Have you ever wondered about male Great Dane weight, how much an adult Great Dane will weigh, the average weight of a male Great Dane, or what a healthy weight for large breed dogs is?
If you have, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll be discussing male Great Dane weight and all things related to it.
The average weight of a full-grown male Great Dane is 120 to 200 pounds. However, there are some individuals that may weigh more or less than this. Generally speaking, the larger the dog, the heavier they will be.
Great Dane on gray background
When it comes to large breed dogs like the Great Dane, their weight can vary greatly based on their height and build. A taller dog with a leaner build is going to weigh less than a shorter, stockier dog.
MALE GREAT DANE WEIGHT IN GIANT BREED DOGS
Healthy weight for large breed dogs is often determined by their body condition score (BCS). This is a scoring system that ranges from one to nine, with one being too thin and nine being obese.
A healthy weight for a male Great Dane would be somewhere in the middle of these two extremes, around a four or five on the BCS scale. If your dog is at either end of the spectrum, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about ways to help them reach and maintain a healthy weight, which can impact the lifespan tremendously.
The average weight of a Great Dane depends on sex, height, age and build.
GREAT DANE BREED SIZE DEPENDS ON GENDER
There are a few things that will affect the average weight of a Great Dane. The first is sex. Males are typically going to be larger than a female Great Dane dog.
Males can grow, on average, to be about two to three inches taller than female dogs and can weigh anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds more. This is a significant difference and something you need to take into account when considering the average weight of your dog.
GREAT DANE ADULT FEMALE WEIGHT: The average weight for giant breeds who are male is 120 to 200 pounds.
GREAT DANE ADULT MALE WEIGHT: The average weight for an adult female Great Dane is 100 to 130 pounds. This is a 20 to 30-pound difference from the males of the breed.
Female dogs are going to be shorter and have a smaller frame than their male counterparts. Female dogs are also going to be much shorter than males.
HEIGHT OF GREAT DANES DETERMINES DANE GROWTH AND WEIGHT
Another factor that will affect the average weight of your Gentle Giants is their height.
The taller the dog, the heavier they are going to be. This is because they have more mass and more bones.
A Great Dane that is two feet tall is going to weigh more than a Great Dane that is only one foot tall. This is why it is important to know the average weight of your dog so you can be sure they are at a healthy weight.
THE AGE / WEIGHT CORRELATION OF GREAT DANES
The last factor that will affect the average weight of a Great Dane is their age. A puppy is going to weigh less than an adult dog. This is because they are still growing and haven’t reached their full size yet. An adult dog is going to be at their full size and weight.
Great Danes typically reach their adult height at about 24 months old because their growth plates remain open until 2 years.
However, all throughout the puppy stage and into both male and female adulthood (24 month+) giant dogs will continue to fill out and have ‘Great Dane growth spurts’.
GENETIC BUILD OF A GREAT DANE
Every giant dog has a genetic predisposition that they get from their parents. This will affect the size, weight, and build of your dog.
If you have a male dog breed that is from a smaller line of dogs, he is going to be smaller than a male dog breed that is from a larger line of dogs. This is something you need to take into account when considering the average weight of your dog.
Backyard breeding has majorly impacted the giant dog breed. Backyard breeders advertise Great Dane dogs as ‘EURO’, claiming that they will sell you a Great Dane puppy that is ‘thicker’ and ‘bigger’ than the average. The word ‘Euro’ is a major red flag.
Oddly enough, the standard for a Great Dane puppy and adult in America and Europe, looks strikingly similar.
See below for a photo of the breed standard for Great Danes in Europe.
EUROPEAN GREAT DANES AND GENETIC HEALTH PROBLEMS
Backyard breeders are are having a major, negative impact on Great Danes, and other dogs. Breed standard is getting lost, and it is causing MAJOR issues.
Backyard breeders are trying to sell Great Danes as ‘EURO‘ Great Danes, advertising them as ‘bigger’ Great Dane dogs. A Great Dane puppy should not be sold as a ‘EUROPEAN‘ Great Dane puppy unless it has proven lineage that traces back to Europe.
The word ‘EURO‘ is a major red flag and is often used by backyard breeders to sell Great Dane puppies that have not been health tested or cleared of genetic defects.
Backyard breeding has caused an increase in congenital and hereditary health problems in Great Danes, and other dogs. Some of these health problems include:
The best way to avoid getting a sick Great Dane puppy is to do your research, and buy from a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you with health clearances for the parents of your Great Dane puppy.
There is NO competition for who’s Great Dane is biggest! The leaner, skinnier Great Danes are the HEALTHIEST, and least likely to develop conditions like hip dysplasia, arthritis, cancer, bloat, and others.
The best way to avoid getting an obese Great Dane is to feed them a high quality, breed appropriate diet, do not OVERFEED your Great Dane, make sure they are getting proper Great Dane growth, and to make sure they get plenty of exercise.
HOW MUCH DOES A GREAT DANE PUPPY WEIGH?
A Great Dane puppy is usually born weighing between two and four pounds.
Great Dane puppies grow at different rates, however the top most important thing to note is that the slower a Great Dane puppy grows, the better.
Fast growth in a Great Dane puppy causes many problems, including but not limited to:
Great Dane growth is one of the most important things during the critical first 12 months, and entire first 24 months. A Great Dane puppy has growth spurts all the way up until 24 months of age, when its growth plates will close. You can generally tell the health of a Great Dane and its growth by looking at its feet.
Knuckling is one of the most important things that can impact Great Dane growth. Unfortunately, when a puppy is between 0-24 months of age, their growth is extremely fragile.
Knuckling occurs anytime between about 3 weeks to about 24 months of age. Knuckling happens when rapid growth occurs and a Great Dane’s growth plates have not closed yet.
Painful movements, inability to hold their paws correctly
WHY DOES IT MATTER IF GREAT DANES KNUCKLE
The first 24 months of a Great Danes life are some of the most important. As the largest dog breed, Great Danes have a lot of growing to do- and they grow quickly.
When a Great Dane knuckles, it means that their bones are not growing correctly. This can lead to all sorts of problems later on in life. Severe knuckling in a Great Dane can even put too much pressure on a Great Danes bones, impacting the normal Great Dane growth and requiring surgery, permanent implants of metal into the bones, or even amputation.
However, every Great Dane owner likes to have a Great Dane growth chart for their dog’s age so that they can see if their gentle giant is maturing according to the ‘average’ or ‘normal’.
Growth charts should be used as a guide for large dogs, and if your Great Dane doesn’t fall within the Great Dane growth chart, you shouldn’t panic. Instead, you should examine your Great Dane and its body condition, rather than trying to make them fit into a growth and weight chart. Remember, it is almost impossible for a Great Dane to be too small, but very easy for Great Danes to be too big/overweight.
To view and read more about the growth chart of a Great Dane, including a growth and weight chart for you to print, click here. For more information about feeding a Great Dane, including a feeding chart, click here.
If your Great Dane is not falling into the Growth Chart, you should not worry. A growth chart is only meant to be a guide, and there are many factors that can impact a Great Dane’s growth. For example, if your Great Dane is not growing as quickly as the growth chart says he should be, it could simply mean he will be a smaller than average size for his breed, which is perfectly normal.
Use the weight chart as a resource for your Great Dane dog, not a bible.
On the other hand, if your Great Dane is growing too quickly, it could be a sign of something more serious, like a rapid growth issue. No weight chart should outweigh the opinion of a Veterinarian. This is a disease that can occur in any large breed dog, and Great Danes are no exception. If you think your Great Dane may have a growth disease, please take him to the vet immediately.
Click below for resources, including a Weight Chart:
A female Great Dane will be about 23.0-30.0 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh about 110-200 pounds when full grown.
The average weight of a female Great Dane is about 150 pounds, but some can be as small as 110 pounds or as large as 200 pounds.
Female Great Danes, like males, should be kept at their smallest healthy weight in order to be in optimal adult shape.
Any excessive adult weight can put extra strain on their joints, causing issues such as arthritis and hip dysplasia as they grow into their adult weight.
Female Great Danes are also more prone to obesity than males, especially after spaying, so be sure to keep an eye on your female’s weight and don’t let her get too heavy.
Feeding a Great Dane dog is one of the biggest priorities that a Great Dane owner should consider. A Great Dane dog requires specific dietary considerations during their typical growth phase (0-24 months) and their subsequent growth stages (24 months plus), as they are different than other breeds in the way that their bodies are formed, grow, and develop.
GREAT DANE PUPPY FOOD
A Great Dane puppy should be on a large breed puppy food, NOT just a regular puppy food. Great Dane growth is incredibly different than needs than small dogs. Large breed puppy formula will support the typical growth of a Great Dane and allow the growth stages to occur in a healthy, slow manner.
Puppy kibbles that we recommend for a growing Great Dane:
Great Dane temperament can be a difficult thing to predict, as it is not always clear what sort of temperament a particular dog will have until he or she is fully grown.
The best way to ensure that you are getting a Great Dane with a good temperament is to get your Great Dane from a reputable breeder who can guarantee that their dogs have been bred for good temperament.
Some things to look for in a Great Dane with a good temperament:
Even disposition
Calm around other animals and people, including children
Adding any dog to your family is a commitment and responsibility. But, getting a Great Dane is an even bigger responsibility because of the size of a Great Dane, the cost of a Great Dane, and the health issues sometimes associated with a Great Dane.
If you are looking into adding a Great Dane to your family, here are some things that you should consider:
Can you afford a Great Dane?
Are you prepared to deal with potential health issues?
Do you have the time to commit to training and socializing a Great Dane puppy?
Do you have the patience to deal with a dog that may be difficult to potty train?
Do you have the space for a dog that may grow to be over 100 pounds?
Do you have another dog that can handle living with a Great Dane?
Are you prepared to deal with potential damage to your home caused by a large, rambunctious puppy?
Do you understand the grooming needs of a Great Dane?
Do you have the time to commit to walking a Great Dane every day?
If you are prepared to deal with all of these things, then a Great Dane may be the right choice for your family. But, if you are not sure that you can handle all of these things, then you may want to consider another breed of dog.
There are many wonderful breeds of dogs out there and each one has its own unique set of needs. Be sure to do your research before adding any dog to your family.
What other things should I consider before getting a Great Dane? Are there any other breeds that might be a better fit for my family?
The best way to find out if a Great Dane is the right breed for your family is to talk to other Great Dane owners and get their input. They can tell you what it is really like to live with a Great Dane and help you decide if this is the right breed for you.
With big Great Dane responsibility, comes HUGE Great Dane love.
Ingredient splitting in dog food is the dubious practice of rearranging labels to make the ingredients list look ‘healthy’. Like most dog owners, you want to ensure that your pup is eating the best nutrition possible.
How does ingredient splitting work? What does that mean, and should you be worried about your bag of pet food?
Ingredient Splitting in Dog Food: a uniquely boutique problem
The pet food industry is a growing multi-billion dollar franchise with new boutique diets popping up every single day. It is estimated that there are 300-400 new ones, each year!
Every new brand wants a piece of the pie and will say what they need to in order to gain your trust – and your money.
In this blog post, we’ll answer all of your questions about ingredient splitting in dog food and help you decide what nutrition is best for your giant breed dog!
What is Ingredient Splitting in Dog Kibble?
Ingredient splitting is when a pet food company takes a whole ingredient (for example, peas, oats, salt, or corn), and then lists it under multiple different names on the ingredients list.
This is a sneaky trick that makes the food look like it has more meat and high-quality, whole foods at the top of the ingredients list than it actually does.
Common pet food ingredients subjected to splitting
Below are some examples of common whole foods that may be split up on an ingredient list. Keep in mind that one single item, such as pea fiber, is ok. The problem is when a company uses multiple items from the whole ingredient, indicating that they are likely using splitting.
Peas may be listed as:
Peas
Whole Peas
Pea Protein
Pea Fiber
Pea Flour
Pea Starch
Green Peas
Yellow Peas
Corn may be listed as:
Corn
Corn Meal
Corn Gluten Meal
Corn Flour
Corn Starch
Whole Grain Ground Corn
Potatoes may be listed as:
Potatoes
Potato flour
Potato protein
Dried Potatoes
Whole Potatoes
Potato starch
Oats may be listed as:
Oats
Whole Oats
Oatmeal
Oat Groats
Oat Flour
Oat Fiber
Additionally, food companies may choose to use multiple versions of the same food so that each one makes up a smaller weight. Examples include:
Yellow peas, green peas, split peas
Red lentils, yellow lentils, green lentils
By turning a single, whole item into separate ingredients on paper, dog food manufacturers can artificially inflate the perception of real meat content in the food, even if it’s not the most abundant ingredient.
How Pet Food Manufacturers Fool Dog Owners
The FDA regulates what goes on pet food labels in the United States, but there are still ways for companies to manipulate their ingredient lists.
