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Choosing the right dog food for a Great Dane isn’t one of the easiest tasks for dog parents. That’s because these large breed dogs are prone to weight gain if you don’t feed them the right diet and in the appropriate proportion.
So, what’s the best dog food for Great Danes?
Great Danes consume meat, such as chicken, beef, lamb, and turkey, as it supplies essential amino acids required for overall health. Also, they need vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and carbs without fillers to supply the right amount of energy for their bulky stature.
Additionally, the choice of feeding a grain-inclusive or grain-free dog food depends on your Great Dane’s health condition. However, you should ensure that the dog food contains high-quality ingredients.
Since you’re looking for recommendations, look no further. I’ve reviewed 8 of the best dog food for Great Danes. Let’s dive in.
Special Considerations for the Great Dane Diet
While some dogs are easy to feed, Great Danes require special nutritional considerations. That’s because they’re large breeds that grow like weeds in the first eight months of their lives.
So, if you’ve got Great Dane puppies, the idea is to grow them slowly. Otherwise, they’ll develop irreversible joint and bone disorders. Therefore, your Great Dane needs a balanced diet to grow steadily and promote joint health.
The tips below should guide you in choosing the best dog food for Great Danes before committing to a particular brand.
Protein Sources
Proteins are essential macronutrients in dog food for Great Danes. They promote muscle growth, which is important to the physical development of your canine.
However, you should ensure that the protein source is real animal meat like beef, lamb, fish, or chicken. Also, the protein content should be between 24 to 30%, especially during the development stage.
Fat Requirements
Healthy fat is an essential part of Great Dane’s dog foods, especially omega fatty acids. They help to prevent inflammation and promote joint health.
You should look out for healthy fat sources like flax seeds and fish oil. The best dog foods contain a fat content of about 9 to 13%.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Although calcium supports a strong skeletal system, your Great Dane doesn’t need it in excess. It may cause problems like osteochondritis dissecans, a condition in which the bones become soft and die due to restricted blood flow.
Phosphorus, on the other hand, should be kept at a ratio of 1:1 with calcium. However, ensure the dog food contains other bone-building nutrients like vitamins A and D, copper, zinc, and manganese.
Moderate Calorie
Great Danes need sufficient calories to match their bulky frame. So, you should ensure the dog food contains healthy carbs like sweet potatoes and brown rice. They’ll keep your canine feeling full so they don’t overeat and become obese.
Also, you should watch out for carb fillers like wheat and corn gluten meal. They’re not nutritious and your pup may be allergic to them.
Antioxidants and Probiotics
Because Great Danes are prone to several health conditions, antioxidant-rich dog food is essential. Antioxidants tackle inflammation and support healthy digestion.
Additionally, Great Danes are prone to bloating, which could result in fatality if dog owners don’t seek immediate medical attention. However, probiotics in Great Dane’s dog food aid digestion and minimize bloating.
Ingredients to Avoid
To give your canine the best, you should avoid the following ingredients:
- Grape, onions, and garlic
- Tomatoes
- Cinnamon
- Added calcium
- Macadamia nuts, pecans, and walnuts
- Avocado
You may also want to read:
An Overview of Our Favorites
Image | Product | Details | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall |
| Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy | |
Runner Up |
| Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy | |
Best for Senior Great Dane | Hills Science Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food |
| Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy |
Best for Great Dane Puppy |
| Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy | |
Best Grain-Free Dog Food | Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Canine Recipe with Roasted Lamb Dog Food |
| Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy |
Best Fresh Food |
| Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy | |
Best Dry Dog Food | Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food, Large and Giant Breeds Adult Recipe |
| Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy |
Best Wet Food |
| Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy |
The 8 Best Dog Food for Great Danes
Considering the availability of many dog food brands on the market, Great Dane owners are spoilt for choice. However, I’ve curated a list of the best dog food for Great Danes to make your shopping easier.
