While they are wild and ferocious-looking on the outside, they are equally pleasing and mesmerizing as pets on the inside. That is the uniqueness of the Great Dane. A lot of us may not be used to their huge size and features but they are not as dangerous as they look.
For their maintenance and health, what you need to give them is high-quality dog food. Good and premium-quality dog food is something that is not very easy to find. Especially for a Great Dane in his puppy stage, small puppy dog food does not do the trick as it is too rich for their nutritive needs.
Great Danes need to have a lean stature and built in order to maintain their looks and appearance. Since large dog breeds have a shorter life span, they need to be very careful about their health in order to live longer. We suggest some great quality best dog foods for your husky mate – the Great Dane.
Why Quality Food Matters for Your Great Dane?
In order to understand the nutritional needs of your Great Dane, you need to know their dietary requirements in terms of their age and size. While puppies require a proper balance of proteins and fats for their growth, Great Danes need to switch to high-quality adult breed dog food once they start growing.
Adult dog foods usually have moderate to high levels of protein and low amounts of fat for muscle growth and development. It also adds to their lean mass whereas excess calories need to be avoided. Calories are good up to a level when they attain adulthood. After which they need to have a diet that has low calories.
The ideal protein intake for an adult Great Dane should be 25% – 30%. Their diet should mostly consist of real meat, poultry, or fish-based ingredients or a minimum of 2 -3 animal protein sources. It should also include low fat and low concentration of carbohydrates that come from whole grains and vegetables.
Their diet should also include supplements from natural sources and should not have any artificial colors, flavors, or additives. The recipes should have a proper balance of protein and calories along with additional minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
These requirements are possible to meet with high-quality protein-rich dog food which is very essential for a Great Dane. Read our reviews to find out which is the best dog food for your Dane.
Do Great Danes have Special Nutrition Requirements?
While feeding a Great Dane, you need to have certain special dietary considerations. In general, Great Danes possess low to moderate activity levels and one needs to take care of their food intake, calorie intake, and exercise.
Since they start growing soon at an early age, they need to switch to adult food from puppy food which requires special attention. We help you with their nutritional requirements and what should you specifically provide your Great Dane with.
Ideal Protein and Fat Balance
High-quality dog food for Great Danes should have an optimum balance of proteins and fats for proper growth and maintenance of health. Not just that, these proteins should come from real and reliable sources like meat, fish, poultry, etc. Most of their fats should also be of high quality including Omega fatty acids for maintaining skin and coat health.
One special aspect to consider is the level of macronutrients for Great Danes. When it comes to relying on high-quality fat, it should also be from animal sources like beef, venison, lamb, etc.
Avoid any food brand that claims to have animal by-products as sources of fat.
Limited Carbohydrates
Whole grains are not considered to be all that harmful, but they are not extremely beneficial either. Carbohydrates from grain sources can be considered but not from fillers like corn, gluten, soy, wheat, etc.
Moreover, some dogs may also face allergies due to the same, and hence a limited portion of carbohydrates is advisable. Look out for foods that are mostly grain-free to avoid taking the risk of allergies for your Great Dane.
Veggies All The Way!
Vegetables act as natural sources of Vitamins. As it is not very advisable to include artificial supplements in your Great Dane’s diet, they can always rely on natural and whole veggies for their daily dose of vitamins.
This includes carrots that provide Vitamin A, Spinach, and Kelp which are sources of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E, tomatoes, etc. which can fulfill your dog’s natural vitamin and mineral requirements.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and Minerals are vital for every living being, including your Great Dane. Especially for bone health and joint stability and mobility, Great Danes must get Glucosamine and Chondroitin as well as Calcium and Phosphorous from their diet.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential as they are responsible for eradicating the toxic radicals from your Dane’s body and maintaining good health and immunity. Since Great Dane’s are prone to age very quickly and have a short life span, they can suffer from various allergies and health concerns.
Therefore, a diet rich in antioxidants is very important to keep their immunity in check. This includes fruits like cranberries, blueberries, and vegetables like spinach and kelp.
Probiotics
Probiotics are a group of bacteria that are known to survive in the intestine and aid digestion.
On feeding your dog foods that are rich in prebiotics or having live microbial strains, these probiotics in the gut thrive and function better, helping in overall digestion and metabolism as well as efficient absorption of nutrients from their dog food.
Common Health Issues of Great Dane
Great Danes look very athletic and have tall height and stature. But they possess low to moderate activity levels and are not very agile as other small and medium dog breeds. They start adulting too soon and therefore, need to stay healthy in all stages in life. Here are some common health concerns Great Danes generally face.
