Day: June 29, 2022

  • The Best Prong Collar for a Great Dane: Everything You Need to Know

    The Best Prong Collar for a Great Dane: Everything You Need to Know

    If you’re the proud owner of a Great Dane, you know that they can be a handful on a leash, especially if you don’t work on obedience training with them! Today we’re talking about how to find and choose the best prong collar for a Great Dane.

    These can be a great tool to help train and control your Great Dane, and no, it’s not abusive to use one!

    In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about prong collars for Great Danes.

    What is the Best Prong Collar for a Great Dane?

    712hzL0nWwL. AC SL1500
    A Herm Sprenger Prong Collar – see it on Amazon

    All About this European Brand

    We only recommend the Herm Sprenger prong dog collars, from Germany, for Great Danes because they have been designed correctly to be used as a pressure tool, NOT a poking and stabbing tool.

    The ends of each prong must be rounded, not sharp. Sharp pointy ends are a sign that you’ve purchased a knock-off or cheap collar, and those can and do hurt your dog.

    Herm Sprenger has been around since 1892, and they’re still the best on the market.

    Training Mistakes

    Best Training Treats for Great Dane Puppies

    Why is Leash Training so Hard?

    What is Balanced Training?

    The Best Prong Collar for a Great Dane

    Sizing a Prong Collar for a Great Dane

    The training collar comes in sizes 18″-26″. The size you need will depend on the circumference of your dog’s neck.

    To find out what size your Great Dane needs, measure their neck where the collar will be placed (high and tight behind the ears) and then add 2″.

    Order the size that most closely matches this measurement, and then remove or add links as necessary to achieve a perfect fit.

    You will notice that they also come in different widths, from 2.25mm to 4.0mm.

    www.leerburg.com, one of the most reliable sources of balanced dog training gear, would size most Great Danes into a 3.0-4.0 Large or Extra Large training collar.

    Or choose the smaller 2.25mm size and add several additional links to fit.

    https://leerburg.com/fit-prong.htm

    IMG 3997

    Prong Dog Collars from the Pet Store

    A prong-type collar from the pet store may harm your dog by poking and stabbing them.

    This is what gives these training tools such a bad name! Many dog owners have been misled to believe that you should never use a prong dog collar for a Great Dane because it is somehow abusive, and this is why.

    The pet store versions and bargain options on Amazon are usually made of cheap materials that may wear quickly and break. If you’ve ever heard of people losing their dog because the prong collar broke, this is why!

    If you’re going to use a prong collar on your dog, it’s important to get one that is high quality and will not hurt them.

    How to Stop a Great Dane from Jumping Up

    How to Teach a Great Dane to Walk on Leash

    Is the Gentle Leader an Abusive Tool?

    IMG 4020
    A Mantle Great Dane

    Starmark Training Collar vs. Prong

    The Starmark training collar is essentially a version of prong-style collars that are made of plastic. It has plastic nubs that are blunt, not sharp.

    The Starmark is a good option for those who are opposed to using a pinch collar on their dog but still want the benefits of a training collar.

    We don’t recommend them, however, for dog parents who have dogs that pull and lunge wildly, as the plastic parts may not hold up to that.

    How do Prong Dog Collars Work?

    They work by placing pressure evenly around the neck when your dog pulls. This is different than a traditional collar, where the pressure from pulling and lunging goes straight into the trachea at the front of the throat.

    A properly fitted prong should only tighten enough to cause discomfort, not pain. While the spikes look scary and painful, they are not meant to stab or poke!

    We believe that these, and the modern E-Collar, are some of the best Great Dane collars and training tools available.

    What is an E Collar?

    What is the Difference Between an E Collar and a Shock Collar?

    9 Reasons to E Collar Train Your Great Dane Puppy

    290143823 724780665444143 8842893925371298490 n

    When & Why to Use a Prong Dog Collar

    A correctly used prong is actually one of the most humane and effective tools you can use to train your dog.

