puppies in particular). Additionally, we can not calculate how much calcium is in 1000 kCal of Gentle Giants puppy food.

As above, the food is co-packed in a massive manufacturing facility that makes many other brands and labels. This facility is probably responsible for the nutritional formulation as well, yet there is no indication of the qualifications of the individuals overseeing this process.

Tread cautiously when choosing to feed this food to a large or giant breed dog under the age of 2.

Incorrect nutritional values in puppyhood can increase the risk of dysplasia, bone damage, painful growth disorders, and even osteosarcoma bone cancer or wobblers disease!

Behind the Gentle Giants Food Brand

Our Gentle Giants dog food review would be incomplete without some information about what goes on behind the brand.

Not only does this food come with bold, in-your-face marketing geared toward pet owners with gentle giants, but it also has some interesting stories behind it. Read on, friends.

The Gentle Giants Rescue

Burt Ward (the owner of this brand) has been rescuing dogs with his wife in California for decades.

This unusual rescue makes wild claims about the longevity of the dogs (20+ years in some cases) living on their “all-natural dog food“, and says they have rescued over 14,000 pets.

Meanwhile, as of this writing, they have no animals available for adoption.

Many of the ‘available’ breeds they offer via this rescue are unusual and rare, including Staghounds, Xolo, “woodles”, and Saluki. They have had many, many litters of puppies, too.

Many people, including us, believe that this ‘rescue’ operation is nothing more than a glorified puppy mill.

They claim that 30-40 dogs live with them in “peace and harmony” on their property and that all are seniors exceeding their normal lifespan because of their “world-class food and training program”.

There are many verifiable reports of neglect, poor living conditions, and uncontrolled dogs breeding at will in the unsupervised ‘Gentle Giants’ pack.

For more information on the controversy surrounding Burt Ward’s dog rescue, read here: http://dogaddicts.com/smf/index.php?topic=4124.0;imode

Burt Ward, Robin from Batman

People seem to associate ‘celebrity’ with ‘trustworthy’.

Burt Ward played Robin in the 1960s Batman TV series.

That doesn’t make him a nutrition expert, last we checked…

Is Gentle Giants Dog Food Good?

We don’t stand behind any dry dog food that doesn’t stand with science. It’s that simple. The people behind Gentle Giants dog food do not participate in research, studies, or food trials.

The only “proof” they have of the efficacy and safety of their food is the claims made that their pack of “rescue” dogs are all over the age of 10.

A cursory glance at dog food reviews of this product indicates that some people have had no trouble feeding this food and swear by it while others experienced blood in the urine, inflammation, loose stools, and itching.

Has Gentle Giants Food Ever Been Recalled?

As of this writing, it appears that Gentle Giants food has never been recalled.

We see this as a red flag. Why?

A company that will recall its food is a company that wants to control the quality and the consistency, even if the problem that led to the recall is minor.

When a company has never issued a recall, voluntary or otherwise, you can pretty much bet that they are casually overlooking some things so that they can continue to say ‘no recalls’ in their marketing.

Boutique Dog Foods vs. Science

Boutique ‘feel good’ dog foods, including Gentle Giants, rely on careful marketing to sell the brand.

They tend to use buzzwords such as “human grade”, “all-natural”, “no recalls”, “super-premium”, or “holistic”. This can lead consumers to feel that they are purchasing something healthier for their pet (even if no actual health benefits have been proven by any legitimate science).

Even the word “farm-raised chicken” is meant to evoke a certain feeling or emotion about the food. All chickens are raised on farms!

Common ’boutique’ companies that you may have heard of or seen include Fromm, Orijen, 4Health, Halo, Solid Gold, Nulo, Nutro, Zignature, The Farmer’s Dog, Muenster, and Life’s Abundance.

What’s interesting about boutique dog food is that, despite the health claims they make, there is very little science going into the food itself.

Many people are shocked to learn that very few (if any) boutique food companies have a legitimate nutritionist formulating their foods. In many cases, the person making the recipe is even less qualified than a veterinarian.

For example, Fromm (who relies on the ‘ family-owned’ mantra to sell food) is formulated by a chemical engineer.

Victor Foods are formulated by somebody with a master in science and an online certificate in dairy cattle nutrition.

Diamond brand foods (including Taste of the Wild, Costco/Kirkland, Diamond, and Nutra Nuggets) are formulated by a computer and packaged in different bags to appeal to different markets.

Boutique brands also don’t participate in nutrition research and science. In many cases, the pet foods they make are only “formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by AAFCO”, on paper.

This sounds great, but all that means is that on paper they’ve added enough nutrients to satisfy a minimum legal guideline. It doesn’t mean that they’ve tested and proven the formulation itself.

So when a brand is telling you they are “super-premium” and “holistic”, ask yourself if you are being sold to, or if that food has legitimate science backing its claims of being “healthier”.

Want to see how YOUR current dog food stacks up? Visit the Pet Nutrition Alliance and look your brand up.

Each food company was asked to provide information about just a few key things, including who formulates their food.

You’ll notice that many boutique dog food brands refused to share the requested information because it is damning to their brand.

We smell something fishy here, folks, and it’s not the fish meal in your bag of kibble.

The Great Grain-Free Debate

So what is inherently wrong with a “super-premium”, “natural” dog food from a boutique company, anyways? Let’s talk for a moment about the great grain-free pet food debate.

Secondary DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) is a devastating condition of the heart that often presents with no symptoms and can result in sudden death.

Many otherwise ‘healthy’ shiny dogs ‘with good poop’ who randomly die while playing or after going for a walk have been diagnosed with, or even passed from DCM, and the owners never knew something was wrong.

