Due to the Great Dane’s size, they thrive on diets specifically formulated for large dogs. Such diets, which are balanced in calories, calcium, and phosphorus and offer high quality protein, are especially critical for puppies and cause them to grow at a controlled rate. Many studies have shown that growing too fast increases the chance of many developmental joint diseases to which Danes are already susceptible to as one of the largest dog breeds, including hip and elbow dysplasia. Free-feeding is not recommended for large breed puppies like Great Dane puppies, as they tend to overeat, increasing their growth rate and the chance of developmental joint disease due to their size. Instead, feed several small meals of large-breed puppy food over the course of a day, starting with three to four meals as a little puppy, then two meals at about four months of age, transitioning to an adult diet at around 9 months. Note that it is a good choice to feed dry, large breed food which has a larger kibble size, giving the dog a chance to crunch and chew more. Great Danes can become obese, so you should always monitor your Dane’s weight. You should be able to feel the ribs with gentle probing, and there should be a definite indication of a waist, with no dimple over the tail or roll of fat over the withers. Obesity makes joint disease worse, so always keep your Dane trim. Always consult with your veterinarian if your dog has a particular health problem. Many specialized diets are available that are scientifically formulated for different conditions.