With great size comes great nutritional needs. Great Danes are a gentle dog breed. Underneath their majestic posture is a loving, confident, and highly devoted pooch, making it a great family companion.
The growth rate of these gentle giants is pretty fast and they need the right food to help them develop properly. Nutrition is a very crucial aspect of caring for this dog breed, which is why you always need to feed them with the best dog food Great Danes.
It is important that you carefully consider the food you will feed your Great Dane with. With the numerous brands and products in the market, many pet owners often have a hard time choosing the right dog food for their Great Danes. In this article, we have carefully researched and selected some of the best dog food for Great Danes that many owners of this breed often use.
Contents
- The Best Dry Dog Food for Great Danes Are:
- 1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- 2. Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT Mind Senior, Large Breed Formula — Best for Senior Great Danes
- 3. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Sierra Mountain Premium Dry Dog Food
- 4. Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food, Large Breed
- 5. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food
- Best Dog Food for Great Dane Puppies Are:
- What to Look for in Dog Food for Great Danes
- Conclusion
The Best Dry Dog Food for Great Danes Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food |  Top Pick |
| Check Current Price |
| 2.Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT Mind Senior, Large Breed Formula |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3.Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Sierra Mountain Premium Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 4.Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food, Large Breed |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 5.Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
The top dog food for Great Danes on our list is the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food. This recipe is formulated for large breeds, and it contains all the nutrients that Great Danes need.
The protein content of this food is a whopping 32 percent, which is way over our minimum recommendation of protein for Great Danes. The calorie content per cup is also very high, as it measures 380 kilocalories.
This food is also available in two flavors. It is 100 percent grain-free, making it one of the best dog food for Great Danes with sensitive stomachs and skin. To keep the bones and joints of your dog healthy, this food contains chondroitin and glucosamine.
The two flavors of this dry dog food are chicken and salmon and they both contain animal proteins as the first two ingredients. This protein-rich food helps your Great Dane maintain a healthy weight with lean, strong muscles.
Another reason why many dog owners love this food is its price. It comes with a budget-friendly price tag, making it one of the most affordable options on our list.
It also contains the exclusive LifeSource Bits of Blue, which is a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This food does not contain chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, wheat, soy, corn, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Specs
- Dry
- Adult
- High-protein, grain-free, for large and giant breeds
Pros
- Grain-free formula
- Super rich in protein
- Chondroitin and glucosamine for healthy bone and joints
- All-natural ingredients
Cons
- Both flavors contain chicken
2. Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT Mind Senior, Large Breed Formula — Best for Senior Great Danes
The Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT Mind Dry Dog Food is a great choice for Great Danes. This large breed dog food is formulated for dogs over the age of 7.
Due to the impressive size of Great Danes, their foods need to meet high nutritional standards. The formula of this food includes botanical oils for alertness and a sharp mind. The first ingredient of this food is chicken, which is a great source of protein for your Great Dane.
It also contains EPA (an Omega-3 fatty acid) and glucosamine to promote healthy bones and joints. In addition to that, this food is enriched with vitamins and antioxidants. This food is available in different flavors and sizes.
The protein content of this dry dog for Great Danes is 29 percent, which is appropriate for adult and senior Great Danes, as it helps to support an ideal body condition and maintain lean muscles.
The crude fat is 14 percent while the maximum crude fiber is 5 percent. This is not a grain-free formula as it contains whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, and corn gluten meal.
It also contains brewers rice and poultry by-product meal, which is the major source of glucosamine. All the ingredients used to make this food were carefully selected, and they are ideal for Great Danes.
Specs
- Dry food
- Adults and seniors
- For large and giant breeds
Pros
- Chicken as the first ingredient
- Complete and balanced nutrients for adult and senior Great Danes
- Comes with botanical oils for mental sharpness
- It contains glucosamine for healthy bones and joints.
- Omega-3 fatty acid for healthy skin and coat
Cons
- It contains a by-product meal.
3. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Sierra Mountain Premium Dry Dog Food
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Sierra Mountain Premium Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog food for Great Danes and many Great Dane owners love this food.
