Tag: Nutrition

  • Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food? The Scary Truth of Feeding a Great Dane Puppy

    Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food? The Scary Truth of Feeding a Great Dane Puppy

    Feeding Great Dane puppies is no easy task. They eat a lot, and there is a ton of misinformation and outdated advice out there about what to feed them!

    Great Dane puppy owners are bombarded with a million ideas of what is ‘best’ for growing Great Dane puppies.

    Home cooked diets, raw diets, grain free food, or even adult dog food…. What the heck SHOULD your Great Dane puppy eat?

    We’re digging into the science of Great Dane puppy nutrition and bringing you current advice about feeding puppy vs. adult food to your puppy.

    1. Why feeding adult food to Great Dane puppies is an outdated practice
    2. How to choose the right food for your Great Dane
    3. The research behind pet nutrition
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    Should Great Dane Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?

    We’ve all heard it.

    You’re minding your own business in the Great Dane facebook group, chatting happily with other loving pet owners, sharing cute pictures and talking about your love of large breed dogs when someone decides to talk with you about your puppy’s diet.

    “Never feed puppy food!”

    “Feed low protein adult food ONLY”

    “Puppy food causes knuckling”

    …If you’ve heard dog owners give this speech about your large breed dog-

    they….

    are…

    wrong…

    Large Breed Puppies and Science Development

    Historically, (think 15+ years ago) dog food brands were lacking in their research on large breed puppy food.

    In result, giant breed dogs were typically fed adult food rather than the puppy food brands on the market, which were unsuitable for growing giant breeds.

    In other words, those who had to feed a Great Dane puppy historically were ‘stuck’ without giant breed specific formulas, and thus resorted to feeding their dane puppies adult food in order to get as close as possible to the nutrient requirements for growing Great Danes.

    Giant Breed Puppies Suffer When Great Dane Owners Don’t Know How to Feed a Growing Large Breed

    Sadly, many Great Dane puppies are experiencing the consequences of outdated advice to feed them “adult only” dog food. These pups tend to be lanky and suffer from chronic loose stools due to overeating in an attempt to make up for nutritional deficiencies – resulting in a lack of proper muscle development.

    But…..

    But, in more recent years, there have been an incredible advancement in the research and development of large breed puppy food.

    As a result, there are now numerous dog food brands (especially science-based and veterinarian formulated kibble brands) that are offering formulas specifically designed for giant breeds.

    These formulations contain the right balance of protein, fat, calcium and phosphorus to promote controlled growth rates in Great Dane puppies.

    So……

    So, when you hear someone tell you to feed your Great Dane puppy adult dog food, keep in mind that this is an outdated way of thinking.

    If you are looking for the best food for your Great Dane puppy, there are many options on the market specifically designed to meet the needs of giant breed puppies.

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    Great Dane Breeders

    Many large breed breeders who have been producing dane puppies for generations are ‘stuck’ in a mindset of feeding Great Dane puppies adult dog food due to the lack of them keeping up with the research in large breed puppy diets.

    If you are buying a Great Dane puppy from an experienced breeder, they should suggest you feed a large breed puppy food, and explain why.

    If they don’t- you may want to reconsider the breeder you are considering and look for someone who is more up-to-date on nutrition and breeding large breed puppies responsibly.

    Giant Breeds, Great Danes and Their Unique Need for Large Breed Food

    Great Dane pups need Great Dane puppy food! Do not feed your Great Dane pup adult food.

    With its impressive size, Great Dane puppies require special nourishment to reach their full potential – feed them a large or giant breed puppy food until they turn 18-24 months old and watch as they grow into magnificent adult dogs!

    Here are our favorites:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    Giant Breed Growth: Why It Matters to Feed Great Dane Puppy Food

    It matters that you, as your Great Dane puppy’s guardian, are aware of the importance of feeding a large breed puppy food.

    This type of kibble is formulated to provide the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus for controlled growth, as well as adequate protein and fat levels for muscle development.

    Feeding your Great Dane puppy adult dog food will cause them a lack of important nutrients, leading to health complications as an adult due to their fast rate of growth.

    By making sure your Great Dane pup is getting the right nutrition from the start, you will be helping them grow into a healthy and happy dog in adulthood.

    What to Look For in a Great Dane Puppy Food

    AAFCO

    AAFCO is a term you’ll see on your bag of puppy food- this stands for the Association of American Feed Control Officials. This organization sets standards and regulations for pet food in the US, so a bag with an AAFCO stamp will ensure that the product is safe and balanced to feed your pup.

    Having an ‘AAFCO approved’ label is not enough to ensure your pup’s food has everything they need. Modern puppy formulas are extra special; with nutrients that have been carefully crafted to promote even bone and joint development, as well as improved muscle tone, vision health, gut function and mental clarity!

    Having said that, by seeing the AAFCO statement, you can discover key insights on a dog food label that will help determine if it meets your pup’s nutritional needs.

    Feed a Great Dane Quality Proteins

    High-quality proteins should come from animal sources like chicken, beef or salmon meal.

    Despite misconceptions, Great Danes need more protein in their diets than one might think! A lack of sufficient levels of this essential nutrient can put a damper on muscle growth and energy output. A common myth in the Great Dane world is that Great Danes will wither or knuckle on a diet that has too much protein. This is false!

    Fats

    Fats are necessary for brain development in puppies, so make sure the food also contains high-quality fats.

    Omega fatty acids and other antioxidants will help ensure optimum health for your giant puppy as he grows into an adult Great Dane.

    Feeding the correct diet to your Great Dane puppy is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health and wellbeing.

    Here is the list of best puppy food for Great Danes:

    Home Cooking

    Home cooking meals for your dog means taking ‘human grade’ food such as fresh meat, vegetables and grains then preparing them in a way that your pup will be able to digest.

    This is an excellent option for people who want to ensure their pet is eating only wholesome ingredients and foods that are tailored to their individual needs. It does however require some research and education on the part of the owner, as meals can VERY EASILY become unbalanced. We do NOT support home cooking unless you are working with a board certified veterinary nutritionist.

    Finding a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist

    All canine nutritionist are not made equal. An inexperienced nutritionist may give advice that is not balanced or appropriate for your pet. To ensure you are getting the best help possible, it is strongly recommended to search for a Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist (DACVN).

    A veterinary nutritionist has specific expertise in canine nutrition and will be able to make dietary recommendations tailored to your individual dog’s needs.

    When selecting a food for your Great Dane it is important to review the nutritional information on the label, speak with your veterinarian and/or board certified veterinary nutritionist, and consider the reviews of other owners who have used the same product with their large breed pup. With so much choice available it can be difficult to know what is best for your Great Dane, but a good quality food that provides optimum nutrition will be worth the time and effort!

    The right diet for your Great Dane puppy is essential for their long-term health. Feeding them with a high-quality large breed puppy formula with plenty of protein, carbohydrates, fats and minerals.

    Red Flags to Look for When Feeding Your Great Dane Puppy

    Being aware of red flags when feeding your Great Dane puppy can be the difference between a healthy, happy pup and one that experiences health issues.

    Food For ‘Adult Maintenance’ Does Not Work for Great Danes

    Two decades ago, Great Dane puppies faced a unique challenge – finding the right food to ensure they stayed healthy and strong. Fortunately today, there is an expansive range of special formulas that make sure these pooches get all the nutrients needed for optimal growth!

    With today’s incredible progress in nutrition, puppy food is specially designed to support a pup’s growth and nourish them from head-to-tail! It helps promote healthy bones & joints as well as muscle strength, vision, digestive system development and cognitive capacity.

    Companies That Tell You “Meat Meals are Evil”

    Companies that tell you that meat meal is evil are often wrong. Meat meal can be an excellent source of protein and other vitamins & minerals that are perfect for your Great Dane puppy’s growth.

    Meat meal, after all, contains significantly less water and therefore animal protein than fresh meat and is cooked & dehydrated which increases the concentration of nutrients. In general, high-quality meat meals contain more protein compared to fresh meats, as well as higher concentrations of other micronutrients like iron and zinc.

    MEAT MEAL + MEAT BY-PRODUCT MEAL TO REDUCE BLOAT

    Meat meals are a nutrient-dense, high-protein, dehydrated form of organ meats and muscle, skin, and cartilage tissue that has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of bloat.

    Bloat is a common problem with Great Danes, and when fed the right kind of meat meal blend, it can help reduce the risk. Meat meals such as chicken meal, lamb meal or turkey meal are often combined with meat by-product meals to provide your pup with a nutritious and balanced diet that will keep them healthy and strong for years to come.

    By-Products are a key to keeping your Great Dane healthy and energized! These often misunderstood ingredients, such as liver, bone marrow & cartilage actually provide essential nutrition like protein and minerals. So don’t hesitate: add some by product meal into the mix next time you feed Fido – it’s one of the healthiest gifts you can give them!

    When it comes to keeping your pup at its peak health, animal byproducts provide the perfect nutritional balance. Moreover, going beyond just parts of an animal and utilizing all sources available is a forward-thinking approach that shows care for our ethical values, financial wallets as well as environmental impact.

    Plain meats such as chicken might not provide the same nutritional benefit you would expect. After all, it’s mostly water! To truly receive optimal nutrition for your pet, consider going with meat meals instead – they are much richer in essential vitamins and minerals than muscle meat is.

    Pet parents everywhere are being duped by deceptive marketing of ‘fresh meat in kibble’, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Let’s upgrade the pet food story and give our furry friends better nutrition!

    Ingredient Splitting

    Big brands are getting crafty when it comes to disguising unhealthy ingredients in their products. Through ingenious ingredient splitting, they can sneak additives past unsuspecting consumers – even though these substances may be detrimental both health-wise and financially. Be sure to read labels carefully!

    What’s in our pet’s food? The ingredients list can give us a glimpse into how nutritious the dish is. Fresh meat may be deemed high quality, but once water evaporates during production of kibble there isn’t much left – simply an illusion to its original state!

    Despite their flashy appearance, consumers should be wary of foods with ingredients like spinach and blueberries – they may just be marketed as a healthier alternative to real meats that truly contain the necessary proteins.

    Read more here.

    The Food is Not Formulated by a Professional

    Exciting news for owners of large-breed puppies! Companies like Purina, Hill’s and Royal Canin have dedicated resources to uncover the nutritional needs required by giant pooches such as mastiffs and Great Danes. Soon these canine specialists may be able to provide tailored nutrition plans that will help ensure healthy growth – no matter how big your pup is!

    Grain Free Dog Food

    Should you feed your dog grain free dog food?

    Many dogs know nothing better than the delicious crunch of kibbles, providing them with tasty sustenance day in and day out!

    Every pup knows their daily dose of kibble to stay nourished, but its crunchy goodness doesn’t last long without an additional starch! Grain-inclusive varieties provide the perfect combination; keep your furry friend’s diet complete and healthy with a hearty helping of starches like rice or oats.

    And, without an added starch, the kibble would fall apart!

    However, some (most/all) companies are using an alternative ‘binder’ in their grain free formulas: peas and lentils. This poses a MASSIVE issue.

    Grain Free and DCM (Heart Disease)

    Many wonder if grain free dog food causes DCM in dogs.

    Well, a study released in December of 2022 states that diet is indeed a risk factor for canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). So, if your pup is on a grain free diet, you should consult with your vet to consider changing their food regimen.

    But- it’s not because of the lack of grain!

    Believe it or not, some of the food you may be feeding your beloved four-legged companion could potentially put them at risk for developing heart disease.

    What to Avoid

    Pulse ingredients may include:

    • Peas
    • Garbanzo beans/chickpeas
    • Lentils
    • Potatoes
    • Sweet potatoes
    • Beans

    The Calcium and Phosphorus Ratio is Not Appropriate for Great Dane Feeding

    Not all dog breeds require an exact ratio of calcium and phosphorus in the same way that Great Danes do.

    Too much or an uneven balance of Calcium and Phosphorus can cause serious health issues in our four-legged friends, ranging from trembling to bone diseases. This can lead to them being unable to walk properly or have weakened bones – ouch! Keep these vital nutrients balanced for your pet’s wellbeing.

    Recalls

    Most people wither and fear the dreaded recall.

    But are recalls really that bad?

    A recall means that a product has been identified as potentially harmful to your pet. It is important that you check with the manufacturer regularly and be aware of any recalls for the products you are feeding your pup!

    It is also essential to stop using a food immediately if it has been recalled. Even if your dog hasn’t displayed any symptoms, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

    An Ethical Brand Will Recall Their Food

    The truth of the matter is all brands will have bad batches of food.

    However, which brands choose to inform you of those bad batches is the difference between an ethical and an unethical brand.

    An ethical pet food company will issue a recall as soon as they are aware of any potential problems with their products, as well as provide assistance to anyone who has been affected. They understand the importance of maintaining their customer’s trust and strive to do right by them every time.

    It is alarming to discover brands that refuse to recall their foods from consumers, even after becoming aware of harmful outbreaks.

    Darwins Refuses to Recall Their Pet Food After Salmonella Outbreak

    Victor Foods Unprecedented Recall

    FEEDING A GREAT DANE PUPPY

    Feeding a Great Dane consists of finding a high quality puppy food, becoming knowledgeable on puppy foods, and speaking with your vet about all their is to know about large breeds and their needs.

    Feeding your Great Dane does not need to be a difficult task. With the right knowledge and understanding, you can provide your pup with a nutritious diet that will keep them healthy and happy for years to come!

    It is important to ensure your dog’s food is being sourced from an ethical brand, as well as being aware of any potential recalls which could pose a risk to your pet’s health. Additionally, it is essential to maintain an appropriate calcium and phosphorus ratio in order to avoid any negative health consequences.

