Healthy Dog Food for Great Danes

Low Protein

• Great Dane puppies grow quickly, and many breed experts have determined that young Danes should not be fed a diet with more than 25 percent protein. Traditional puppy food contains higher levels of protein to help puppies grow. In large breeds like Great Danes, a high protein diet can lead to physical developmental disorders like hip dysplaysia and wobbler's syndrome. Extra protein can also lead to bloating and gastric torsion, particularly in Great Danes. Adult dogs should not get high protein levels because it is difficult on the animal's kidneys.

  A handful of experts and dog owners believe Great Dane puppies need high protein to help build their rapidly growing muscles and bones properly. Typical puppy food contains at least 30 percent protein, if not more. Those who choose to feed their Dane puppies protein agree that low protein is beneficial to adult dogs.

Quality Ingredients

• The first five ingredients on a bag of dog food can tell a lot about how healthy it is. Dogs are historically meat eaters, and although they still need vegetables, grains and corn are basically fillers that can cause digestive and health problems. The first two or three ingredients in a healthy Great Dane food will be meats like chicken or turkey. Meat by-products are often used in less expensive dog foods, but they are rarely actual meat. Instead they include parts like beaks, feet, hooves or connective tissue. These by-products do not contain the nutrients a dog needs to be healthy. Grains are fairly unavoidable in dry dog foods, but some are of better quality than others. Corn is particularly difficult for dogs to digest, so any ingredient containing the word "corn" should be avoided. High quality dog foods may contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which is particularly beneficial in Great Danes to promote joint health. Because Danes grow so large, healthy joints are important.

Raw Food Diet

• The goal of feeding a dog a raw food diet is to provide the animal with food closest to what his wild ancestors would have eaten, and what wolves eat. Raw diets take effort, preparation and funds, but for some dog owners, the improved health of their dog outweighs any inconvenience. People who prepare raw diets use meats and bones like poultry (chicken or turkey), pork, beef, fish and lamb. Animal parts like necks, gizzards and livers can be used along with the meat and bones. Vegetables are optional, though some Great Danes actually like veggies. Vegetables like carrots, broccoli and green beans can be pureed and added to chopped meat. Other nutritious ingredients include raw egg and egg shell, cottage cheese, olive oil and vitamins C and E.