Best Dog Food For Great Danes: Vet Recommend [2024]

best dog food for Great Danes

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This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

When it comes to selecting the best dog food for Great Danes, the stakes are high—literally. These gentle giants have unique nutritional needs that must be carefully met to ensure they lead long, healthy lives. From their rapid growth as puppies to their challenges in adulthood, like joint health and heart issues, choosing the right food can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the top dog food options that cater to the distinct dietary requirements of Great Danes, helping you make an informed decision that supports your dog’s overall well-being. Whether you’re addressing specific health concerns or just looking to give your Great Dane the best start in life, we’ve got you covered.

Best Dog Food For Great Danes — At A Glance

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What Is The Best Food For Great Danes?

Great Danes are a large and moderate-active breed with specific nutritional needs. The best food for a Great Dane is balanced and appropriate for their life stage, health, activity level, and weight (size). This ensures your Great Dane is healthy, develops appropriately, and can sustain daily activities and bodily functions. When deciding the best diet for a Great Dane, it’s essential also to consider individual preferences such as taste or food type. Some Great Danes may thrive on high-quality commercial kibble, while others may do better on a human-grade fresh, raw, or balanced home-cooked diet.

How to Pick The Best Dog Food For Great Danes

1. Consider The Nutritional Requirements of Great Danes

The most optimal diet for Great Danes typically includes a combination of the six nutrients dogs need to thrive: High-quality protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats (fatty acids and omegas), vitamins, minerals, and water.

Protein plays a vital role in your Great Dane’s diet, providing essential amino acids necessary for bodily processes, including the creation of blood glucose for energy. Protein also helps build and repair muscles and other body tissues. It’s needed to make new skin cells and grow hair, hormones, and enzymes. The proteins in your dog’s diet must have a balanced amino acid profile and be provided in appropriate amounts.

Minimum Protein content recommendations for Great Dane food:

  • Adult Great Danes. 18% dry matter protein (45.0g for every 1,000 kcal ME).
  • Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Great Danes. 22.5% dry matter protein (56.3g for every 1,000 kcal ME).

Protein sources for Great Dane food include:

  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Turkey
  • Lamb
  • Salmon
  • Duck
  • Whitefish
  • Cooked eggs

Fats play a crucial, multifaceted role in a Great Dane’s diet. Fats come in two forms: saturated and unsaturated. Both are important in a Great Dane’s diet, but it’s essential to maintain the right balance. Saturated fats, derived from animal sources, enhance the palatability, flavor and texture of your dog’s food and facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. On the other hand, essential fatty acids, which are unsaturated fats, include Omega-3 (EPA, DHA, and ALA) and Omega-6+9 (LA and AA). These fats are crucial for the body’s cells’ development, structure, and function.

When balanced correctly, they promote healthy skin and coat, support eye health and the nervous system function, regulate hormones, fuel the brain and learning processes, help reduce inflammation, offer insulation and organ protection, support reproductive health, and serve as a reserve for energy storage. Fats are a dense energy source.

Minimum Fat content recommendations for Great Dane food:

  • Adult Great Dane. 5.5% dry matter fat (13.8g for every 1,000 kcal ME).
  • Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Great Dane. 8.5% dry matter fat (21.3g for every 1,000 kcal ME).

Fat sources for Great Dane food include:

  • Meats fats
  • Fish oils
  • Olive
  • Sunflower oil
  • Canola oils

Dogs need energy for daily activities, growth, pregnancy, lactation, and exercise. This energy, measured in calories, comes from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Omnivorous animals, including dogs, derive some energy from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates supply glucose needed by the brain, nervous system, and other critical organs for normal function in dogs. Carbohydrates should also include 2.5-4.5% fiber. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight. Ensure you follow the 10% rule if feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%.

