Dog osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor / bone cancer that causes major bone destruction in dogs with an affected limb.
Osteosarcoma in dogs is most often found in the bones of the legs, but can also be found in the ribs, pelvis and spine. It is most common in large breed dogs over the age of seven, with Great Danes being one of the breeds most susceptible to developing this cancer.
There are many different types of osteosarcoma, each with their own set of symptoms. The most common symptom is lameness in the limb, followed by pain and swelling. As the tumor grows, it will begin to compress surrounding nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to paralysis or loss of circulation in the affected limb.
DOG OSTEOSARCOMA: A BONE CANCER IN DOGS THAT SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED
What is canine Osteosarcoma? Canine Osteosarcoma is a bone tumour that is also the most common primary bone cancer in dogs. It is an aggressive form of cancer that grows rapidly and metastasizes (spreads) quickly to other parts of the body, most notably the lungs.
Osteosarcoma usually affects middle-aged to older dogs with larger breeds being predisposed; however, it can occur in any dog at any age. The mean age at diagnosis is six to seven years old.
Great Danes have the highest risk of developing osteosarcoma followed by Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and other large breeds like German Shepherds and English Mastiffs. While most cases are seen in dogs over the age of six, it has been diagnosed in dogs as young as one year old.
Lameness is the most common symptom associated with osteosarcoma. The lameness may come on suddenly or it may develop slowly over time. It is often intermittent at first, meaning that the dog will be lame for a period of time and then seem normal again for a period of time. As the tumor grows, the lameness becomes more constant.
Pain is usually associated with the lameness and may be severe. The pain is often worse at night or after exercise. Swelling may or may not be present depending on where the tumor is located.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to have him/her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible for a diagnosis. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
There are several tests that your veterinarian can perform to diagnose osteosarcoma. A complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical profile will often be performed first to get a general idea of your dog’s overall health.
PET PARENTS OBSERVATION IS THE FIRST STEP TO DETECTING BONE CANCER AND BONE TUMORS
Dog parents should be in tune with their dogs natural and ‘normal’ self.
Dog parents should know the clinical signs of primary Osteosarcoma and be able to take their dog to be seen at the very earliest possible time.
The most common sign of Osteosarcoma is sudden onset or worsening of lameness that does not improve with rest.
Pale gums due to anemia (low red blood cell count)
Dog parents will be able to see if their healthy dogs suddenly begin to limp, get lethargic, have a fever, and show other clinical signs.
Getting immediate diagnosis and treatment is of utmost importance to treat tumor cells.
XRAYS TO DETECT PRIMARY BONE TUMORS
X-rays are often the next step in diagnosing osteosarcoma. X-rays can sometimes be normal in early stages of the disease, but as the tumor grows, it will cause changes in the bone that can be seen on an x-ray. A mass or lump may also be visible on the x-ray.
CT OR MRI SCANS FOR BONE TUMORS
If your dog has a mass or lump that is visible on an x-ray, your veterinarian may recommend a CT scan or MRI to get a better look at the tumor. These scans can often give more information about the size and location of the tumor.
BIOPSY FOR BONE TUMORS
A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose osteosarcoma. A biopsy can be done in one of two ways: a needle biopsy or a surgical biopsy.
Needle biopsies are often performed with CT or MRI guidance. A needle is inserted into the tumor and a small amount of tissue is removed. This type of biopsy is less invasive than a surgical biopsy, but it does not always provide enough tissue for an accurate diagnosis.
Surgical biopsies are often done under general anesthesia. A small piece of the tumor is removed and sent to a pathologist for evaluation. A surgical biopsy is the best way to get a definitive diagnosis of osteosarcoma.
Once a diagnosis of osteosarcoma has been made, your veterinarian will discuss treatment options with you. The most common treatment for osteosarcoma is amputation of the limb followed by chemotherapy.
IS HAVING A BONE BIOPSY RISKY?
Conducting a bone biopsy is a very risky procedure with Osteosarcoma in dogs.
The primary canine bone tumors make the bones very fragile and conducting a biopsy can put your dog at risk for fracture or shattering of the bone.
SIGNS OF APPENDICULAR OSTEOSARCOMA IN DOGS
Dogs with tumor cells will begin to not feel themselves before the bone growth even takes place.
Lethargy, weight loss, and decreased appetite are all clinical signs that should not be ignored by dog parents.
These are all early warning signs that something is wrong and your dog needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it is important to have him/her seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible for a diagnosis. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
THE MOST COMMON AFFECTED BONE WITH APPENDICULAR OSTEOSARCOMA
Appendicular Osteosarcoma is a bone tumour that can affect any bone in the body, but the most common location is the long bones of the legs (femur, humerus).
Other less common locations include the ribs, pelvis, and shoulder blade.
Appendicular Osteosarcoma accounts for about 85% of all primary bone tumors in dogs.
Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in dogs and Great Danes are no exception.
While any dog can develop osteosarcoma, Great Danes are predisposed to developing this type of cancer. In fact, osteosarcoma accounts for about 50% of all cancers diagnosed in Great Danes.
While the exact cause of osteosarcoma is unknown, there are several risk factors that have been associated with the development of this disease.
RISK FACTORS FOR APPENDICULAR OSTEOSARCOMA IN DOGS
The following are risk factors for developing canine appendicular Osteosarcoma:
Age: Osteosarcoma is most common in dogs over the age of six.
Breed: Great Danes have the highest incidence of osteosarcoma, followed by other large breeds such as Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers.
Size: Giant breed dogs are at a higher risk for developing osteosarcoma.
Gender: Male dogs are slightly more likely to develop osteosarcoma than female dogs.
Previous radiation: Dogs who have received radiation to the affected limb have an increased risk of developing osteosarcoma.
While there is no way to prevent osteosarcoma, there are several things you can do to help your dog if he or she is diagnosed with this disease.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR APPENDICULAR OSTEOSARCOMA IN DOGS
The most common treatment for appendicular osteosarcoma is limb amputation of the affected limb, followed by chemotherapy.
LIMB AMPUTATION OF DOGS WITH OSTEOSARCOMA
Limb amputation is usually recommended because it gives the best chance for long-term survival. In fact, dogs who undergo limb amputation and chemotherapy have a median survival time of about one year.
While this may not seem like a long time, it is important to remember that Osteosarcoma is a very aggressive cancer and most dogs with Osteosarcoma do not live more than six months without treatment.
So, while limb amputation may seem like a drastic measure, it is often the best course of treatment for dogs with osteosarcoma.
FINDING A VETERINARIAN WHO IS EXPERIENCED IN AMPUTATION FOR APPENDICULAR OSTEOSARCOMA
If you are considering limb amputation for your dog, it is important to find a veterinary surgeon who is experienced in performing this type of surgery.
While most veterinarians are able to perform limb amputations, there are some surgeons who have more experience and may be able to provide a better outcome for your dog.
CHEMOTHERAPY FOR DOGS WITH APPENDICULAR OSTEOSARCOMA
In addition to limb amputation, chemotherapy is often recommended for dogs with osteosarcoma.
Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery and is often used in conjunction with radiation therapy.
The most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat Canine Osteosarcoma are Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, and Carboplatin. Cisplatin Doxorubicin combination chemotherapy is also used for treatment, which is considered the gold standard for osteosarcoma treatment.
Chemotherapy drugs can be hard on dogs, but most dogs tolerate chemotherapy when done in conjunction with other pain medications.
These drugs are usually given intravenously (IV) and can be administered in the hospital or at home.
Home chemotherapy is becoming more common because it is less expensive and more convenient for owners.
If you are considering home chemotherapy for your dog, it is important to find a veterinarian who is experienced in administering this type of treatment.
ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY
If you choose to do surgical treatment for your dog, you will likely be guided to do Adjuvant chemotherapy, which is given after surgery to help kill any remaining cancer cells.
Adjuvant chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with radiation.
The most common adjuvant chemotherapy drugs used to treat Canine Osteosarcoma are Cisplatin, Doxorubicin, and Carboplatin. These drugs are
PALLIATIVE RADIATION THERAPY TO SHRINK THE TUMOR TISSUE
Sometimes, palliative radiation is used for dogs with appendicular Osteosarcoma to shrink the primary tumor.
Palliative radiation is used to shrink the bone tumor and relieve pain. It is not a cure for Osteosarcoma, but it can help your dog feel more comfortable.
Radiation has been shown to reduce cancer related bone pain and can help to shrink the primary bone tumour, but it is not a cure.
Palliative radiation therapy is usually given as a series of treatments over the course of several weeks.
LIMB SPARING SURGERY TO TREAT OSTEOSARCOMA IN DOGS
Limb sparing surgery is used to treat Osteosarcoma in dogs. There are different limb sparing techniques.
Limb sparing surgery is a type of surgery where the cancerous bone tumor is removed, but the surrounding healthy tissue is left intact. Dogs with appendicular Osteosarcoma have Osteosarcoma cells that have spread from the primary bone tumor to other parts of the body.
Limb sparing surgery is often used in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy.
The most common type of limb sparing surgery for dogs is forequarter amputation. Forequarter amputation is a type of surgery where the front leg is amputated. This type of surgery can be used to treat Osteosarcoma in the arm or leg.
Limb sparing surgery is often followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Limb sparing surgery provides a median survival time of about one year for dogs with Osteosarcoma.
While this type of surgery is not a cure, it can help to extend your dog’s life and provide a good quality of life.
SUBSCUTANEOUS CHEMOTHERAPY FOR DOGS WITH OSTEOSARCOMA
Subcutaneous chemotherapy is a newer type of treatment for dogs with osteosarcoma.
In this type of treatment, the chemotherapy drugs are given under the skin, rather than intravenously.
Subcutaneous chemotherapy has been shown to be just as effective as intravenous chemotherapy, but it is less expensive and more convenient for owners.
If you are considering subcutaneous chemotherapy for your dog, it is important to find a veterinarian who is experienced in administering this type of treatment.
SURGERY, CHEMOTHERAPY, LIMB SPARING SURGERY, RADIATION THERAPY, OR A COMBINATION OF THESE TREATMENTS?
The decision on whether to use surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these treatments will be made by you and your veterinarian based on several factors including:
No matter what treatment option you choose for your dog, it is important to remember that Osteosarcoma is a very aggressive bone cancer and the goal of treatment is to extend your dog’s life as much as possible and make him or her comfortable, keep the primary tumor from getting bigger and causing more pain, and help the bone from having bone destruction.
WHEN A PRIMARY TUMOR CAUSES A BONE BREAK OR FRACTURE
One of the biggest concerns in Canine Appendicular Osteosarcoma is that the bone tumor can cause bone breaks or a pathologic fracture.
Most dogs who have Canine Appendicular Osteosarcoma and who proceed to break their limb will not have a good outlook, as it is very hard to get dogs treated for the bone break when the cancer cells make the limb very weak to begin with.
If you have a dog with Canine Appendicular Osteosarcoma, your dog’s limb should be treated extremely fragile, as the host related risk factors for breaking a bone are high.
PAIN RELIEF FOR GIANT BREED DOGS WITH CANINE OSTEOSARCOMA
Canine Osteosarcoma is, unfortunately, one of the most painful diseases for a dog.
Pain relief is one of the best forms of treatment.
Some ways to help your dog cope with Canine Osteosarcoma and the associated pain are:
Providing a soft bed or mattress for your dog to sleep on
Most dogs appreciate a nice, supportive bed but because the bone sarcoma risk puts your dog at a higher risk for pain and fracture, using a supportive bed is even more important.
We recommend the Big Barker bed for any dog with Canine Osteosarcoma.
Putting non-slip flooring in your home to help your dog get around easier
Dogs with Canine Osteosarcoma often have trouble getting around and may need some help in the form of non-slip flooring.
There are many different types of non-slip flooring available and you can find them at most home improvement stores.
Unfortunately, Osteosarcoma in dogs is the most common bone tumor.
Getting Osteosarcoma treated is very difficult and there is no cure for dogs with Appendicular Osteosarcoma.
The average survival time for dogs with Appendicular Osteosarcoma is about one year.
However, with treatment, some dogs may live for two years or more.
The median survival time for dogs treated with surgery and chemotherapy is about 14 months.
Dogs that have limb-sparing surgery have a median survival time of 16 to 18 months.
For dogs that have their limb amputated, the median survival time is about 12 months.
The type of treatment your dog receives will depend on many factors including the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, and your dog’s overall health. Some dogs may only receive surgery while others may receive a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The survival time also depends on adjuvant therapy and whether there are secondary tumours or whether there is lymph node metastases.
If your dog has been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, it is important to talk to your veterinarian about all of the treatment options and which one would be best for your dog. It is also important to find a veterinary oncologist that you trust and feel comfortable with to help make these decisions.
The most important thing you can do for your dog is to make sure he or she is comfortable and has a good quality of life.
IS CANINE OSTEOSARCOMA GENETIC?
Dogs with Appendicular Osteosarcoma will typically have a primary tumour, however Osteosarcoma is a metastatic disease.
A metastatic disease means that even though there is one primary tumor, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph system.
The most common place for the metastatic disease to spread is to the lungs, but it can also spread to other bones, the liver, and brain. The fact that Osteosarcoma is a metastatic disease make it much harder to treat as most bone tumors depend on the cancer spreading or not spreading.
Canine Osteosarcoma is not a genetic disease, however some studies on Canine Osteosarcoma reveals genes that may be associated with the development of the disease.
There is not currently a genetic test available for Canine Osteosarcoma but there has been more gene expression profiling done in recent medical studying.
Wobblers Syndrome in Great Danes is WAY too commonly affecting our giant breeds.
Large breed dogs are VERY prone to a cervical vertebral malformation called Wobbler Syndrome.
Wobbler Syndrome in giant breed dogs causes cervical vertebral instability in the affected dogs by malforming the vertebrae in the neck.
This neurological condition can cause your dog to experience weakness in their legs, and even paralysis.
If your Great Dane is showing any signs of Wobbler Syndrome, it is important to get them to the vet immediately for treatment.
There is no cure for Wobbler Syndrome, however there are MANY more treatments available for large and giant breeds than are spoken about than common medical management.
WHAT IS WOBBLERS SYNDROME IN GREAT DANES?
Wobbler Syndrome happens in large breed dogs when the bones in their neck (cervical vertebrae) start to malform.
This can cause the vertebrae to compress the spinal cord, which leads to neurological problems like weakness or paralysis in the legs.
Wobbler Syndrome is also known as cervical spondylomyelopathy or CSM.
Large and giant breeds are especially prone to Wobbler Syndrome because of their size and weight.
Great Danes are one of the most affected breeds, with an estimated 50% of all Dane’s developing the condition at some point in their lives.
While there is no cure for Wobbler Syndrome, there are many treatments available that can help giant breed dogs who are showing clinical signs of Wobbler Syndrome.
SIGNS OF WOBBLER SYNDROME IN GIANT BREEDS
Dogs with Wobbler Syndrome can have clinical symptoms that GREATLY vary.
Wobbler syndrome in dogs affects any giant breed dog, but can also affect many dogs including medium sized dogs and even small dogs.
Wobbler syndrome in dogs can also impact dogs of any age, from a younger age to older dogs. However, younger dogs are less likely to be diagnosed than older dogs. Typically, just because a young dog does not show symptoms of advanced stages of Wobbler’s syndrome, it does not mean that they do not have Wobbler’s syndrome. It just means that the disease will not present itself until middle aged.
BREEDS OF DOG THAT ARE MOST AFFECTED BY WOBBLER’S SYNDROME
Great Danes
Doberman Pinschers
Swiss Mountain Dogs
Rottweilers
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Newfoundlands
Irish Wolfhounds
Borzois
Leonbergers
St. Bernards
HOW IS WOBBLER’S SYNDROME DIAGNOSED?
