Have you ever been around a big dog and suddenly they are leaning on you? If you have, chances are it was a Great Dane. And if you’re like most people, your first reaction is probably to think ‘Aww, how sweet!’ But have you ever stopped to wonder why they do it?
Researchers have found that there are a few reasons that giant breeds tend to lean on their owners or even strangers.
A few reasons that a Great Dane dog leans might be:
Most dogs feel safe when they are touching humans
The leaning behavior might be a dogs way of showing affection
The Great Dane may be feeling afraid and finding comfort in their person or family
Some dogs may try to show protective behavior with a lean
GREAT DANES LEAN BECAUSE THEY FEEL SECURE WHEN THEY ARE TOUCHING FAMILY
Great Danes are a dog who simply love being with people.
Great Danes are known for being a ‘gentle giant’ and they are absolutely people dogs.
The most common reason that your Great Dane might start leaning on you or your family members, kids, or even friends is just because they are gentle souls who love to show affection.
A Great Dane leaning is typically NOT anything more than a Great Dane hug! Danes lean because they have a soft spot for affection and your Great Dane likes to make you aware (and I mean REALLY aware) that they consider you a friend in life.
GREAT DANES ARE A GIANT DOG WITH A TON OF LOVE, AND SOMETIMES THAT MEANS A GIANT DOG WITH LOTS OF DOG LEANING
Great Dane owners know that Great Danes are a lot of dog.
Their massive size can be quite overwhelming, but they make up for it in personality and heart.
While it might become a bit annoying when Great Danes try to lean while you are cooking dinner or working at your desk, it’s important to remember that they are just trying to show you how much they love you.
If your Great Danes lean on your children- consider it a compliment!
That leaning typically implies that the dog leaning trusts the child enough to lean and show affection.
Great Danes love any form of physical touch, attention and will even lay their big heads on you to show they care.
GREAT DANES LEANING COULD BE IMPLICATIVE OF WHEN THEY FEEL THREATENED OR FEELING ANXIOUS
If your Great Dane leans in uncomfortable situations, they might be leaning because they are trying to show you they are scared.
Typically, this will happen if strangers come in to the house, or if they bring pets in to the house that your Great Dane doesn’t know.
You might notice your Great Dane try to lean extra hard if they see a dog that they are afraid of, or feel uncomfortable with the presence of.
This is a dog’s way of asking you to protect them, and they feel more comfortable when you are close by.
Try not to over complicate the situation by showing your Great Dane an abundance of ‘attention’ in that moment. That will show your Great Dane that the lean behavior will get them attention and then they will continue to do it more and more.
DOGS CAN SHOW LEANING BEHAVIOR TO ‘PROTECT’ THEIR OWNERS
You want to find a trainer that uses gentle, reward based training methods for the best results with your Dane.
We believe in the ethical use of E collars for the breed, as they combine a powerful use of positive reinforcement with a necessary dose of correction- both of which the breed needs to succeed.
IF YOUR GREAT DANE FEELS THREATENED THEY MIGHT RESORT TO LEANING
Do you remember as a child if you felt threatened or insecure, you usually wished you were sitting in your mother’s lap?
Likewise, Great Danes tend to resort to the one person who they know best, their mom or dad.
When your Great Dane tries sitting on your lap or leans up against you, they might be feeling threatened or scared and are looking for reassurance from you.
This is a normal behavior in dogs, however if the leaning starts to become too much, you might want to consider some training to help your dog feel more secure.
GREAT DANES MIGHT START LEANING BECAUSE THEY ARE SICK
If your Great Dane is typically NOT a dog that leans, but begins to show signs of leaning one direction or the other, they might be having health issues.
HEALTH ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH DOGS THAT LEAN
Ear Infections: ear infections can cause a Great Dane to lean one way or the other because they are trying to relieve the pressure or pain that they are feeling. If you notice your dog leaning and tilting their head to one side, make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible.
Anxiety: Great Danes can suffer from anxiety just like humans. If your dog is leaning against you or trying to get on your lap and they don’t typically do this behavior, they might be feeling anxious.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia can cause somewhat of a ‘lean’ in your pup from one side to another. This could be described as an unsteady walking. The best way to treat Hip Dysplasia is prevention, which starts with Great Danes when they are just a pup.
One of the first things you’ll notice about your Great Dane is their leaning. You might think to yourself- ‘is my dog going to be okay?’, ‘should I be worried about this?’ or even ‘is my dog trying to tell me something?’.
The answer is- all of the above. Let’s explore each one.
WHAT TO DO WITH NOTORIOUS LEANERS
First, don’t worry- this is a completely normal behavior in Great Danes. You might notice your Great Dane try to lean on you when they are tired, want attention or even when they are just happy to see you.
One thing to be aware of is that if your Great Dane starts to lean on you when they are feeling threatened or scared, this could be a sign of anxiety or even aggression. If you notice this behavior, it’s best to stay on top of it!
Cbd is a great resource for helping anxiety, but be careful which one you choose!
Another thing to keep in mind is that if your Great Dane begins leaning more than usual, this could be a sign of an ear infection or even hip dysplasia. If you notice your dog leaning to one side or walking unsteadily, make an appointment with the vet right away.
IN CONCLUSION
As you can see, there are a few different reasons why your Great Dane might be leaning. However, the most important thing to remember is that this is a completely normal behavior and there is no need to worry. Just enjoy the snuggles! :). Thanks for reading!
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
– 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can damage nerves, eyes, neck, and spine when used normally
Can only cause damage to the skin if used abusively or incorrectly
May cause sores on the bridge of the nose
Does not cause skin sores or abrasions
People rarely judge this tool
People are often judgmental
May exacerbate underlying health problems
Unlikely 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’ use
Negative body language is seen with harsh and incorrect use
Effective at reducing pulling
Effective 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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).
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
Here are eight must-knows that health minded dog owners of giant breeds should keep in mind:
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)
Puppy Food is NOT Evil. Giant breed puppies should eat Great Dane puppy food. (Read more)
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.
Dog Food is Related to Bloat. Eating healthy and promoting canine nutrition can be the difference between life and death.
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)
Chicken Fat is Dangerous. Giant breed owners should avoid fat for their Great Dane puppies and Great Danes.
Free Feeding Can Have Serious Consequences. It’s all fun and games until your large breed puppies turn into overweight Great Danes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
GREAT DANE PUPPIES SHOULD BE FED GREAT DANE PUPPY FOOD
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.
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.
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:
We Feed Raw provides complete mixes in a variety of proteins including Beef, Venison and Turkey.
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.
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
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.
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
Dog owners seem to love to brag about how their Great Dane is ‘free fed’.
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?
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?
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.
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!
Great Dane toenail problems are a common issue for this breed of dog. Luckily, there are ways to keep your dog’s nails healthy and avoid any potential issues. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to care for your Great Dane’s nails and how to prevent any problems from arising.
GREAT DANE TOENAIL PROBLEMS: WHY DOES IT MATTER?
As the owner of a Great Dane, you may be wondering why it is so important to keep your dog’s nails healthy. After all, they are just nails, right? Wrong!
Your dog’s nails play an important role in their overall health and well-being. Here are a few reasons why keeping your Great Dane’s nails healthy is so important:
It helps prevent pain and discomfort: If your dog’s nails are too long, they can begin to curl under and grow into the pads of their feet. This can cause your dog a great deal of pain and discomfort.
It prevents infection: Long or overgrown nails can also lead to infection. This is because the nail beds become irritated and inflamed, which provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
It helps them move more comfortably: Overgrown nails can make it difficult for your dog to walk and run comfortably. This is because they put pressure on the toe joints, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
It improves their appearance: Let’s face it, overgrown nails are not a good look! Not only do they affect your dog’s appearance, but they can also be quite painful.
So, as you can see, there are many reasons why keeping your Great Dane’s nails healthy is so important. But how do you go about doing that? Read on to find out!
GREAT DANE TOENAIL PROBLEMS: HOW TO PREVENT THEM
Broken nails, brittle nails and other nail issues are far too common with dogs.
But there are ways to prevent these problems from occurring. Here are a few tips:
Keep them trimmed: One of the best ways to keep your Dane’s nails healthy is to keep them trimmed on a regular basis. You can do this yourself at home with a nail clipper or you can take them to a groomer. If you’re not comfortable trimming your dog’s nails, then we recommend taking them to a groomer. They will be able to quickly and safely trim your dog’s nails without causing any pain or discomfort.
