Top 5 Best Dog Foods for Great Danes (2023 Review)

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. 

Great Dane Dog Eating Food with Utensils

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.

ImageProduct
digital-business-prep-table__image
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Kibble
  • A protein-rich formula
  • Sourced from trusted farmers
  • 15 Superfoods, including blueberries, kale, chia, and coconut.
  • A protein-rich formula
  • Sourced from trusted farmers
  • 15 Superfoods, including blueberries, kale, chia, and coconut.
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Breed Specific Kibble
  • Supports healthy digestion
  • Formulated for purebred great danes
  • High energy formula
  • Supports healthy digestion
  • Formulated for purebred great danes
  • High energy formula
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Hill’s Science Diet Large Dry Dog Food
  • No wheat, corn, or soy
  • Promotes your great dane’s joint health with natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine
  • Ideal for large dog breeds
  • No wheat, corn, or soy
  • Promotes your great dane’s joint health with natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine
  • Ideal for large dog breeds
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Taste of The Wild Roasted Bison and Venison
  • Family-owned and made with ingredients sourced from sustainable local and global sources.
  • Formulated without corn, grain, wheat, or artificial flavors.
  • Suitable for both puppies and adult great danes.
  • Family-owned and made with ingredients sourced from sustainable local and global sources.
  • Formulated without corn, grain, wheat, or artificial flavors.
  • Suitable for both puppies and adult great danes.
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Natural Formula
  • High-quality protein sources
  • Ideal for elderly pups
  • Features antioxidant-rich ingredients
  • High-quality protein sources
  • Ideal for elderly pups
  • Features antioxidant-rich ingredients
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.

What's In This Guide?

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.

  1. Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Kibble
  2. Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Breed Specific Kibble
  3. Hill’s Science Diet Large Dry Dog Food
  4. Taste of The Wild Roasted Bison and Venison
  5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Natural Formula

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?

great dane eating with knife and fork from dog bowl

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

Cons

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

Cons

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

Cons

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

Cons

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

Cons

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.

Leon Angus

Leon Angus

Leon Angus is a London, UK-based blogger with a plan to improve the pet industry one post at a time. He is the senior editor at Dig Doggy and oversees every piece of content before publish to ensure the highest quality and most thorough research has been carried out.

Leave a Comment

Learn More About Pet Care

Raising a pup shouldn’t at all be hard. Check out some of these other helpful guides to help you become an even better pet parent! 

Great dane with an aggressive face

Looking for the best shock collar for Great Danes? Great! You’re in the right place.

Read More »
Grey colored Great Dane lying on dog bed

Looking for the best dog bed for Great Danes? Perfect! You’ve come to the right

Read More »
two beautiful grate dane puppies playing with toy

Looking for the best dog toys for Great Danes? Great! You’re in the right place.

Read More »
image of dog food in silver dog food bowl

Looking for the best dog food for German Shepherds? Great! We’ve got you covered. German

Read More »
Leon Angus

Leon Angus

Leon Angus is a London, UK-based blogger with a plan to improve the pet industry one post at a time. He is the senior editor at Dig Doggy and oversees every piece of content before publish to ensure the highest quality and most thorough research has been carried out.

About Dig Doggy

DigDoggy® is a free resource for dog owners, with everything from expert product reviews to trusted pet care advice.

All of our reviews and recommendations are based on unbiased research by our editorial team. Read more about us.

Recently Published Guides