Looking for the best dog food for Great Danes?
Great! You’ve come to the right place!
The perfect dog food will not only help keep your furry friend fit and healthy but will also help ward off diseases and prolong his life.
In this Digdoggy.com guide, you’ll learn:
- The top 5 dog foods to buy for Great Danes
- What to consider when buying dog foods for Gentle giants
- Specific ingredients to look out for in dog foods
And much more!
To help you find the best dog food for your amazing furry gentle giant, we have researched and reviewed the five best dog food for Great Danes.
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Best Overall | Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Kibble
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| View on Amazon |
Best Breed Specific  | Best Breed Specific | Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Breed Specific Kibble
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| View on Amazon |
Best for Allergies | Best for Allergies | Hill’s Science Diet Large Dry Dog Food
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| View on Amazon |
Most versailtie  | Most versailtie | Taste of The Wild Roasted Bison and Venison
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| View on Amazon |
Best For Seniors  | Best For Seniors | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Natural Formula
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| View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On February 7, 2022
In case you are in a rush and just want to find out what is the best dog food for a Great Dane breed, kindly note that NUTRO Ultra Dry Dog Food is our top pick.
This high-quality adult dog formula not only features botanical oils for enhanced cognitive function and alertness.
But also has real chicken as its first ingredient, EPA (an omega-3-fatty acid), and glucosamine to promote healthy bones and joints.
The Nutro Ultra dog food is not only produced by a reputable and trusted brand globally in a state-of-the-art facility.
And it’s also free from any harmful ingredients hence safe for your pooch’s health.
Our Top 5 Best Foods For Great Dane
In a hurry? Check out our top 5 Great Dane dog foods! Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.
What are the Different types of dog foods for Great Danes?
There are five major types of dog food, including:
Kibble
Also known as dry dog food, kibble is arguably the most popular and convenient of all dog foods.
The manufacturer simply grinds the ingredients and creates a healthy, solid mix in the shape of pellets.
Kibble is not only easy to store, but also boasts a fairly long lifespan and doesn’t require refrigeration.
What‘s more, many high-quality dry dog foods are formulated by professionals, so you can rest easy knowing that the diet you are feeding your pooch is nutritious and healthy.
Furthermore, kibble helps keep your dog’s teeth healthy, bearing in mind that chewing crunchy dry food significantly reduces tartar buildup.
When selecting particular dry dog food, you should carefully examine the featured ingredients and choose a brand that utilizes wholesome food as its primary ingredient.
Read more: >> What’s the best dog food for German Shepherds?
Wet dog food
Commonly known as canned food, wet dog food can be a viable alternative to dry dog food.
Though relatively costlier, canned dog food is more palatable compared to their dry food counterparts, helping stimulate the appetite of picky eaters.
Canned pet foods feature many of the same ingredients as dry food, though not in similar amounts.
To be more precise, they usually contain higher amounts of fresh poultry, fish, meat as well as animal byproducts, along with more textured proteins derived from plants.
Although canned dog food boasts a long shelf life, you must refrigerate it once you open the container.
And just like dry dog food, the best canned food for your Great Dane depends on his age and any underlying special dietary needs.
Semi-moist
In-between wet and dry dog food is the semi-moist dog food. This particular type of dog food features nearly 65% moisture content.
Due to this, the food is not only fairly easy for most pups to eat, but is also more appetizing for picky eaters.
Even though your Great Dane might love the taste of semi-moist food, it is worth noting that it is not the healthiest option for him.
This is because these dog foods usually feature a very high amount of sugar and salt content. And this means that they can be potentially damaging to your pooch’s gut.
Free-dried
Freeze-dried dog foods are made from real cooked meals which then undergo a special process to eliminate almost all the moisture content.
The end product is light and airy food, which is then packed in air-tight containers for future use.
Dehydrated dog food
Dehydrated dog foods are usually made from raw and natural ingredients that are slightly processed then dehydrated to eliminate the moisture content.
They are safe for your pup since they don’t feature preservatives and also boast nearly all the nutrients you would want your dog to feed on.
Read More: >> What food is best for Dalmatians?
what specific ingredients Should You Look Out for In dog Foods For Great Danes?