Use the right products: It is important that you use the right products when trimming your Great Dane’s nails. We recommend using a nail grinder instead of a nail clipper. This is because it is much easier to control and prevents you from accidentally cutting too close to the quick (the blood vessel in the nail).
Be careful: When trimming your Great Dane’s nails, it is important to be careful. You don’t want to cut too close to the quick as this can cause a great deal of pain. If you are unsure of how to properly trim your Great Dane’s nails, we recommend seeking out professional help. following these simple tips, you can help keep your Great Dane’s nails healthy and avoid any potential problems.
Start Young: It is important to start taking care of your Great Danes nails at a young age. This will get them used to the process and make it easier for you in the long run.
Be Consistent: Once you start taking care of your Great Dane’s nails, it is important to be consistent. This means trimming them on a regular basis (every two to three weeks is ideal).
Don’t be Lazy: Nail trimming requires that owners take care of their fur babies nails REGULARLY, and that means every single week if not twice a week. Don’t be lazy! 🙂 It just never works out.
Use a Veterinarian: If you or your pet are fearful when it comes to their feet, call your Veterinarian! They can help you!
TRIMMING YOUR GREAT DANES NAILS
If you fail to trim your Great Danes nails, they will get broken nails and it can become extremely painful.
Nail health doesn’t need to be super complex.
In order to trim your dog’s toenails, you need to decide on a product that works for you and your pet.
There are two main types of nail grooming supplies: the Dremmel and clippers.
NAIL DREMMEL FOR PETS
Using a Dremel is something that many pet owners prefer as they can control the length of the nail bed more easily with this tool.
Since the Dremmel is automatic, it can be loud, but that does not mean it is painful.
Some find that it is less likely to cause human error than clippers.
When using a Dremmel, take the paw of your dog and begin to file one nail at a time. If your dog is afraid of the Dremmel, you will want to start slow. File only one nail on the first day, and proceed with another nail the next day.
If your dog is extremely scared of the tool, you can begin by handling its paw and getting it used to the feeling of you touching its paw or leg nearby its toe.
Clippers are less expensive than a Dremmel and can be found at most stores.
They are also much quieter which may help your dog feel more comfortable.
To use clippers, you will want to find a type that is comfortable for you to hold.
You will also want to make sure the blades are sharp so that you can get a clean cut on the nail.
Start by gently holding your dog’s paw in your hand and proceed to clip one nail at a time being very careful not to cut too close to the quick (blood vessel).
BLEEDING NAILS WITH CLIPPERS
If you do accidentally cut the quick, it will bleed and be painful for your dog, but the bleeding does not mean that the nail is broken.
Applying pressure with a styptic pencil or cornstarch can help stop the bleeding paw at the first sign and help the foot to feel better in no time.
You can use Kwik Stop as a safe and nontoxic method to solve the bleeding.
BROKEN TOENAIL ISSUES
Typically, broken toenail issues come when a dog has been running and hits its toe or nails on something.
This can cause the nail to crack, splinter, or even fall off.
If this happens, you will want to clean up the broken nail as fast as you can because your dog can get a bacterial nail bed infection. Cleaning the paw, foot and nail can help prevent the broken nail from getting an infection or continued bleeding.
You will also want to keep an eye on the broken nail as it may need to be removed if it does not heal properly.
WHY DOES MY DOG GET BLEEDING OR BROKEN NAILS?
If you have a dog who consistently has a breakage issue on their nail, their nails are most likely just too long. However, it can also happen from a loose nail grabbing on to something when your dog is running.
THE NAIL ON YOUR DOGS FOOT IS JUST TOO LONG
One of the primary reasons for keeping their nails short is to prevent this from happening.
If you find that your dog’s nails are too long and causing them issues, you will want to take them to the vet or a professional groomer to have them trimmed down.
This is a quick and easy fix that can save your dog from a lot of discomfort in the future.
There are many reasons why your dog may have broken or bleeding nails, but the most common reason is because their nails are too long.
If you find that your dog’s nails are causing them discomfort, you should take them to the vet or a professional groomer to have them trimmed down.
This is a quick and easy fix that can save your dog from a lot of discomfort in the future.
A NAIL GETTING SNAGGED ON SOMETHING
Another reason that a dog can break a nail is if they catch their nail on something while running and get pulled the wrong way, even if their nail is not too long.
If this happens, you will want to clean up the broken nail as fast as you can because your dog can get a bacterial nail bed infection.
Cleaning the paw, foot and nail can help prevent the broken nail from getting an infection or continued bleeding.
If your pet has dry, itchy skin there are some things you can try before going to a Veterinarian.
Work on decreasing grains and increasing fatty acids and vitamins into their diet. (Fish Oil)
Rinse your dog off with warm water every time you are outside. Environmental allergies play a huge role in skin disease and can be so easily eliminated with a quick rinse.
If your pup’s skin around their nails are causing them discomfort, you should take them to the vet or a professional groomer to have them trimmed down. This is a quick and easy fix that can save your dog from a lot of discomfort in the future. You will also want to keep an eye on the broken nail as it may need to infection.
Use a soothing home remedy like aloe vera or coconut oil, which has fungal fighting properties, to help ease the discomfort of yeast or chronic allergies.
Using CBD can be a tremendous relief for dogs suffering with a constant itch. (Read more about CBD here)
If you have tried to solve skin issues with your pet and are still having trouble, you can visit a Veterinary Dermatologist whom are experts in all things skin disease and can help your pup live an itch free life.
NAIL DISORDERS IN DOGS
Some dogs have nail disorders that can cause pain or infection.
PARONYCHIA IN DOGS
The most common form of nail disorder in dogs is called paronychia, which is an infection of the nail.
Paronychia can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or even a foreign object such as a splinter.
If you think your dog may have paronychia, you should take them to the vet so they can prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.
Treatment of Paronychia infection consists of antibiotics and/or antifungals depending on the causative agent. Antifungals will be required if the infection consists of a fungal infection.
In severe cases, your dog may need to have their nail removed.
NAIL BED TUMORS IN DOGS
Nail bed tumors are growths that can form on the nail bed and are usually benign (non-cancerous).
However, they can be painful and cause infection.
Treatment of nail bed tumors usually involves surgery to remove the growth.
After the surgery, your dog will need to take antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medication to keep them comfortable.
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to keeping your pooch’s nails healthy.
You can prevent most problems by keeping their nails trimmed and avoiding any potential injuries.
If you do notice any problems with your Great Dane’s nails, be sure to take them to the vet so they can be treated as soon as the infection of the nail is noticed. Early detection and diagnostic testing is key to helping your dog quickly overcome a nail bed tumor, and when left untreated , these tumors can metastasize and become malignant.
OTHER NAIL DISORDERS IN DOGS
Other nail disorders in dogs include:
Nail bed infections
Nail bed bruising
Nail bed ulcers
Tumors of the nail bed
Yeast infection in the dogs nail
Having a nail disorder is very uncommon. Most of the time, treating your dog with a good, weekly nail trim is the solution and a great treatment plan for most of their paw problems.
DOES DIET PLAY A ROLE IN NAIL CONDITION?
Diet is correlated to a dog’s paws or feet?
You might be surprised to find out that your pet health in entirety is highly correlated to their diet, including their feet.
A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients helps to keep all systems of the body functioning properly, including the nails.
Poor nutrition can lead to a number of problems, including brittle nails that are more susceptible to breaking.
If you are concerned about your dog’s diet and how it may be affecting their nails, talk to your family veterinarian or hire a canine nutritionist to help you create a high quality diet for your dog.
SUPPLEMENTS TO HELP A DOG WITH THEIR SKIN AND NAIL HEALTH
If you have a dog who has skin, paws, hair, or nail issues, there are a few easy supplements that you can add into their diet that will help them.
Fish oil will not only help your Great Dane have softer fur and skin, but help their paws stay moisturized. Fish oil can be a great support for hair loss as well.
Coconut oil is another great option for a topical treatment you can apply directly to their paws or coat. Not only does it smell amazing, but it has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help prevent infections.
You can also give your dog biotin supplements, which are often recommended for humans who want to grow long and healthy nails. Biotin is a water soluble vitamin that helps the body metabolize fats and proteins, and it’s essential for nail growth. You can find biotin supplements at your local pet store or online.