Heart Disease
There are a variety of heart diseases that can affect Great Danes. These include dilated cardiomyopathy, mitral valve defects, subaortic stenosis, patent ductus arteriosus, tricuspid valve dysplasia, persistent right aortic arch. These conditions require medical treatment and surgical intervention followed by a persistent and careful diet plan.
These types of conditions are usually characterized by the relative thickness of the heart muscles and valves which does not allow proper blood flow. This reduces the pumping capacity of the heart and causes a lack of oxygen to the rest of the body.
Bone Cancer or Osteosarcoma
Bone cancer is also known as Osteosarcoma is usually found in middle-aged and elder dogs. It is a type of bone tumor which may occur in Great Danes at a very young stage in their life. This aggressive form of bone cancer affects all forms of large and giant breeds like the Great Dane.
Osteosarcoma has a very severe treatment which ranges from chemotherapy to surgery. It even leads to the amputation of limbs in dogs. If treated well, dogs can extend for up to 9 months to 2 years or even more. The condition can be diagnosed early with X-ray and if your Dane adapts well, they can survive on 3 legs quite well.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a common condition in most dog breeds. This is either inherited or may happen in later stages of your dog’s life. The disease is generally characterized by detachment of the thigh bone from the hip joint. Dogs may generally show pain and lameness on one of their legs but do not showcase any outward signs of discomfort.
X-ray screening is the best way to diagnose hip dysplasia but dogs with the condition eventually end up developing arthritis. Since the condition is known to be inherited, these dogs should not be bred.
Gastric Torsion
Gastric Torsion is also known as bloat and is characterized by distension of your dog’s stomach with gas which causes torsion. Your dog starts feeling uneasy and suffocated and is unable to remove the excess by vomiting which results in obstructed blood flow to the heart. Your pet’s blood pressure starts dropping and they reach a state of shock.
If your dog does not receive quick medical care, it may get fatal. If your dog is salivating excessively or is behaving vaguely and feeling discomforted, consult your vet immediately.
Hence, dogs especially Great Danes should be fed in regular intervals over the day. This includes feeding them with 3-4 small meals instead of giving them one large meal.
This keeps them providing sufficient energy for their ongoing activities and prevents gagging or choking of food. They should not be fed immediately before or after exercise or any vigorous activity.
Developmental Issues
Developmental issues are a usual problem in Great Danes as they start maturing and adulting too soon. Hence, special care needs to be given for their nutrition as an improper diet is the major cause of developmental issues.
Make sure to feed them with a balanced diet rich in proteins and minerals with moderate fat and carbohydrate levels and supplemented with vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics.
Ingredients to Avoid in Your Great Dane’s Dog Food
While they are considered to be a not so fussy breed and are not very picky about eating, it is important to note that Great Danes grow too soon from puppy to mature adult stage. Therefore, one has to be very careful before selecting an appropriate meal for them.
While you go to purchase the best quality dog food for your Great Dane, here are a few ingredients you should strictly stay away from.
Animal Fats and Byproducts
While a certain amount of fats is a must in every dog meal, a Great Dane parent has to be very particular about their canine’s overall fat intake. This is because they need to be kept on moderate fats once they grow up. Fat is only required for a limited period of time, that is their puppy stage.
Ingredient labels that mention animal byproducts or animal fats like poultry byproducts or chicken fat, should be avoided for your big one. They are empty calories and do no good for your pet.
Table Leftovers
What’s not liked by us and does not suit our taste, goes to our pet. While most of us do that, we do not consider the consequences it can have on our dog’s health. Homemade cooked meat also includes spices, flavors, and other ingredients that dogs cannot digest.
Moreover, the leftover meat bones are only good as occasional treats and should not be made a regular habit.
Consider getting dog foods specifically made for Great Danes instead of relying on table leftovers to compensate for their nutrition.
Artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Artificial ingredients and flavors are a strict NO for Great Danes. This breed mostly needs to thrive on a limited ingredient diet which has low fat, specific ingredients, rich in protein, and moderate carbohydrate content.
Fillers, colors, flavors, preservatives are added to enhance the food in order to make them look appealing to your pet, but are useless in terms of nutrition.
They add up to zero nutritive value and lead to allergies and other unwanted effects on your pet. In worst cases, if the source is unknown, it can get severe and even fatal.