Carbohydrate sources for Great Dane food include:

  • Oats
  • Brown rice
  • Potatoes
  • Quinoa
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Whole wheat

Minerals in a dog’s diet are indispensable for bone and dental health, nerve function, enzymatic reactions, fluid balance, oxygen transport, and maintaining the body’s pH level, making them essential for overall health and metabolic processes. Proper mineral balance is crucial and should be carefully managed to avoid deficiencies or excesses.

These 12 minerals are known to be essential nutrients for dogs:

  • Calcium
  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Magnesium
  • Iodine
  • Chlorine
  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Selenium
  • Manganese
  • Zinc
  • Phosphorus

Mineral sources for Great Dane food include:

  • Sweet potatoes and pumpkin (Magnesium)
  • Fish (Iodine)
  • Beef, eggs, and liver (Zinc)
  • Poultry, nuts, and legumes (Copper)
  • Bananas and carrots (Potassium)
  • Chicken and duck (Iron)

Vitamins in a dog’s diet are integral for maintaining overall health and bodily functions. They support vision, immune health, aid in energy metabolism and nervous system function, provide antioxidant benefits, reduce inflammation, prevent diseases and ailments and more. Dogs require vitamins, but only in small amounts, and excessive doses of specific vitamins, like vitamin D, can harm them.

These 12 vitamins are known to be essential nutrients for dogs:

  • Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, D, E & K
  • Riboflavin
  • Niacin
  • Folic Acid
  • Pantothenic Acid
  • Choline

Vitamin sources for Great Dane food include:

  • Sweet potatoes and spinach (Vitamin A)
  • Eggs, chicken, and beef (Vitamin B)
  • Broccoli (Vitamin C)
  • Kale and parsley (Vitamin K)
  • Vegetables (Vitamin E)
  • Meats and fish (Vitamin D)

Water is vital in a dog’s diet to maintain hydration, support body functions such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste excretion, lubricate joints, regulate body temperature, ensure proper organ function, and facilitate metabolic processes. Continuous access to clean water is as crucial as providing nutritious food for overall health and well-being. Generally, Great Danes should drink 2 to 3 times the amount of their dry food intake daily. However, if water is readily available from various sources, Great Danes can naturally regulate water consumption daily.

2. Consider Your Great Dane’s Activity Level

Nutritional requirements vary based on your Great Dane’s activity level. Pick a formula that suits your Great Dane’s activity level. This is crucial in maintaining overall health, energy levels, and quality of life.

  • Inactive: Inactive Great Danes may be seniors, have mobility issues, or have a naturally low energy level. They require a diet lower in fat and calories to avoid weight gain.
  • Average Activity: These Great Danes enjoy daily walks, regular playtime, and occasional vigorous activities. They need a balanced proportion of calories, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
  • High Activity: Working dogs, sports dogs, or those engaging in strenuous daily activities. They require higher calories and a diet higher in proteins, fats, and carbs for muscle recovery and sustained energy.
Activity Levels for Great Danes

3. Great Dane Health Considerations

When selecting food for a Great Dane, consider their common health issues and ensure their diet includes the appropriate ingredients and nutrients to prevent or manage these conditions.

