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What’s the best dog food for Great Danes?
Great Danes are a giant dog breed which has very specific nutritional requirements.
They need a moderate protein content to support their muscle development and overall health, so foods that contain high-quality animal protein sources such as chicken, beef, or fish are a must. The fat content should also be moderate to provide them with adequate energy without promoting excessive weight gain.
Great Danes are prone to skeletal issues such as hip dysplasia and developmental bone diseases. It’s, therefore, crucial to choose a dog food that has appropriate and balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus to support healthy bone growth. However, avoid excessive calcium supplementation, as it can lead to skeletal abnormalities.
This dog breed is also susceptible to joint problems such as arthritis and hip dysplasia, so look for recipes that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and help maintain cartilage.
Great Danes can have sensitive digestive systems. Opt for dog foods with easily digestible ingredients such as chicken, fish, rice, sweet potatoes and pumpkins, to promote good digestion and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues.
We have a list of recommended best foods for Great Danes below, along with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we get from our readers about this breed. But please remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the specific nutritional needs of your pet, as individual dogs may have unique requirements based on their age, weight, activity level, and overall health.
Best Dog Food for Great Danes November 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Great Danes for November 2024.
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1. The Best Dry Dog Food For Great Danes: The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Beef Clusters
The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Beef Clusters is one of 10 recipes in our review of this product range, which gets a 5-star rating from the Dog Food Advisor.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 29.5% protein, 16.5% fat and 46% carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
It’s a human-grade dry dog food with high protein levels that support muscle mass in large breed dogs such as Great Danes. The recipe also includes a wide range of vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids.
Read our review of the full The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dog Food (Dehydrated) range here
Things we like
- High level of good beef protein
- A range of essential amino acids
- Human-grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Beef, potatoes, peas, beef liver, lentils, carrots, ground flaxseed, eggs Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 29.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Great Danes (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at TheHonestKitchen.com"I feel good feeding my four big dogs human grade dog food made of beef, since one of my dogs is allergic to chicken. I mix it with cooked ground turkey, pureed vegetables, calcium, flaxseed and cod liver oil. They are all healthy and their coats shiny and soft. "
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2. The Best Wet Dog Food For Great Danes: PetPlate Barkin' Beef Entrée
Barkin’ Beef Entrée is one of six recipes in our review of the PetPlate range.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from beef. Great Danes need protein that supports their large, lean muscle mass without leading to excessive weight gain. Beef is a robust protein source that’s appealing and beneficial for maintaining healthy muscles and body weight.
Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 31.2% protein, 21.7% fat and 39% carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 70%.
Dehydrated food such as Barkin’ Beef is gentle on digestion, which can be helpful for Great Danes, as they are prone to sensitive stomachs and issues like bloating. The natural fiber content can also aid in maintaining regular digestion.
Read our review of the full PetPlate Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Good for picky Great Danes
- Grain-free
- 100% human-grade
Main Ingredients Ground beef, sweet potatoes, potatoes, beef liver, carrots, apples, peas, pumpkin Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 31.2% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Great Danes (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at PetPlate.com"My dog does not like beef flavored foods, but Pet Plate contains real beef, and my dog just loves it! I add the dry kibble, and she gobbles that up too. She has never liked beef kibble! My dog loves Pet Plate! I have tried five of their six fresh food varieties, and there isn't one she doesn't like! Thanks to Pet Plate, she is enjoying her mealtimes again!"
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3. Best Fresh Dog Food For Great Danes: Ollie Fresh Chicken Dish with Carrots
Ollie Fresh Chicken Dish with Carrots received the Dog Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars. It’s one of five recipes in this product range made by Ollie.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 11% fat and 50% carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
Ollie is a fresh premium range of dog food made up of recipes crafted by experts. They contain nutrient-dense ingredients that are slow-cooked at low temperatures for maximum nutrition, providing Great Danes with all the nutrients required to live an energy-packed, healthy life and plenty of chicken-based protein.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Fresh and whole ingredients
- Human-grade
- USDA-certified
Main Ingredients Chicken, rice, carrots, chicken livers, peas Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All Great Danes (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Ollie"My dog used to leave his expensive breed specialized dog food in his bowl for hours before touching it. Since switching to Ollie he comes and finds me in the house and whines to be fed. He wags his tail when I feed him every time. He’s never done that before."
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4. Best Dog Food For Great Dane Puppies: Orijen Puppy Large Breed Turkey, Chicken & Wild-Caught Fish
Orijen Puppy Large dry dog food received the Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars. It’s one of nine recipes in our review of this dry product range.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 43% protein, 18% fat and 31% carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 42%.