For example, a company could put ‘chicken’ as the first ingredient on their food list. But because “fresh” chicken contains roughly 70% water, it could actually be of lower content than other ingredients (once the kibble is extruded).
It would still be listed first, however, because labeling requirements state that ingredients must be listed based on their pre-cooked (water included) weight.
Ingredient splitting further ensures that chicken stays at the top, even though most of its weight and bulk of it is lost during the cooking process. Read our section on by-products below to learn more!
Water content is not required to be listed on pet food brand labels so that companies can get away with this.
Marketing in commercial dog food
The dog food industry is a multi-billion dollar market with thousands of companies fighting for market share.
To differentiate their products, pet food companies will use marketing tricks such as:
-Attractive packaging, often with photos of vegetables, fruits, and skinless, boneless fresh, or roasted meats
-Making bold claims of robust health and longevity
-“Humanizing” their ingredients (“Farm Fresh Deboned Chicken”)
-Placing large amounts of different fruits and vegetables in the ingredients list (which appeal to the consumer but do little for nutritional content)
-Using celebrity and influencer endorsements, including viral pet owners on social media, “veterinarians”, and “nutrition experts”
-Relying on unregulated marketing terms such as “holistic”, “human-grade” and “super-premium”
These tricks are NOT actually an indication of a product being “higher quality”, though people perceive it that way.
How Ingredient Splitting Math Works
Let’s do the math!
If I have 10oz of “widgets” and 8oz of Fresh Roast Beast in my kibble, by law I have to list “widgets” first (because they weigh the most, before cooking).
BUT I want people to believe that roast beast is the primary ingredient, so I break “widgets” up to keep it on the top of the list (and add some yummy-sounding ingredients in minute amounts to appeal to the customer)
10oz of “widgets” becomes (for example):
5oz of widget fiber
3oz of widget starch
2oz of widget protein
Each one has smaller pre-cooking weights that add up to the original 10oz, but because they now individually weigh less than the roast beast, they can move down the ingredients list.
Widgets as a whole, however, still outnumber the meat in the final extruded product…especially once all of the water is removed from the roast beast!
My new more ‘appetizing’ looking formula might look like this, even though the ingredients are essentially the same:
Fresh deboned roast beast, rice, widget fiber, roast beast fat, green lentils, widget starch, widgets, pumpkin, widget protein, red lentils, squash, green lentils, choline chloride, apples, fish oil, potassium chloride, vitamins & minerals.
Companies that practice ingredient splitting are not being truthful to their consumers. Savvy consumers should ask questions and move well beyond the “holistic” and “super-premium” marketing labels.
Ingredient splitting is one of the pet food industry’s biggest, most dirty marketing tricks.
Real-Life Example #1 – Ingredient Splitting
Here is an example of a boutique dog food that uses ingredient splitting to make its formula look meat-focused. This brand uses ‘premium grade’, ‘organic’, and ‘biologically appropriate’ marketing terms. They also promote that their brand has ‘meat in the first ingredient’.
Peas, pea starch, and pea protein all add up to…PEAS. We can reasonably assume that peas are ingredient #2, or even #1 by weight because both lamb tripe and fresh salmon are heavy in water (before cooking).
They have also split salt into 3 different ingredients so that it’s lower on the ingredients list than the pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, and other ‘nutritious’ foods that were included in minuscule amounts for marketing purposes.
This healthy-looking ‘holistic’ brand contains very little meat meal (meat+bone+organs) and no animal fats; two things that are, in fact, biologically appropriate.
When you learn to look past the marketing and read labels correctly, the results are shocking:
Pet Kind Tripe & Salmon Formula
Real-Life Example #2: Ingredient Splitting
See below and note the use of multiple versions of the same ingredients (red and green lentils, green and yellow peas), which is a form of ingredient splitting.
Also take note of the addition of kelp, collard greens, apples, pears, and pumpkin. These items are listed after salt on the ingredients list, indicating that they make up only a few grams per pound (or less) in the food.
The marketing on the bag makes you think that this is a healthy, well-balanced meat feast for your dog. What you are really getting may be nothing more than a bag of meat-flavored lentils, beans, and vegetables.
Lastly, in their effort to avoid the word ‘by-product meal’ (which has unfortunately negative connotations despite being incredibly nutritious), they have utilized multiple forms of kidney, liver, and tripe instead.
All of those things are in fact, by-products.
Acana Red Meat Recipe
Real-Life Example #3: Ingredient Splitting
The next example is from Earthborn Holistics Large/Giant Breed formula. The blue bag with the Great Dane on it!
This popular food in the Great Dane community is full of ingredient splitting. As you can see, this practice is not uncommon and has been made to mislead you!
By now, you may start to see the splitting happening. If not, here is the run-down.
Chicken meal is fantastic. It’s followed by rice, oatmeal and oats.
But wait, aren’t oatmeal and oats the same thing!?
They are. But by splitting them, this company effectively moved chicken fat down into the 5th spot on the ingredients list.
Some studies have shown that chicken fat in the first 4 ingredients increases the risk of deadly bloat in dogs.
EDITORS NOTE:
The only acceptable forms of chicken fat high on the list in large/giant breed foods will be from companies who use a well-sourced by-product meal in the first ingredient. This is a biologically correct inclusion with meat, organs, tissue, and bone that even after cooking will still comprise the bulk of the food and nutrition.
Royal Canin Giant Breed is a great example of this and is thus exempt from the “avoid chicken fat in the first 4 ingredients” rule.
Earthborn Holistic below has also split the salt up into multiple ingredients; many companies do this and it’s not necessarily bad (there may be a nutritional reason for the two different forms).
However, it’s important to note that this keeps marketing inclusions such as apples and cranberries higher up on the list – even though they likely make up less of the actual formula than salt.
Pet Food Industry Myths Busted
Several myths in the pet nutrition industry have been perpetrated by people with very little background in peer-reviewed, scientific canine nutrition.
By-products (often seen on the label as ‘Chicken By-Product’ or ‘Meat By-Product Meal) are catch-all terms for anything that is left over after other parts of the animal have been used.
This can include bone, beaks, feet, tendons, tissue, and internal organs; all things that some humans do not care to eat and may even find repulsive.
A meat by-product meal is the rendered version of this; all of the water and fat is removed and what is left is a nutrient-dense, pathogen-free product that, when added to pet food, can make up the bulk of the important nutrition.
Beef meal, chicken meal, and fish meal are similar products (rendered meats) that you may have seen on a food label. By-product meal is similar, nutrient-wise, to a whole-prey model raw food diet and is much more protein-rich and nutritious than ‘fresh deboned meat’.
Have you ever given a whole chicken to a dog? If you aren’t aware, dogs will eat the WHOLE THING. Eyes, feet, organs, bone, meat, blood, and yes, the beak.
These items are necessary for good health and nutrition in our canine companions.
So don’t let the word “by-product” fool you. If you feed your dog pig ears, bully sticks, freeze-dried liver treats, or chicken feet, you are feeding your dog by-products!
As a rendered item, by-product meals already have the moisture removed before extruding. So unlike fresh muscle meat, if they are heavy before cooking, they still will be after they become kibble, too.
Real-life example
Below is a traditionally “scary-looking” ingredients list with a by-product meal as the first ingredient.
Marketing has taught us to view this label as ‘garbage’ or ‘junk’.
Influencers ‘flip the bag’ and teach us to be disgusted and alarmed.
BUT:
Each ingredient is different, from a different source, and has a different purpose. Because a by-product meal is a nutrient-dense dry product before cooking, it remains at the top of the list without any ingredient splitting needed to keep it there.
It may be tempting to choose the Acana formula (from the real-life example above) that contains healthy-sounding lentils, kelp, pumpkin, and multiple meat sources.
However, don’t be fooled! This Royal Canindiet below very likely contains more actual nutrition from meat than the Acana ‘Red Meat Recipe’ from above.
The more you know!
Royal Canin Giant Breed Adult
Does dog kibble contain slaughterhouse waste?
This is a myth that has been perpetuated by people with very low actual credibility.
The fact of the matter is that there are laws in place (regulated by the FDA) regarding the sourcing, control, and quality of ingredients that are processed into dog and cat food.
The FDA has a zero-tolerance policy for any adulterated products (including drugs, cosmetics, and feed) that enter the marketplace. It’s time to lay this myth to rest.
Grain-free diets have become super popular because of, you guessed it, marketing.
People see the words “grain-free” and think that it means healthier when in reality, it just means… grain-free.
There is no nutritional evidence to support the claim that grain-free diets are any healthier for dogs than diets that contain grains.
In fact, the FDA has identified a link between untested boutique dog foods (often “grain-free”) and an alarming increase in life-threatening heart problems in dogs.
How to Choose an Ethical Pet Food Company
When looking for an ethical pet kibble company, look for these key things:
-A full-time board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist (DACVN or ACVN) on staff (not “consults with” or “works with”, but employs)
-The use of AAFCO food trials to substantiate their formulation in real life, not just on paper
The WSAVA is the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
They are an organization of over 200,000 veterinarians in over 100 countries who are dedicated to improving the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide.
The WSAVA has a Nutrition Toolkit that provides comprehensive resources for pet owners and veterinarians on how to choose a pet food and what to look for on the label.
The WSAVA does NOT endorse or approve any pet brands.
The list of foods below comes from companies that put their money into scientific research, feeding trials, nutrition sciences, veterinary support, and hiring highly qualified board-certified veterinary nutritionists to formulate the kibble.
All of these are formulated correctly for giant breed dogs.
Want more? Here are some great, comprehensive articles on food and nutrition, from a veterinary professional (not influencers or boutique food companies that stand to make money on your purchase):
There is a lot of advice and marketing floating around in the world of dogs. A lot of it is dated and much of it is actually dangerous! Misconceptions in the world of dogs are rampant and we’re going to clear up some big ones today.
These are 5 common ideas in the world of dogs that are actually a big fat scam! These misconceptions are meant to make you buy more things or do things that could actually hurt, frustrate or even kill your dog.
Read on, friends.
Allergy Testing for Dogs
Many people whose dogs have loose stools, itching, and other symptoms of allergies will turn to blood or saliva allergy tests for answers.
These tests prey on desperate dog owners!
Here is how it goes down:
The results will show a list of things the dog is supposedly “allergic” to. This list most often includes things like chicken, corn, grains, and grass or pollen.
Feeling validated, the owner will then choose a boutique “Limited Ingredient” dog food and spend insane amounts of money on expensive diets, supplements, washes, and more.
When that diet doesn’t work, the owner will switch the diet, again and again, further destroying the dog’s gut health (which of course, leads to more sensitivities, allergies, or even heart failure, YIKES!) while trying to find something that ‘works’).
There is no good evidence to support any type of blood serum or saliva allergy testing in dogs! As a matter of fact, studies have shown that these tests are wildly inaccurate.
A food elimination trial using hydrolyzed protein diets is still the gold standard for diagnosing legitimate food allergies in dogs.
This means taking your dog off of all food sources, including treats and counter surfing, except for a highly hydrolyzed protein diet (think Hills z/d or Purina HA) for at least 12 weeks.
If the symptoms improve, then you can slowly add things back in one at a time to see if there is a true allergy.
But beware, these diets are expensive and not all dogs will eat them!
This is, of course, assuming that a food allergy is actually what is happening. Actual allergies to specific proteins in food are exceptionally rare, and there are more often environmental factors at play.
Choosing an appropriate, well-balanced diet (correctly formulated raw and/or quality non-boutique kibble, see below) and addressing environmental allergies with robust gut health and possibly medications (including Benedryl) will be much more effective and healthy for your pet.
The second discussion point in our ‘dog world myths’ series will likely bring us some heat, and that’s ok!
Some dog trainers out there claim to be “Force-Free” and will use marketing to imply that they are the only “humane”, and “science-based” option.
They often spend a lot of time bashing other dog trainers, tools, and methods, too.
But here is the thing:
It’s scientifically impossible to be “Force-Free” or to use only “Positive Reinforcement”.
All dog trainers use some form of positive reinforcement (rewarding the dog for doing something) and negative punishment (taking something away from the dog to decrease a behavior).
The problem lies in the fact that a “Force-Free” dog trainer will always choose, without exception, no matter the situation, isolation and physical restraint (yes, force) in lieu of just saying NO.
For many dogs, this becomes a compounding source of frustration that leads to anxiety, reactivity, frustration, and over-excitement.
This is especially true when it comes to dangerous and rude (but easily correctable) behaviors such as running out of doors, chasing cars or wildlife, humping, ignoring recall, or jumping the fence.
These are behaviors that “Force-Free” dog trainers will often choose to manage for months or years at a time with, you guessed it, force in the form of physical restraint and isolation.
“Force-Free” is a marketing term that misleads dog owners into thinking they are doing something “positive and humane” for their pets.
Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training
We believe in and use positive reinforcement in dog training! That should always be the primary way to install new behaviors and guide dogs towards making the correct choice.
Dogs should have fun learning and never be subjected to intimidation or harsh, forceful corrections.
However, we recommend avoiding extreme, one-sided dog training methods such as “Force-Free” that are restrictive (and frustrating) to you and your dog.
Communicating mostly YES with an occasional NO as needed is the most humane thing we can do for our pets!
Boutique Dog Foods: Killing our Wallets AND our Pets!
This is a big one, and I’m sorry I’m going to ruffle some feathers here.
I’m talking about those “Grain-Free”, “Natural”, “Human Grade”, “Holistic”, and “Super-Premium” Boutique dog foods.
Before we dive in, here are some simple facts about boutique dog foods:
They are quite often formulated by people who are grossly under-qualified to do so (for example, FROMM foods are formulated by a chemical engineer. Yikes!)
The nutritional minimums outlined by AAFCO are simply met on paper, but the foods themselves are not actually subjected to legitimate feeding trials or ongoing research
There is very little if any, actual research and science being put into the formulations; it’s all made up to appeal to dog owners
The belief that they are of higher quality is perpetuated purely by dog owners, influencers, pet store reps that stand to profit, and people with no credible background in canine nutrition
Every day expensive new “holistic” dog foods hit the market. It’s a huge money-maker and influencers, pet food reps and dog food companies all stand to profit.
Many (though not all) of these boutique dog food brands are manufactured in the same facilities that make and pack other “super-premium” dog foods. It’s often the same thing, with a different label.
Here are some common boutique dog foods:
They use a lot of marketing to make you feel that you are making a healthy choice for your pet, including the addition of “fairy dust” to make the ingredients list look healthy. (Fairy dust is the addition of fruits and vegetables that are unlikely to add any nutritional value).
These marketing terms are unregulated and meaningless:
Human Grade
Holistic
Super Premium
High-Quality
Family-Owned
What is ingredient splitting?
Ingredient splitting in dog food is the process of splitting one ingredient (example, peas) into multiple ingredients on the label to make the diet look better on paper.
For example, let’s say you have dog food that contains peas. The peas may be split on the ingredients list into peas, pea protein, and pea fiber. This is done intentionally to make it more difficult to determine how much of each ingredient is present in the diet.
Ingredient splitting can make dog food look like meat makes up the bulk of the kibble (by pushing the meat product to the first thing in the ingredients list), when really, what you are buying is an over-priced bag of meat-flavored peas. YIKES!
DCM is a silent killer that often results in sudden death where no prior symptoms had been seen. For this reason, it is unfortunately grossly underdiagnosed.
It’s not just secondary nutrition-related DCM, though. Chronic loose stools, itching, bone growth disorders, and problems with the liver, kidneys, or pancreas are common.
Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists agree that “holistic” boutique diets, sold to us at higher prices using unregulated marketing terms, are harming our pets.
Enter the Great Danoodle. The Bernadoodle. The Sheepadoodle.
Designer dogs are mixed-breed dogs, marketed to you as the perfect family pet that is “hypoallergenic”, “great with kids” and “easy to train”. This is a huge scam in the pet industry right now.
Here is the truth about designer doodles!
Mixing two dogs together does not guarantee that you will get the best traits of each. That’s not how genetics work.
Poodles are high-energy, intelligent working breeds that require a lot of mental and physical enrichment. Doodle puppies who take on more of the poodle genetics are often the same. They may become aggressive, nippy, destructive, or neurotic when lacking appropriate training, socialization, and enrichment.
Poodles have a much different orthopedic structure than Sheep Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Great Danes. Breeding them together produces a mixed bag that can result in weak hips, roached backs, flat feet, and more.
Doodles are never bred from excellent breeding stock; no ethical preservation breeder will contribute their dogs to a mixed-breed doodle program.
Doodles are not hypoallergenic. They have a mixed coat type, each one is different, and some puppies will produce more dander and irritants than others.
They have intense grooming needs. Doodles require DAILY (yes, daily) brushing and regular trips to the groomer, which can run upwards of $125 or more every 4-6 weeks.
FUN FACT: Many groomers will no longer accept doodles because too many owners neglect their dog’s coat maintenance and then become upset when their doodle has to be shaved because of pelting and matting.
Very few, if any doodle breeders will fully health test the dogs they breed. Ethical testing would include doing all of the required tests on both parents, recommended by the respective breed club of each breed in the pairing.
Why are Doodles so popular?
Doodles have been made popular by, you guessed it, marketing and influencers! Look past the marketing before making a decision about purchasing a doodle for your family.
Make sure that both breeds in the doodle mix have the temperament and coat type that you would want to live with, as your puppy could turn out either way.
However, the average friendly backyard breeder is the biggest problem in the world of dogs right now!
These breeders often do not know what they are doing, nor do they care.
They mislead pet owners into believing they are ethical, and THAT is an issue.
They will often have nice websites and adorable photos of puppies who appear to be well-cared for. You might hear them say that their dogs are ‘genetically clear’ or ‘vet checked and health tested’.
These friendly backyard breeders, however, do not participate in full, proper health testing or screenings (choosing instead to cherry-pick one or two so they appear reputable). They don’t prove their dog’s structure or temperaments by obtaining titles and participating in the breed’s parent club, and many of them do not support puppy buyers for the life of their dog.
For example, Great Danes should have hips, heart, eyes, and thyroid screened at a minimum, prior to breeding. A “friendly backyard breeder” may only do hips.
These unethical breeders tend to breed dogs together based on their color or features, not because of temperament or correct structure.
They will sell you a puppy who appears healthy, but may:
Be timid, shy, or even aggressive
Develop serious behavioral problems
Have problems with growth
Suffers from a poor orthopedic structure that could eventually lead to ACL tears or early arthritis
Die young from genetically linked disorders such as bloat, blood clotting disorders, DCM, or wobblers
Don’t get scammed. Go through your breed’s parent club to find a truly responsible, ethical breeder.
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!
What is the Best Food for Dogs with Upset Stomach? Is the answer really so simple?
WHAT IS THE BEST FOOD FOR DOGS WITH AN UPSET GI TRACT?
What causes a dog’s body to have stomach problems? And what is the best food for dogs with an upset stomach?
Unfortunately, many dogs have a sensitive stomach. Upset stomach in dogs is no foreign stranger to dog owners. With not only commercial dog foods getting harder to navigate but toxins becoming a bigger part of a dog’s life, stomach upset is beginning to plague more and more pet’s health.
But, luckily, with natural remedies and tweaking your dog’s diet, there are things that can be done to sooth your pup’s stomach.
Sweet Potato
Chicken Breast
Cottage Cheese
Cooked Rice
Plain Canned Pumpkin
Dog probiotic
A raw diet
Olewo Carrots
Slippery Elm
WHAT CAUSES A DOG’S STOMACH TO GET AN UPSET TUMMY?
There are a few reasons that could be the root of your dog’s upset stomach.
Diet: A change in diet, whether it is a new food or simply more table scraps than usual, can sometimes be the cause of an upset tummy.
Allergies: Just like people, dogs can have allergies to certain foods that they eat. If your dog has never had a problem with chicken but all of the sudden develops diarrhea after eating it, there’s a chance they could be allergic to chicken.
Stress: Dogs can get stomach aches from stress just like humans. If there have been any changes in the home such as a new baby or pet, that could be the reason for your dog’s upset stomach.
Bacterial Infection: A bacterial infection is one of the most common causes of an upset stomach in dogs. This can be caused by contaminated food or water.
Parasites: Intestinal parasites are a common cause of an upset stomach in dogs, especially puppies. These are usually contracted from contaminated food, water, or feces.
WHAT IS NORMAL DOG’S STOOL SUPPOSED TO BE LIKE?
The short answer is, it depends. A dog’s stool can vary based on their diet. For example, if your dog only eats dry food, their stool will be different than if they ate wet food or a raw diet.
However, in general, a healthy dog’s stool should be:
Slightly soft and easy to pass
Well-formed and not runny
A healthy color (usually brown, but can vary depending on diet)
Without any blood or mucus
If your dog’s stool meets all of these criteria, then it is most likely normal. However, if you notice any changes in your dog’s stool, such as diarrhea or constipation, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian.
DOES A DOG’S FOOD IMPACT A DOG’S STOMACH?
When it comes to a dog’s diet, there are a few things that you should keep in mind in order to help soothe your pup’s stomach.
First, try to avoid any sudden changes in their diet as this can often lead to stomach upset. If you must make a change, do so gradually over the course of a week or two.
Second, make sure that you are feeding your dog a high-quality food that is appropriate for their age, weight, and activity level. If you are unsure about what food to feed your dog, always consult with your veterinarian.
Third, consider adding some probiotics to your dog’s diet. Probiotics are live bacteria that can help to restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in your dog’s gut. They can be found in many different forms, such as powders, capsules, or even treats.
And finally, make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise. Exercise not only helps to keep your dog healthy, but it can also help to relieve stress, which can often be a cause of an upset stomach.
By following these simple tips, you can help to soothe your dog’s upset stomach and keep them happy and healthy.
WHAT IS THE BEST FOOD TO SOOTH YOUR DOG’S STOMACH?
What is the best food for dogs with an upset stomach?
There are a few different options when it comes to finding the best food for your dog’s upset stomach.
A BLAND DIET CAN HELP CALM AN UPSET STOMACH
A bland diet is usually recommended by veterinarians when your dog has an upset stomach. This diet consists of simple bland foods that can help pet parents make their dog feel better.
If your dog ate something that is causing their stomach to feel crummy, a bland diet for a few hours might help to eliminate the bad bacteria and sooth the digestive system.
What exactly is a bland diet? A bland diet for dogs usually consists of cooked white rice and boiled chicken. You can also add in some plain yogurt or cottage cheese to help settle their stomach.
Make sure to avoid any spices, seasonings, salt, fats, or bones when cooking the chicken. You want to make sure the food is as normal as their usual diet as possible.
Now, let’s talk about some of these options for your dog’s upset stomach.
Sweet Potato for Upset Stomachs
If your dog is having an upset stomach, sweet potatoes can help.
Sweet potatoes help an upset stomach by providing some of the best fibers that a dog can get for their digestive track.
Sweet potatoes are also full of vitamins C and B, which can help keep their gi tract in line.
Chicken Breast Can Make Your Dog Feel Better
Chicken breast is a great food for dogs with upset stomachs. Boiled chicken is easy to digest, packed with nutrients and can be added into your dog’s regular food.
Cottage Cheese on Top of Regular Food
Cottage cheese can be a really good solution for a dog belly ache. The probiotics in the cottage cheese can help to ease an upset stomach, and it’s a bland food that is easy on the tummy. Just top your dog’s regular food with a bit of cottage cheese and see if it does the trick!
Cottage cheese is also full of beneficial bacteria, vitamins and minerals, making it a great way to give your pup a little extra boost. Just make sure to check the labels and choose a product without added salt or sugar.
Cooked Rice Helping Your Dog’s Digestive System
Rice is one of the staples of a bland diet for an upset stomach.
It’s easily digestible and can help soothe an upset stomach. Just make sure that the rice is fully cooked before giving it to your dog.
group of brown fresh potatoes SELECTIVE FOCUS
You can either mix the rice with your dog’s regular food, or cook it separately as a side dish.
Many veterinarians will recommend white rice over brown rice because it’s easier on the stomach, but brown rice is fine too.
Once you find the white rice that you would like to use, you can add it on top of dog food. Depending on your dog’s symptoms you may want to skip one of your dog’s meals and just feed white rice for that meal. You can add some homemade bone broth into the rice for added support and nutrients into your dog’s meal. Just make sure that it’s cooked all the way through.
If you have ever felt nauseous or had sharp stomach pains, you know that the more plain the food is, the better it might appeal to your appetite.
Cooked rice does just that- it is a bland food that is nice and easy on the stomach. It can help to soothe an upset stomach and get things settled down.
Plain Canned Pumpkin For Dog’s Health
Canned pumpkin has so many benefits for a dog’s stomach!
It’s full of fiber which can help to ease an upset stomach and get things moving along. It’s also great for dogs that are constipated.
Just make sure to choose plain canned pumpkin, not the kind with added sugar or spices. You can mix a little into your dog’s food, or give it to them as a treat.
If your dog is having diarrhea, you may want to try giving them some canned pumpkin to help firm things up. Just start with a small amount and increase as needed.
You should avoid pumpkin pie mix or pumpkin pie filling as it is mixed with artificial sweeteners and spices that should not be added into dog food.
Many dogs love the taste of pumpkin, so it’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition too!
Dog Probiotic is Essential for Dog’s Stools
Every dog should be on a probiotic to keep their gut healthy and help with overall digestion. Probiotics are live bacteria that are good for the gut.