Wobbler Syndrome is diagnosed by examining the spinal cord compression of affected dogs with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
An experienced veterinarian will need to do a neurological examination to see if the dog’s symptoms are neurological.
The MRI will take images of the dog’s neck and vertebral canal to check for dorsal decompression.
Sometimes, a cat scan is used in addition to the MRI to get a more clear picture of the compression.
In some cases, myelography can be used to help diagnose Wobbler Syndrome. This is done by injecting dye into the dog’s spinal canal and then taking x-rays.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR WOBBLER SYNDROME
There is no cure for Wobbler Syndrome in a Great Dane, but there are many treatment options available to help your dog live a long and happy life.
Treatment for Wobbler Syndrome depend on several factors. Many dogs have had successful treatment and can live long and healthy lives with Wobbler Syndrome.
Physical therapy is a medical treatment done for dogs who develop Wobbler Syndrome. Physical therapy can help dogs stabilize their neck vertebrae and improve their quality of life.
You can also buy exercise/physical therapy tools to use at home which can help your dog’s quality of life.
Doing stretches and exercises on disks, like these ones, can help to strengthen your dog’s legs, and keep the muscle developing.
ANTI INFLAMMATORY MEDICATIONS:
Anti inflammatory medications are often prescribed to dogs with Wobbler Syndrome. These medications can help reduce swelling and pain in the affected areas.
A chest harness is a type of support that helps dogs with Wobbler Syndrome. Chest harnesses help to take the pressure off of the dog’s neck and spine.
Do NOT use a common collar and leash with a dog who has Wobbler Syndrome, as it can pull on their neck and create major issues.
Instead, use a HELP EM UP HARNESS which will serve to increase the dog’s quality of life with Wobbler Syndrome, taking as much pressure off of the neck as possible.
A neck brace is a type of support that helps dogs with Wobbler Syndrome. Neck braces help to take the pressure off of the dog’s neck and spine.
Do not use a neck brace without the guidance of someone who is experienced in Veterinary medicine.
Using a neck brace unless it is needed can cause muscles to get weaker unnecessarily.
MASSAGE FOR PAIN
Massage is a great pain reliever for humans- and dogs too!
Using a massage gun up and down a Great Dane’s spin is perfectly safe- but always avoid the neck.
KEEP TOE NAILS SHORT
It is crucial to keep the nails of dogs very short when they are inflicted with Wobbler Syndrome (cervical spondylomyelopathy).
When the cervical spine is compressed, it can cause dragging of the limbs.
Having long nails can impact the dog’s ability to walk, and can change and alter their gait.
GOLD BEAD THERAPY:
Gold bead therapy is a type of acupuncture that can help relieve pain in dogs with Wobbler Syndrome. The difference is, with gold beads, the spinal cord compression is relieved with a surgical treatment where the doctor inserts Gold Beads into the spinal cord.
This surgical treatment of the spinal cord
Gold bead therapy is a therapy that significantly helps wobbler Syndrome, typically reducing pain and allowing the dog to remain stable for MUCH longer.
Do your research on dogs who were successfully treated with Gold Bead therapy.
Dr. Durkes is the veterinary surgeon who is known for conducting Gold Bead therapy most successfully on Great Danes and other breeds.
LASER THERAPY
Laser therapy is a form of treatment that has been show again and again to help with pain.
Surgery is an option for some dogs with Wobbler Syndrome. Surgery involves decompressing the cervical spine by removing the intervertebral disc material that is causing the compression.
The goal of surgery is to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, and to stabilize the spine.
Surgery is often successful in treating Wobbler Syndrome, however it is a major surgery with a long recovery time.
Your dog will need to be on strict cage rest for at least eight weeks after surgery, and will likely need physical therapy to help them recover.
Speak with your veterinarian about the risks and benefits of surgery for your dog.
Dogs with Wobblers Syndrome can have a good quality of life with the right treatment.
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, acupuncture, and/or surgery.
The most important thing you can do for your dog is to seek out the advice of a veterinarian who is experienced in treating Wobblers Syndrome.
With the right treatment, your dog can enjoy a good quality of life despite this condition.
Do you have a dog with Wobblers Syndrome? Share your story in the comments!
This syndrome is not curable, however there are treatments available to help manage this neurological condition and improve the quality of life for your dog.
Do you have a hard time knowing how much food to give your dog? Are you afraid of overfeeding them and making them obese? Or are you in the dark about how much food you really should be feeding your dog?
We are here to help. Chances are, you may actually be OVERFEEDING your dog!
Is your Great Dane struggling with pickiness and loose stools? Yeah, about that. We’ll cover it, too.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to use a scale to measure your dog’s food and make sure they are getting the right amount. This is an important step in ensuring their health and wellbeing.
Using a scale to measure your dog food can also save you money, resolve chronic loose stools, and put pickiness to bed, once and for all.
Read on, friends!
Stop Overfeeding Your Dog
Here is our table of contents. The headings are clickable for navigation!
Step One: Read the Kibble Bag…
Responsible dog food companies will give you grams per cup and kilocalories per cup measurements right on the bag.
As you can see here, the actual weight of the food and the nutrition per cup can vary!
A cup of dog food is not the same as a cup of dog food from a different bag, in other words.
Pro Tip: this is a good reason to use the food chart on the back of the bag for reference, not necessarily generic Great Dane feeding charts!
Using a Scale to Measure Dog Food
As an avid baker and home cook, I know that weighing flour, sugar, and butter is the only way to create truly consistent and reliable results.
My famous chocolate chip cookie recipe (I wish I could share them with you through the screen, they are amazing) is all done on a kitchen scale.
170g of flour
150g of brown sugar
50g of white sugar
and so on.
Last week I was scooping massive amounts of kibble into bowls for my Danes and got an idea to weigh it out, instead.
What I found, shocked me.
Both my eyeball measurement and my cup-by-cup measurements resulted in significantly more food in the bowl for my dog than when I measured the food on a scale.
As in, I have been way overfeeding my dogs…and you probably are too!
The Experiment
I used two popular types of large/giant breed kibble for this.
For each one, I documented the information from the food bag regarding how many grams were in a cup of the food, and how many kilocalories were in a cup as well.
I took two measurements of each food:
First: I scooped out a cup using a 1 cup measure, as most of us do, and I weighed it on a food scale.
Second: I used the scale to measure out exactly one cup of food by weight/grams (according to the data from the bag).
According to the feeding chart on the bag, my 2-year-old moderately active Great Dane should have 5.5 cups of food each day.
The measuring cup with dog food shown above is measured out the way most of us tend to do it. Scooped out and slightly full to make up for the airy space between kibbles.
108G per 1 Cup. (Thus, 5.5 cups = 594g of food/day)
I scooped up a single cup of the nuggets the way that most of us tend to do it: a loose scoop with some pieces sticking out (because they are huge and left lots of air between pieces). I weighed them in an empty bowl on the scale.
The result? 130 grams. Not 108 grams, as a true cup of this should weigh.
Meaning that my single sloppy cup measure was adding 22 EXTRA grams of the food.
That was just one cup, not all 5. Now, it stands to reason that this is going to ADD UP quickly. ?
For a dog that should be eating 5.5 cups, that could mean roughly 120 extra grams of food PER DAY!
120 grams is a whole bonus extra cup of food, in other words. Which, considering that a cup is around 1/5th of the dog’s daily intake requirement, that’s a LOT.
Not only that, but over the course of the week, my dog would be receiving 7-8 additional cups of calorie-dense food that they likely don’t even need.
That is more than an entire day’s worth of nutrition added to their weekly diet.
8 days of food in 7 days. ??
Have you ever wondered why there are so many obese dogs? We’ve just found a major clue…
I used a measuring cup to pull a scoop out of the bag, taking care to not overfill it.
Then I weighed it on the scale and…don’t be surprised here, folks:
110 grams!
This means that every cup I scoop is receiving (average) 14 additional grams of the food.
For a dog that should receive 6 cups of Pro Plan, that could mean that they are being overfed by 84 grams each day.
Just like the Royal Canin, an 84-gram daily overage (almost a full cup of food) amounts to roughly 6-7 additional cups of food each week that the dog likely doesn’t actually need.
The Problems with Overfeeding Dogs
When we overfeed our dogs, we are not loving them. We are slowly killing them.
We are shortening their life spans, and making them more likely to suffer from a myriad of health problems, including:
Chronic loose stools are a common symptom of overfeeding in Great Danes! When you provide too much nutrition or unbalanced nutrition, it literally goes straight through them.
A lot of people misdiagnose chronic loose stools as ‘food allergies’ or ‘chicken intolerance’, however, most of the time these are actually related to poor gut health, too much food switching, unbalanced boutique dog foods and you guessed it, overfeeding!
Veterinarians across the Country cite a massive increase in health problems in dogs, including loose stools, heart problems, and low energy that they attribute to the popularity of untested, poorly formulated boutique dog foods.
Choose a well-balanced large or giant breed kibble instead, measure the food, and stick with it.
I recommend the following formulas, which are heavily researched and thoroughly tested, for large and giant breed dogs:
Growth disorders such as Pano (aka growing pains), HOD, flat feet, and knuckling are a direct result of over-nutrition, especially when feeding incorrect, unbalanced foods that have too much calcium or missing nutrients.
Great Dane puppies, especially young ones, require a LOT of food and for many reasons, we recommend feeding young dogs on a loose free-feeding schedule so that they aren’t underfed. However, as they mature, you should transition to a 2-3x/day feeding schedule.
Feeding too much of the wrong thing can and will harm them.
We’ve included a list below of the only appropriate foods to feed a large or giant breed puppy, as well as some resources for understanding why those foods are highly recommended!
Many Great Dane owners believe that their dogs have become picky because they are turning their noses up at their food.
These dogs are most often actually just FULL!
In the interest of getting them to eat more, people tend to switch foods and start adding toppers and other forms of nutritional bribery.
The dog learns that if they ignore their food, interesting and fun things come to them.
“Picky eating” is a bit of a popular myth that is literally caused by humans! It’s ok for a dog to not eat their entire meal.
Picky dogs are not usually picky, they are literally just training you to give them treats. Many picky dogs are actually overweight and need less food, not more!
A healthy dog will not let itself starve to death, and if it does? Switching foods isn’t going to help. That’s a dog that needs medical attention.
Once a dog has been sent down the path of ‘picky eating’ where different kibble brands are changed often and treats and toppers are added to encourage eating, their gut health suffers.
Poor gut health also means being intolerant to the environment and yes, symptoms may then show up indicating that the dog has allergies.
These symptoms include loose stools, a dry coat, and itching.
Dogs with lighter coats may be more prone, and some dogs will continue to suffer from environmental allergies no matter what (just like humans). It’s important to set all dogs up for success!
Some allergies are legitimate and life-threatening to dogs. The ONLY way to diagnose these types of allergies in dogs is to complete a food-trial elimination diet with veterinary supervision.
Legitimately diagnosed food protein and grain allergies are extremely rare. It’s important to note that blood and saliva tests are inaccurate and often a waste of money.
Most dogs suffering from allergies are actually experiencing intolerance to environmental allergens, not food!
PRO TIP: Use a wet towel to gently wipe dander and pollen off your pup daily, and wash their feet to remove irritants.
Many health issues like this are made worse by constant food switching and the use of untested, poorly formulated boutique diets that lack the correct balance of micro-nutrients and amino acids.
Stop food switching to “find something that works”, measure the food, and let your dog’s gut health heal!
If your dog needs to lose weight, there are things you can do!
Vet check? Check!
If you are concerned about your dog’s weight, it’s important to ask your veterinarian for advice!
Some dogs have weight problems because of thyroid issues or other medical conditions that can be easily managed with medication or a change in diet.
Be sure to rule out any possible underlying health issues, including heart problems and thyroid disease, before starting a weight loss plan for your dog.
The one time we DO recommend a diet change is when you are not feeding quality food, and when your dog needs to lose weight. The following weight loss formula is recommended for at-home use:
Your veterinarian may also be able to prescribe a diet from Hill’s or Royal Canin that will help your pooch cut the calories. Royal Canin has put together an amazing healthy-weight resource page for dog owners:
Measure the food on a scale so that you don’t overfeed!
Be aware of the fact that many boutique foods useingredient splittingto make you believe their food is ‘meat first’, when the truth is you may be feeding your dog an expensive bag of ‘human grade peas’.
It’s no wonder so many dogs are overweight and struggling with low energy!
Toppers and treats can help your dog or they can hurt them.
Too many can lead to over-nutrition (and thus, obesity).
Some people say to add green beans or pumpkin to your dog’s bowl to offset some calories; while this can help your dog feel more full, it’s important to keep these toppers to 10% or less of the diet.
We recommend well-balanced raw food as a healthy, fresh-foods topper.
Olewo Carrots, Olewo Beets, and Dr. Harvey’s are also fantastic choices for adding wholesome fibers to your dog’s diet; as above, keep these to 5-10% or less of the diet.
Pro Tip: A little goes a long way! If you are helping your dog lose weight, take it easy on the Dr. Harvey’s.
Get ready to move…naturally
An off-leash dog can burn up to 300 calories in an hour!
That’s a significant amount! We recommend off-leash training for all large and giant breed dogs, including Great Danes.
This will allow them to zip, zoom, run, spin, explore and gain enrichment and physical movement that they are not receiving on a leash, long-line, or in a harness.
With this kind of activity, your dog will be building muscle, shedding fat, and working its brain!
Many dogs will benefit greatly from receiving their exercise and enrichment this way, however, you must be smart about it.
Dogs that are extremely aggressive, fearful, timid, or wild need professional help with this, and you should never let your dog off-leash unless you can fully rely on them not to approach people and dogs uninvited.
E-Collar training and educated ownership is the best way to give your dog this freedom of movement outside of your fenced yard.
If this isn’t for you, it’s still important to get your dog moving! Talk to your veterinarian about physical therapy, including the use of water treadmills and pools to help your dog burn calories.
If you are the owner of a Great Dane, then you need to be aware of DCM in Great Danes. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common and serious heart condition that affects this breed. It often results in sudden death. If your dog has a recent diagnosis of DCM, this post is for you!
In this blog post, we will discuss what DCM is (including primary and secondary DCM), the symptoms to watch for, and information about how heart problems are treated in dogs. I’m also going to deep dive into OFA heart health testing protocols AND the controversial grain-free foods and nutritional DCM debate.
We will also provide information on how you can help keep your Great Dane healthy and prevent DCM from developing!
What is DCM in Great Danes?
DCM, aka Dilated Cardiomyopathy, is a heart condition that is characterized by an enlarged heart. This enlargement makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively, and as a result, the dog’s body does not get enough oxygen. As you can imagine, this is a dangerous and often devastating condition for any Great Dane.
Sudden cardiac death is a common and devastating complication of DCM.
There are two types of DCM in dogs: primary and secondary.
Primary DCM is thought to be genetic. Only a small handful of breeds are prone to genetic DCM, and Great Danes are one of them.
Secondary DCM is caused by unbalanced nutrition, or may also be the result of an infection or other underlying health condition.
We will dig further into both forms of dilated cardiomyopathy DCM in dogs, as well as prevention and treatment protocols below!
What are the symptoms of DCM in dogs?
The unfortunate reality is that many dogs who have DCM, especially secondary DCM (more below) present with little to no symptoms at all until it’s too late.
Sudden death is a common complication associated with this disease, and will often take the lives of young dogs who appear otherwise healthy. Sudden congestive heart failure is devastating.
In dogs that do present with symptoms associated with DCM, exercise intolerance is often one of the first signs.
Many people mistake this lowered energy with aging or laziness.
Exercise intolerance means that your dog will tire easily during activities that he used to be able to do with ease.