Best Overall: Canidae All Life Stages Wet Dog Food Multi-Protein Formula
- Crude Protein: 9%
- Crude Fats: 6%
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, lamb, chicken liver, and ocean fish
- Life Stage: All life stages
- Type: Wet dog food
Canidae Multi-Protein Formula is a canned wet food that’s formulated by experts, including board-certified veterinary nutritionists, to meet and exceed the AAFCO standard for all life stages. It offers premium protein from real meat, such as chicken, lamb, and ocean fish.
The chicken and lamb used in preparing the canned food are free of antibiotics, so you don’t have to worry about food allergies. Also, they support healthy metabolism, healthy immune system function, and lean muscle.
The ocean fish, on the other hand, consists of various white fish like halibut, cod, and haddock. They’re an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Since it’s wet dog food, it contains nutrient-rich chicken broth for moisture and flavor. There’s also chicken liver that’s rich in iron, protein, and vitamin A. For carbs, the dog food contains high-quality brown rice, which is also a great source of B vitamins, iron, calcium, and phosphorus for strong bones.
It contains salmon oil that supplies DHA for eye and brain development in puppies and EPA for healthy skin and shiny coats. Similarly, the sunflower oil is cold pressed and contains healthy fat for your Great Dane.
Canidae Multi-Protein Formula utilizes agar-agar for thickening this canned dog food. It contains fiber, which is capable of cleansing your Great Dane’s bowel and improving digestive health.
The dog food contains canola oil, which is a controversial ingredient. However, if your Great Dane doesn’t have a sensitive stomach, it may benefit from the blend of fatty acids present in the oil. It also helps to control inflammation.
Down the list of ingredients, you’ll find chelated minerals, an indication of high-quality food for Great Danes.
Pros
- High-quality dog food for Great Danes
- Contains real meat and high-quality ingredients for overall growth and maintenance
- Offers complete and balanced nutrition and is best for homes with both puppies and adult Great Danes as it supports all stages of life.
Con
- If your Great Dane is a picky eater, it may not like the flavors in the wet food
Runner Up: Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dog Food
- Crude Protein: 22%
- Crude Fats: 13%
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, whole grain sorghum, and whole grain barley
- Calories: 350 k/cal per cup
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Dry dog food
Nutro believes that dogs should be fed clean, which implies that the ingredients should be high quality and packed with nutrients and flavor for overall growth and well-being. So, you shouldn’t expect less from the dog food brand.
The first ingredient on the list is chicken, a food content that supplies all the essential amino acids for your dog’s maintenance. It’s important to note that fresh chicken contains more water, which is lost after cooking, and less meat content.
Therefore, to boost the meat content, the brand included a chicken meal, a concentrated meat meal that contains more proteins than fresh chicken. Other meat meals in the dog food are lamb meal and salmon meal.
Also, the addition of brown rice to the Nutro Ultra dog food for large breed dogs speaks volumes of the dog food quality. It supplies high-quality carbs, essential amino acids, and micronutrients like manganese, magnesium, and B vitamins.
For fiber, the recipe contains whole-grain barley, whole-grain oats, and dried beet pulp. Also, there’s a generous addition of superfoods such as chai seeds, coconut, kale, apples, pumpkin, blueberries, dried egg products, spinach, and carrots. They support a healthy digestive system and boost the immune system.
The recipe contains chicken fat and whole flaxseed, which are rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin. Other ingredients on the list are minerals and vitamin supplements.
Pros
- Contains high-quality protein from 3 meat sources
- Includes 15 superfoods
- Provides flavor-filled balanced nutrition for dogs
- Doesn’t contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
- There’s no wheat, corn, or soy
Cons
- Doesn’t include probiotics
- Quite expensive
Best Dog Food for Senior Great Dane: Hills Science Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
- Protein: 18.7%
- Fats: 13.7%
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken meal, cracked pearled barley, brewers rice, whole grain wheat, and whole grain corn
- Calories: 353 kcal/cup
- Life Stage: Senior
- Type: Dry dog food
Hills Science dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large and giant breeds that are over 6 years old. Its major ingredient is chicken meal, which consists of dried and ground chicken skin, clean flesh, and bone.
