Great Dane puppies will begin eating dog-food at about 6 weeks of age, and won’t be considered adult dogs until they are almost 3 years old. That’s a lot of puppy feeding! In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to feed your Great Dane puppy. Welcome to the Big Dog Den, I’m glad you’re here!
In this article you’ll discover:
- How Much You Can Expect Your Great Dane Puppy to Eat
- What Nutritional and Caloric Content Great Dane Puppies Need
- What Food is Best for Great Dane Puppies
- How to Switch Your Great Dane’s Food
- What to Look for on Dog-Food Labels
- What to do if Your Great Dane Gains too Much Weight
…And so much more! I’ll even include a helpful age by age guide, and some interesting facts you may not have known!
The information contained in this article is the most accurate and up-to-date, all presented here, in one convenient location. I’ve gathered all the pertinent facts from reliable sources such as:
- The American Kennel Club
- The American Veterinary Medical Association
- The Great Dane Club of America
- Owners of Great Dane Dogs
We’ve got a lot to “chew on” today so let’s get started!
DID YOU KNOW? Before dog food was commercially prepared somewhere around 1860, dogs ate the following things:
- Bone Knuckles
- Cabbage
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Bread Crusts
- Meat Scraps
- Goat’s Milk
- Broth
- Eggs
I found that interesting, thought you might too. I have to point out, though, that we’ve since discovered onions are bad for dogs, even lethal! And of course, cabbage produces gas, lots of gas! LOL!
What to Feed Your Great Dane Puppy
Find out what your puppy is currently eating when you pick him (or her) up from the rescue shelter, breeder, or pet store. Responsible breeders and pet stores will ideally already be using a food specifically designed for Large Breed Puppies, and that’s the food you should begin feeding your Great Dane puppy.
It can be dry kibble or canned wet food. If you want to use a different brand or style than the puppy is currently being fed, you must gradually switch it out (which we will also cover today) to ensure your brand new puppy doesn’t end up with a very big tummy ache! The new food also should be formulated for large breed puppies.
Don’t Forget! Ask about the puppy’s current feeding schedule before taking him (or her) home!
The Best Food for Great Dane Puppies
With a growth rate that is astounding, NUTRITION should be your top priority in Puppy food! Great Dane pups who don’t get the right balance of nutrients are at risk of developing serious bone/joint problems as they grow.
Additionally, the odds of cancer multiply where malnutrition exists. Whether you opt for dry kibble, wet food, homemade dog food, or a raw diet for your four-legged best friend (all of which will be covered here today) you’ll want to be sure the food meets these nutritional requirements:
- Protein – between 23 and 25%
- Fat – between 12 and 15%
- Calcium – between 1.2 and 1.5%
Calories– Most days your Great Dane puppy will need 800-1000 calories. This will increase to almost 3000 calories throughout adolescence (a Great Dane’s most active stage of life) and level off to about 2500 calories daily in adulthood.
The rapid growth and development of Great Dane puppies are what make the puppy food he (or she) eats so important. A diet that is lacking in quality nutrition or is too calorie-dense (or not dense enough) can cause problems, as can feeding puppies too much food or adding unnecessary supplements.
Rule of Thumb: Your puppy’s appetite will vary. This is nothing to worry about unless your pup skips eating for more than 2 days. Natural instincts will not allow a healthy puppy to starve himself! Although a finicky eater may not be eating as much as you would like, he (or she) will eat enough to get by.
See study Growth and skeletal development in Great Dane pups. By the Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Switching Your Great Dane’s Food
There are a plethora of reasons you may want to switch the food your Great Dane puppy is currently eating. Whether you are combating food allergies (yes, dogs get them, too) have found a more nutrition-packed brand, or just want your puppy to become accustomed to dog-food varieties, the key to a successful food switch at ANY AGE is to make the switch GRADUAL!
Follow This Simple Procedure to Switch Dog-Food in One Week:
- For two days, mix 75% old food with 25% new food
- For two days, mix old and new foods 50% and 50%
- For two days, mix 25% old food with 75% new food.
- Day 7 will be 100% new food
Rule of Thumb: You’ll want to feed your Puppy between two and three percent of his expected adult weight.
How Much Food do Great Dane Puppies Need?
Most reputable breeders and pet shops won’t sell you a Great Dane puppy until he (or she) is 12 weeks old. This is ideal. At this point, the puppy will eat between 4-8 cups a food daily, but that amount will grow as quickly as your puppy!
Let’s take a look at how the amount of food will gradually increase until it levels off in adulthood, where you can expect a Great Dane to eat from 6-10 cups of food daily. That can be as much as 5 pounds (over 2kg) of dog-food daily! Before we get into our age by age guide, there are a few points we should cover:
- All amounts of food are averages and female Great Danes typically eat less than males.
