7 Best Great Dane Dog Foods for an Adult and Puppy Great Dane

These dogs love spending time lounging on the couch with their human companions. Although they have the best of intentions, Great Danes can sometimes be a little clumsy so keep an eye on your valuables and supervise interactions between your dog and small children. He definitely will not act aggressively, but his size and awkwardness can sometimes lead to accidents.

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The Great Dane is one of the largest dog breeds out there, standing between 28 and 32 inches (or more) at the shoulder and weighing anywhere from 110 to 190 pounds at maturity. Despite this breed’s formidable size, they are big teddy bears at heart, though they can be protective when they need to be. Plus, their loud bark is enough to scare off any intruder. Unfortunately, larger dogs have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs and the Great Dane is no exception. This wonderful breed has a tragically short lifespan of just 7 to 10 years. Great Danes are affected by a number of serious health problems which can decrease their life expectancy drastically. Bloat, for example, is a very common condition and many Great Danes develop cardiomyopathy later in life.

While some of the conditions to which this breed is prone cannot be prevented, feeding your Great Dane a high-quality and healthy diet is a great way to preserve his health for as long as possible. Large and giant breeds like the Great Dane require a protein-rich diet to help preserve their lean muscle mass with moderate fat content to provide a concentrated source of energy. If you want to make sure that your Great Dane’s nutritional needs are met, your best bet is to start with a large- or giant-breed specific formula. Keep reading to learn more about the nutritional requirements for Great Danes and to receive recommendations for quality dog food brands for this beautiful breed.


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General Nutritional Recommendations

Before you start shopping for a new dog food for your Great Dane, you need to learn the basics about dog nutrition. Dogs are primarily carnivorous in terms of what they are designed to eat, though they do have a limited ability to digest plant products. Still, protein is the number 1 nutritional consideration for dogs and it should come from quality animal sources like meat, poultry, fish and eggs. Animal-based proteins are considered complete proteins because they contain all 10 essential amino acids that your dog’s body cannot synthesize on its own. Protein is especially important for large- and giant-breeds because it helps them to maintain lean muscle mass and a healthy bodyweight. Plant-based proteins are not necessarily bad for your dog, but they are less biologically valuable. A quality animal protein should always be the first ingredient in any product you choose for your dog.

After protein, the next most important nutritional consideration for dogs is fat – it too should come from animal sources. Named animal fats like salmon oil or chicken fat are very valuable for dogs because they provide a concentrated source of energy. Because fat contains 9 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram of protein, you need to moderate your Great Dane’s fat intake to keep him from growing too quickly or from becoming overweight. Plant-based fats like flaxseed and canola oil can help to provide a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which is important for your dog’s skin and coat health, but the primary source of fat in any recipe should come from an animal source.

Once your dog’s needs for protein and fat are met, you can start thinking about other ingredients like carbohydrate and supplements. Dogs have a limited ability to digest carbohydrates so look for whole grains, starchy vegetables, beans, and legumes as the primary carbohydrate sources because these are the most digestible options for your dog. In terms of supplements, fresh fruits and vegetables are great natural sources for key nutrients – much more biologically valuable than synthetic supplements. If you have to use synthetic supplements, look for chelated minerals – these are minerals that have been chemically bound to protein molecules which makes them easier for your dog’s body to digest and absorb. Dried fermentation products which act as probiotics are also a valuable addition to any large-breed dog food formula.

Overall Best Great Dane Dog Foods

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry

Healthy Ingredients : Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
Key Features :

  • No corn, wheat, soy
  • Immune system booster
  • Keeps dog’s energy up
  • Good source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
Why You Should Buy

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry is a very popular dog food that many pet owners know and trust. They don’t use wheat, soy, or corn and they include nutritious ingredients sure to boost your pet’s immune system.

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If your great dane has specific dietary needs you need to keep an eye on, American Journey recipes are a great option. This brand pays close attention to keeping out ingredients like wheat, soy, and corn, which can impact your dog’s stomach if they’re sensitive to them.