Probiotics are a great way to help support your Great Dane with their gut health, which is connected to their overall health. Good gut health is a way to support allergies including dry skin or paws and itchy skin.
HOW TO KEEP BLACK NAILS GROOMED?
If your Great Dane has nails that are black in color, you might be wondering how you’re supposed to keep them looking nice and groomed.
The good news is that black nails are actually very easy to take care of. All you need is a little bit of time and the right tools, and you’ll have your Great Dane’s nails looking great in no time.
Here are a few tips for taking care of black nails:
Start by desensitizing your pet to the tool that you’d like to use (clippers, file, dremel, etc). Desensitization is key with any grooming tool, but it’s especially important with black nails because owners can be more timid to trim them, which dogs can pick up on.
Clip your Great dane’s nails in short increments, being very careful not to cut too deep. If you do accidentally cut the quick, stop clipping and use styptic powder, Kwik Stop, or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.
Do not try to trim multiple nails in one session if your Great Dane or pet is nervous. Just start with one!
To find the quick of a nail that is black, hold the nail up to a light source. The quick will appear as a dark line running through the center of the nail.
Use a high-quality nail clipper designed specifically for dogs, and make sure that it is sharp. This will help you get a clean cut and avoid splitting or cracks in the nails. If your Great Dane’s nails
Use a file to smooth out any rough edges on the nails.
It takes practice for both owner and dog, but if you start trimming your Great Dane’s nails as a puppy it is much easier and become like second nature over time.
So, there you have it! A few things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping nails healthy. By keeping an eye on their nails and being proactive about trimming them down, you can help prevent any problems in the future. Thanks for reading!
The Great Dane is a breed of dog known for its GIANT size. Today we are discussing the Great Dane breed standard!
This standard is the official illustrated guide that outlines the breed structure, temperament, movement, and features. It was created to help owners, breeders, and judges identify the ideal Great Dane.
WHAT DOES THE GREAT DANE BREED STANDARD MEAN?
The Great Dane illustrated standard covers all aspects of the breed including:
The history and origins of the Great Dane
The physical features that make up the Great Dane Breed Standard
The structure and movement of a well-built Great Dane
The ideal temperament of the Great Dane
The differences between a Dog (male) and a Bitch (female) Great Dane
When incorrect structure, health, and temperament find their way into a pedigree, it can be difficult to get rid of.
We all want healthy, robust, loving family dogs. By adhering to a breed standard, ethical breeders are able to create sound, beautiful, healthy dogs for years to come.
The standard covers everything from physical appearance to temperament and movement. Because Great Danes are so large, having proper structure is key.
When you see a Great Dane with a sway back, no angulation, droopy red haws (eyes), flat feet, or cow hocks you are looking at a Great Dane that was not bred with the written standard in mind.
The written standard keeps the breed that we love healthy and strong!
Great Danes at Dog Shows
Dog shows are one way that breeders can share how they are intentionally and thoughtfully breeding dogs who meet the standard.
Close attention is paid to choosing parents who have excellent structure, movement, angles, and temperament.
Not all pets are show dogs, but all show dogs are pets!
Pat Trotter, BIS Judge 2021 Westminster Kennel Club
If you are interested in showing your Great Dane, you will need to find a reputable breeder who is knowledgeable about the breed standard and the general appearance of a thoughtfully bred Great Dane.
Unfortunately, many Great Danes are bred by breeders who are more focused on profits, designer color, or ‘EURO’ hyper types than they are on health, structure, and preservation of the breed. This can have a serious effect on the health of the dogs being bred.
Dogs from those breeders will not typically do well in dog shows, as they may have poor structure, unstable temperaments, and other significant faults that mean they don’t meet the written standard.
A good breeder will be able to help get you started on the right foot. They can provide guidance on nutrition, socialization, training, conformation handling, and more.
A breeder who shows their dogs is a breeder that is 110% dedicated not only to the breed but to the owners of the puppies they produce.
Not all puppies from a litter will be ‘show quality’, and will need to be placed in great pet homes.
Don’t be afraid to talk to a show breeder about purchasing a Great Dane puppy or getting into showing (and breeding) dogs yourself! These are the breeders who are at the top of the field.
One of the most striking features of the Great Dane is the head. Many people call the Dane head ‘brick on brick’, meaning that it should be angular and strong with a well-defined ‘STOP’ from the forehead to the bridge of the nose.
A round dome-shaped head, short muzzle, and/or excessive jowls are faults.
The ideal ratio of muzzle to the skull is 50/50. This is different from many other breeds, which often have longer muzzles.
Great Danes should have a strong jaw, with a complete scissor bite. This means that the top teeth should just barely touch the bottom teeth when the mouth is closed.
The eyes of a Great Dane should be large and dark, with an almond shape. They should be fairly deep-set well into the skull and give the dog an intelligent and alert expression. Some colors may have lighter eyes, however, most will have amber-colored eyes.
Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1
The ears of a Great Dane can be either cropped or left natural. If they are cropped, they should be done so at an early age, before the cartilage has set.
The natural ears should be medium in size and set high on the head. They should be triangular in shape, and taper to a point.
When natural, the ears should be soft and hang close to the head. When cropped, they should be erect and point forward.
The body of a Great Dane should be long and rectangular. They should have well-sprung ribs and a deep chest. The top line should be level, with a slight rise over the loin.
The Dane’s underline should be slightly tucked up. This gives them the ‘waist’ that is characteristic of the breed. Great Danes are a lean breed that should never be stocky or bulky.
Great Danes should have well-angulated hindquarters.
Danes should have round, firm cat feet. The toes should be well-arched and close together.
The nails should be short and dark on most colors, however light nails are acceptable on Harlequin, Mantle, and Merle Great Danes. Dewclaws are typically removed.
Danes should have a long, strong tail that is set high on the rump. When the dog is in motion, the tail should be carried level with the back, or slightly above.
A ‘hook’ tail or tail carried high above the back are faults.
Photo Credit to Tina Schneider at https://www.facebook.com/tina.siegel1
Great Dane Size
Great Danes are a large breed, with a height range of 28-32 inches for males and 26-30 inches for females.
The weight range for Great Danes is 100-180 pounds for males and 80-140 pounds for females.
While these are the ideal heights and weights, many Danes will fall outside of that range.
Great Danes fed an incorrect diet, or overfed can become too tall or too large. This is bad for their orthopedic health and may also cause problems for their bones, heart, thyroid, or pancreas.
Danes should be kept lean with good muscle, and be fed an age-appropriate, highly-researched diet.
There are seven recognized colors of Great Dane. Click on any heading to see the color in more detail!
Black. A black Great Dane should have a shiny, even black coat without any fading. The only acceptable white markings are on the chest and toes.
Blue. A blue Great Dane should have a pure steel-blue coat with no fading. The only acceptable white markings are on the chest and toes.
Merle. A merle Great Dane is just like a harlequin, but with a dark or light grey base coat. Torn black patches are scattered over the entire body. An ideal version of merle includes solid merle or the ‘mantle merle’ coat pattern. The white blaze is optional.
Fawn. A fawn Great Dane should have a stunning light golden coat and a black mask on the face. There should be no white markings.
Brindle. A brindle Great Dane should have a fawn coat with dark stripes all over, and a black mask on the face. Ideally, there are no white markings.
Harlequin. A harlequin Great Dane should have a white base coat with large black patches evenly distributed over the body. The ideal harlequin has as much white as possible, and the white collar is preferred.
Mantle.A mantle Great Dane should have a solid black blanket extending from the neck to the tail with a white chest, neck, blaze, and white-tipped black tail. The rest of the body should be either all black or predominately black with small amounts of white.
ALL ABOUT OFF-STANDARD AND DESIGNER COLOR GREAT DANES
Great Danes do come in many, many other colors, however! Only a few are recognized and accepted by the breed club.
Some of the more unusual colors include lilac, blue fawn, fawnequin, brindlequin, blue harlequin, chocolate, and tan point.
For more information on the ethical breeding of Great Danes, and on designer colors, read here.
Ear Cropping in Great Danes
As mentioned before, Great Danes can have either cropped or natural ears.
The practice of cropping ears has been around for centuries. It was originally done as a utilitarian measure, to help protect the dog’s ears from being torn and shredded by wild boar during hunts. Great Danes were originally bred to hunt wild board!