    One of the key benefits is that they are so effective at stopping pulling that your dog will no longer injure themselves or cause pain and damage to their trachea, neck, spine, shoulders, or chest.

    A prong training collar is effective at accomplishing this, without being needlessly harsh, painful, or frustrating to your giant breed dog.

    We recommend using this tool for your Great Dane when:

    • Your dog is able to do basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stay, and ‘look at me’ in a low distraction environment
    • Your dog knows how to learn and is enthusiastic about training with you
    • You have watched several videos on Youtube about “How to Introduce a Herm Sprenger Prong Collar“, and have a basic understanding of the method and how the collar works
    • You yourself are calm and not frustrated with your dog
    IMG 3846

    How to Fit a Prong on a Great Dane

    The correct fit of training collars on your Great Dane is key. Great Danes have short fur, so it can be tricky to get the fit right.

    The collar should sit high on the neck, right behind their ears.

    It should be snug enough that it can’t slide over the dog’s head or off to the side, but not so tight that it is choking them.

    You should be able to put a finger or two under the collar, while still having it snug enough that it doesn’t slide around.

    You can add or remove links to your prong collar as needed to achieve this fit on your Great Dane.

    It is important that you add and remove links in groups of two; one on each side of the trachea plate, so that the plate can still sit squarely at the front of the neck.

    The chain loop and leash attachment point should be at the back of neck, right behind the ears.

    An incorrectly fit prong will be painful, damaging and frustrating to your dog. It is the incorrect use of these collars that have led to animal rights groups lobbying to make them illegal. Do not contribute to this problem.

    Great Dane: Puppy vs. Adult Food

    What Foods Help a Dog’s Upset Stomach?

    A Tasty Top: The Top 11 Foods to Feed a Great Dane

    Should I Feed My Great Dane Grain Free?

    fit prong

    When NOT to use a Prong Collar

    We do not recommend using this tool:

    – on Great Dane puppies under the age of six months

    – with Great Danes who are not adequately trained in basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, etc.

    – on a dog or Great Dane puppy who is injured or recovering from an injury

    -with Great Danes that are showing extreme fear and aggression that is not being first evaluated by a highly qualified dog trainer or credentialed behaviorist

    Additionally, we do not recommend using this tool on your Great Dane if you:

    -have an aggressive dog and are hoping to get them ‘in control’ by shutting them down with harsh corrections

    -don’t have a basic understanding of how to use reinforcement to reward and teach behaviors

    -aren’t willing to put the time into proper conditioning

    -plan to use it to force a timid or fearful Great Dane into public interaction

    61ULHfq1gmL. AC SL1000
    Purchase a Herm Sprenger Dog Training Collar

    Positive Reinforcement + Pressure

    Positive reinforcement (R+) is the basis for all good dog training.

    You will use R+ to teach your dog to politely walk next to you (see the leash training 101 section, below).

    With a combination of positive rewards (YES!) and pressure (NO!), your Great Dane will quickly learn not to pull or lunge on the leash.

    R+ means to give your dog something they want (usually a treat) when they do something you want.

    For example, if you are teaching your dog to ‘sit’, you will give them a treat when they sit. In this case, you will ask your dog to ‘heel’ and give them a treat for walking next to you.

    The pressure part of this equation is the prong collar. It works by applying pressure to the neck when the dog pulls.

    When they move towards you or stop pulling, the pressure immediately stops.

    This will give your dog a “lightbulb” moment! The dog is in control of both the reward AND the pressure, it’s their choice. That’s what makes this one of the best training collar options available.

    The pressure, when released, reinforces (increases) the behavior of removing tension on the leash.

    When you make the choice of not pulling more valuable, and the choice of pulling less valuable, you effectively balance your training for your Great Dane.

    Day Pouch Treat Bag Review

    9 Tips to Having a Trained Great Dane with Balanced Training

    How to Help a Bored Great Dane

    R Positive Reinforcement

    No-Pull Training Tools Overview

    Here are some common and popular no-pull training tools. It’s important to keep in mind that there is no such thing as ‘positive’ training collars.