This recipe also includes blueberries, sweet potatoes, carrots, and dried kelp to boost your golden retriever’s immune system. In addition, sweet potatoes and chickpeas help keep your dog’s energy levels high. Deboned salmon is the core protein, while flaxseed and salmon oil both bring in Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids.

American Journey recipes provide plenty of consideration for dogs with strict dietary requirements and picky eaters.

Ollie Healthy Turkey Feast Fresh Dog Food

Healthy Ingredients : Turkey breast, turkey liver, kale, carrots, lentils
Key Features :

  • Human-Grade
  • Fresh pet food
  • Portioned Individually for your dog
  • Auto-ships direct to your door
Why You Should Buy

Ollie Healthy Turkey Feast Fresh Dog Food

Ollie Healthy Turkey Feast Fresh Dog Food is a super premium fresh dog food choice delivered right to your doorstep. Based on your pet’s profile, the food is formulated and portioned just for them.

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Ollie is a great fresh food option if you are in the market for a super premium dog food. Just like fresh food diets are gaining popularity with humans, they are becoming popular with pets. Ollie’s ingredients are all human-grade and are slow cooked to preserve the nutritional integrity. There are no artificial flavors or fillers in any of their recipes, so you can be sure that your dog is getting whole, fresh ingredients and nothing more. When you sign up for Ollie, you will fill out a profile about your dog to help them create a customized recipe and delivery schedule that will suit your needs. The food is delivered to your doorstep and stored in your fridge or freezer, ready to serve when your pet needs it. Although Ollie is more expensive than other dog foods, there are a lot of added benefits that make a fresh food diet something to consider!

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry

Healthy Ingredients : Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
Key Features :

  • Buffalo as as source of protein
  • Great for dogs with food sensitivities
  • Antioxidant support
  • Highly digestible
Why You Should Buy

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry is a highly digestible recipe created to keep your pet healthy and happy. There are no artificial flavors, corn, wheat, soy, or fillers.

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As one of the most popular foods we recommend to pet owners, Taste of the Wild is sure to please both you and your pet. With buffalo as the source of protein, dogs find this recipe to be both delicious and appealing. Peas and sweet potatoes provide your dog with highly-digestible energy to last all day while real fruits and vegetables provide antioxidant support. Taste of the Wild is a great option for dogs with food sensitives because it is made with ingredients from trusted and sustainable sources with no grain, corn, wheat, filler, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Essential minerals chelated with amino acids optimize absorption and ensure maximum benefits, for complete and balanced nutrition.

Castor & Pollux Organix Large Breed Adult Chicken Recipe

Healthy Ingredients : Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Chickpeas, Organic Peas
Key Features :

  • Formulated for large breed dogs
  • Organic carbohydrates
  • Chicken as the main protein
  • Flavorful and appealing
Why You Should Buy

Castor & Pollux Organix Large Breed Adult Food

Castor & Pollux Organix Large Breed Adult Food is a tasty and appealing dog food option for your great dane. Chicken is the main source of protein, balanced with organic carbohydrates to provide fiber and help with digestion.

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If you are looking for a high-quality diet formulated for large-breed dogs like the Great Dane, consider this Castor & Pollux Organix Large Breed Adult Chicken Recipe. This recipe is made by Castor & Pollux, the leader in organic and natural pet food, so you can rest assured that it will meet your Great Dane’s unique nutritional needs through quality ingredients. This large-breed formula features organic free-range chicken as the primary ingredient, supplemented with organic carbohydrates like peas, barley, and brown rice for digestibility and dietary fiber. Overall, this formula is designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition catered to large-breed dogs and it is loaded with natural flavor!

Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult Dog Food Recipe

Healthy Ingredients : Chicken Meal, Pork Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Rice, Dehulled Barley
Key Features :

  • Designed for giant-breed dogs
  • High protein and high fat
  • Low carbohydrate count
  • Vitamins and nutrients for joint support
Why You Should Buy

Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult Dog Food Recipe

Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult Dog Food Recipe is created especially for giant breed dogs like your Great Dane. It includes high protein and high fat but also extra vitamins and nutrients to support your active pet’s joints.

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Not many dog food manufacturers offer formulas specifically designed for giant-breed dogs like the Great Dane but this Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult Dog Food Recipe is one of them. This formula is designed for dogs weighing more than 50 pounds at maturity and it features high levels of protein, moderate fat, and low carbohydrate content to help keep your dog lean and fit. This recipe features chicken meal and pork meal as the primary protein sources to support your dog’s lean muscle mass with healthy fats like chicken fat and flaxseed for concentrated energy. This formula is fortified with a complete vitamin and mineral package and supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin for additional bone and joint support. Plus, it is free from corn, wheat and soy ingredients as well as artificial additives.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe

Healthy Ingredients : Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch
Key Features :

  • Premium protein sources
  • Digestible complex carbs
  • Antioxidant supports
  • Skin and coat health
Why You Should Buy

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe is a great choice for your Great Dane puppy. It provides a premium source of protein as well as highly digestible carbs and antioxidants for skin and coat health.

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This product belongs to the Wilderness line of protein-rich recipes from Blue Buffalo, one of the leading manufacturers of natural pet food products. This Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe is a great choice for large-breed puppies like the Great Dane because it is built around premium proteins like deboned chicken and turkey meal which will support your puppy’s lean muscle mass as he grows and develops. This formula relies on sweet potatoes and potatoes as digestible complex carbohydrates with carrots, blueberries, and cranberries for antioxidant support. It is supplemented with DHA and ARA to support brain and eye development as well as a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health. Plus, it is made with Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits which consists of a blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help round out your dog’s nutrition.

Nature’s Variety Instinct Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe

Healthy Ingredients : Chicken, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chickpeas, Chicken Eggs
Key Features :

  • Premium proteins and healthy fats
  • Digestible carbs
  • DHA for brain development
  • Calcium and phosphorus for bone and teeth health
Why You Should Buy

Nature’s Variety Instinct Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe

Nature’s Variety Instinct Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe is a great choice for your growing Great Dane puppy. This recipe includes DHA for brain development and health and vitamins and nutrients to support growing bones and teeth.

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For a high-quality product that not only meets but exceeds your Great Dane puppy’s nutritional needs, consider this Nature’s Variety Instinct Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe. This recipe belongs to the Instinct line of products from Nature’s Variety which features premium proteins, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates. This particular recipe is naturally grain-free and features protein-rich chicken meal as the primary ingredient. It is supplemented with balanced levels of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat as well as DHA for brain and eye development. With ideal levels of calcium and phosphorus, this formula supports steady growth and supports the health of your dog’s growing bones and teeth. Overall, it provides quality nutrition optimized for large-breed puppies.

Because the Great Dane has such a short lifespan (an average of 7 to 10 years), you want to do everything you can to keep him healthy for as long as possible. It all starts with a healthy, protein-rich diet that will meet your dog’s needs for energy and nutrients without going overboard on calories. When it comes to feeding your Great Dane you have to walk the fine line between giving him enough food and giving him too much food. Starting off with a large-breed puppy formula is a great way to ensure that your Great Dane puppy grows up big and strong without growing too quickly. Then, switch to a large-breed adult recipe to maintain your dog’s healthy bodyweight for the rest of his life. If you need help getting started with your search, consider one of the top recommended brands of large-breed puppy or adult dog food reviewed above.

Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations

As a giant breed, the Great Dane has some special nutritional needs outside the realm of general dog nutrition. When your Great Dane is a puppy, you need to be very careful about what you feed him and how often. Great Dane puppies take 12 to 18 months (or longer in some cases) to reach their adult size so you need to feed them a product that will support steady growth without going overboard on calories. If your Great Dane puppy grows too quickly it could put excess strain on his bones and joints, predisposing him to musculoskeletal issues as an adult. The best thing to do is feed your puppy a large-breed puppy formula three times a day for the first six months. Feed your 2-month-old puppy 2 to 4 cups per day and increase his ration by one cup every month until he reaches 6 months of age. Keep his ration steady until he reaches 9 months, then cut back to two meals per day for a total of 7 to 10 cups until the puppy is 1-year-old. At that point you can switch to a large-breed adult recipe.

In addition to considering how much to feed your Great Dane, you also need to be careful when shopping for the ideal pet food product. Feeding your puppy a large-breed specific puppy food is a must because it will contain enough protein to support your puppy’s growth and development without having so many calories that it contributes to overgrowth. Large-breed puppy formulas are often supplemented with DHA for healthy brain and eye development as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bones and joints. Most large-breed puppy formulas contain moderate fat content to reduce calorie content without compromising the overall nutritional balance. This is the same for large-breed adult formulas – they are rich in protein with moderate fat content. Many dog owners recommend switching your Great Dane puppy from a large-breed puppy recipe to a large-breed adult formula once he reaches 80% of his adult size.

Another thing you need to think about with your Great Dane is the risk for bloat, also known as gastric torsion. This is a condition that frequently occurs in large and deep-chested breeds when they eat too much at one time or if they consume a large quantity of water after eating. It can also happen if the dog engages in vigorous exercise after eating. These things can cause the dog’s stomach to fill with gas which may then cause it to twist on its axis, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and other vital organs. Bloat is a very dangerous condition and, if not treated promptly, it can become fatal. The best way to prevent this condition is to keep your dog from eating too much at once and to limit your dog’s water consumption and exercise within an hour of eating. You may also want to invest in a special dog bowl that helps to keep your dog from eating too quickly.

When you are ready to start shopping around for a new dog food for your Great Dane, you need to consider the unique nutritional needs of large and giant dogs. Protein is absolutely essential to help your dog maintain his lean muscle mass and his fat intake should be controlled to prevent overweight and obesity. The best way to meet your Great Dane’s nutritional needs is to find a high-quality commercial dog food formulated specifically for large- and giant-breed dogs. Feed your dog this formula for several weeks while monitoring his condition to see if any adjustments need to be made. Below you will find reviews for several high-quality dog food formulas that could be a good choice for your Great Dane:

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a Great Dane eat dry or canned food?

To avoid monotony, you can vary the food you feed your Great Dane. Your options include raw food, dry food, and canned food. Because Great Danes eat small regular meals spaced out throughout the day, it’s important that you make a plan. Kibble is a good choice, especially when its primary protein sources come from high-quality meats. Canned foods can be a bit more expensive than kibble, but not as expensive as fresh food choices.

Should my Great Dane eat a grain free diet?

The debate raging around grain free diets is still very controversial. Great Danes thrive on a well-balanced diet, just like all pets. It is not so much a question of whether they should eat no grains or whole-grains as much as it is about the quality and type of grains. If you opt to feed your Dane grains, we recommend that you buy certified organic grains. Avoid corn, soy, wheat, and any other grains that your dog might struggle to digest. We are wary of grain-free diets because they are still very new, and we believe more research is needed in order to ascertain their value in a Great Dane’s life.

Do Great Danes have sensitive stomachs?

There is nothing specifically concerning Great Dane stomach sensitivity because every dog is different. There are some dogs that are just more prone to having sensitive stomachs. If the dog has been eating normally all along, but suddenly appears to have developed a sensitive stomach this could be due to a number of reasons, such as the dog’s diet. Symptoms of a sensitive stomach include blood in the stool, excessive gas, vomiting, nausea, hypersalivation, lack of appetite, and diarrhea. As always, if you notice a change in your Great Dane, consult your vet for advice.

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One Comment

  1. I can no longer find Precise Naturals Large & Giant Beeed Puppy food. Do you know if it’s discontinued?

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