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Nutritionally, all dogs have pretty similar needs—even across vastly different breeds. But there are still some very good reasons to offer your Great Dane a diet formulated specifically for large or giant breed dogs.
The most obvious consideration is your Great Dane’s massive size. Per pound, bigger dogs actually have lower energy requirements than small breeds, and large-breed formulas account for this with lower caloric density. Their considerable bulk also puts extra stress on bones and joints—doubly so if they’re overweight. These gentle giants need food that prevents excessive weight gain and keeps them mobile. Joint-supporting nutrients, like glucosamine and chondroitin, can help.
In addition, Great Dane puppies need carefully calibrated levels of calcium and phosphorus to prevent growth issues. And all Great Danes need bigger kibble pieces that prevent eating too quickly, which can lead to indigestion or, worse, bloat.
There are many quality large-breed dog foods available—the challenge lies in picking the right one for your particular pooch. That’s why we’ve gathered nine excellent recipes that are ideal for Great Danes. This list can serve as a starting point in your search for the perfect food, but remember to consult your veterinarian as well. They’re familiar with your dog’s health background and can steer you in the right direction.
Best for Great Dane Puppies: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Puppy Dry Food
With Great Dane puppies, it’s crucial to maintain a slow and study growth rate. If these giant pups grow too quickly, it can lead to musculoskeletal problems. This means they need a carefully formulated diet that limits calcium levels.
This Royal Canin recipe is specifically designed for puppies between the ages of two and eight months old, with an expected adult weight of over 100 pounds. It provides a balanced 1.2% calcium level on a dry matter basis, which is ideal for the growth of giant breeds.
It also contains an optimal number of calories: enough to fuel your puppy’s playful behavior without causing obesity. With a generous 35.75% protein level, it promotes strong, lean muscles. And omega-3 fatty acids support cognitive development during your puppy’s training stage.
Additionally, Great Danes are prone to stomach problems, so digestive support is important. This formula contains prebiotics and fiber from beet pulp and psyllium seed husk. Antioxidants strengthen your puppy’s developing immune system, while a blend of minerals keeps their joints and bones working hard.
Key Nutrients:
- 338 kcal/cup
- Protein: 35.75%
- Fat: 13.41%
- Crude Fiber: 4.36%
- Calcium: 1.2%
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Best for Young Great Danes: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Junior Dry Food
Giant breeds take longer to reach maturity—your Great Dane may take up to 24 months before it’s time to switch to an adult formula. In the meantime, this transitional formula is a good stepping stone between puppyhood and adulthood. You can switch to this food once your Great Dane reaches 8 months.
Since giant breeds are still growing at this stage, this “Junior” formula continues to cap calcium levels. And because dogs need fewer calories as they grow, this food has fewer calories than the brand’s puppy formula.
This junior recipe is fortified with prebiotics to nourish a balanced microbiome. Antioxidants, including Vitamins E and C, support your pup’s still-developing immune system. Plus, a larger kibble size means your voracious eater will need to chew rather than wolf down their meal, which reduces the risk of bloat.
Key Nutrients:
- 311 kcal/cup
- Protein: 32.4%
- Fat: 15.64%
- Crude Fiber: 4.25%
- Calcium: 1.2%
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Best for Senior Great Danes: Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Adult 6+
As they enter their senior years, your Great Dane will benefit from a food that promotes joint health and helps them maintain a healthy weight. Formulated for large and giants breeds over 55 pounds, this Hill’s kibble contains glucosamine and chondroitin to keep your Dane active in their golden years.
There are antioxidants to keep the immune system functioning optimally and fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coats. Plus, ingredients like flaxseed, broccoli, carrots, green peas, and beet pulp supply fiber to encourage regular stools.
Key Nutrients:
- 353 kcal/cup
- Protein: 17.22%
- Fat: 11.67%
- Crude Fiber: 4.44%
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Best for Weight Loss: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Weight Management
It’s crucial for all dogs to maintain a healthy weight, regardless of size. For giant breeds, however, it’s even more important because their extra weight can put a lot of stress on their joints and bones. Weight management plans will involve multiple strategies, including exercise, hydration, and portion control. Some dogs may also see results with a specially formulated weight loss food.
From Purina’s Pro Plan line, this weight management food is formulated for adult dogs weighing over 50 pounds. It contains 15% less fat than the brand’s Essential Shredded Blend formula. Wheat bran provides a natural source of prebiotic fiber, which helps your dog feel full for longer. This can reduce begging between meals and make it easier to stick to a diet.