Food Allergies Great Danes can develop food allergies and intolerances. It's advisable to avoid common allergens such as corn and wheat to prevent these issues. Conducting a dog food allergy test or at-home dog food allergy tests like the 5Strands kit (test for up to 255 ingredients) may help identify potential allergens or intolerances in your dog. Use the results to avoid food formulas with ingredients your dog tested positive for, and always consult with your vet before making any dietary changes.
Joint & Bone Diseases Ensure your Great Dane maintains a healthy weight to reduce hip stress. Add supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can also support joint health. Adequate calcium and phosphorus are necessary, but avoid excessive amounts as they can lead to bone problems.
Bloating (GDV) Due to their predisposition, it's advisable to consider small-size kibble, slow feeding methods, multiple smaller meals throughout the day, and limiting exercise around mealtime.
Hypothyroidism Provide a diet rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc to support thyroid function. Foods such as fish, eggs, and seaweed are beneficial. Avoid excessive soy products, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Sensitive Stomach Great Danes can have sensitive digestive systems, which may lead to difficulty digesting certain foods or frequent digestive upset. Opt for limited-ingredient diets, dog food with probiotics, minimally processed options like human-grade dog food, and foods high in fiber. Additionally, avoid fatty foods. Performing a dog gut health test to assess digestive function and guide dietary choices.
Cancer Great Danes are at increased risk for bone cancer (osteosarcoma) and lymphoma. A diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods is beneficial. Incorporate foods high in vitamins A, C, and E, such as carrots, blueberries, spinach, and fish oil. Avoid feed-grade, highly processed kibble, opt for fresh or homemade diets.
Cardiomyopathy & Tricuspid Valve Disease A diet rich in taurine, L-carnitine, low sodium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids can help support heart function. Opt for lean meats and low-fat diets.
Wobbler Syndrome Maintain a diet that supports bone and joint health, focusing on adequate calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D & B levels to support proper bone development.

4. Consider Your Great Dane's Life Stage

Buy dog food specially formulated for your dog's life stage, as their nutritional needs vary depending on their life stage.

  • Puppy: Requires a diet higher in calories, nutrients, and protein count to support its growth and development. Balanced ratio of calcium and phosphorus for proper bone growth.
  • Adult: Moderate calorie and protein content. Caloric intake should match activity level to prevent obesity.
  • Senior: Lower calorie needs, with a focus on easily digestible proteins, fiber, and supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
  • Pregnant: Increased calorie needs, particularly in the last weeks of pregnancy, with a high protein content to support fetal development and milk production.
Great Dane Calorie Needs

Use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his life stage. Ensure you follow the 10% rule if feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%. Always work with your vet before changing your dog’s diet. You can get personalized nutritional advice from a registered vet nutritionist through Vetster anytime, anywhere. You can also chat with an online vet and ask them questions about your dog’s dietary needs.

The Product Reviews
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Best Dog Food For Great Danes

Best Overall Dog Food For Great Danes

4.9

Nom Nom

Who It's For: Ideal for those who want the most optimal nutrition and potential health benefits.

Recipes: Turkey, chicken, beef & pork

Protein: 28% to 37%

Fat: 4% to 6%

Fiber: 1% to 2%

Nutrition: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: Nom Nom fresh dog food recipes win the spot for the best dog food for Great Danes. This brand uses human-grade ingredients to craft pre-portion recipes delivered directly to your doorstep. Feeding your dog Nom Nom comes with numerous scientifically-supported health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. Fresh recipes are also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, Nom Nom is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your Great Dane will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.

What sets it apart from competitors: Nom Nom stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but Nom Nom takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, health, weight, and activity level to ensure your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs.

Key Features

  • Caters to health-specific. Recipes are formulated to address your dog’s health concerns, such as food allergies, tear stains, bad breath, joint issues, and more.
  • Vet-designed. Formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
  • Excellent sourcing. Ingredients are sourced from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.

Pros

  • The level of customization is unmatched
  • Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
  • Never use feed-grade ingredients
  • Cooked in human-grade kitchens

Cons

  • It’s on the expensive side

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Best Dry Dog Food For Great Danes

4.8

A Pup Above

Who It's For: For those who want to provide the benefit of a fresh dog diet with the convenience of kibble.

Recipes: Beef, chicken, pork and turkey

Protein: 30% to 41%

Fat: 18% to 26%

Fiber: 2%

Nutrition: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: A Pup Above Food Cubies dog formula is our top pick for the best all-around dry dog food for Great Danes. Unlike traditional dry dog food, Food Cubies is less processed and has half the cost of fresh dog food. Think of Food Cubies as freshly homemade dog food with the convince of kibble without the nasty preservatives, additives, and cheap fillers. It’s perfect for Great Danes because it’s been formulated to surpass the specific nutritional requirements of most dry dog foods.