You may also notice that your dog coughs, has difficulty breathing, or has a lower tolerance for heat.
Other DCM symptoms include:
Loss of appetite, including anorexia
Weight Loss
Abdominal Swelling
Weakness & exhaustion
Poor circulation and capillary refill, including pale gums
Blue tongue
Pulse deficits
Lethargy
Fainting or collapsing
These signs can be easy to overlook because they are often gradual and not specific to heart disease.
However, if you notice any of these changes in your dog it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away.
A basic ‘vet check’ or wellness check does NOT rule out serious heart conditions; echocardiograms are one of the only ways to verify changes to the cardiac muscle that point to canine cardiomyopathy.
How long can a Great Dane live with DCM?
Because Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy symptoms are often overlooked, many affected dogs may be receiving treatment too late.
It’s important to remember that there is no cure for primary (genetic) DCM and it is a progressive disease. This means that even with treatment, the condition may continue to worsen over time.
Dogs with genetic DCM have a guarded prognosis and often do not live more than a year or two after diagnosis, even with treatment.
Secondary DCM, however, is often treatable and may even be reversible if the underlying cause can be identified and corrected.
For example, if your dog has secondary DCM caused by an infection, successfully treating the infection and the underlying cause of it will often improve heart function.
Or if you are feeding a boutique food diet, home cooked diet, or a diet with a lot of pulse ingredients or potatoes, and your dog is diagnosed with secondary nutritional DCM, switching to a different food from a heavily researched brand (such as Purina or Royal Canin) has been shown time and time again to help or even reverse the disease.
It’s important to work closely with your veterinarian and your veterinary cardiologist to create the best treatment plan, based on the underlying reasons for it.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy, and depending on the cause and severity, the course of treatment will often need to be adjusted as the disease progresses.
What dogs are prone to DCM?
Some dogs are more prone to this condition than others, however, all dogs are at risk (especially when it comes to secondary nutritional DCM).
Dog breeds that are especially prone to canine dilated cardiomyopathy include:
Great Danes
Boxers
Newfoundlands
Doberman Pinschers
Cocker Spaniels
Irish Wolfhounds
Of these breeds, Great Danes have some of the highest rate of DCM.
Because Great Danes already have a major genetic component to consider, it’s even more important to be educated about the role that nutrition might play in dramatically increasing our dog’s risk of developing this disease.
As before, many affected dogs are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that are easily mistaken for other more mild health issues.
Exercise intolerance, or an abnormal heart rhythm or breathing pattern will often be among the first (easily missed) clinical signs that a dog is in the early stages of dilated cardiomyopathy.
Affected individuals may also tire easily during exercise, may have a blue tongue (a possible sign of low oxygen supply resulting from poor heart function), or may cough after physical activity.
As the heart disease progresses, dogs may experience an increased heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, fluid retention (often manifested as weight gain with no change in diet), weight loss, and fainting episodes.
In its final stages, DCM can cause congestive heart failure, which leads to sudden death.
An ultrasound examination of the heart contractions, heart muscle, and blood flowing through the heart can provide a veterinary cardiologist with important clues about the heart disease your dog is facing.
Severe congestive heart failure is an early killer of young dogs who have a genetic predisposition to DCM. Great Danes are PRONE to genetic DCM. This means that they receive their bad hearts from their parents.
Like bloat, dilated cardiomyopathy heart disease is directly related to the shorter overall life expectancyof Great Danes.
Every dog that dies suddenly from this devastating disease lowers the average as a whole.
OFA Cardiac Health Testing
OFA (the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) cardiac health testing is important for all dogs, but it’s especially important for breeds, such as Danes and Doberman Pinschers that are extremely prone to primary DCM.
Ethical breeders will have an echocardiogram performed on each parent dog prior to breeding. This necessary health test can rule out changes to the heart muscle that indicate a possible genetic predisposition to the disease.
They will also do a thorough pedigree analysis to look for genetic factors related to family history.
If a pedigree analysis suggested that the puppies may be predisposed to inheriting canine idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, ethical breeders will not breed those dogs.
All of this should be done prior to breeding. Unfortunately, many ‘friendly’ breeders with cute, clean, healthy-looking puppies skip this step. By the time you fall in love with those adorable puppy feet and eyes, it’s too late.
The genetics have been passed on and your puppy may be one of the not-so-lucky ones.
It is important that we hold Great Dane breeders to a high standard. Make it socially unacceptable to breed dogs without full health testing. Do not buy dogs from breeders who are not proving their dogs and fully-health testing the parents before breeding.
Verify that echocardiograms were done by your breeder by searching the OFA database. Your breeder should have the parent listed, as well as the tests that were performed in addition to information about the results.
If your breeder has skipped this test or not registered it with the OFA, you’ve found a backyard breeder.
Responsible Dog Breeding
Because Great Danes are a breed prone to a number of devastating health issues, including dilated cardiomyopathy, it’s even more important to be sure that you are working with a responsible breeder.
A responsible breeder will:
Thoroughly health test all breeding stock: heart, hips, eyes, and thyroid results should be available for you to view at www.ofa.org
Be able to answer any questions you have about Great Danes and Great Dane puppies.
Be invested in the health and well-being of the puppies, and are willing to support them for life.
Choosing responsible breeders means that we are choosing to improve the health of the Great Dane breed as a whole.
When we buy our puppies from breeders who cut corners, we are not only risking the health of our own dogs, but we are also perpetuating the cycle of poor breeding practices that produce sickly dogs and the seemingly endless stream of dogs filling up our rescues.
Secondary Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Nutritional)
Nutritional canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy is also a preventable disease. This one is controversial, however, it’s important to discuss.
300-400 new boutique dog foods hit the market every year in the U.S. It stands to reason that not all of them are created equal.
Researchers, including board-certified veterinary cardiologists, are currently investigating a link between diets that have a lot of peas, potato, lentils, and legumes and DCM. They are collecting data and encouraging pet owners and veterinarians to report cases of DCM in dogs that are eating suspect diets.
Boutique foods of all kinds (including those with or without grain) that do not have qualified staff formulating the diets they sell
Foods that contain a lot of pulse ingredients or potatoes, including peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans
Foods that utilize a lot of ingredient splitting to push lentils, peas, or potatoes further down on the ingredients list (including multiple forms of one ingredient such as: whole lentils, green lentils, red lentils, lentil fiber or whole peas, pea flour, pea fiber, yellow peas for example)
Most grain-free foods, which often contain a lot of pulse ingredients as above
Home-cooked or raw diets that are not correctly balanced
Many young giant breed dogs who appear otherwise healthy, have excellent veterinary wellness checks, and show no outward clinical signs will suddenly pass away while playing or in their sleep.
Because these instances are sudden and extremely emotional for dog owners, post-mortem testing by a board-certified Veterinary Pathologist is rarely completed.
It is believed that nutritional DCM is presenting at rates much higher than currently documented. Just look around any DCM topic in the Great Dane community; so many people have experienced this issue with their dog.
It is important to note that many dogs are symptom free until they die suddenly. Many others however, DO have symptoms. Every case is different.
Many dog food brands fail to meet certain ethical criteria for the production of dog foods.
They rarely if ever employ full-time, on-staff, board-certified Veterinary Nutritionists.This means that the food is often put together by people who have little to no appropriate credentials to do so.
Feeding trials and ongoing testing of the formula used are minimal, if used at all. Boutique foods aren’t subjected to the same research and controls; they only meet nutritional minimums on paper.
Boutique foods often use 3rd party co-packing facilities. This means that they have less oversight of quality control, consistency, and production.
Ingredient splitting is a common practice of boutique food companies. This sneaky trick makes the ingredients list look ‘healthy’ and meat-focused when the bag is full of nothing more than meat-flavored peas.Read more about this HERE.
Unregulated, emotional marketing terms and wild claims are used. These terms are used to intentionally mislead pet parents so they will spend more money to feel good about what they feed their pets.
“Holistic”, “human-grade”, and “super-premium” are just some that you may have heard.
They rarely, if ever, participate in legitimate AAFCO feeding trials, nor do they contribute to or benefit from the global veterinary science and research communities.This means that YOUR dog is the guinea pig.
The best way to reduce your dog’s risk of nutritional DCM is to feed a high-quality diet from a heavily researched brand with a qualified nutritionist on staff.
Not all dogs fed an unbalanced, boutique, or ‘grain-free’ diet will get DCM! It is being theorized that there are specific mechanisms at play for some dogs and not others.
The problem is, you won’t know if your dog is one of the ‘at risk’ ones until it’s too late.
A good diet will provide your dog with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Marketing may have taught you that “these “big” brands are full of ‘fillers’ and junk, but that’s simply not true.
Look for brands that are highly researched and that invest millions of dollars every year into veterinary internal medicine organizations and learning more through science.
The contributions that the ‘Big 5’ food brands (Purina, Royal Canin, Hill’s, Eukanuba, Iams) have made to veterinary research have helped us learn more about not only heart issues but bloat, cancer, wobblers, lifespan, and more. These brands are literally writing the book on companion animal health. Read PURINA research updates from the Great Dane Club of America HERE.
Good food brands will do comprehensive feeding trials so that they can continuously improve their products, and they employ entire teams of dedicated professionals with advanced degrees in veterinary science, food science, quality control, and veterinary nutrition.
Ingredients in Pet Food
The ingredients that food brands use are there for nutritional reasons, including scary-sounding things such as ‘By-Product Meal’ and ‘corn’.
There is no such thing as ‘fillers’. Even dangerous ingredients such as peas and lentils (used in large amounts) are not ‘fillers’, as they do provide fiber and nutrients.
A legitimate filler would be something like styrofoam, with no nutritional value, that would also result in nutritional deficiencies. The word “fillers” is a marketing term, meant to scare you, but has no legal definition.
So let’s talk about scary ingredients in dog food.
Both by-products and corn are extremely nutrient-dense.
If you’ve ever given a dog a whole dead chicken, know this: they will eat the WHOLE THING. Eyes, bones, feet, beak, stomach, stomach contents (including grains and yes, corn), liver, and more. The most nutritious part for them is not the watery muscle meat. It’s the ‘guts, bones, and junk’.
By-Products and meat meals are nothing more than the parts of the animal that many humans are often uninterested in eating, that dogs desperately need in their diets!
By-products are not actually waste. They are a secondary product that results from the production of other products.
For example, Cream of Tartar is a by-product of wine making. If you have ever eat Snickerdoodles, which get their flavor from cream of tartar, you’re eating a “by-product”.
Using by-products from the meat industry is better for the environment, too. Why waste food and nutrition if we don’t have to?
If you give your dog a bully stick to chew on, you are giving your dog a by-product.
Boutique companies tend to choose ingredients such as “ancient grains” or “fresh deboned turkey” that look and feel pretty to you (so we buy the food), but not necessarily the ingredients that have been scientifically proven to make your dog look and feel its best.
Don’t believe us? Read our article about ingredient splitting in dog food. This dirty trick is what gives boutique food companies leverage to make you believe their formulas have ‘meat first’.
When it comes to your dog’s health, don’t be fooled by unregulated marketing terms, pretty packaging, “nice” sounding ingredients, or higher price points.
Common small food brands include Victor, Fromm, 4Health, Diamond (also Costco), Instinct, Earthborn Holistic, Acana, Orijen, Solid Gold, Farmina, Nulo, Nutro, and Nutrisource.
None of these brands have a veterinary nutritionist on their side or on their staff.
Fromm foods are formulated by a chemical engineer
Victor foods are formulated by a guy with an M.S. in science and an online certificate in nutrition – better, but still not great
Diamond/Costco/Taste of the Wild/Nutra-Nuggets/Solid Gold are formulated by an unknown person, and checked by an off-site consultant who has an M.S. in Animal Nutrition (underqualified)
When caught early, nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs can be managed and is often reversed through an immediate diet change and certain cardiac medications if warranted. This has been proven time and time again.
Many dogs have shown almost complete recoveries from DCM when their owners switched them away from grain-free and boutique dog foods (aka “BEG” diets).
This means that dogs with heart disease should be choosing a brand that is formulated, tested, and researched by on-staff board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and that meets the highest standards for formulation, ethics, and manufacturing practices outlined by the World Small Veterinary Association’s common-sense guidelines for choosing pet foods.
Matilda’s Story
There was a time, long before I wrote this blog post when I was a die-hard boutique dog foods snob.
Over the course of 5 years, I tried Fromm, Nutrisource, Nutro, Farmina, Earthborn, Nature’s Logic, and Nutro.
Those brands told me that my dog would be healthier on their diet, and yet, we switched often trying to find the ‘right food’ because they were not actually healthier! I read ingredients lists until I was blue in the face.
In that time, between my three dogs (two are Danes) I saw:
Low energy
Dull coat
Itching
Chronic ear and paw infections
A massive lung infection that resulted in a $3500 vet bill
Allergies & paw swelling
Pink skin
Malnutrition and lack of muscle tone
Chronic loose stools and ‘sensitivities’
Acid reflux
Bed wedding
Screaming during sleep and becoming unresponsive
Low heat tolerance
Blue tongue indicating a lack of properly oxygenated blood
My female Dane Matilda was taking the brunt of the worst of them: reflux, bed wedding, low energy, and strange breathing patterns.
She began screaming in her sleep and would often be unresponsive to waking when I would jump out of bed to see what was wrong.
My veterinarian did a blood test, prescribed supplements and medications, talked about referring us to specialists, and also implored me to immediately put her on one of the “evil Big 5 Brands: Purina, Royal Canin, Eukanuba, Hill’s, Iam’s”.
She also told us to follow up and retest once our dog had been put on more appropriate food.
I had no interest in feeding my dog Hill’s or Purina and was appalled that she would suggest it. My dog was sick, why would I feed her garbage!?
So, I marched myself into a natural boutique pet food store and asked a sales rep for nutrition advice.
Think about this for a moment.
I had a very sick dog and went first to a sales rep on an hourly salary for nutrition advice. Somebody that, for some reason, I trusted more than my veterinarian.
Marketing taught me to trust the opinion of a sales-driven employee with no legitimate credentials, in a sales-driven store, over the opinion of somebody with 8+ years of high-level education followed by years of practice in actual veterinary medicine.
This is terrifying and I want people to be aware of the misguided bias and opinions that boutique food companies have used marketing to lead us to!
I consider myself a well-researched, educated, intelligent dog owner. All of us are susceptible to marketing.
Low energy is often misdiagnosed as ‘aging’ or ‘laziness’. That’s heartbreaking.
How is DCM Treated in Dogs?
The treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy depends on the presentation, symptoms, and severity of the disease.
In addition to recommendations to choose a diet that was formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist and subjected to rigorous research and testing, a cardiologist will often also prescribe medications and supplements that can help with missing nutrients, blood flow, chamber dilation, vascular dilation, and blood pressure.
Veterinary Cardiology is a specialized field comprised of individuals who first completed their veterinary schooling and went on to specialize and become board-certified.
Many of them are investing a lot of research, resources, and science into the study of nutritional and primary dilated cardiomyopathy DCM.
Their contribution to veterinary medicine, and the opinions that they have about the progression of this disease and its causes are valuable and important. You can find information about peer-reviewed research from them below.
Did you have a dog die suddenly from unknown causes or from a confirmed case of nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy?
If you have lost a dog suddenly and are struggling to understand why, I am so sorry for your loss. Please share your story below, we want to hear it! Others need to hear it, too. Please use our platform for this.
If you are worried that your dog may be developing clinical signs of illness that may point to dilated cardiomyopathy DCM, seek veterinary care and a thorough physical examination immediately.
We also recommend that if you have been feeding a suspect BEG or boutique foods diet (with or without grains and with or without taurine supplementation) that you seek an echocardiogram as a means to catch any changes to the heart muscle at an early stage.