    By doing your research and following the guidelines set by experts, you can rest assured that your pup’s diet will be tailored to their needs!

    It is also important to remember that not all grain free diets are bad for your pup, but it is essential to do your research and understand the ingredients. Additionally, it is important to check in with your vet about any potential dietary changes for your pet- especially if they are at risk of developing DCM.

    Let us know in the comments what you feed your Great Dane puppy!

    READ MORE:

    New Great Dane Puppy? This Guide is For You!
    Blue Great Danes – Facts, Photos, and Care
    The Best Collars for Great Danes
    Great Dane Puppy Food
    Great Dane Farts: The Funniest Collection of Photos and Videos on the Internet
    Great Dane Not Eating – What to Do

  • Do Better for Danes: 2023 Resolutions

    Do Better for Danes: 2023 Resolutions

    Happy New Year, Dane lovers! It’s time to make our list of 2023 Resolutions and this year I’m calling it “Do Better for Danes”. Here are 10 dog-inspired resolutions for all of us!

    Pick one or pick them all, what resolutions do you have in 2023 to do better for your Dane?

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    #1 – Sparkly, Healthy Gnashers!

    Did you know that dental problems in dogs are not only incredibly painful, but they can lead to tooth loss, heart disease and infections, too?

    Resolve to keep your pups teeth in top shape this year. Daily brushing can go a long ways towards keeping gunk and bacteria at bay.

    With lots of positive reinforcement and yummy toothpaste, even the most resistant dog can learn to tolerate teeth brushing!

    Read here to learn more about veterinary dental cleanings, which are the gold standard for dogs and a great place to get started if your dental maintenance is a little behind.

    This article covers some of the best vet-recommended dog chews as well, which can be helpful for removing daily tartar and plaque build up.

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    #2 – Time for a Pawdicure

    Overgrown nails on Great Dane Dogs lead to pain, arthritis, joint damage, breakage, and changes to the way the dog moves and walks.

    If the nails touch the ground, it’s time for a pawdicure!

    Of course, some dogs are incredibly resistant to this process. For those dogs, veterinary advice is a must. Daily positive interactions with nail trims (even if just seeing the nail tool in exchange for a treat) is a step in the right direction, too!

    We prefer to keep our Danes nails short and round, the same style seen on show dogs. Short nails are written into the breed standard because they are best for orthopedic health.

    For trimming Great Dane nails, we recommend a DREMEL tool and diamond or sanding bit.

    Weekly nail trimming is the gold standard. Not there yet? Make this one of your top “Do Better for Danes” resolution this year.

    How to trim Great Dane nails

    How to trim Black Nails

    Great Dane Puppy Nail Trimming

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    #3 – A Shiny Coat

    Having a dull, dry, itchy coat is uncomfortable for your dog and may be a sign of other health problems, too.

    A shiny coat is not only eye-catching, but healthier and more comfortable for your dog to live in!

    Here are some top shiny-coat tips for your Great Dane:

    If your dog has a dull coat and chronically itchy or problematic skin, it’s time to see a veterinarian. They may be able to refer you to a veterinary nutritionist, internest, allergist, or dermatologist so you can get to the root of the issue.

    Cost of Great Dane Ear Crop
    Cost of Great Dane Ear Crop

    #4 – Healthy Weight

    Of course, in humans “diet culture” and “weight loss resolutions” have become a toxic and dangerous space. For dogs, however, it’s a different story.

    Humans can be a size 18 or a size 2 and still be incredibly healthy either way. We are not dogs; we have different needs and a much different build. We also have much more control over the food we are fed.

    Dogs unfortunately cannot control their diet.

    Great Danes that carry extra weight will, on average, shorten their lifespan by around 2 years.

    It is never good to bulk up a Great Dane in the interest of making them heftier, bigger, or more robust. Great Danes are actually a lean, athletic breed and seeing a rib or two is not only normal, but desirable.

    If your Great Dane needs to lose weight, talk to your veterinarian about a balanced weight-loss diet and appropriate exercise.

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    #5 – Boredom Busters

    Did you know that many behavioral problems, including separation anxiety, are a direct result of boredom?

    Destruction, whining, pacing, barking, laziness, and even reactivity can be brought on by, or worsened in dogs that are well…bored. Resolve this year to alleviate boredom in your dog. Give them the best life possible with natural enrichment opportunities.

    Most dogs do not receive enough exercise or enrichment. In most cases, a walk on pavement, toys, a yard, and another dog are not nearly enough.

    Here is a list of things you can do to bust boredom in your dog (and better their social, obedience, and separation skills in the process!)

    With proper exercise and socialization, many people are surprised to find that a lot of nuisance behaviors are greatly minimized, if not eliminated. Enrichment is fun and a great opportunity to bond with your dog, too!

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    #6 – Get Off-Leash, Finally!

    We believe that Danes should be off-leash as much as possible.

    Their giant bodies and joints are susceptible to damage which can be made worse by the restrictions and pressure from harnesses, head collars, and collars…especially if they lunge or pull a lot!

    Of course, teaching a solid loose-leash walk is 100% necessary. However, when possible, Danes should be allowed to move as naturally and freely as much as they can.

    Enter the modern E-Collar. This is the only tool on the market that is more gentle than a Gentle Leader, and allows complete, unrestricted freedom of movement.

    If your Great Dane will come when called from 10-20 feet away in a low distraction environment, your Dane can be E-Collar trained and reliably off-leash within weeks.

    Interested in learning more? We have a ton of resources on this topic.

    Buy an E-Collar for your Great Dane HERE

    Learn how to E-Collar train your Great Dane HERE

    5 Reasons to E-Collar Train your Great Dane

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    #7 – Ditch the Food Shaming

    Did you know that some of the best dog foods available for your Great Dane are not actually the most expensive or fancy ones?

    Marketing has taught us to equate fancy, unregulated terms such as “holistic” and “super-premium” with better nutrition. These things are often nothing more than marketing schemes meant to separate your money from your wallet.

    This year, we encourage the Dane community to ditch food shaming.

    If you want the best nutrition for your Great Dane, skip the boutique foods and look towards science and research, instead. There are proven options available at all price points, and because they are fully complete and balanced, no expensive unbalanced toppers are needed.

    I recommend a large or giant breed food from tried and true brands such as Purina, Royal Canin, or Eukanuba for Great Danes. Hill’s or Iam’s are great, too. Purina One Large Breed is a solid, budget-friendly option, for example.

    Read our best foods for Great Danes post HERE.

    For healthy toppers that don’t break the bank and have actual benefits (such as reducing the risk of bloat or cleaning teeth) try one of these:

    • Canned food such as Purina ONE or Pro Plan to provide fresh/wet food in the diet
    • Balanced raw food from RAWS PAWS. Use code HELLODANES for 10% off to replace a portion of their balanced dry food
    • Scrambled eggs (5 or less per week)
    • Minced or blended fruits and vegetables from your kitchen (less than 5% of the diet)
    • Raw turkey necks or chicken paws (for dogs that know how to crunch them up properly, 1 each week)

    Still unsure about what to feed your Great Dane and why? Check out Tufts University Petfoodology blog for science-backed nutrition information that is not motivated by affiliate links or sales.

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    Above All, in 2023…

    Let’s all do better for Danes.

    We’re going to support ethical breeders and ethical rescues…and make it socially irresponsible for breeders and rescues to be anything less.

    We’re going to talk to our veterinarians, and learn to trust them. After all, they want our dogs to thrive.

    We want to get our dogs out more. Moving, living their lives, being spoiled rotten. Snuggled up with us, running beside us, and being our faithful, healthy companion for as many days on Earth as we are given with them.

    What resolutions do you have for your Danes in 2023? Share them below!

  • Should Great Danes Have Puppy Food

    Should Great Danes Have Puppy Food

    I’m going to jump straight into the deep end with this one. Should Great Danes have puppy food?

    Yes. Without a question.

    This answer may surprise you! Today I’m going to dig into the science of giant-breed nutrition and bust some pet food myths (that just won’t die) in the Great Dane community.

    Great Dane puppies should be fed a large or giant breed puppy food until 18-24 months of age.

    Ready to understand why? Let’s dig in!

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    Problematic Great Dane Nutrition Advice

    Visit just about any Great Dane community on Facebook and ask what to feed a Great Dane puppy, then prepare to be overwhelmed.

    People are actually very passionate about this issue! Here are some common responses:

    • “NO PUPPY FOOD!”
    • “My vet said to feed puppy food, not adult”
    • “Ask your breeder, not your veterinarian”
    • “Protein levels must be below 24%”
    • “Puppy food is bad! Never feed puppy food!”
    • “Adult food is for adults, not puppies. Feed puppy food”
    • “Great Danes are giant breed dogs, not large breed dogs, they must have adult food”
    • “I just feed my Danes fresh meat, they used to be wolves, kibble is trash!”

    So on, and so forth. The “no puppy food ever” people tend to be particularly emphatic.

    This kind of information can be confusing to Great Dane owners, especially because so much of it is in direct contradiction to itself. What a headache!

    Great Dane Potty Training

    Why Should Great Danes Have Puppy Food

    We believe that all of this back and forth is unnecessary and harmful to Great Danes. It is 2022 (actually, almost 2023 as of this writing) and we have much better options when it comes to feeding giant breed puppies than we did even just 15 years ago.

    A small handful of dog food companies (Purina, Hill’s, and Royal Canin in particular) have dedicated some legitimate resources towards understanding large and giant breed puppy growth.

    20 years ago, “All Life Stages” (and in some cases, adult formulas) were actually among the only safe options for feeding Great Dane puppies.

    These days we have some incredible options in puppy foods that were designed to support slow, even bone and joint growth in addition to muscle, tendon, eye, gut, and brain health.

    I’m going to dig into this more below, but here is our list of approved Great Dane puppy foods:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

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    The Problem with Adult Food for Great Dane Puppies

    The reason adult foods were considered the ‘gold standard’ for so long is because anecdotally, breeders noticed that their puppies had fewer growth problems (such as knuckling) when being fed adult foods.

    In general, adult foods tend to have lower protein, fat, and calories per cup than many puppy foods, and thus, kept Great Dane puppies from growing too quickly.

    To put it simply, the intent behind feeding adult food to Great Dane puppies was to starve them of nutrition. In doing so, they could better control growth rates.

    The thing is, we don’t have to do this anymore. Some puppy foods have been reformulated and designed specifically to support large and giant breed growth. They have the correct protein/fat/amino acid/nutrient levels and balanced calcium/phosphorus.

    People who hold onto this old idea about only feeding adult foods to Great Dane puppies are deliberately ignoring the current science and research on this topic.

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    Why are Puppy Foods Good for Great Danes?

    Unlike comparable adult formulas, well-researched puppy foods from Purina, Hill’s, Eukanuba, or Royal Canin have been designed specifically for this.

    Adult foods work in a way by restricting calorie, fat, and protein intake. While this may minimize the chance of overfeeding and the resulting development of growth disorders in fast-growing giant breed puppies, many adult formulas actually do not provide enough balanced nutrition to support holistic growth.

    Growing Great Dane puppies need support for their bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, brain, and eyes. These are all things that may actually suffer as a result of being fed adult formulas from a young age.

    Brittle bones, poor overall conformation, dry skin, chronic loose stools, extreme lankiness, sensitivities, and poor muscle development can all be related to not receiving the right nutrition.

    Modern large and giant breed puppy foods have been reformulated to support slow, even growth and the development of the entire body from head to tail.

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    How Long Should Great Danes Eat Puppy Food

    This next answer may also surprise you.


    As long as you have chosen a science backed large or giant breed puppy food from the list below, your Great Dane puppy should remain on puppy food until 18-24 months of age.

    Veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists, who are the experts on this topic, agree.

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    Remember, Great Dane puppies are NOT adult dogs. Just because they are bigger than most dogs by 3-4 months of age doesn’t mean that adult nutrition is correct for them. They are still growing rapidly at that stage and every ounce of balanced nutrition counts.

    NOTE: In pet foods, both large and giant breed dogs are defined as one in the same as they have identical nutritional requirements. While statements from the FDA and AAFCO may only say “large breed”, this is meant to include all dogs that are 70 lbs or more as adults.

    Still not convinced? Here are some articles that may be of interest to you:

    https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/02/confused-about-what-to-feed-your-large-breed-puppy-new-rules-may-help/

    https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2021/11/whats-the-best-food-for-your-new-puppy/

    https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2022/01/growth-guide-keeping-your-puppy-on-the-right-track/

    https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2016/04/when-your-baby-isnt-such-a-baby-anymore-when-to-switch-to-adult-foods/

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    How Much Should I Feed a Great Dane Puppy?

    While modern puppy foods are safe and beneficial to feed your Great Dane puppy, one piece of advice is still very true.

    It is extremely important that you do not overfeed your puppy! Too much food can lead to growth disorders, obesity, and chronic loose stools when using any formula (including adult foods).

    We recommend offering 3-4 small meals each day until 4-6 months of age, then 3 meals each day until 9 months of age, at which point you can switch to 2 meals each day. Encourage slow, stress-free eating.

    Use kibble as training treats whenever possible.

    The amount depends a lot of the food you feed (higher quality foods such as Pro Plan and Royal Canin will require that you feed less), growth spurts, and the metabolism of your dog. The feeding chart on the back of the bag is an excellent guide to get you started.

    Then, adjust intake accordingly! If you see that your puppy is becoming heavy or growing too fast, cut things back. If your puppy seems to be hungry and asking for more, don’t be afraid to let them eat a few larger portions!

  • New Great Dane Puppy? This Guide is For You!

    New Great Dane Puppy? This Guide is For You!

    December is a popular time to get a new Great Dane puppy. I believe that a lot of this is related to the Holidays; puppies are readily available, adorable, and popular to receive or give for Christmas!