    All tools, even harnesses, will rely on pressure, restrictions and force in some way. The difference is in how that pressure and force is applied.

    When it comes to giant breed dogs, additional considerations are at play. Because Great Danes are prone to orthopedic problems, it’s important to find a tool that uses the least amount of restriction and force.

    While the prong may look like a tool of pain and force, it’s surprisingly simple, elegant and gentle compared to the alternatives. We will dig into this more below.

    Prong Collar

    The Prong works by applying pressure evenly around the neck when your dog pulls. The collar should only tighten enough to cause annoyance, not pain. A flat collar will tighten and cause pain, but most dogs will ignore it even though it’s damaging. That’s where this tool is different.

    This annoyance can be used to communicate ‘NO’ while you simultaneously reward YES using rewards.

    Most dogs are incredibly responsive to the communication from a prong and learn very quickly that pulling and lunging is not an option.

    Unlike other tools, a minimal amount of force is used.

    5 Leash Training Tips

    Puppy Training: 5 Mistakes in Training

    What is Balanced Training?

    289671795 5139646092787896 7256031267827805151 n

    Head Collar

    The head collar (AKA the “Gentle Leader” or “Halti Head Harness”) is a type of training collar that wraps around your dog’s muzzle.

    Many people consider the head collar to be a “positive” and dog friendly tool, however, most Great Dane dogs find them extremely aversive and will paw, whine and scratch to get them off.

    Additionally, because of how they are designed and how they work, head collars increase the risk of damage to the head, eyes, neck and sensitive facial nerves.

    For some dogs and owners who are diligent about training, conditioning and appropriate use, they can be ok but for most people with giant breed dogs, we don’t recommend them.

    Is the Gentle Leader an Abusive Tool?

    Gentle Leader vs. Prong Collar: The Ultimate Match-Up

    Gentle LeaderProng Collar
    Aversive to wear, no matter the fitNon-aversive to wear with correct fit
    Requires conditioning for wearing & usingRequires training for using, not wearing
    Looks ‘Gentle’ and seems positiveLooks scary and painful, but is misunderstood
    InexpensiveSpendy
    Can damage nerves, eyes, neck, and spine when used normallyCan only cause damage to the skin if used abusively or incorrectly
    May cause sores on the bridge of the noseDoes not cause skin sores or abrasions
    People rarely judge this tool People are often judgmental
    May exacerbate underlying health problemsUnlikely to cause orthopedic damage
    Dangerous for dogs with orthopedic issues, especially wobblers An alternative choice for dogs who should not be pulling into a harness or collar for any reason
    Negative body language is seen with normal ‘positive’ useNegative body language is seen with harsh and incorrect use
    Effective at reducing pullingEffective at reducing pulling

    E-Collar

    The E-Collar is different than a shock collar, and can be used to teach better leash skills both off and on leash.

    E-collars are also known as “remote trainers” or “stimulation collars” and use a form of virtual pressure that replaces the sensation delivered through a leash. They are extremely gentle because they rely on absolutely no physical pressure at all. For this reason, they cannot physically harm your dog in any way.

    We recommend the use of modern E-Collars for off-leash training, which will translate to better on-leash skills, too.

    206556187 2641273806167654 399443737522461690 n

    Front Clip Harness

    The front clip harness (AKA the “Easy-Walk Harness” or “Freedom No-Pull”) works by restricting natural movement and applying pressure to the chest, shoulders and torso instead of the throat.

    They can be an appropriate short-term solution for dogs with a minor pulling problem, but should not be used long term or relied upon.

    Unlike other training tools, the pressure from a no-pull harness is constant whether the dog is pulling or not.

    There is no clear communication as a result, and the fact that they work by altering the dogs ability to move naturally should be alarming to all Great Dane owners.

    Is Positive Training Really Positive?

    Flat Collar

    Flat collars don’t do much to deter pulling. It is dangerous and uncomfortable for your dog to pull into one, and we only recommend flat collars for dogs that are 100% reliable both on and off-leash.

