Feeding Amounts for Great Danes

A Great Dane is a big dog that measures about 43 inches from paw to shoulder and weighs 99 lbs to 118 lbs as an adult. A dog of this size needs a lot of food to sustain its energy levels and health. The quality of food is also important. Some of the key vitamins and minerals that a Great Dane needs everyday include magnesium, calcium and about 23 percent protein. Typically, a Great Dane puppy eats about 4 to 5 cups of dog food in one meal, and on an average it eats three to four times a day. An adult Great Dane needs food just once a day and it will eat 7 to 8 cups of dog food.

  1. Feeding Amounts

    • The amount of food your dog eats depends on the size and eating habits. Every dog has a different metabolism rate and it will consume food accordingly. A young dog will eat as much as 12 cups a day. A mature dog that is 3 to 5 years old will eat eight cups a day. An old dog that is 7 to 8 years old will eat 6 cups. However, if your dog is overweight, switch the diet and choose a low-calorie food. Knowing the ideal weight in proportion to the height will help you determine the amount of food your Great Dane needs. The surprising thing about a Great Dane is that despite their food habits, they tend to be slender.

    The Cost

    • The cost of food depends on the brand of food. For any kind of medium-grade dog kibble, the average cost is $20 to $30. If your dog is used to treats, the cost could be slightly higher. An alternative to buying dog food is making the food at home. Home-cooked food is beneficial for the dog and helps to maintain its health. However, the main disadvantage is the size of a Great Dane and the size of the meals you will need to prepare. Storing the food could be an issue.

    Food Quality

    • You can adjust the feeding amounts based on the results you get from a particular brand. Generally, if you feed high-quality food, you feed the dog less because it has more nutrients. On the other hand, if the food quality is average to medium, it is advisable to feed the dog more. Concentrate on making sure that the food has adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. Before buying dog food, check the label carefully to find out the percentage of proteins, vitamins and minerals present in one serving.

    Types of Dog Food

    • There are many dog food brands, such as Eukanuba, Pedigree, Science Diet and Iams, sold in the market. Go for a brand that is low in calcium and magnesium, but high in protein. Veterinarians believe that high levels of calcium and minerals can have detrimental effects on big breeds. A brand that has between 19 percent and 23 percent protein is preferable. Too little protein has an adverse effect on the development of the dog.