High Fat Foods
Great Danes need to maintain a low-fat diet. While foods rich in fat are recommended in their growing stages, Great Danes are one such breed that stops growing in the wee stages of their life and should survive on a moderate to low fat and low-calorie diet. Therefore, wet foods and canned foods which usually have high-fat content are to be avoided.
Other Ingredients
Other general ingredients that your Great Dane should avoid include:
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Garlic
Artificial Sweeteners, Xylitol
Nuts
Grapes and Raisins
Chocolates
Alcohol
Candies
Caffeine
Beverages
Salty foods and Spices
Table Scraps
Peaches and Plums
Can Great Dane Eat Chocolate?
No, Great Dane can not eat the chocolate, always keep chocolates away from great dane.
Great Dane Feeding Chart:
How Much I Have to Feed my Great Dane
The average lifespan of a Great Dane is up to 8-10 years. Great Danes start adulting too soon and hence need to be given large breed dog food right from an early age.
Puppies ( up to 6 Months)
Adult (From 6 months to 5 Years)
Senior (Over 5 Years)
The average weight of a Great Dane is 120 pounds. An adult female Great Dane weighs 100 pounds on an average. An adult male Great Dane weighs 120 pounds on an average.
A young adult Great Dane weighing approximately 100 pounds with high activity levels would need around 3061 calories per day.
A Great Dane adult weighing approximately 120 pounds with moderate to low activity levels would need around 2507 calories per day.
Here is a table on the number of cups you should be feeding your Great Dane per day as per their age in order to maintain a balanced weight:
| Age | No. of cups | No. of meals |
| 8 – 11 weeks old | 2- 4 cups | 3 small meals |
| 12- 15 | 3 – 5 | 2 meals |
| 16 – 19 | 4 – 6 | 2 meals |
| 20 – 23 | 5 – 7 | 2 meals |
| 24 – 27 | 6 – 8 | 2 meals |
| 28 – 35 | 6 – 9 | 3 meals |
| 9 months to 1 year old | 7 – 10 | 3 meals |
| 1 year to 7 years (male) | 8 – 14 | 3 meals |
| 1 year to 7 years (female) | 6 – 9 | 3 meals |
| Senior 7+ years | 6-7 | 2 meals |
Here is a table on the approximate calorie intake of Great Danes as per activity levels:
| Age/Activity | Calories |
| Active Great Danes | 3000 cal |
| Average Adults | 2500 cal |
| Older Dogs | 2200 cal |
Great Danes need to be fed multiple times a day instead of feeding too much at once. Overfeeding at once can lead to bloating and other complications in your pet. Depending upon their activity levels, their caloric requirements are also high as compared to other dog breeds.
12 Best Dog Food For Great Danes
While Great Danes mature and grow too soon, you will need high-quality adult dog food for their growing years as well. After a thorough understanding of their nutritional needs, we have reviewed the 12 Best Dog Foods for Great Danes.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food – Overall Best
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 20.0% |
| Crude Fat | 11.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.5 % min |
| Glucosamine | 300 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 363 kcal/8-oz cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Sorghum, Cracked Pearled Barley, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn,, etc
Product Reviews
Your canine friend deserves the best nutrition with every stage in life and Hill’s Science promises to offer that making it our overall best pick of all dog foods. The dog food is crafted for the health and happiness of your pet. The food has real chicken as the first ingredient which forms a rich source of protein, the main nutrient dogs thrive on.
The food is curated scientifically in order to give your Great Dane complete and balanced nutrition that shows visible results upon feeding. The food also makes for a natural source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin which makes for the building blocks of joints and bones for strength and mobility.
The added vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are clinically proven to show overall health benefits like improved overall health, immunity, and vitality. Each recipe is flavorful as deboned chicken is the first ingredient. The food also has an antioxidant blend including Vitamin C and E for strong immunity.
The diet has Omega-6 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat health. The diet is manufactured in Hill’s science U.S. facilities and does not use any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Pros
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Real chicken is the first ingredient which is rich in protein and tasty
Natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and cartilage development
High amounts of antioxidants for strong immunity
Made using high-quality ingredients with no colors, flavors, or preservatives.
Cons
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The quality of the food has deteriorated with time
The food has unwanted filler ingredients
About Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Hill’s Pet Nutrition puts their life and soul into making quality food and helps dogs sustain better. They help in improving the relationship between you and your dog by providing high quality enhanced dog food to help your pet thrive with you longer.
They are very passionate about the health and happiness of animals and have partnered with more than 9 million pet shelters to provide them Hill’s Food.