    If you are new to the world of Great Danes, or ready for a refresher, let’s jump in. I’ll be covering:

    • Great Dane puppy nutrition
    • Crate and potty training
    • Training and socialization basics
    • Favorite must-have Great Dane puppy products
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    What to Feed a Great Dane Puppy

    This is arguably the most common question we see in the community. Because Great Danes grow so quickly, they are prone to a number of devastating growth disorders such as knuckling, hip dysplasia, Pano, and Angular Limb Deformity.

    Nutrition plays a big role in these disorders. Great Dane puppies cannot eat just any food that you pick out at the pet store. They require nutrition that is balanced specifically to support their growth.

    Lucky for you, we made a list! No need to deep dive, research, or read a million labels. (Though, if you are a science nerd like we are, we have TONS of great deep-dive style Great Dane puppy nutrition articles, which I will link below).

    Great Dane puppies should be fed a well-researched large OR giant-breed puppy food until 18-24 months of age.

    So simple. Here is the list to choose from. These foods are safe, nutritious, correctly balanced, and packed with everything your Great Dane puppy needs to thrive. If they are on this list, it’s because we believe in the science behind them:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    Interested in digging into why some foods made our list and some foods (including popular ones) did not? Here are a few articles to deep-dive into!

    Puppy vs. Adult food for Great Dane Puppies

    DCM: Dietary Heart Disease Update 2022

    How to Choose the Best Dry Food for Great Danes

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    How to Potty Train a Great Dane Puppy

    Ethical Great Dane breeders will have already started the process of potty training your puppy. The good news is that if you chose an exceptional breeder, this process should be a breeze!

    For puppies that weren’t given a head-start, expect to put a little more time in. Your patience, however, will pay off.

    To potty train a Great Dane puppy, follow these steps:

    • Keep your puppy near you and supervised at ALL times
    • Go outside often, especially after naps, meals, training sessions, and play
    • Don’t expect your puppy to hold their bladder for more than 2 hours at first, even overnight
    • When your puppy does their business outdoors, immediately praise AND offer treats
    • If your puppy has an accident indoors, ignore it. Clean it up with Rocco & Roxie Urine Destroyer (my personal favorite, it smells amazing and works like a dream)

    Great Dane puppies grow up incredible fast! While potty training your puppy may seem like a chore, it will be a distant memory before you know it.

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    How to Crate Train a Great Dane Puppy

    Hopefully you’ve chosen to crate train your Great Dane puppy! Crates are not cruel; they are a safe space for your puppy and may become their favorite place in the house!

    (Need help choosing a crate? We’ve compiled a list of the BEST crates for Great Dane Puppies HERE).

    To crate train your Great Dane puppy, follow this list:

    • Make sure your crate is in a safe, quiet spot
    • The crate should also be a cozy space with a quality orthopedic mattress
    • Feed all meals in the crate
    • Use a West Paw Toppl Toy before naps; stuff it with soaked kibble (freezing this can make an extra challenge) or balanced canned food (in moderation at first)
    • Encourage positive, stress-free interactions with the crate; not crying and panic
    • Play the “Catch & Release” game below

    To play “CATCH & RELEASE”

    Toss a treat into the crate and say “CRATE!”

    Then toss a treat outside of the crate and say “FREE!”.

    With repetition, your puppy will quickly bounce into and out of the crate on command.

    Gradually add time between the two commands (increasing the time that your puppy is inside of the crate before being released) and begin closing the door, even if only for a moment at first.

    Play this game several times each day until you can say “CRATE” from several feet away (and your puppy runs in with enthusiasm) and until your puppy will not exit the crate until you say “FREE”.

    We recommend minimizing excessive crate use in exceptionally young puppies; focus first on positive crate training and supervision (even if this means hiring a pet sitter to help out for the first month or two).

    An x-pen can be a great alternative for super young puppies!

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    How to Socialize a Great Dane Puppy

    Socialization, next to proper nutrition, is one of the most important things you can do to raise a healthy, confident, friendly puppy.

    Many people believe that socialization means going to the pet store or the dog park and flooding a puppy with people and other dogs (who may be rude, pushy, or scary).
    This is actually a huge mistake!

    Socialization actually means: Positive exposure to a variety of interesting, novel, and everyday things”.

    This could mean exposure (good experiences) to:

    • Other dogs walking by (and ignoring them)
    • Children playing from a distance
    • A variety of people
    • Loud sounds such as fireworks, doorbells, hammers, and knocking
    • Wood chips, puddles, sand, gravel, grass, sidewalks, bridges
    • Things that wobble, bounce, or roll
    • Things that are noisy such as vacuums, cars, lawnmowers, and large fans
    • Being handled and touched all over: teeth, paws, ears, torso, tail
    • Being brushed, groomed, and manicured
    • The veterinarians office (including the scale and exam room)
    • Pet friendly stores (and learning to ignore things in them)

    If you want to raise a stable puppy, start by choosing a breeder who is known for creating stable, friendly, confident puppies. Socialization is the icing on top!

    Need more socialization ideas? Check out our popular Great Dane puppy socialization guide.

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    New Great Dane Puppy 101

    Last, but not least, here is our list of Great Dane 101 tips!

    • Don’t stop at puppy classes! Continue working on obedience until your Great Dane has ideally obtained at minimum their Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title. Use lots of positive reinforcement.
    • Learn about bloat, one of the top killers of Great Danes (read here for more information)
    • Learn about DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy), a common genetic heart disease in Great Danes that may also be caused, or worsened, by bad nutrition
    • Trim nails weekly and brush teeth daily
    • Avoid training tools such as Gentle Leaders, Halti Head Collars, and “No-Pull” or “Front Clip” style harnesses that work by restricting movement and applying aversive (and even damaging or dangerous) pressure to the shoulders, chest, or head.
    • Consider E-Collar training your Great Dane; our modern method uses less pressure than a leash and will allow complete freedom of movement (Get our E-Collar training guide HERE)

    At Hello Danes we support and believe in: gastropexy, balanced dog training, ethical breeding practices, reputable Great Dane rescues, and the concept that Great Danes should be confident, friendly, and built for longevity.

    Need more? Join our popular Great Dane group on Facebook (Hello Danes Group) where we share modern, science-backed nutrition and training advice.

  • 5 Controversial Ways I Raise my Danes

    5 Controversial Ways I Raise my Danes

    When I met my friend Natalie (we have littermates and started this blog together), I was a noisy card-carrying member of the ‘force-free’ dog training club. Both of us were anti-Purina and hated ‘big kibble’, too. I disliked breeders and believed only in rescue. Prong collars and E-Collars? NEVER.

    Together, we wanted our blog to be rooted in ethics, not to mention current research, science, and methods.

    What surprised me was learning just how much my mind began to change as I researched and shared information from legitimate scientific sources. The more studies I read and the more I learned, the farther I strayed from those original ideas I had about training, food, and breeding.

    I have since revoked my membership to the force-free, kibble-hating, breeder-hating dog club.

    As a science-backed blogger and dog advocate, here are 5 CONTROVERSIAL ways I raise my Danes. From nutrition to training, to E-Collars, I’m sharing it all!

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    We Don’t Rest After Meals

    In the Great Dane community, it’s long been cited that resting before or after meals would prevent bloat.

    (Bloat is a deadly condition in large and giant breed dogs where their stomach fills up with gas, fluid, or air. If the stomach flips, the prognosis is grim. This condition is often sudden and may result in death, quickly. There is no known trigger. However, there are known risk factors including genetics, unstable temperaments, and poor gut health).

    However, during THIS STUDY at Tufts University, researchers found absolutely no correlation between exercise and bloat. The study indicated that most cases of bloat happen to dogs that are resting, not moving!

    There was no correlation of bloat risk to exercise before or after eating, as most dogs bloated in the middle of the night with an empty, gas-filled stomach.

    Tufts University Bloat Study

    This is not to say that rest will kill a Great Dane. But we need to stop villifying movement and food, too.

    There has never been a single study proving that movement caused bloat in dogs or that rest was a legitimate way to keep it from happening. As a matter of fact, bloat rates have increased dramatically in the last 30+ years despite ‘resting’ being cited as a preventative.

    I hate to break it to you, but it’s not working.

    While it may be smart to take it easy after meals to prevent indigestion or stretching the stomach ligaments out (which CAN lead to an increased risk of bloat over time), movement itself is not likely to be a trigger.

    I don’t believe in the false sense of security that this old-school, outdated advice provides.

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    I Use a Prong Collar

    Prong collars look awful. They are metal and pokey, which makes people assume that they work by being extremely painful.

    Here is the actual reality:

    A properly fit, high-quality Herm Sprenger prong collar is less aversive, less frustrating, and more humane than a front clip harness, “Gentle Leader”, or never getting to go out because of dangerous pulling and lunging behavior.

    Why is this? Prong collars are built to distribute pressure evenly around the neck. This pressure does not hurt or pinch, but it is uncomfortable.

    Coincidentally, the pressure from front-clip “no-pull” harnesses and “gentle leaders” is uncomfortable too. That’s why they work. The difference here is that the prong collar doesn’t rely on restricting movement.

    “No-Pull” harnesses restrict shoulder movement and alter the dog’s gait, causing potential damage and pain to the front assembly and joints. “Gentle Leader” type head collars restrict neck and head movement and can potentially damage the eyes, nose, jaw, and spine.

    Watch THIS video on YouTube to learn more. ⬅ One of the best parts about this video is that the dog’s body language immediately improves when the trainer removes the harness from her! The harness was causing suppression of her emotion and behavior; a common problem that people don’t notice or care to admit.

    Prong collars do not harm dogs, suppress, or restrict them. The amount of pressure needed to communicate with one can be applied with a single finger. With proper training, the dog learns to remove this pressure by turning back to you for a reward.

    The prong collar offers a simple, painless, on-off sensation that solves a LOT of problems for millions of people struggling with their dogs.

    Look, these are GIANT breed dogs. Even the most well trained animal is stronger than most humans. Lunging, pulling, and reactivity are dangerous behaviors in Great Danes, and it’s not fair to lock them up for life because we cannot trust them to be polite, calm, and gentle on a leash.

    Click HERE to read my story about why my well-trained Great Dane sometimes wears a prong collar when in public.

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    My Dogs Eat Purina & Royal Canin

    As I mentioned above, I revoked my card to the anti-Purina club. I used to be a rabid hater of all things Purina. As far as I was concerned, Royal Canin was trash, and Hill’s Science Diet? Don’t get me started.

    So how did I go from that negative mentality about the ‘Big 5 Foods’ to telling people who feed kibble that those brands are actually among only a small handful of acceptable choices?

    Story time!

    I spent years flip-flopping between food brands to find “something that worked“. I received advice from pet store employees, dog owners, blogs, and social media. Who doesn’t want to feed their dog a more holistic, natural food?

    All three of my dogs were struggling in some way or another. Chronic loose stools, swollen paws, itching, heat intolerance. Then one of my dogs became very, very sick. She was lethargic, had become weak, had no muscle tone, and had developed some concerning health problems.

    My veterinarian implored me to put her on Hill’s Science Diet or Purina, a suggestion that I thought was appalling and gross. I thought, “She is literally dying, why would I put her on that food and make it worse?”

    So I took her bloodwork into Chuck & Don’s and asked a pet store employee to look it over and give me advice.

    Read that again. I asked a pet store employee, with no qualifications, to tell me how to treat my dog.

    He told me to choose a “high-quality” diet from their shelves, and “steer clear of that nasty Hill’s Science Diet trash“.

    In telling me this, he validated my own misguided beliefs, and generated sales. ?

    It made ME feel good to buy that $90 bag of ‘Holistic Super-Premium” kibble, but it did not make my dog feel good. As a matter of fact, it did nothing for her.

    Do you know what did make her feel good and ultimately saved her life? PURINA PRO PLAN.

    Within weeks of feeding Purina, she was developing muscle tone again. All of her symptoms reversed completely and her energy level skyrocketed. My other dogs were suddenly thriving, too. It was nothing like I had been told.

    Many dog food brands use sneaky tricks and marketing tactics including ‘Ingredient Splitting’ to make you think the food has a higher meat content or is healthier. Everything they say is to get you to make a purchase.

    The more ‘holistic, natural, and premium’ the kibble seems, the more likely it is that they are better at marketing than they are at making truly nutritious and balanced food.

    READ MORE at the Tufts University Petfoodolgy blog. This is the most scientific, modern source for nutrition information and is run by veterinarians with board certifications in nutrition. One of the veterinary nutritionists is even a consultant for BalanceIt, where you can create safe, balanced homemade food recipes for your dog. Everything they say is backed by actual research, and you won’t find an ad, affiliate link, or financial motivation in sight.

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    My Dogs are E-Collar Trained

    Yup. That’s me. Former “Force-Free” dog training fanatic.

    All three of my dogs are now E-Collar trained. The “force-free / R+ / Positive ” dog training community HATES E-Collars, and with good reason.

    Too many frustrated people buy cheap shock collars on Amazon and zap the crap out of their unsuspecting, poorly-trained pets. This is not humane and it’s not fair.

    E-Collars are different. They first require that the dog has a good foundation in basic positive obedience.

    Then, they use a gentle muscle stimulation that is not aversive or painful. This stimulation is often imperceptible to humans and replaces leash pressure. By replacing leash pressure, we can effectively and safely eliminate physical restraint. This is an incredible innovation for giant breed dogs who are strong and powerful!

    By eliminating physical restraint, we eliminate the frustration, safety problems, physical power struggles, and potential damage to the head, neck, and shoulders that can be caused by collars, head collars, harnesses, and long lines.