They can help to ease an upset stomach, as well as firm up diarrhea.
You can find probiotic powders or capsules at your local pet store, or online. Just make sure to choose one that is specifically for dogs. You can mix it into their food or give it to them as a treat.
A probiotic is a great way to help keep your dog’s gut healthy and can even help with an upset stomach. Just make sure to choose one that is specifically for dogs and start with a small amount.
A Raw Diet Might Help Dog’s Diarrhea
Many owners find diet to be an extremely frustrating topic with their dogs.
It can be a challenge to find what works for your dog and what doesn’t work.
A raw diet is one that consists of uncooked, raw meat and bones.
We Feed Raw provides complete mixes in a variety of proteins including Beef, Venison and Turkey.
Raw diets can be very controversial, but many owners find that they help with their dog’s overall health, including their digestion.
Some dogs will face chronic diarrhea until they have some raw food added into their diet, and then their owners state that their stomach and digestion improve immensely.
If you decide to try a raw diet for your dog, make sure to do your research first and talk to your veterinarian.
Olewo Carrots and Upset Stomachs
Olewo carrots are one of the magical and hidden gifts of dog’s digestion issues.
They are a natural remedy that has been used to help with all sorts of stomach issues in both humans and animals.
Olewo carrots are rich in soluble fiber, which can help to absorb excess water in the intestines and firm up stool. They are also anti-inflammatory, so they can help to soothe an upset stomach.
You can find Olewo carrots at your local pet store, or online. If you need to purchase, here is the link:
Slippery Elm to Calm an Upset Stomach
Slippery elm is one of the home remedies that may work best for your dog’s diarrhea.
Slippery elm can help a healthy dog or a dog who has a stomach ache.
Depending on your dog’s situation, using slippery elm to sooth their gi tract comes with absolutely no side effects.
If you’re looking for home remedies that can help to create living gut friendly bacteria and support your dog’s upset stomach, just add some slippery elm into their dog food.
You will notice that their digestive tract will become calmer and they might stop doing things that imply an upset tummy like eating grass or having runny stool.
WHEN DOES A STOMACH ACHE BECOME AN EMERGENCY?
If your dog is having a stomach ache for about a week or more, you should consider getting veterinary advice.
Also, keeping close tabs on your dog’s temperature will help you to know if they are having a less serious issue like a reaction to their dog food or if your dog’s stomach issues are from something more harmful like a toxin. Some upset bellies are due to things like food allergies, but some may be due to more serious things and can cause more serious symptoms.
An adult dogs normal temperature is at about 101-103 degrees. If you notice any temperature about that, you should at least call your vet immediately to see what their opinion is.
Dog ownership takes a lot of work, but there are things that you can add into their dog food to help keep them happy and healthy.
Never let a dog’s stomach upset cause you and your dog to miss out on important adventures and always be proactive about finding remedies to help them feel their best.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
The Great Dane is often called the world’s largest dog breed. They are a giant breed of dog that can weigh up to 200 pounds. But with that size comes a big appetite! So how much does a Great Dane eat, on average? And what do they eat?
HOW MUCH DOES A GREAT DANE EAT?
The average Great Dane will eat about four to eight cups of food per day. This amount can vary depending on the age, weight, and activity level of your dog.
Puppies and young dogs will generally eat more than adult dogs. And active dogs will usually eat more than less active dogs.
Giant breeds not only eat a lot of food daily, but they require a specific, nutrient dense diet to support their giant breed body.
Pet parents should know how much to feed their Great Danes, and also what type of ingredients are required for a proper diet.
GREAT DANE FEEDING CHART
If you have a Great Dane puppy, it can feel stressful to know if you are giving them enough food or how much to feed them.
Large breeds require a lot of food, but many do not need quite as much as dog owners think they need.
Keeping a Great Dane feeding chart on hand is helpful to know how much to feed in the general ballpark.
We suggest keeping in the general guidelines of the following Great Dane feeding chart:
*Note that these are general guidelines and you should always speak with your veterinarian about specific feeding recommendations for your dog.
You can check out the entire Great Dane Feeding Chart here.
Puppies will eat more frequently than adults. If your Great Dane is full grown, this Great Dane food chart should work as an average of how many cups a day of dry food they might consume. Some might eat more, and some might eat less.
You should always base your Great Danes diet off of how they look.
If your adult Great Dane is less active, you should lower the amount of your dog’s food as you very easily CAN give a Great Dane too much food. If they are an extremely active Great Dane, you might find that they are hungry. Give them a half cup more until you find what works for your dog’s eating habits.
Male Great Danes will typically eat more than a female Great Dane.
It takes time to learn how much to feed your specific Great Dane, but the rule of thumb is to never overfeed your Great Dane. You can always feed a Great Dane more food, but it is much harder to make big dogs lose weight once they have gained it.
Veterinary guidance suggests that many dog food companies are formulating Great Dane puppy formulas exactly correct for your Great Dane to grow slowly into a healthy big dog.
Some large breed adult Great Dane food has too many calories for your Great Dane puppy.
Check out our resources for how much to feed as well as what is the best dog food to give your Great Dane puppy.
If you are following a Great Dane feeding chart, working to get the best dog food you can for your Great Dane puppy and doing your best to make sure to keep your dog healthy, you are probably already on your way to making a Great Dane feeding schedule.
Large breed dogs should be fed small, frequent meals on a consistent feeding schedule.
Not only will this help with their digestion, but will also help you to better monitor their food intake.
A general rule of thumb is to divide the total daily recommended amount of food by the number of meals you plan to feed your dog.
For example, if your adult Great Dane needs six cups of dry food per day and you plan to feed them three times per day, each meal should be two cups of food.
If you are ever unsure about your Great Dane’s eating habits or how much to feed them, please consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to help you create a feeding schedule and offer guidance on how much food is appropriate for your dog.
So many people give their Great Dane WAY too much food.
Your Great Dane should eat dependent on how much exercise they receive.
If you cannot see the ribs of your Great Dane, they are probably overweight.
Dog breeds like the Great Dane are at such a high risk for disease like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint disease that Great Dane owners should keep their Great Dane slim.
Adult Great Danes should have an hour of exercise a day, and puppies should have several shorter sessions of playtime throughout the day.
A good rule of thumb is that a dog’s energy output should exceed their intake.
If you are unsure if your Great Dane is at a healthy weight, check their rib line. You should be able to take your hand and feel the ribs on your Dane pup.
This does not mean that your Great Dane is ‘too thin’.
Your Great Dane puppy has growth plates in the long bones of their legs.
These growth plates are what will eventually turn into the Dane’s adult bones.
You want to be very careful not to put too much stress on these growth plates by overfeeding your Great Dane puppy or over exercising your Great Dane puppy.
The general rule of thumb is to switch your Great Dane pup to an adult food once they reach 100% of their expected full grown weight, which happens at the age of 2.
So, you should let your Great Dane puppy eat puppy food until they are 24 months and then you can switch them to adult Great Dane formula.
WHY WON’T MY GREAT DANE PUPPY EAT?
Sometimes, if your Great Dane puppy will not eat, it is actually your fault.
When we find that our puppy refuses to eat, we usually offer them more food.
This perpetuates the problem. If you constantly give your Great Dane puppy ‘bigger and better’, they will begin to hold out for what they want. In other words, a bowl of regular dog food will begin to look boring to them.
These are just a few examples of healthy fats that you could add into your Great Dane’s diet. Adding these healthy fats will help to fill them up and keep their coat shiny and healthy.
A Great Dane puppy should be given Buffered Esther Vitamin C to prevent Knuckling. Knuckling happens when a puppy’s bones haven’t yet strengthened and they fall over on their ‘pinky’ side.
Start your puppy on 500 mg, and work your way up to 1000 mg. This is one of the most important items you will give your puppy.
Great Dane puppies can also be given fish oil. Fish oil is a great fat for a Great Dane puppy because it helps with brain development and protects their joints.
As your Great Dane enters into adulthood, you might want to consider giving them a glucosamine supplement to help with any joint pain that they may experience. This is especially important if your Great Dane is showing any distress of their joints.
Additionally, it is very important to give your great dane a gut support. Choose a probiotic like this FortiFlora.
RED FLAGS FOR GREAT DANE DOG FOOD
Great Danes eat a lot of food. You want to make sure you are feeding the right food.
‘Popular’ food with buzzwords or marketing schemes (read more here)
Kibble brands that lack research, canine education, studies, or science
Feeding a raw diet to a Great Dane puppy CAN be very challenging and should be done under the consult of a nutritionist. Raw food is very hard to balance and a Great Dane puppy NEEDS a balanced diet.
WHAT IS THE FOOD BILL GOING TO BE FOR MY GREAT DANE?
A Great Dane can cost anywhere from $70- $200 to feed per month.
This, of course, depends on the quality of food you are feeding and if you are supplementing.
The best way to find out is to speak with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist.
If you are choosing to go with Raw Feeding for Great Dane feeding, it can be an excellent choice for your dog.
Your dog’s stomach might tolerate raw food better than dry. A balanced premade like this one offers the security of having your meal balanced.
We Feed Raw provides complete mixes in a variety of proteins including Beef, Venison and Turkey.
If you are a new raw feeder, you should either choose a balanced raw product or seek the counsel of a certified nutritionist. Raw feeding can be very challenging when you are beginning.
Do not ever begin a Great Dane puppy on raw feeding by yourself. You must feed a Great Dane puppy a complete and balanced diet while they are growing. If your Great Dane eats an unbalanced raw diet, they will experience a tremendous amount of issues.
CHOOSING TO FREE FEED YOUR GREAT DANE
Some people like to ‘free feed’ a Great Dane. If so, make sure they are eating slow and not eating too much. You can use slow feeders, even when ‘free feeding’.
If you want to leave food out all day instead of feeding them two meals or three meals a day, that is fine. However, you should still be intentional about how many cups a day you are giving to your Great Danes.
You should always know how much you feed a Great Dane in a specific day, even if you are choosing to leave the food out all day long.
Monitoring your Great Danes intake can help you keep track of their weight and keep them thin and healthy.
Great Danes are one of the most popular dog breeds in America. But before you bring home your very own, you should be prepared and know how to best feed a Great Dane.
Have you ever considered using mushrooms for dogs?
Did you know that mushrooms have many health benefits for dogs? In fact, they can be a great addition to your dog’s diet. In this blog post, we will discuss the amazing benefits of mushrooms for dogs. We will also provide some tips on how to add them to your dog’s diet.
Support liver and kidney function
Mushrooms are a great source of antioxidants and they can help to support liver and kidney function. They can also help to detoxify the body and reduce inflammation.
Boost the immune system
Mushrooms are also a great way to boost the immune system. This is because they contain beta-glucans, which are a type of carbohydrate that can help to stimulate the immune system.
Aid in digestion
Mushrooms can also aid in digestion. This is because they are a good source of fiber. Fiber can help to add bulk to the stool and make it easier to pass. Additionally, mushrooms can help to increase the production of digestive enzymes, which can aid in the digestive process.
Improve nutrition in weak animals
Mushrooms are also a good way to improve nutrition in weak animals. This is because they are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms can also help to increase the absorption of nutrients from other foods.
Cancer prevention
Mushrooms may also help to prevent cancer. This is because they contain compounds that can help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Additionally, mushrooms can help to boost the immune system, which can help to fight off cancer cells.
Stabilize blood sugar and metabolism
Mushrooms can also help to stabilize blood sugar and metabolism. This is because they contain compounds that can help to regulate insulin levels. Additionally, mushrooms can help to increase the body’s ability to burn fat.
Lower cholesterol, boost weight loss, and aid in preventing fatty liver disease
Mushrooms can also help to lower cholesterol, boost weight loss, and aid in preventing fatty liver disease. This is because they contain compounds that can help to reduce fat absorption. Additionally, mushrooms can help to increase the body’s ability to burn fat.
Help prevent viral infections
Mushrooms can also help to prevent viral infections. This is because they contain compounds that can help to inhibit the growth of viruses. Additionally, mushrooms can help to boost the immune system, which can help to fight off viruses.
Reduce blood pressure
Mushrooms can also help to reduce blood pressure. This is because they contain compounds that can help to relax the blood vessels. Additionally, mushrooms can help to improve circulation.
How to add Mushrooms into your dogs diet
If you want to add mushrooms into your dog’s diet, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, it is important to choose the right type of mushroom. There are many different types of mushrooms, and not all of them are safe for dogs.
Second, you should only feed your dog cooked mushrooms or provide a safe mushroom supplement. Raw mushrooms can be toxic to dogs.
Finally, you should start by feeding your dog a small amount of mushrooms and gradually increase the amount. This will help you to gauge how your dog reacts to mushrooms and avoid any potential side effects.