This is recommended even if you are not seeing any other clinical signs of impending congestive heart failure. Early diagnosis of changes to the heart muscle is key.
Resources:
Dilated Cardiomyopathy on Facebook (join this group to see ongoing reports in real-time and read personal stories of veterinary confirmed nutritional DCM cases)
All Trades DVM DCM Timeline (a common sense look at all of the reports, research, and FDA statements surrounding nutritional DCM)
Dogs, especially giant breed puppies such as Great Danes, are susceptible to growing pains, just like humans.
In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of growing pains in dogs, how to treat them, and how to prevent Panosteitis from happening in the first place!
Growing Pains in Dogs Overview
What is Panosteitis in Dogs?
Panosteitis, aka “growing pain” or “pano” affects puppies of all sizes, however giant breed dogs such as Great Danes are particularly susceptible.
Pano is an often painful condition where the long bones of the legs become inflamed, causing lameness.
This inflammation can happen on one or multiple legs, and can even move from leg to leg as the condition progresses.
Panosteitis typically begins when puppies are between five and eighteen months old, however, it can be seen in puppies that are younger, too. Sudden onset may be common, and the symptoms will come and go.
If you are concerned that your giant breed puppy has a pain of any kind, it is important to see your veterinarian. Your puppy may be experiencing the following symptoms:
Lameness
Pain that seems to move from leg to leg
Stiffness
Pain when touched
Fever
Decreased appetite
Low energy
Weight loss
It’s important to note that Panosteitis tends to be cyclical. Not only will the pain move from limb to limb, but the symptoms will also come and go.
One day your puppy may seem completely fine, while the next he may be lame on all four legs.
This can make pano frustrating to diagnose, as it can mimic other conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia.
Your veterinarian will likely take a complete history and perform a physical exam.
They will ask you when you first noticed the symptoms, if it happens in one or more legs, when it tends to occur, and if there is anything that seems to make them better or worse.
Your vet will also palpate your puppy’s long bones and joints to see if there is any pain or swelling, and then they will take x-rays.
It is important to note that it can take up to ten days for radiographs to indicate changes in bone density. Radiographic evidence of changes in the bone is an important component of pano diagnosis and recurring x-rays may be indicated a few weeks later.
The x-rays will further aid in addressing other bone-growth disorders such as knuckling, HOD, or dysplasia.
There may be a genetic component to Pano, so it’s important to talk to your breeder as well.
This painful growth disorder affects young, large growing dogs and tends to be self-limiting, however, it is very painful and must be treated. An affected dog will have symptoms one day that may be worse or better the next. More than one bone is often affected.
The good news is that most puppies will outgrow the condition by the time they are two years old.
There are things that you can do to help reduce the chance of Panosteitis occurring (more on this below).
Large and giant breed puppies such as Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are prone to growing pains because they grow so quickly as puppies.
It is believed that nutrition plays a role in Panosteitis, however, the direct cause beyond that isn’t fully understood.
It stands to reason that because these puppies are growing so rapidly, their bones and joints may not be able to keep up with the demand, leading to inflammation and pain.
This is a major reason to encourage slow, even growth when raising a large breed dog! Affected dogs have often been growing too quickly and changes must be made to properly support the growth of the long leg bones.
Excessive exercise in rapidly growing dogs may also contribute. Large and giant breed puppies should be encouraged to play and move naturally and freely on soft varied terrain.
Very long walks on pavement, slick or hard floors, sliding, and jumping off of furniture can be detrimental and cause painful lameness and permanent deformities (such as angular limb deformity, which will cover in another post).
Hard or vigorous exercise should never be encouraged.
At Hello Danes, we believe that nutrition plays a key role in the health and well-being of your giant breed puppy.
This includes the role of untested, poorly formulated, or incorrectly formulated foods, treats, and toppers in the development of growing pains. We are covering this more in-depth below, however, it is important to note the following:
Boutique diets, most grain-free kibbles, and adult or All-Life-Stages foods offer unbalanced, poorly formulated and inappropriate nutrition for Great Danes which can lead to many issues including:
Explosive growth and growing pains in giant breed puppies
Growing too fast is a significant contributor to Pano in large breed dogs.
Many people, in their desire to have the biggest puppy, will inadvertently overfeed their young dog or will feed them an incorrect diet and celebrate their incredibly fast growth.
This leads to growing pains, knuckling, flat feet, pano, HOD, and orthopedic disorders such as hip dysplasia.
It is important for owners of large breed puppies, as well as giant breed puppies, to be aware of the importance of choosing a correct diet and limiting intake to encourage slow, even growth, muscle development, and correct bone density.
It is important to seek veterinary advice if you are concerned that your puppy has pain, limping, or lameness of any kind. Below we’ve included everything you need to know for the treatment of acute lameness and growth pains in dogs.
The role of nutrition in Panosteitis pain
We believe that nutrition plays a key role. There is a lot of outdated advice floating around, telling owners of large and giant breed puppies to only feed ‘adult’ food.
“Adult food only” is dangerous advice based on outdated formulas of foods. Science and research have advanced since this time and the most appropriate nutrition is no longer what you may have heard.
If you have a puppy that is experiencing bone diseases and growth problems, including knuckling, HOD, angular limb deformity, flat feet, or too-fast growth you must switch them immediately to food that meets the following criteria:
Formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist
Rigorously researched and tested
Large or giant breed PUPPY formula
AAFCO statement indicating that the food was substantiated in food trials for the growth of large breed puppies (70lbs + as an adult)
We’ve included a list of appropriate foods for Great Danes (and other large or giant pups) below.
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.
Veterinary guidance for growing pains & inflammation
Your veterinarian will also prescribe pain medication to help your puppy be more comfortable when they are experiencing a painful flare-up.
Pain relief is an important component of this treatment, as it will help your puppy feel better and encourage them to move around, which is necessary for correct bone development.
How to care for a puppy with growing pains
A puppy in pain may be unwilling to move much. It is important to be patient and follow these steps for treating Panosteitis:
Encourage slow eating and avoid the use of excessive treats or food toppers (especially during flare-ups)
Talk to your veterinarian if you notice worsening symptoms
Keep in mind that this is a self-limiting disease and with proper support, you should notice positive changes! Most dogs go on to live a normal, healthy life.
Ingredient splitting in dog food is the dubious practice of rearranging labels to make the ingredients list look ‘healthy’. Like most dog owners, you want to ensure that your pup is eating the best nutrition possible.
How does ingredient splitting work? What does that mean, and should you be worried about your bag of pet food?
Ingredient Splitting in Dog Food: a uniquely boutique problem
The pet food industry is a growing multi-billion dollar franchise with new boutique diets popping up every single day. It is estimated that there are 300-400 new ones, each year!
Every new brand wants a piece of the pie and will say what they need to in order to gain your trust – and your money.
In this blog post, we’ll answer all of your questions about ingredient splitting in dog food and help you decide what nutrition is best for your giant breed dog!
What is Ingredient Splitting in Dog Kibble?
Ingredient splitting is when a pet food company takes a whole ingredient (for example, peas, oats, salt, or corn), and then lists it under multiple different names on the ingredients list.
This is a sneaky trick that makes the food look like it has more meat and high-quality, whole foods at the top of the ingredients list than it actually does.
Common pet food ingredients subjected to splitting
Below are some examples of common whole foods that may be split up on an ingredient list. Keep in mind that one single item, such as pea fiber, is ok. The problem is when a company uses multiple items from the whole ingredient, indicating that they are likely using splitting.
Peas may be listed as:
Peas
Whole Peas
Pea Protein
Pea Fiber
Pea Flour
Pea Starch
Green Peas
Yellow Peas
Corn may be listed as:
Corn
Corn Meal
Corn Gluten Meal
Corn Flour
Corn Starch
Whole Grain Ground Corn
Potatoes may be listed as:
Potatoes
Potato flour
Potato protein
Dried Potatoes
Whole Potatoes
Potato starch
Oats may be listed as:
Oats
Whole Oats
Oatmeal
Oat Groats
Oat Flour
Oat Fiber
Additionally, food companies may choose to use multiple versions of the same food so that each one makes up a smaller weight. Examples include:
Yellow peas, green peas, split peas
Red lentils, yellow lentils, green lentils
By turning a single, whole item into separate ingredients on paper, dog food manufacturers can artificially inflate the perception of real meat content in the food, even if it’s not the most abundant ingredient.
How Pet Food Manufacturers Fool Dog Owners
The FDA regulates what goes on pet food labels in the United States, but there are still ways for companies to manipulate their ingredient lists.
For example, a company could put ‘chicken’ as the first ingredient on their food list. But because “fresh” chicken contains roughly 70% water, it could actually be of lower content than other ingredients (once the kibble is extruded).
It would still be listed first, however, because labeling requirements state that ingredients must be listed based on their pre-cooked (water included) weight.
Ingredient splitting further ensures that chicken stays at the top, even though most of its weight and bulk of it is lost during the cooking process. Read our section on by-products below to learn more!
Water content is not required to be listed on pet food brand labels so that companies can get away with this.
Marketing in commercial dog food
The dog food industry is a multi-billion dollar market with thousands of companies fighting for market share.
To differentiate their products, pet food companies will use marketing tricks such as:
-Attractive packaging, often with photos of vegetables, fruits, and skinless, boneless fresh, or roasted meats
-Making bold claims of robust health and longevity
-“Humanizing” their ingredients (“Farm Fresh Deboned Chicken”)
-Placing large amounts of different fruits and vegetables in the ingredients list (which appeal to the consumer but do little for nutritional content)
-Using celebrity and influencer endorsements, including viral pet owners on social media, “veterinarians”, and “nutrition experts”
-Relying on unregulated marketing terms such as “holistic”, “human-grade” and “super-premium”
These tricks are NOT actually an indication of a product being “higher quality”, though people perceive it that way.
How Ingredient Splitting Math Works
Let’s do the math!
If I have 10oz of “widgets” and 8oz of Fresh Roast Beast in my kibble, by law I have to list “widgets” first (because they weigh the most, before cooking).
BUT I want people to believe that roast beast is the primary ingredient, so I break “widgets” up to keep it on the top of the list (and add some yummy-sounding ingredients in minute amounts to appeal to the customer)
10oz of “widgets” becomes (for example):
5oz of widget fiber
3oz of widget starch
2oz of widget protein
Each one has smaller pre-cooking weights that add up to the original 10oz, but because they now individually weigh less than the roast beast, they can move down the ingredients list.
Widgets as a whole, however, still outnumber the meat in the final extruded product…especially once all of the water is removed from the roast beast!
My new more ‘appetizing’ looking formula might look like this, even though the ingredients are essentially the same:
Fresh deboned roast beast, rice, widget fiber, roast beast fat, green lentils, widget starch, widgets, pumpkin, widget protein, red lentils, squash, green lentils, choline chloride, apples, fish oil, potassium chloride, vitamins & minerals.
Companies that practice ingredient splitting are not being truthful to their consumers. Savvy consumers should ask questions and move well beyond the “holistic” and “super-premium” marketing labels.
Ingredient splitting is one of the pet food industry’s biggest, most dirty marketing tricks.
Real-Life Example #1 – Ingredient Splitting
Here is an example of a boutique dog food that uses ingredient splitting to make its formula look meat-focused. This brand uses ‘premium grade’, ‘organic’, and ‘biologically appropriate’ marketing terms. They also promote that their brand has ‘meat in the first ingredient’.
Peas, pea starch, and pea protein all add up to…PEAS. We can reasonably assume that peas are ingredient #2, or even #1 by weight because both lamb tripe and fresh salmon are heavy in water (before cooking).
They have also split salt into 3 different ingredients so that it’s lower on the ingredients list than the pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, and other ‘nutritious’ foods that were included in minuscule amounts for marketing purposes.
This healthy-looking ‘holistic’ brand contains very little meat meal (meat+bone+organs) and no animal fats; two things that are, in fact, biologically appropriate.
When you learn to look past the marketing and read labels correctly, the results are shocking:
Pet Kind Tripe & Salmon Formula
Real-Life Example #2: Ingredient Splitting
See below and note the use of multiple versions of the same ingredients (red and green lentils, green and yellow peas), which is a form of ingredient splitting.
Also take note of the addition of kelp, collard greens, apples, pears, and pumpkin. These items are listed after salt on the ingredients list, indicating that they make up only a few grams per pound (or less) in the food.
The marketing on the bag makes you think that this is a healthy, well-balanced meat feast for your dog. What you are really getting may be nothing more than a bag of meat-flavored lentils, beans, and vegetables.
Lastly, in their effort to avoid the word ‘by-product meal’ (which has unfortunately negative connotations despite being incredibly nutritious), they have utilized multiple forms of kidney, liver, and tripe instead.
All of those things are in fact, by-products.
Acana Red Meat Recipe
Real-Life Example #3: Ingredient Splitting
The next example is from Earthborn Holistics Large/Giant Breed formula. The blue bag with the Great Dane on it!
This popular food in the Great Dane community is full of ingredient splitting. As you can see, this practice is not uncommon and has been made to mislead you!
By now, you may start to see the splitting happening. If not, here is the run-down.
Chicken meal is fantastic. It’s followed by rice, oatmeal and oats.
But wait, aren’t oatmeal and oats the same thing!?
They are. But by splitting them, this company effectively moved chicken fat down into the 5th spot on the ingredients list.
Some studies have shown that chicken fat in the first 4 ingredients increases the risk of deadly bloat in dogs.
EDITORS NOTE:
The only acceptable forms of chicken fat high on the list in large/giant breed foods will be from companies who use a well-sourced by-product meal in the first ingredient. This is a biologically correct inclusion with meat, organs, tissue, and bone that even after cooking will still comprise the bulk of the food and nutrition.
Royal Canin Giant Breed is a great example of this and is thus exempt from the “avoid chicken fat in the first 4 ingredients” rule.
Earthborn Holistic below has also split the salt up into multiple ingredients; many companies do this and it’s not necessarily bad (there may be a nutritional reason for the two different forms).
However, it’s important to note that this keeps marketing inclusions such as apples and cranberries higher up on the list – even though they likely make up less of the actual formula than salt.
Pet Food Industry Myths Busted
Several myths in the pet nutrition industry have been perpetrated by people with very little background in peer-reviewed, scientific canine nutrition.
By-products (often seen on the label as ‘Chicken By-Product’ or ‘Meat By-Product Meal) are catch-all terms for anything that is left over after other parts of the animal have been used.
This can include bone, beaks, feet, tendons, tissue, and internal organs; all things that some humans do not care to eat and may even find repulsive.
A meat by-product meal is the rendered version of this; all of the water and fat is removed and what is left is a nutrient-dense, pathogen-free product that, when added to pet food, can make up the bulk of the important nutrition.
Beef meal, chicken meal, and fish meal are similar products (rendered meats) that you may have seen on a food label. By-product meal is similar, nutrient-wise, to a whole-prey model raw food diet and is much more protein-rich and nutritious than ‘fresh deboned meat’.
Have you ever given a whole chicken to a dog? If you aren’t aware, dogs will eat the WHOLE THING. Eyes, feet, organs, bone, meat, blood, and yes, the beak.
These items are necessary for good health and nutrition in our canine companions.
So don’t let the word “by-product” fool you. If you feed your dog pig ears, bully sticks, freeze-dried liver treats, or chicken feet, you are feeding your dog by-products!
As a rendered item, by-product meals already have the moisture removed before extruding. So unlike fresh muscle meat, if they are heavy before cooking, they still will be after they become kibble, too.
Real-life example
Below is a traditionally “scary-looking” ingredients list with a by-product meal as the first ingredient.
Marketing has taught us to view this label as ‘garbage’ or ‘junk’.
Influencers ‘flip the bag’ and teach us to be disgusted and alarmed.
