Great Danes need to eat high-quality dog food made for large breeds. Feeding a balanced commercial diet that’s specially formulated for large-breed dogs is the easiest way to ensure that your Great Dane receives optimal nutrition.
Great Dane puppies should eat large-breed puppy food until they are 18 months old. Diets labeled “all life stages” are not appropriate for this size of dog, as Great Danes grow significantly more in height than smaller breeds, and their bones grow for a longer time.
As a large breed, Great Danes may also require more joint support. Many diets are formulated with this in mind and have higher levels of glucosamine and chondroitin than would be necessary for a medium- or small-breed dog.
How To Feed a Great Dane
When feeding a Great Dane, it’s important to reduce their risk of GDV. Here are some ways you can protect your Great Dane during feeding:
- A slow feeder is recommended to prevent your dog from eating too quickly. These come in many different patterns and colors and act like a maze for your dog’s tongue.
- Avoid only feeding your dog one meal a day, and instead feed two or more smaller meals.
- Do not allow your dog to exercise one to two hours after a meal.
- Avoid using elevated food bowls, which are now thought to increase the occurrence of GDV.
How Much Should You Feed a Great Dane?
Your dog food bag will have the weight of your dog and the amount recommended. This amount changes in growing puppies as they age. Adult Great Danes should be fed two or more meals daily, while Great Dane puppies need three or four small meals every day.
Take care not to overfeed your dog or offer them too many treats. Many degenerative joint diseases have been linked to overfeeding and inappropriate nutrition in growing large-breed dogs. Treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake.
Overfeeding and encouraging growth too quickly increases a Great Dane’s risk for hip and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis, growing pains, and many other orthopedic diseases. Large-breed puppy diets are formulated to minimize this risk by reducing phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin D levels so your puppy grows at an appropriate rate.
If you are unsure that you are feeding your Great Dane an appropriate amount, visit your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s nutritional needs.
Nutritional Tips for Great Danes
Great Danes should receive all necessary nutrients if fed a dog food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). However, joint supplements can be beneficial for this breed.
Many pet parents start their Great Danes on a joint supplement, such as Nutramax® Dasuquin®, to slow degeneration of their hips, knees, and elbows.
Always work with your veterinarian when selecting supplements for your dog. Not all supplements are created equal, and some products have more research and clinical trials to support their efficacy. Your veterinarian is the best person to discuss any supplement additions to your dog’s daily routine.