No official pre-death diagnosis means that very little data is collected on the dogs who die this way. The devastated owners move on with their lives, assuming that their dog had a genetic problem. Veterinarians around the country are seeing it happen over and over again.

While genetics do play a role in primary DCM, secondary DCM is believed to be caused by unbalanced nutrition. These dogs are essentially starved for certain amino acids and micro-nutrients: the heart enlarges and eventually gives out.

Current studies indicate that this is not just a ‘grain-free’ problem but likely a poorly formulated ’boutique foods’ and marketing problem. ?

This brings us back to the fact that a sound majority of boutique dog food brands do not employ a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to formulate their food. This includes Gentle Giants.

As a Great Dane owner, you could not PAY me to feed Gentle Giants dog food.

Nutritional levels established by AAFCO

AAFCO is a non-profit agency that works in tandem with government regulatory agencies. Regulatory agencies moderate and enforce nutrition and food safety, and AAFCO was established to help with definitions and requirements.

The AAFCO label on every dog food bag is there to help you establish if the formula is correct for your dog.

https://www.aafco.org/

You can read their post on pet food ingredients here: https://www.aafco.org/Consumers/What-is-in-Pet-Food

Here is some information on what AAFCO does: https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/What-Is-AAFCO-and-What-Does-It-Do

How to choose food for Great Danes

All of this canine nutrition information can be frustrating and alarming to Great Dane owners who want to choose the best foods for their giant dogs!

We recommend picking a highly-researched, truly science-backed brand that employs highly qualified professionals (Veterinary Nutritionists) to formulate their food.

Find out if the formulations from those brands are substantiated in actual food tests, or if they just look correct on paper.

Ask if the brand has made any contributions to widely accepted canine nutrition science (the very science that has also now made it possible to feed Great Danes puppy food instead of adult food, YAY!).

Contrary to what small boutique brands want you to believe, the blueberries and spinach they have added in minuscule amounts to make you ‘feel good’ are doing nothing but lining their pockets.

If you want your dog to have blueberries, toss a few whole ones into their food, instead! Serving a balanced meal is important, however, so no matter what, make sure that toppers make up less than 10% of your dog’s overall dry dog food diet.

We recommend Large Breed Purina Pro Plan (puppy or adult, salmon recipe) or Royal Canin Giant Breed foods as the gold standard in healthy, highly researched dog foods for your gentle giant. However, Eukanuba and Iams have solid choices for you as well, at all price points!

The Sensitive Skin and Stomach line from Pro Plan is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies. Allergies may indicate problems with the immune system and overall health, which can increase bloat risk, too.

Picky dogs hate their food after a short time. If you have a picky gentle giant, we recommend sticking with the same food, avoiding bribery, and making food FUN by offering it in puzzles or for training.

Senior dogs may eat less, too. Don’t mistake this natural behavior for ‘pickiness’.

The Dog Food Advisor Blog

Many people turn to the Dog Food Advisor blog for information about choosing pet food. It’s one of the top blogs to show up on a Google search when looking for dog food reviews!

The Dog Food Advisor rates the Gentle Giants brand as 4/5 stars and considers it an ‘above average dry product’ with a ‘moderate amount of meat’.

Here is the thing about the Dog Food Advisor. That blog was created by a human dentist with absolutely no credentials at all in veterinary nutrition. The rating system is made up.

Of course, we aren’t veterinary nutritionists either. But unlike the Dog Food Advisor, we aren’t making up a ratings system. Our evaluation of food is based purely on nutrition science and company manufacturing practices and ethics.

We align ourselves with veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists, for a reason. Our recommendations may not “look pretty” and “feel good” like the ones on the Dog Food Advisor, but we can confidently state that our information is based on science, NOT what results in more clicks and traffic.

That said, the Dog Food Advisor does rate Pro Plan as a top pick on its ‘recommended foods list’, and states that it is one of the only brands highly tested and formulated by a team of veterinary nutritionists. They are correct about that.

Our Rating of Gentle Giants Dog Food

This is one food we think you should skip.

No science.

Wild and questionable marketing claims about longevity (“Your dog can live longer!”).

Affiliated with a sketchy ‘giant breed rescue’ (very likely a puppy mill, but at the least nothing more than a wild pack of dogs that are fed out of trash cans and left to their own devices).

Unclear calcium/phosphorus levels.

Co-packed in a random factory.

Higher carb content than “low quality” Purina Dog Chow.
May 19, 2022
Big Barker Dog Bed Review- A Comprehensive and Non-Biased Review
I hope you are geared up for an ultimate Big Barker dog bed review.

If you are looking for a new dog bed then you came to the right place for a completely non-biased, comprehensive and detailed Big Barker orthopedic dog bed review.

Do you have a big dog? You may have heard of an orthopedic dog bed company called Big Barker dog beds. Keep reading our orthopedic dog bed reviews to find out.

As pet parents, you know that finding a good bed for your big dog can be tough. Maybe you’re interested in trying out a Big Barker, but aren’t sure if you should spend the money.

Not all beds are created equal – some are too small, and others just don’t offer the support your furry friend needs. That’s where Big Barker comes in. We’re here to provide you with a non-biased and comprehensive review of their dog beds which are made for giant breed dogs.

Keep reading to learn more about why these beds are so popular, and find out if one is right for your big dogs! Let’s jump into the Big Barker dog bed review.

Our Big Barker Dog Bed Review Is Specific to Giant Breed Dogs

We are targeting this Big Barker dog bed review to big dogs or large dogs who need specific prevention in their lives to avoid joint pain or other health issues as they age.