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Popular Pick
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 25.0% |
| Crude Fat | 15.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0% max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.4 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.3 % min |
| Caloric Content | 3,611 kcal/kg, 338 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Sweet Potatoes, Canola Oil, Potatoes, Lamb Meal, Egg Product, Lentils, Peas, Pea Flour, etc.
Product Reviews
Taste of the Wild is a popular choice amongst various pet owners and pet parents as it helps their canines thrive on the diet from the wild, something that their ancestors have been following for ages. The sierra mountain grain-free recipe has novel proteins right from lamb and roasted lamb.
The recipe also has other ingredients like peas, sweet potatoes, that delivers the right amount of carbohydrates and energy your Great Dane needs from his food. The dog recipe has antioxidants that are obtained from natural sources like fruits and vegetables to support the overall immunity.
It has prebiotics like dried chicory root for supporting your dog’s gut bacteria and promoting healthy digestion. The essential minerals chelated with amino acids help in proper absorption and utilization of nutrients for maximum benefit from their dog food.
The food promises taste from the wild with a real-time nourished diet that your dog will surely crave for during his mealtime. The food is made in the U.S.A. by a family-owned company and follows the most scientifically advanced food safety protocols to ensure the best quality food to your pet.
Pros
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Grain-free recipe with lamb as the first meat ingredient
Natural vitamin and minerals sourced from fruits and vegetables
K9 probiotic strain to help in digestion
No artificial ingredients or allergens like grains or gluten
Cons
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The food tastes too salty
The packaging of the product is not good
About Taste of the Wild
Taste of the Wild is a part of the family-owned Diamond Pet Food Company and has its manufacturing headquarters in Missouri. Their manufacturing facilities are of high quality and are also highly advanced to create quality food for your canine.
Their dog food meets the nutrition standards that is approved by pet food officials. Their grain-free recipes include a balanced mixture of fruits, berries, veggies and legumes to satisfy your pet’s wild instincts and cravings.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food – Premium Pick
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 34.0% |
| Crude Fat | 12.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 6.0 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.25 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 1.0 % min |
| Glucosamine | 750 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 346 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal,Ground Flaxseed, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Tomato Pomace
Product Reviews
The Unique recipe offered by Wellness Core nurtures and supports your adult dog’s health in all aspects. The food helps in the overall wellbeing of your dog, be it from immunity to joint health and muscle development making it the most premium choice of dog food amongst all.
The food is made of high amounts of quality animal protein with debones chicken as the first ingredient that is tasty and full of amino acids. Additionally, it also has a blend of chicken meal, turkey meal along with a nutritious botanical blend of nutritional supplements.
The kibble size is large and suitable for adult dog breeds. The food includes the WellFlex system for joint support and the formula is an ideal recipe for large and adult dog breeds. The diet additionally boasts of glucosamine and chondroitin that helps in maintaining joint health and mobility.
The optimum content of fat and calories helps in maintaining healthy body weight and keeps your dog from getting obese. The food is made with the finest quality ingredients from the U.S.A. which are also globally sourced. Wellness promises to support your dog’s optimal health to the CORE.
Wellness Core promises specialized ingredients and balanced nutritional ratios with each meal. Higher protein levels, optimum levels of fat, minerals, and calories make it a meal worth cherishing. CORE believes in delivering protein focussed nutrition, which is balanced thoughtfully, no more, or less.
Pros
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Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
Has a blend of omega fatty acids, antioxidants and probiotics
Optimum balance of fat and calories for healthy body weight
Has no by-products or fillers
Cons
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Dogs don’t like the taste of the food
The dog food is of poor quality
About Wellness Core
Wellness is a pioneer brand in dog food and always looking for new strategies for pets to thrive. They make sure to offer a whole and sole nourishment to dogs for their overall health and development.
Their varied and diverse team of veterinarians, animal lovers, and nutritionists believe in one objective: to give your pet a healthy, happy, and longer life.
Blue Buffalo Freedom Large Breed Adult Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, 24-lb bag – Affordable Pick
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 22.0% |
| Crude Fat | 13.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 6.0 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.0 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.75% min |
| Glucosamine | 700 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 3,492 kcal/kg, 357 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Lamb, Salmon, Peas, Pea, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Starch, Potato Starch, etc.
Product Reviews
BLUE Buffalo ensures that finding the right grain-free dog food is easy. Grain-free and gluten-free food mean fewer allergies and more nutrition and all of this at an affordable price. BLUE Buffalo dog foods are made from the finest of natural ingredients containing vitamins and minerals for advanced nutrition.