What’s more, this recipe contains a generous amount of protein (30.68% dry matter), which helps your Great Dane maintain muscle mass while they lose weight. Glucosamine also supports your dog’s joints while you boost their exercise routine.
Key Nutrients:
- 361 kcal/cup
- Protein: 30.68%
- Fat: 10.8%
- Crude Fiber: 6.25%
- Calcium: 1%
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Best for Digestion: Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Digestion Large Breed Dry Food
Many Great Danes suffer from dietary sensitivities. This large-breed formula includes digestible pumpkin, whole-grain oats, and beet pulp. It also contains the brand’s ActivBiome+ Technology: an exclusive blend of prebiotics to cultivate a healthy gut. A moderate fat level makes it easier on delicate digestive tracts. Finally, this dry food features larger kibble pieces, which prevents bloat and other digestive woes.
Key Nutrients:
- 380 kcal/cup
- Protein: 22.22%
- Fat: 12.22%
- Crude Fiber: 4.44%
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Best High Fiber: Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight Large Breed
If your Great Dane suffers from digestive problems or needs help losing weight, your vet may recommend switching to a high-fiber diet.
With ingredients like pumpkin, kale, spinach, chia seeds, and brown rice, this recipe offers a substantial 12.22% fiber on a dry matter basis. This may help dogs feel satiated, curb begging, and improve stools. This recipe also offers a good level of protein, has low fat content, and contains reduced calories, all of which can help your Great Dane maintain a healthy weight. Chicken meal provides a source of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.
Key Nutrients:
- 245 kcal/cup
- Protein: 24.44%
- Fat: 7.78%
- Crude Fiber: 12.22%
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Best for Skin & Coat Health: Iams Advanced Health Skin & Coat Dry Food
If your Great Dane has dry skin or a dull coat, their nutrition may need a closer look. While this recipe isn’t specifically formulated for large-breed dogs, it’s still nutritionally appropriate for Great Danes. Caloric density is in the low-mid range, calcium levels are safely capped, and it has ample protein content.
Iams has packed this formula with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthier skin and softer fur. You’ll also find biotin and zinc. Whole grain sorghum and beet pulp add fiber. And live probiotics contribute to healthy gut bacteria for better digestion.
Key Nutrients:
- 373 kcal/cup
- Protein: 27.78%
- Fat: 15%
- Crude Fiber: 3.89%
- Calcium: 1.1%
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Best Dry Food: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints
If you prefer to feed your dog dry food, you’re in good company—lots of pet parents serve kibble because it’s convenient, generally more affordable, and can provide all the nutrients their pup needs to thrive.
This formula contains glucosamine, chondroitin, and EPA from fish oil to keep your giant pooch mobile and pain-free. A blend of minerals supports strong bones. It also includes turmeric, an anti-inflammatory that can reduce joint pain.
For healthy digestion, this food contains digestible, fiber-rich carbs like oatmeal, brown rice, and barely. It also includes the brand’s signature LifeSource Bits, which contain antioxidants. Probiotics also help keep digestion on track.
Key Nutrients:
- 395 kcal/cup
- Protein: 28.57%
- Fat: 16.48%
- Crude Fiber: 7.69%
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Best Raw: We Feed Raw Patty Recipes
While raw food won’t be a good fit for every dog, especially puppies and dogs with weakened immune systems, there are some who may benefit. Pet parents who prefer raw assert that it contributes to better digestion, vitality, and coat health.
One of the downsides of a raw diet, however, is its steep price. With a subscription to We Feed Raw, pet parents can opt for a money-saving bulk order—a boon for pet parents feeding giant breeds. Buying in bulk also comes with free shipping.
This recipe undergoes cold-pressure processing to eliminate harmful bacteria. And it’s formulated to meet AAFCO nutritional standards for all life stages. Bulk orders contain a protein mix of beef, turkey, and lamb. Or you can buy individual 5-pound patties that come in additional flavors, including venison, duck, and chicken.
Key Nutrients (beef recipe):
- 1,800 kcal/kg
- Protein: 38.1%
- Fat: 31.3%
- Fiber: 3.2%
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts.
We prioritized foods with joint-support nutrients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids. Additionally, we included foods with controlled calcium levels and carefully calibrated caloric density to encourage an ideal growth rate. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