For large dog owners, you will be especially interested to keep reading this dog bed review as you know that dogs sleep is essential for their overall health. Additionally, finding quality dog beds to support their weight and joints is very difficult.

Smaller Dogs and The Big Barker Dog Bed

A quick note about small dogs:

If you have a smaller dog, especially one with joint problems, this review can still apply to you, as the Big Barker Dog Bed does come in a smaller size called the Junior Barker dog bed. Your teeny dog could benefit from you reading this Big Barker review all the same. The Big Barker Junior dog bed could be a great fit for you.

However, for small dog owners, it can be easier to find a normal dog bed that is suitable for their weight and size and does not flatten under their smaller weight. However, the big barker junior is still one of our favorite beds.

That is why we have targeted this Big Barker review more so to the dog owners of large and giant breed dogs like Great Danes.

Big Barker Foam vs. Memory Foam

When looking to make a purchase like an expensive dog bed, you have to examine if the company offers high quality foam. This is important because your dog’s joints should never hit the ground while they are sleeping as it can cause joint pain and other issues down the line like hip dysplasia.

First up: the Foam Fight:

We took a look at the Big Barker American foam and cross reviewed it to some other versions of foam inside of dog beds being sold online.

Let’s jump in!

Is Polyfil Good For Large Dogs?

Every dog owner has probably seen or felt a brand new bed that they thought was a quality bed, only to realize that their large dogs instantly crush it to the floor, their feet / elbows / joints sink right to the bottom when laying on it, or it seems to ‘crumble’ or ‘ball’ after just a few months.

This is typically because the bed is made from a material called Polyfil, which sort of resembles a cotton ball pillow.

Should Giant Breed Dogs Sleep on a Crib Mattress?

Well, according to a Tactilus study (Tactilus is a machine that checks how much pressure is on something when you step on it or lay on it), the answer is no. Although not typically used to measure a dog on a bed, in this study, it was used for multiple different beds, including a Big Barker.

During a Tactilus Pressure Mapping study, red spots appear the highest when there are extreme pressure spots. Orange means there are less pressure spots, and yellow is even less. You get the point.

In order for our large dogs to have less joint pain and a good night’s rest, we should desire for them to have little to no pressure when laying on the best dog bed.

As you can see, a crib mattress, polyfill bed, and memory foam bed all signaled extreme joint pressure for large dog’s joints.

What really got my interest is when the dog laid on a Big Barker on the pressure mapper, there was NO red- indicating that the Big Barker did not allow ANY pressure from the dog to touch the pressure sensor. The dog’s weight was held up entirely by the bed.

Chinese Foam and the ‘Orthopedic Bed’ Scam

Pet parents need to be more vigilant now than ever. Unfortunately, the word ‘orthopedic’ bed is being tossed around in marketing scams.

The word ‘orthopedic beds’ is not a protected word, which means that companies can use it to describe their dog beds, even if their beds are made of memory foam, polyfil, or other materials that provide absolutely no support to keep their dogs youthful.

Did you know that most ‘orthopedic beds’ are actually sourced with Chinese foam because it’s easier and cheaper for companies to make the bed?

Check out this video- and be vigilant in protecting your dogs from a bed from pet stores or Amazon that claim to be an ‘orthopedic bed’ but can actually HARM them with toxins and lack of support foam.

https://youtu.be/NZKQLiHs-ME

What’s Inside of the Big Barker Dog Bed?

One of the first things you will notice when trying out a Big Barker compared to other dog beds is the foam used inside the bed.

Big Barker uses American made foam that is 7″ thick.

2″ of comfort foam on the top and 2″ of comfort foam on the bottom of the orthopedic bed helps your dog feel comfortable and sink into the bed in a ‘softer’ and more relaxing way.

But, the middle layer between the comfort foam is a 3″ layer of support foam inside beakers beds. This support foam keeps your giant dog’s heavy body off of the ground, because it supports the weight of up to 300 lbs.

Note in this video, this large dog is not sinking to the ground- elbows are off the floor and the bed stood nearly straight up as he lays down:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CanMzmltSxj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

That means that the weight of not one Great Dane, but two can lay on the Big Barker before the dog bed flattens at all.

How Do We Know if a Bed Is an Orthopedic Bed?

Well, after trying several normal dog beds that claimed to be ‘high quality memory foam’ or have a ‘supportive mattress’ for large dogs like a Great Dane, we realized that the only way to write a dog bed review was based in science.

We started to look around for Orthopedic dog beds that had conducted actual studies for big dogs, older dogs / senior dogs, dogs with hip dysplasia / arthritis, or other general joint issues.

I mean, that IS what ‘orthopedic’ implies, right?

That is when we came across the clinical study that was conducted by Big Barker dog beds.

The Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed Clinical Study

The clinical study of the Big Barker bed showed (with evidence) that their orthopedic dog bed improved the quality of life, decreased stiffness in big dogs, reduced pain in big dogs, reduced stiffness in big dogs, improved the gait of big dogs and older dogs, and overall improved the quality of life.

Did You know Your Dog’s Bed Can Impact Them?

Up until this point, many people had no idea that their dog’s bed could actually help their giant dog live a longer life, walk around better, run and play with their big dog buddies and overall have better mobility and less vet bills.

Even veterinarians quickly became attached to this study. Check out some Veterinarians talking about the Big Barker dog beds here:

What Size Bed Should I Get My Big Dog?

Well, when it comes to the size of your dog’s bed, it obviously matters how big your dog is.