What sets it apart from competitors: Food Cubies recipes are gently dried using our unique process, which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity. Some recipes use organ meats, one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can give your dog. In fact, entrails contain as many (or more) vitamins, minerals, and other valuable nutrients as lean muscle meat.

Key Features

  • Limited ingredients. Use radically simple ingredients ideal for a picky eater or dog with food allergies.
  • Superherbs. Boosted with super herbs for join, immunity, digestive support, and more.

Pros

  • Exceeds industry standards
  • Cheaper than fresh dog food
  • Crunchy texture
  • GMO and hormone-free
  • Custom plans and scoops

Cons

  • It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.

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Best Food For Great Dane Puppies

4.7

Open Farm

Who It's For: Ideal for Great Dane puppies who need all the nutrients for proper development.

Recipes: Blend of chicken, pork & salmon

Protein: 44%

Fat: 35%

Fiber: 3.3%

Nutrition: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Great Danes. This puppy-specific formula provides the essential nutrients required for the optimal growth and development of Great Dane puppies. It includes prebiotic fibers such as pumpkin and chicory root to support healthy digestion. Additionally, it's fortified with calcium iodate, which not only aids in energy production but also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.

What sets it apart from competitors: This formula is designed specifically for Great Dane puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.

Key Features

  • Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
  • Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed, and other wholesome ingredients.

Pros

  • Made with non-GMO fruits and veggies
  • No potatoes, rendered poultry or meals
  • Serve as a topper or complete meal

Cons

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Cheapest Dog Food For Great Danes

4.8

Royal Canin

Who It's For: Great if you are looking for the most affordable dog food for Great Danes.

Recipes: Chicken

Protein: 21%

Fat: 23%

Fiber: 4.2%

Nutrition: AAFCO

Why we recommended it: Royal Canin Great Dane Food has a slightly lower price than other brands. It’s formulated to provide your Great Dane with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with wholesome ingredients that are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.

What sets it apart from competitors: Designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Great Danes 10 months and older. The kibble is designed with a specific shape, size, and texture for the Great Dane's facial and jaw structures and biting patterns to aid with ng and digestion.

Key Features

  • Omega 3. Packed with vitamin A, as well as EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) from fish oil, to provide skin support and nourish healthy skin and a smooth coat.
  • Cardiac support. Promotes heart health with taurine and L-carnitine for healthy cardiac function.
  • Bone and joint health. It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development. 

Pros

  • Formulated for giant breeds, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive

Cons

  • It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities, as it is not specifically designed for these conditions
  • The inclusion of brewer rice and chicken meal and fat may be higher in carbohydrates than some dogs need, which could be a concern for overweight or diabetic dogs

Best Food For Senior Great Danes

4.6

Orijen

Who It's For: Great for senior Great Danes who need the appropriate nutrients to support them through their older years.

Recipes: Chicken & brown rice

Protein: 16%

Fat: 11%

Fiber: 7%

Nutrition: AAFCO

Why we recommended it: Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Great Dane is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If you’re concerned about keeping your Great Dane healthy during his older years, Orijin Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Great Dane to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.

What sets it apart from competitors: ORIJEN dog food is richly ingested with a whole prey diet, made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need.

Key Features

  • Wholeprey diet inclusions. It uses fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, nourishing dogs according to their natural and biological needs. Note“ “r”w” in this context means that the ingredients are super-fresh when they arrive at the factory/kitchen. The kibble is cooked by the time it is in the bag. This is high-quality cooked pet food, not raw food.
  • Bones and joint support. Enhanced with Glucosamine to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.

Pros

  • Protein, including poultry, fish and organs
  • Freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor
  • 85% quality animal ingredients

Cons

  • A bit expensive

Raw Food For Great Danes

4.8

Instinct

Who It's For: Good for those seeking a more biologically appropriate, natural dog diet that offers several health benefits.