This combination offers a concentrated form of protein, which is essential for muscle building and a healthy immune system. It’s also perfect for seniors since it contains glucosamine for maintaining joint health.
Additionally, the recipe contains cracked pearled barley, which is a source of plant protein, minerals, carbs, vitamins, and fiber for easing discomfort caused by constipation and lowering cholesterol and glucose levels.
Other major ingredients in the Hill Science Diet for senior large breed dogs are brewers rice, which is highly digestible for sensitive stomachs, and whole grains such as wheat, corn, sorghum, and oat. They provide energy for the aging Great Dane and support a healthy immune system.
The recipe also includes dried beet pulp, a by-product of sugar beet. It’s high in fiber and supports healthy digestion. Also, there’s chicken fat and flaxseed to supply omega fatty acids.
A controversial ingredient in the recipe is soybean oil. Some dog parents believe that it causes allergies, while others think it’s beneficial when consumed in moderation. That being said, soybean oil is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
At the bottom of the ingredients list, you’ll find apples, carrots, broccoli, cranberries, and green peas. They’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, their position shows that they may have been added in small quantities. So, you may want to check with your vet to be sure your canine doesn’t need extra fruits and veggies.
Pros
- The ingredients are highly digestible
- Contains key ingredients, especially carbs, to match a Great Dane’s huge frame
- Uses natural ingredients and contains healthy fats that keep your canine’s coat healthy and shiny
- Doesn’t contain artificial flavors or preservatives
Con
- There are no probiotics in the recipe
- Although minerals were included, they’re not chelated, which may make them less absorbable. Besides, high-quality food for Great Danes uses chelated minerals
Best Dog Food for Great Dane Puppy: Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food
- Crude Protein: 29%
- Crude Fats: 13%
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, and salmon meal
- Calories: 367 kcal/cup
- Life Stage: Growth
- Type: Dry dog food
Wellness offers dog foods for all life stages and breed sizes, but I’ll review its large-breed puppy food. It was formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO for growth, gestation, and/or lactation, including the growth of large-sized dogs (70+ pounds as an adult).
The major ingredient in the dog food is chicken. But it uses both fresh meat and meat concentrate to supply a reasonable amount of protein for the growth of puppies. There’s also a salmon meal, which is rich in amino acids and supports cognitive development.
Additionally, the recipe contains peas, barley, and oats that are rich in fiber and support healthy digestion. There’s ground brown rice, also known as rice flour. It’s a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour and contains zinc, folate, and calcium.
Judging from the position of the ingredients on the list, this puppy food contains antioxidant-rich ingredients in varying amounts. They include tomatoes, carrots, spinach, blueberries, and sweet potato.
The Wellness Complete Health recipe for large-breed puppies contains salmon oil, which is a natural source of DHA for eye and brain development. It also contains omega fatty acids for heart health, anti-inflammation, healthy skin, and a healthy immune system. Other ingredients that supply healthy fat are fat from chicken and ground flaxseed.
A controversial ingredient in the recipe is garlic powder. However, if consumed in small amounts, it can lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels as well as aid joint mobility. Another worrisome ingredient is tomato pomace. Although it contains concentrated lycopene, a premium antioxidant, the tomato may contain inorganic compounds like pesticides.
There are a number of probiotics in the recipe to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and improve digestive health, including antibiotics like rosemary extract, green tea extract, and spearmint extract.
Pros
- The ingredients in the dry dog food are naturally preserved
- Contains more meat content, which is recommended for Great Danes and other dog breeds
- Uses high-quality ingredients to supply a balanced diet for the growth of Great Dane puppies
- Doesn’t contain artificial flavors or meat by-products
Con
- Contains ingredients that may trigger food allergies in highly sensitive large dog breeds
Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Great Dane: Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Canine Recipe with Roasted Lamb Dog Food
- Crude Protein: 25%
- Crude Fats: 15%
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, and lentil
- Calories: 410 kcal/cup
- Life Stage: All life stages
- Type: Dry dog food
Taste of Wild Sierra Mountain Canine Recipe is a grain-free dog food that’s formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages, including the growth of large breeds (70 pounds or more as an adult).