    Because I trained my dogs to respond to very low levels of muscle stimulation, they can be off-leash anywhere that it is safe and legal to do so. They don’t have to drag long lines around, I can trust them to be in my front yard, and they would never, ever dream of bolting, jumping a fence, or leaving our property. If they did, the pressure (not shocks! Pressure, like hitting the end of a long leash) from their E-Collar will remind them to turn around.

    When they turn around, the pressure is gone; they are 100% in control of their collars and the sensation that comes from them.

    Run from any dog trainer who tells you that an E-Collar is always aversive and a harness and life on a long leash are not. They do not understand how behavior science, modern E-Collar training, or how physical restraints of all kinds utilize pressure and punishment in different ways.

    Since E-Collar training my dogs, they have more freedom, more choice, and more enrichment than ever before.

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    I Let My Dogs be Dogs

    What does it mean to let a dog be a dog?

    It means letting them get dirty. Allowing them to roll in mud pits, dig holes, crawl through the grass, and explore the world around them to their heart’s content.

    Letting a dog be a dog means treating them like dogs, not people or children. Giving them boundaries and saying NO to keep them safe, so that I can tell them YES as much as possible.

    It means letting them sniff the ground on walks, or better yet, be allowed to run naturally and freely off-leash as much as possible. That off-leash privilege begins with training, lots of boundaries, and yes, an E-Collar.

    All three of my dogs have orthopedic issues related to injuries from before I got them. Two are missing legs, one has a very deformed foot. I do not coddle them. They are allowed to run, play, tumble, struggle, fall, and get up again like any other dog. I take them to training classes. We go hiking. We walk. We play.

    With Boundaries, of Course…

    Educated dog ownership means never humanizing their emotions.

    Dogs are not spiteful or jealous or ‘dominant’, they are however often insecure, pushy, or rude and desperately need our guidance and understanding, not our assumptions and judgments.

    I have a no-tolerance policy when it comes to teeth, nails, and baths. My dogs get their spa treatments on a regular basis whether they like it or not. This is one place where I don’t let them just ‘be dogs’, because if I did, I would be neglecting needs that aren’t met naturally in the typical suburban home.

    We see the veterinarian regularly. I don’t coddle them there but we do make it a good experience – so much so that even my more timid rescue girl will willingly go with the veterinarian and lay down politely for her exams. They step onto the scales because I made it clear that it was not-negotiable.

    To some extent, I believe that the ‘force-free’ and ‘fear-free’ movement is harmful. Dogs who never face stress don’t learn to cope with it either, and it’s not uncommon for frustration, reactivity and fear to increase with those methods.

    As a reformed ‘force-free’ person, I now realize just how much science is cherry picked to fit that belief system.

    Dogs are not babies. We don’t have to coddle them or remove every single stress from their lives. Being isolated and restrained in the name of avoiding all forms of stress is no life for a dog at all. That said, we don’t have to be jerks to them, either! Force and harsh physical handling are not cool. Find some middle ground.

    Because I have high expectations of them, they are happier, calmer, friendlier, and stronger as a result!

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    Bonus: I Keep My Dogs LEAN

    If I had a dollar for every person who asked me if my dogs were starving, I’d be rich. They are not starving. They are covered in muscle and have tons of energy. Starving dogs can’t say the same.

    We are SO used to seeing overweight dogs, that a healthy-weight dog covered in muscle can appear alarmingly thin. Our perception has been skewed.

    Truth time: overweight dogs have shorter lifespans (2 years, on average). They are more likely to suffer from arthritis, joint problems, cancer, heart problems, and complications related to anesthesia, among other things.

    Danes are a lean breed. They take forever to mature, too. This photo is of my intact male at around age 2. He still has some filling out to do here, but not in terms of fat! His head, chest, and hips continued to broaden from this point on.

    If you want to reduce cancer risk, keep your dog lean! That’s step one.

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    I really could add a 7th item to this list about spaying and neutering, but I’ll stop here and save it for another day 🙂

    What controversial ways do you raise your dogs?

  • The Best Nutrition to Prevent Bloat in Dogs

    The Best Nutrition to Prevent Bloat in Dogs

    Did you know that your Great Dane may be missing out on important nutrition that could reduce their risk of experiencing bloat? If you are looking for the best nutrition to prevent bloat in dogs, this post is it. We’re looking at the actual science and research to help ensure that you and your Great Dane are happy, healthy, and stress-free!

    There are two things your Great Dane needs in their diet if you want to reduce their chance of GDV Bloat.

    Bloat is the #1 killer of Great Danes.
    It can happen suddenly when you least expect it. Bloat in giant breed dogs is painful, traumatic, and often results in death.

    Let’s dig in…

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    What is Bloat in Dogs?

    First, you have to understand what bloat is. I’ll keep this short.

    Bloat is when the stomach fills up with gas, fluid, or air. Left untreated, the stomach can then flip over on itself. This is called torsion. Torsion is deadly.

    37% of Great Danes might experience bloat in their lifetime.

    Pro Plan Great Dane Update

    How to prevent torsion with gastropexy: everything you need to know

    How do I know if my Great Dane has bloat?

    RUN, don’t walk, to your nearest emergency veterinarian if you see any of these signs of bloat in your dog:

    • Bloated stomach
    • Distress including pacing, crying, whining, head hanging
    • Foaming at the mouth or excessive drool
    • Attempting to vomit (but may be unable to)
    • Collapse
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    Two Things Your Great Dane Needs in Their Diet to Prevent Bloat

    I mentioned there were two things you can add to your Great Danes’ diet right now to reduce their risk of experiencing bloat. Here they are:

    1. A kibble with meat meal or meat by-product meal as a primary ingredient
    2. Canned or fresh foods

    I’m going to dig into BOTH of these in depth below, but here is the scientific study I am referencing:

    Conversely, feeding a dry food containing a rendered meat-and-bone meal decreased risk by 53 percent in comparison with the overall risk for the dogs in the study. Mixing table food or canned food into dry food also decreased the risk of bloat.

    During the past 30 years there has been a 1,500 percent increase in the incidence of bloat, and this has coincided with the increased feeding of dry dog foods.

    Read more about bloat research HERE →

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    Is Meat Meal Bad in Kibble?

    Meat meal and meat by-product meal are GOOD in kibble! Reduced bloat risk aside, let’s talk a bit more about why.

    Fresh meat or fresh deboned meats (not meat meals, in other words) are 70% water. This makes them heavy before cooking, so they show up on top of the ingredients list, but not after.

    Just imagine what happens to fresh meat when it’s extruded into kibble! Only 30% of it will be left, even if your kibble brand says ‘meat is the first ingredient‘.

    Yikes!

    Meat meal and meat by-product meals are rendered and dehydrated before they go into the kibble. At just 10% water, that means your kibble will contain a LOT more actual meat and meat-based nutrition!

    Not only that, but unlike fresh meat, meat meals (including those made with by-products) contain organ meat, cartilage, bone, and skin which are highly nutritious and species-appropriate.

    No wonder meat meals reduce the risk of bloat!

    If your kibble brand is mostly ‘fresh meat’, it’s time to find something better.

    What dog food brands reduce the risk of bloat?

    While no correlation between specific dog food brands has ever been made when it comes to bloat in Great Danes, the information we’ve learned about meat meals can certainly help point us in the right direction.

    We are a science-backed blog, so our nutrition recommendations will be coming from the top canine nutritionists in the country. (Read more about board-certified Veterinary Nutritionists HERE).

    The following dog food brands are balanced for Great Danes and contain rendered meat and bone meal as a primary ingredient.

    (FYI, Great Dane puppies should have puppy food until 18-24 months. Don’t believe us? Read here for more).

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    What is Ingredient Splitting in Dog Food?

    Does Dog Food Cause DCM?

    What are the best foods for Great Danes?

    16

    Canned, Fresh, & Raw Foods for Great Danes

    The second important thing mentioned in the Tufts University Bloat Study was that canned or fresh foods may reduce the risk of bloat!

    What does this mean? Your dog gets a TASTY topper on their food, and you can feel good knowing that you are not just feeding a dry kibble (which is correlated with an increased risk of bloat).

    You don’t need expensive, fancy ‘toppers’ from the natural pet food store. As a matter of fact, most of those are, expensive, unbalanced and a waste of money. We have much better ideas for this, including helpful links below!

    Here are some important things to keep in mind:

    • For Great Dane puppies under 18 months, be VERY careful. Keep toppers to less than 5-10% of the diet and do not allow overeating.
    • When choosing unbalanced toppers of any kind, including table scraps, meat, goat milk, eggs, treats, or incomplete raw blends, they must be less than 5% of the overall intake.
    • Encourage SLOW eating! Toppers may be fun and enticing, but fast eating increases bloat risk. Use puzzle feeders (like this one on Amazon) to slow your pup down.
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    The Best Canned Foods for Great Danes

    I personally use and love Purina ONE canned food, because it’s economical and full of meat! Depending on your budget, you can offer a spoonful or an entire can. Anything is likely to be better than nothing!

    Table Scraps & Treats

    Another option is to offer table scraps and treats. These are not balanced, but they are a fun easy way to add variety to your dog’s diet.

    Keep table scraps and treats to a minimum to avoid digestive upset and nutritional deficiencies. Here are some ideas:

    • Scrambled egg (never daily. Too many eggs can cause a biotin deficiency)
    • Blueberries, bananas, or apple
    • Spinach, green beans, or squash (pro tip: run these through a food processor so they are more digestible!)
    • Meat with no seasoning
    • Organ meat
    • Homemade dog treats, like these dog pumpkin pies
    • A scoop of canned pumpkin
    • Olewo Carrots (which also help with loose stools)

    Never feed cooked bones, weight-bearing bones, grapes, chocolate, garlic, onion, or anything that contains xylitol or birch sugar.

    Raw Food to Reduce Bloat Risk

    Another acceptable option for topping your dog’s food is a raw blend.

    An acceptable blend will have meat, bone, and organ in it.

    Raw does come with a higher risk of exposure to salmonella or eColi, so please use good hygiene practices here.

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    How to Prevent Bloat in Great Danes

    Unfortunately, there are no proven ways to prevent bloat.

    We can, however, reduce or increase risk based on what we currently know from research.

    Bloat is primarily a genetic disease, so choosing thoughtful breeders is one step in the right direction.

    Socializing your Great Dane and using modern, stress-free training methods can help, too. Being fearful or aggressive increases bloat risk, and is actually not normal for Great Danes.

    Address poor gut health, nutritional deficiencies, and the gut microbiome by choosing a quality well-formulated diet and sticking with it. Poor gut health is a major risk factor for bloat.

    Add a probiotic if your dog is struggling with chronic gas.

    Make sure your Great Dane eats slowly and is offered multiple small meals each day. Resting before and after meals does very little to prevent bloat or reduce risk. Find a balance between healthy play and being sedentary.

  • How to Choose the Best Dry Dog Food for a Great Dane

    How to Choose the Best Dry Dog Food for a Great Dane

    When it comes to choosing the best dry dog food for a Great Dane, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

    Not all dog foods are created equal, and some will be better for your pet than others! In this post we will discuss:

    • A list of the best foods for Great Danes, by brand, and handpicked to make your job easy!
    • How to read a dog food ingredients label
    • Deceptive marketing tricks to watch out for
    • What to look for in a Great Dane food
    • How to choose a dog food that is healthy for your pet
    • Information about dog food recalls

    This post does not cover raw, freeze-dried, or air-dried diets. We support balanced fresh feeding, however, that’s not the purpose of the post today.

    Here we will be covering kibble + wet dog food diets, which are the most popular ways to feed a Great Dane!

    The best food for any dog will of course be the one that they do best on.

    Keep in mind that a shiny coat and good stools are only minor indicators of health. A perfectly ‘healthy’ looking dog can suffer from congestive heart failure or other devastating disorders if the nutrition isn’t correct.

    That said, there are some important things to consider when you are on the search to find the best canine nutrition among the thousands of dog food options on the market today. Let’s dig in!

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    What to Look for in a Great Dane Dog Food

    Great Danes are not like other dogs. They are a giant breed with specific nutritional needs. Choosing dog food is even more overwhelming when we throw that aspect into the mix!

    In order to grow and develop properly, Great Danes need a diet that has the correct balance of calcium, phosphorus, and amino acids.

    Many health problems can arise when Great Danes are not offered the right dog food for their needs, especially when they are puppies and growing rapidly. The food you choose must be formulated for the dog’s life stage, which, for giant puppies means large or giant breed puppy food (more on this below!).

    When it comes to choosing the best dry dog food for a Great Dane, look for a food that meets the following criteria:

    Professionally Formulated Dog Food

    This key factor will help eliminate literally thousands of options, making it much easier to choose good dog food!

    Did you know that Fromm, a popular brand, is formulated by a chemical engineer? Victor, another popular brand, is formulated by somebody who has an online certificate in dairy cattle nutrition.

    These people are, unfortunately, not qualified to formulate dry dog food.

    While on paper these foods (and thousands of others like them) meet AAFCO bare minimums, they may be deficient in important amino acids and nutrients over the long term.

    We would never dream of buying baby formula that was created by people who were less than qualified to do so, especially if that food wasn’t also heavily tested and researched before being sold.

    This is an unfortunate reality, though, of many expensive pet foods.

    Your pet’s health is closely related to the quality and formulation of the ingredients in their food!

    This is not an area where you want to cut corners. Keep in mind, however, that a higher price does not necessarily mean higher quality.

    For an adult dog or definitely for a puppy, I recommend choosing dry kibble diets that were formulated by Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists (DACVN), who are also directly employed by the actual brand itself for that purpose.

    Visit the Pet Nutrition Alliance HERE. ➡️

    Look up your brand and see! If they didn’t answer, refused to answer, or the food brand doesn’t directly employ a DACVN / ACVN or Veterinarian with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition, keep looking.