- Your Great Dane’s appetite will fluctuate and can be affected by activity and growth levels, the weather, or even stress.
- Over-feeding a Great Dane can be as bad as underfeeding him (or her)! Obesity may cause or worsen joint problems, promote metabolic and digestive disorders, and cause or worsen back pain. Additionally, obesity increases the risk of heart disease.
- Breaking your Great Dane’s daily food intake into 2 or more servings is recommended. By eating at least twice a day, your dog’s hormone and energy levels will be more balanced throughout the day. Three times a day would be ideal if you can schedule it.
Feeding Your Great Dane Puppy by Age:
Weaning-3 Months Old: Although you usually won’t get a Great Dane puppy before he (or she) is 3 months old, there are circumstances where it could happen. For that reason, I’m including this age category in our helpful guide.
Great Dane puppies can begin eating food between 6 and 8 weeks of age. The food should be wet (canned or soaked kibble) to not interfere with the soon-to-begin teething process.
Begin with 2 cups daily for about a week. Be sure to break it down into at least 3 servings while the puppy’s body adjusts to the solid food. After about a week, offer 2-4 cups daily.
3-6 Months Old: A Great Dane puppy grows at an astounding rate! With this growth comes a higher caloric need. Offer your puppy between 3-8 cups daily, still divided into at least 3 servings. Dry kibble can be offered at this point if it’s your preference, just be sure to follow the easy steps for switching dog-foods above.
6-12 Months Old: By now you should have a feeding routine established and through observation, a corresponding potty schedule. Established routines are beneficial and go hand-in-hand with training. By now a Great Dane puppy will be eating from 5-10 cups of dog-food daily.
From the time you place a food bowl in front of your Great Dane puppy, you should familiarize him (or her) with the concept that you will be touching the food bowl. You do not want a dog that will grow up to weigh more than most adults to be snappy about humans handling the dog-food bowl.
If your Great Dane shows any sign of aggression while eating or begins “guarding” the food bowl, remove the bowl and offer it again in a few minutes.
Removing an object or the dog from a situation in which he (or she) is misbehaving will clearly and concisely demonstrate to the dog that bad behavior isn’t acceptable. More than anything, your dog wants to please you! A dog as smart as a Great Dane will quickly figure out how to do just that.
Rule of Thumb: Removing the dog-food bowl after ten minutes is recommended, rather than “free feeding” your Great Dane. Specific and measured feedings make it easier to track your dog’s caloric intake, keeping the risk of obesity low.
See study Growth and skeletal development in Great Dane pups. By the Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Feeding Adolescent Great Danes
From age 1 to about 2 and 1/2 a Great Dane is considered an adolescent, and will eat more than at any other time of his (or her) life! This means up to 8 cups of food daily for females and as much as 15 cups a day for males.
Your Great Dane will look lanky and might even be a little clumsy during this adolescent period in his (or her) life. Incidentally, a Great Dane will also be more active during this time than at any other time of life.
If you haven’t signed your Great Dane up for obedience classes before his (or her) 6th month of life, do not delay any longer! If you have the time to dedicate to it, you can train your dog yourself, but it is highly recommended you enlist professional training. Again, good behavior is imperative for dogs that are considered giants!
Switching to Adult Dog Food
A Great Dane will be considered an adult just before their third year of life. Male Great Danes will have grown to be between 30 and 34 inches (76-86cm) tall and will weigh from 120-200 pounds (54-91kg). Females will be from 28-32 inches (71-81cm) tall and can weigh between 100 and 130 pounds (45-59kg).
Follow the helpful chart we went over earlier in this article to switch your Great Dane puppy from puppy-food to adult dog-food specially formulated for large breed dogs. On average, an adult female will eat from 6-8 cups of food a day, and males will eat from 8-10 cups. This will be approximately 2500 calories at the higher end of the scale. If possible, feed your adult dog twice daily.
Remember! Although your Great Dane needs only be fed a few times a day, he (or she) should always have access to clean water. However, it’s perfectly acceptable to remove the water bowl 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime. Just don’t forget to replace it in the morning!
The Importance of Large Breed Dog-Food for Your Great Dane
Dog-food formulated for large breeds provides nutrients formulated for dogs that will weigh more than 50 pounds(22.6kg). This food will contain ingredients like Glucosamine to support healthy joints. Joint issues are painful for your dog and often occur in larger, heavier adult dog breeds as they age. Some large breed dog foods also contain fiber blends and prebiotics that aid in digestion. (Source)
Additionally, puppy-food formulated for large breed dogs has ingredients to help regulate growth, allowing muscles, tendons, bones, and joints to grow at a more balanced pace.