Below are a few important ingredients any Great Dane owner will want to keep at his fingertips when choosing the best food:
High-quality protein and fat
An excellent Great Dane food must feature high-quality protein as well as fat content.
And bearing in mind that your gentle giant depends on you for his daily nutrients, you need to ensure his protein and fats are derived from healthy, natural, and reliable ingredients.
Regarding protein, the best sources are real animal meats. Similarly, you must rely on the same sources for the fat ingredient as well.
The best Great Dane diet options are ingredients such as chicken, lamb, venison, and beef.
The recommended protein levels for your furry buddy should ideally range between 23% and 30%.
And while fat is a core ingredient in any quality dog food, you want to ensure your gentle giant stays fit, since extra body weight can create unwanted pressure on his joints and limbs.
In this regard, go for a fat range of between 12% and 18%.
Pack on the probiotics and antioxidant ingredients
In case you didn’t know, Great Danes can be prone to stomach sensitivities and other issues.
So it is a great idea to choose a dog food that is packed with probiotics such as acidophilus, lactobacillus, or lactobacillus casei, among others.
A diet filled with antioxidants is excellent for reducing your pup’s vulnerability to several illnesses since they help boost his immunity while minimizing inflammatory processes.
Vitamins and minerals
Your gentle giant’s diet should also feature essential minerals as well as vitamins because they help enrich the formula while promoting joint and bone health.
In this regard, going for food options with wholesome vegetables on the ingredient list can be a great way to boost your pup’s vitamin requirements.
Read More: >> What is the best dog food for Golden Retrievers?
Our Honest & Unbiased Reviews of The Top Dog Foods for Great Danes
Pick #1 - Best Overall: Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Kibble
The NUTRO brand boasts a long history of producing high-quality pet food since 1926, and the NUTRO Ultra-large breed dry dog food is its typical product.
Featuring the perfect combination of supreme-quality lean protein, healthy oils, rich whole grains, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
This fantastic dog food features a unique and exclusive blend of 15 superfoods to help your pup thrive.
The recipe is made with non-GMO ingredients and crafted with top-notch proteins that pets will love and appreciate, with real chicken as the major ingredient.
Specially crafted with large breed adult pups in mind, the NUTRO has three lean animal-based protein sources, including farm-raised chicken, pasture-fed lamb, and salmon.
As a result, your pooch will have nearly everything at his disposal to build strong and lean muscles.
It is worth noting that the NUTRO Ultra also features naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin, both of which function holistically to offer the building blocks for your pup’s optimal health.
Prepared under the watchful eye of proven dog food experts, the NUTRO Ultra is free from corn, pea, soy, and any other additives or preservatives.
Pros
- Does Not feature any artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.
- Made with high-quality premium ingredients
- Offers a complete and highly balanced nutrition for large breed adult dogs.
Cons
- Specially designed for adult large breed dogs only!
Pick #2 - Best breed Specific: Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Breed Specific Kibble
This breed-specific is an incredible formula that goes beyond the basic requirements of giant dog breeds to address the specific nutritional and health concerns of your Great Dane.
Featuring a 21% protein content derived from chicken, this thoughtfully crafted formula guarantees optimal energy levels for Great Danes aged 24 months and above.
Simply put, the nutrient levels and calories are ideal for adult pups.
The Royal Canin also supports healthy digestion, thanks to its highly digestible proteins and specific fibers that aid digestive health and promote optimal stool quality.
A high-fat content offers a precise combination of DHA and EPA.
These essential omega fatty acids are healthy alternative fat sources that promote brain, coat as well as heart health.
Pros
- Highly digestible proteins and specific fibers to promote digestive health
- Unique kibble shape allows your pup to effortlessly pick up, chew and slowly swallow his food
- Suitable for great danes aged 24 months and above
Cons
- Not recommended for puppy great danes
Pick #3 - Best for Allergies: Hill’s Science Diet Large Dry Dog Food
America’s veterinarians’ recommended brand, Hill’s Science is highly reputable in the pet industry, producing nutrition inspired by science to create differences you can see, feel and trust!
This dog food is a dry kibble that features a plethora of nutrients ranging from glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health.
High levels of protein to keep your pup’s muscles lean and strong as well as omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E for a healthy coat and skin.
It has a protein content of 23% and a fat content of 16.4%, which is fairly close to what veterinarians recommend for Great Danes.
