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Great Dane
Dog nutrition

Great Dane

Giant · 50-90 kg

Profile

Daily amount

Puppy

1750–4050 g

3 meals per day

Adult

1100–2520 g

2 meals per day

Senior

900–2160 g

2 meals per day

Estimated monthly cost

Low cost

66/mes

Balanced

110/mes

Premium

187/mes

Estimate for Spain, healthy adult dog. Varies by region and provider.

Recommended food

Super-premium kibble with high meat content (≥40%), grain-free or whole grain. Reference brands: Orijen, Acana, Taste of the Wild, Eukanuba.

Budget alternative

On a tight budget, Advance, Purina Pro Plan or Nutro Wholesome offer mid-high quality at reasonable prices. Avoid brands with grains as first ingredient.

Nutrition

Great Dane nutrition is crucial, especially during their growth phase, to prevent skeletal problems. They require a high-quality diet, formulated for giant breeds, that controls the growth rate, as overly rapid growth increases the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia. Puppies need specific levels of calcium and phosphorus. It is recommended to divide the daily ration into several small meals (2 or 3) to reduce the risk of gastric torsion (bloat), a vital problem in the breed. Food should be rich in quality proteins and healthy fats to maintain their large muscle mass and energy. Avoiding low-quality food or excessive treats is essential to prevent overweight, which puts additional pressure on their joints. An adult's caloric needs can be very high.

Forbidden foods

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Onion and garlic
  • Avocado
  • Xylitol
  • Cooked bones
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine

Healthy treats

Raw carrot, seedless apple, banana, blueberries, cooked pumpkin and pieces of boiled unsalted chicken. Keep treats under 10% of daily intake.