Right from the biggest to the smallest breed, BLUE has foods for them all. This Grain-Free freedom recipe ensures freedom from grains, gluten, and artificial preservatives. The recipe exclusively includes LifeSource Bits to support your dog’s immune system and health.
These LifeSource bits are a blend of the most essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that improve the overall quality and vitality of your Great Dane. The recipe is 100% Grain and Gluten-Free with real deboned chicken as the first ingredient which is rich in protein.
It has no artificial flavors, colors, or byproducts like corn, soy, wheat, fillers, etc that deteriorate the quality of food. Since the dog food is specially designed for larger breeds, it contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and improved mobility.
The tasty recipe with the LifeSource Bits makes your dog wag his tail each time he gets to have the delicious blend offered by BLUE Buffalo at an affordable price.
Pros
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Has real chicken as the first ingredient and is a great protein source
Grain and gluten-free recipe
Has added LifeSource Bits which is a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
No added fillers or preservatives
Cons
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The quality of the food has deteriorated
Not suitable for picky dogs
About Blue Buffalo
BLUE Buffalo began as a company with some inspiration from a large breed Airedale, Blue. Their motto has always been to be capable of feeding dogs with the same nutrition and care and that one would feed their family members.
Therefore, BLUE Buffalo created the best natural pet specialty food to help all the canines globally to lead happy and healthy lives.
Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken Formula with Probiotics Dry Dog Food – Best Dog Food for Large Breed Puppies
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 28.0% |
| Crude Fat | 13.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.75 % max |
| Moisture | 12.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 1.8 % min |
| Glucosamine | 500 ppm min |
| Caloric Content | 3,922 kcal/kg, 417 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal Brewer’s Rice, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Meal, etc.
Product Reviews
Since we know that the Great Dane is a large breed and matures and grows too soon, he won’t remain a pup for long. That is why he needs dog food to help him transition quickly from the puppy to the adult stage. The Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken Formula helps your dog grow quick and strong so he thrives for long and long.
This food is carefully designed for Great Danes who would grow large enough to be as huge as 50-70 pounds. The dog food provides all the essential nutrients your pup needs to transition and grow quickly and become all strong and active.
The dog food has chicken as the first ingredient which delivers plenty of protein that your pet requires. The food also has added amounts of DHA from fish oils which are rich in Omega Fatty Acids. These omega fatty acids and DHA’s help support your Dane’s brain and vision development.
Additionally, the food also boasts of live probiotics that maintain your dog’s gut health and keep his overall digestion and metabolism in check. Well-regulated metabolism also supports your pet’s immune health. Special care needs to be taken to store the food in a cool and dry place.
Pros
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Designed for large breed puppies to grow and mature into the adult stage
Has essential building blocks in the form of amino acids
High protein recipe with chicken as the first ingredient
DHA from Omega fatty acids supports overall health
Cons
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The quality of the formula has deteriorated
Users complain that the dog food causes diarrhea at times
About Purina
Purina is a trusted and reputed brand. It is recommended by many veterinarians, breeders, and animal rescuers across the globe. They have an immense focus on your pup’s nutrition, quality, and safety, and their food products are trusted and tested by more than 500 scientists, nutritionists, veterinarians, and animal behaviorists.
Being passionate about dog food, they curate extraordinary products for your pet’s health and well being.
Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Dog Food for Adult Dogs
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 23.0% |
| Crude Fat | 13.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.9 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Glucosamine | 368 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 3,680 kcal/kg, 331 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Ground Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Corn, Wheat, etc.
Product Reviews
Large Dog Breeds have variable nutritional requirements that are different from small and medium dogs. They always need more than just-food. That is why Eukanuba Adult Large Breed dry dog food formulates dog feed after understanding the nutritional requirements of large dog breeds. Eukanuba contains animal proteins along with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for joint mobility and bone strength.
The dog food for adult dogs also has DHA and Vitamin E which helps in the skin and coat development. DHA is known for helping in brain and vision development. The food also contains optimum levels of fats and carbohydrates for making it a complete and balanced meal for your Great Dane.
One unique aspect about this dog food is the presence of DentaDefense in your dog’s kibbles which reduces the formation of tartar and helps in maintaining clean teeth and healthy gums. It also helps in maintaining jaw health while providing the convenience of feeding to your pet.
The food has chicken as the primary ingredient which makes for a great source of protein along with optimal levels of carbohydrates to keep going throughout the day. The natural fiber and prebiotics aid in digestion to keep your canine friend feeling gut healthy and happy.
