Introduction
If you are a proud owner of a Great Dane, you know that they are not just big dogs, but gentle giants. They are one of the largest dog breeds, and they require a balanced diet to maintain their health and energy. Therefore, it is crucial to find the best dog food for Great Danes to keep them healthy and happy.
We have researched the market and have listed the top six dog food options for Great Danes in 2023:
- Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Dry Dog Food – Our Top Pick
- Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Adult Dog Food – Runner Up
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Adult Recipe – Best Natural Ingredients
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food – Best Grain Free
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy Recipe – Best Puppy
- Nutro Ultra Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food – Best Senior
Grain vs. Grain-Free
When it comes to choosing dog food for Great Danes, there is an ongoing debate between grain and grain-free diets. Grain-free diets have gained popularity in recent years, but it is essential to understand that not all grain-free dog food is the best option for Great Danes.
Grains such as brown rice, barley, and oatmeal provide a good source of carbohydrates for Great Danes. These grains are easy to digest and provide long-lasting energy to keep your dog active and healthy. However, some Great Danes may have grain sensitivities, and in this case, grain-free dog food may be the best option.
The breed is predisposed to a disease known as “dilated cardiomyopathy”, which is seen more often in Danes on a grain-free diet. That being said, they also have higher rates of skin allergies than some other breeds, so grain vs. grain-free is typically on a dog by dog basis for Great Danes.
We recommend checking in with your vet or starting with a grain food and switching if you notice your Dane having problems.
Wet vs. Dry
Another factor to consider when choosing dog food for Great Danes is whether to feed wet or dry food. Wet food is an excellent choice for picky eaters, as it has a stronger flavor and smell. Wet food also provides a higher moisture content, which is beneficial for Great Danes that do not drink enough water. However, wet food can be expensive, and it can spoil quickly.
Dry food is more affordable and easier to store. It is also beneficial for Great Danes that need to control their weight, as it has fewer calories than wet food. However, dry food can be less appealing to picky eaters and may not provide enough moisture content, leading to dehydration.
Check out our article on Wet vs. Dry Dog Food for more information!
Mini Reviews
Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Fat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Tapioca, Brewers Rice, Corn
- Crude Protein: 21.0%
- Crude Fat: 23.0%
- Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars
The Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Dry Dog Food is an exceptional choice for owners who want to provide their dogs with a complete and balanced diet. With chicken by-product meal as the primary source of protein, this dog food provides the necessary protein to support strong muscles and a healthy immune system.
The food is specially tailored for Great Danes so it provides all of the necessary nutrients. The high fat content is super important because Danes are so large. They need the extra boost of fat to maintain their weight, especially if they are active.
Tapioca is an ingredient that’s not often seen in dog foods, but will play an important role in your large pup’s digestive system. It can be helpful to push through ingredients like grain that would typically trigger a sensitivity or allergy in Danes, meaning that they will be more tolerant of the grains in this food.
These same grains provide additional carbohydrates for energy, while the wheat gluten and corn add additional protein and fiber. Overall, the Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Dry Dog Food is a fantastic option for owners looking for a well-rounded and nutritious diet for their furry friend.
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Adult Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn, Whole Grain Sorghum
- Crude Protein: 20%
- Crude Fat: 11.5%
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Adult Dog Food is a top choice for Great Dane owners looking for a high-quality dog food that meets their pet’s unique nutritional needs. With chicken meal as the primary source of protein, this dog food provides the necessary building blocks for strong muscles and a healthy immune system.
Whole grain wheat, cracked pearled barley, whole grain sorghum, and whole grain corn provide the necessary carbohydrates for energy. The food’s low-fat content makes it an ideal choice for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight.
Additionally, the food contains plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin which are key in keeping your dog’s joints and bones in working condition. There are plenty of supplemented vitamins as well to help with digestive health.
Overall, Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Adult Dog Food is a great option for Great Dane owners looking for a nutritious and tasty food.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
- Crude Protein: 22.0%
- Crude Fat: 12.0%
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe is a delicious and nutritious food for Great Danes. With deboned chicken as the primary source of protein, this dog food provides a complete source of amino acids for strong muscles and a healthy immune system.
The brown rice, barley, and oatmeal provide the necessary carbohydrates for energy, while the chicken meal adds additional protein and fiber. This food provides plenty of natural ingredients to help with digestive health as opposed to supplementing vitamins, which we are big fans of.
Overall, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe is an excellent choice for owners who want to provide their Great Dane with a tasty and nutritious diet.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Turkey Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas
- Crude Protein: 34.0%
- Crude Fat: 12.0%
- Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Review: Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Dry Dog Food is a fantastic choice for Great Danes who need a high-protein, grain-free diet. The deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal provide an excellent source of amino acids for strong muscles and a healthy immune system.