Also, it matters if your dog loves to stretch out or if they are okay snuggling with other dogs (if you have any other dogs).

How Big Is Your Dog?

The Big Barker beds are suitable for any big dog in size, but the size you choose depends on the size of your dog.

To give you an idea of just how big the Big Barker actually is, here is a video of the Giant size Big Barker laid out on top of a human mattress:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CakqAxfJdvZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Sizes of Big Barker Dog Beds

The Big Barker dog beds come in 3 sizes for large dogs.
1. Size Large: more suitable for dogs like Golden Retrievers, Pit bull, Husky, etc. but still much bigger than other beds out there.
2. Size XL: Suitable for larger dogs like a Rottweiler or Doberman.
3. Giant Size: Specifically designed for dogs like Great Danes (and in my opinion, Mastiffs etc)
You can find all three of these sizes on the Big Barker website.

Here is an image of two Great Dane dogs laying on one of the Giant Big Barker beds. These two dogs are about 100 lb. so although they are not huge dogs, but they seem to still have room to lounge.

The Different Styles of Big Barker Dog Beds

The Big Barker Beds come in three specific styles: sleek, sofa, and headrest. That does not include the SUV Edition of the Big Barker, which is used for vehicle travel.

The Sleek Big Barker Beds

The sleek Big Barker bed is exactly what the name implies. The sleek dog bed is just one straight piece of Big Barker foam, with no specific ‘pillow’ or place for your dog to rest its head.

I find the Sleek bed to be a great choice for a living space, family room, or if your dog likes to really stretch out.

Here are a few photos of the Sleek orthopedic dog bed:

Click here to shop for Sleek Big Barker beds.

The Sofa Big Barker Beds

The Sofa orthopedic dog bed definitely seems like a fan favorite by pet parents and dogs.

The Sofa Big Barker bed is the same 7″ American foam as the Sleek, but this time with a piece of therapeutic mattress foam lining three sides of the bed, making it a ‘sofa’ instead of a ‘bed’. They also now offer the big barker crate pad.

Is Your Giant Dog a Snuggle Pup? They Will Probably Love the Sofa Bed

Since most dogs love to be ‘snuggled up’, it makes sense that alot of dogs love the Sofa Big Barker dog bed as the sofa bolsters sort of snuggle them.

Cons to the Sofa Big Barker:
1. Ease of Washing: The Sofa Big Barker has bolsters that surround 3 sides of the bed- however the bolsters are NOT attached to the actual dog beds. Therefore, whenever you want to change out the washable cover, you need to remove the foam bolsters, and put them back in.
2. Waterproof Liner Non-Compatible: The waterproof liner made for Big Barker dog beds does NOT cover the sofa bolsters. Instead, you will just be getting a sleek waterproof liner and putting it UNDER your sofa bolsters, leaving the actual sofa bolsters at risk for water / liquid stains or spills.
Get a FREE Jolly Ball with the purchase of a Big Barker bed.

The Headrest Big Barker Beds

The Headrest Big Barker dog beds are by far my favorite of all the Big Barker dog beds.

The Headrest Big Barker bed offers the benefit of it having a bolster / headrest, with the ease of being able to clean and wash it very easily, unlike other bolster beds I have seen in other pet beds.

Click here to shop for Headrest Big Barker beds.

The SUV Big Barker

The SUV Big Barker is really a great investment for anybody who takes their dog in their car often. The SUV Big Barker comes in 3 sizes, Medium, Large and XL, and it is best to measure before you purchase.

Click here to shop for SUV Big Barker beds.

Instead of being 7″, the SUV Big Barker is 3″ with ‘wings’ that protect your dog from hitting the sides of your vehicle.

The SUV Bed is NOT a Safety Replacement

By no means is the SUV Big Barker a replacement for a seatbelt, and Big Barker does NOT state so. However it is a great travel bed option.

The Foam of the SUV Big Barker Bed

As shown below, the SUV Big Barker comes with two layers of foam, making it good competition for their other standard orthopedic dog beds, especially since your dog will only be using this bed while they are in the car.

For a great and full review of the SUV Big Barker, you may be interested in reading this SUV Dog Bed Review:

Big Barker Backseat Barker SUV Dog Bed Review

What Color Options Does Big Barker Offer?

Big Barker offers their orthopedic dog beds in khaki, charcoal, burgundy and cordura.

Burgundy Big Barker

Chocolate Big Barker

Charcoal Big Barker

Khaki Big Barker

Occasionally, they run promos where they will have a ‘special’ color, but you have to snag them quickly when they do.

Examples of Big Barker Dog Bed Colors

Here is a cute video with the colors of beds for you to see the colors in action:

@packofpotatoes
Reply to @bigbarkerusa we cannot thank Big Barker enough for giving us more dog beds for Simba to steal! Link in bio #fyp #fypシ #fypp #dog #rescue
♬ Taste It – TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson™

Big Barker Dog Beds Fit Into Your Home / Lifestyle

The nice part about the Big Barker dog bed color options is that no matter what color your dog is, you can most likely choose a bed to match them.

Also, if you want the bed to match your house, the neutral and lifestyle friendly colors will easily fit into most designs so that your dog bed doesn’t have to stick out like a sore thumb.

Is the Big Barker Orthopedic Dog Bed Washable?

It is absolutely crucial that dog beds are washable.

Dogs are not the cleanest creatures, and no matter how often you bathe them, they will still track in dirt, leaves, grass, and yes- sometimes even mud.

The good news is that all Big Barker dog beds are compatible with a machine washable cover AND a waterproof liner.