Pros
- Complete and balanced nutrition to suit the need of adult dogs
- DHA and Vitamin E supports the brain and vision development
- Optimal levels of fats and carbohydrates to fuel your pet throughout the day
- Protein, glucosamine, and chondroitin promote lean muscle development
Cons
- The food is shaped as nuggets which are too large
- Dogs don’t like the taste of the food
About Eukanuba
Eukanuba is a brand that always believes in developing quality dog food and nutrition to help develop and nurture the best qualities of your pet. It believes in pioneering nutritional developments and innovations. These experiments and developments are constantly in use by nutritionists and veterinarians around the world.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe with Red Meat Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 30.0% |
| Crude Fat | 15.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 6.0 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 1.75 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.5 % min |
| Glucosamine | 400 mg/kg Min |
| Caloric Content | 3,641 kcal/kg, 393 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Tapioca Starch, Fish Meal, Beef Meal, Dried Egg Product, Peas, Pea Starch, Pea Protein, Dried Tomato Pomace, Canola Oil, etc.
Product Reviews
Wolves are wild canines and survived on raw meat and hunt from the wild. They established the wild catch as their diet which is believed to have been rich in protein. The hunt and meat derived from the wild is believed to keep them lean, alert and sharp. However, in order to keep their canine instinct alive, it is not possible to feed them raw hunted meat. Blue Buffalo keeps the spirit alive and curates food based on your large breed’s wild needs.
The recipe contains real meat, real vegetables, and real fruit. Each bite of the kibble is packed with the goodness of proteins, vegetables, fruits and provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals derived from these ingredients.
The grain-free formula comes in the form of kibble for your dog to chew onto easily. The food is free of chicken meat and poultry by-products as well as harmful additives. Therefore, the food is absolutely safe as it has only high-quality ingredients which are nutrition-rich.
The diet also has L-carnitine that helps keep your dog’s weight in check by burning fat. Alongside the food has glucosamine to support your dog’s joint and bones and help in mobility. This dog food is a balanced diet in all aspects.
Pros
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Grain-free diet makes it safe for dogs prone to allergies
Antioxidants from berries help in slowing the aging process
The food contains L-carnitine which helps burn fat
Complete and Balanced meal for canines
Cons
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The food does not smell fresh
Not suitable for large breed puppies
About Blue Buffalo
BLUE Buffalo began as a company with some inspiration from a large breed Airedale, Blue. Their objective has always been to be capable of giving pets the same nutrition and care that one would give their family members.
Therefore, BLUE Buffalo created the no. 1 natural pet specialty food to help all the fur friends globally to lead healthy and happy lives.
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 23.0% |
| Crude Fat | 12.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.5 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.4 % min |
| Glucosamine | 80 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 3562 kcal/kg, 346 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Oatmeal, Rice Bran, Salmon Meal, Lamb Meal, Chicken Fat, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, etc.
Product Reviews
The Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dry Dog Food has the perfect mix of premium lean proteins that help in muscle development while keeping the fat away. The recipe apart from having lean proteins also has antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy oils to keep your dog performing to his best.
The dog food has proteins from multiple sources meaning high-quality protein-rich food. The natural and holistic ingredients provide a great amount of Amino Acids for a nutrient-rich experience combined with great taste. The Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dog Food is specifically tailored to cater to your adult dog’s nutritional needs.
The food uses natural sources of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to help maintain joint mobility for age-old breeds who start aging and maturing soon. These additional joint supplements help keep your furry friend active and vibrant for ages. The dog food is also fortified with essential vitamins, minerals and taurine. Taurine provides high levels of energy and has other health benefits too.
The dog food does not contain any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The dog food is of superior quality which belongs to the manufacturer’s own facilities to ensure safety and quality. Nutro’s dedicated team of nutritionists and experts make sure to select only natural ingredients.
Pros
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Multiple sources of animal protein
The food is rich in amino acids and helps in building lean mass
Rich in antioxidants to maintain strong immunity
Has sunflower oil and linoleic acid for healthy skin and shiny coat
Taurine for energy and additional health benefits
Does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or ingredients
Cons
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The kibble size is too small for large breeds
Dogs may not like the taste of the food
About Nutro
NUTRO has a long history of developing pet food products since 1926 and have been classic pioneers in pet nourishment right from the beginning. Their quality products, careful standards and long heritage make a difference in their range of food that pets, as well as dog parents, surely love.