BUT:
Each ingredient is different, from a different source, and has a different purpose. Because a by-product meal is a nutrient-dense dry product before cooking, it remains at the top of the list without any ingredient splitting needed to keep it there.
It may be tempting to choose the Acana formula (from the real-life example above) that contains healthy-sounding lentils, kelp, pumpkin, and multiple meat sources.
However, don’t be fooled! This Royal Canindiet below very likely contains more actual nutrition from meat than the Acana ‘Red Meat Recipe’ from above.
The more you know!
Royal Canin Giant Breed Adult
Does dog kibble contain slaughterhouse waste?
This is a myth that has been perpetuated by people with very low actual credibility.
The fact of the matter is that there are laws in place (regulated by the FDA) regarding the sourcing, control, and quality of ingredients that are processed into dog and cat food.
The FDA has a zero-tolerance policy for any adulterated products (including drugs, cosmetics, and feed) that enter the marketplace. It’s time to lay this myth to rest.
Grain-free diets have become super popular because of, you guessed it, marketing.
People see the words “grain-free” and think that it means healthier when in reality, it just means… grain-free.
There is no nutritional evidence to support the claim that grain-free diets are any healthier for dogs than diets that contain grains.
In fact, the FDA has identified a link between untested boutique dog foods (often “grain-free”) and an alarming increase in life-threatening heart problems in dogs.
How to Choose an Ethical Pet Food Company
When looking for an ethical pet kibble company, look for these key things:
-A full-time board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist (DACVN or ACVN) on staff (not “consults with” or “works with”, but employs)
-The use of AAFCO food trials to substantiate their formulation in real life, not just on paper
The WSAVA is the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
They are an organization of over 200,000 veterinarians in over 100 countries who are dedicated to improving the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide.
The WSAVA has a Nutrition Toolkit that provides comprehensive resources for pet owners and veterinarians on how to choose a pet food and what to look for on the label.
The WSAVA does NOT endorse or approve any pet brands.
The list of foods below comes from companies that put their money into scientific research, feeding trials, nutrition sciences, veterinary support, and hiring highly qualified board-certified veterinary nutritionists to formulate the kibble.
All of these are formulated correctly for giant breed dogs.
Want more? Here are some great, comprehensive articles on food and nutrition, from a veterinary professional (not influencers or boutique food companies that stand to make money on your purchase):
There is a lot of advice and marketing floating around in the world of dogs. A lot of it is dated and much of it is actually dangerous! Misconceptions in the world of dogs are rampant and we’re going to clear up some big ones today.
These are 5 common ideas in the world of dogs that are actually a big fat scam! These misconceptions are meant to make you buy more things or do things that could actually hurt, frustrate or even kill your dog.
Read on, friends.
Allergy Testing for Dogs
Many people whose dogs have loose stools, itching, and other symptoms of allergies will turn to blood or saliva allergy tests for answers.
These tests prey on desperate dog owners!
Here is how it goes down:
The results will show a list of things the dog is supposedly “allergic” to. This list most often includes things like chicken, corn, grains, and grass or pollen.
Feeling validated, the owner will then choose a boutique “Limited Ingredient” dog food and spend insane amounts of money on expensive diets, supplements, washes, and more.
When that diet doesn’t work, the owner will switch the diet, again and again, further destroying the dog’s gut health (which of course, leads to more sensitivities, allergies, or even heart failure, YIKES!) while trying to find something that ‘works’).
There is no good evidence to support any type of blood serum or saliva allergy testing in dogs! As a matter of fact, studies have shown that these tests are wildly inaccurate.
A food elimination trial using hydrolyzed protein diets is still the gold standard for diagnosing legitimate food allergies in dogs.
This means taking your dog off of all food sources, including treats and counter surfing, except for a highly hydrolyzed protein diet (think Hills z/d or Purina HA) for at least 12 weeks.
If the symptoms improve, then you can slowly add things back in one at a time to see if there is a true allergy.
But beware, these diets are expensive and not all dogs will eat them!
This is, of course, assuming that a food allergy is actually what is happening. Actual allergies to specific proteins in food are exceptionally rare, and there are more often environmental factors at play.
Choosing an appropriate, well-balanced diet (correctly formulated raw and/or quality non-boutique kibble, see below) and addressing environmental allergies with robust gut health and possibly medications (including Benedryl) will be much more effective and healthy for your pet.
The second discussion point in our ‘dog world myths’ series will likely bring us some heat, and that’s ok!
Some dog trainers out there claim to be “Force-Free” and will use marketing to imply that they are the only “humane”, and “science-based” option.
They often spend a lot of time bashing other dog trainers, tools, and methods, too.
But here is the thing:
It’s scientifically impossible to be “Force-Free” or to use only “Positive Reinforcement”.
All dog trainers use some form of positive reinforcement (rewarding the dog for doing something) and negative punishment (taking something away from the dog to decrease a behavior).
The problem lies in the fact that a “Force-Free” dog trainer will always choose, without exception, no matter the situation, isolation and physical restraint (yes, force) in lieu of just saying NO.
For many dogs, this becomes a compounding source of frustration that leads to anxiety, reactivity, frustration, and over-excitement.
This is especially true when it comes to dangerous and rude (but easily correctable) behaviors such as running out of doors, chasing cars or wildlife, humping, ignoring recall, or jumping the fence.
These are behaviors that “Force-Free” dog trainers will often choose to manage for months or years at a time with, you guessed it, force in the form of physical restraint and isolation.
“Force-Free” is a marketing term that misleads dog owners into thinking they are doing something “positive and humane” for their pets.
Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training
We believe in and use positive reinforcement in dog training! That should always be the primary way to install new behaviors and guide dogs towards making the correct choice.
Dogs should have fun learning and never be subjected to intimidation or harsh, forceful corrections.
However, we recommend avoiding extreme, one-sided dog training methods such as “Force-Free” that are restrictive (and frustrating) to you and your dog.
Communicating mostly YES with an occasional NO as needed is the most humane thing we can do for our pets!
Boutique Dog Foods: Killing our Wallets AND our Pets!
This is a big one, and I’m sorry I’m going to ruffle some feathers here.
I’m talking about those “Grain-Free”, “Natural”, “Human Grade”, “Holistic”, and “Super-Premium” Boutique dog foods.
Before we dive in, here are some simple facts about boutique dog foods:
They are quite often formulated by people who are grossly under-qualified to do so (for example, FROMM foods are formulated by a chemical engineer. Yikes!)
The nutritional minimums outlined by AAFCO are simply met on paper, but the foods themselves are not actually subjected to legitimate feeding trials or ongoing research
There is very little if any, actual research and science being put into the formulations; it’s all made up to appeal to dog owners
The belief that they are of higher quality is perpetuated purely by dog owners, influencers, pet store reps that stand to profit, and people with no credible background in canine nutrition
Every day expensive new “holistic” dog foods hit the market. It’s a huge money-maker and influencers, pet food reps and dog food companies all stand to profit.
Many (though not all) of these boutique dog food brands are manufactured in the same facilities that make and pack other “super-premium” dog foods. It’s often the same thing, with a different label.
Here are some common boutique dog foods:
They use a lot of marketing to make you feel that you are making a healthy choice for your pet, including the addition of “fairy dust” to make the ingredients list look healthy. (Fairy dust is the addition of fruits and vegetables that are unlikely to add any nutritional value).
These marketing terms are unregulated and meaningless:
Human Grade
Holistic
Super Premium
High-Quality
Family-Owned
What is ingredient splitting?
Ingredient splitting in dog food is the process of splitting one ingredient (example, peas) into multiple ingredients on the label to make the diet look better on paper.
For example, let’s say you have dog food that contains peas. The peas may be split on the ingredients list into peas, pea protein, and pea fiber. This is done intentionally to make it more difficult to determine how much of each ingredient is present in the diet.
Ingredient splitting can make dog food look like meat makes up the bulk of the kibble (by pushing the meat product to the first thing in the ingredients list), when really, what you are buying is an over-priced bag of meat-flavored peas. YIKES!
DCM is a silent killer that often results in sudden death where no prior symptoms had been seen. For this reason, it is unfortunately grossly underdiagnosed.
It’s not just secondary nutrition-related DCM, though. Chronic loose stools, itching, bone growth disorders, and problems with the liver, kidneys, or pancreas are common.
Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists agree that “holistic” boutique diets, sold to us at higher prices using unregulated marketing terms, are harming our pets.
Enter the Great Danoodle. The Bernadoodle. The Sheepadoodle.
Designer dogs are mixed-breed dogs, marketed to you as the perfect family pet that is “hypoallergenic”, “great with kids” and “easy to train”. This is a huge scam in the pet industry right now.
Here is the truth about designer doodles!
Mixing two dogs together does not guarantee that you will get the best traits of each. That’s not how genetics work.
Poodles are high-energy, intelligent working breeds that require a lot of mental and physical enrichment. Doodle puppies who take on more of the poodle genetics are often the same. They may become aggressive, nippy, destructive, or neurotic when lacking appropriate training, socialization, and enrichment.
Poodles have a much different orthopedic structure than Sheep Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Great Danes. Breeding them together produces a mixed bag that can result in weak hips, roached backs, flat feet, and more.
Doodles are never bred from excellent breeding stock; no ethical preservation breeder will contribute their dogs to a mixed-breed doodle program.
Doodles are not hypoallergenic. They have a mixed coat type, each one is different, and some puppies will produce more dander and irritants than others.
They have intense grooming needs. Doodles require DAILY (yes, daily) brushing and regular trips to the groomer, which can run upwards of $125 or more every 4-6 weeks.
FUN FACT: Many groomers will no longer accept doodles because too many owners neglect their dog’s coat maintenance and then become upset when their doodle has to be shaved because of pelting and matting.
Very few, if any doodle breeders will fully health test the dogs they breed. Ethical testing would include doing all of the required tests on both parents, recommended by the respective breed club of each breed in the pairing.
Why are Doodles so popular?
Doodles have been made popular by, you guessed it, marketing and influencers! Look past the marketing before making a decision about purchasing a doodle for your family.
Make sure that both breeds in the doodle mix have the temperament and coat type that you would want to live with, as your puppy could turn out either way.
However, the average friendly backyard breeder is the biggest problem in the world of dogs right now!
These breeders often do not know what they are doing, nor do they care.
They mislead pet owners into believing they are ethical, and THAT is an issue.
They will often have nice websites and adorable photos of puppies who appear to be well-cared for. You might hear them say that their dogs are ‘genetically clear’ or ‘vet checked and health tested’.
These friendly backyard breeders, however, do not participate in full, proper health testing or screenings (choosing instead to cherry-pick one or two so they appear reputable). They don’t prove their dog’s structure or temperaments by obtaining titles and participating in the breed’s parent club, and many of them do not support puppy buyers for the life of their dog.
For example, Great Danes should have hips, heart, eyes, and thyroid screened at a minimum, prior to breeding. A “friendly backyard breeder” may only do hips.
These unethical breeders tend to breed dogs together based on their color or features, not because of temperament or correct structure.
They will sell you a puppy who appears healthy, but may:
Be timid, shy, or even aggressive
Develop serious behavioral problems
Have problems with growth
Suffers from a poor orthopedic structure that could eventually lead to ACL tears or early arthritis
Die young from genetically linked disorders such as bloat, blood clotting disorders, DCM, or wobblers
Don’t get scammed. Go through your breed’s parent club to find a truly responsible, ethical breeder.
What is WSAVA, and what are WSAVA Guidelines? Why should I consider WSAVA recommendations and guidelines when choosing pet food? What are the WSAVA approved brands?
This is a topic we recieve a lot of questions on, so I’m going to clear it up in one post! Before we begin, I want to make one thing very, very clear.
WSAVA does not ‘approve’, ‘endorse’, or ‘recommend’ any brand of dog food. Any perception that they do is incorrect and likely misguided by other sources.
What WSAVA does do, however, is provide pet owners with some easy to follow recommendations for choosing dog food.
First, a little history:
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is a non-profit global veterinary association that was founded in 1994. It’s similar to the ADA as it related to toothpaste, for example.
The mission of the WSAVA is to improve the health and welfare of small animals throughout the world.
Today, the WSAVA has grown to include more than 200 member organizations in over 80 countries. Their collective efforts involve creating guidelines and recommendations that provide information, consistency, and standards between organizations and different countries.
WSAVA is a non-profit organization that generates revenue from contributions, fundraising events, and activities. Anybody can contribute resources and financial support to help the cause.
One way that they promote science and research is by developing guidelines for veterinarians and pet owners to follow. In this blog post, we will discuss what WSAVA is and how you can use their common sense guidelines to choose food for your dog!
The WSAVA has developed a set of guidelines to raise awareness for consumers who are looking to choose a quality, science-backed food for their pets. It’s important that I repeat this: the WSAVA does not endorse, certify, or recommend any single brand or formula of dog food.
These common-sense WSAVA pet food guidelines offer pet owners a sense of security that they are making the right choice in pet food.
Unfortunately, the pet food industry is complicated and many consumers have been misled by dubious marketing practices.
I’m outlining the WSAVA Dog food recommendations below:
#1 – Does the Dog Food Company Employ a Nutritionist?
The most important thing to look for when choosing pet food is to find out if the company employs a legitimate nutritionist.
You may be surprised to find out that the solid majority of pet food brands have NO nutritionist on staff at all! (More on this below).
Appropriate qualifications for a dog food nutritionist are either a PhD in Animal Nutrition, or Board Certification by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) or the European College of Veterinary Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN).
World Small Animal Veterinary Association
It’s important to understand that not all nutritionists are created equal! There is a massive difference between somebody who took a short online course, and a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist (with a Ph.D. in animal nutrition).
Somebody with an M.S. in Animal Nutrition or Animal Science is NOT qualified.
When a company has no nutritionist on staff, they often rely on outdated recipes or consultants to formulate their food. Oftentimes, the company may even state that they “work with a team of nutritionists”. While this sounds great, it’s code for “we hired a consulting firm to look over our recipe”.
Some people may be ok with this corner-cutting practice, but it’s been proven time and time again that having a qualified nutritionists on staff is necessary to ensure safe, reliable pet food formulations.
So be sure to check what ‘kind’ of a nutritionist is on staff, if there is one at all!
Author note: nutritionists who carry certificates from places such as DNU or DNMU (Dogs Naturally Magazine) or other online blogs and course platforms are not legitimate. These people often spread dangerous misinformation and may even be practicing veterinary medicine (such as treating and diagnosing allergies or stomach problems) without a license.
To be clear, however, just because a company employs a qualified nutritionist, doesn’t mean that nutritionist is being used to formulate the diet your pet is eating, which brings us to the next point.
Many consumers are surprised to learn that a lot of boutique dog foods are formulated by people with very few qualifications in small animal medicine and animal nutrition.
When you are choosing puppy food or food for your adult or senior dog, verify that the company employs and is using a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist (DAVCN Diplomate) or a PhD in Animal Nutrition to formulate and test the food.
Some companies employ a full team of DACVNs, who work in tandem with on staff companion animal veterinarians and professionals that have an M.S. or PhD in animal nutrition and related sciences.
Other companies say they employ a “team of nutritionists” however what they really mean is that they only consult with people who don’t work for them. It’s important to read between the lines (read more about this HERE).
Fromm family foods, for example, are formulated by a chemical engineer. It is only in 2023 that it seems they have hired somebody with an M.S. in Animal Nutrition (marginal qualification).
Solid Gold “consults with” a nutritionist with a PhD (but doesn’t employ one).
Diamond Naturals (also Kirkland/Costco, Taste of the Wild, Nutra Nuggest, and 4Health brand) “consults with” a nutritionist with an MS in animal nutrition (but doesn’t employ one).