Big Barker Washable Covers

How to Wash Big Barker Dog Beds

You can simply take off the outer cover (it has a zipper that you zip up to get the bed into the cover) and throw it in the wash in warm water. Even the zippers are very easy to use.

The washable cover IS safe to go into the drier, but it does say to tumble dry on low.

Do Big Barker Beds Have Waterproof Liners?

The Big Barker bed does not come with a waterproof cover, but it is available for additional purchase for each bed.

If your dog is older and prone to incontinence, if you have a young dog / puppy who is very active and messy, or if your dog eats any form of pet food or treats on its bed, it is pretty recommended that you get a waterproof cover for your bed.

Heres a quick video demonstration of the liner being used:

Is a Big Barker Bed Worth It?

If you have a big, large or giant breed dog, in our opinion- yes, the Big Barker orthopedic dog bed is worth the price.

For dog breeds anywhere in size from Golden Retrievers to Great Danes, Big Barker offers numerous beds that are suitable for your dog.

Clinically Proven is Always Worth It

Not only that, being clinically proven as a bed that will help your dog with mobility, joint issues, stiffness and pain, it is something that you cannot look past.

My only regret is not trying the Big Barker for my dog sooner, as it is a bed that I know she will use for many years to come.

Do you have a Big Barker bed? Join our Facebook community and let us know which bed is your favorite.

Free Jolly Ball with Purchase

READ MORE:

Off-Color & ‘Designer Color’ Great Danes, Good or Bad?
April 29, 2022
Incredible Uses of Laser Therapy For Your Dog’s Pain
Can you use laser therapy for your dog’s pain? The answer to that question is a resounding “yes!” Laser therapy is a pain-free, noninvasive treatment. Lasers are used to treat a variety of painful conditions in dogs.

Some of the most common conditions that laser therapy can help with include hip dysplasia, arthritis, injuries/ACL tears/knee pain, elbow osteoarthritis, ear infections, and wounds/hot spots/burns. Is your dog in pain? Be sure to continue reading if you’re interested in learning how to use laser therapy for your dog’s pain.

Many veterinarians are now using laser therapy to help their patients find relief from pain, and the results are often astounding. Has your dog encouraged you to consider using laser therapy for your dog’s pain? If you’re looking for an alternative treatment option for your dog’s pain, be sure to ask your veterinarian about laser therapy.

To begin, if you’re considering laser therapy for your dog, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Before you begin using laser therapy for your dog’s pain, make sure to get educated and informed.

Treating Hip Dysplasia

Chronic Ear Infections

Injury/ACL Tears
- First, you need to find a laser therapy system that is safe to use at home.
- Second, laser therapy is not a miracle cure-all and will not work for every dog.
- Third, laser therapy requires multiple sessions, not just one.
- Fourth, laser therapy for your dog’s pain will take patience and time.
- Lastly, laser therapy is relatively new, so there may not be as much research available available depending on the laser you choose.
It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before starting any laser therapy. Your vet will help you determine if laser therapy system you are using is the right option of laser therapy for for your dog’s pain.

Additionally, we will discuss a safe and reliable laser therapy device and the results that have come from it. When choosing a laser, it is of utmost importance that it not only is a system of laser therapy for your dog’s pain, but one that is safe as well.

So, does laser therapy help dogs pain? Absolutely! If you’re looking for an alternative way to help your dog find relief from pain, keep reading! Technology and science has shown that it is a good choice to use laser therapy for your dog’s pain!

Watch the Technology Behind B Cure ILLT Laser Vet Here to see how to incorporate laser therapy for your dog’s pain

Cold Laser Therapy for Your Dog’s Pain

Cold Laser Therapy is also called Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). To begin, Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a treatment that uses low-intensity lasers to improve the health of cells in the body. ILLT is helpful in treating a variety of conditions in humans and animals alike. ILLT Laser Therapy can help significantly with your dog’s pain. You should consider LLLT Laser Therapy for your dog’s pain.

10% off B Cure Laser: Code hellodanes10off

Laser therapy works by using light energy to stimulate cells and promote healing. The light energy penetrates the tissue and the cells absorbs it. Next, this absorption process triggers a series of events. This leads to the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

ATP is the energy that cells need to function properly. Also, it helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. In addition, laser therapy also helps to increase circulation and reduce your dog’s pain.

Research shows that the B-Cure Laser Vet eases back pain in dogs. ILLT gives cells more energy and helps them do their job. Additionally, ILLT regenerates damaged cells and heals injuries.

What is B-Cure Laser Vet Therapy and Can it Help Your Dog’s Pain?

B-Cure Laser Vet therapy is a popular alternative treatment for many different conditions, such as pain and inflammation. B-Cure Laser Vet uses laser light in the range of 1 – 1000 microwatts (MW).

This low level illumination has several benefits on living tissue because it does not cause damage while targeting specific areas with photochemical effects instead thermal ones like heat application would do. In other words, your dog can get relief without experiencing any side affects!

Additionally, the B-Cure Laser Vet is safe to use at home. The B-Cure Laser Vet treats muscle spasms and pain without the need for protective goggles. Furthermore, you are not taking any risks at burning your dog’s skin.