    Pro Tip: Having a ‘team’ does not count. Many times, what a statement like that actually means is that the brand pays an outside firm (consultants) to check boxes. Ask more questions.

    The Pet Nutrition Alliance has asked this question of hundreds of pet food manufacturers.

    Make sure that you verify that the name brand itself (Merrick, GO, or Earthborn, for example) has a qualified person formulating the brand of food, dedicated specifically to that brand, not the parent company.

    For example, Mars employs Veterinary Nutritionists that are dedicated to the Royal Canin brand, but not ones dedicated to the Nutro brand (also owned by Mars Pet care).

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    Meat Meal + Meat By-Product Meal to Reduce Bloat

    Meat meals are a nutrient-dense, high-protein, dehydrated form of organ meats and muscle, skin, and cartilage tissue that has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of bloat. Contrary to popular belief, they are a GOOD thing to see in your pets food!

    Bloat is a deadly condition in Great Danes and other large and giant breed dogs.

    Because meat meals are more likely to contain valuable nutrition such as liver, bone, skin, and cartilage, it makes sense that this ingredient can help keep your Great Dane healthy!

    Don’t be afraid of ‘By-Product Meal’. By-Products, such as liver, kidney, bone, and cartilage are commonly fed as part of a raw diet because they are SO nutritious.

    Animal byproducts are exactly what your dog needs in its diet. Not to mention, using the whole slaughtered animal is the ethical, economical, ecological, and responsible thing to do.

    Fresh ‘human grade’ meat, on the other hand, is roughly 70% water, so after it’s turned into kibble there may not be much meat or nutrition left. The nutritional value of muscle meat is much less than what is found in organ meats!

    Many pet owners have been misled by ‘fresh meat in kibble‘ marketing, and we think it’s time to change the narrative!

    It’s important to always choose dry food where meat meal (such as poultry meal) or meat by-product meal makes up the bulk of the nutrition.

    Grain-Inclusive vs. Grain-Free Diet

    Grain-free diets (kibble) replace grains and often some of the meat protein as well with ingredients such as lentils, peas, garbanzo beans, and potatoes.

    A grain-free kibble is NOT free of carbohydrates!

    While a ‘grain-free diet’ may sound healthier and may lead us to believe it has more meat, the truth is that it may have less meat, which could be devastating for your dog’s health.

    READ HERE for more information on how grain-free food and poorly formulated diets might cause sudden congestive heart failure in dogs.

    When choosing kibble, Great Danes should only be fed a professionally formulated grain-inclusive meat-based diet. Do not feed a grain-free diet to your dog without professional help from a board-certified veterinary canine nutritionist.

    You can find one HERE: https://acvn.org/directory/

    It’s important to note that many common grains used in premium dog food are good for a dog’s digestive system. They provide fiber which is great for reducing bloat risk and firming up stools!

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    Balanced Calcium + Phosphorus Ratios

    This is one of the most important factors to look for on a pet food label for Great Dane adult dogs and puppies, and one that is often overlooked!

    If the Calcium and Phosphorus levels are too high or too far apart from each other, it can cause nutrient imbalances that lead to weakness, tremors, heart palpitations, bone growth disorders (including knuckling, HOD, Pano, or Hip Dysplasia), or bone density issues.

    Studies show that giant breed puppies should NOT be fed excessive calcium. Many veterinary nutritionists (the experts on this topic) recommend keeping calcium at or below 1.2% and at 3.5g or less calcium per 1000kCal, especially for Danes under the age of two.

    This means that VICTOR foods are not safe or healthy to feed, as most formulas (Beef and Rice, Hi Pro, Professional) exceed this recommendation, often dangerously so!

    We recommend finding foods where the calcium and phosphorus are as close to a 1:1 or 1.3:1 ratio as possible, as well.

    Here is a common and acceptable dry matter analysis:

    1.1% calcium

    0.8% phosphorus

    You can also learn more about giant breed nutrition at The Giant Dog Food Project which displays the nutrient levels of over 600 brands and formulas.

    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/nutritional-requirements-of-large-and-giant-breed-puppies

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    Puppy Food vs. Adult Food for Great Dane Puppies

    Many people believe that Great Dane Puppies should never be fed puppy food, as it may cause them to grow too quickly.

    This is a truly odd practice, given the fact that giant breed dogs experience explosive growth and don’t mature until 2-3 years of age. If any dog should have puppy food, it’s a Great Dane!

    Thankfully, science and research have solved an age-old problem, and now Great Dane puppies should be fed a large or giant breed puppy food until age 2!

    “Adult only” is dated advice based on old, outdated, and poorly researched dog foods. Unfortunately, many teenage Danes are suffering from nutritional deficiencies that result from ‘adult’ foods, making them incredibly lanky.

    They often also have chronic loose stools (from overeating to compensate for the missed nutrition) and low muscle mass.

    Large or giant breed puppy foods are the way to go. Our dogs deserve to have the status quo changed on this one.

    Here are our favorite brands and formulas of food for Great Dane puppies. These have been well researched, properly formulated, and proven in feeding trials for slow, even growth:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

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    How to Read a Dog Food Ingredients Label

    It may be tempting to choose your dog’s food based on the packaging or on appealing marketing claims, but it’s important to understand how to read the label and the ingredients.

    Below we’re sharing information about what you should be looking for on a dog food label!

    AAFCO Statement

    This statement simply indicates that the food meets the nutritional minimums required to be sold as balanced dog food.

    Being ‘AAFCO Approved’ is not a badge of honor, nor is it an indication of quality and health. It’s pretty easy to make a dog food meet minimums for certain nutrients.

    That said, the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) statement is important, as it will give you valuable insight on the dog food label into what the food is formulated for.

    For example, some dog foods are formulated for growth, puppies, adults, large breeds, small breeds, or seniors. Life stages are important to consider when choosing dog food!

    We like to see statements similar to the one below:

    “Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that (name of food) proves complete and balanced nutrition for (life stage).”

    https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/What-Is-AAFCO-and-What-Does-It-Do

    Guaranteed Analysis

    The guaranteed analysis is where you’ll find the minimum percentage of crude protein and fat, and the maximum percentages of fiber and moisture.

    You’ll notice that it’s slightly different with every single food.

    Contrary to popular belief, Great Danes can actually have food with higher protein levels. Too low protein can actually be detrimental to their muscle development and overall energy levels.

    The low-protein myth was debunked in studies, so you don’t have to worry anymore!

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    The Ingredients List

    Of course, you’ll want to look over the ingredients list too, but it’s not as important as some may have led you to believe. There are a lot of tricks companies use to make the ingredients list appealing and marketable, however, that doesn’t mean that the formulation is correct.

    Here are some things you want to look for:

    A food that contains a meat meal or meat by-product meal will almost always be the more nutritious choice.

    Watch out for ingredient splitting (see more below), which allows brands to tactfully, legally, and potentially dangerously reorganize the ingredients list to appeal to you and your wallet.

    Fancy additions such as spinach, blueberries, apples, or collard greens (for example) are there for marketing purposes and provide very little nutrition. If anything, they may be displacing meat.

    Fresh meat, deboned meat, and ‘raw’ meat in an ingredients list indicate ingredients that are roughly 70% water. Not only that, but once they are extruded (dried) into kibble they are no longer fresh and there isn’t much left, either. Think about this one for a moment.

    There is no such thing as fillers in dry dog food. (READ HERE)

    Logically, a company isn’t going to waste money on such things as it would increase shipping, manufacturing, sourcing, and formulation costs, not to mention kill dogs from malnutrition.

    Corn, for example, has a better nutrient profile than beef. Once it’s ground (for inclusion in kibble), it is 98% digestible and a fantastic source of linoleic acid (Omega 6).

    Of course, you want to choose a kibble with high-quality ingredients. This is where sourcing matters. Meat-based proteins from one company may not be held to the same standard as they are from another.

    10 3

    We recommend choosing a well-established dog food brand with solid and reliable quality control and sourcing practices.

    Recalls

    Recalls are actually a positive thing, indicating that a dog food company is willing to stand by their product and take it off the market if they find something wrong with it.

    Recently, Darwin’s pet food has been urged by the FDA to take some of its products off the shelves because of salmonella that was making pets sick. They refused...after all, recalls are bad for the marketing department.

    In another story, Victor pet food issued two recalls in 2023. Both of them were triggered by random 3rd party testing of their products, which is alarming. This is an indication that they weren’t testing for these things themselves. This has marred their “no recalls” record from the past, and caused many to realize that “no recalls” often means that the company is simply not looking for problems.

    I don’t know about you, but that’s not good.

    Just because dog food manufacturers claim “no recalls” doesn’t mean that they have a clean record. Ask more questions.

    https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-cautions-pet-owners-not-feed-certain-lots-darwins-natural-pet-products-due-salmonella

    Not only was Darwin’s caught avoiding recalls, Champion foods (the makers of Acana and Orijen) knowingly left food on the shelves that had been produced with contaminated beef tallow. The tallow tested positive for phenobarbitol (the euthanasia drug), and Champion chose not to recall the foods from that lot.

    “No recalls” is a shady marketing tactic. Don’t fall for it.

    12 2

    Deceptive Dog Food Marketing Tricks

    I’m going to outline some common deceptive marketing tricks that many dog food brands use to encourage you to make a purchase.

    I remember being very surprised by these the first time I’d heard them! After all, isn’t a fresh, holistic diet the better choice?

    Maybe not.

    The best dog food is not what you think. Read on…

    Ingredient Splitting

    With ingredient splitting, brands are able to effectively reorganize the ingredients list to be more appealing to you.

    The ingredient splitting trick makes it so that many foods can say ‘Real Chicken is the 1st Ingredient‘, even though the finished kibble is comprised mostly of peas.

    Yikes!

    I wrote a whole comprehensive blog post on ingredient splitting if you really want to dig in!

    Here are common ingredients that some dog food brands use, and how they might split them up.

    Pea Fiber, for example, on its own is ok. Where you want to be cautious is when you see 2 or more forms of the same ingredient:

    PEAS: Peas, Pea Fiber, Pea Protein, Pea Flour

    LENTILS: Green Lentils, Red Lentils, Yellow Lentils, Whole Lentils, Ground Lentils, Lentil Flour, Lentil Fiber

    POTATOES: Potatoes, Potato Flour, Potato Protein, Potato Fiber

    OATS: Oat, Oatmeal, Whole Oats, Oat Groats, Oat Fiber, Oat Flour

    The most nutritious dog food will be a meat-based diet focused on nutrients and amino acids, not one designed explicitly to sell you dog food at a premium price.

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    Unregulated Marketing Terms

    Many dog food companies are exceptional at marketing but don’t have qualified professionals or research to back up their claims.

    Not only that, it’s important to keep in mind that many common pet food marketing terms are unregulated and have no legal definition.

    This means that anybody can start a dog food company, have a company manufacture it for them, and then promote the food with any of the following terms:

    • Holistic
    • Super-Premium
    • Family-Owned & Operated
    • Biologically Appropriate
    • Species Appropriate
    • Healthy & Nutritious
    • Perfectly Balanced
    • Scientifically Formulated
    • Vet Approved

    Just because a food is labeled as “holistic and super premium” does not mean, in any way, that it’s actually better for your pet.

    As a matter of fact, the opposite may be true! Of course, we want to feed our dogs a high-quality diet. However, educated pet owners know how to sort out facts from marketing.

    False Claims

    Some dog food brands and influencers will use dubious and often false, unverifiable, or inaccurate claims that are designed to be misleading and confusing.

    By misleading and alarming you, they can easily generate profits for whatever brand of food, supplements, or education (books, courses, etc.) they are selling.

    Here are some common examples:

    • “Your pet will live longer on this food”
    • “This food prevents cancer”
    • “This food will eliminate allergies”
    • “Dry dog food has no nutrients”
    • “Kibble causes cancer”
    • “Corn is bad for dogs”
    • “Most dogs are allergic to chicken”
    • “Contains ‘fresh’ or ‘raw’ meat” (not possible after extrusion)
    • “Grains are bad for dogs and cause allergies and cancer”
    • “Purina, Royal Canin, Hill’s, Eukanuba, and Iam’s are junk foods full of fillers and diseased animals. They are not high-quality food”
    • “Recalls are BAD!”
    • “Kibble is full of fillers”
    • “Feeding kibble is like feeding your dog french fries or cereal for every meal”

    No food company should be making claims that their food will increase lifespan or reduce the risk of cancer, however, such statements are common.

    There are 300-400 new dog food brands each year in the United States. It stands to reason that they will say anything they have to in order to get your attention.

    It’s time for the dog community to stand up and learn to separate fact (science) from marketing buzzwords.

    Unfortunately, the veterinary community is weary. They want to help our pets, not harm them.

    4 4

    The Best Dog Foods by Brand

    When choosing food for your dog, I believe the following options are among the best nutrition you can get when choosing a kibble dry food diet.

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

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    How to Feed a Great Dane

    When feeding your dog, we recommend the use of stainless or ceramic bowls which, unlike plastic bowls, will not harbor bacteria that can cause irritation and zits.

    For reference on how much to feed your dog, check out our Ultimate Great Dane Feeding Chart post!

    Small, Frequent Meals

    Studies have shown that feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals may help reduce the risk of bloat (GDV).

    Large, single meals are not safe for large and giant breed dogs.

    We recommend feeding your dog at least 2, if not 3 meals each day. Encourage slow, stress-free eating!

    Wet Food or Fresh Food Toppers

    Studies have shown that adding fresh foods or canned wet food to dry kibble can help reduce the risk of bloat in large and giant breed dogs.