Orijen uses high-quality fresh or raw poultry or fish in its recipes that are rich in natural sources of vitamins and minerals, and includes premium, fresh fruits, vegetables, and botanicals. The high levels of protein and fat make it perfect for fast-growing large-breed pups like Great Danes.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- No fillers
- Complete transparency
- Responsibly sourced ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, chicken liver Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All Great Danes (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My puppy loves this food! I started by mixing a little in with his old food and he ate it so fast. I did this for a few days before switching him completely over. They recommend this on the package and I think it worked great! It is so much healthier for him! It has plenty of protein for him which he needs. It smells good and he gets so excited when I feed him. I like the natural ingredients and am so happy I found this! Definitely a high-quality food!"
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5. Best Affordable Dog Food For Great Danes: Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula received the Dog Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars. It’s one of 13 recipes in our review of this product range.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from lamb. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
An affordable, premium dog food with added superfoods such as chia seeds, quinoa and spinach. This food also contains fruits and vegetables like kale, carrots, blueberries, and papaya, as well as plenty of omega fatty acids for all-round nutrition — ideal for Great Danes.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Added probiotics
- No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Pasture-raised lamb
Main Ingredients Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, grain sorghum Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All Great Danes (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our puppy is doing so great on Diamond Naturals large puppy food. We will be switching to lamb and rice adult food after one year. Have always fed our dogs Diamonds and they live long happy lives."
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6. Best Food For Great Danes With Allergies: Nom Nom Beef Mash
Nom Nom Beef Mash fresh dog food received the Dog Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars. It’s one of four recipes in this product range.
Beef Mash uses whole, fresh ingredients like ground beef, russet potatoes, carrots, peas, and eggs. This high-quality ingredient list ensures Great Danes receive real, recognizable food without fillers, supporting healthy muscle mass and overall wellness.
This recipe derives the bulk of its protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 35% protein, 17% fat and 40% carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Nom Nom fresh dog food’s nutrient-packed recipes are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists using wholesome ingredients and containing vital vitamins, making it ideal for Great Danes with allergies.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Meals tailored for each dog
- Human-grade
- Premium proteins
Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 35% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All Great Dane (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Tula gets so excited when it's mealtime. She no longer has skin issues, her coat looks wonderful and her stools are the best they've ever been. I can't imagine ever feeding her anything but Nom Nom!"
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7. Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Food For Great Danes: Canidae All Life Stages Large Breed Formula with Turkey Meal & Brown Rice
Canidae ALS Large Breed dry dog food received our second-highest rating: 4.5 stars. It’s one of six recipes in our review of this product range.
This Large Breed recipe provides the right balance of protein, fat, and calories tailored to support large-breed dogs at every stage of life. It’s designed to maintain healthy weight and muscle mass in big dogs, who are prone to joint and mobility issues if they gain excess weight.
Dry matter label analysis reveals this recipe contains 27% protein, 14% fat and 51% carbohydrates, resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
Canidae dog food is made with high-quality animal protein sources, providing essential amino acids, and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Brown rice is a high-quality whole grain that provides energy, fiber, and a generous supply of vitamin B, calcium, phosphorus, and iron, providing fuel for Great Danes’ endless enthusiasm.
Read our review of the full Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- No corn, wheat or soy
- Vet certified
- Committed to sustainability
Main Ingredients Turkey meal, brown Rrce, peas, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards All life stages Best For All Great Danes (including puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"You cannot find a better brand and price on the market. Its first ingredient is turkey meal and it doesn't contain low-quality fillers. If you own a large breed dog or more than one, BUY IT!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How popular are Great Danes?
Great Danes are a giant breed of dog known for their imposing size and gentle nature. The American Kennel Club (AKC) consistently ranks Great Danes within the top 20 most popular breeds in the United States.
What are the main characteristics and traits of Great Danes?
Great Danes are one of the largest dog breeds, with males typically standing 30-34 inches (76-86 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighing between 140-175 pounds (63-79 kg). Females are slightly smaller, standing 28-32 inches (71-81 cm) tall and weighing 110-140 pounds (50-63 kg). They have a muscular build, a deep chest, and a square-shaped body.
Great Danes have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including brindle, fawn, blue, black, and harlequin.
What is a Great Dane’s temperament like?
Great Danes are often described as gentle giants. They are generally known for their friendly, affectionate, and patient nature. They are typically good with children and can get along well with other animals when properly socialized. Great Danes are loyal and devoted to their families and can be protective if they perceive a threat. Despite their size, they are generally not aggressive or overly territorial.
How much exercise does a Great Dane need?
Despite their large size, Great Danes have moderate exercise needs. They require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated but are not as high-energy as some other breeds. Daily walks, playtime in a secure area, and mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys are beneficial for their overall well-being.
How easy are Great Danes to train?
Great Danes are intelligent and eager to please, which generally makes them trainable. However, their large size and strength require consistent and firm training methods, using positive reinforcement techniques. Early socialization is essential to expose them to different people, animals, and environments to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded and well-behaved dogs.
What health conditions can affect Great Danes?
Like many large breeds, Great Danes can be prone to certain health issues. Common health concerns for Great Danes include hip dysplasia, bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), heart disease, and certain genetic disorders. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and appropriate exercise can help mitigate some of these health risks.
Final word
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