Mushroom supplement
We recommend the safest way to incorporate mushrooms into your dog’s diet is by using Fera Pet’s Mushroom Supplement.
Fera Pets Mushroom Supplement is a blend of 10 different organic mushrooms that have been carefully selected for their nutrient dense properties and health benefits.
The supplement comes in a powder form that can be easily mixed into your dog’s food. It is also delicious, so your dog won’t even mind it’s there!
So, as you can see, there are many benefits of mushrooms for dogs. If you are looking for a way to improve your
There are many other benefits of mushrooms for dogs. If you are looking for a way to improve your dog’s health, consider adding mushrooms to their diet. You may be surprised at how much they can benefit from this amazing superfood.
Post after post from dog owners whose previously voracious puppies and dogs have suddenly ‘become picky’, ‘stopped eating’, or are rejecting their meals.
We have this inherent desire, as humans, to feed animals.
Even when they don’t want to be fed.
A common response to picky eating in dogs is to add toppers or treats such as canned food, chicken, ground beef or raw food.
Many other people switch brands on repeat, trying to find a food that “doesn’t cause runny stools” or “allergies”.
Both of these paths are dangerous territory, and we’re going to talk about why below!
Dogs Know What They Need
It’s important to understand that biologically, most dogs know what they need.
When we try to bribe otherwise healthy (no medical problems) dogs into eating, we are basically encouraging them to over-eat.
Overfed dogs become overweight dogs, all because we didn’t trust them to moderate their own intake.
A dog’s appetite and metabolic needs will fluctuate not only during growth, but depending on the season, the weather, treats offered, and activity levels.
We should never assume that dogs need the exact same portion of food every single day.
Humans don’t eat like that, why would dogs?
Around 7-10 months of age, many Great Dane puppies drastically reduce their food intake. This happens in line with the natural slowing of the explosive growth that happens from birth to 6 months.
Many dog owners find this alarming, and start believing that their dog has become picky.
What people don’t realize here is that their dog is actually…full.
All of this food switching, bribery and unbalanced nutrition is likely the culprit behind the health issues and pickiness, NOT necessarily grains and chicken!
It’s important to note that actual grain, chicken, and food allergies are exceptionally rare in dogs. The only legitimate way to rule out food allergies is through a hydrolyzed protein food elimination trial with veterinary guidance.
Health Weight, Matters.
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is step one. Many people believe that their dog is underweight and needs to be bribed to eat more, when in reality, they are perfect!
Healthy weight dogs are leaner than you think. Puppies in particular can look positively gangly at times, and that is ok! If your dog is vibrant, energetic and building muscle, you don’t likely need to be concerned.
It is a rare situation when a dog actually needs to be fed more to gain weight.
That most often happens when there are medical problems at play such as parasites, malnutrition, unbalanced diets or metabolic disorders that need veterinary attention.
If you think your dog is underweight, talk to your veterinarian!
Many times a simple switch to the correct formulation (puppy, adult, or senior dog food) can help a dog build muscle and fill out a bit, too.
Here are some examples of a healthy-weight Great Danes of all ages, for reference.
Ear Cropping Great Danes
What About Toppers?
Toppers DO, however have their place. As a matter of fact, some studies indicate that the addition of fiber and fresh foods to a dry kibble diet may help reduce the risk of bloat.
We recommend adding toppers as a way to promote health, NOT as a way to bribe a dog to eat.
Our favorite toppers include balanced raw, Olewo Carrots, Dr. Harvey’s, and fresh fruit or veggies (in moderation). Keep toppers to less than 10% of the diet. We’ve linked Dr. Harvey’s below.
How do I Stop My Dog from being a Picky Eater?
Now that we understand the pitfalls of bribery and food switching, it’s time to address picky eating in dogs.
Fixing a picky eating issue requires you to change your routine and take steps towards healthier habits.
Step 1:
Talk to your vet to rule out medical issues. Allergies can be determined by using a hydrolyzed protein prescription diet paired with an elimination food trial. Giardia is a common parasite that may need antibiotics to treat. A dog with low energy, dull coat and a lack of muscle will likely benefit from both medical attention and a change to a science-backed diet.
Parasites, bad teeth, thyroid problems, heart problems, joint issues, and being overweight can lead to a reduced appetite.
Step 2:
Choose a well-balanced, professionally formulated and science-backed food brand that will have all of the nutrients and amino acids that your dog needs.
Our top pick is Purina Pro Plan Large Breed (Puppy, Adult or Senior depending on life stage). The Sensitive formula is perfect for dogs with icky tummies and stools. Eukanuba is another solid choice.
Step 3:
Measure your food out. Use an 8oz measuring cup and follow the guidelines on your bag of food. The amount stated will be for the entire day.
Reduce the amount of kibble by 10% if you are adding toppers of any kind. Reduce it further if you will be doing treat training. If your dog is overweight, choose a weight management formula or cut back again.
Add only enough toppers to make up the amount that you reduced from the kibble portion.
Pro tip: Grab a handful of the total amount and put it into your training pouch!
Tell yourself that it’s OK if your dog doesn’t eat all of it!
(Below we’ve linked to some balanced raw that can be used as a topper):
We Feed Raw provides complete mixes in a variety of proteins including Beef, Venison and Turkey.
Step 4:
Dine and dash!
First, DINE: Feed your pup a portion of their daily intake and save the rest for other meals later in the day.
Then, DASH: Put the food down for your dog, walk away and set a 10 or 15 minute timer.
If your dog doesn’t eat the meal, pick it up when the timer goes off. Save it for lunch time.
If your dog does eat and seems hungry still, sprinkle in a little more from the daily intake pile.
Offer your dog a meal 2-3 times over the course of the day, but put a time limit on it. Don’t make a fuss. Don’t bribe. Don’t make it a thing.
Eliminating picky eating means giving your dog a little tough love.
Your dog will NOT let itself starve to death.
Step 5:
Rinse and repeat.
Use food in puzzles and for training! This fun enrichment can encourage eating, if you are concerned.
Stop worrying too much about your dog’s food intake. Stress is not good for us OR for our dogs!
If you are offering a science-backed diet or balanced raw, and your dog has a healthy body condition and good energy, chances are you’re doing just fine.
If you see anything else unusual, instead of switching foods again, talk to your veterinarian.
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
Is your Great Dane not eating enough? This can be concerning and it’s a popular topic in the Great Dane community! There are various reasons why a Great Dane might become picky or stop eating, ranging from temporary issues like stress, changes in the environment, or minor digestive upsets, to more serious health conditions such as dental problems, gastrointestinal disorders, or metabolic issues.
Before we dig more into this, I have to remind readers that if a dog is truly not eating and is losing weight, this is considered a medical emergency. Always see your veterinarian if you are worried about your Great Dane not eating enough, or not eating at all.
Great Dane Not Eating Enough…or At All!
Buckle up, this is a big one! If your Great Dane is picky, acting strange, or just not eating much, the answers are here for you. There are times when a loss of appetite can absolutely be a concern.
Here is a list of reasons why a dog won’t eat, that require veterinary care ASAP. If any of these could be true for your dog, do not read the rest of this article, call your veterinarian or if life-threatening, GO!
Anxiety (if it results in withholding food for more than 24 hours)
Bloat or other gastro-based emergency
Cancer
Here are some less serious reasons why your Great Dane isn’t eating enough:
Tummy upset
They are eating enough, you just think they need more (common!)
They just finished a growth spurt
It’s hot out and their appetite is down
Anxiety & stress
They are not receiving as much exercise as usual
The feeding area is dirty, noisy, or scary
The food is bad (read about the recent Victor recall, they had been selling contaminated food for months and many dogs had refused to eat it before the recall was finally issued)
They are receiving too many toppers, treats, and chews
Notice I didn’t mention picky eating! We’ll get more into that later.
What to do if a new Great Dane puppy won’t eat
It can be alarming if your new Great Dane puppy won’t eat! We all know that Dane pups NEED a lot of food to grow, so it can be scary when they aren’t ravenous for their food.
Great Dane puppies grow fast and a loss of appetite can be alarming, but keep this in mind: for growing large breed dogs, overnutrition is just as dangerous as undernutrition! Overfeeding Great Dane puppies leads to orthopedic growth disorders, too fast growth, and problems such as carpal laxity that are hard on the joints.
Always go by your veterinarian’s advice regarding overall body condition; Dane puppies should be lean, not round.
What if my Great Dane Puppy is a picky eater?
You’ll notice that ‘picky’ is not listed here as one of the reasons why a puppy dog won’t eat! Many people believe that they have a picky dog on their hands, but it’s actually very rare.
Picky eaters are most often a symptom of the environment, and the harsh, honest truth here is that your picky pooch has likely trained YOU!
Every time you add a topper, canned food, boiled chicken, table scraps, or dog treats to encourage eating, your Great Dane puppy learns that if they ignore their food better things will come.
Most dogs are very smart this way, and the only way to solve this problem is to be strong. Our Stop Picky Eating post is super helpful for picky pups!
Stop bribing your puppy
To put this simply, stop bribing your dog to eat unless your veterinarian has encouraged you to do so following an illness! Your puppy will not allow itself to starve to death, and will eventually eat the dog food that was presented to them as-is.
Every time you switch foods to try and appease your ‘picky pup’, you also risk upsetting the stomach more. Many people start to believe that the resulting chronic loose stools are ‘allergies’, change foods again, and thus will begin a never-ending cycle of gut issues.
These problems can be brought on by constant changes to food and nutrition while the puppies’ digestive system was still maturing.
When you switch foods, the balance of nutrition and gut flora is thrown off again; it can take up to 12 weeks for a dog to acclimate to a new food. Every time you find your dog not eating the way that you think he should, we encourage you to look at health first before making changes.
We cannot state this enough: if you are feeding an appropriate, science-based large breed kibble and your puppy is not knuckling or experiencing growth disorders, STICK WITH IT!
Stop switching foods. It’s really not healthy.
What to feed a Great Dane puppy so that they eat
The best dog foods for a Great Dane puppy will be science-backed, highly researched, formulated for the growth of large and/or giant breed dogs, and from a company that employs a veterinary nutritionist (or team of them) to formulate, oversee, research and test the diet.
Many boutique food brands that sound ‘healthy and holistic’ are often the creation of great marketing, not necessarily of great research and excellent nutrition.
We recommend checking the credentials of any food brand you are considering as your pup’s main diet. The wrong food can cause heart problems, kidney problems, issues with vitamin and mineral levels and more.
Thankfully, the Pet Nutrition Alliance did the work for us and compiled the important information on each brand on a spreadsheet. This makes dog food brand decisions super easy!
We recommend a Large Breed Puppy formula from Purina Pro Plan or Eukanuba, and as above, STICK WITH IT! For more information on how to feed a Great Dane and the best dog dry food and amounts for growing Dane pups, read our famous Ultimate Great Dane feeding chart post here!
Here are our favorite science-backed foods for Great Dane Puppies. Click to shop on Chewy. Pro tip: autoship saves you money and time!
Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.
Your puppy is overwhelmed, fearful, or scared
It’s not uncommon for Great Dane puppies to feel a little overwhelmed during the first days in a new home. An overwhelmed, overtired, and overexcited dog won’t eat reliably, and that’s ok.
Not only have there been several changes to their life and routine, but they’ve likely had vaccines and possibly even ear cropping. Veterinary care like this can make them feel a little icky for a few days, so you may just need to be patient.
Your puppy has parasites
As above, worming medication can cause tummy upset, and so can parasites!
Your veterinarian will likely do a stool sample and worm your puppy with an oral medication. If your puppy has worms, this medication can make your puppy feel not-so-great while the worms die.
Common worms and parasites include tapeworms and roundworms, which you may see in their stool! There is another very tiny parasite called giardia that is a very common cause of loose stools in Great Danes.
If you are struggling with your puppy’s stomach upset, ask your veterinarian to test for Giardia, which requires antibiotics to treat.
Parasites are very common in puppies and treatable. As long as you have gotten your puppy from a reputable Great Dane breeder and had your first vet visit, this should be no big deal.
Your puppy has a stomach upset
Another common cause of stomach upset in Great Dane puppies is switching foods! Many pet parents are excited to switch foods and may immediately jump to a food brand that the puppy had never had before.
We ONLY recommend that puppies be fed a science-based and highly researched large breed puppy kibble diet formulated for large and giant breed growth (our favorites are below).
If your breeder was feeding something else, switch slowly to avoid further stomach upset.
Note: If your puppy is knuckling or experiencing HOD, Panosteitis or other orthopedic growth problems, your puppy must switch to an appropriate, science-backed large breed puppy kibble immediately.
Too many treats can make a dog eat less
Training treats can also cause a puppy to become full or overloaded with the wrong nutrition! Too much of a good thing can result in a decreased appetite, which can be alarming AND lead to loose stools, growth disorders, and more.