    I always add canned food to my dog’s diet! Not only do they absolutely love it, but I feel good knowing that they are getting some variety in their diet. Wet dog food tends to be lower in carbohydrates, as well.

    Extruded dry food is not bad, but there is some logic to giving dogs wet food containing moisture.

    Make sure you feed your dog quality canned food that matches your dog’s dry food. It should be a complete and balanced formula, not one created only for supplemental feeding.

    Supplements for Great Danes

    Don’t over-supplement your Great Dane!

    If you have chosen well-formulated dry food + canned wet food, you don’t need to go nuts with the expensive supplements.

    Here are some that you may need or want, depending on your dog’s needs!

    Esther C is commonly used for Great Dane puppies to help support their growth and reduce the chance of knuckling, HOD, or Panosteitis. While this is not well-researched, many people swear by it. Get Esther C HERE.

    Joint Support is ideal for dogs who are older (age 3+) or that are struggling with orthopedic issues, including poor structure, flat feet, arthritis, missing limbs, or dysplasia. I recommend GLYCOFLEX Stage III, get it HERE.

    Fish Oil can be helpful for dogs that struggle with dry or itchy skin and a dull coat.

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    Tips for Dogs with Allergies

    Some dogs have allergies. Most are environmental, but some are caused by a food allergy.

    The signs and symptoms of allergies and intolerances of any kind include:

    • Itching
    • Redness
    • Sore spots
    • Hair loss
    • Swollen paws
    • Hives

    These things can also be indications of other things, too. Not just allergies. Don’t immediately jump to food being the cause.

    All commercial dog food diets are likely to have been contaminated with grains or chicken, even if the ingredients list contains no grains or chicken. If your dog is truly allergic to those things, you need to feed your dog a hydrolyzed prescription diet from your veterinarian.

    Chances are, however, that your dog is not actually allergic to those things! Whole grains are very nutritious in dry dog food and don’t need to be avoided.

    Read HERE about how your Dane is not actually allergic to chicken.

    Blood and saliva allergy tests are NOT accurate and many times are nothing more than a money-grabbing scam. This is especially true of tests you can purchase and complete yourself.

    (Learn more about that here).

    A food trial elimination diet and careful monitoring of symptoms to identify triggers will be key. If blood or saliva tests are taken, repeat them with a different company for secondary results and use them as part of your treatment plan, not as the sole source of information.

    Many dogs with allergies actually have environmental intolerances. Constant food switching to ‘find something that works’ and bribery to encourage eating (which can unbalance the diet) will make these things worse.

    Instead, try this:

    • Talk to your veterinarian, have an open discussion
    • Choose a well-formulated food and stick with it for 4-6 months, minimum
    • Wipe dirt and dander from the fur and paws nightly using a damp towel
    • Ask about medicated wipes or shampoo
    • Talk about medications

    We recommend seeking veterinary advice for food allergies or anything related to your pet’s health for all dogs and pet owners.

    https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/01/food-allergies/
  • How to Care for a Great Dane puppy

    How to Care for a Great Dane puppy

    If you’re thinking of adding a Great Dane puppy to your family, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for the challenge! Learning how to care for a Great Dane puppy is easy and fun, but you must know this: Great Danes are not like other dog breeds!

    These dogs are big and powerful, and they need plenty of the right kind of nutrition, exercise, and training. Today I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about taking care of a Great Dane puppy.

    What do I Need to Know About Raising A Great Dane?

    Proper Great Dane care requires a little bit of research. The great news here is that you’ve made it to this blog post!

    Great Danes make incredible family pets. They are gentle, loving, and protective of their people. But before you bring one home, it’s important to understand what goes into taking care of a Great Dane.

    Great Danes are large dogs, and they require a lot of space, including a large dog bed, a huge crate, proper nutrition, and a comfy couch to crash on.

    To give you some perspective, I have two Great Danes. I buy multiple $80 bags of food each month, not to mention several $3 cans of wet food, $40 in joint support, and vet care (which this morning is running me upwards of $4500 for routine things such as gastropexy, teeth cleaning, vaccines and preventatives).

    However, this bears repeating: these dogs are WORTH IT!

    Danes were originally bred to hunt wild boar; it’s important to note that Great Danes are a lean, athletic breed that is far from lazy. Too much exercise, or too little, can be detrimental to their health.

    Bored Great Danes can and will eat your house. Enrichment and training are key!

    The Great Dane Breed standard says that these dogs should be friendly and courageous, not timid, shy, or aggressive.

    They are among the largest of the giant breeds, second only to the Irish Wolfhound in size.

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    THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

    Everything you need to know! ↗

    What Should I Expect From a Great Dane Puppy?

    Your puppy will require a LOT of sleep.

    A healthy, well-rested pup will need to sleep up to 18 hours a day.

    Puppies also go through growth spurts, during which they may seem ravenous and never stop eating.

    At around 6-8 months of age, they tend to not eat as much as before. Many people mistake this for pickiness! Don’t be fooled.

    Adding toppers and bribery will only serve to unbalance their diet and encourage ‘picky eating’.

    At this time your pup will be moving into the second stage of growth (the time when a well-balanced large or giant formula puppy food will be the most important thing).

    Great Dane Puppy Supplies

    The best gear for Danes will be sturdy and built for size. We’ve included our favorite must-have tools below.

    The Best Crates for Great Dane Puppies

    Crate training is one of the easiest and most positive ways to keep your puppy safe!

    Read HERE for more information on how to crate train your Great Dane!

    We recommend the following crates, which come with a divider that can be removed once your puppy is bigger.

    Midwest Homes 52″ Crate >>

    Frisco 52″ Single Door Crate + Mat >>

    Frisco Double Door 52″ Crate >>

    Great Danes of every size (even smaller Danes) require a 52″ kennel. You will not find these at Petsmart or Petco.

    Chewy is one of the only reputable places to buy one and yes, they are HUGE.

    You got a huge dog, what can we say?

    If you don’t love the look of a giant wire crate in your living space, consider a custom wooden kennel from BB Kennels!

    https://bbkustomkennels.com/

    Screen Shot 2022 03 07 at 10.51.41 AM

    How to crate train a Great Dane: click here

    Great Dane Puppy Training Gear

    Skip the harness! Harnesses are most Great Danes don’t go together.

    There is nothing more dangerous than a Great Dane throwing its weight around in a harness that allows them to comfortably do just that.

    We recommend a wide, flat martingale collar and a simple leather leash, in addition to beginning your leash training off-leash.

    If you MUST use a harness, stay away from restrictive no-pull versions that can damage movement and orthopedic health. The “Easy-Walk” harness is a common example of a bad harness that should not be used.

    When your pup is ready, we recommend modern e-collar training which is incredibly freeing, positive and fun!

    The Best Beds for Great Danes

    There are a lot of inexpensive beds on Amazon that often go flat and fall apart quickly. These beds do not support Great Dane joints and will need to be replaced often.

    However, Great Danes are notorious for shredding beds, especially when they are bored or left to their own devices for too long!

    Great Danes require orthopedic mattresses. Our favorites are Big Barker.

    Kuranda Cots are great for destructive dogs.

    Big Barker Dog Beds >>

    81MBPHWG9UL. AC SX615 SY462

    Great Dane Puppy Food

    Nutrition is arguably the most important decision you will have to make when bringing a large or giant sized puppy into your home.

    Great Danes are not like other dogs. They have very specific nutritional requirements because of their fast and explosive growth.

    Good food will support slow, even growth, muscle development, and skin and coat health.

    The wrong food can lead to health problems and growth disorders such as knuckling, panosteitis, HOD, obesity, and even hip dysplasia.

    How to Choose a Dog Food

    When choosing what kibble to feed your Great Dane, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

    • The food should be formulated by an on-staff board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist, DACVN (call the company and confirm)
    • It should be backed by intensive feeding trials and peer-reviewed and published scientific research, proving that they are experts in kibble formulation and puppy growth
    • Is manufactured by an established and reputable company, using their own facilities, and are willing to issue recalls to keep your pet safe (“No Recalls” is a red flag!)
    • Is a large or giant breed PUPPY food, formulated specifically for the growth of large breed dogs (it’s 2022, read about why Great Dane puppies should not eat adult food)
    • Meat meal or meat by-product meal should be among the first ingredients
    • Grain inclusive. Never grain-free!
    • Calcium should be at or below 1.4% with phosphorus close behind. An ideal ratio, for example, might be 1.1% Calcium and .09% Phosphorus
    • Minimal ingredient splitting (a dirty trick that may mean the food is heavy in carbs, not meat even if “meat is the 1st ingredient”)

    These guidelines are the most up-to-date recommendations for choosing foods that correctly support the growth of giant dogs.

    The Best Food Brands for Great Danes

    Here is our list of acceptable foods for Great Dane puppies:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

    Supplements and Toppers

    Many enthusiastic pet parents get excited to feed their large breed puppy and start adding all manner of supplements and toppers such as raw egg, rice, sardines, bone broth, freeze-dried toppings or goat’s milk.

    This practice is both largely unnecessary and may be disruptive to the nutritional balance of the food. Goat’s milk, for example, causes gastro-distress. Too many eggs can cause a biotin deficiency. Too much rice can fill the dog up so much that they don’t get the right amino acids and nutrients from other sources.

    Many commercial ‘toppers’ and food items encouraged in ‘build a better bowl’ type marketing campaigns are overpriced revenue-generating nonsense.

    Take it easy on the toppers! They should never be used as a form of bribery to encourage a puppy to eat.

    If you want to use toppers for your Gentle Giant, we recommend:

    How Much to Feed a Great Dane Puppy

    Large and giant puppies need a lot of food to support their explosive growth and prevent health issues.

    Too much nutrition can cause growth disorders, chronic loose stools, and obesity, however, so it’s important that you don’t overfeed your puppy.

    We recommend a loose free-feeding schedule until 12 weeks of age. The trick with this is to not allow your dog to scarf food or overeat; habits that can lead to serious health problems. Offer 3 meals/day but let your pup graze on the food (or use some for training) between meals as well. Monitor intake: overfeeding is dangerous!

    After that, offer 3 schedule meals each day and take the food up after 20 minutes. Don’t offer more than your dog can finish in that time, and closely monitor body condition.

    Topping meals with same-brand canned food can reduce bloat risk and make meals more appetizing, without causing nutritional imbalance.

    At 8-12 months of age, you can transition to 2 meals per day.

    Encourage slow, stress-free eating. I like Royal Canin Giant formula food because the kibble pieces are huge to encourage chewing.

    If your dog is resource-guarding their food, stop sticking your hands in the bowl. This outdated training technique encourages stressed eating and may increase bloat risk.

    Use our guide here to learn how to safely stop resource guarding.

    NEVER feed one large meal each day, as this will increase your dog’s risk of getting BLOAT, a deadly and common life-threatening condition in large dogs. Smaller more frequent meals are best.

    babyfigfinal 1 of 1 2

    Great Dane Puppy Food Myths

    Some people are still promoting the idea that Great Dane pups should never be fed puppy food and that the food must be low in protein.

    Neither of these concepts is rooted in science. They are based on anecdotal evidence from a time when well-formulated puppy foods were NOT available to correctly support the growth of giant breed dogs.

    15+ years ago, adult food was the safer choice, and low protein foods generally had better calcium and phosphorus ratios. It had nothing to do with the protein itself, though, at the time nobody knew that.

    These ideas, at one time, justifiably made sense. Giant puppies grow extremely fast and over-nutrition is related to knuckling, HOD, panosteitis, and other orthopedic physical health and growth disorders.

    By limiting the nutrition, breeders were able to effectively limit their run-ins with painful growth problems.

    The choice to feed adult food was heavily promoted despite the fact that adult foods don’t have the complete nutrition that large breeds (including Great Danes) need to support muscle development, skin, and coat health.

    A sacrifice had to be made to ensure that their bones didn’t grow too quickly.

    Many teenager Danes (5-24 months) on ‘adult’ foods will overeat to try and get enough protein, fat, and calories.

    This often results in chronic loose stools and a lanky body condition with very little muscle tone. I believe that most adult foods starve them of the nutrition they need to thrive.

    The great news here is that it’s 2022 (or beyond!) and established dog food manufacturers have used science to graciously solve this problem for us. Dane puppies can now have research-backed puppy food AND still grow slowly so their joints develop properly.

    As a matter of fact, board-certified Veterinary Nutritionists believe that Great Dane dogs should be on puppy food until 18-24 months of age.

    Let’s put these large breed food myths to rest.

    IMG 7849

    If you plan on choosing a food that is not formulated by a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist (common examples include Fromm, Diamond, Victor, Costco, and 4Health), it may be safer to choose the adult formula for your puppy.

    These foods are not backed by dedicated growth and development research or qualified formulation professionals and aren’t ideal, to begin with.

    Fromm – formulated by a chemical engineer

    Victor – formulated by a guy with an online certificate in dairy cattle nutrition

    Diamond / 4Health / Taste of the Wild / Costco / Nutranuggets – co-packed brands under the same parent company with canned recipes that may or may not have been looked over by an off-site consultant who has marginal credentials.

    Purina – multiple board-certified veterinary nutritionists, M.S. and Ph.D. professionals with advanced degrees in animal nutrition, food science, and quality control are on staff to formulate and research the foods.

    Royal Canin – over 400 professionals with top degrees in nutrition, veterinary nutrition, and nutrition science

    Hill’s Science Diet – same as Purina & Royal Canin (see a pattern, yet?)

    If you are interested in modern health and nutrition science and want high-quality food that was formulated by qualified professionals and then proven in feeding trials for the growth of big dogs, we recommend the following brands and formulas from Purina, Hill’s, Royal Canin, Eukanuba, and Iam’s.