    A prong is a much safer and more friendly alternative than a flat collar for dogs that pull. Use a leather collar to hold your dogs tags and be decorative, but don’t expect it to be the best or safest choice for leash walking.

    When your Great Dane pulls, you want to know that they aren’t harming themselves (or you!), so consider other options when looking for the perfect collar your dog.

    Chain, Slip or Choke Collar

    These type of collars are NOT typically recommended for use with giant breeds.

    They can cause damage to your dog’s neck, and because they rely on a form of harsh physical punishment, they can also lead to aggression problems.

    The only effective way to use a collar like this to stop a dog from pulling is to either completely choke them with it or harshly snap the leash on the dogs neck. These are often unfair training methods, in our opinion, and likely to be a source of frustration and fear for your dog.

    A good training collar will not require heavy-handed corrections, and these typically do.

    All training tools do have their place, of course, including chain collars, and they should only be used with highly qualified professional guidance.

    There is ONE exception to all of this. Slip leads and martingale-type collars are almost impossible for a dog to escape from and are highly recommended for dogs that are a flight risk. We recommend heavy, wide fabric martingale collars for Great Danes that might try to run away.

    Leash Training 101

    If you have a Great Dane that pulls, lunges and takes you for a walk, you’ve come to the right place!

    This is Great Dane pinch collar training 101. Let’s get started!

    The Basics of Leash Walking

    When you are first starting out, we recommend working in a low distraction environment such as your yard or living room.

    Teach and reinforce the skills of engaging with you, looking at you on command, and walking politely next to you.

    This is easy to do using positive reinforcement!

    Start off-leash with your dog next to you, and then give them the cue to “walk” or “let’s go”.

    Take a step and as soon as they start moving with you, mark with a “YES!” and then offer a treat.

    For dogs that are new to this process, you may have to start by luring them with the treat.

    Add more steps in between treats until your dog can confidently walk next to you as you walk around obstacles.

    Make this fun and rewarding for your dog by using high value treats, and soon you will have a dog that is happy to walk next to you!

    Now let’s move on to the next step.

    14

    Teaching Prong Collar Pressure

    Once your dog has a basic foundation of walking near you (the YES behavior), it’s time to upgrade.

    As before, make sure you are using the right size Great Dane collar, fit high and tight.

    Work first in a low distraction environment and make this process FUN!

    The goal with this training is to teach your dog how to turn off the pressure from the prong. At no point will you yank your dog around, harshly correct them, scold them, or become frustrated.

    With your dog in front of you on a leash, take a few steps back until the leash has some gentle tension on it.

    Your dog will immediately respond to this pressure and come towards you. As soon as your dog ‘gives in’ to this pressure, mark with a “YES!” and then reward your dog with a treat.

    You will find that your dog starts to offer this behavior more frequently as they understand that turning towards you and releasing tension on the leash makes the pressure go away.

    Fun Games using Leash Pressure

    Make this fun and zig zag, circle and move around objects to teach your dog that they are in control of the pressure from their collar! Use a lot of positive reinforcement and rewards for the YES behavior.

    Once your dog is responding consistently, you can start to add in distractions by going out of your yard.

    The key is to make sure that your dog is responding quickly and correctly to the pressure before moving on.

    If at any point your dog becomes frustrated or seems irritated, confused or fearful, take a step back in your training and make it easier for your dog to succeed.

    With patience and consistent reinforcement, your dog will learn how to turn off the pressure from the collar and be a happy, well-mannered companion on walks!

    Great Dane Puppy Fear Stages

    How to Stop a Great Dane from Jumping Up

    How to Teach a Great Dane to Walk on Leash

    712hzL0nWwL. AC SL1500
    A Herm Sprenger Prong Collar – see it on Amazon

    Increasing the Skill

    Once the foundation is built, you can begin to increase the skill level by visiting places that have more distractions.

    Remember to keep it fun, and focus on rewarding your dog for the correct behavior.

