For big dogs like Great Danes, it’s essential to pick top-notch food that suits their dietary requirements.
We’ve researched and tested various dog foods to bring you our top picks for the best dog food for Great Danes.
These dog foods are formulated with high-quality ingredients balanced nutrition, and are designed to support the unique needs of large breed dogs. Read on to find the perfect dog food for your Great Dane.
Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Dry Dog Food, 30 lb bag
Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice if you are looking for dog food specifically formulated for Great Danes.
We strongly suggest this product for adult Great Danes over two years old as it’s specially made for their nutritional needs.
Pros
- The unique kibble shape helps Great Danes easily pick up, chew, and slow their food intake.
- The high-energy formula is tailored to meet Great Danes’ high-energy needs without overloading the stomach.
- The highly digestible proteins and specific fibers aid digestive health and help promote optimal stool quality.
Cons
- The ingredients are mostly corn and chicken by-products, which may not be suitable for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
- The food chunks are big, so they might not fit small-mouthed dogs.
- It is more expensive than some other dog food brands on the market.
We have used Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Dry Dog Food for our Great Dane and found that it helped maintain his weight and kept his energy levels high.
The unique kibble shape helped him eat more slowly, reducing his bloat risk. The highly digestible proteins and specific fibers also helped him maintain healthy digestion and optimal stool quality.
Victor Super Premium Dog Food – Select – Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula
If you’re looking for nutrient-dense dog food for your Great Dane, Victor Super Premium Dog Food – Select – Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The primary protein source is premium-quality beef meal, making it an excellent choice for dogs allergic to select meat proteins.
- This dog food usually suits active dogs of all breed sizes and all life stages.
- The special VPRO Blend helps support a robust immune system, good digestion, and a shiny coat.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the bag may arrive with a slice, causing the kibble to spill into the box.
We’ve been using Victor Super Premium Dog Food – Select – Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula for our Great Dane for several months, and we’ve been delighted with the results. Our dog has a healthy coat and has maintained a healthy weight while on this dog food.
The primary protein source in this nutrient-rich dog food comes from meat sources (77%), plants and veggies (2%), and gluten-free grain sources (21%). This dog food is part of the Select line, formulated to offer specific proteins in various blends.
We love this dog food because it has a special VPRO Blend. This mix has vitamins and minerals that help boost a dog’s immune system and make their skin and coat healthy. It’s great for all dogs, no matter their breed, age, or how active they are.
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
If you want good dog food for your Great Dane’s health, consider Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food.
Pros
- Nutritionally dense crunchy kibble with chicken and brown rice ingredients for whole body health.
- Fortified with glucosamine for solid joints, antioxidants for a robust immune system, vitamins for clear eyes and strong teeth, omega fatty acids for radiant skin and fur, and probiotics and taurine to promote a healthy heart.
- Free from corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-products, wheat gluten, artificial colors, and preservatives.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the kibble is too large for smaller dogs.
- A few customers have reported that their dogs didn’t like the taste of this particular formula.
- A few customers have reported issues with the packaging being damaged during shipping.
We’ve given our Great Dane the Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food for several months. We’re happy with the outcome. His coat looks glossy, and he’s full of energy.
We appreciate that this dog food has all-natural ingredients carefully selected to support your dog’s overall health and well-being. We also understand that it contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or other additives that could harm our dog’s health.
Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food
We strongly suggest Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food for Great Danes. It’s an excellent option for those looking to give their dogs a healthy meal.
Pros
- Provides energy for large breed adult dogs
- Promotes joint health using natural ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin
Supports lean muscle growth in big dogs with top-quality protein.
Cons
- May not be appropriate for dogs with special diet needs.
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- Might cost more than other dog food brands.
We have been using Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food for a few months and have noticed a significant improvement in our Great Dane’s overall health.
The food gives him the energy to stay lively and well. It also has natural ingredients that support his joints. The excellent protein helps big dogs keep solid muscles and a healthy weight.
One of the downsides of this dog food is that it may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary restrictions. Additionally, some dogs may prefer a different taste of the food, which can be a problem for picky eaters.
A possible drawback is that Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food might cost more than other brands.
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dog Food
We highly recommend Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dog Food for Great Danes.
Pros
- Real pasture-raised lamb protein is the #1 ingredient
- Proper nutrient levels needed for large breeds
- Includes species-specific K9 Strain proprietary probiotics
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- It is a bit expensive compared to other brands
- Packaging can be improved
Our Great Dane loves this food, and we have significantly improved his overall health since we started feeding him Diamond Naturals.
The natural pasture-raised lamb protein gives him the energy he needs to thrive, and the vitamins and minerals from superfoods like blueberries and oranges keep his skin and coat healthy.
We also love that it includes species-specific K9 Strain proprietary probiotics, which support healthy digestion, immune system, and overall health and wellness.
One downside is that some dogs may not like the taste, although this is rare. Also, this brand is expensive compared to other brands, but the quality of the ingredients justifies the price.