    Notice, all of these are large or giant formula puppy foods:

    Check out THE GIANT DOG FOOD PROJECT to compare brands and values.

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    Great Dane Puppy Health

    Great Danes are not like other dogs. They are big, they grow fast, and they have some special health needs that other puppies don’t.

    That’s why it’s important to find a good breeder who will give you the foundation for a healthy puppy. A good breeder will:

    • Start your puppy on a quality food
    • Have OFA clearances on both parents
    • Study the pedigree and only pair exceptional, well-structured, and beautifully tempered dogs that compliment and enhance each other
    • Use Puppy Culture to socialize the puppies
    • Keep the puppies until at least 8 weeks of age, no matter what
    • Support you as the buyer for life

    A good breeder will not breed aggressive or timid dogs or dogs that carry common genetic linked disorders such as bloat, DCM, wobblers, Addison’s, blood clotting, seizures, megaesophagus, IMGD, or otherwise.

    The biggest step you can take towards ensuring your puppy is healthy for life is to be very choosy about your breeder.

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    Knuckling, HOD, and Panosteitis

    As above, these painful orthopedic growth disorders are often a direct result of unbalanced, poorly formulated nutrition, overfeeding, and incorrect exercise (see ‘how to care for puppy joints’ below).

    Knuckling in Great Dane puppies is when the ankles appear to “knuckle over” the foot. It is easily corrected with proper nutrition. Left untreated, it can lead to deformity and arthritis.

    HOD is short for Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy, which is a disease that affects growing Dane puppies between the ages of four and eight months. It is characterized by fever, loss of appetite, stiffness, and pain. X-rays will often show a thickening of the long bones in the legs.

    Panosteitis (AKA “Growing Pains”) is a condition that causes inflammation in the long bones of Dane puppies. It usually affects dogs between five and fourteen months old and manifests as lameness and pain that comes and goes.

    All three of these orthopedic growth disorders are largely preventable with good breeding, feeding, and exercise practices.
    Additionally, they are treatable if caught in time.

    Flat feet, downed pasterns, and cow hocks are other symptoms of growth, genetics, improper nutrition, or a lack of correct exercise. Make sure your pup gets plenty of off-leash play on soft, varied terrain and steer clear of breeders whose adult dogs don’t have exceptional structure.

    The bottom line is that if you are feeding your puppy correctly formulated food, and exercising them properly (see below), they should not be as susceptible to these problems.

    If you notice knuckling, stiffness, pain, or lethargy, talk to your veterinarian!

    knuckling 8

    IS YOUR GREAT DANE PUPPY KNUCKLING?

    Check out our science-based and constantly always growing knuckling resource page.

    How to Care for Puppy Joints

    Puppy joints are very soft and susceptible to injury.

    It is very important to avoid hard and slick surfaces whenever possible. Put runners down in your home, and avoid long walks on the hard pavement.

    Better alternatives include free movement on grass, sand, gravel, hills, and other soft varied terrains. These things will strengthen joints, toes, and balance as well as encourage confidence.

    Angular Limb Deformity is a common and painful disorder that happens when the large knobby growth plates are damaged by running, jumping, or injury. For many dogs, amputation or invasive and painful surgeries are the only way to move forward.

    We know you are excited to have your new puppy as a running partner, but hold your horses!

    Proper nutrition and exercise are key for taking care of your puppy’s delicate joints. Patience will pay off in the long run when your big puppy is more mature (around 18-24 months).

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    THE HELLO DANES GREAT DANE PUPPY RESOURCE PAGE

    Everything you need to know! ↗

    Taking Care of Nails, Teeth, Coat, and Ears

    Great Dane grooming including nails and teeth are a few things that pet owners tend to neglect.

    Teeth should be brushed daily

    Nails should be trimmed weekly

    Take advantage of your puppy’s enthusiasm and take the time now to make both of these things a matter of routine in your house.

    Daily hair brushing can also help reduce dander, itching, and shedding in your Great Dane’s coat. We recommend using a SLEEK EZ tool. Do not use a “Furminator” as those tools cut the hair.

    Practice handling your puppy all over, brushing your puppy, picking up each paw, and inspecting your puppy’s teeth. An adult Great Dane that wants to fight these things can and will, so make this a positive experience now while you can.

    If you have a little bitey Great Dane gremlin on your hands, restrain the urge to use your hands to tap, shove, choke, or pinch your puppy’s mouth! These outdated training techniques are the fast track to making sure that your 140 lb adult Great Dane is resistant to handling.

    For your Great Dane’s nails, use a Dremel! Tap each toe and offer a treat. Make this a fun, positive experience now while your puppy is still at a young age.

    Regularly inspect your dog’s ears for signs of irritation or infection, too.

    How to stop puppy biting, read here!

    Puppy Training & Socialization

    Next to nutrition, training and socialization are some of the most important things you can do for your new puppy.

    Puppies need to be socialized early and often to different types of people, animals, places, experiences, and handling.

    This helps ensure that your puppy grows up to be a well-adjusted dog that can go anywhere and do anything without being fearful or anxious.

    You can read more about positive, modern socialization in our popular Puppy socialization guide. We are also including a few tips, below!

    Great Dane Socialization

    Socialization does not just mean going to the dog park or pet store or letting people squeal, hover, and handle your puppy.

    As a matter of fact, these common ‘socialization’ exercises can be detrimental to their well-being and temperament!

    Good socialization will be the foundation for all of your training exercises for years to come, so this is important. The single best piece of advice I can give you is this:

    Make sure every experience is a good one.

    That means that if you are going to introduce your puppy to new people, make sure those people know how to properly greet a puppy.

    Set your pup up for success by making sure they can’t get into trouble or hurt themselves, but also have plenty of new experiences, smells, noises, and textures to explore.

    Our favorite socialization exercise is the puppy playground! Grab a variety of interesting objects such as cushions, large balls, a kiddie pool, noisy toys, and household items and gather them in a large area.

    Encourage your puppy to explore and play with all of the new things, and make sure to give lots of praise and treats!

    This is a great way to get your pup used to different textures, smells, noises, and objects in a safe and controlled environment.

    We have more tips like that one in our socialization guide HERE.

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    Puppy Training Basics

    Positive reinforcement training is the best way to install new behaviors.

    All puppies should be taught:

    • Acceptance of handling by veterinarians and groomers
    • Sit, down, stand
    • Wait
    • Leave it
    • Come
    • Place
    • Stay
    • Loose-leash walking/heel

    We recommend finding a highly qualified trainer who uses positive + balanced training methods. Start attending classes now and continue through intermediate and advanced obedience!

    The STAR Puppy and AKC Canine Good Citizen programs are fantastic ways to set goals for yourself. Consistent training will pay off in the form of calm, indifferent, friendly, and safe adult dogs in your home.

    Large dogs require obedience training and lots of mental enrichment. Putting the time in beyond puppy class is a hallmark trait of responsible dog owners.

    Obedience & Off-Leash Training

    We believe that all Great Danes should be obedience trained and have exceptional off-leash skills.

    By nature, leashes and collars rely on physical restraint. This restraint can become impossible or dangerous with large adult Great Danes.

    It is much safer and better for their mental and orthopedic health that they have good off-leash obedience.

    Start training your large breed dog to be off-leash now!

    In your living room, reward your puppy for looking at you, engaging with you, and walking next to you around obstacles in the house.

    Outside, we recommend using a long Biothane leash and practicing recall in low-distraction areas such as empty lots and baseball fields.

    Never scold your puppy for not coming when called. This creates superstitious dogs that do not come back.

    Instead, make coming to you the most fun thing in the world!

    Use praise, treats, and play to make coming back a positive experience.

    A positive training program will produce positive results!

    When your puppy can reliably come when called from 20 feet away in moderately distracting areas, it’s time to layer in a modern, positive e-collar so you can ditch the physical restraint.

    Hello Danes E-Collar Shop >>

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    Great Dane Puppy Veterinary Care

    Getting regular veterinary care for your puppy is an important part of responsible dog ownership.

    In the first year, your puppy will need to see the veterinarian several times for a well-check, growth-check, vaccinations, and deworming.

    After that, yearly well-visits are all that is needed!

    Puppy Vaccines

    It is extremely important that your puppy is vaccinated against common and often deadly dog illnesses such as Distemper, Parvo, and Rabies.

    Your veterinarian will provide you with a vaccine schedule. Additionally, your breeder should have already begun the vaccination process.

    Keep in mind that Rabies vaccination is legally required in many places.

    Some breeders may encourage you to hold off on Rabies or Leptospirosis vaccinations until your puppy is more mature, especially if your puppy has had problems with orthopedic growth disorders. Only HEALTHY puppies should be vaccinated.

    Talk to your veterinarian!

    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppy-shots-complete-guide/

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    It is also very important that until your puppy is fully vaccinated, they not be exposed to places where diseases tend to be common. Positive socialization is VERY important, so we encourage you to take your puppy with you whenever you can.

    However, it is smart to avoid pet stores, dog parks, and the floor of the veterinarian’s office as much as possible while your puppy is young.

    Parvo, for example, is extremely contagious and deadly.

    However, poor socialization can set a puppy up for a lifetime of stress, frustration, and anxiety. It’s important to find a safe, healthy balance.

    Flea & Tick Prevention

    Flea, tick, parasite, and heartworm prevention are important for all dogs.

    Bugs and parasites bring with them diseases that can cause permanent damage to your dog.

    You may have seen alarming blogs and media about dogs becoming sick and suffering seizures from flea and tick medications. While side effects are possible, it’s important to note that they are rare and often associated with other health problems. This kind of alarmist media is emotional and drives clicks and revenue, skewing our perception of the problem.

    The reported side effects of veterinary flea and tick preventatives are minimal compared to the side effects associated with leaving your dog unprotected.

    Parasites, including fleas and ticks, can cause devastating health problems such as Lyme’s disease, malnutrition, anemia, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, deadly heartworms, and more. Thousands if not millions of dogs suffer from these things every year, at an astronomically higher rate than the rare dog who has a severe reaction to preventatives.

    There are many products on the market that can help you keep your puppy safe from these pests. Do not be afraid of preventatives, and beware of pseudoscience and clickbait media that teaches you otherwise.

    Talk to your veterinarian about deworming, as well as which flea and tick products are right for your puppy and your area.

    I personally use Bravecto and Sentinal, on the recommendation of our veterinarian. My dogs have had no side effects and I like knowing that I don’t have to shelter them from fun, enriching outdoor activities.

    Great Dane Toys

    Finding a Veterinarian

    It’s important to find a veterinarian whose opinion you value and trust.

    Ideally, they have experience with giant dogs and understand their unique orthopedic, nutritional, and growth needs.

    I like to find veterinarians who:

    • Are up to date on the current research and will support delayed spay and neuter for well-tempered giant breed dogs with responsible owners
    • Are supportive of preventative gastropexy and have lots of experience with the procedure
    • Understand why large and giant breed puppy foods are important and can give you evidence-based recommendations
    • Will be honest and straightforward about your pet’s condition, including its overall body condition score
    • Are willing to sit with you and answer questions
    • Have a well-respected portfolio of ear crops, if cropping is chosen, and are supportive of the procedure

    A Great Dane’s life may be short, but there are things you can do to make it as long and wonderful as possible. Enjoy your puppy!

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    What is the best leash for Great Dane

  • How to Know if Great Dane Skin Bumps are a Problem

    How to Know if Great Dane Skin Bumps are a Problem

    Great Dane skin bumps can be a common health problem that pup owners don’t need to worry about and they can also be a warning sign for something more serious with your Gentle Giants.

    With countless skin conditions, pet parents with a Great Dane may not be sure if their bumps are worth a veterinary visit. Here’s what you should know about Great Dane skin bumps and when to seek professional help.

    Most of the time, skin bumps on your Great Dane are nothing to worry about and are simply a part of their normal anatomy. For example, many Great Danes have bumps on their backs due to the location of their spine. These bumps are called withers and are completely normal.

    However, there are some skin bumps that can be a sign of a more serious health problem.

    GREAT DANE SKIN BUMPS: WHEN TO BE CONCERNED WITH ITCHY SKIN AND WHEN IT’S OKAY

    As a Great Dane owner, you may have noticed that your dog has some skin allergies or irritation from time to time. While some of these problems are nothing to worry about, others can be indicative of more serious health issues. So, when should you be concerned about your Great Dane’s skin problems? Let’s take a look.

    SKIN INFECTION

    One type of Great Dane skin problem that you should be concerned about is skin infections. Skin infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and they often lead to redness, swelling, and itchiness. If not treated promptly, infections can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening. If you notice any signs of a skin infection on your dog, you can speak with your vet about the common signs of skin diseases and discuss how to strengthen their immune system.

    HAIR LOSS

    Another type of skin problem that can be indicative of a more serious health issue is hair loss. If your dog is losing hair in patches or their coat is thinning out overall, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition such as allergies, hormonal imbalance, or thyroid disease. If you notice hair loss on your dog, make an appointment with your vet so they can determine the cause and start treatment if necessary. 

    HOT SPOTS

    Hot spots are another common skin problem in Great Danes (and other dogs). Hot spots are open wounds that are often painful and can become infected if not treated properly. These spots of irritation on a Great Dane’s skin are often caused by allergies or poor grooming habits.

    YEAST INFECTIONS

    Yeast infections are another type of skin problem that Great Danes are susceptible to. Yeast infections often cause the skin to become red and itchy and can lead to secondary bacterial infections if left untreated. If you think your dog may have a yeast infection, take them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. 