Large breed dogs like Great Danes will not die from eating “regular” dog food, but he (or she) will certainly benefit from the supplements added to large breed dog food formulas!
Understanding Dog-Food Labels
We’ve discovered how a dog-food formulated for large breed dogs is beneficial, now we’ll go over how all dog-foods are NOT created equal. I don’t advocate one brand over another. However, I will compare two labels here today. One, an example of quality, and the other, a sample of food that is unsound, nutritionally.
Here is a high-quality dog-food label:
The ingredients of a dog-food are listed by the highest content to lowest. See how deboned chicken is the primary ingredient in that dog-food? Now, look at this label:
Corn is the primary ingredient. Corn for a carnivore? Hmmm! And what the heck is by-product meal??!!?? I’ll tell you!
It begins with animal by-products…After all the parts humans eat are removed after slaughter, it’s all the scraps and junk leftover. These scraps are not considered edible (but it’s fed to our pets). Some of these parts are…
- head
- brain
- lungs
- liver
- spleen
- kidney
- stomach
- intestines
- feet
- beak
- undeveloped eggs
Some of the organ meats are edible and sold or used to make hot dogs, bologna, or sausage. So, why are some of these by-products edible and some not? The problem is…how these products are handled after slaughter. Here’s an example using giblets:
If giblets are not refrigerated after slaughter, they cannot be sold for human consumption. They could be stored for up to 24 hours in a hot container. But, manufacturers can still legally use them to make your pet’s food. (Source)
It is said we are what we eat. It’s no less true for our pets! Dog-food is NOT the place to cut corners on a budget. A Great Dane puppy (and adult!) needs the following things in the following order:
- A Single-Source of Protein
- Whole (not refined) Carbohydrates
- Healthy Fat
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Supplements to Promote Good Joint Health
As with human diets, the closer the food to natural the better. Keep this in mind when perusing dog-food labels.
Healthy Snacks for Great Danes
If your Great Dane acts hungry between meals and is already receiving the ideal amount of calories daily, it’s perfectly fine to add treats to his (or her) feeding regime. The unfortunate thing is that pre-packaged dog treats really aren’t that good! They’re laden with chemicals, fillers, and useless (and high!) calories.
Rather, feed your Great Dane fruits and vegetables for treats, rewards, or snacks. With healthy treats like the ones listed below, you can be your dog’s “hero” without worrying too much about extra weight creeping up.
Healthy treats for Great Danes include:
- Carrots
- Green Beans
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Sweet Potatoes
- Bananas
- Pumpkin
- Cantaloupe
- Zucchini
- Pineapple
Rule of Thumb: If you opt to give your Great Dane a bone, NEVER give him one that’s been cooked, it is NOT SAFE!
Great Danes and Food Allergies
Dogs can be susceptible to food allergies. Some are mild and some quite severe. The outward signs may be subtle, but they will be present! Your dog may throw up after eating, have diarrhea, be constipated, or fail to gain weight on a consistent basis. The term veterinarians give this condition is “Failure to Thrive”.
Food allergies may manifest as skin problems, a dull coat, and evidence of lethargy. And GAS (oh, the gas!) Trust your gut on this!
If your Great Dane is eating well, but you have that nagging suspicion that “something’s wrong” a food allergy might be the culprit! The most common things in foods that might trigger an allergy in your four-legged best friend are:
- Corn
- Soy
- Wheat
- Yeast
- Spices
Ask your Great Dane’s veterinarian which food he (or she) recommends if your dog has been diagnosed with food allergies. Alternatively, you can offer your dog a food that is free of wheat, or made from turkey or salmon instead of from beef.
Feeding Hacks for Over-Weight Great Danes
Your Great Dane should be svelte, without being emaciated. You should see his (or her) rib cage and a definite taper at the waist. Like our own weight issues, these extra pounds can sneak up quickly!
If you’re concerned that your Great Dane is packing on too many pounds, the first thing you’ll want to do is a complete review of his nutritional caloric intake. Don’t forget to count the treats and human food you slip your dog because it’s hard to say “no” to those soulful puppy-dog eyes! Empty calories are as bad for your dog’s health as they are for yours. Be sure everything your great Dane eats is aimed towards good nutrition rather than fillers and by-products.
Additionally, make sure you are encouraging (but not pushing) exercise. Great Dane puppies will play for about an hour a day, thus getting their exercise naturally. During adolescence, 90 minutes of exercise is the norm. Remember though that during adolescence, your Great Dane’s bones, muscles, and joints are developing. For this reason, you should not be jogging with your puppy.