Take it easy with dog treats. Keep bites teeny tiny and consider doing as much training as you can with your puppy’s kibble, instead!
(No, your dog will not bloat if you feed them kibble for training! Contrary to popular belief, ‘resting’ before and after eating is not reliable for preventing bloat in Great Danes).
Too many training treats can also throw off the important balance of nutrition needed for proper growth. Too much food, fat, nutrition, and unbalanced amino acids and calcium and phosphorus levels are dangerous for growing puppies.
Here are some of our favorite holistic whole-food training treats for Great Danes. Use in moderation!
Your puppy is sick
Unfortunately, illness can be devastating for young Great Dane puppies. If your Dane pup has any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately:
Excessive amounts of diarrhea
Blood in stool
Pale gums
Vomiting
Low or high body temperature (use this thermometer to check)
Lethargy (no energy, even while awake)
Weakness, stumbling, unable to stand, walk or play
Cloudy or watery eyes
Discharge from the nose or mouth
Foul smell
Large, distended abdomen
Crooked paws
Showing pain signals including limping, whining, crying, chewing paws, aggression, etc.
Parvo in Great Dane Puppies
Parvo, for example, could be one reason that your puppy is not eating. While there are vaccines for Parvo, puppies are at risk until they are fully vaccinated.
This particular disease is extremely difficult to treat and also deadly. Early diagnosis is key; if you see any signs your puppy needs to see a veterinarian immediately.
A thorough physical examination is warranted anytime you feel something is ‘off’ with your puppy, including crooked paws (which could be a sign of knuckling).
Other symptoms of poor health can include whining while going potty, weight loss, and limping. A urinary tract infection is a common problem for Dane pups and one that can result in a reduced appetite in dogs.
Not only that, but a Dane pup can become dangerously dehydrated very quickly, so if your puppy is having trouble with loose stools and throwing up, get to the vet immediately.
Even if he or she’s drinking water, it may not be enough.
Your Great Dane Puppy is Full
Many times, a puppy that has no appetite is actually full!
Too much nutrition can lead to knuckling and loose stools, so keep that in mind if your dog loves to scarf food and eat too much.
Great Dane puppies grow fast and need a lot of nutrition, and your dog’s eating habits will change often throughout the first several months. As a matter of fact, you may find that your puppy is at the food bowl asking for food at odd times, and turning its nose up at other times!
Your pup will need more dog food before and during a growth spurt as well.
We say feed them and let them guide you! The goal with puppies is not to stuff them with an exact number of cups of food, but rather to give them the nutrition they need to grow slowly and with excellent body condition.
Our Great Dane puppy feeding chart can give you a rough idea of how much you might expect to feed, but only your puppy really knows what he needs.
Do not let your puppy (or adult Great Dane) gain excess weight. If your dog scarves food down and eats without stopping, it’s time to step in and strictly monitor intake.
Is it normal for puppies to not eat all of their food
Assuming that your healthy puppy has a quality, age-appropriate science-backed dog food and is otherwise vibrant, robust, and active it can be perfectly normal for your pup to leave food in the bowl.
As above, this is not a sign that your Great Dane is one of the reported ‘picky eaters’. A dog that is self-regulating its intake is very different than a dog that has had an actual loss of appetite.
It’s important to monitor your puppy and keep tabs on growth, overall health, and energy levels; this matters more than actual food intake!
As a pet parent, it’s normal to worry, but unless your dog recently suffered illness, is losing weight, or is showing other sights of stress or health problems, try not to stress. Keep your puppy on the same dry dog food and stick it out!
Having interest change from meal to meal and day to day is totally normal and to be expected. This chart below is just a guide; the food you choose and your puppies appetite will change these amounts.
When should I worry about my puppy not eating?
Of course, there does come a time when you should worry about your puppy not eating!
You definitely want to see medical attention for your dog if it is losing weight, acting lethargic, distressed, or having difficulty chewing.
Sometimes a stick or bone has become lodged inside of the jaw and it can make it difficult for a puppy to eat and drink water normally.
If your dog’s stool has blood in it, you will need to see your vet immediately as this can be a sign of foreign bodies or Parvo. Pale gums, coughing, and dehydration are also indicators of physical distress that will require immediate veterinary care.
If your puppy ate something they shouldn’t have such as socks, jewelry, or toxic foods such as grapes or Xylitol you will likely notice a reduction in appetite.
These things are a medical emergency and cause for concern.
At times, excessive treats, table scraps, or stolen food from the counter can lead to a condition called Pancreatitis. This can make your puppy stop eating and show signs of nausea, tummy upset, and weakness.
However, if your puppy is bright, vibrant, and playful while awake with nice tight feet and a great nap schedule (remember, Great Dane puppies need a LOT of sleep!), chances are everything is fine. Let your puppy sleep, they will eat when they are hungry!
A healthy Great Dane pup should be curious, friendly, active, and ready to go when awake!
Bonus Tip: Monitor water intake when your dog won’t eat
We do not recommend limiting water intake or withholding water for ‘potty training’.
This dated practice can lead to dehydration and may actually teach your puppy to gulp, hoard, and guard water as a valuable resource.
Of course, a pup doesn’t need to be drinking water overnight. But if you are taking up the bowl at dinner time so you don’t have to let your puppy out to pee at 2 in the morning, stop.
Let your puppy drink water as needed and desired until you all go to bed for the night.
Take your puppy out for one last late-night pee (use LOTS of treats and yes, kibble to reward this behavior!) and then quietly, calmly go out as needed through the night.
They will outgrow the need to go out and pee overnight once their bladder is mature, and you’ll be getting restful sleep again!
What to do when your puppy isn’t eating?
Many people start adding wet dog food, boiled chicken, treats, canned food, or other tasty toppers to entice their puppy to eat.
Others will attempt hand feeding or hydrating the food in warm water. It’s important to remember that appetite in dogs can and will fluctuate!
Note: some studies show that food moistened in warm water, that has citric acid in the formulation may increase bloat risk.
As we mentioned before, bribery is a dangerous path that will lead to a lot of frustration.
We believe in offering up to 5-10% of the diet as healthy toppers because, for Great Danes, it may reduce bloat risk.
However, there is a big difference between adding healthy foods to increase the intake of fibers and omegas and adding unbalanced junk food to make the dry kibble somehow more appealing.
We recommend rehydrated Olewo carrots for loose stools.
Balanced raw, fish oil, the occasional raw egg, or a few scoops of Dr. Harvey’s are also welcome additions to the Great Dane food bowl!
As above, these items should be added for health reasons, not as bribery.
Best Foods for Great Danes & The Appropriate Diet
Once your puppy learns that skipping meals means you bring out the good stuff, all bets are off. We promise, that if you are feeding an appropriate dry food diet, you do NOT need to switch to a new food so that your dog will eat!
If you are feeding a science-backed, highly respected solid food that is formulated for the growth of large breed dogs, stick with the same food. We recommend choosing brands that invest heavily in research, professional veterinary nutritionist formulation, development, ingredient sourcing, and formula testing. These brands include Purina, Eukanuba, and Iams.
Scheduled Feedings to Reduce Pickiness
If your dog won’t eat and there are clearly no health issues, wait it out. Put the bowl down, offer the meal, and walk away. Don’t make a fuss.
Pick it up again if your dog refuses it after 15-30 minutes. Offer it again later for a mid-day meal, and repeat this process until your dog gives in and eats their solid food.
Another trick you can try when your dog won’t eat is to make eating FUN. Use your dog’s normal food as training treats, and reward your dog throughout the day with a few pieces for awesome behavior.
The KONG WOBBLER can also be very engaging for dogs that need their food to ‘run’ so they can hunt for and chase it! We always love seeing food used as enrichment. If your dog won’t eat, this is a great trick to try!
Reasons for the loss of appetite in dogs
Like puppies, there are many reasons why an adult Great Dane will have a loss of appetite.
Here are just a few things to look for if you have a dog not eating:
A foreign body such as a sock in the digestive tract
Stomach upset from eating something toxic or irritating, including chocolate, grapes, certain house plants, and xylitol
Stomach upset from counter surfing things such as butter, roasts, cookies, or treats that are unbalanced, fatty, sugary, and sit heavy in the stomach (watch for signs of pancreatitis! See below).
Toxicity from exposure to essential oils such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang that are not safe for dogs
Boredom. Like humans, bored dogs can become depressed, suppressed, and may turn their noses up at food. Make eating fun by using a puzzle feeder and food as training treats!
Congenital problems such as heart or digestive system defects that haven’t been diagnosed
Liver disease or kidney disease
New food (switching too quickly can cause stomach upset, OR the new dog food has more nutrition and your dog won’t have to eat as much as they did with the previous food.
A senior dog will have a reduced appetite and will require a different dry dog food formulation than a puppy or adult.Dental disease in senior dogs can also cause decreased appetite; your veterinarian can address this with you.
Some dogs with advanced dental disease may need canned food or a liquid diet.
Signs of pancreatitis in Great Danes
Here are some signs of pancreatitis, which is a life-threatening illness that can happen when dogs ingest too many things that are fatty such as too many rich treats, roasts, butter or bacon.
Scavenging for food is one of the leading predictors of a dog experiencing pancreatitis; however other things may cause it.
Diarrhea
Abdominal Pain
Distress, including laying with the rear end high in the air
Fever
Lethargy
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Nausea
Pancreatitis in dogs has other factors and causes as well, and the prognosis is based on severity and treatment. If your dog is showing these or other symptoms that are alarming to you, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Counter surfing and trash surfing is a real problem for Great Danes! Learn how to solve this dangerous and annoying behavior.
Your pet’s health is at risk if you don’t implement training and management.
Balanced training is the most humane choice for dogs because it teaches and rewards them while also giving them all of the information they need to make mature decisions. This includes NO, a simple thing that can save your dog’s life.
A picky Great Dane dog with a decreased appetite is often caused by, get this, poor handling!
Biologically, dogs don’t want to starve. Let your dog’s eating habits be your guide here: many dogs are incredibly good at self-regulating intake, just by nature! Appetite in dogs is fluid and will change day-to-day, too.
If they don’t eat, it’s because they don’t need the food, have a medical problem, the food is bad, OR we’ve trained them to hold out for the good stuff. A dog not eating because they’ve learned this is a dog that is making the rules.
That last part…read it again.
We’ve trained them to hold out for the good stuff, and they’ve trained us to give it to them!
Every time you add toppers or change foods to encourage your Dane to eat, you teach them that if they turn their nose up at the food bowl better things will come. A dog not eating may actually be a dog that figured out a neat trick to eat treats with every meal.
If you’ve ruled out medical problems and you are feeding a fresh (not stale) high-quality, science-backed kibble that is correctly formulated for your Great Dane, chances are your Dane is either full or totally playing you.
Now of course it stands to reason that your Great Dane may get tired and bored of a certain food. We recommend changing proteins on occasion but stick with the food that is working for you.
When you change proteins, stick with the same formula
Example for an adult dog:
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Chicken and Rice, switch to Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Beef and Ric
Are Great Danes picky eaters?
By nature, Great Danes are not picky eaters!
However, the myriad of health problems that plague this breed resulting from bad genetics and incorrect foods can make them seem picky or intolerant of certain foods.
Great Danes are unfortunately prone to a number of health issues that can result in a dog’s loss of interest in food.
When a dog won’t eat or flat out refuses, it might be helpful to rule out these common health issues:
Allergies. While dietary allergies are actually extremely rare, environmental allergies can make a dog uncomfortable.
Thyroid disorders.
Diabetes
Painful orthopedic problems including wobblers, HOD, Dysplasia or arthritis
Poor structural conformation that leads to painful joints and movement
Chances are, your Great Dane is not actually picky and other things are going on.
If you think it’s just general pickiness, wait it out! You might be surprised to find that your dog starts eating again after a day. If not, seek medical advice just in case.
When should I be concerned that my dog is not eating?
Anytime your dog’s appetite seems to have decreased drastically, you will want to watch for other signs and symptoms. A loss of appetite in dogs can be alarming, and it’s good that you are paying attention!
A dog that normally loves its dry dog food and that is suddenly refusing food of any kind may have medical problems that go far beyond a simple loss of appetite.
If your dog stops eating altogether and you aren’t sure why we recommend seeking professional help from your veterinarian before switching foods again.
Older dogs that stop eating
Older dogs that are not eating and that have other health problems may be towards the end of life; just like humans, a dog in hospice will often experience a loss of appetite and stop eating before passing away.
It is important to keep senior dogs in hospice staying hydrated, drinking water, and being as comfortable as possible!
A dog’s loss of appetite in the latest days of life is normal and may be an indication that it’s time to say goodbye.
Did you know that there are now canine hospice options? Chat with your veterinarian for referrals and advice. They can help guide you towards making sure that your elderly dog is drinking water and staying hydrated before you have to make any other end-of-life decisions.