Victor Foods are formulated by somebody who has an online certificate in dairy cattle nutrition.
When a company “consults with” or “works with” a nutritionist, what they are saying is that they have somebody only mildly qualified in their field being paid to formulate the food, or they are using a formulation software and then a consultant looks it over on paper.
Many companies will respond to this question by indicating that they have a ‘team of highly qualified nutritionists‘. This is smoke and mirrors, as their ‘team’ is often comprised of off-site consultants who have no allegiance to the brand itself.
Make sure the company actually has qualified people on staff and if they gloss over this answer? Look elsewhere…especially if the foods aren’t also being subjected to proper lab analysis and feeding trials to prove that they are safe, nutritious, and bioavailable.
#3 – What is the quality control process for ingredients & the finished product?
When it comes to quality control, not all companies are created equal.
The best companies have a rigorous quality control process that starts with sourcing the highest quality ingredients from suppliers that they trust.
They then test the ingredients upon arrival to ensure that they meet their high standards.
After the food is manufactured, they test the finished product to ensure that it meets their nutritional specifications. This is assuming that when the diet was originally formulated, it was also subjected to a range of labs, testing, and feeding trials.
Only then is the food sent out to be sold in stores.
The best companies have a comprehensive food safety program in place that includes regular testing of ingredients and products, as well as sanitation protocols at their owned manufacturing facilities.
They are also ready and willing to issue recalls if something goes wrong. When a company says ‘no recalls’, we get nervous! Companies without recalls may wish to uphold that term regardless of safety, and may not have been established long enough to yet have a recall (new and inexperienced) in the first place.
Don’t be fooled by unregulated marketing terms such as ‘made in our kitchen’, ‘family oriented company’, and ‘human grade’. These things are NOT an indication of whether or not the food is manufactured with strict protocols.
Many companies now like to gloss over their formulation practices and lack of feeding trials and nutritional lab results by putting a big emphasis on how they use a 3rd party lab to test for things such as aflatoxins and salmonella. Make no mistake, that’s important, but is that really all they are doing?
#4 – What kind of product research or nutrition studies have been conducted? Is it published in peer-reviewed journals?
The best companies invest time and money into research and nutrition studies to ensure that their products are of the highest quality, and that our understanding of small animal health is always getting better.
They also make sure that this research is published in peer-reviewed journals so that other experts can review it, verify its accuracy and learn from it.
When a company says “we do our own research“, we get skeptical (and you should too).
Any food brand can conduct ‘research’ by feeding a dog some food and making anecdotal judgments about their health. That’s not proper research, and there is a reason that many ’boutique’ food brands do not submit their research for peer review.
Many dogs who appear robust, healthy, and shiny die suddenly from nutrition-related (secondary) DCM. The appearance of ‘health’ is not an indicator of actual health.
In addition to participation in the greater scientific nutrition and animal health community, food companies should also be participating in comprehensive lab analysis of the finished products and AAFCO feeding trials (or better) to prove their formulation in real life, not just on paper.
If they did not substantiate their food in actual trials, YOUR dog is the guinea pig.
(See below, the highly tested and researched Royal Canin Giant Breed line from Puppy through Adult)
Feed until 8 months of age.
Feed from 8-24 months of age.
Adult formula from 24 months on.
What to Look For on a Dog Food Label
When you are looking at a dog food label, there are a few things that you should pay attention to:
– The guaranteed analysis (GA)
– The nutritional adequacy statement
– The feeding instructions
The guaranteed analysis is a set of minimums and maximums that must be met by law. We’ve included more information below!
Many people look to the ingredients list when choosing a dog food, however, this is a practice that often results in owners choosing poorly researched low quality foods.
What dog owners need to understand is that the ingredients list is used for marketing.
If you ‘like’ the way an ingredients list reads, chances are, it’s been strategically developed to appeal to you. Tricks such as ingredient splitting and fairy dust (dried blueberries and spinach, for example) are often used.
Not only that, but ‘realmeat as the first ingredient‘ or ‘first 5 ingredients are meat’ are actually a marketing trick, and in many cases, meat may not actually be the predominant ingredient in the finished product.
This is an important one to look for. This statement must be present on all pet food labels in the United States and it indicates that the food and its nutrient analysis have been formulated to meet, or substantiated in tests to meet AAFCO standards.
For puppies, you want to see a statement that the food was ‘substantiated in feeding trials’ for growth, for example.
‘Animal feeding tests using AAFCO Procedures’ means that actual science and research (AAFCO feeding trials) went into proving the nutritional adequacy of the formulation.
‘Formulated to meet’ simply means the food meets the minimum standard, but was not subjected to AAFCO feeding trials.
‘Comparable in nutritional adequacy to foods substantiated in food trials’is less common, but still occasionally seen from small ‘family’ food brands.
This is another important piece of information that you’ll want to look for.
You can use this information to determine how much food you should be feeding your dog based on their weight and activity level.
Some foods are more nutrient-dense than others! A higher quality food will, in general, have more calories per serving.
When you switch to a science-backed diet for your pet, you may find you have to feed much, much less, so watch your dog’s body condition!
Does the company provide contact information?
You want to be able to reach the company if you have any questions or concerns about their food.
A good company will have a customer service team that is ready and willing to help you with whatever you need.
Look for signs that they are truly a science-based company, and not using fluffy marketing to make you ‘feel good’ about the food.
Here are some unregulated, but common “feel good” marketing terms that can be used in misleading ways:
Holistic
Family-Owned & Operated
Super-Premium
No By-Products
Meat as the first ingredient
Home cooked
Fresh
Made in our ‘kitchen’
Tested in our ‘kitchens’
No Recalls
Ancient Grains
Formulated by veterinarians
We use a nutritionist
We have a team of ‘nutrition experts’ (but no DACVN or ACVN in sight)
Wholesome
Who makes the food?
The best companies will be upfront about who makes their food, and they should own and operate their own facilities, especially if they are producing prescription or specialty diets that require detailed protocols and strict attention to detail.
Many boutique food companies use a co-packer and don’t own or operate their own manufacturing facilities.
This is a red flag, as they won’t have as much say in quality control, testing, or nutrition protocols.
There are a small handful of all-purpose, unbranded pet food manufacturing facilities in the United States. These companies make a huge amount of co-packed boutique pet food brands.
It’s essentially a lot of the same food and same practices…with a different label on it.
Ask questions. Boutique foods are one of the biggest marketing schemes in the pet industry right now, and many people are falling for it!
The WSAVA does not approve or sponsor any dog food. However, they do have guidelines that they encourage companies to follow in order to ensure the safety and quality of their products.
It is a myth that foods are ‘approved’ or ‘sponsored’ by the WSAVA.
What Dog Foods Follow WSAVA Guidelines?
Only a handful of dog and pet food companies actually meet and stringently follow all WSAVA guidelines.
These manufacturers include and are limited to:
Purina Dog Chow, Purina One and Purina Pro Plan
Hills Science Diet
Royal Canin
Eukanuba
Iams
Where most other companies fall short is in not owning their own manufacturing facilities, and not employing qualified nutrition professionals. There are a select few companies who DO come close to meeting guidelines, but aren’t on the list above.
The WSAVA does not receive kickbacks from any companies, because they don’t specifically promote any particular company.
In fact, they are a non-profit organization with the mission to “advance animal health and welfare worldwide.”
Food companies of any type (both those that follow WSAVA guidelines and those that don’t) may contribute science, research, time and financial resources to the WSAVA.
Ask questions about why boutique companies do not participate in research or the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and the global community this way!
Additionally, food companies can choose to follow (or not follow) the established guidelines. These guidelines are common sense, so when a food company doesn’t follow them or spins their marketing to make you think that they do, we should be asking a lot of questions.
Here is our list of science-backed large and giant breed puppy foodsthat meet WSAVA guidelines:
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.
Do Veterinarians Receive Kickbacks from Dog Food Companies?
This is a common myth, but it’s not true! In the United States, it is illegal for veterinarians to receive kickbacks from any companies, including pet food companies.
If a food company gives a veterinarian a doormat with its logo on it, they cannot force the veterinarian to recommend that food. That would be unethical. Giving veterinarians sponsored items and asking them to promote the food are two different things.
Some veterinarians might have a wholesale account to sell certain foods in their lobby. They will often do this so they can offer highly researched and scientifically formulated prescription diets to pets that need them.
The question is not actually about whether or not veterinarians ‘receive kickbacks’ then, but truly about why veterinarians promote certain brands and not others.
For a number of reasons, most veterinarians promote science-backed brands such as Purina, Hills, and Royal Canin. They are approached often about promoting ’boutique’ food brands, but they tend to steer clear (because…science and well, laws).
It is not, however, illegal for pet store employees, ‘nutritionists’ with weak credentials, influencers (us included) and brand reps to earn commissions and ‘kickbacks’.
As a matter of fact, these people make TONS of money recommending dog food to you. Remind yourself that the next time a pushy Blue Buffalo rep at Petsmart is telling you about how ‘gross’ and ‘nasty’ Purina is.
But they did go to 4 years of undergraduate school, followed by 4 years of veterinary medicine where they studied companion animal health, surgery, nutrition, and welfare.
They took upper-level nutrition classes, usually taught by veterinary nutritionists, and then went on to apply this knowledge to every facet of health from the endocrine system to healing, urinary health, thyroid disorders, diabetes, allergies, and liver and kidney function.
That’s definitely more than most of us and definitely more than your dog trainer, an employee at a pet store, the ‘Dog Food Advisor’ (a human dentist), or somebody you met in a Facebook group who ‘read the ingredients list’.
The information in those courses and textbooks are often coming from ‘the Big 5’ food brands (Hills, Purina, Eukanuba, Royal Canin, and Iams), because those food brands are the ones most dedicated to health sciences and research, and thus have a lot of important and relevant information to share.
The Purina Institute, for example, has contributed an insane amount of peer-reviewed data that is helping animals all over the world with everything from bloat to hip dysplasia, cancer and diabetes.
Some of the veterinarians go on to gain additional certifications in nutrition (MS or PhD). Most veterinarians then, as a result, tend to look up to the resources and information coming from their more educated veterinary peers.
So when a veterinarian is giving advice about dog food brands, they are getting their advice from actual science.
Pet store employees, on the flip side, are not veterinarians at all and receive the information they share from food companies that want them to sell their products for, you guessed it, kickbacks.
We will say this often: look past the feel good marketing start asking big QUESTIONS about boutique dog foods! Have more questions about nutrition? Leave a comment below!
Post after post from dog owners whose previously voracious puppies and dogs have suddenly ‘become picky’, ‘stopped eating’, or are rejecting their meals.
We have this inherent desire, as humans, to feed animals.
Even when they don’t want to be fed.
A common response to picky eating in dogs is to add toppers or treats such as canned food, chicken, ground beef or raw food.
Many other people switch brands on repeat, trying to find a food that “doesn’t cause runny stools” or “allergies”.
Both of these paths are dangerous territory, and we’re going to talk about why below!
Dogs Know What They Need
It’s important to understand that biologically, most dogs know what they need.
When we try to bribe otherwise healthy (no medical problems) dogs into eating, we are basically encouraging them to over-eat.
Overfed dogs become overweight dogs, all because we didn’t trust them to moderate their own intake.
A dog’s appetite and metabolic needs will fluctuate not only during growth, but depending on the season, the weather, treats offered, and activity levels.
We should never assume that dogs need the exact same portion of food every single day.
Humans don’t eat like that, why would dogs?
Around 7-10 months of age, many Great Dane puppies drastically reduce their food intake. This happens in line with the natural slowing of the explosive growth that happens from birth to 6 months.
Many dog owners find this alarming, and start believing that their dog has become picky.
What people don’t realize here is that their dog is actually…full.
All of this food switching, bribery and unbalanced nutrition is likely the culprit behind the health issues and pickiness, NOT necessarily grains and chicken!
It’s important to note that actual grain, chicken, and food allergies are exceptionally rare in dogs. The only legitimate way to rule out food allergies is through a hydrolyzed protein food elimination trial with veterinary guidance.
Health Weight, Matters.
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is step one. Many people believe that their dog is underweight and needs to be bribed to eat more, when in reality, they are perfect!
Healthy weight dogs are leaner than you think. Puppies in particular can look positively gangly at times, and that is ok! If your dog is vibrant, energetic and building muscle, you don’t likely need to be concerned.
It is a rare situation when a dog actually needs to be fed more to gain weight.
That most often happens when there are medical problems at play such as parasites, malnutrition, unbalanced diets or metabolic disorders that need veterinary attention.
If you think your dog is underweight, talk to your veterinarian!
Many times a simple switch to the correct formulation (puppy, adult, or senior dog food) can help a dog build muscle and fill out a bit, too.
Here are some examples of a healthy-weight Great Danes of all ages, for reference.
Ear Cropping Great Danes
What About Toppers?
Toppers DO, however have their place. As a matter of fact, some studies indicate that the addition of fiber and fresh foods to a dry kibble diet may help reduce the risk of bloat.
We recommend adding toppers as a way to promote health, NOT as a way to bribe a dog to eat.
Our favorite toppers include balanced raw, Olewo Carrots, Dr. Harvey’s, and fresh fruit or veggies (in moderation). Keep toppers to less than 10% of the diet. We’ve linked Dr. Harvey’s below.
How do I Stop My Dog from being a Picky Eater?
Now that we understand the pitfalls of bribery and food switching, it’s time to address picky eating in dogs.
Fixing a picky eating issue requires you to change your routine and take steps towards healthier habits.
Step 1:
Talk to your vet to rule out medical issues. Allergies can be determined by using a hydrolyzed protein prescription diet paired with an elimination food trial. Giardia is a common parasite that may need antibiotics to treat. A dog with low energy, dull coat and a lack of muscle will likely benefit from both medical attention and a change to a science-backed diet.
Parasites, bad teeth, thyroid problems, heart problems, joint issues, and being overweight can lead to a reduced appetite.
Step 2:
Choose a well-balanced, professionally formulated and science-backed food brand that will have all of the nutrients and amino acids that your dog needs.
Our top pick is Purina Pro Plan Large Breed (Puppy, Adult or Senior depending on life stage). The Sensitive formula is perfect for dogs with icky tummies and stools. Eukanuba is another solid choice.
Step 3:
Measure your food out. Use an 8oz measuring cup and follow the guidelines on your bag of food. The amount stated will be for the entire day.
Reduce the amount of kibble by 10% if you are adding toppers of any kind. Reduce it further if you will be doing treat training. If your dog is overweight, choose a weight management formula or cut back again.
Add only enough toppers to make up the amount that you reduced from the kibble portion.
Pro tip: Grab a handful of the total amount and put it into your training pouch!
Tell yourself that it’s OK if your dog doesn’t eat all of it!
(Below we’ve linked to some balanced raw that can be used as a topper):
We Feed Raw provides complete mixes in a variety of proteins including Beef, Venison and Turkey.
Step 4:
Dine and dash!
First, DINE: Feed your pup a portion of their daily intake and save the rest for other meals later in the day.
Then, DASH: Put the food down for your dog, walk away and set a 10 or 15 minute timer.
If your dog doesn’t eat the meal, pick it up when the timer goes off. Save it for lunch time.
If your dog does eat and seems hungry still, sprinkle in a little more from the daily intake pile.
Offer your dog a meal 2-3 times over the course of the day, but put a time limit on it. Don’t make a fuss. Don’t bribe. Don’t make it a thing.
Eliminating picky eating means giving your dog a little tough love.
Your dog will NOT let itself starve to death.
Step 5:
Rinse and repeat.
Use food in puzzles and for training! This fun enrichment can encourage eating, if you are concerned.
Stop worrying too much about your dog’s food intake. Stress is not good for us OR for our dogs!
