Best Dog Food for Great Danes: Five Great Options For 2018
Great Danes require proper nutrition in order to remain healthy. Owners need to learn how to choose the best dog food for Great Danes in order to ensure they are giving their pets the nutrients they need to thrive. A Great Dane is a giant dog with a giant appetite, and needs plenty of calories throughout the day.
Table of Contents
- Quick Comparison: Top Brands for Great Danes in 2018
- What’s the Recommended Calorie Intake for Great Danes?
- General Nutritional Information About Great Danes
- Common Health Problems With Great Danes and How the Good Food Can Help
- Feeding Guidelines for Great Danes By Age
- Editor’s Choice – Top Dog Food for Great Danes
Quick Comparison: Top Brands for Great Danes in 2018
* click on the product name to be taken to Amazon where you can check the current price and read customer reviews.
Below you’ll find in-depth reviews of each of the above products.
What’s the Recommended Calorie Intake for Great Danes?
Dogs that fall under the giant category need to have an increased calorie intake. The amount is typically based on a dog’s weight. Many Great Danes average over 100 pounds. At this size, a 2,000 calorie diet is recommended. Giant dogs should be receiving approximately 20 calories per pound of their weight each day.
This rate changes depending on the amount of activity a dog is getting. Dogs that are extremely active will need more calories. It is also different for the changing seasons, as higher calories are needed during winter months.
General Nutritional Information About Great Danes
A high amount of calories is not all a Great Dane needs. There are also special dietary requirements a dog of this size should have. Limited protein is one restriction to consider. Great Danes should only be consuming foods with around 22% protein, especially as puppies.
Danes also need to avoid exercise before and after eating. This can cause their stomachs to bloat, which is extremely uncomfortable. Having a food and water dish that sits higher off the floor is also helpful at preventing this, according to saveadane.org.
Common Health Problems With Great Danes and How the Good Food Can Help
The American Kennel Club discusses the importance of proper nutrition for Great Danes. They are prone to numerous health problems particularly with their bones and overall growth. Panosteitis is one common problem in these dogs. Severe inflammation is found in the bone of the leg, causing discomfort.
It is also important to prevent bloating, as well as gastric torsion. Due to their large height, Great Danes need their food to be kept higher than most dogs. It should not be left close to the floor where the dog has to bend far to reach it.
Feeding Guidelines for Great Danes By Age
Owners need to be careful to monitor the food intake of their Great Dane puppies. This is because Great Danes grow quickly and need proper nutrients. If you are feeding them high protein, they are going to grow much faster than intended. This can cause serious health issues for your pet.
According to Canine Nutritional Consultant, Linda Arndt, Great Dane puppies need smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. A few cups of food are all that is needed, spread out between 3 times a day. As they age, Great Danes can be given more food, less often.
Adult Great Danes may receive their food twice a day. They should have 8 to 10 cups total, equaling 4 to 5 cups each time.
Editor’s Choice – Top Dog Food for Great Danes
Your Great Dane can benefit from the following 5 foods.
1. Eagle Pack Natural Dry Dog Food
Eagle Pack Natural Dry Dog Food offers a large breed formula in a 30-pound bag. It offers large pieces of kibble that are easy for a large dog to eat. It offers a single protein source, and contains many antioxidants and nutrients that keep a dog’s digestive system healthy. It received 4.6 stars out of 5, with over 205 customer reviews.
What We Like
- Made for large and giant dog breeds
- Offers antioxidants and vitamins for health support
- No by-products, fillers, or preservatives
What We Don’t Like
- Some customers say their dogs did not find it as appetizing as their previous food
2. Hi-Tek Naturals Grain Free Lamb Meal and Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food
Hi-Tek Naturals is a grain free option that does not include pointless ingredients. Only natural, healthy ingredients are offered that keep a Great Dane full and satisfied. It earned 4.6 stars out of 5, with over 115 customer reviews.
What We Like
- Formulated for energy
- Grain-free
- Includes probiotics
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey compared to brands of similar sizes
3. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food
The Wellness brand offers a complete health option for large breeds. The food comes in a larger size bites that are adequate for a larger dog. It includes grains and fiber that help with digestive health. It received 4.5 stars out of 5, with over 2,250 customer reviews.
What We Like
- Includes natural fiber
- Helps maintain lean muscles
- No by-products
What We Don’t Like
- Pricier option
4. Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog Food
The Purina brand offers a large breed dog food that focuses on large-sized dogs. It contains valuable nutrients for giant breeds, and helps support joint health. It received 4.5 stars out of 5, with over 200 customer reviews.
What We Like
- Supports joint health and mobility
- Promotes mental sharpness
- Contains pre-biotic fiber
What We Don’t Like
- Not breed specific
5. Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food
Holistic Select provides a package for large and giant dog breeds. It works to improve total health and the digestive system. It earned 4.6 stars out of 5, with over 690 customer reviews.
What We Like
- Formulated for large and giant dog breeds
- Includes probiotics and fiber
- Larger-size kibble
What We Don’t Like
- Pricier option
Great Danes have a large appetite and need plenty of food to accommodate their size. Owners can expect to feed their pets twice a day, up to 10 cups total. Great Danes require proper nutrition to ensure their bones grow strong and healthy. They should not be left to consume anything in sight, as many foods can cause digestion issues and bloat for these dogs. Adequate nutrition is key for Great Danes to lead a healthy life.