How do I make my Great Dane eat more?
In most cases, you don’t actually need your Great Dane to eat more!
Many people are alarmed to see how ‘thin’ their Great Dane is. The truth here is that a little rib showing is normal and desired. Very few dogs are actually underweight, and very few dogs actually need to eat more.
The written breed standard for Great Danes in all Countries, including Europe and the U.S. defines them as being an athletic breed, never stocky.
For truly underweight dogs that need more nutrition, medical attention is needed first to rule out underlying causes such as disease, parasites, cancer, or congenital deformities such as megaesophagus.
Great Dane puppies in particular can be very lean and lanky as they grow. They will fill out once they are more mature, usually between 2 and 3 years of age.
Here is an image of three Great Dane dogs. One is underweight and malnourished. One is at a perfectly healthy weight. The third is overweight.
An Underweight Great Dane
A Healthy Weight Great Dane
An Overweight Great Dane
A malnourished, underweight dog will lack vibrancy and won’t have much energy. Many ‘thin’ dogs that are labeled as ‘underweight’ have shiny coats, muscle tone and lots of energy! Those dogs need to be left as-is.
Adding weight to a Great Dane is hard on the joints and can shorten the life span by 2 years, on average. For giant breed dogs that tend to have short lifespans in the first place, that is devastating.
If you think your dog is underweight and needs to eat more, talk to your vet first! Most people are so used to seeing ‘fat’ dogs that they don’t know what an appropriate waistline is on a dog.
A lot of ‘thin’ dogs can actually use some muscle building as well. Muscle and activity will nearly always come with an increased appetite, as the added nutrients are needed to build muscle.
We highly recommend that all Great Danes are off-leash trained and have the opportunity to move, explore, run and play freely without physical restraints such as harnesses, head collars, prong collars, or long leashes.
These natural activities help them build muscle and can improve balance, strength, and motor coordination. For off-leash training, modern E-Collars cannot be beat. We have tons of resources on this topic here.
When should I worry about my dog not eating?
If your dog is acting lethargic, it’s time to worry.
A dog that has no energy, dull eyes or that is weak needs medical assistance.
Muscle wasting is a problem for dogs that have begun to lose weight due to a too-low intake of food. Without the nutrition or fat reserves needed for survival, muscle tone will diminish.
Some dogs may be coming from rescue situations where severe neglect led them down this path.
A veterinarian can advise on the best course of action for food intake, water intake, and nutrition in dogs that are severely underweight. A new food will typically be advised, as there are certain dry dog food formulas that have more of the kind of nutrition a dog like this will need to rebuild their strength.
Some healthy dogs may eat less and begin to lose weight. This can be concerning to dog owners, especially when it’s clear that the dog’s appetite has changed or been reduced.
Many dogs are actually overweight, and a heavy dog not eating as much of their normal food may actually be a good thing. For those dogs, they may appear to look ‘too thin’ because their new body condition looks different, but it doesn’t mean that you need to be alarmed.
Always chat with your veterinarian to rule out health problems, including cancer, diabetes, thyroid issues, and heart problems if your dog’s appetite seems unusually different.
Is it normal for a dog to not finish their food?
It is very normal for a dog to not finish its food! If your dog won’t eat the entire bowl, consider that it could just be a matter of ‘too much’.
Think about how this applies in the wild. A dog is naturally inclined to not overeat because instinctually dogs know how much nutrition their body actually needs.
In most cases, we recommend trusting your dog here. If your Great Dane is eating but doesn’t finish their food, they are probably full and don’t need anymore!
Many people worry about food because they are concerned about bloat. They want their dog to eat on a schedule so that they can strictly monitor meal and rest times.
There are definitely much bigger things to be concerned about when it comes to bloat risk and minimizing the chance that your dog experiences it.
Genetics, gut health, and poor temperaments are key factors. For more information on bloat in Great Danes and how it relates to nutrition, read our Great Dane Bloat articles below.
If your dog has no aggression, food-scarfing, hoarding, training, or temperament issues it’s actually fine to allow your dog to graze on the food they leave in the bowl. As a matter of fact, frequent, smaller meals are correlated with a DECREASE in bloat risk!
If your dog is overweight, obese, frantic, aggressive, frustrated, or needs a lot of training, however, this is not recommended. For those dogs, 2-3 scheduled meals per day, served in a low-stress environment for just 15-20 minutes is ideal.
Monitoring your dog’s body condition is extremely important, and avoiding food scarfing, fights over food, and frustrating behaviors at the bowl is part of being an educated, dedicated Great Dane owner.
You know your dog best!
The case of too many treats
Many dogs are full and uninterested in food because they are getting too many treats!
Treats may be coming from cute puppy eyes at the treat jar, table scraps, bones, chews, table surfing, and yes, even your treat bag during training.
If you are working on training your Great Dane, try mixing some of your dog’s dry food ration for the day into your treat bag.
Use food as a reward so your dog receives correct, balanced nutrition and gains confidence doing a job well done.
Not only will this make their food more enticing because they have to ‘work for it’, but the variation of treats between high value (such as Ziwi Peak) and their kibble will work to make your dog that much more interested in working for the good stuff.
Every time they get a higher-value treat, it’s like hitting the jackpot!
Freeze-dried meats and organs (small amounts, don’t overdo it)
Cheerios
A trail mix made up of hotdogs, dry food, Ziwi peak, blueberries, and freeze-dried chicken
When your dog is eating dry food as a reward during training, you will find that your dog starts to really enjoy their meals! By nature, dogs want to ‘work’ and that includes hunting, searching, sniffing, sitting, and doing tricks.
As a matter of fact, a lot of behavior problems in Great Danes including destruction, chewing, separation anxiety, anxiety, lunging, barking, and pulling like a freight train are directly related to, get this, frustration and BOREDOM!
When we ask our dogs to work for their dry food, we are providing them with enrichment and mental games that will help them thrive.
Does your dog turn its nose up at kibble when used as a training treat? Make it a little more ‘enticing’ by spraying it with bone broth or warm water and as above, mixing it up with higher value treats.
PRO TIP: If you use hot dogs, the kibble will naturally become more appealing because the hot dogs will ‘scent’ the kibble in the treat bag!
If your dog likes to eat treats but not their normal food, you can also ‘trick’ them into thinking their dry food is a treat by using it as a filler for fun puzzle toys such as the West Paw Topple.
We believe Great Danes should have fun with their food, and that a dog’s appetite is often linked to how hard it was for them to get that food.
Sometimes it really is a matter of making a dog eat through the use of brain games and puzzles.
If your dog is not ok when you leave the house, you can actually use their meals, canned food, and dry food to your advantage!
We recommend creating a mixture of kibble, wet food, rehydrated Olewo carrots and a few high-value tidbits such as Dr. Harvey’s freeze-dried treats or Ziwi Peak.
Take this mush and stuff it into a Dane-sized West Paw Wobbler and stick it in the freezer!
Offer this frozen treat to your dog while they are in another room and confined away from you. Practice this daily, so your dog learns that you being in a different room and out of sight is ok!
They will enjoy the wet food as they work to get it out of the stuffed toy, and with practice, they will begin to have positive associations when you are away. You can make this puzzle even more enticing with the addition of canned food, something that many dogs love.
Separation anxiety is unhealthy for Great Danes and can increase their risk of experiencing bloat. Anxiety and stress have strong ties to bloat occurring!
It’s important to take steps to work on it, but it does take time and patience. If your dog won’t eat or work on the puzzle toy during these short practice sessions, lower the criteria. Leave for only 10 seconds, then 45, and so on.
The more time your dog can spend having a positive, no-stress experience with you out of site, the better.
What to give my dog if she is not eating?
The last thing you want to do is to bribe your Great Dane into eating.
A healthy, normal dog will not allow itself to starve to death! Decreased appetite in dogs happens for many reasons and many times the reason is both simple and benign.
It’s important to rule out medical reasons for reduced appetite in dogs such as parasites, pain, foreign objects or cancer, however!
If your Great Dane is not eating because of illness, your veterinarian may be able to offer an appetite stimulant in addition to treatment that will get your pup well again.
Canned food is highly palatable and many dogs experiencing a loss of appetite associated with illness will benefit from it.
Sick dogs need extra support: in this case, your veterinarian will advise you on an appropriate diet for your dog while healing. Dehydration is one of the biggest dangers for dogs that are not eating or drinking water.
You can encourage your Great Dane to drink water by adding a little bone broth or Nulo hydrator to make it more palatable. (Have you ever had a cold where water just didn’t taste good but you could chug orange juice? This happens in dogs, too!).
Cottage cheese, boiled bland chicken and rice, bone-broth, commercially available re-hydrators (such as NULO), hand-feeding, canned food, or a prescription liquid diet may be advised.
However, if you’ve determined that your dog is healthy, there are things you can do to encourage eating that will also benefit overall health!
We recommend the following options as toppers for kibble:
Rehydrated Olewo Carrots
This is the best remedy for loose stools and tummy upset! Not only that, but the added fiber may help reduce bloat risk.
For an adult Dane, measure 2 TBSP of dehydrated pellets and rehydrate in warm water before serving. You can use this mixture as stuffing for food puzzles or toys or as a mix-in or topper for kibble.
Dr. Harvey’s
Dr. Harvey’s food mixes contain dehydrated whole food ingredients such as oats, carrots, spinach, and blueberries. There are several options to choose from and dogs LOVE them!
Rehydrate a scoop with water and serve on top of your dog’s kibble as a way to encourage and entice eating. Remember to keep toppers, especially unbalanced ones to less than 10% of the diet.
Egg – any style!
It’s ok to occasionally offer eggs to your Great Dane. Raw is fine! Most dogs also love receiving a whole shell-on hardboiled egg that they have to open themselves. Scrambled eggs, poached eggs or sunny side up are fine as well, just make sure they are cool before serving.
We recommend offering no more than 1-2 eggs per week to Great Danes, unless part of a fully balanced and appropriately formulated raw diet.
Canned Food
Dogs love canned food. We recommend introducing canned food toppers slowly and using the same brand and formula as your kibble.
For example, an excellent pairing is Purina Pro Plan Large Breed paired with Purina Pro Plan Large Breed canned wet food.
(Note, most wet dog food is not recommended for growing Great Dane puppies, as it may not be formulated correctly for growth, only maintenance.
Always check the label! If you offer canned food to your Great Dane puppy, do so in moderation or look for an appropriate, science-backed formula that is appropriate for the growth of large breed dogs).
What if my dog won’t eat and is acting strange?
If your dog is acting strange, has had a loss of appetite, and seems unwilling to eat, it may be experiencing a medical emergency.
A Great Dane that is acting strange may be stumbling, pacing, foaming, crying, whining, shaking, hiding or unable or unwilling to get up. A dog won’t eat if they are in distress.
BLOAT in Great Danes is life-threatening and unfortunately common. If you see any of the following symptoms, it is imperative that you seek emergency care. This is true EVEN IF your Great Dane has had its stomach tacked!
Attempting to vomit
Pacing, whining, crying, and acting distressed
Distended abdomen
Foaming at the mouth
Excessive drool
Looking at the stomach area
Collapse
A dog may also act strange if they have ingested toxins or poisons, gotten into a fight with other dogs (internal injuries), or if they are in pain and have other symptoms such as shaking, coughing, excessive panting, or seizures.
It’s always worth getting checked out and not ever assuming that your dog’s decreased appetite is related simply to food.
Liver disease, kidney disease, dental disease, and even heart disease can be ‘silent’ before they are deadly.
Some dog owners find it helpful to keep a journal or notebook that documents health from week to week and year to year. This practice will be insanely helpful to your veterinarian, too!
If you notice a decreased appetite in your dog who is otherwise acting normal, start documenting their daily intake of food, treats and water.
You can also take note of body condition, activity levels, and any unusual gain or loss of appetite.
Are you having a problem with a dog not eating, but still unsure if you are doing the right thing or not? We always recommend seeking veterinary care when you aren’t sure about what is going on with your dog.
There is a big debate going on in the world of big dogs. People are very confused about whether they should feed their Great Dane puppy food or adult food! Large breed dogs such as Great Danes need specific nutrition that is designed for their explosive growth, size, and needs. I’m going to clear this up today with a research-backed discussion, so you know what to feed YOUR big puppy!
In the world of Great Danes, there is a lot of misinformation about nutrition. Everybody has an opinion.
It used to be said that you should always feed a Great Dane puppy an ‘adult’ kibble.
The truth? A dog’s diet should change depending on its life stage!
Spoiler alert: Science has allowed dog food manufacturers to change and update their formulations. This means that finally, large-breed puppy formulas are now ideal for Great Dane puppies!
So today we are talking about the importance of large-breed puppy food for Great Dane puppies.