Nowadays, ear cropping is done purely for cosmetic reasons.
The practice is controversial, and many countries have banned it outright. In the United States, it is still legal but must be performed by a licensed veterinarian.
When done by a highly qualified veterinarian with an excellent portfolio of cropping (showcasing talent and experience), the procedure is humane.
People believe that there are two types of Great Danes: American and Euro.
They believe that the American Dane is smaller and more refined, almost ‘greyhound like’ in their appearance.
They also believe that the ‘Euro’ Great Dane is stocky, beefy and droopy with a more ‘mastiff like’ appearance.
When comparing the written standard for Great Danes from both America and Europe, the dogs should be nearly identical.
‘American’ and ‘Euro’ are essentially made up terms.
There is only one Great Dane breed, in other words. A Great Dane that is either too refined (‘American’) or too exaggerated (‘Euro’) is a Great Dane that was bred outside of the written standard.
When looking for a Great Dane breeder, it is important to find one that adheres to the breed standard. This can help ensure that your Great Dane puppy comes from genetics that have been proven for structure and temperament.
For ethical reasons, it is important that we are only breeding well-structured Great Danes! Poor structure leads to orthopedic break down including wobblers, pain, arthritis and injuries.
Temperament is genetic!
A Great Dane that meets the breed standard for temperament will be confident, friendly and courageous. Not timid or fearful.
Aggressive and fearful behavior has genetic roots. Your breeder should be proving that they are creating sound, stable dogs that enjoy activities, people and socialization.
A well-bred Great Dane will be easy to train, friendly, calm and ready for anything.
It’s a myth that Great Danes are timid and fearful!
One way that you can ensure you’ve chosen an ethical breeder is to ask them if they do ENS or Puppy Culture. These proven early-socialization practices take stable, well-bred puppies and turn them into excellent companions and family pets!
Ask the breeder about titles. We recommend that in the pedigree that are titles for conformation, obedience, and/or sports. Former puppies may carry these titles, or the parents might as well (ideal).
These titles are earned at sanctioned AKC, FCI and Canadian Kennel Club events.
Common titles you might see include (but are not limited to):
When they are correctly built and have robust, well-angled structure they are very athletic dogs that love to run, move and play.
Great Danes benefit the most from off-leash exercise, being allowed to freely explore varied terrain. We recommend that all Danes be reliably off-leash trained for this reason.
Walks on hard pavement are not ideal for the joints, nor do they do much to help build muscle and stamina. While there is nothing wrong with ‘walking your dog’, we highly recommend balancing regular walks with off-leash play.
Mature Great Danes should be lean and muscular, not bulky, lanky, unstable, or slow.
Puppies especially benefit from free play on varied outdoor terrain!
We do not recommend fetch, running or long leashed walks for puppies.
Great Danes are prone to a number of health conditions, most of which are genetic, and all of which contribute to the so often ‘shorter lifespan’ seen in Great Danes.
A responsible breeder will have health clearances for their dogs as well as knowledge about how to avoid or minimize the impact of these disorders on the puppies they breed.
It’s also important to speak with your veterinarian about choosing an appropriate food for your Great Dane! There is a lot of misinformation being spread, and that information is unfortunately hurting our breed.
Now that you’ve read about the Great Dane Breed Standard, everything you need to know, we hope you’ll consider this amazing breed when looking for your next furry family member!
If you have any questions that weren’t answered here, please reach out and we’ll be happy to help!
There is a new king of the dog world, and his name is Zeus. This Great Dane was officially declared the tallest dog in the world by Guinness World Records.
At 44 inches tall, Zeus the Great Dane towers over all other breeds of dogs. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at this giant breed and find out what makes them so special.
Who is Zeus the Great Dane?
Zeus is a Great Dane from Otsego, Michigan. He was born on November 24, 2011. His owner, Denise Doorlag, says that Zeus loves to play fetch and go for walks.
He may be huge, but he’s still just like any other dog!
Zeus was recorded by the Guinness World Records as the tallest dog in the world on October 11, 2011.
He stands 44 inches tall at the shoulder and is seven feet four inches from the tip of his nose to the end of his tail.
That means he is taller than many humans! In fact, Zeus is so big that he has to sleep in a queen-sized bed.
The answer to this question is largely due to genetics, however, environmental factors are also likely at play.
Great Danes are a very old breed, and their large size is likely due to years of selective breeding.
Zeus may have come from a breeder who was not diligent about choosing parents to continue the pedigree and thus may have received certain genes that encouraged fast, explosive growth and his excessive height.
Incorrect nutrition in Great Danes can lead to orthopedic issues including low bone density, too-fast of growth, knuckling, dysplasia, and more.
In other words, oversized puppies (including ‘Euro’ pups) are often the result of backyard breeders who are not knowledgeable about the proper care and nutrition of Great Danes, let alone the actual breed standard.
Early spay and neuter (prior to 18-24 months) can also contribute to excessive height and structural problems in Great Danes!
Studies have shown that waiting to spay or neuter large and giant breed dogs can positively impact their future health.
Today, many people choose to breed Great Danes for show or competition, which means that the dogs must meet certain standards in order to be competitive. This standard helps ensure that future Great Danes are robust, healthy, and correct in stature and size.
Zeus is a loved family pet, however, he is outside of the breed standard for Great Danes.
It is important to appreciate him for the amazing dog that he is, but NOT to wish for all Great Danes to experience his stature.
It is unhealthy and unfortunately will be devastating for him, and his loving owners.
While Zeus may be the tallest dog in the world, he is certainly not the only giant breed of dog out there. Other popular giant breeds include the Mastiff, Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, and Scottish Deerhound.
Here is an image of a healthy, well-bred black Great Dane:
Zeus the Great Dane eats 12 cups of food each day! Male Great Danes like Zeus require a lot of quality food to thrive, especially if they are active.
Diet is an important part of keeping any dog healthy, but it is especially important for giant breeds like the Great Dane.
When choosing a diet for a Great Dane, we recommend looking for a large or giant breed food from an established company that has a boarded Veterinary nutritionist on staff.
Great Danes are SO lovable, caring and smart- but what were Great Danes bred for?
If you’ve ever been around a Great Dane, you know that, like many giant breed dogs, they are some of the most gentle giants around. But their size can be quite intimidating, so you might be wondering- what were they bred for?
Contrary to popular belief, Great Danes were not bred for hunting or as guard dogs. In fact, they were originally bred as boar hounds in Germany!
But how did German breeders come to find this gentle giant suitable to hunt wild boar?
Out of all dog breeds- why did they choose Great Danes, and how did these hunting dogs transform into the Great Dane puppy snoozing legs up on your couch?
WHAT WERE GREAT DANES BRED FOR?
The Great Dane breed was originally bred as boar hunting dogs.
Not exactly what pet parents have in mind when they bring their puppy home.
To hunt wild boar, a dog has to be brave, athletic and have a high prey drive.
But, nonetheless the Great Dane breed was originally bred in Germany, where they were used as boar hunting dogs. These dogs had to be brave and athletic with a high prey drive in order to do their job well.
GREAT DANE HISTORY
You may be surprised that Great Danes were once some of the most powerful, strong and fast dog breeds that there were.
Developed in the 14th Century in Germany and England, Great Danes were bred as ancestors to Greyhounds and English Mastiff / German Mastiff – a lethal combination of strength and speed that was then called the Grand Danois, and now called Great Dane.
At the time, Europe had an extreme need for a dog breed that was able to take down their boar hound. Boars were some of the strongest, most dangerous animals in Europe and were wreaking havoc on crops, livestock and humans.
Greyhounds were fast enough, but not strong enough. German Mastiffs / English Mastiffs were strong enough, but not fast enough.
So the Grand Danois was born – a German dog, full of German nobility, that was big enough to take down a full grown wild boar, but also fast enough to keep up with the hunt, something that not any Great Danish dog could do at this time.
The Great dane quickly became one of the most popular hunters in all of Europe, and were even used by the royalty. It is said that King Louis XVI of France owned several Grand Danois, as did Marie Antoinette.
The breed was then brought to America in the late 1800s where they became popular as family pets and also working dogs on farms.
EAR CROPPING IN THE GREAT DANE
When giant dogs fight against wild boars, the boards began to rip and tear their ears.