The Benefits of Laser Vet Therapy for Your Dog
1. Increased Collagen– One of the benefits of laser therapy is that it helps to increase collagen production. Collagen is a protein found in the skin and connective tissues. It helps to give skin its elasticity and strength. LLLT increases collagen by stimulating fibroblasts, which are the cells that produce collagen.
2. Reduced Inflammation– One of the most common benefits of laser therapy is that it helps to reduce inflammation. This can be helpful in treating a variety of conditions such as arthritis, injuries, and hot spots.
Use Code hellodanes10 for 10% off your B-Cure Laser Vet
1. Increased Circulation– Another benefit of laser therapy is that it helps to increase circulation. This increased circulation can help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
2. Better Blood flow– One of the benefits of laser therapy is that it helps to improve blood flow. This improved blood flow can help to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.
3. Reduced Pain– One of the most common reasons why people choose laser therapy is because it can help to reduce pain. Laser therapy can be helpful in treating a variety of conditions such as arthritis, injuries, and hot spots.
4. Improved Healing– One of the benefits of laser therapy is that it can help to improve healing time. This is because laser therapy helps to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.
Watch Veterinarian Dr. Kane explain the impact of the B-Cure Laser Therapy Vet on pain and inflammation.

How to Use a Laser Therapy Device at Home

In order to determine the best way to use your Laser device, you need to identify the cause of your dog’s pain.

If your dog is experiencing pain from arthritis, you will want to focus the laser on the affected joints. Injury and surgery recovery will merit a different area of focus. Let’s dive into some of the common uses for laser therapy.

Always consult with a veterinarian if to see if laser therapy can help for your dog’s pain.

Your Dog’s Pain: Arthritis

Arthritis affects over 20% of all dogs in the United States. It is a degenerative joint disease that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness. The most common form of arthritis in dogs is osteoarthritis.

There are a few things that you can do to help your dog find relief from arthritis pain:
- Weight Management: One of the best things that you can do for your dog is to help them maintain a healthy weight. This will take pressure off of their joints and help to reduce pain.
- Joint Supplements: Another thing that you can do is to give your dog joint supplements. These supplements can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Dasuqin is a veterinarian approved joint supplement for large dogs.
- Exercise: Exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for dogs with arthritis. Exercise helps to increase circulation and reduce pain.
- Laser Therapy: Laser therapy can also be helpful in treating arthritis pain. The best way to use laser therapy for arthritis is to focus the laser on the affected joints.
How to Use the B-Cure Laser Vet to Treat Your Dog’s Arthritis Pain

Symptoms of Arthritis
- Slow to move/jump/run or hesitation to climb stairs
- Difficulty keeping up with daily activity
- Reluctant to play like they used to
- Lameness in hind end
- Looseness of joint
- Bunny Hopping when running, instead of running normally
- Loss of muscle mass/muscle degrading
- Noticeable change in behavior/temperament
- Agitation towards kids/other dogs/adults that used to be fine
- Pain/irritation
- Stiffness and soreness
- Whining or whimpering
- Reluctant to climb into or jump out of car
“B-Cure Laser Vet is an effective mode of treatment that helps treat inflammation, reduces pain and swelling.”

Treatment of Arthritis Pain Using Laser Therapy

If your dog has pain in its hips or back due to arthritis or hip dysplasia, begin by using 1.5-2 minutes of the Cold Laser Therapy on each spots that depict pain (hips, joints). You will gradually increase the treatment to up to 4 minutes.

It is best to repeat the laser treatment at least twice daily.

Treating ACL Tear / CCL Tear

If your dog has suffered an ACL tear or CCL tear, you know that the road to recovery can be long and painful. Laser therapy can help to speed up the healing process and reduce pain.

ACL Tears are one of the most common injuries in dogs. They occur when the ligament that stabilizes the knee is torn. This can happen due to trauma, exercise, or degenerative disease.

Symptoms of Knee Pain or ACL / CCL Tear

Location and severity of knee pain varies in accordance with the cause of the problem. Signs and symptoms that may accompany knee pain:
- After an injury, you may notice your dog is weaker
- Your dog loses stability or looks ‘wobbly’
- Swelling in knee or leg
- You hear a popping or cracking in the knee
- Lack of ability to straighten their knee
- Pain / lethargy with movement
- Hesitancy to move up and down stairs or into car
CCL Tears are similar to ACL Tears, but they occur in the elbow instead of the knee.

The best way to use laser therapy for an ACL or CCL tear is to focus the laser on the affected area for 15-20 minutes per day.

Watch a quick video about using Laser Therapy for Knee Pain in your Dog. Use Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off your own B Cure Laser Vet.

Chronic Ear Infections Causing Your Dog Pain

Ear infections are one of the most common problems that dogs experience. Ear pain is caused by a variety of things. Some causes include allergies, bacteria, yeast, and foreign bodies. Ear infections can be very painful for your dog.

Have you noticed your dog shaking their head or scratching their ears? These are both signs that your dog may have an ear infection. Other signs include red, inflamed ears, a foul odor coming from the ears, and discharge.

Otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear and canal.

Dogs are commonly prone to it, since they have a flap that blocks air flow while their ears get warm due to insulating wax buildup which makes removal difficult without proper equipment from your vet such as an otoscope for inspection purposes.

The external surface area in animal’s versus human’s has made them more susceptible when compared with humans. However keeping your dog’s ears clean at home will help to prevent painful infections.

The ear is a very sensitive and delicate organ. Infections are caused by both bacterial or fungal origin. Additionally, small organisms such like mites that carry infection in their fur can creep into their ears.

A more serious case with pus inside your dog’s ears may indicate a more serious bacteria, which thrives when environmental conditions support its growth.

Most pet owners will sooner or later deal with ear infections in their pet’s ears.

Laser therapy is a great way to help your dog with pain. If you think your dog might be in pain, please consult with your veterinarian about using laser therapy.

Use discount code HELLODANES10 for 10% off your own B-Cure Laser System.