The core of this formulation is pasture-raised lamb, making this food an easily digestible treat, which is ideal for giant breeds such as Great Danes. This food also contains the K9 probiotics of Taste of the Wild, and it is specifically designed for dogs to boost their immune system, prevent bloating, and help establish healthier digestion.
This food will help your dog to grow as healthy as it should be, as it contains omega essential fatty acids, selenium, zinc, and other vitamins and minerals. It does not contain joint-friendly nutraceuticals. Nonetheless, the combination of nutrients in this food can help prevent some of the common medical issues associated with Great Danes, such as osteosarcoma, cardiomyopathy, and gastric torsion.
Each cup of this food contains 338 kilocalories, which is great for adult and senior Great Danes. The protein content is 24 percent while the fat content is 15 percent. This food also contains taurine, DHA, and 1 billion CFU probiotics. The first five ingredients of this food include lamb, lamb meal, potatoes, peas, and sweet potatoes.
The ingredients of this large breed formula are from sustainable, trusted sources all over the world. It is completely grain-free, and it contains no filler, wheat, corn, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It is nutrient-rich and highly digestible.
Specs
- Dry food
- Adults, seniors, young adult
- Grain-free
Pros
- Provides support for the immune system
- Provides long-lasting energy
- Perfectly balanced omegas
- A grain-free formula for optimal health and vitality
Cons
- It takes time for some dogs to adjust to this food
4. Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food, Large Breed
Eukanuba is another top brand when it comes to dog foods. The Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food is a breed-specific dog food for Great Danes that are at least 15 months older and weighs more than 55 pounds.
The first major ingredient of this food is real cuts of chicken, and it also contains DHA and vitamin E that help support healthy brain function. This food has a 3D Denta-Defense formula that helps to reduce tartar and keeps the teeth and gum of your dog healthy and strong.
It comes with the right amount of carbohydrates and fats to provide your dog with all the energy it needs to maintain an active lifestyle. The protein content of this food is 29 percent, with a whopping 17 percent of fat. The maximum fiber content is 4.44 percent. Per cup of this dry dog food for Great Danes contains 349 kilocalories.
Furthermore, this large breed food contains micronutrients, chondroitin, and glucosamine that help keep the joints and bones of your dog healthy.
This sufficient protein formula also helps your dog develop and maintain strong, lean muscles. It also contains barley and whole-grain sorghum as constituent carbs. For easy digestion, this food features a perfect blend of natural and prebiotic fiber.
Specs
- Dry food
- Adult
- For large and giant breeds
Pros
- Helps support lean muscles and agile joints
- Promotes an active lifestyle
- Supports healthy brain function
- Protein-rich
- Good for your dog’s gums and teeth
Cons
- It contains wheat and corn
- It contains some by-products
5. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food
The Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food is another great choice for Great Danes. This food is more suited for adult dogs as it contains 25 percent of protein and only 11 percent fat. The major protein sources of this food are salmon and chicken. This food is formulated to keep your Great Dane from gaining too much weight.
It also features a moderate carbohydrate content. This food contains digestible, healthy whole grains, barley, and brown rice. If you have an overweight Great Dane or you just want to keep the weight of your dog in check, this is one of the best dog foods you should consider.
This large breed formula features a great amount of Omega 3 fatty acids from salmon and flaxseed. It does not contain any added salt, making it an ideal option for Great Danes with heart issues.
This recipe also contains adequate amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin, which helps to provide your dog with healthy joints and bones. It also contains a lot of veggies and fruits, which provide your Great Dane with great sources of antioxidants to prevent diseases and support their immune system.
It is made with deboned chicken, chicken meal and whitefish to promote lean muscle development. This food contains 340 kilocalories per cup and 3,400 kilocalories per kilogram, providing your dog with all the energy it needs to remain active.