    Try visiting an open field where children are playing nearby, or walk through a quiet suburban street.

    With time and practice, you’ll be able to confidently and calmly walk your Great Dane dog through busy areas including the farmer’s market or even past your neighbors (whose dogs bark and yell when you pass by).

    jumping dog with ball near crop ethnic owner in park
    Prong tools are great for all large and giant breed dogs!

    Avoid Reliance on Training Tools

    The goal with most training tools is to eliminate reliance. This means that you should also continue to practice your leash walking skills without relying on pressure or corrections!

    Start by walking in your yard or a quiet park, and gradually move to more difficult situations.

    Corrections with Training Collars

    If at any point you find yourself using more pressure than necessary, or if your dog is not responding as quickly as they should, take a step back and make it easier for your dog to be successful.

    One thing to keep in mind when using a prong dog collar is that any ‘correction’ you do will be much more gentle than the correction your dog might experience from a halter, martingale collar or front-clip harness.

    Do not use a heavy hand, in other words!

    IMG 1569

    Great Dane Leash Training FAQ

    Here are some answers to a few commonly asked questions when it comes to Great Dane training and choosing the best collar for a Great Dane.

    Can I use a dog training shock collar and a prong at the same time?

    No. Do not use any type of electronic collar (shock, e-collar, remote training collar) in conjunction with a prong dog collar. They are different tools and should be used for different reasons. Your dog can wear them at the same time, but make sure that your dog is taught to understand what each means.

    We do recommend the use of E-collars for off-leash training, and the method is similar. Read more HERE.

    How do I know if the collar is too tight or too loose on my Great Dane?

    The general rule is that you should be able to fit two fingers between the links of the collar and your dog’s neck.

    If the collar is too loose, it will be ineffective. If the collar is too tight, it will be uncomfortable for your dog and could cause injury.

    Is a prong dog collar cruel?

    No. When used correctly, a prong dog collar is a humane training tool that can help you teach your Great Dane leash manners!

    Can I use a tool like this on adult dogs that already have bad habits?

    Yes! It doesn’t matter how far behind you are with your dog training, choosing the right collar can be the difference between a successful training experience and a frustrating one.

    Remember, the key is to keep it fun for your dog while consistently reinforcing the correct behavior. With time and practice, you’ll be able to walk even largest, most tenacious giant breed dog down the street on a loose leash!

    A positive trainer told me that I was abusing my dog. Now what?

    There is a lot of misinformation out there about dog training, and it can be difficult to sort through everything.

    If you’re ever unsure about whether or not you are using a tool correctly, we recommend reaching out to a qualified trainer in your area for help.

    The most important thing is that you and your dog are moving forward together in life, and enjoying the time you have!

    For more information on how to choose an ethical, high-quality dog trainer, read HERE.

    What does it mean when my Great Dane leans on me?

    Random bonus question!

    Leaning is often seen as a sign of affection, but it can also be a sign of insecurity or anxiety.

    If your dog is leaning on you during leash walks, it’s likely that they are feeling a bit anxious and are looking to you for reassurance.

    The best thing you can do in this situation is to remain calm and confident yourself, and to provide gentle reassurance as needed. With time and patience, your dog will learn to trust you, trust the process and feel more secure on walks.

    Where can I get more information about Great Dane Training?

    We offer a ton of blog posts and resources for training your Great Dane! Just click on our menus above to search topics.

    You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.

    We love hearing from our readers, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments!

  • Great Dane Nutrition: 8 Must Knows for Feeding Your Dog the Best Diet for His Breed

    Great Dane Nutrition: 8 Must Knows for Feeding Your Dog the Best Diet for His Breed

    Both adult Great Danes and Great Dane Puppies require unique and proper Great Dane nutrition in order to be the best gentle giants that they can be. Giant Breeds can have body weight up to 200 pounds, and their metabolisms are different than smaller breeds.