There are many different types of laser systems and each one can be beneficial for certain issues. We hope this article has helped you learn more about how laser therapy can help your furry friend live a better life without pain.
March 24, 2022
The Best Crates for a Great Dane: Crates that Fit 100 lb+ Dogs
Finding the best crates for a Great Dane is no easy feat when your pup is over 100 pounds.

Crate training a Great Dane is one of the best ways to make sure that your dog is safe, less able to make mistakes (such as peeing on your favorite rug), and less likely to chew up dangerous things such as cords and socks.

How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy
Crate Training for Great Dane Sized Dogs

kennel for great dane

Great Danes are giant breed dogs and most dog crates are NOT big enough! If you are looking for information on the best crates for a Great Dane, including the best custom crates for Great Danes, we’re sharing our favorite below.

The Frisco XXL 54″ Double-Door Dog Crate for Great Danes

THE BEST CRATES FOR A GREAT DANE

It is unlikely that you will be able to find appropriately sized Great Dane cages at your local pet store.

Most of the ‘largest’ dog crates sold are 48″, which most Great Danes will outgrow by 7-8 months of age! Great Dane kennel size is SO important because Great Danes need to be able to stretch their joints even inside of a crate.

Look for a giant breed 54″ crate. XXL crates typically come with a divider panel that can be used to make the interior smaller while your puppy is growing.

There are two main players for Great Dane Crates in the market: Frisco and Midwest Homes

PRO TIP:
Crate time should be limited to 1 hour per month of age. A 3 month old puppy should not expect to be comfortably crated for more than 3 hours between potty and movement breaks.

MidWest Solutions XXL Double-Door Wire Dog Crate for Great Danes

DOUBLE DOOR VS. SINGLE DOOR CRATES FOR GREAT DANES

We recommend double-door crates, as they offer more options for placement in your home.

SHOP ON CHEWY

Frisco Double Door 54″ Crate

MidWest Solutions Double Door 54″ Crate + Crate Pad

Frisco Single-Door 54″ Crate

SHOP ON AMAZON

MidWest Solutions 54″ Double Door Crate

MidWest Solutions 54″ Single Door Crate

K-9 Ballistics Elevated Cot

CRATE PADS AND CHEW-PROOF COTS FOR GREAT DANES

For orthopedic health, Great Danes should always have a soft and supportive surface to lay on.

If your Great Dane is destructive, we recommend the K-9 Ballistics Elevated Cot. It’s spendy but much cheaper than having to purchase a new bed every month! The K-9 Ballistics cot is nearly indestructible.

For a basic, simple made-to-fit crate pad, try the 54″ MidWest Dog Bolster Bed.

Midwest 54″ Crate Pad

CUSTOM CRATES FOR GREAT DANES

If you are wanting a crate that fits your home decor, consider a custom crate for your Great Dane! These are typically made out of wood and can have different stains, doors and exteriors.

Many Great Dane owners use custom dog crates as their TV stand!

Learn more about ordering a custom dog crate, starting at $1699 from BB KUSTOM KENNELS.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW7cla6r-RZ/

CRATE TRAINING RESOURCES FOR GREAT DANES
- 5 Dog Trainer Red Flags (and How to Spot Them)
  With countless dog trainers competing for your attention and hard-earned money, navigating the selection process can be daunting. It becomes even more challenging if you’re unsure about what makes a dog trainer good! I’ve compiled five dog trainer red flags, and am including some information to help you easily spot the warning signs. The dog… Read more: 5 Dog Trainer Red Flags (and How to Spot Them)
- Stop Puppy Biting in 3 Easy Steps
  Ouch, puppy teeth hurt! Dealing with puppy biting can be challenging. While puppies are undeniably cute, they are not polite with their sharp little teeth. Puppy biting can be concerning for pet owners worried about aggression and frustrating for those trying to address it. I’ve boiled this down into 3 easy, effective steps, which can… Read more: Stop Puppy Biting in 3 Easy Steps
- New Great Dane Puppy? This Guide is For You!
  December is a popular time to get a new Great Dane puppy. I believe that a lot of this is related to the Holidays; puppies are readily available, adorable, and popular to receive or give for Christmas! If you are new to the world of Great Danes, or ready for a refresher, let’s jump in.… Read more: New Great Dane Puppy? This Guide is For You!
- Do Dogs Get Lonely? The Fascinating Truth Behind Canine Depression
  Do dogs get lonely? Dog owners have long suspected that their furry friends get lonely for a variety of different reasons. Some dog owners report lonely dogs when they have to leave their dogs home alone for too long, their dog is the only dog in the household, or their dog isn’t getting enough mental… Read more: Do Dogs Get Lonely? The Fascinating Truth Behind Canine Depression
- Are Great Danes Easy to Train?
  Are Great Danes easy to train? Many people believe that Great Danes are stubborn, spiteful, and defiant. It can lead to questions about whether or not Great Danes are hard to train, especially as they are so large and can easily be destructive or dangerous. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for… Read more: Are Great Danes Easy to Train?
READ MORE:
How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy
HOW TO TRIM YOUR PUPPIES NAILS
HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR DOG’S FEET
Miniature Great Danes: The Pocket Size Version
Is My Puppy Too Skinny?
Supplements for Great Danes
How Much Do Great Danes Eat?
March 7, 2022
Life’s Abundance Dog Food Review for Great Danes

We occasionally like to pick a random pet food brand or gear and do a review. On the list, today is our Life’s Abundance Dog food review. This popular food is often recommended by breeders (who receive kickbacks for selling it), however, it is rarely if ever recommended by veterinarians. I wanted to dig into why that is!