We are going to discuss the difference between puppy formula and adult dog food. We will also talk about what type of diet is best for large-breed adult dogs and Great Dane puppies!
BEST DOG FOOD PUPPY LARGE BREED FOR GREAT DANES
Large breed puppies such as Great Danes are prone to a number of growth disorders that can be caused or worsened by an incorrect diet.
Knuckling is a common developmental orthopedic disease that causes the puppy’s legs to ‘bow out. Other growth disorders include panosteitis, HOD, and hip or elbow dysplasia.
Choosing the right large breed dog food for a Great Dane puppy is extremely important. Smaller breeds don’t have the same requirements, so if you are new to Great Danes it’s time to research!
We believe that puppy foods are ideal for growing Great Dane puppies! Many large breed puppy foods are formulated with the growth of large dogs in mind and are appropriate for their brain, eye, joint, bone, and muscle development.
Important note: Dog food manufacturers consider Great Danes to be ‘large breed’ dogs. We know they are ‘gentle giants’, but for the purposes of science, let’s stick with ‘large’!
The most important factor to consider when choosing pet food for a large breed (such as a Great Dane) is the calcium and phosphorus ratios.
Calcium should be at or below 1.4%
Phosphorus should be slightly below calcium.
An example of an ideal calcium-phosphorus ratio to see on a bag of large breed dog foods is:
Calcium (Ca) (Min) 1.1%
Phosphorus (P) (Min) 0.9%
A properly balanced diet for large breed dogs will have a high-quality protein source (including meat and meat meals), omega fatty acids, probiotics, and balanced fat and carbohydrates to keep your puppy at a healthy weight.
NOTE:
Food with perfect calcium/phosphorus ratios can still cause growth problems!
The correct balance of amino acids, protein, carbs, fat, and vitamins is extremely important, too.
The special nutritional needs of Great Dane puppies have been addressed by dog food companies that have dedicated a lot of time, money, and effort to testing, research, and formulations.
In other words, the advice of ‘no puppy food ever’ for Great Dane puppies is now considered dated and inaccurate, especially when you are considering science-backed kibbles such as Purina Pro Plan that are heavily researched and tested.
Pet owners are not necessarily experts in nutrition, so it’s helpful to know that the dog food company you choose is extremely thoughtful, thorough, researched, up-to-date and diligent with your dog’s health.
We recommend choosing a large breed puppy dog food that is formulated by a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist, from a company that has invested heavily in canine nutrition and health research.
Ideally, the kibble you choose is also clean with quality ingredients from known sources.
The dog food you choose for your Great Dane puppy should have one of the following AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements on the label.
These statements will help you make a more educated choice about the actual balance and nutrition behind the large breed formulas being compared.
Some minor variations in these statements are normal. Click any button on the left to see the AAFCO statement associated with each option for your Great Dane puppy.
IDEAL: Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that [THIS FORMULA] provides complete and balanced nutrition for all life stages, including growth of large sized dogs (70 lb. or more as an adult).
MODERATELY ACCEPTABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth of puppies and maintenance of adult dogs, including growth of large sized dogs (70 lb or more as an adult).
NOT ACCEPTABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance of adult dogs.
QUESTIONABLE: [THIS FORMULA] is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
The following foods meet our guidelines for growing Great Dane puppies:
IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?
Check out our science-based and constantly growing knuckling resource page.
BENEFITS OF LARGE BREED PUPPY DOG FOOD FOR GREAT DANE PUPPIES
Large breed dogs require specific nutrition that they will not get from small breed dog food.
A good quality diet for a Great Dane puppy will have been specifically formulated with large breeds in mind.
Healthy bones, healthy joints, healthy skin, and reducing the risk of growth disorders such as hip dysplasia and knuckling are just some of the considerations put into puppy kibble formulation.
Nutrition + research for large breed dog food
Puppy formulas from companies that are actively researching big dog nutrition and growth are most likely to have the correct balance of nutrients, proteins, fats, carbs, calcium, phosphorus, and amino acids for Great Dane puppies.
What do veterinarians say about large breeds + nutrition?
The veterinary community agrees! Large breed puppy dog foods are the best choice for growing giant breeds.
Food formulated for Great Dane puppies has a slightly higher protein level and a more appropriate balance of fat and carbs than adult dog food. Not to mention the correct ratios of vitamin d, fatty acids, amino acids and probiotics.
WHEN SHOULD A PUPPY TRANSITION TO AN ADULT FORMULA?
When deciding what age to transition your big dogs’ diet from a puppy to adult formula, keep in mind that large breeds don’t reach maturity until they are around 18-24 months of age.
While small breed dogs become adults much faster, large breeds are slow to mature and require a lot of time, excellent nutrition, and slow growth to reach peak health as an adult.
Large breed dog food for puppies is formulated to promote slow and healthy growth in big dogs.
Age ranges + food formulas
A scientifically formulated canine diet will actually indicate the recommended age range for their foods. If the food company you have chosen understands their product, they can also tell you (through customer service).
For example, Purina Pro Plan Large Breed food for puppies is food formulated to be fed to large breeds for the first 2 years of life! Other formulas are different and the nutrition is based on breed size and age.
Fish oils, probiotics and the correct balance of nutrition slow down the growth rate and contribute to energy levels, bone development and healthy skin.
These things matter a lot to a big dog, especially before large breeds fully mature! If you are surprised by all of this, keep in mind that small breed dogs mature so much faster, and that’s ok!
Do not rush or force the growth of your puppy. Having the ‘biggest dog’ can mean having the unhealthiest dog!
WHAT IS THE BEST FOOD FOR GIANT BREED DOGS?
When looking for a large breed food, make sure that meat or meat meals are listed in the first ingredients. Probiotics and omega fatty acids are also important.
You may notice ‘vitamin d’, riboflavin, biotin, and other important nutrients added as well. These necessary vitamins and minerals contribute to a balanced diet, although they may make the ingredient list look long!
A dog food (puppy large breed) that is ideal for your growing Great Dane will typically say ‘Large Breed Puppy Food’ on the label.
In some brands, a comparable large breed food for adult dogs may be acceptable (in lieu of a puppy formula). Talk to your veterinarian and read the AAFCO statement on the label before making a purchase.
A senior dog may benefit from a transition to senior dog foods, which will be labeled accordingly and may offer additional support for the kidneys, heart, joints, energy levels, and weight.
If you have a small breed dog in your house, we recommend feeding a comparable small breed dog food if possible.
Small breeds, like giants, have unique nutritional needs, and taking advantage of modern advances in science and nutrition is better for everybody!
DO LARGE BREED DOGS HAVE TO EAT LARGE BREED FOOD?
Large breed adult dogs can technically be fed any ‘all-life stages’ food however they greatly benefit from large breed food that is formulated specifically for them.
A pet’s health is often tied to their nutrition, so choosing the right pet food formula matters. A large breed dog needs more joint support than a small breed dog, and large breed dog food offers the correct balance of nutrients and supplements for their orthopedic needs.
Adult Great Dane health problems
A dog’s risk of developing arthritis increases as they age. Many Great Danes also gain weight once they have been spayed or neutered. Keeping your Great Dane at a healthy weight is a key element in increasing their lifespan and reducing their risk of painful joint problems!
These are just some of the reasons why choosing a large breed dog formula for the correct life stage (puppy vs. adult) is so important: the correct formulation for each life stage will help maintain appropriate growth, overall weight and joint health.
Unfortunately, not all dog food brands are created equal, and it can be difficult to know which one is best for your pet.
The nutritional needs of a Great Dane puppy are different than the needs of an adult. It is so important to choose an appropriate, large breed, science-backed food formulated by credentialed professionals!
Here are some great adult options for your Great Dane, once maturity is reached:
WHAT FOOD DO GREAT DANE BREEDERS USE?
The American Kennel Club supports breeders and recommends that dog owners speak with their veterinarian when choosing a food for their large and giant breed dogs.
Some breeders will recommend ‘Life’s Abundance’. You can read our blog post here on why we don’t consider this an appropriate, safe, ethical, or quality food.
The majority of breeders with the top show dogs in the world feed and recommend Purina Pro Plan formulas. Contrary to popular belief, Purina is not a low-quality food. It’s highly tested, extensively researched, and formulated by veterinary nutritionists.
While ‘sweet potatoes’ and ‘whole grain brown rice’ may sound healthy, the truth is that they are both carbs which may throw the nutrition and balance off!
Kidney disease, heart disease, allergies, weight gain or weight loss are just some of the problems with feeding a poorly balanced or incorrectly formulated food. This is especially true for senior dogs who need as much support as possible to maintain robust health.
We believe that this is why it is so important to not make purchase decisions just on the ingredients list of the food.
Dog food labels can be exceptionally confusing to dog owners. When you are in the pet stores searching for adult food or a puppy formula for your Great Dane, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of dog food ingredients and analysis.
However, it’s also important to recognize that as a dog owner, you likely aren’t a nutritionist with a veterinary degree and advanced certifications (and probably don’t know anybody who is, either). Sales reps and staff at dog food stores generally lack reputable knowledge and education about nutrition as well.
Reading the ingredients and analysis label can only give you a tiny picture of the information needed to make a decision about which large breed food to choose for your Great Dane!
Look at science, then look at marketing
Look beyond the marketing of the brand. The claims of ‘robust health’, ‘human grade ingredients’, ‘no recalls’ and ‘all natural’ are all there to make you buy the food.
This list below from the WSAVA is a helpful guideline for choosing dog food!
You’d be surprised how many pet food brands do NOT meet these guidelines, despite being marketed as ‘high quality’, ‘natural’, and ‘family owned’.
(This information is helpful for owners of small breeds, too!)
Treat training pouches for training your Great Dane!
THE BEST LARGE BREED DOG FOOD FOR ADULT GREAT DANES
Unlike large breed puppies, an adult large breed dog is not growing and has different nutritional and support needs.
Adult formulas in general tend to be a lower calorie food with different vitamins, minerals and slightly different protein-fat-carb-fatty acids balance.
We recommend choosing large breed kibbles that, as above, are scientifically formulated and backed.
Your dog’s diet should be complete and fully balanced for their life stage. Keep toppers to a minimum (10% of less of the overall intake) to avoid creating picky dogs or causing your dog foods to become unbalanced.
Natural dog food for Great Danes
If you are looking for a more ‘natural’ option for your large breed puppies or adult dogs, Just Food For Dogs makes an excellent topper. Fiber and fresh foods can also help reduce the risk that your large breed dog will develop bloat!
A well balanced raw meat diet may also be appropriate for large breed dogs.
This option is worth looking into for dog owners that are willing to do diligent research and have the time and freezer space for it.
Large breed dogs that suffer from allergies and intolerances may thrive on a balanced raw diet; talk to your veterinarian!
IMPORTANT FDA ALERT ABOUT GRAIN-FREE KIBBLE AND HEART DISEASE IN GREAT DANES
FDA officials are investigating possible links to diets for dog heart diseases. DCM is a devastating and often silent disease that many large breed dogs, including Great Danes are prone too.
It is believed that poorly formulated and untested foods may be a contributing factor in dogs developing this heart condition, which often presents as sudden death before any symptoms are seen.
Suspect dog food ingredients
Some suspect ingredients in lower quality, untested large and giant breed kibbles include peas, lentils, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and garbanzo beans. When choosing your dog’s food, these ingredients are worth noting and asking a veterinarian about.
Dog nutrition can be complicated, especially when manufacturers must put as much nutrition as possible into a user-friendly baked and extruded kibble product!
DACVN & The Credentialed Veterinary Nutritionist
For information about veterinary nutritionists and the advanced degrees and certifications available to veterinarians to advance their knowledge of food and formulations, check out these links below:
American College of Veterinary Nutrition: www.acvn.org
Companies that do not have a board-certified veterinary nutritionist employed to formulate their large breed dog food kibbles are treading in dangerous water. Regardless of your stance on the grain-free vs. DCM debate, that’s an important take-away for anybody trying to choose a healthy kibble diet for their big dog or smaller dogs, too!
Please visit this link if you want more information and to find out if your pet’s food is putting them at risk.
Looking for more information on how much to feed a Great Dane puppy? Is free feeding or scheduled feeding a better choice?
Read our famous ‘Ultimate Great Dane Feeding Chart’ post and learn more about choosing a kibble, how much to feed, raw meat diets, home-cooked diets, and more.
Age
Timing
Amount
Puppies under 12 weeks
3x/day
2-4 cups/day
Puppies 12-24 weeks old
3x/day
3-6 cups/day
Puppies 24 + weeks (6 months) or older
2x/day
5-10 cups/day
Puppies 12-18 months
2x/day
6-12 cups/day
Adults 18+ Months
2x/day
4-8 cups/day
These values are averages. Your pet may need more or less. Always talk to your veterinarian and use the manufacturer’s feeding chart as a guideline.
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