Owners began searching for a way to protect their large dogs, keep them safe and away from as many health issues as possible while they hunted.
Thus, cropped ears began coming the ‘normal’ for Great Danes.
Ear cropping was spread throughout the dog breed as a humane way to prevent the wild boars from nipping, shredding, and tearing the Great Danes ears off, which created a health hazard for the dogs.
Now, if you see a Great Dane with cropped ears- that’s why!
While many people believe that cropped ears are cruel, it is actually done in a way to protect the dog while they are hunting and working.
And today, many Great Danes are no longer used for hunting, but some owners still like a cropped appearance to their modern Great Dane.
Some dogs who participate in dog sports may get their ears cropped to help protect them against ear issues.
Some larger breeds get ear infections, and generally speaking some people suggest that the crop can help to prevent infection.
Others prefer their Great Dane to have a ‘regal’ and ‘breed standard’ look to them, especially if they are being shown and apart of the Great Dane Club of America.
No matter what, if an owner is cropping their dogs ears, it is not ‘abusive’, as long as they provide their dog with an excellent surgeon and get their ears cropped at a suitable age.
HOW DID GREAT DANES CHANGE OVER TIME?
Over time, more and more people were not using Great Dane dogs to hunt wild boars.
With breeding and industrialization, most dogs were being transformed from a working dog to a family pet.
Great Danes job is not the only thing that changed.
Their appearance also changed as time morphed them from hunting down a wild boar to lounging on the sofa being hand fed ice cubes.
GREAT DANES ARE TALLER NOW
A Great Dane’s body is much taller now than it was in the 14th Century.
When hunting, dogs needed to be muscular and strong. But now, as breeding takes place, the breed standard for Great Danes is to be taller and longer, with a slimmer build.
This is why some people think that the Great Dane might not be as strong as it used to be – but this isn’t the case!
They are still just as muscular, it’s just hidden under their extra tall and lanky frame.
Great Danes have been bred to be one of the tallest dog breeds in the world.
The average height for a male Great Dane is 30 inches (76 cm) at the shoulder, and 28 inches (71 cm) for females.
While this may not seem that tall – remember they are standing on all fours!
This would be like a human being around seven and a half to eight feet tall.
The tallest Great Dane on record was Zeus, who stood an impressive 44 inches (112 cm) at the shoulder!
Zeus lived in Michigan with his owner Denise Doorlag and weighed in at 245 pounds (111 kg).
While Zeus may have been the tallest Great Dane, it is important to keep in mind that breed characteristics are there for a reason and you should seek veterinary advice on what a Great Dane is SUPPOSED to look like BEFORE bringing a Great Dane home.
Great Danes may still be chamber dogs, but more so just ones that consume our beds and eat all of our food.
Great Danes are large breeds who are most definitely not spending their time hunting wild animals.
GREAT DANE DOGS TEMPERAMENT
A Great Dane and their temperament, like most dog breeds, highly depends on a few things:
Breeder/breeding
How they are raised in the litter
Socialization
Training
Exposure to new things as a puppy
Vaccine schedule/health issues
Diet
All of these things play a vital role in how a dog will turn out when they are fully grown.
BREEDING
A Great Dane that is raised by a responsible and reputable breeder, who gives them the proper socialization and training is going to be an excellent dog.
On the other hand, if a Great Dane is raised in a neglectful or abusive home, chances are they will not be the best dog.
A ‘backyard breeder’ is not always someone who abuses dogs, neglects dogs, or hurts dogs. A backyard breeder can be someone who does not health test their dogs, produces many litters of unhealthy Great Danes, and does not care to produce the best natured dogs that they can, which ultimately impacts the owners of that Great Dane for the entirety of the Great Danes life. Backyard breeders might even have their litter registered with the American Kennel Club.
SOCIALIZATION
A Great Dane that is properly socialized will be outgoing, friendly and love people.
They should also be good with other animals – including dogs, cats and small mammals.
Great Danes who have not been socialized may be skiddish, anxious or experience separation anxiety.
Great Danes are great family pets, but owners often find themselves in terrible situations when their dog is very young as they have neglected to provide them with the right amount of training while they are growing up.
EXPOSURE TO NEW THINGS AS PUPPIES
Great Dane owners should be mindful of their dog’s age and begin proper training and exposure ASAP!
These dogs grow up faster and quicker than others, and exposure to new experiences is a must while they are impressionable.
Puppies should be taken on car rides, to the park, on walks around different neighborhoods and to as many places as possible.
This will help them become well-rounded dogs who are not afraid of new experiences.
FAILURE TO DO THIS can result in a Great Dane that is anxious or fearful of new environments and situations – which can be very dangerous for both the dog and their owner.
VACCINE SCHEDULE/HEALTH ISSUES
Another important factor in a Great Dane’s temperament is their health.
Great Dane puppies or dogs should NOT be given all of their vaccines at the same time.
These big dogs have a tendency to not tolerate vaccines as well as small dogs and it can be dangerous to provide multiple vaccines at the same time.
Some dogs will have reactions and long term illness or issues when given multiple vaccines at once. Some dogs can have temperament issues that lag on and on.
When giving vaccines to your puppy or dog, speak to your Veterinarian and request veterinary guidance on creating a vaccine schedule for your dog that allows you to give 1 vaccine at a time.
DIET
It is common sense to think that a diet can have an impact on all dogs and other animals, too.
Humans will admit that diet plays a huge role in the health of people, but it is very little talked about how diet impacts their dog.
Diet plays a huge role in the temperament of any Great Dane.
An obese dog is not a happy dog, and often their temperament will reflect that.
Poor diet can also lead to health problems down the road, which in turn can impact a Great Dane’s temperament and personality. Since Hip Dysplasia, Arthritis, Bloat, Cancer, etc, all have an impact on the Great Dane breed, diet is something that should NOT be ignored.
Great Dane puppies face issues such as knuckling or Panosteitis when they are growing, so helping them to grow VERY slow and steady is CRUCIAL. Every Great Dane who is less than 24 months old should be on a Buffered Esther Vitamin C supplement
Full-grown Great Danes can range in size from 100 to 200 pounds and stand anywhere from 28 to 34 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their large size means that they require a lot of food and their appetites can be larger.
A full-grown Great Dane will eat anywhere from four to eight cups of food per day, so be prepared to spend a pretty penny on their food bill each month!
Honestly, Great Danes truly do not need a whole ton of space. However, having said that, there are some things that they require that other dogs just do not.
The size of the Great Dane can also be more intimidating to some people than other dogs, which is why it is important that they are socialized and trained.
No animal can go without a bed, and Great Danes need BIG ones.
Our favorite is the Big Barker, which has a 10 year guarantee and provides benefits to large puppers by keeping their hips and joints off of the hard surface, which can help to prevent joint disease like Arthritis and Hip Dysplasia.
Sometimes people do not think about the fact that if you plan to drive your dog around, and you are getting a Great Dane, you’ll need a lot of room for them.
Invest in an SUV bed from Big Barker, or get a nice car hammock. Plan on your Great Dane taking up the entire backseat.
Great Danes make wonderful family dogs because of their gentle and loving nature.
They are patient with children and have the ability to bond with multiple people.
While they may be large, they are extremely gentle and typically can understand the difference in situations from running around with their peer-sized friends to interacting with a small child.
From their humble beginnings as a hunting dog, to their popularity as a family pet – the Great Dane has truly come a long way.
While they are no longer used for hunting, Great Danes have found a new purpose as gentle giants and loving companions.
Do you have a Great Dane? We would love to hear your stories about your furry friend in the comments below!
Everybody wants to take amazing photos of their pet. Today we are sharing our 5 top phone photography tips for dogs!
Here is the good news: you don’t need a fancy camera. Most cell phones take great photos, once you know the tricks of the trade. We are here to help!
Good photography is all about lighting and the story being told. Are you ready to learn how to take better photos of your dog? Let’s get started. ?
Dog Phone Photography 101: Lighting is Key
The difference between an ‘ok’ photo and a great photo of your dog is lighting!
If you are indoors, get near a window and put the window behind your back. The light coming into the window will help illuminate your pet and make their eyes shine bright!
If you are outdoors, here are some other dog photography lighting tips:
On sunny, bright days find a patch of open shade. Avoid harsh shadows and squinting by finding nice spots under trees and next to buildings!