The grain-free food uses fresh lamb, lamb meal, and roasted lamb as its main source of meat. Lamb is an excellent source of protein, amino acids, and healthy fats for lean muscles, gut health, and to control inflammation.
Also, the recipe contains sweet potatoes, which are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, iron, potassium, and calcium. They ensure your dog’s skin, coat, eyes, muscles, and nerves are healthy.
The next ingredient on the list is egg product, which is a source of high-quality protein. It contains antioxidants and antibacterial and is high in calories. Combined with lentils, your Great Dane will have a sufficient supply of energy and still feel full without consuming much food. This way, you can help them achieve a healthy weight gain.
The dry dog food includes garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas. They contain choline, which reduces inflammation, helps to absorb fat, and maintains the cell structure. In total, this ingredient is best for dogs that are prone to arthritis.
The addition of peas and pea flour in the recipe adds pea protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that boost your dog’s immune system. Also, it infuses prebiotics like dried chicory root and some probiotics to support healthy digestion.
More importantly, there are superfoods like tomato, blueberry, and raspberry that contain antioxidants for your dog’s overall health. You’ll also find chelated minerals that are essential for energy production and proper nutrient absorption.
Although there are some controversial ingredients in this dog food, like tomato pomace, canola oil, and dried yeast, they may benefit a Great Dane that doesn’t suffer from food allergies.
Pros
- Caters to the needs of dogs that suffer from digestive issues
- Suitable for both puppies and adult dogs
- Grain-free and doesn’t contain artificial flavors or preservatives
- The ingredients are helpful for joint health in pups, adult dogs, and seniors
Con
- May not be suitable for dogs suffering from heart conditions.
Best Fresh Food for Great Danes: JustFoodForDogs Large Breed Support
- Crude Protein: 9.5%
- Crude Fat: 10%
- First 5 Ingredients: Ground beef, long grain brown rice, beef heart, carrots, and green beans
- Calories: 56 kcal ME/oz
- Life Stage: Adult dogs
- Type: Fresh food
JustFoodForDogs Large Breed Support is specially made for large dog breeds weighing over 50 lb and offers support for healthy joints. It’s formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Nutrient Profiles for maintenance. Hence, it’s not suitable for a puppy.
The giant breed adult recipe prioritizes ground beef, a source of high-quality protein. It’s also rich in zinc, iron, and B vitamins for immune system function, healthy skin, and lean muscle.
Additionally, the dog food utilizes long-grain brown rice as a source of dietary fiber to aid digestion. It includes carrot, which is a great source of fiber, vitamin K for blood clotting, and vitamin A for healthy eyes.
Other ingredients, such as green beans, sunflower oil, flaxseed oil, and fish oil contain omega fatty acids for brain development, healthy skin, and shiny coat. And for healthy joints, this dog food contains chondroitin from beef cartilage and glucosamine from shellfish.
Lastly, the dog food contains chelated minerals and JustFoodForDogs’ nutrient blend. It’s formulated with 100% human-grade nutraceuticals and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Pros
- The dog food is lightly cooked and contains 100% human-grade ingredients
- Ready-to-eat out of the box due to its special preparation process
- Although it’s a high-quality dog food, it’s reasonably priced so that most dog owners can afford it
- Doesn’t contain preservatives or artificial flavors and colors
Con
- More expensive than conventional dog food
Best Dry Dog Food for Adult Great Danes: Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food, Large and Giant Breeds Adult Recipe
- Crude Protein: 24%
- Crude Fat: 13%
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), rice, oatmeal, oats, chicken fat
- Calories: 453 kcal/cup
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Dry dog food
Holistic Select features 5 dry dog foods, but the large and giant breed adult recipe is more suitable for adult dogs. The recipe consists of high-quality chicken for protein and oatmeal for fiber.
Also, it supports healthy digestion through the addition of digestive enzymes, dietary fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics. Because a Great Dane is prone to bone issues, this dry dog food contains vital nutrients such as manganese, copper, calcium, and phosphorus, including glucosamine and chondroitin to maintain joint health and strengthen the bones.