This is ideal for large dogs because of their relatively higher metabolism.
If your Great Dane suffers from either digestive or skin problems, this will be your best choice.
It features ingredients that are designed to tackle your pooch’s skin or digestive issues without causing harsh redness, irritations, or even stomach issues.
Pros
- High protein content for energetic dogs
- Features lots of vitamins and nutrients
- Beneficial for digestive and skin issues
Cons
- Not suitable for either nursing or pregnant pups.
Pick #4 - Most versatile: Taste of The Wild Roasted Bison and Venison
Taste of the Wild dog food is a unique product that features high-quality ingredients for boosting your Great Dane’s overall health and is ideal for both puppies and adults.
Featuring real beef as the very first ingredient along with roasted venison, roasted lamb, and bison, this highly nutritious and delicious meal.
This also includes real peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes to provide your gentle giant with the easily digestible energy he needs to thrive.
This natural recipe has potent antioxidants and vitamins derived from vegetables and fruits to promote overall health.
What’s more, the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support a healthy coat and skin.
Boasting ingredients sourced from trusted and health-conscious sources free from wheat, grain, corn, filler, colors, preservatives, or artificial flavors.
This amazing formula is perfect for your sensitive pooch.
Pros
- Highly nutritious and your furry friend won’t get enough of this precious fresh meal
- Supports a healthy immune system
- Rich in both protein and fiber
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Pick #5 - Best For Seniors: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Natural Formula
Many elderly dogs usually require a well-balanced diet that is lower in calories, but still boasts sufficient fat and protein levels and is also higher in fiber.
If you have a Great Dane that is 6 years or older, then Blue Buffalo Life Protection natural formula is what you need to feed him.
This large breed pet food will supply your lovely pup with specialized ingredients that promote muscle, gut, and immune health.
Formulated with the essential proteins and carbohydrates to help maintain your elderly Great Dane’s energy requirements for a healthy lifestyle.
The Blue Buffalo also features chondroitin and glucosamine to help promote joint health and overall mobility.
A holistic blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants will not only help boost your pet’s immune system health but will also support his life stage needs as well as oxidative balance.
Pros
- Natural dog food with premium ingredients
- Has vital vitamins and minerals that support bone and dental health
- Also features chondroitin and glucosamine for mobility and joint health
Cons
- Specially designed for elderly Great Danes only.
- Can be quite expensive
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is the best dog food for Great Dane puppies?
As already explained, the best dog food for Great Dane pups is one that allows them to grow at the recommended rate;
Not too slow and not too fast and the Taste of The Wild Roasted Bison and Venison is a top-notch option worth feeding your puppy.
It uses natural ingredients, is grain-free, and is also suitable for adult dogs, so you won’t have to switch to another dog food brand once your pup has grown!
What is the best dog food for elderly Great Danes?
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Natural Formula for Large Breed Senior Dogs is dry pet food that features chondroitin and glucosamine to promote joint and bone health.
What’s more, it is made with 80% animal protein and does not contain any artificial color, preservatives, or flavor.
Is a grain-free diet ideal for great danes?
These gentle giants generally thrive on either grain-inclusive or grain-free diets.
Whereas high-quality grains offer a valuable source of energy, grain-free diets can help combat digestive problems.
When should Great Danes switch from puppy food to adult food?
First and foremost, it is worth noting that Great Danes usually continue to grow for an extended period. However, they are generally considered adults at 15 months.
You start offering your Great Dane adult dog food when he is at least two years old.
Our Top Pick: Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Kibble
The Nutro is our ultimate choice because it comes from a reputable brand and brings on board all the ingredients you would want from the highest-grade dog food.
It is an incredible formula filled with natural lean protein sources that are not only safe for your dog’s health but will help him build lean and strong muscles.
It is the perfect meal to reward your gentle giant for his unrivaled love, devotion, and friendship!
Conclusion
Great Danes are among the largest dog breeds around weighing nearly 120Ibs!
Popularly known as gentle giants, they are huge dogs with significant nutritional requirements.
To ensure healthy growth and optimal health, you need to feed your gentle giant a meal that has all the nutrients he needs to thrive.
All the products reviewed in this post are not only safe for your pet’s health but are manufactured by trusted brands.