If you are offering a science-backed diet or balanced raw, and your dog has a healthy body condition and good energy, chances are you’re doing just fine.
If you see anything else unusual, instead of switching foods again, talk to your veterinarian.
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
Is your Great Dane not eating enough? This can be concerning and it’s a popular topic in the Great Dane community! There are various reasons why a Great Dane might become picky or stop eating, ranging from temporary issues like stress, changes in the environment, or minor digestive upsets, to more serious health conditions such as dental problems, gastrointestinal disorders, or metabolic issues.
Before we dig more into this, I have to remind readers that if a dog is truly not eating and is losing weight, this is considered a medical emergency. Always see your veterinarian if you are worried about your Great Dane not eating enough, or not eating at all.
Great Dane Not Eating Enough…or At All!
Buckle up, this is a big one! If your Great Dane is picky, acting strange, or just not eating much, the answers are here for you. There are times when a loss of appetite can absolutely be a concern.
Here is a list of reasons why a dog won’t eat, that require veterinary care ASAP. If any of these could be true for your dog, do not read the rest of this article, call your veterinarian or if life-threatening, GO!
Anxiety (if it results in withholding food for more than 24 hours)
Bloat or other gastro-based emergency
Cancer
Here are some less serious reasons why your Great Dane isn’t eating enough:
Tummy upset
They are eating enough, you just think they need more (common!)
They just finished a growth spurt
It’s hot out and their appetite is down
Anxiety & stress
They are not receiving as much exercise as usual
The feeding area is dirty, noisy, or scary
The food is bad (read about the recent Victor recall, they had been selling contaminated food for months and many dogs had refused to eat it before the recall was finally issued)
They are receiving too many toppers, treats, and chews
Notice I didn’t mention picky eating! We’ll get more into that later.
What to do if a new Great Dane puppy won’t eat
It can be alarming if your new Great Dane puppy won’t eat! We all know that Dane pups NEED a lot of food to grow, so it can be scary when they aren’t ravenous for their food.
Great Dane puppies grow fast and a loss of appetite can be alarming, but keep this in mind: for growing large breed dogs, overnutrition is just as dangerous as undernutrition! Overfeeding Great Dane puppies leads to orthopedic growth disorders, too fast growth, and problems such as carpal laxity that are hard on the joints.
Always go by your veterinarian’s advice regarding overall body condition; Dane puppies should be lean, not round.
What if my Great Dane Puppy is a picky eater?
You’ll notice that ‘picky’ is not listed here as one of the reasons why a puppy dog won’t eat! Many people believe that they have a picky dog on their hands, but it’s actually very rare.
Picky eaters are most often a symptom of the environment, and the harsh, honest truth here is that your picky pooch has likely trained YOU!
Every time you add a topper, canned food, boiled chicken, table scraps, or dog treats to encourage eating, your Great Dane puppy learns that if they ignore their food better things will come.
Most dogs are very smart this way, and the only way to solve this problem is to be strong. Our Stop Picky Eating post is super helpful for picky pups!
Stop bribing your puppy
To put this simply, stop bribing your dog to eat unless your veterinarian has encouraged you to do so following an illness! Your puppy will not allow itself to starve to death, and will eventually eat the dog food that was presented to them as-is.
Every time you switch foods to try and appease your ‘picky pup’, you also risk upsetting the stomach more. Many people start to believe that the resulting chronic loose stools are ‘allergies’, change foods again, and thus will begin a never-ending cycle of gut issues.
These problems can be brought on by constant changes to food and nutrition while the puppies’ digestive system was still maturing.
When you switch foods, the balance of nutrition and gut flora is thrown off again; it can take up to 12 weeks for a dog to acclimate to a new food. Every time you find your dog not eating the way that you think he should, we encourage you to look at health first before making changes.
We cannot state this enough: if you are feeding an appropriate, science-based large breed kibble and your puppy is not knuckling or experiencing growth disorders, STICK WITH IT!
Stop switching foods. It’s really not healthy.
What to feed a Great Dane puppy so that they eat
The best dog foods for a Great Dane puppy will be science-backed, highly researched, formulated for the growth of large and/or giant breed dogs, and from a company that employs a veterinary nutritionist (or team of them) to formulate, oversee, research and test the diet.
Many boutique food brands that sound ‘healthy and holistic’ are often the creation of great marketing, not necessarily of great research and excellent nutrition.
We recommend checking the credentials of any food brand you are considering as your pup’s main diet. The wrong food can cause heart problems, kidney problems, issues with vitamin and mineral levels and more.
Thankfully, the Pet Nutrition Alliance did the work for us and compiled the important information on each brand on a spreadsheet. This makes dog food brand decisions super easy!
We recommend a Large Breed Puppy formula from Purina Pro Plan or Eukanuba, and as above, STICK WITH IT! For more information on how to feed a Great Dane and the best dog dry food and amounts for growing Dane pups, read our famous Ultimate Great Dane feeding chart post here!
Here are our favorite science-backed foods for Great Dane Puppies. Click to shop on Chewy. Pro tip: autoship saves you money and time!
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.
Your puppy is overwhelmed, fearful, or scared
It’s not uncommon for Great Dane puppies to feel a little overwhelmed during the first days in a new home. An overwhelmed, overtired, and overexcited dog won’t eat reliably, and that’s ok.
Not only have there been several changes to their life and routine, but they’ve likely had vaccines and possibly even ear cropping. Veterinary care like this can make them feel a little icky for a few days, so you may just need to be patient.
Your puppy has parasites
As above, worming medication can cause tummy upset, and so can parasites!
Your veterinarian will likely do a stool sample and worm your puppy with an oral medication. If your puppy has worms, this medication can make your puppy feel not-so-great while the worms die.
Common worms and parasites include tapeworms and roundworms, which you may see in their stool! There is another very tiny parasite called giardia that is a very common cause of loose stools in Great Danes.
If you are struggling with your puppy’s stomach upset, ask your veterinarian to test for Giardia, which requires antibiotics to treat.
Parasites are very common in puppies and treatable. As long as you have gotten your puppy from a reputable Great Dane breeder and had your first vet visit, this should be no big deal.
Your puppy has a stomach upset
Another common cause of stomach upset in Great Dane puppies is switching foods! Many pet parents are excited to switch foods and may immediately jump to a food brand that the puppy had never had before.
We ONLY recommend that puppies be fed a science-based and highly researched large breed puppy kibble diet formulated for large and giant breed growth (our favorites are below).
If your breeder was feeding something else, switch slowly to avoid further stomach upset.
Note: If your puppy is knuckling or experiencing HOD, Panosteitis or other orthopedic growth problems, your puppy must switch to an appropriate, science-backed large breed puppy kibble immediately.
Too many treats can make a dog eat less
Training treats can also cause a puppy to become full or overloaded with the wrong nutrition! Too much of a good thing can result in a decreased appetite, which can be alarming AND lead to loose stools, growth disorders, and more.
Take it easy with dog treats. Keep bites teeny tiny and consider doing as much training as you can with your puppy’s kibble, instead!
(No, your dog will not bloat if you feed them kibble for training! Contrary to popular belief, ‘resting’ before and after eating is not reliable for preventing bloat in Great Danes).
Too many training treats can also throw off the important balance of nutrition needed for proper growth. Too much food, fat, nutrition, and unbalanced amino acids and calcium and phosphorus levels are dangerous for growing puppies.
Here are some of our favorite holistic whole-food training treats for Great Danes. Use in moderation!
Your puppy is sick
Unfortunately, illness can be devastating for young Great Dane puppies. If your Dane pup has any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately:
Excessive amounts of diarrhea
Blood in stool
Pale gums
Vomiting
Low or high body temperature (use this thermometer to check)
Lethargy (no energy, even while awake)
Weakness, stumbling, unable to stand, walk or play
Cloudy or watery eyes
Discharge from the nose or mouth
Foul smell
Large, distended abdomen
Crooked paws
Showing pain signals including limping, whining, crying, chewing paws, aggression, etc.
Parvo in Great Dane Puppies
Parvo, for example, could be one reason that your puppy is not eating. While there are vaccines for Parvo, puppies are at risk until they are fully vaccinated.
This particular disease is extremely difficult to treat and also deadly. Early diagnosis is key; if you see any signs your puppy needs to see a veterinarian immediately.
A thorough physical examination is warranted anytime you feel something is ‘off’ with your puppy, including crooked paws (which could be a sign of knuckling).
Other symptoms of poor health can include whining while going potty, weight loss, and limping. A urinary tract infection is a common problem for Dane pups and one that can result in a reduced appetite in dogs.
Not only that, but a Dane pup can become dangerously dehydrated very quickly, so if your puppy is having trouble with loose stools and throwing up, get to the vet immediately.
Even if he or she’s drinking water, it may not be enough.
Your Great Dane Puppy is Full
Many times, a puppy that has no appetite is actually full!
Too much nutrition can lead to knuckling and loose stools, so keep that in mind if your dog loves to scarf food and eat too much.
Great Dane puppies grow fast and need a lot of nutrition, and your dog’s eating habits will change often throughout the first several months. As a matter of fact, you may find that your puppy is at the food bowl asking for food at odd times, and turning its nose up at other times!
Your pup will need more dog food before and during a growth spurt as well.
We say feed them and let them guide you! The goal with puppies is not to stuff them with an exact number of cups of food, but rather to give them the nutrition they need to grow slowly and with excellent body condition.
Our Great Dane puppy feeding chart can give you a rough idea of how much you might expect to feed, but only your puppy really knows what he needs.
Do not let your puppy (or adult Great Dane) gain excess weight. If your dog scarves food down and eats without stopping, it’s time to step in and strictly monitor intake.
Is it normal for puppies to not eat all of their food
Assuming that your healthy puppy has a quality, age-appropriate science-backed dog food and is otherwise vibrant, robust, and active it can be perfectly normal for your pup to leave food in the bowl.
As above, this is not a sign that your Great Dane is one of the reported ‘picky eaters’. A dog that is self-regulating its intake is very different than a dog that has had an actual loss of appetite.
It’s important to monitor your puppy and keep tabs on growth, overall health, and energy levels; this matters more than actual food intake!
As a pet parent, it’s normal to worry, but unless your dog recently suffered illness, is losing weight, or is showing other sights of stress or health problems, try not to stress. Keep your puppy on the same dry dog food and stick it out!
Having interest change from meal to meal and day to day is totally normal and to be expected. This chart below is just a guide; the food you choose and your puppies appetite will change these amounts.
When should I worry about my puppy not eating?
Of course, there does come a time when you should worry about your puppy not eating!
You definitely want to see medical attention for your dog if it is losing weight, acting lethargic, distressed, or having difficulty chewing.
Sometimes a stick or bone has become lodged inside of the jaw and it can make it difficult for a puppy to eat and drink water normally.
If your dog’s stool has blood in it, you will need to see your vet immediately as this can be a sign of foreign bodies or Parvo. Pale gums, coughing, and dehydration are also indicators of physical distress that will require immediate veterinary care.
If your puppy ate something they shouldn’t have such as socks, jewelry, or toxic foods such as grapes or Xylitol you will likely notice a reduction in appetite.
These things are a medical emergency and cause for concern.
At times, excessive treats, table scraps, or stolen food from the counter can lead to a condition called Pancreatitis. This can make your puppy stop eating and show signs of nausea, tummy upset, and weakness.
However, if your puppy is bright, vibrant, and playful while awake with nice tight feet and a great nap schedule (remember, Great Dane puppies need a LOT of sleep!), chances are everything is fine. Let your puppy sleep, they will eat when they are hungry!
A healthy Great Dane pup should be curious, friendly, active, and ready to go when awake!
Bonus Tip: Monitor water intake when your dog won’t eat
We do not recommend limiting water intake or withholding water for ‘potty training’.
This dated practice can lead to dehydration and may actually teach your puppy to gulp, hoard, and guard water as a valuable resource.
Of course, a pup doesn’t need to be drinking water overnight. But if you are taking up the bowl at dinner time so you don’t have to let your puppy out to pee at 2 in the morning, stop.
Let your puppy drink water as needed and desired until you all go to bed for the night.
Take your puppy out for one last late-night pee (use LOTS of treats and yes, kibble to reward this behavior!) and then quietly, calmly go out as needed through the night.
They will outgrow the need to go out and pee overnight once their bladder is mature, and you’ll be getting restful sleep again!
What to do when your puppy isn’t eating?
Many people start adding wet dog food, boiled chicken, treats, canned food, or other tasty toppers to entice their puppy to eat.
Others will attempt hand feeding or hydrating the food in warm water. It’s important to remember that appetite in dogs can and will fluctuate!
Note: some studies show that food moistened in warm water, that has citric acid in the formulation may increase bloat risk.
As we mentioned before, bribery is a dangerous path that will lead to a lot of frustration.
We believe in offering up to 5-10% of the diet as healthy toppers because, for Great Danes, it may reduce bloat risk.
However, there is a big difference between adding healthy foods to increase the intake of fibers and omegas and adding unbalanced junk food to make the dry kibble somehow more appealing.
We recommend rehydrated Olewo carrots for loose stools.
Balanced raw, fish oil, the occasional raw egg, or a few scoops of Dr. Harvey’s are also welcome additions to the Great Dane food bowl!
As above, these items should be added for health reasons, not as bribery.
Best Foods for Great Danes & The Appropriate Diet
Once your puppy learns that skipping meals means you bring out the good stuff, all bets are off. We promise, that if you are feeding an appropriate dry food diet, you do NOT need to switch to a new food so that your dog will eat!
If you are feeding a science-backed, highly respected solid food that is formulated for the growth of large breed dogs, stick with the same food. We recommend choosing brands that invest heavily in research, professional veterinary nutritionist formulation, development, ingredient sourcing, and formula testing. These brands include Purina, Eukanuba, and Iams.
Scheduled Feedings to Reduce Pickiness
If your dog won’t eat and there are clearly no health issues, wait it out. Put the bowl down, offer the meal, and walk away. Don’t make a fuss.
Pick it up again if your dog refuses it after 15-30 minutes. Offer it again later for a mid-day meal, and repeat this process until your dog gives in and eats their solid food.
Another trick you can try when your dog won’t eat is to make eating FUN. Use your dog’s normal food as training treats, and reward your dog throughout the day with a few pieces for awesome behavior.
The KONG WOBBLER can also be very engaging for dogs that need their food to ‘run’ so they can hunt for and chase it! We always love seeing food used as enrichment. If your dog won’t eat, this is a great trick to try!
Reasons for the loss of appetite in dogs
Like puppies, there are many reasons why an adult Great Dane will have a loss of appetite.
Here are just a few things to look for if you have a dog not eating:
A foreign body such as a sock in the digestive tract
Stomach upset from eating something toxic or irritating, including chocolate, grapes, certain house plants, and xylitol
Stomach upset from counter surfing things such as butter, roasts, cookies, or treats that are unbalanced, fatty, sugary, and sit heavy in the stomach (watch for signs of pancreatitis! See below).
Toxicity from exposure to essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang that are not safe for dogs
Boredom. Like humans, bored dogs can become depressed, suppressed, and may turn their noses up at food. Make eating fun by using a puzzle feeder and food as training treats!
Congenital problems such as heart or digestive system defects that haven’t been diagnosed
Liver disease or kidney disease
New food (switching too quickly can cause stomach upset, OR the new dog food has more nutrition and your dog won’t have to eat as much as they did with the previous food.
A senior dog will have a reduced appetite and will require a different dry dog food formulation than a puppy or adult.Dental disease in senior dogs can also cause decreased appetite; your veterinarian can address this with you.
Some dogs with advanced dental disease may need canned food or a liquid diet.
Signs of pancreatitis in Great Danes
Here are some signs of pancreatitis, which is a life-threatening illness that can happen when dogs ingest too many things that are fatty such as too many rich treats, roasts, butter or bacon.