Specs
- Dry food
- Adult and Senior
- No corn, no wheat, no soy
- For large and giant breeds
Pros
- Ideal for overweight Great Danes
- Great for Great Danes with joint and heart issues
- Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids
- Contains a wide range of veggies and fruit with no added salt
Cons
- Moderate carb content
Best Dog Food for Great Dane Puppies Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Orijen Puppy Large |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 2. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Puppy Dry Dog Food |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Orijen Puppy Large
If you are looking for the best dog food for Great Dane puppies, then the Orijen large breed puppy formula is what you need. This food is formulated to help your puppy grow into a happy, healthy adult. Growing puppies need the best nutrition they can get, which is why this food is on our list of the best dog food for Great Dane puppies.
This food is very rich in protein, as it contains an impressive 38 percent protein to help your dog grow strong and lean. Interestingly, the first 15 ingredients of this food are all animal-sourced. This means you will be feeding your dog with quality animal ingredients. It also contains the perfect amount of calcium for growing puppies.
With all these great ingredients and features, this food is a little high in price. Nevertheless, it is worth the price as it is going to yield a great result in your Great Dane puppy.
This food is made with raw and fresh animal ingredients including organs, meat, cartilage, and bone. This is a completely grain-free diet that is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It is 85 percent meat, 15 percent botanical and vegetable, and 0 percent grain.
With this varied, protein-packed diet, your Great Dane puppy will develop appropriate muscle mass, remain within a healthy weight range, and minimize the stress on their developing joints and bones. It also features WholePrey ingredients in ratios that mirror wild prey.
Specs
- Dry food
- Puppies
- Grain-free, high protein
Pros
- Rich in protein
- Varied protein sourced
- Optimal calcium levels
- Completely grain-free
Cons
- It is a bit expensive
2. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Puppy Dry Dog Food
The second puppy food for Great Danes is the Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition for large breed puppies. This food caters to puppies from 8 weeks to about 15 months, weighing between 56 and 99 pounds.
It is a size-specific puppy food that contains ingredients that match the health and nutritional needs of Great Dane puppies. This food comes in a 35-pound bag, and your puppies are going to feed on it for quite some time. With such a quantity, you will not be returning to the store frequently.
The ingredients and formula of this food are a bit different from the adult version. This food contains at least 28 percent protein. It also contains about 14 percent of fat, which is moderate for Great Dane puppies.
The food also contains 3.5 percent fiber and a maximum value of 10 percent for moisture. It also comes with an exclusive formulation of antioxidants with Vitamin E, which helps in the development of a healthy immune system in Great Dane puppies.
The food does not contain any artificial chemicals and gets its protein from low-fat chicken. Royal Canin promotes digestive health with highly digestive proteins and specific fibers to enhance optimal stool quality. It also comes with chondroitin and glucosamine, which promotes bone and joint health.
Specs
- Dry food
- Puppy
- For large and giant breeds
Pros
- Reduced calcium for puppies
- Supports health and growth
- Prevents dogs from gorging
- Great nutrient profile
Cons
- It contains grains which could cause allergy issues
- It is a bit expensive
What to Look for in Dog Food for Great Danes
Great Danes are a great dog breed that many people love. Unfortunately, these dogs develop several different health issues as they grow old. Some of them deal with musculoskeletal problems. Heart issues are also common among these dogs.
To help you choose the best dog food for your Great Danes, here are some vital ingredients you need to look for in the food:
High-Quality Protein and Count
If you want your dog to remain healthy and strong always, protein should be one of your major points of concentration when buying dog food.
Vegetables and Fruits
You should look for food that contains great sources of fiber that steer away from soy and grains. The food should contain varied veggies and fruits, as they contain a lot of vitamins and minerals for good health and growth.
High-Quality Fat and Count
Professionals recommend about 8 percent fat for Great Dane puppies and 5 percent fat for Great Dane adults. Nevertheless, this is not ideal due to the numerous store-bought dog food today.
Chondroitin and Glucosamine
Chondroitin and glucosamine are two vital ingredients that help to enrich a dog food formula to provide optimal support for healthy joints and bones.
Conclusion
From the products reviewed above, the Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Natural Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food gets the first spot. This is because it made it all-natural ingredients, protein-rich formula, grain-free, and it contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and bones.