On cloudy days, hold up your hand. Is it gray and dull? Turn your body around until the skin on your hand looks nice and warm. That’s where you want your dog to be when you take the photo!
On snowy days, get out and play! The bright snow and clouds consistently make for gorgeous, well-lit photos!
Use natural light as much as possible. Lightbulbs put out a color that will make your images look too warm, dingy, green, or pink. One exception is daylight-balanced LED lighting, which can help illuminate your indoor dog photos!
Put the window behind your back to illuminate your pet when taking a photo indoors.
Train Your Dog to Stay for a Photo
All of this beautiful lighting won’t matter if your dog won’t sit still for a minute!
We recommend starting small with lots of positive reinforcement. Reward even the smallest ‘stay’ position and work your way up to stepping back with your phone in your hand.
You can also use a toy as a reward!
Teach your dog that in order to get the toy, they must SIT or WAIT! Practice this several times: sit, toy, sit, toy. Gradually increase the length of the sit, then reward with the toy.
Once your dog can sit and stay, politely waiting for their toy or treat reward, for 5 seconds, add the camera. Make sure to be fun, upbeat and positive.
When you are done taking photos (quickly, of course), say ‘FREE’ and praise your dog for a job well done.
When your dog is REALLY good at this, you’ll even be able to use the toy to get their attention. This is how you will get those adorable dog expressions!
Choose the Right Mode for Dog Portraits
We recommend portrait mode for the best dog photos.
This mode on most modern phones will identify your subject while blurring the background, giving your images a professional finished look.
If you don’t have portrait mode, play with ‘flower’ or ‘macro’ mode and see what you can come up with!
We also love to use wide-angle photos to capture the scenery and tell a story.
Don’t be afraid to stray from the auto button, especially once you’ve got your head wrapped around how to use light when taking photos of your dog.
How to Get Your Dog to Pose
There is almost nothing worse than taking a beautiful, well lit portrait of your dog to see that their body language is well, stressed.
Pinned ears, lip licking, stiffness, hunched back or shoulders, and tucked tails are signs that your dog is not wanting its photo taken.
If you want your dog to perk their ears and look adorable in photos, follow these simple steps:
Don’t overwhelm your dog! Asking for a photo when they are already stressed is a recipe for disaster
Find a low-distraction area to work in
Be gentle with pressure. Don’t scold, physically handle or get too excited around dogs that are nervous about having their photo taken.
Remember that a little patience goes a long way
Make kissing and squeaking sounds, or use a toy
Say your dog’s favorite words, such as “treat” to get their attention (and be ready to click!)
Use high-value treats and reward often. Make this a fun experience and part of your routine!
Catch them in action, instead of asking them for a pose
How to Edit your Dog Photos
One of the biggest ways to improve your dog phone photos is to edit them!
I highly recommend the Adobe Lightroom mobile app.
You can use this app to adjust everything from the basics to individual colors, and you can even remove distracting objects from your photos!
This app does have a learning curve but it’s incredibly functional, fully featured and free of junk and ads, too.
Presets (in Lightroom) can help you apply a cohesive look to every image that you take, too. This will make your IG Feed look amazing!
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Dog Iphone-ography Summary
If you follow this formula you will notice an immediate improvement in your dog photos!
Lighting – Pose – Editing – Patience
Want more phone photography tips for your dog? Here is another great article we found:
Fawn Great Danes are some of the most magnificent dogs in the world. Here are ten essential items that you will need to buy for Fawn Great Danes and your Great Dane puppy:
Fawn Great Danes will need a really nice, orthopedic dog bed.
The Great Dane dog breed needs to be on a joint supplement that is proven to work.
Great Danes require crates, and large ones!
Fawn Great Danes need toys: lots of them!
Your Great Dane needs items to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Look into the right diet that will help your big dog with health or developmental issues
Great Danes need engagement toys to help them stay non-destructive
FAWN GREAT DANES AND THEIR ORTHOPEDIC NEEDS
Great Danes have health issues that require them to have specific products, but most specifically a bed.
Prevention is the best medication to take care of the breed and its disposition for joint issues such as Arthritis or Hip Dysplasia.
The Big Barker bed is the only bed for big dogs that is proven to prevent and treat potential health issues like joint pain, Arthritis, or Hip Dysplasia.
If your Great Dane is potty training, invest in the waterproof liner that will help protect the bed from puppies and their accidents.
The sooner you can get them used to taking it and the routine of taking it, the better!
However, depending on the age of your dog, the supplement itself will be different.
DANE PUPPIES AND JOINT SUPPLEMENTS
If you have a growing Great Dane pup, you should put them on a Buffered Esther Vitamin C supplement in order to avoid limb conditions like Panosteitis or HOD while growing.
Every Great Dane owner wants their Danes to grow into well mannered, socialized dogs, but unfortunately many Great Dane owners are unfamiliar with the requirements of training these dogs.
The monthly toy box is not only adorable, but your Great Dane won’t be able to destroy the toys!
They boxes are pretty affordable for the amount of indestructible toys that it comes with.
It’s just not clear who will like receiving these absolutely adorable toys more- the human or the Great Dane! Whatever the case is- we have tried and tested these and its definitely an investment worthwhile.
Bark Box offers Super Chewer monthly themed boxes delivered to your door with adorable toys and best of all- they are made for SUPER CHEWERS! Click here to check them out.
GREAT DANES NEED ITEMS TO KEEP THEM COMFORTABLE IN THE WEATHER (BOTH HOT AND COLD)
Although your Great Dane has a short coat, it can be pretty uncomfortably hot in the Summer. And keeping Great Danes warm in the Winter is important too!
CARHARRT WINTER JACKET FOR A FAWN GREAT DANE
There are some absolutely beautiful coats out there for a Fawn Great Dane, or any Great Dane colors.
But, prioritize ones that are going to fit well and keep your dog warm.
Whether you’re going out for a romp in the snow or hoping to snap a picture of your baby in their coat, this jacket really is going to keep them warm so that they can continue to get their exercise throughout the snowy months.
AFFORDABLE AMAZON COAT FOR BIG DOGS
Especially while your dog is growing, you want to make sure the products you buy are affordable.
You don’t want to have to keep buying new sizes in super expensive products.
This Amazon jacket is one that we have tried and works well for Great Danes.
Car fans are an genius way of cooling down your Fawn Great Dane in the car.
Some car fans even have misters that will spray your dog lightly while you drive them, so that they can remain comfortable.
This fan, for example, can be strapped on to any part of your car and will mist your dog while you drive.
Another great fan is this double fan that straps on to the back of your seats.
SUNSCREEN FOR DIFFERENT COLORS OF GREAT DANES
Some Great Danes need to be wearing sunscreen, depending on their coat color.
If you have White Great Danes, they are super predisposed to getting sunburnt. Double Merle Great Danes who are a completely solid white color should be protected in the sun with a dog-friendly sunscreen.
White Great Danes are more predisposed to getting burnt as they lack pigment that Black Great Danes have. However, a Harlequin Great Dane will burn on the white spots of its coat. Harlequin Great Danes should be sun-screened on any of their skin that lacks black pigment / black patches. (Read more about Harlequin Great Danes here)
If you change up a Great Dane puppies diet too much while they are growing, it can cause stomach issues and digestion problems. (Help- stomach problems!)
So, you want to do your research before your pup comes home so that you do not have to figure everything out while they are already here.
Here is a great article discussing what to feed your Great Dane puppy and when to switch them over to an adult food.
Fish oil has a plethora of benefits for dogs including a shiny coat, healthy skin, and reducing inflammation.
Great Danes are especially susceptible to developing hip dysplasia, so adding a joint supplement to their diet is a good idea.
This supplement has glucosamine and chondroiton which are both great for Great Dane joints.
Another common supplement that growing Great Danes thrive on is called NZYMES. Nzymes are a sprouted Granule that contains Superfood Nutrition that can help build the immune system and improve digestion.
As always, speak with your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your Great Danes diet.
They will be able to help you determine if your Dane needs any supplements and which ones would be best for them.
GREAT DANES LOVE TO STAY ACTIVE BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY: ENGAGEMENT TOYS CAN HELP!
Engaging your Great Dane will help both you and them stay happy!
An active dog, both physically and mentally, is less likely to get into trouble and be destructive.