Scavenging for food is one of the leading predictors of a dog experiencing pancreatitis; however other things may cause it.
Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain
Distress, including laying with the rear end high in the air
Fever
Lethargy
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Nausea
Pancreatitis in dogs has other factors and causes as well, and the prognosis is based on severity and treatment. If your dog is showing these or other symptoms that are alarming to you, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Counter surfing and trash surfing is a real problem for Great Danes! Learn how to solve this dangerous and annoying behavior.
Your pet’s health is at risk if you don’t implement training and management.
Balanced training is the most humane choice for dogs because it teaches and rewards them while also giving them all of the information they need to make mature decisions. This includes NO, a simple thing that can save your dog’s life.
A picky Great Dane dog with a decreased appetite is often caused by, get this, poor handling!
Biologically, dogs don’t want to starve. Let your dog’s eating habits be your guide here: many dogs are incredibly good at self-regulating intake, just by nature! Appetite in dogs is fluid and will change day-to-day, too.
If they don’t eat, it’s because they don’t need the food, have a medical problem, the food is bad, OR we’ve trained them to hold out for the good stuff. A dog not eating because they’ve learned this is a dog that is making the rules.
That last part…read it again.
We’ve trained them to hold out for the good stuff, and they’ve trained us to give it to them!
Every time you add toppers or change foods to encourage your Dane to eat, you teach them that if they turn their nose up at the food bowl better things will come. A dog not eating may actually be a dog that figured out a neat trick to eat treats with every meal.
If you’ve ruled out medical problems and you are feeding a fresh (not stale) high-quality, science-backed kibble that is correctly formulated for your Great Dane, chances are your Dane is either full or totally playing you.
Now of course it stands to reason that your Great Dane may get tired and bored of a certain food. We recommend changing proteins on occasion but stick with the food that is working for you.
When you change proteins, stick with the same formula
Example for an adult dog:
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Chicken and Rice, switch to Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Beef and Ric
Are Great Danes picky eaters?
By nature, Great Danes are not picky eaters!
However, the myriad of health problems that plague this breed resulting from bad genetics and incorrect foods can make them seem picky or intolerant of certain foods.
Great Danes are unfortunately prone to a number of health issues that can result in a dog’s loss of interest in food.
When a dog won’t eat or flat out refuses, it might be helpful to rule out these common health issues:
Allergies. While dietary allergies are actually extremely rare, environmental allergies can make a dog uncomfortable.
Thyroid disorders.
Diabetes
Painful orthopedic problems including wobblers, HOD, Dysplasia or arthritis
Poor structural conformation that leads to painful joints and movement
Chances are, your Great Dane is not actually picky and other things are going on.
If you think it’s just general pickiness, wait it out! You might be surprised to find that your dog starts eating again after a day. If not, seek medical advice just in case.
When should I be concerned that my dog is not eating?
Anytime your dog’s appetite seems to have decreased drastically, you will want to watch for other signs and symptoms. A loss of appetite in dogs can be alarming, and it’s good that you are paying attention!
A dog that normally loves its dry dog food and that is suddenly refusing food of any kind may have medical problems that go far beyond a simple loss of appetite.
If your dog stops eating altogether and you aren’t sure why we recommend seeking professional help from your veterinarian before switching foods again.
Older dogs that stop eating
Older dogs that are not eating and that have other health problems may be towards the end of life; just like humans, a dog in hospice will often experience a loss of appetite and stop eating before passing away.
It is important to keep senior dogs in hospice staying hydrated, drinking water, and being as comfortable as possible!
A dog’s loss of appetite in the latest days of life is normal and may be an indication that it’s time to say goodbye.
Did you know that there are now canine hospice options? Chat with your veterinarian for referrals and advice. They can help guide you towards making sure that your elderly dog is drinking water and staying hydrated before you have to make any other end-of-life decisions.
How do I make my Great Dane eat more?
In most cases, you don’t actually need your Great Dane to eat more!
Many people are alarmed to see how ‘thin’ their Great Dane is. The truth here is that a little rib showing is normal and desired. Very few dogs are actually underweight, and very few dogs actually need to eat more.
The written breed standard for Great Danes in all Countries, including Europe and the U.S. defines them as being an athletic breed, never stocky.
For truly underweight dogs that need more nutrition, medical attention is needed first to rule out underlying causes such as disease, parasites, cancer, or congenital deformities such as megaesophagus.
Great Dane puppies in particular can be very lean and lanky as they grow. They will fill out once they are more mature, usually between 2 and 3 years of age.
Here is an image of three Great Dane dogs. One is underweight and malnourished. One is at a perfectly healthy weight. The third is overweight.
An Underweight Great Dane
A Healthy Weight Great Dane
An Overweight Great Dane
A malnourished, underweight dog will lack vibrancy and won’t have much energy. Many ‘thin’ dogs that are labeled as ‘underweight’ have shiny coats, muscle tone and lots of energy! Those dogs need to be left as-is.
Adding weight to a Great Dane is hard on the joints and can shorten the life span by 2 years, on average. For giant breed dogs that tend to have short lifespans in the first place, that is devastating.
If you think your dog is underweight and needs to eat more, talk to your vet first! Most people are so used to seeing ‘fat’ dogs that they don’t know what an appropriate waistline is on a dog.
A lot of ‘thin’ dogs can actually use some muscle building as well. Muscle and activity will nearly always come with an increased appetite, as the added nutrients are needed to build muscle.
We highly recommend that all Great Danes are off-leash trained and have the opportunity to move, explore, run and play freely without physical restraints such as harnesses, head collars, prong collars, or long leashes.
These natural activities help them build muscle and can improve balance, strength, and motor coordination. For off-leash training, modern E-Collars cannot be beat. We have tons of resources on this topic here.
When should I worry about my dog not eating?
If your dog is acting lethargic, it’s time to worry.
A dog that has no energy, dull eyes or that is weak needs medical assistance.
Muscle wasting is a problem for dogs that have begun to lose weight due to a too-low intake of food. Without the nutrition or fat reserves needed for survival, muscle tone will diminish.
Some dogs may be coming from rescue situations where severe neglect led them down this path.
A veterinarian can advise on the best course of action for food intake, water intake, and nutrition in dogs that are severely underweight. A new food will typically be advised, as there are certain dry dog food formulas that have more of the kind of nutrition a dog like this will need to rebuild their strength.
Some healthy dogs may eat less and begin to lose weight. This can be concerning to dog owners, especially when it’s clear that the dog’s appetite has changed or been reduced.
Many dogs are actually overweight, and a heavy dog not eating as much of their normal food may actually be a good thing. For those dogs, they may appear to look ‘too thin’ because their new body condition looks different, but it doesn’t mean that you need to be alarmed.
Always chat with your veterinarian to rule out health problems, including cancer, diabetes, thyroid issues, and heart problems if your dog’s appetite seems unusually different.
Is it normal for a dog to not finish their food?
It is very normal for a dog to not finish its food! If your dog won’t eat the entire bowl, consider that it could just be a matter of ‘too much’.
Think about how this applies in the wild. A dog is naturally inclined to not overeat because instinctually dogs know how much nutrition their body actually needs.
In most cases, we recommend trusting your dog here. If your Great Dane is eating but doesn’t finish their food, they are probably full and don’t need anymore!
Many people worry about food because they are concerned about bloat. They want their dog to eat on a schedule so that they can strictly monitor meal and rest times.
There are definitely much bigger things to be concerned about when it comes to bloat risk and minimizing the chance that your dog experiences it.
Genetics, gut health, and poor temperaments are key factors. For more information on bloat in Great Danes and how it relates to nutrition, read our Great Dane Bloat articles below.
If your dog has no aggression, food-scarfing, hoarding, training, or temperament issues it’s actually fine to allow your dog to graze on the food they leave in the bowl. As a matter of fact, frequent, smaller meals are correlated with a DECREASE in bloat risk!
If your dog is overweight, obese, frantic, aggressive, frustrated, or needs a lot of training, however, this is not recommended. For those dogs, 2-3 scheduled meals per day, served in a low-stress environment for just 15-20 minutes is ideal.
Monitoring your dog’s body condition is extremely important, and avoiding food scarfing, fights over food, and frustrating behaviors at the bowl is part of being an educated, dedicated Great Dane owner.
You know your dog best!
The case of too many treats
Many dogs are full and uninterested in food because they are getting too many treats!
Treats may be coming from cute puppy eyes at the treat jar, table scraps, bones, chews, table surfing, and yes, even your treat bag during training.
If you are working on training your Great Dane, try mixing some of your dog’s dry food ration for the day into your treat bag.
Use food as a reward so your dog receives correct, balanced nutrition and gains confidence doing a job well done.
Not only will this make their food more enticing because they have to ‘work for it’, but the variation of treats between high value (such as Ziwi Peak) and their kibble will work to make your dog that much more interested in working for the good stuff.
Every time they get a higher-value treat, it’s like hitting the jackpot!
Freeze-dried meats and organs (small amounts, don’t overdo it)
Cheerios
A trail mix made up of hotdogs, dry food, Ziwi peak, blueberries, and freeze-dried chicken
When your dog is eating dry food as a reward during training, you will find that your dog starts to really enjoy their meals! By nature, dogs want to ‘work’ and that includes hunting, searching, sniffing, sitting, and doing tricks.
As a matter of fact, a lot of behavior problems in Great Danes including destruction, chewing, separation anxiety, anxiety, lunging, barking, and pulling like a freight train are directly related to, get this, frustration and BOREDOM!
When we ask our dogs to work for their dry food, we are providing them with enrichment and mental games that will help them thrive.
Does your dog turn its nose up at kibble when used as a training treat? Make it a little more ‘enticing’ by spraying it with bone broth or warm water and as above, mixing it up with higher value treats.
PRO TIP: If you use hot dogs, the kibble will naturally become more appealing because the hot dogs will ‘scent’ the kibble in the treat bag!
If your dog likes to eat treats but not their normal food, you can also ‘trick’ them into thinking their dry food is a treat by using it as a filler for fun puzzle toys such as the West Paw Topple.
We believe Great Danes should have fun with their food, and that a dog’s appetite is often linked to how hard it was for them to get that food.
Sometimes it really is a matter of making a dog eat through the use of brain games and puzzles.
If your dog is not ok when you leave the house, you can actually use their meals, canned food, and dry food to your advantage!
We recommend creating a mixture of kibble, wet food, rehydrated Olewo carrots and a few high-value tidbits such as Dr. Harvey’s freeze-dried treats or Ziwi Peak.
Take this mush and stuff it into a Dane-sized West Paw Wobbler and stick it in the freezer!
Offer this frozen treat to your dog while they are in another room and confined away from you. Practice this daily, so your dog learns that you being in a different room and out of sight is ok!
They will enjoy the wet food as they work to get it out of the stuffed toy, and with practice, they will begin to have positive associations when you are away. You can make this puzzle even more enticing with the addition of canned food, something that many dogs love.
Separation anxiety is unhealthy for Great Danes and can increase their risk of experiencing bloat. Anxiety and stress have strong ties to bloat occurring!
It’s important to take steps to work on it, but it does take time and patience. If your dog won’t eat or work on the puzzle toy during these short practice sessions, lower the criteria. Leave for only 10 seconds, then 45, and so on.
The more time your dog can spend having a positive, no-stress experience with you out of site, the better.
What to give my dog if she is not eating?
The last thing you want to do is to bribe your Great Dane into eating.
A healthy, normal dog will not allow itself to starve to death! Decreased appetite in dogs happens for many reasons and many times the reason is both simple and benign.
It’s important to rule out medical reasons for reduced appetite in dogs such as parasites, pain, foreign objects or cancer, however!
If your Great Dane is not eating because of illness, your veterinarian may be able to offer an appetite stimulant in addition to treatment that will get your pup well again.
Canned food is highly palatable and many dogs experiencing a loss of appetite associated with illness will benefit from it.
Sick dogs need extra support: in this case, your veterinarian will advise you on an appropriate diet for your dog while healing. Dehydration is one of the biggest dangers for dogs that are not eating or drinking water.
You can encourage your Great Dane to drink water by adding a little bone broth or Nulo hydrator to make it more palatable. (Have you ever had a cold where water just didn’t taste good but you could chug orange juice? This happens in dogs, too!).
Cottage cheese, boiled bland chicken and rice, bone-broth, commercially available re-hydrators (such as NULO), hand-feeding, canned food, or a prescription liquid diet may be advised.
However, if you’ve determined that your dog is healthy, there are things you can do to encourage eating that will also benefit overall health!
We recommend the following options as toppers for kibble:
Rehydrated Olewo Carrots
This is the best remedy for loose stools and tummy upset! Not only that, but the added fiber may help reduce bloat risk.
For an adult Dane, measure 2 TBSP of dehydrated pellets and rehydrate in warm water before serving. You can use this mixture as stuffing for food puzzles or toys or as a mix-in or topper for kibble.
Dr. Harvey’s
Dr. Harvey’s food mixes contain dehydrated whole food ingredients such as oats, carrots, spinach, and blueberries. There are several options to choose from and dogs LOVE them!
Rehydrate a scoop with water and serve on top of your dog’s kibble as a way to encourage and entice eating. Remember to keep toppers, especially unbalanced ones to less than 10% of the diet.
Egg – any style!
It’s ok to occasionally offer eggs to your Great Dane. Raw is fine! Most dogs also love receiving a whole shell-on hardboiled egg that they have to open themselves. Scrambled eggs, poached eggs or sunny side up are fine as well, just make sure they are cool before serving.
We recommend offering no more than 1-2 eggs per week to Great Danes, unless part of a fully balanced and appropriately formulated raw diet.
Canned Food
Dogs love canned food. We recommend introducing canned food toppers slowly and using the same brand and formula as your kibble.
For example, an excellent pairing is Purina Pro Plan Large Breed paired with Purina Pro Plan Large Breed canned wet food.
(Note, most wet dog food is not recommended for growing Great Dane puppies, as it may not be formulated correctly for growth, only maintenance.
Always check the label! If you offer canned food to your Great Dane puppy, do so in moderation or look for an appropriate, science-backed formula that is appropriate for the growth of large breed dogs).
What if my dog won’t eat and is acting strange?
If your dog is acting strange, has had a loss of appetite, and seems unwilling to eat, it may be experiencing a medical emergency.
A Great Dane that is acting strange may be stumbling, pacing, foaming, crying, whining, shaking, hiding or unable or unwilling to get up. A dog won’t eat if they are in distress.
BLOAT in Great Danes is life-threatening and unfortunately common. If you see any of the following symptoms, it is imperative that you seek emergency care. This is true EVEN IF your Great Dane has had its stomach tacked!
Attempting to vomit
Pacing, whining, crying, and acting distressed
Distended abdomen
Foaming at the mouth
Excessive drool
Looking at the stomach area
Collapse
A dog may also act strange if they have ingested toxins or poisons, gotten into a fight with other dogs (internal injuries), or if they are in pain and have other symptoms such as shaking, coughing, excessive panting, or seizures.
It’s always worth getting checked out and not ever assuming that your dog’s decreased appetite is related simply to food.
Liver disease, kidney disease, dental disease, and even heart disease can be ‘silent’ before they are deadly.
Some dog owners find it helpful to keep a journal or notebook that documents health from week to week and year to year. This practice will be insanely helpful to your veterinarian, too!
If you notice a decreased appetite in your dog who is otherwise acting normal, start documenting their daily intake of food, treats and water.
You can also take note of body condition, activity levels, and any unusual gain or loss of appetite.
Are you having a problem with a dog not eating, but still unsure if you are doing the right thing or not? We always recommend seeking veterinary care when you aren’t sure about what is going on with your dog.