    Great Dane Nutrition

    Here are eight must-knows that health minded dog owners of giant breeds should keep in mind:

    1. Food Matters. Feeding Great Danes proper nutrition plays a role in healthy digestion, joint health, hip dysplasia / arthritis, healthy growth, and the overall condition of large breeds. (Health Risks in Great Danes)
    2. Puppy Food is NOT Evil. Giant breed puppies should eat Great Dane puppy food. (Read more)
    3. Elevated Food Bowls are NOT Always a Plus. The argument remains amongst dog owners for whether to use an elevated dog feeder for their large breeds. Let’s discuss the pros and cons.
    4. Dog Food is Related to Bloat. Eating healthy and promoting canine nutrition can be the difference between life and death.
    5. There are pros and cons to both kibble and raw feeding. Knowledgeable Dane owners will get informed about the dog food requirements for their giant dogs with both raw food and kibble, and make a decision from there. (Bloat Risks)
    6. Chicken Fat is Dangerous. Giant breed owners should avoid fat for their Great Dane puppies and Great Danes.
    7. Free Feeding Can Have Serious Consequences. It’s all fun and games until your large breed puppies turn into overweight Great Danes.
    8. Grain Free Kibble is not the enemy. But the enemy does lie within. Get educated on the risk of feeding a Grain Free Diet. It may not be as simple as you think. Should I Feed Grain Free?

    FOOD MATTERS FOR GIANT BREED DOGS

    Our canine companions are like family to me. Everyone imagines their young Great Danes turning into Senior Great Danes, living long and healthy lives and fulfilling everything that they may want to do in life.

    Great Dane Nutrition

    But, without the right nutrition, Great Danes will seriously struggle during puppyhood and as Adult Danes.

    Your dog’s diet plays a role in just about every aspect of their life:

    • Can contribute to unhealthy rapid growth in Great Dane puppies. Rapid growth can lead to issues such as Panosteitis or HOD. Knuckling can also be caused by feeding the wrong dog food to your Great Dane puppy.

    Is My Great Dane Puppy Knuckling?
    How to Prevent Knuckling in Great Dane Puppies

    • Dog’s nutrition plays a role in healthy bones and joint disease. With a rise in arthritis and Dysplasia in Great Dane adult dogs and even Great Dane puppies, choosing the right Giant breed dog food has become of utmost importance.

    Arthritis in Great Danes
    Laser Therapy for Joint Pain
    How to Help a Dog with a Broken Leg
    Using CBD for My Dog’s Pain
    Canine Hip Dysplasia

    • Giving Great Danes the best dog food for their breed will help their digestion. Loose stool and digestion issues stem from a variety of issues, but most commonly from dog foods.

    Stomach Problems in Dogs
    Gut Health and Bloat

    GREAT DANE PUPPIES SHOULD BE FED GREAT DANE PUPPY FOOD

    Great Dane Nutrition

    Controversy in the Facebook group chat has led even the most knowledgeable Dane owners to believe the lie that Great Dane puppies should be eating adult dog food.

    The giant ‘Puppy vs. Adult Food’ argument.

    Unfortunately, this lie is outdated as (some) dog food companies have progressed and developed dog foods that ARE suitable for feeding a Giant Breed puppy.

    Most brand puppy foods are NOT suitable for big dogs. Look for brands that are WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) approved.

    Puppy resources for food:

    Puppy Food for Great Danes
    Is My Great Dane Puppy Knuckling?
    How to Prevent Knuckling in Great Dane Puppies
    Is My Great Dane Puppy Too Small?
    Great Dane Puppy Growth Chart

    ELEVATED BOWLS ARE NOT ALWAYS A PLUS FOR A LARGE BREED DOG

    Great Dane Nutrition

    Bloat myths float around more commonly than balloons.

    Owners are led to believe that by giving their dog an elevated dog bowl, they will prevent bloat. YAY.

    NOT.

    MYTH: Elevated bowls will prevent bloat when feeding giant breeds.

