What Are Great Danes Supposed to Eat?

Originally bred to hunt boar, Great Danes have long legs, square heads and coat patterns of brindle, fawn, harlequin, gray or black. Great Danes average 30 inches at the shoulder and reach heights over 6 feet when standing on their hind legs, but they have a very gentle nature. Because of its size, this breed requires some extra nutrients that smaller breeds do not. Talk to your vet about feeding needs for your Great Dane.

  1. Dry Dog Food

    • Dogs are natural carnivores, so the first ingredient listed on the label of dry dog food should be a meat or meat meal to ensure that your Great Dane gets enough digestible protein. If the first ingredient is wheat or corn, there might not be enough protein in the dog food to meet your Great Dane's nutritional needs.

    Moist Dog Food

    • You can feed your Great Dane moist dog food on its own or as a supplement to add flavor and texture. You also can add special dog-food gravy to moisten dry kibble. However, because Great Danes are susceptible to hip displaysia and wobbling syndrome, your dog should not get more than 25 percent of its diet from protein, or 30 percent for puppies.

    Human Food

    • Great Danes are susceptible to gas and bloating, so when feeding human foods, be cautious and avoid foods that might upset your Danes' stomach. Some Dane owners offer fruits such as oranges and apples, veggies such as carrots and broccoli, as well as cottage cheese and cooked meats along with their Dane's regular diet. However, some owners do not feed a raw diet because of the risk of salmonella; you can talk to your vet for further guidance. Great Danes should not have chocolate, acorns, alcohol and onions; these foods are naturally toxic to dogs and can be fatal.

    Treats

    • Treats are like junk food for dogs: they come in pretty packages and are not meant to be a primary food source because they are nutritionally incomplete. Choose treats that are easy on your Great Dane's digestive tract and low in fat. And when feeding your Great Dane a treat, make sure that he earns it. Interactive play encourages good behavior and builds bonds between you and your pet. You can give your dog dog biscuits, cooked turkey strips and bits of fresh veggies and fruits.

    Supplements

    • Large breed dogs such as Danes often have problems with their joints and arthritis as they age. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are designed to prevent and treat hip and joint discomfort by keeping the joints healthy. Supplements can come in the form of added nutrients, in non-prescription formula and prescription formula or in types of food specially formulated for large breed dogs. Speak to your veterinarian before feeding supplements to your Great Dane to ensure proper dosage amounts.

    Water

    • Great Danes should always have access to fresh clean water in a clean water bowl. Exceptions include prepping for surgery and the use of some kenneling methods that restrict water intake at certain times inside the kennel.