Many breeders will offer and promote Life’s Abundance puppy food to puppy buyers, and may even require it as part of your contract or health guarantee!

This is not your typical review! We are not a dog food clickbait site – you won’t see us breaking down the merits of a food solely on its ingredients, but rather, it’s manufacturing process, formulation practices, and overall ethics.

Let’s dig in!

Life’s Abundance Food & Great Dane Breeder Recommendations

It is really important to understand first that Life’s Abundance Food is an MLM Marketing Scheme.

That means that it’s often sold through a hierarchy of distributors (often breeders) who make a profit on the sale of the food. They can also profit by building teams through the recruitment of ‘Field Representatives’.

Simply put, the promotion of Life’s Abundance dog food is done in a similar way to other MLM brands such as Herbalife, Scentsy, Mary Kay, and Young living Oils.

Because their ability to profit from this product is directly tied to their ability to sell it to buyers and recruit other sellers, breeders are greatly motivated to produce more and more puppies to uphold their income stream.

This may be done without regard to health, structure, or diligence to breed type.

The Great Dane Breeders who are successful in selling lots of puppies will often be fanatic in their promotion of Life’s Abundance because, for them, it’s a winning numbers game.

More puppies produced = more food sales.

This creates an environment where unethical breeders are encouraged to breed more and more in the pursuit of ongoing commission-driven profits from puppy buyers.

Life’s Abundance is NOT a Dog Food Manufacturer or Company

Life’s Abundance is an MLM that sells nutritional supplements, cleaning supplies, and randomly…dog food.

Life’s Abundance is NOT a dog food company, and as of this writing, they do not manufacture or pack their products.

Additionally, the company does not make AAFCO Nutritional or formulation information easy to find.

As far as we can tell the brand is not involved in ongoing peer-reviewed nutritional research or legitimate testing. Despite this, their marketing relies heavily on the promotion that they sell a ‘proprietary’ blend of ingredients.

Without extensive testing and feeding trials, there is no proof behind the ‘health’ claims that this brand makes.

Life’s Abundance reps love to talk about how the brand is ‘free of recalls‘, however, this is intentionally misleading marketing. It can also be wildly unethical (see our study on Victor dog food, which had no recalls until November 2023 when it was discovered by a 3rd party that they had been selling contaminated food for months with no accountability).

‘No Recalls’ is a red flag.
Recalls are a positive sign that a brand is making efforts to uphold standards and mitigate formulation and production issues within its product.

A brand with no recalls, that wishes to uphold that record for marketing purposes is likely to ‘hide’ minor formulation and quality control problems instead of recalling them publicly.

In other words, ‘no recalls’ is NOT a key indicator of quality and safety. Recalls can happen for several reasons and many are not catastrophic.

Life’s Abundance Dog Food and Breeder Ethics

Many breeders who promote and profit from this product will offer a more robust health guarantee to buyers who keep their puppies on this food.

Some will even require that the food and/or supplements be purchased, no matter what.

The health guarantee and breeder support may become ‘void’ if the food’s auto shipment is turned off, and these breeders may even require that you return the puppy to them if you don’t support their food commission scheme.

It is not uncommon for puppy buyers to feel pressured into keeping their puppies on Life’s Abundance foods and supplements despite knuckling, chronic loose stools, stomach problems, allergies, flat feet, heart problems or low energy.

All of these are health problems where nutrition, especially nutrition from a company that has no legitimate scientific backing, may play a key role.

It is extremely unethical for a breeder to require the purchase of Life’s Abundance food and/or supplements. We consider this practice a key red flag, as it often rides in tandem with other unethical breeding practices such as inadequate health testing and breeding dogs with questionable structure.

Life’s Abundance Quality

Life’s Abundance makes it difficult to find their ingredients list; on their website, you can expect a list of ingredients within the food, but not in any particular order.

We are not board-certified Veterinary Nutritionists, so we have no business commenting on the specific ingredients, formulation, or health claims.

Coincidentally, neither do the breeders, ‘Dog Food Advisor’, or any other ‘food rating’ website.

Not to mention the fact that Life’s Abundance is not even formulated by a credentialed, board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN).

A DACVN is one of the only people qualified to completely formulate kibble dog food and judge ingredients. (Read more here: https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/06/why-you-shouldnt-judge-a-pet-food-by-its-ingredient-list/)

The person in charge of creating the Life’s Abundance recipes is a ‘holistic’ veterinarian whose writings and focus seem to have been on…cats. While some people may take no issue with this, consider this.

The current FDA warnings about grain-free foods and boutique diets causing heart problems indicate that the problem is strongly correlated with boutique diets that are not formulated and rigorously tested by a credentialed veterinary nutritionist. So yes, that should alarm you.

Life’s Abundance is a marketing company, not a pet nutrition expert company.

The nutritional analysis of protein, calcium, and phosphorus in some Life’s Abundance formulas appear to be appropriate for Great Dane puppies, however, we are unable to definitively say if the correct balance of other nutrients (including key meat-based amino acids) is present.

For a 40lb bag (the typical size needed when raising Great Danes), you can expect to pay nearly $100.

As with all MLM products, the price is high to support the commission-based business model, not necessarily because it’s a higher-quality product.

We do not recommend Life’s Abundance dog food and encourage you to tread cautiously with any breeder that is heavily promoting, selling or encouraging this brand.

The same can be said for Life’s Abundance supplements and NuVet Vitamins, which we will cover in another blog post.

Do you sell or use Lifes Abundance dog food? Leave your comments below! We are open to friendly, polite, scientific dialogue on this topic.

February 18, 2022