    TRUTH: In 1994 a study was done of over 1900 dogs with no prior history of bloat. They were surprised to learn that the dogs with raised bowls were 110% more likely to experience bloat than other dogs in the study that had bowls on the floor. Ruh-Roh.

    Want to see more information on this study? Read it HERE.

    Be sure to make an EDUCATED decision when choosing what bowl your Great Dane eats from, not an emotional one.

    Since it’s never healthy for Great Danes (or anyone) to scarf their food, opt for slow feeders instead!

    THERE ARE PROS AND CONS TO BOTH RAW FEEDING AND FEEDING KIBBLE TO GIANT BREEDS

    Great Dane Nutrition

    There are quite a few great kibbles out there for Great Danes.

    (Check them out here!)

    However, even large breed formulas (some of them) can have some risks depending on what formula you choose.

    Some owners resort to feeding their dogs raw food in an attempt to provide healthy alternatives to crummy dog foods on the markets.

    We like this one:

    THE ISSUE: Owners who are looking for the best dog food neglect to realize that some large breed kibble formulas are perfectly fine for feeding Great Danes.

    THE OTHER ISSUE: Some kibble feeders are afraid to accept raw foods as apart of their dog’s diet.

    There is no one ‘best food’ when feeding Great Danes.

    Certainly there are some ‘worsts’ (like this one).

    However, both raw feeding AND feeding kibble can be done very positively when feeding Great Danes.

    As a matter of fact, when choosing the best dog food- why not do both!

    DOG FOOD IS RELATED TO BLOAT

    Great Dane Nutrition

    Taking this whole raw vs kibble debate one step further, did you know that adding wet food on top of dry food actually DECREASES your dog’s chance of bloating?

    Feeding Great Danes is so much more than what your Great Dane will eat or won’t eat because ‘they’re just too picky for their regular dog food’.

    What you choose to feed your Great Danes can actually save their life.

    Must Read Nutrition BlogsPuppy Food
    Great Dane Not Eating- What to Do
    A Tasty Top: The Top 11 Foods to Feed a Great Dane
    What Foods Help a Dog’s Upset Stomach?
    Great Dane: Puppy vs. Adult Food
    Questions You Might Have about NutritionHow Much Do Great Danes Eat?
    Should I Feed Grain Free?
    How to Treat My Great Dane’s Dry Skin?
    Why does My Great Dane Fart So Much?
    What Foods Help a Dog’s Upset Stomach?
    Supplement Resources7 Uses of CBD
    The Benefits of Mushrooms for Great Danes
    Fish Oil for Great Danes
    Supplements for Great Danes
    Adding CBD Into Your Great Dane’s Diet

    If feeding Great Danes a properly formulated kibble- opt to add some wet food, canned food, or raw food on top.

    Not only will this add healthy fats, but it could also save a life.

    SPREAD OUT THE MEALS!

    Not only does the dog food matter when it comes to bloat, but the timing of when you are feeding Great Danes matters too.

    Great Dane owners who feed their dog’s one, large meal are more prone to having their dog bloat than those who spread out their Great Dane’s dog food into smaller, more manageable meals.

    Remember, not all dogs are going to be prone to bloat in their lifetime.

    But, since Great Danes are more prone to bloat than other dog breeds, it is important that their owners take extra care when feeding them.

    CHICKEN FAT IS DANGEROUS

    Great Dane Nutrition

    If you thought feeding Great Danes could not get any more complicated, it sure does!

    Dog food brands like to stuff ingredients into their kibble that sometimes just don’t make sense.

    When perusing the aisles looking for a bag for your Great Dane, avoid any bags that contain fat in the first four ingredients!

    Feeding a Great Dane any formula that has fat in the first four ingredients has been directly correlated to an increase in bloat.

    What is Bloat?
    Can You Prevent Bloat?
    Stomach Tacking: Pros and Cons
    Bloat and Gut Health
    The Scary Bloat Timeline

    Natural, premium dog food that has been tested and tried may have fat in the ingredient list, but it will be much lower on the list than the first four ingredients.

    Do your research when feeding Great Danes!