A Blue Great Dane runs outside and plays. Blue Great Danes are known for their solid blue coat, which resembles the Blue of a Weimaraner. Blue Great Danes are a striking color in the breed and can come in a lighter blue or a darker shade of blue.
INTERACTIVE PUZZLE TOY FOR DOGS
Puzzles are one way to keep your Great Dane happy and not bored.
Puzzles work by hiding treats or food in the toy and letting your dog figure out how to get the food out.
This is a great way to engage your dog’s brain and give them something to do.
DOG TREAT BALL
Treat balls are another great way to keep your Great Dane engaged.
Treat balls work by putting treats or food in the ball and letting your dog play with the ball to get the food out.
Treat balls are great because they can be used both indoors and outdoors.
WHAT OTHER COLORS OF GREAT DANES ARE THERE?
The Great Dane breed has more colors of coat than just the Fawn Great Dane. The breed standard colors are:
Some off colors like Blue Fawn Great Dane or ‘Fawnequin’ do not raise as big of a health concern as a coat type that is completely white which is called Double Merle. Double Merle Great Dane dogs are riddled with issues like being blind and/or deaf and raise significant red flags about the breeder who bred them.
Harlequin Great Danes are white dogs with black markings and are NOT the same as Albino dogs, although they do carry one merle gene- DM Danes carry two.
SHOULD I ADD A FAWN GREAT DANE TO MY FAMILY?
So, whether you are looking for a Brindle, Harlequin, Fawn, or Mantle pattern, you will realize that Great Danes are beautiful dogs who are gentle giants.
Fawn Danes are especially striking and can easily make best friends with their calm temperament.
If you are adding a Fawn dog to your family, be sure to invest in some of these top 7 items we recommend when bringing home a new family member.
What is WSAVA, and what are WSAVA Guidelines? Why should I consider WSAVA recommendations and guidelines when choosing pet food? What are the WSAVA approved brands?
This is a topic we recieve a lot of questions on, so I’m going to clear it up in one post! Before we begin, I want to make one thing very, very clear.
WSAVA does not ‘approve’, ‘endorse’, or ‘recommend’ any brand of dog food. Any perception that they do is incorrect and likely misguided by other sources.
What WSAVA does do, however, is provide pet owners with some easy to follow recommendations for choosing dog food.
First, a little history:
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is a non-profit global veterinary association that was founded in 1994. It’s similar to the ADA as it related to toothpaste, for example.
The mission of the WSAVA is to improve the health and welfare of small animals throughout the world.
Today, the WSAVA has grown to include more than 200 member organizations in over 80 countries. Their collective efforts involve creating guidelines and recommendations that provide information, consistency, and standards between organizations and different countries.
WSAVA is a non-profit organization that generates revenue from contributions, fundraising events, and activities. Anybody can contribute resources and financial support to help the cause.
One way that they promote science and research is by developing guidelines for veterinarians and pet owners to follow. In this blog post, we will discuss what WSAVA is and how you can use their common sense guidelines to choose food for your dog!
The WSAVA has developed a set of guidelines to raise awareness for consumers who are looking to choose a quality, science-backed food for their pets. It’s important that I repeat this: the WSAVA does not endorse, certify, or recommend any single brand or formula of dog food.
These common-sense WSAVA pet food guidelines offer pet owners a sense of security that they are making the right choice in pet food.
Unfortunately, the pet food industry is complicated and many consumers have been misled by dubious marketing practices.
I’m outlining the WSAVA Dog food recommendations below:
#1 – Does the Dog Food Company Employ a Nutritionist?
The most important thing to look for when choosing pet food is to find out if the company employs a legitimate nutritionist.
You may be surprised to find out that the solid majority of pet food brands have NO nutritionist on staff at all! (More on this below).
Appropriate qualifications for a dog food nutritionist are either a PhD in Animal Nutrition, or Board Certification by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) or the European College of Veterinary Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN).
World Small Animal Veterinary Association
It’s important to understand that not all nutritionists are created equal! There is a massive difference between somebody who took a short online course, and a Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist (with a Ph.D. in animal nutrition).
Somebody with an M.S. in Animal Nutrition or Animal Science is NOT qualified.
When a company has no nutritionist on staff, they often rely on outdated recipes or consultants to formulate their food. Oftentimes, the company may even state that they “work with a team of nutritionists”. While this sounds great, it’s code for “we hired a consulting firm to look over our recipe”.
Some people may be ok with this corner-cutting practice, but it’s been proven time and time again that having a qualified nutritionists on staff is necessary to ensure safe, reliable pet food formulations.
So be sure to check what ‘kind’ of a nutritionist is on staff, if there is one at all!
Author note: nutritionists who carry certificates from places such as DNU or DNMU (Dogs Naturally Magazine) or other online blogs and course platforms are not legitimate. These people often spread dangerous misinformation and may even be practicing veterinary medicine (such as treating and diagnosing allergies or stomach problems) without a license.
To be clear, however, just because a company employs a qualified nutritionist, doesn’t mean that nutritionist is being used to formulate the diet your pet is eating, which brings us to the next point.
Many consumers are surprised to learn that a lot of boutique dog foods are formulated by people with very few qualifications in small animal medicine and animal nutrition.
When you are choosing puppy food or food for your adult or senior dog, verify that the company employs and is using a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist (DAVCN Diplomate) or a PhD in Animal Nutrition to formulate and test the food.
Some companies employ a full team of DACVNs, who work in tandem with on staff companion animal veterinarians and professionals that have an M.S. or PhD in animal nutrition and related sciences.
Other companies say they employ a “team of nutritionists” however what they really mean is that they only consult with people who don’t work for them. It’s important to read between the lines (read more about this HERE).
Fromm family foods, for example, are formulated by a chemical engineer. It is only in 2023 that it seems they have hired somebody with an M.S. in Animal Nutrition (marginal qualification).
Solid Gold “consults with” a nutritionist with a PhD (but doesn’t employ one).
Diamond Naturals (also Kirkland/Costco, Taste of the Wild, Nutra Nuggest, and 4Health brand) “consults with” a nutritionist with an MS in animal nutrition (but doesn’t employ one).
Victor Foods are formulated by somebody who has an online certificate in dairy cattle nutrition.
When a company “consults with” or “works with” a nutritionist, what they are saying is that they have somebody only mildly qualified in their field being paid to formulate the food, or they are using a formulation software and then a consultant looks it over on paper.
Many companies will respond to this question by indicating that they have a ‘team of highly qualified nutritionists‘. This is smoke and mirrors, as their ‘team’ is often comprised of off-site consultants who have no allegiance to the brand itself.
Make sure the company actually has qualified people on staff and if they gloss over this answer? Look elsewhere…especially if the foods aren’t also being subjected to proper lab analysis and feeding trials to prove that they are safe, nutritious, and bioavailable.
#3 – What is the quality control process for ingredients & the finished product?
When it comes to quality control, not all companies are created equal.
The best companies have a rigorous quality control process that starts with sourcing the highest quality ingredients from suppliers that they trust.
They then test the ingredients upon arrival to ensure that they meet their high standards.
After the food is manufactured, they test the finished product to ensure that it meets their nutritional specifications. This is assuming that when the diet was originally formulated, it was also subjected to a range of labs, testing, and feeding trials.
Only then is the food sent out to be sold in stores.
The best companies have a comprehensive food safety program in place that includes regular testing of ingredients and products, as well as sanitation protocols at their owned manufacturing facilities.
They are also ready and willing to issue recalls if something goes wrong. When a company says ‘no recalls’, we get nervous! Companies without recalls may wish to uphold that term regardless of safety, and may not have been established long enough to yet have a recall (new and inexperienced) in the first place.
Don’t be fooled by unregulated marketing terms such as ‘made in our kitchen’, ‘family oriented company’, and ‘human grade’. These things are NOT an indication of whether or not the food is manufactured with strict protocols.
Many companies now like to gloss over their formulation practices and lack of feeding trials and nutritional lab results by putting a big emphasis on how they use a 3rd party lab to test for things such as aflatoxins and salmonella. Make no mistake, that’s important, but is that really all they are doing?
#4 – What kind of product research or nutrition studies have been conducted? Is it published in peer-reviewed journals?
The best companies invest time and money into research and nutrition studies to ensure that their products are of the highest quality, and that our understanding of small animal health is always getting better.