Recipes: Chicken, lamb & beef

Protein: 30%

Fat: 27%

Fiber: 10%

Nutrition: AAFCO | Raw

Why we recommended it: As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Great Danes, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Great Dane a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong. 

What sets it apart from competitors: Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.

Pros

  • Helps with allergies and weight management
  • Ingredients are frozen to maintain the highest nutritional profile
  • Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact

Cons

  • Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
  • Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw
  • It’s slightly more expensive than traditional kibble, but you can buy raw food budget

Best Food For Great Dane With Sensitive Stomachs

4.7

Hill’s

Who It's For: Great for those looking for the best food for Great Danes with sensitive stomachs.

Recipes: Chicken & Barley

Protein: 20%

Fat: 13%

Fiber: 4%

Nutrition: AAFCO

Why we recommended it: Hill’s Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is formulated to protect Great Danes with sensitive tummies and skin. It’s made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice, and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Great Dane. 

What sets it apart from competitors: Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.

Key Features

  • Omega-6. Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat. 
  • Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach

Pros

  • Supports a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
  • No artificially colored, flavored, or preserved

Cons

  • Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs
  • 15% may still be sensitive to this diet. Another option is going fresh with a more premium option like JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy. Its plain composition of a single protein source, single starch source, and low-fat levels make it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Best Food For Great Danes With Allergies

4.7

Royal Canin

Who It's For: Great for those looking for the best food for Great Danes with sensitive stomachs.

Recipes: Natural

Protein: 19%

Fat: 17%

Fiber: 3%

Nutrition: AAFCO

Why we recommended it: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Great Dane. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies, and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.

What sets it apart from competitors: This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.

Key Features

  • Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
  • Supports GI health. Contains a special blend of fibers and prebiotics.

Pros

  • Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
  • Helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
  • Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation

Cons

  • A bit expensive
  • Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.

Best Grain-Free Food For Great Danes

4.7

Open Farm

Who It's For: Ideal for Great Danes with grain allergies or sensitivities.

Recipes: +7

Protein: 30%

Fat: 14%

Fiber: 4.5%

Nutrition: AAFCO

Why we recommended it: Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is your best grain-free kibble for Great Danes. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy, and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens, and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Great Dane nutritional needs.

What sets it apart from competitors: It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.

Key Features

  • 100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient through the QR code on the bag.
  • Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies.
  • Ethically sourced protein. Only ethically sourced and humanely raised meats are used.

Pros

  • No rendered poultry or meat meals
  • Meats from audited higher welfare farms
  • High in protein
  • Local carbon footprint per bag

Cons

  • It can be more expensive than other brands on the market

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Best Wet Dog Food For Great Danes

4.5

JustFoodForDogs

Who It's For: A good choice for those looking for the best wet food for Great Danes.

Recipes: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more

Protein: 7.5%

Fat: 2.5%

Fiber: 1%

Nutrition: AAFCO | Human-grade

Why we recommended it: JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite wet food for Great Danes. This food is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, Great Danes use only ingredients that are fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Pantry Fresh preserve the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.

What sets it apart from competitors: In addition to traditional flavors, it offers specialized wet food for targeting health-specific problems, including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism, and liver function.

Key Features

  • Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulate every recipe.
  • Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
  • Travel friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.

Pros

  • USDA-certified meats
  • Organ meats
  • A convenient way for busy people to feed their dogs a fresh diet
  • A variety pack for picky eaters
  • Provides the benefits of fresh dog food

Cons

  • More expensive than traditional wet dog food

Other Best Dog Foods For Great Danes

  • Best dehydrated dog food for Great Danes. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Great Danes to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated dog food can be easier for them to eat than traditional kibble.
  • Best food topper for Great Danes. Portland Pet Food Company Human offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
  • Best health-specific custom diet food for Great Danes. JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Great Dane has a medical need for a restricted diet.
  • Best Great Dane dog food to lose weight. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is excellent if your Great Dane needs to lose weight.
  • Best Great Dane dog food to gain weight. With 600 calories per cup, Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gain Dog Food is ideal for helping your Great Dane gain lean muscle mass.