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Turkey Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food – Best Dog Food for Allergies
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 26.0% |
| Crude Fat | 18.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.5 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.9 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.7 % min |
| Caloric Content | 4,126 kcal/kg, 469 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Turkey Meal, Canola Oil, Coconut Oil, Peas, Turkey, Tapioca, etc.
Product Reviews
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet offers simple and essential nutrition with Turkey that is protein-rich and focuses on nutrition derived from animal protein. Instinct’s recipes make sure that the protein derived is from a single animal source and single vegetable to avoid the chances of allergies and for dogs prone to sensitivities.
Instinct especially takes care of the source of meat. These are usually grass-fed meat or cage-free poultry and the recipes do not contain any grain, dairy, eggs, potato, wheat, soy, corn or fillers. It does not have any artificial ingredients either. As a brand Instinct believes in keeping the food as rich and real as possible.
This turkey recipe by Instinct features a short ingredient list. This food is curated keeping in mind your dog’s sensitivities and allergies and that is why it chooses a single animal protein being from turkey. The recipe is guided by the purity and simplicity of raw nutrition that helps your large breed to thrive and sustain.
The best part is that the recipe is made in the U.S.A. with premium ingredients that are sourced from the best places around the world. Moreover, the turkey protein is also easily digestible and acts as a great source of lean proteins.
Pros
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Limited ingredient recipe for dogs prone to allergies and sensitivities
High levels of omegas and antioxidants, for skin health and immunity
Food manufactured in the U.S.A. with premium quality ingredients
No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
Cons
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The packaging of the dog food is not good
The kibble quality has deteriorated
About Instinct
Instinct believes that pure and real nutrition for pets comes through raw diet and hence takes the responsibility of feeding raw meals to pets. This helps pet parents develop a mutual trust upon Instinct as a quality food brand that is known to formulate recipes and formulas which has changed the lives of many pets.
Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Adult Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 25.0% |
| Crude Fat | 12.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.75 % min |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.75 % min |
| Glucosamine | 700 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 3,546 kcal/kg, 340 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Pork Meal, Chicken Fat, Oatmeal, Rice, Dehulled Barley, Flaxseeds, etc.
Product Reviews
Eagle Pack Large and Giant Breed Dry Dog Food makes for the right balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. It helps in contributing to your dog’s overall complete and balanced nutrition. The dog food recipe also has health-promoting antioxidants that help in developing overall immunity.
The food also has omega fatty acids that help in the skin and coat development. The level of glucosamine hydrochloride supports muscle and joint development. The food has been perfectly curated for large dog breeds that would be growing to weigh up to 50 pounds. The food has the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, antioxidants and omega fatty acids to make it a complete diet for your Great Dane.
The robust vitamin, mineral and antioxidant blend helps in development of your doggo’s immune system. The food is manufactured in the U.S.A and uses quality ingredients sourced from the finest of places. Moreover, it has no colors, flavors or preservatives which makes the dog food totally safe for consumption.
Eagle Pack makes sure to provide formulas with highly digestible and quality protein as the first ingredient followed by wholesome grains which provide the necessary carbohydrates and fiber. Vitamins, minerals, probiotics and antioxidants provide the necessary digestive support to keep your dog going active and strong throughout the day.
Pros
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Food has energy-boosting ingredients
Balanced food that comprises of all nutrients in proper proportion
Vitamin, mineral and antioxidant blend that supports the immune system
Made in the U.S.A. with no artificial colors, flavors or ingredients
Cons
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The dog food smells bad
Not very suitable for Great Danes as they may have digestive issues
About Eagle Pack
Eagle Pack has been in the dog nutrition industry for over 25 years now and has energized pets by providing quality, natural nutrition. This goes without any artificial fillers or preservatives that makes it safe for your pets to consume.
Eagle Pack’s recipes are innovative which deliver the right amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals for the results you want to see in your dog.
The food has been under continuous research and amends with trainers and expert vets and nutritionists to ensure that they can keep your pet fuelled up for their daily activities in order for them to thrive and achieve their best.
Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food, 35-lb bag
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 26.0% |
| Crude Fat | 18.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.9 % max |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Glucosamine | 446 mg/kg min |
| Caloric Content | 3958 kcal/kg, 427 kcal/cup |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat, etc.
Product Reviews
Your large dog and his large size commands for attention and presence. They have an aura of their own. But with it also comes the fact that they face the maximum amount of joint issues and bone issues and are also prone to suffering from digestive upset. That is when Royal Canin’s Adult Dry Dog Food comes to the rescue.
Known to be in the pet food industry for over years now, Royal Canin giants adult dry dog food has the proper level of calcium and also has glucosamine, chondroitin, and EPA/DHA for bone health, joint mobility and also brain and vision development.