    NON CONCERNING SKIN ISSUES

    Not all skin problems are indicative of a more serious health issue; in fact, some are perfectly normal and nothing to worry about. For example, if you notice your dog scratching more than usual during seasonal changes or after being outside, it’s likely just an allergic reaction that will go away on its own once the allergens clear out. Similarly, if your dog licks or bites their paws frequently, they may just have dry skin or minor irritations.

    ARE GREAT DANES ALLERGIC TO CHICKEN?
    DRY SKIN AND HOW TO SOLVE IT
    IS MY GREAT DANE TOO SKINNY?

    FOOD ALLERGIES IN A GREAT DANE THAT CAUSE ITCHY SKIN

    Food allergies are a common problem in Great Danes. They can cause itchiness and discomfort for your dog, and may even lead to secondary infections. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the clinical signs of food allergies, the secondary infections that may result from them, and how you can eliminate the allergens from your dog’s diet.

    CLINICAL SIGNS OF FOOD ALLERGIES WITH YOUR GENTLE GIANT

    The most common clinical sign of a food allergy in dogs is itchiness. If your dog is scratching or licking excessively, it may be due to an allergic reaction. Other signs include red or inflamed skin, hair loss, hot spots, and Ear infections. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian so that they can perform a food allergy test. 

    SECONDARY INFECTIONS RELATED TO FOOD ALLERGIES 

    If left untreated, food allergies can lead to secondary infections. The most common infection seen in dogs with food allergies is pyoderma, which is a bacterial infection. Yeast infections are also common, as are ear infections. These infections can be painful and uncomfortable for your dog, so it’s important to get them treated as soon as possible. 

    YOUR GREAT DANE’S SKIN AND FOOD ALLERGIES 

    Great Danes are especially susceptible to food allergies because they have sensitive skin. Their skin is thin and prone to irritation, making them more likely to experience the itching and discomfort that are associated with allergies. Additionally, their large size means that they have more surface area for allergens to affect. 

    ELIMINATION DIET FOR HEALTHY SKIN 

    If your dog is diagnosed with a food allergy, the best way to manage it is through an elimination diet. This involves removing all potential allergens from your dog’s diet and slowly reintroducing them one at a time until you identify the culprit. Your veterinarian can help you select an appropriate diet for your dog and guide you through the process of eliminating potential allergens. 

    Food allergies are a common problem in Great Danes, but luckily there are ways to manage them! If your dog is showing signs of a food allergy, be sure to consult with your veterinarian so that they can perform a food allergy test. An elimination diet is often the best way to identify the allergen and provide relief for your dog’s itchiness and discomfort. With some patience and guidance from your vet, you can help your Great Dane live a comfortable life despite their food allergies!

    BACTERIAL INFECTIONS ON GREAT DANE’S SKIN

    As a great dane owner, you may be all too familiar with the never-ending battle against bacterial infections on your dog’s skin. But did you know that there are actually several different types of bacteria that can infect your dog’s skin? And that each type of bacteria requires a different treatment approach?

    SECONDARY INFECTIONS

    Secondary infections are the most common type of bacterial infection in large breeds and other dog breeds. They usually occur after your dog has already been treated for an underlying condition, such as allergies or insect bites. The most common symptom of a secondary skin infection is red, inflamed skin. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

    YOUR DOG’S IMMUNE SYSTEM

    The second most common type of bacterial infection in dogs is an immune system disorder. immune system disorders can be caused by a number of things, including medications, allergies, and even stress. The most common symptom of an immune system disorder is recurring infections. Treatment typically involves immunotherapy or oral steroids.

    MEDICATED SHAMPOOS

    Medicated shampoos are the third most common type of bacterial infection in Great Danes. They are usually caused by an allergy to one of the ingredients in the shampoo. The most common symptom of a medicated shampoo allergy is itching and redness of the skin. Treatment typically involves switching to a hypoallergenic shampoo or using medicated ointments and creams.

    CONTAMINATED SOIL OR WATER

    Contaminated soil or water is the fourth most common type of bacterial infection in Great Danes. They are usually caused by exposure to contaminated water, such as stagnant ponds or puddles. The most common symptom of contaminated soil or water exposure is diarrhea. Treatment typically involves oral antibiotics and probiotics.

    TREATMENT OPTIONS

    There are a variety of treatment methods available for bacterial infections in Great Danes. The best course of action will depend on the type and severity of the infection. Common treatments include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunotherapy, oral steroids, and medicated shampoos and ointments. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. 

    Bacterial infections are a common problem for pup owners. But with so many different types of bacteria that can infect your dog’s skin, it can be difficult to know how to treat them effectively.

    SKIN ALLERGIES AND GREAT DANE’S SKIN

    If your Great Dane is anything like mine, then they’re probably pretty susceptible to skin allergies. Dogs with sensitive skin are prone to dryness, scaling, and itchiness, which can be pretty uncomfortable for them.

    DRY SKIN

    One of the most common symptoms of skin allergies in dogs is dryness. This can manifest as flakiness, scaling, or patches of missing fur. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to increase their intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential nutrients help to maintain the health of your dog’s skin and coat. They can be found in fish oils, certain kinds of nuts, and leafy greens.

    SCALY OR DRY PATCHES

    Another common symptom of skin allergies is the development of scaly patches on the skin. These patches are often itchy and uncomfortable for dogs. If your dog has developed scaly patches, you can help to soothe their skin by applying a bit of coconut oil to the affected area.

    OMEGAS AND ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS FOR GREAT DANES

    Fish oil is an excellent tool for any large breed pet owner to keep on hand. Not only does it provide fatty acids that help regrow hair, soothe flaky areas of hair loss and promote a shiny coat, but it also helps with cognitive development, joint health and heart function.

    For large breeds like the Great Dane, we recommend using a product that contains at least 400mg of EPA and DHA per serving.

    You can find fish oil supplements for dogs online or at your local pet store.

    Our recommended fish oil with the right dose of fatty acids is Doctor Harveys. We believe that all dogs should be given omega 3 fatty acids daily as a primary source of their amino acids.

    SOLUTIONS: ALOE VERA, COCONUT OIL, TEA TREE OIL, AND MORE

    There are a number of different home remedies that you can use to help soothe your dog’s allergies. Aloe vera gel and coconut oil are both great options for reducing itchiness and redness.

    You can also try using a bit of tea tree on inflamed areas. Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic properties that can help to heal wounds and other irritated areas. If you’re looking for a more natural solution for your dog’s allergies, there are a number of different essential oils that can be used to help soothe their symptoms. Just be sure to do your research before using any new products on your dog’s skin! 

    Using CBD can be a very powerful mechanism of helping a dog cope with chronic skin irritation.

    OVERWEIGHT DOGS AND HEALTH PROBLEMS WITH INFECTIONS

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    An Underweight Great Dane
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    A Healthy Weight Great Dane
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    An Overweight Great Dane

    Being a pet owner comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of the most important things you can do for your furry friend is to keep them at a healthy weight. Unfortunately, obesity is a growing problem among pets, and dogs are no exception. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, approximately 58% of American dogs are overweight or obese. This statistic is especially troubling when you consider the many health problems that can be caused or exacerbated by excess weight.

    7 DEADLY RISKS OF FAT DANES
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    HEALTH CONCERNS ASSOCIATED WITH OBESITY

    Carrying around extra weight puts strain on any dog breeds organs and joints and can lead to a number of health problems, including: 

    1. Addisons Disease
    2. Thyroid problems 
    3. Dilated cardiomyopathy 
    4. Arthritis 
    5. Type 2 diabetes 
    6. High blood pressure 
    7. Cancer 

    In addition to these serious health concerns, obese dogs are also more likely to suffer from skin and irritation due to the folds of skin that rub together and create moisture. This can be very painful for your dog and may require antibiotics or other treatment to heal properly. 

    OBESITY IN GREAT DANES
    ACUPUNCTURE FOR DOGS
    HIP DYSPLASIA
    ARTHRITIS
    BLOAT AND GUT HEALTH
    TOENAIL PROBLEMS
    OFA HEALTH TESTING
    WOBBLERS SYNDROME

    THYROID PROBLEMS

    The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of these hormones, it’s called hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, cold intolerance, and reproductive problems. Hypothyroidism can be controlled with medication, but it is important to catch it early so that treatment can begin before any permanent damage is done. Once again, overweight dogs are more prone to developing thyroid problems because they are more likely to have an underlying endocrine disorder. 

    DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY

    Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart disorder that results in an enlarged heart muscle and decreased ability to pump blood effectively. DCM is most often seen in large breeds like Great Danes, Newfoundlands, boxers, and Irish Wolfhounds; however, it can affect any breed of dog. Symptoms of DCM include exercise intolerance, coughing, difficulty breathing, sudden collapse, and cardiac arrhythmias. DCM is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly; however, there are many different treatment options available depending on the severity of the condition.

    YOUR BEST FRIEND DESERVES QUALITY OF LIFE

    Regardless of the breed of dog you have, keeping them at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for their overall health and well-being. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining a healthy weight. If you think your dog may be overweight or obese, take them to see a veterinarian so that they can assess their body condition score (BCS). This will help determine if your dog needs to lose weight and how much they should lose.

    Obesity is a growing problem among animals. Carrying around extra weight puts strain on your dog’s organs and joints which can lead to debilitating health problems.

    BALD SPOTS ON A GREAT DANE’S BODY

    If you have noticed bald spots on your Great Dane’s body, you are probably wondering what is causing the hair loss. While there are several possible causes of hair loss in dogs, the most common cause is a hormonal imbalance. Let’s take a closer look at some of the other potential causes of hair loss in Great Danes.

    HAIR FOLLICLES AND MENTAL DULLNESS

    Hair Follicles and Mental Dullness – One of the less common causes of hair loss in dogs is a condition called alopecia areata. This condition is caused by a reaction to the hair follicles and leads to patchy hair loss. In some cases, it can also lead to mental dullness. If you think your dog may have alopecia areata, please consult your veterinarian. 

    YOUR GREAT DANE’S HAIR LOSS COULD BE FROM DOG FOOD

    Your Great Dane’s hair loss could be from dog food – Yes, believe it or not, one of the things that can cause bald spots on your dog is their food. If you are feeding your dog a poor quality food, it could be lacking in nutrients that are necessary for healthy skin and coat. If you are concerned that your dog’s food may be the cause of their hair loss, please talk to your veterinarian about switching to a higher quality food. 

    THYROID HORMONE

    One of the most common causes of hair loss in dogs is an imbalance of thyroid hormone levels. When the thyroid hormone levels are too low, it can result in patchy hair loss and dry skin. If you think your dog’s hair loss may be due to an imbalance of thyroid hormone levels, please consult your veterinarian. 

    OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

    Another possible cause of bald spots on your dog is a deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are necessary for healthy skin and coat, so if your dog is deficient in them, it could lead to patchy hair loss.

    THERE IS NO MIRACLE CURE

    Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for bald spots on dogs. The best way to treat bald spots is to identify the underlying cause and then treat that accordingly.

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  • What Happens to an Overfed Puppy

    What Happens to an Overfed Puppy

    Ensuring the optimal nutrition for a puppy is fundamental for their overall well-being. Puppies are so cute, and it’s easy to want to feed them lots of food and treats! However, an overfed puppy can experience health problems that can devastate their experience in life.

    Feeding too much, over-supplementation, and filling up the food bowl with toppers and treats to entice eating are on the chopping block today! Curious about why? Here is a list of common problems associated with giving puppies too much nutrition:

    • Carpal Laxity (flat feet or “knuckling over”)
    • Growing pains (panosteitis)
    • HOD, OCD, and other bone growth problems
    • Obesity (which shortens lifespans by 2 years, on average)
    • Chronic loose stools (often blamed on “allergies”)

    This article digs into the repercussions of overfeeding, shedding light on growth disorders, the risks of over-supplementation, and the potential pitfalls of excessive toppers and treats.

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    Understanding Growth Disorders in Large and Giant Breeds

    Large and giant breed puppies require specialized nutrition due to their rapid growth and susceptibility to developmental issues. Overfeeding can contribute to growth disorders like hip dysplasia and hypertrophic osteodystrophy. These conditions result from overly swift bone growth, leading to improper joint formation and structural abnormalities.

    Owners of giant breed puppies (such as Great Danes, which we talk a lot about here) are often alarmed if they see a few ribs. However, a lean body condition is desirable!

    The Role of Caloric Intake

    Overfeeding is essentially providing more calories than a puppy’s body needs. Proper portion control is crucial to prevent this. Consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate food amount based on factors such as age, weight, and breed. Adjustments may be necessary as your puppy grows.

    The Dangers of Over-Supplementation

    Puppies, akin to humans, require specific nutrients for healthy development. However, excessive supplementation can lead to imbalances and potential health issues. For instance, over-supplying calcium to large breed puppies may disrupt the delicate balance needed for proper bone development, contributing to skeletal problems.

    Ensuring Nutritional Balance

    Choose a high-quality puppy food that meets the nutritional standards set by reputable organizations. Before introducing any supplements to your puppy’s diet, consult your vet to ensure they are necessary and safe.

    Toppers, Treats, and the Challenge of Picky Eating

    While treats and toppers play a role in training and bonding, moderation is key. Overindulgence in these extras may lead to picky eating habits and an unbalanced diet. Puppies may prefer the tasty treats over their regular meals, resulting in nutritional deficiencies.

    Maintaining Balance

    To maintain a well-balanced diet, limit treats and toppers to no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily caloric intake. Opt for healthy, puppy-friendly options, and use them sparingly to avoid disrupting the nutritional balance of their main meals.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, overfeeding, especially in large and giant breed puppies, can have serious consequences for their health and development. Emphasize proper portion control, opt for high-quality nutrition, and be cautious with treat and topper intake. By providing a balanced diet and consulting with your veterinarian, you’ll set your puppy on the path to a healthy and happy life.