    FREE FEEDING CAN BE DANGEROUS

    289671795 5139646092787896 7256031267827805151 n

    Dog owners seem to love to brag about how their Great Dane is ‘free fed’.

    ‘My Great Dane is free fed- it just eats whenever it wants’. (Great Dane Not Eating- What to Do)

    Free Feeding is the process of leaving food out for your dog at all times and letting him eat whenever he wants.

    IT IS COMPLETELY FINE IF YOU PREFER TO FREE FEED YOUR GREAT DANES.

    However, as a responsible owner, you should STILL measure out your Great Dane’s food at the beginning of each day, to ensure that they are not binge eating and then binge eating again and then binge eating again. This practice leads to obesity.

    Without measuring the amount of food within the bowl, how do owners know what they are ultimately feeding their Great Danes?

    FAT GREAT DANES ARE GOING TO BE AT RISK

    Why does this matter?

    OBESITY! FAT GREAT DANES ARE NOT HEALTHY.

    Great Danes who are obese face HUGE health risks.

    Is My Dog ‘Filling Out’ or Getting Fat?
    Obesity in Great Danes: Fat Danes Face Serious Health Risks
    Supplements for Great Danes

    Cancer, diabetes, and joint problems are just a few of the issues that an obese dog faces during his lifetime.

    Our Great Danes are ALREADY huge, have huge joints to support and heavy weights to carry.

    The healthiest Great Danes are slim Great Danes! Keep your large breed dog slim- let them live long.

    GRAIN FREE DIETS ARE NOT THE ENEMY- BUT THE ENEMY DOES LIE WITHIN

    Did you know that Grain Free Diets are actually NOT linked to heart disease?

    Great Dane Nutrition

    When veterinary cardiologists noticed an increase in dogs with suspicious heart problems, they reported it to the FDA who then launched their investigation into grain-free diets.

    Grain-free kibbles from smaller companies such as Fromm’s, Orijen, Diamond, Victor, Nutrisource and Zignature are taking the brunt of this potential correlation.

    People really started to freak out about the correlation between feeding Great Danes a grain free diet, and heart disease.

    THE FDA CHANGED THEIR MIND- BUT NOBODY LISTENED

    However, there still was absolutely NO evidence that it was the lack of grains that was causing these dogs to drop dead.

    And guess what- THERE STILL ISNT!

    As a matter of fact, the FDA even came out and made a statement, which zero people listened to, because they were all talking too loudly about the lack of grain killing dogs!

    See quote directly from the FDA:

    It’s not the lack of grains that is likely the problem.

    It’s the replacement of essential meat-based amino acids and proteins with pulses, peas, potatoes, legumes and other plant-based carbohydrates, often done by boutique brands with no board-certified veterinary nutritionist.

    Research is ongoing and all of us should be alarmed, not defensive.

    THE HIDDEN AND VERY DEADLY INGREDIENTS

    Now, don’t go running off to buy yourself a bag of Grain Free Kibble just yet.

    Seeing the FDA state that they ‘Find no evidence that grain-free diets cause heart disease’ is nice to hear. But, unfortunately kibble companies are CHEAP. And if they aren’t filling their kibble with whole brown rice, white rice, or other digestible carbohydrates- they’re VERY TYPICALLY- filling it with peas, potatoes, legumes, corn etc.

    These plant based carbohydrates are a BIG issue.

    NEVER FEED YOUR GREAT DANE A KIBBLE WITH:

    • Peas
    • Pea protein
    • Potato Protein
    • Sweet Potatoes
    • Lentils
    • Potatoes
    • Garbanzo Beans/Chickpeas
    • Other similar non-grain ingredients including pulses and legumes

    It’s just not worth it.

    So, there you have it.

    8 things you need to know about Great Dane Nutrition! I hope this article was helpful in deciding what the best diet is for your Great Dane!

    218102006 159973869533988 2344798461813887346 n

    The collar you choose to buy REALLY matters. Click to see the devices we vouch for.