Finally, the packaging can be improved as we have encountered a few instances where the bag was improperly sealed.
Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Adult Dog Food is a top choice for keeping your Great Dane fit and its joints strong.
Pros
- Made with real chicken as the first ingredient for strong muscles and a healthy heart
- Contains four sources of antioxidants to boost your dog’s immune health
- It has no fake flavors, preservatives, or unnecessary fillers
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste
- A few customers reported that the kibble is too big for smaller dogs
- Some customers noted that the bag is not resealable
We recently switched our Great Dane to Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Adult Dog Food, and we’ve been pleased with the results. Our dog loves the taste and has maintained a healthy weight since we started feeding him this food.
We also appreciate that it contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, and the crunchy kibble helps support strong teeth and healthy gums.
We like this dog food because it has four ingredients that boost a dog’s immunity. Knowing our Great Dane is eating something good for his health is excellent.
While most dogs seem to love the taste of this food, we did come across a few reviews from customers whose dogs didn’t like it.
Additionally, some customers noted that the kibble is quite large, which may concern smaller dogs. Finally, a few customers mentioned that the bag needs to be resealable, which can be inconvenient for storage.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food
We highly recommend the Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food for Great Danes due to its high-quality ingredients and added vitamins and minerals that help support a healthy mind, body, and energy level.
Pros
- It contains natural beef, peas, and brown rice, making it a delicious and nutritious meal for Great Danes.
- Includes Nutrish’s Whole Health Blend that helps support a healthy mind, body, and energy level.
- Some of the profits from selling this item will go to The Rachael Ray Foundation to assist distressed animals.
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste of the beef, pea, and brown rice recipe.
- The 40-pound bag may be too heavy for some pet owners to carry.
- The product might not be a good fit for dogs with special food requirements.
Our Great Dane loved the taste of the Rachael Ray Nutrish Premium Natural Dry Dog Food. We were pleased that the recipe included natural beef, peas, and brown rice, all high-quality ingredients that benefit our dog’s health.
We also appreciated that the product included Nutrish’s Whole Health Blend, which helped support our dog’s overall well-being.
The only downside we noticed was that some dogs may not like the taste of the beef, pea, and brown rice recipe. Additionally, the 40-pound bag may need to be lighter for some pet owners to carry. Lastly, the product may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best dog food for Great Danes, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your dog gets the nutrition they need. Here are some key features to look for when selecting a dog food:
Protein
Great Danes are big dogs that need lots of protein to keep their muscles strong. Choose protein-rich dog foods, especially from meats like chicken, beef, or fish. It’s best to steer clear of foods with mostly plant proteins since they might not give your dog all the essential nutrients.
Fat
Fat is another critical component of a Great Dane’s diet, as it provides energy and helps to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Look for moderate-fat dog foods from healthy sources like chicken fat or fish oil.
Carbohydrates
Great Danes need protein, fat, and carbs for energy and digestion. It’s best to choose dog foods with whole grains, such as brown rice or barley, healthier than white rice or corn.
Vitamins and Minerals
Choose dog foods rich in fruits and vegetables to keep Great Danes healthy. These offer vital nutrients such as vitamins C and A and antioxidants.
Avoid Fillers and Artificial Ingredients
Finally, choose dog foods without fillers, such as corn, wheat, or soy, since they might be hard for dogs to process and lack nutrition. Also, pick foods without artificial additives like preservatives, colors, and flavors to keep your dog healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recommended protein and fat levels for Great Danes in their food?
Great Danes require a diet high in protein and fat to support their large size and active lifestyle. The recommended protein content for Great Danes is between 23% to 26%, while the fat content should be around 12% to 18%.
What are some excellent options for wet dog food for Great Danes?
Some good options for wet dog food for Great Danes include Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley Entrée, Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables, and Royal Canin Great Dane Adult Loaf in Sauce.
What is the best food for Great Danes with sensitive stomachs?
Great Danes with sensitive stomachs may benefit from a limited-ingredient diet that is easy to digest. Some good options for Great Danes with sensitive stomachs include Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula, Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Turkey & Potato Recipe, and Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Potato Formula.
Is Blue Buffalo a good option for Great Danes?
Blue Buffalo is a well-known brand that provides a range of dog food choices for Great Danes. They use top-notch ingredients and avoid artificial additives. But remember, Blue Buffalo might not suit every dog. Always talk to a vet before switching your dog’s food.
Is Purina Pro Plan a good choice for Great Danes?
Purina Pro Plan is a famous brand that provides exceptional dog food for Great Danes. They use top-notch ingredients to cater to the needs of big dogs like Great Danes. Many owners of these dogs praise the brand. However, always talk to a vet before switching your dog’s food.
Is Royal Canin a recommended brand for Great Danes?
Royal Canin provides a range of dog food specially designed for Great Danes. They use top-notch ingredients to cater to the dietary needs of big dogs like Great Danes. Many who own Great Danes recommend Royal Canin but always check with a vet before switching your dog’s food.