In order to take care of digestive upset, the dog food includes highly digestible proteins along with an adequate blend of fermentable and non-fermentable fibers. These fibers make sure to smoothen the digestion and keep the system running smoothly with no metabolic disorders.
Additionally, the food also boasts of having taurine which provides energy and is also known for supporting a healthy heart. Royal Canin promises to provide high-quality protein with each dog food pack which is easily digestible and properly absorbed by your canine’s body.
Pros
- Meant for large breed dogs like Great Dane
- Has added amounts of Glucosamine and Chondroitin for healthy joints and bones
- High-quality digestible protein for easy absorbance and smooth digestion
- Additional fermentable and non-fermentable fibers included for healthy digestion
Cons
- The packaging of the product is not good
- The food chunks are too large
About Royal Canin
Royal Canin is a dog food brand that is known to support the health of dogs based on a proper understanding of their nutritive needs from their diet.
They have been in the pet food industry for 45 plus years now and believe in providing high quality food for pets of all sizes and life stages.
Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Protein Chicken, Lamb & Salmon Pate with Superfoods Senior Wet Dog Food Trays, 3.5-oz tray, case of 24 – Best Wet Adult Dog Food
Guaranteed Analysis
| Nutrient | Percentage Content |
| Crude Protein | 8.0% |
| Crude Fat | 5.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 1.5 % max |
| Moisture | 78.0% max |
| Caloric Content | 1,003 kcal/kg, 100 kcal/tray |
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Lamb, Salmon, Chicken Liver, Spinach, Tomatoes, Carrots, Dried Egg Product, etc.
Product Reviews
Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Trio Meal Wet Dog Food is so tasty, that your dog will look forward to his mealtime each time you serve him the scrumptious wet food. The wet dog food recipe is equally nutritious and delicious.
The grain-free recipe has real chicken as the primary meat source and the first ingredient followed by lamb, salmon, and vegetables that are included as large chunks that you can see.
The food and ingredients are carefully selected and ordered from Nutro’s trusted chain of farmers and suppliers. This wet food can be served solo or in combination with your pet’s dry kibble. Either way, the food is delicious and wholesome with real ingredients and no artificial colors or flavors.
The food is also devoid of any GMO ingredients and has no chicken by-product meals which can be allergic to your Great Dane. The food also does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or any other fillers that possess zero nutritive value in your dog’s meals. The meal is healthy and
The dog food comes in a pack of 24 trays that is good to suffice for a month. The food is tempting as a topper meal, a treat, side dish, or as the main source of food. It provides an ideal balance of nutrients in a tasty and nourishing form. The dog food is suitable for all breeds and sizes and is particularly meant for senior dog breeds.
Pros
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Plenty of wet food trays in one pack
A high-quality reliable source of ingredients
Chicken combined with salmon, lamb, and vegetables
No by-products or fillers added
Cons
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The packaging of the food is not good
The food is not suitable for picky dogs
About Nutro
NUTRO has a reputable history of creating and curating pet food since 1926 and has been pioneers in pet nutrition from the beginning.
Their quality products, heritable history and high standards make a difference in their quality of food that canines and their parents will love.
Related Buying Guide
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- Best dog food for beagles
- Best dog food for labradoodle
- Best dog food for dobermans
- Best dog food for havanese
Personal Opinion
While Great Danes look all large and husky, they need to be given special attention when it comes to their diet and overall nutritional needs.
Great Danes are large dog breeds and have a shorter life span. They start adulting soon and hence require a limited ingredient diet that causes lesser complications in their growing years.
One of the best dog foods for your Great Dane is the Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food.
This brand promises nutrition that provides lifelong health and happiness to your Dane. It has glucosamine and chondroitin along with an antioxidant blend that makes sure to take care of your dog’s all-round health.
Give your dog the best quality nutrition he deserves with our reviews and feeding guidelines for the best dog foods for Great Danes.
Tell us which one is your Great Dane’s favorite in the comments below!!
Dr. Aram Baker has been with Santa Clarita Animal Hospital since 1995 and his special interests include behaviour medicine and dermatology. He graduated from the Cleveland Humanities Magnet Program in Reseda, CA and attended California State University at Northridge where he received a Bachelor’s degree in biology. He went on to pursue his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of California at Davis. He also spent time in the zoological medicine department at U.C. Davis during his Junior and Senior years. He is dedicated to caring for all pets big or small, young or old with compassion, patience, kindness, and love.