They also make sure that this research is published in peer-reviewed journals so that other experts can review it, verify its accuracy and learn from it.
When a company says “we do our own research“, we get skeptical (and you should too).
Any food brand can conduct ‘research’ by feeding a dog some food and making anecdotal judgments about their health. That’s not proper research, and there is a reason that many ’boutique’ food brands do not submit their research for peer review.
Many dogs who appear robust, healthy, and shiny die suddenly from nutrition-related (secondary) DCM. The appearance of ‘health’ is not an indicator of actual health.
In addition to participation in the greater scientific nutrition and animal health community, food companies should also be participating in comprehensive lab analysis of the finished products and AAFCO feeding trials (or better) to prove their formulation in real life, not just on paper.
If they did not substantiate their food in actual trials, YOUR dog is the guinea pig.
(See below, the highly tested and researched Royal Canin Giant Breed line from Puppy through Adult)
Feed until 8 months of age.
Feed from 8-24 months of age.
Adult formula from 24 months on.
What to Look For on a Dog Food Label
When you are looking at a dog food label, there are a few things that you should pay attention to:
– The guaranteed analysis (GA)
– The nutritional adequacy statement
– The feeding instructions
The guaranteed analysis is a set of minimums and maximums that must be met by law. We’ve included more information below!
Many people look to the ingredients list when choosing a dog food, however, this is a practice that often results in owners choosing poorly researched low quality foods.
What dog owners need to understand is that the ingredients list is used for marketing.
If you ‘like’ the way an ingredients list reads, chances are, it’s been strategically developed to appeal to you. Tricks such as ingredient splitting and fairy dust (dried blueberries and spinach, for example) are often used.
Not only that, but ‘realmeat as the first ingredient‘ or ‘first 5 ingredients are meat’ are actually a marketing trick, and in many cases, meat may not actually be the predominant ingredient in the finished product.
This is an important one to look for. This statement must be present on all pet food labels in the United States and it indicates that the food and its nutrient analysis have been formulated to meet, or substantiated in tests to meet AAFCO standards.
For puppies, you want to see a statement that the food was ‘substantiated in feeding trials’ for growth, for example.
‘Animal feeding tests using AAFCO Procedures’ means that actual science and research (AAFCO feeding trials) went into proving the nutritional adequacy of the formulation.
‘Formulated to meet’ simply means the food meets the minimum standard, but was not subjected to AAFCO feeding trials.
‘Comparable in nutritional adequacy to foods substantiated in food trials’is less common, but still occasionally seen from small ‘family’ food brands.
This is another important piece of information that you’ll want to look for.
You can use this information to determine how much food you should be feeding your dog based on their weight and activity level.
Some foods are more nutrient-dense than others! A higher quality food will, in general, have more calories per serving.
When you switch to a science-backed diet for your pet, you may find you have to feed much, much less, so watch your dog’s body condition!
Does the company provide contact information?
You want to be able to reach the company if you have any questions or concerns about their food.
A good company will have a customer service team that is ready and willing to help you with whatever you need.
Look for signs that they are truly a science-based company, and not using fluffy marketing to make you ‘feel good’ about the food.
Here are some unregulated, but common “feel good” marketing terms that can be used in misleading ways:
Holistic
Family-Owned & Operated
Super-Premium
No By-Products
Meat as the first ingredient
Home cooked
Fresh
Made in our ‘kitchen’
Tested in our ‘kitchens’
No Recalls
Ancient Grains
Formulated by veterinarians
We use a nutritionist
We have a team of ‘nutrition experts’ (but no DACVN or ACVN in sight)
Wholesome
Who makes the food?
The best companies will be upfront about who makes their food, and they should own and operate their own facilities, especially if they are producing prescription or specialty diets that require detailed protocols and strict attention to detail.
Many boutique food companies use a co-packer and don’t own or operate their own manufacturing facilities.
This is a red flag, as they won’t have as much say in quality control, testing, or nutrition protocols.
There are a small handful of all-purpose, unbranded pet food manufacturing facilities in the United States. These companies make a huge amount of co-packed boutique pet food brands.
It’s essentially a lot of the same food and same practices…with a different label on it.
Ask questions. Boutique foods are one of the biggest marketing schemes in the pet industry right now, and many people are falling for it!
The WSAVA does not approve or sponsor any dog food. However, they do have guidelines that they encourage companies to follow in order to ensure the safety and quality of their products.
It is a myth that foods are ‘approved’ or ‘sponsored’ by the WSAVA.
What Dog Foods Follow WSAVA Guidelines?
Only a handful of dog and pet food companies actually meet and stringently follow all WSAVA guidelines.
These manufacturers include and are limited to:
Purina Dog Chow, Purina One and Purina Pro Plan
Hills Science Diet
Royal Canin
Eukanuba
Iams
Where most other companies fall short is in not owning their own manufacturing facilities, and not employing qualified nutrition professionals. There are a select few companies who DO come close to meeting guidelines, but aren’t on the list above.
The WSAVA does not receive kickbacks from any companies, because they don’t specifically promote any particular company.
In fact, they are a non-profit organization with the mission to “advance animal health and welfare worldwide.”
Food companies of any type (both those that follow WSAVA guidelines and those that don’t) may contribute science, research, time and financial resources to the WSAVA.
Ask questions about why boutique companies do not participate in research or the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and the global community this way!
Additionally, food companies can choose to follow (or not follow) the established guidelines. These guidelines are common sense, so when a food company doesn’t follow them or spins their marketing to make you think that they do, we should be asking a lot of questions.
Here is our list of science-backed large and giant breed puppy foodsthat meet WSAVA guidelines:
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.
Do Veterinarians Receive Kickbacks from Dog Food Companies?
This is a common myth, but it’s not true! In the United States, it is illegal for veterinarians to receive kickbacks from any companies, including pet food companies.
If a food company gives a veterinarian a doormat with its logo on it, they cannot force the veterinarian to recommend that food. That would be unethical. Giving veterinarians sponsored items and asking them to promote the food are two different things.
Some veterinarians might have a wholesale account to sell certain foods in their lobby. They will often do this so they can offer highly researched and scientifically formulated prescription diets to pets that need them.
The question is not actually about whether or not veterinarians ‘receive kickbacks’ then, but truly about why veterinarians promote certain brands and not others.
For a number of reasons, most veterinarians promote science-backed brands such as Purina, Hills, and Royal Canin. They are approached often about promoting ’boutique’ food brands, but they tend to steer clear (because…science and well, laws).
It is not, however, illegal for pet store employees, ‘nutritionists’ with weak credentials, influencers (us included) and brand reps to earn commissions and ‘kickbacks’.
As a matter of fact, these people make TONS of money recommending dog food to you. Remind yourself that the next time a pushy Blue Buffalo rep at Petsmart is telling you about how ‘gross’ and ‘nasty’ Purina is.
But they did go to 4 years of undergraduate school, followed by 4 years of veterinary medicine where they studied companion animal health, surgery, nutrition, and welfare.
They took upper-level nutrition classes, usually taught by veterinary nutritionists, and then went on to apply this knowledge to every facet of health from the endocrine system to healing, urinary health, thyroid disorders, diabetes, allergies, and liver and kidney function.
That’s definitely more than most of us and definitely more than your dog trainer, an employee at a pet store, the ‘Dog Food Advisor’ (a human dentist), or somebody you met in a Facebook group who ‘read the ingredients list’.
The information in those courses and textbooks are often coming from ‘the Big 5’ food brands (Hills, Purina, Eukanuba, Royal Canin, and Iams), because those food brands are the ones most dedicated to health sciences and research, and thus have a lot of important and relevant information to share.
The Purina Institute, for example, has contributed an insane amount of peer-reviewed data that is helping animals all over the world with everything from bloat to hip dysplasia, cancer and diabetes.
Some of the veterinarians go on to gain additional certifications in nutrition (MS or PhD). Most veterinarians then, as a result, tend to look up to the resources and information coming from their more educated veterinary peers.
So when a veterinarian is giving advice about dog food brands, they are getting their advice from actual science.
Pet store employees, on the flip side, are not veterinarians at all and receive the information they share from food companies that want them to sell their products for, you guessed it, kickbacks.
We will say this often: look past the feel good marketing start asking big QUESTIONS about boutique dog foods! Have more questions about nutrition? Leave a comment below!