Additional Information
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How to Switch Great Dane Dog Food

Veterinarians recommend you gradually change your Great Dane's diet to a new formula.

  • Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
  • Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
  • Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
  • Week 4: 100% new food

Increase your Great Dane's new food portion weekly if they adjust well to each transition phase. Watch their reaction to the new diet carefully; discontinue the new food immediately if any negative responses are observed. Never change your dog’s food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Health-Based Food Changes In Great Danes

If your Great Dane is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements may help control these dog-related issues.

ConditionDietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color ChangesIncrease amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI SignsAvoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, such as dairy, fermented vegetables, and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial.
Chronic Itching and DermatitisFortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial.
Dull Coat and ScalingAdjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (the most common way is to add fish oil); try food with added zinc.
Dandruff and CrustinessAdd Zinc and Vitamin A levels

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Great Danes can eat normal dog food formulated for their size, age, and activity level. Opt for large breed formulas to ensure controlled calcium and phosphorus levels, which supports proper bone development and growth. Look for moderate protein and fat content to maintain their energy needs without causing excessive weight gain. Consider dog foods with added joint support ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3 fatty acids to address their susceptibility to joint issues. Always avoid overfeeding to prevent conditions like bloat, and consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet plan tailored to your Great Dane's individual needs and health status.

The best meat for Great Danes is lean protein sources such as chicken, turkey, and fish. These meats are rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle development, maintenance, and overall health in dogs. Additionally, lean meats help to control fat intake, which is important for preventing obesity and maintaining a healthy weight, especially in large breeds like Great Danes. It's also advisable to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly and free from any bones, as cooked bones can pose a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal issues. Overall, a balanced diet that includes lean meats, along with other essential nutrients, is key to ensuring the health and wellbeing of Great Danes.

The worst food for Great Danes is highly processed and contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives. It’s made with meat meals or meat products. Pugs should avoid brands that use these ingredients to formulate their recipes.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, providing the best dog food for Great Danes is essential for maintaining their overall health and well-being. By regarding the unique nutritional requirements of this breed, you can make informed decisions to support their specific needs. We encourage you to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice and recommendations based on your Great Dane’s health status. By taking these steps, you can ensure a long, healthy, and happy life for your cherished companion.

For those who want more options, venturing into cooking Great Dane homemade food can offer great benefits. Alternatives like vegan dog food are also great for environmentally conscious pet parents. Remember to always talk to your veterinarian before switching your dog’s diet. If your Great Dane suffers from health issues related to poor nutrition, don’t let financial concerns prevent you from providing the best care for your pet. Consider getting the pet insurance for Great Danes today.


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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

DVM Surgeon Veterinarian at Canine Bible | + posts

Dr. Aukse is our in-house Lead Senior Veterinarian. Dr. Aukse is a dedicated and skilled DVM Surgeon renowned for her expertise in small/companion animal surgery and medicine. With a robust academic background and extensive hands-on experience, she ensures her patients receive the highest standard of care. Dr. Aukse is happy to share her knowledge and expertise with our readers.

Dr. Caraite's career experience as a DVM Veterinary Surgeon spans over seven years, marked by comprehensive learning from esteemed institutions and substantial experience in veterinary clinics. She is currently employed at a family-run, day-opening clinic in central Gothenburg, Sweden, where she performs surgery daily and manages a large patient base for both surgical and outpatient care. Her externship at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, with a focus on soft tissue and oncology service, has further honed her skills, equipping her with the essential knowledge and proficiency to excel in her field.

Dr. Aukse holds a Master’s in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (2017) and has completed an externship in Soft Tissue and Oncology Service at NC State (2018-2023). She is also has a Master’s in Small Animal Surgery with a specialization in Dog and Cat Surgery from the University of Copenhagen.

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