You’ll find a healthy portion of antioxidant-rich ingredients like blueberries, papaya, pumpkin, cranberry, and apple. They support cellular health and keep inflammation at bay.
Although the recipe contains rice, it doesn’t say whether it’s brown or white rice. However, rice is a source of carbs for the supply of energy.
Another controversial ingredient in the Holistic Select dry dog food is brewer’s dried yeast. Although some dogs will benefit from consuming it because it’s rich in minerals, others might be allergic to it.
Overall, the dry dog food is satisfactory and makes up for any gaps by adding vitamin supplements, including folic acid and riboflavin. Also, it meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.
Pros
- The recipe utilizes natural ingredients that enhance digestion and promote the growth of good gut bacteria
- The dry food is ideal for dogs suffering from diarrhea
- Doesn’t contain colors, preservatives, and fillers
- The ingredients are mixed in the right proportion, offering your Great Dane balanced nutrition
- The brand hasn’t experienced any recalls, which means dog owners can trust its content
Con
- The dry dog food is produced in a facility that also processes grains, so it’s possible that it contains more grains than was mentioned
Best Wet Food for Great Danes: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Puppy Chicken Dinner
- Crude Protein: 9%
- Crude Fat: 6%
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, carrot, and peas
- Calories: 422 Kcals/can
- Life Stage: Growth
- Type: Wet dog food
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Puppy Chicken Dinner is specially formulated for puppies, especially Great Dane puppies that require utmost care.
The first ingredient is real chicken, which is a major source of protein for building muscles. It’s also a source of all 10 essential amino acids that dogs need for life processes.
Another ingredient is chicken broth, which is common in wet food as it adds flavor and moisture to boost hydration. However, it’s packed with lots of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins for a functional immune system.
Additionally, chicken broth is great for diarrhea and joint health and stimulates picky eaters to finish their meals. So, if your pup isn’t feeding well on its current meal, you may want to switch to Blue Homestyle Puppy recipe.
The third ingredient in the recipe is chicken liver. As expected, it contains amino acids. But it’s also a great source of copper (for preventing anemia), zinc, iron, and essential fatty acids for growing dogs.
Besides the chicken, there are carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes, which are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals for overall health and well-being. Also, the recipe contains healthy grains like brown rice, barley, and oat.
Although barley and brown rice aren’t a priority in dog food, they’re packed with antioxidants and minerals. Oatmeal, on the other hand, is a healthy alternative to wheat. It contains vitamin B for a healthy coat and linoleic acid, which is also good for the skin. And it keeps your pup feeling full for a long time.
Other ingredients to take note of in the Blue Homestyle Puppy recipe are flaxseed (a major source of omega fatty acids), chelated minerals (for ease of protein absorption), vitamins, and vitamin supplements.
Despite the nutritional value your puppy will gain from consuming the recipe, it contains carrageenan, which is a controversial ingredient. Carrageenan is an additive in wet dog food that gives it that jelly but firm consistency. However, it may irritate your dog’s digestive system.
Pros
- The recipe contains a sufficient amount of meat and other protein boosters that are essential for a Great Dane puppy
- Doesn’t contain chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, artificial colors, and preservatives
- The recipe is perfect for the large body mass of Great Danes as it supplies enough energy and supports lean muscle
Cons
- May irritate your pup’s stomach
- Some cans may contain more watery food than others
Conclusion
Your Great Dane may look small when it comes home with you, but you should take care when feeding it. These gentle giants grow faster than their age, which makes them prone to certain health conditions. However, the best dog food provides a balanced diet for healthy digestion, healthy skin, and healthy weight gain.
Although tastes differ, I tried to include a bit of everything; from dry dog food, wet food, and fresh food to grain-inclusive and grain-free. I also reviewed the best Great Dane dog food for puppies, adult dogs, and senior Great Danes.
So, feel free to choose one of the best dog food for Great Danes that suits your canine. But remember to consider their current health condition. And if you’re confused in any way, ensure to speak with your vet.