We’re fans of Wellness brand dog foods because of all of the natural ingredients that they provide. There are plenty of superfoods and various fruits and vegetables that provide essential nutrients for your Dane.
On top of that, this is a wonderful grain-free option, meaning that if you already know that your dog has some grain sensitivities, this food will work fine. They substitute grains with healthy carbohydrates like peas and potatoes to provide your Dane much needed energy.
Overall, this dog food is an excellent option for Great Dane owners who want to provide their pet with a nutrient-dense and flavorful diet without any grains.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
- Crude Protein: 26.0%
- Crude Fat: 15.0%
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Review: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Puppy Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe is a great option for Great Dane puppies who need a diet that promotes healthy growth and development.
The deboned chicken and chicken meal provide a complete source of amino acids for strong muscles and a healthy immune system. The brown rice, barley, and oatmeal provide the necessary carbohydrates for energy.
The low-fat content combined with the extremely high protein content makes it an ideal choice for puppies that need to maintain a healthy weight while putting on much needed muscle as they continue to age.
Overall, this dog food is an excellent choice for Great Dane owners who want to provide their puppies with a nutritious and delicious diet.
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin), Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Oats, Whole Grain Brown Rice
- Crude Protein: 26.0%
- Crude Fat: 13.0%
- Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Review: Nutro Ultra Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food is an ideal choice for Great Danes who are getting older and need a diet that caters to their changing nutritional needs.
The chicken and chicken meal provide the necessary amino acids for strong muscles and a healthy immune system. The whole brown rice, brewers rice, and rice bran provide the necessary carbohydrates for energy.
The low-fat content makes it an ideal choice for seniors that need to maintain a healthy weight. Overall, this dog food is an excellent option for Great Dane owners who want to provide their older pets with a nutritious and delicious diet.
FAQs
What kind of food should I feed my Great Dane?
Great Danes need a diet that is high in protein, low in fat, and includes healthy carbohydrates. Look for dog food that includes real meat as the first ingredient, with minimal fillers like corn or wheat.
How often should I feed my Great Dane?
It’s best to feed Great Danes two to three meals a day to prevent bloat, a life-threatening condition that can occur when a dog eats too quickly or eats too much at once.
Are grain-free dog foods better for Great Danes?
While some Great Danes may have grain sensitivities, there is no evidence that grain-free diets are better for them. In fact, the FDA has linked some grain-free diets to heart disease in dogs.
Can I give my Great Dane human food?
While some human foods are safe for dogs, it’s important to be careful. Great Danes can develop pancreatitis from eating high-fat foods like cheese or bacon. Stick to lean meats and vegetables like green beans or carrots.
How much water should my Great Dane drink?
Great Danes need plenty of water to prevent dehydration, especially in hot weather. It’s best to provide them with a large, elevated water bowl and encourage them to drink frequently throughout the day.
Buyer’s Guide
Great Dane Macros
Great Danes are large dogs that require a diet that is high in protein, moderate in fat, and includes healthy carbohydrates. A healthy adult Great Dane should consume around 2,500 to 3,500 calories per day. Their diet should be made up of 25% protein, 12% fat, and 63% carbohydrates.
Protein is the most important macronutrient for Great Danes, as it helps to maintain their muscle mass and supports a healthy immune system. Look for dog foods that include real meat as the first ingredient, such as chicken or beef. Great Danes can also benefit from animal-based proteins like fish or eggs, which provide important omega-3 fatty acids.
Fat is also important for Great Danes, as it provides energy and helps with the absorption of vitamins. However, they should not consume too much fat, as this can lead to weight gain and health problems. Look for dog food that includes healthy fats like fish oil or flaxseed oil.
Great Danes also need a diet that includes important vitamins and vegetables. Vitamin E is important for their immune system, while vitamin A supports their eye health. Vegetables like sweet potatoes or green beans provide important fiber and nutrients. Overall, a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the health and well-being of Great Danes.
Great Dane Health Issues
Great Danes are prone to certain health issues that can be influenced by their diet. One of the most common issues is bloat, which can be caused by eating too quickly or consuming too much food at once. To prevent bloat, it’s important to feed Great Danes two to three smaller meals throughout the day.
Great Danes are also prone to hip dysplasia, a condition that can be caused or exacerbated by excess weight. To prevent hip dysplasia, it’s important to feed Great Danes a diet that supports their joint health. Look for dog food that includes glucosamine or chondroitin, which can help to prevent joint problems.
Finally, Great Danes are prone to heart disease, which can be influenced by their diet. Look for dog food that includes taurine, an important amino acid that can help to prevent heart disease. It’s also important to avoid grain-free dog food, which has been linked to heart disease in dogs.