Above diet and exercise, here are some other ways to help your Great Dane that is struggling with weight issues:
- Increase the time you spend playing with your dog to burn off some extra calories. Games like frisbee and fetch burn a lot of calories and energy! As an added bonus, playtime strengthens the bond you share with your dog. win-win!
- Try replacing one cup of dog-food at meal-time with one cup of green beans. The green beans will help your dog feel full while taking in fewer calories.
- Investigate a dog-food formulated for overweight dogs but make sure the label contains all the important nutrients we’ve discussed here today.
- Ditch pre-packaged treats and give your Great Dane the treats mentioned here today.
- Consider letting your dog gnaw on big, knuckle-y bones from the butcher. Bones help occupy your Great Dane, satisfy the dog’s need to chew, stave off boredom, and even hunger! For safety’s sake, before you opt for bones, please read, “Can Big Dogs Eat Chicken Bones?” right here in the Big Dog Den.
Important Reminder! Your Great Dane may be as big as a pony, but never let children ride on him (or her)! This puts too much weight on the dog’s joints and can cause hip dysplasia in adult dogs.
FAQs
Why Does My Great Dane Eat Socks?
You may wonder if your Great Dane is eating things like socks, slippers, or other things that shouldn’t be eaten because he (or she) is hungry and not getting enough to eat. I assure you, this very rarely the case!
Your Great Dane might be chewing on inappropriate things for any of the following reasons:
- Inadequate Designated Chew Toys (Because all dogs need to chew)
- Boredom (Because dogs need mental stimulation, too)
- Inconsistent Training (Because dogs can get confused about what’s permissible to chew on and what’s not.)
- Stress (Because dogs are affected by life changes, too.)
Discover what you can do about your great Dane eating inappropriate things right here in this article.
Can Great Dane Puppies Eat Home-Made Food?
There is absolutely nothing wrong with making your Great Dane’s food yourself! What would be wrong about it is not doing your research first! Make sure your recipe will include all nutrition your four-legged buddy requires and that the caloric content is correct. If you opt for homemade food, you may want to consider adding a calcium source or supplement to promote strong bones and teeth and feeding your dog a supplement that supports healthy joints.
A typical recipe should break down like this:
- 40% of calories from Protein – animal meat, seafood, eggs or dairy
- 10% from Carbohydrates – grains and beans
- 50% from Vegetables (carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, etc)
- Fat – from oil or meat
- Calcium – like crushed or powdered eggshells; a supplement
- Fatty acids – like cooked egg yolks, oatmeal, plant oils, and other foods
This recipe from “The Canine Journal” is a great one to try!
Beef Stew, Doggie Style
Ingredients
- 1 pound of beef stew meat
- 1 small sweet potato
- 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup of green beans, diced
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of water or organic vegetable or olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for frying
Total: Makes approx 4 cups (or 32 fluid ounces)
Directions
- Cook the sweet potato in a microwave for 5 to 8 minutes until firm but tender. Set aside.
- Slice the stew pieces into smaller chunks, about the size of a nickel.
- Cook the stew pieces in a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until well-done.
- Remove the beef chunks from the pan, reserving the drippings.
- Dice the sweet potato.
- Heat the drippings over medium-low heat. Slowly add flour and water into the dripping while whisking to create a thick gravy.
- Add the meat, sweet potato, carrots, and green beans into the gravy and stir to coat.
- Cook until the carrots are tender – about 10 minutes.
- Serve cool.
- Store remaining stew in the fridge for up to five days.
Should I Feed my Great Dane a Raw Diet?
A raw dog food diet emphasizes raw meat, whole or crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, raw eggs, and some dairy. It is sometimes called the BARF diet for dogs, which stands for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.
The risk involved involves the bacteria that live in raw meats and eggs. Dogs are susceptible to salmonella, just like humans are.
Supporters of the diet claim the condition of their dog’s coat and skin improves, as well as their energy levels. This has not been scientifically backed up, and most veterinarians do NOT recommend the diet.
Of course, the choice is yours to make!
Whether you opt for Dry Kibble, Wet Food, Homemade Dog Food, or a BARF diet, nutrition is your primary concern!
Rule of Thumb: The quality of your Great Dane’s health is largely dependent on the quality of his food!
I hope the information I presented today was valuable to you. I sure value your time and try to cram as much knowledge into every article as possible! After all, the more we know, the healthier our dogs will be. A healthy dog is a happy dog and a happy dog makes a great best friend! We’re always gathering new information pertaining to Great Danes, so don’t forget to utilize the search bar here in the Big Dog Den! I wish you and your Great Dane good health!
*This article was reviewed in accordance to our editorial policy
STUDY: Growth and skeletal development in Great Dane pups PMID: 1941203
Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
