The Rundown
Best For Active Great Danes: Wellness Core Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
“Wellness Core Grain-Free Dry Dog Food not only has the right ingredients for active Great Danes but it also provides high-quality ingredients that help improve the immune system. It helps your pup maintain healthy and strong joints as well.”
Best Value For Money: Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Food
“Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Food will make you and your Great Dane happy with the kind of quality ingredients this kibble contain for a cheaper price. This recipe is made to provide different benefits to your giant pup.”
Best For Puppies: Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Food Recipe
“Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Food Recipe is specifically formulated to help young Great Dane puppies grow healthy with strong bones. This kibble has added supplements to avoid hip dysplasia in puppies as it is in adult dogs.”
If you’re the pet parent of a giant breed dog, you will know that these enormous pooches have some quite specific dietary requirements that differ from smaller breeds.
This means that choosing the best dog food for Great Danes is an extremely important part of looking after one and making sure they live their best, healthiest life possible.
The best dog foods for Great Danes may be surprising to you, but this list covers everything you need to know.




Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Food For Great Danes
- 1. Wellness Core Large Breed Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 2. Diamond Naturals Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- 3. Merrick Grain Free Puppy Dry Dog Food Recipe
- 4. Gentle Giants Natural Dry Dog Food
- 5. Taste Of The Wild Canned Stew
- 6. Earthborn Holistic Hip & Joint EarthBites
- 7. American Journey Beef & Potato Dry Dog Food
- 8. Blue Buffalo Freedom Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- 9. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 10. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 1. Wellness Core Large Breed Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
- Questions & Answers
- How do the nutritional requirements of a giant breed differ from those of a large breed dog?
- How much food does a Great Dane need on a daily basis?
- What are the essential ingredients that I should look for in the best dog food for Great Danes?
- What ingredients should I avoid feeding my Great Dane?
- What are some common health concerns that Great Danes suffer from?
- What distinguishes the top puppy food for Great Danes from other puppy foods?
- Can I give my Great Dane puppy more food to make her grow faster?
- How do the nutritional requirements of a giant breed differ from those of a large breed dog?
Best Dog Food For Great Danes
1. Wellness Core Large Breed Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best For Active Great Danes: Good protein and fat content
PROS
- Good protein and fat content for active Great Danes
- Contains a decent amount of glucosamine and chondroitin
- High-quality ingredient list to improve immune system
- High Omega fatty acids
CONS
- Contains chicken (some of their other recipes don’t, but all the large breed specific formulas do)
- This food is a little pricey compared to others
Wellness Core Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is our top pick for the best dog food for active Great Danes. 34% protein is right in the zone for healthy adults who get plenty of exercise. 12% fat is perfect for pups who are high-energy, and it comes from some great sources too.
No matter your Great Dane’s size or age, this dry dog food is packed with quality, all-natural ingredients and good levels of fatty acids to build strength and a tough immune system in your pet.
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2. Diamond Naturals Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Best Value For Money: Very affordable for its quality
PROS
- Very affordable for its quality
- Perfect protein and fat counts for Great Danes
- Has joint-strengthening supplements included
- Also contains L-carnitine for weight maintenance
CONS
- Contains no real meat – meat meal is still a decent ingredient but real meat always wins
The best dog food for these big guys and girls needs to give them all the nutrients they need and still keep your bank balance healthy. Diamond Naturals Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food will fulfill both those purposes.
The calorie count is perfect for this chilled out giant breed, and the fat and protein numbers are right where they should be to keep your lanky big fellow healthy and full.
It does contain grains, but they’re the good kind (brown rice, barley, and oatmeal) and should be quite easy for a Great Dane to digest.
This is one of the best dog foods for both dog and human!
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3. Merrick Grain Free Puppy Dry Dog Food Recipe
Best For Great Dane Puppies: Formulated specifically for puppies
PROS
- Formulated specifically for puppies
- Great calcium and phosphorus levels, as well as added glucosamine to start strengthening joints from a young age
- Protein and fat levels are ideal for young Great Danes
- The beef flavour is entirely chicken-free
CONS
- Not much variety in flavours
- Slightly pricier than others
Growing Great Danes have similar nutritional needs to adult Great Danes, but they also need some extras that adult dogs can do without.
Merrick Grain Free Puppy Dry Dog Food Recipe has everything a developing Great Dane puppy needs to grow up in the healthiest way possible – a superb ingredient list, muscle-building proteins, energy-sustaining carbs, joint-fortifying supplements, and fatty acids for healthy brain and eye development.
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4. Gentle Giants Natural Dry Dog Food
Best For Great Dane Seniors: Easy to digest
PROS
- Although it says for all breeds, these were formulated with big dogs in mind
- Made with antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits to boost immune system
- Good glucosamine levels
- Decent calorie count for seniors
CONS
- No real meat
- The calcium/phosphorus ratio is not specified on the label
Gentle Giants Natural Dry Dog Food was created specifically for giant breeds, as you should be able to tell by its name.
It meets the AAFCO standards for all life stages, so it would be all right for your Great Dane no matter their age, but we’ve chosen to review it for seniors specifically as the protein and fat counts work well for older dogs and it contains a nice amount of joint-strengthening stuff.
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5. Taste Of The Wild Canned Stew
Best Wet Food For Great Danes: Made of quality ingredients
PROS
- High moisture content
- Nice calorie count for Great Danes
- Various flavours available
- No carrageenan in this dog food
CONS
- Not the cheapest food
There are many reasons to keep a good quality wet dog food stashed away – your pup might need encouragement to eat their kibble, you might want to feed them a high-calorie snack between meals, or it could be used as a training incentive.
Whatever you choose to use it for, though, we don’t recommend feeding it to your pup instead of dry dog food. Taste Of The Wild Canned Stew is a great option for whatever you need it for and will add a good bit of extra nutrients to your Great Dane’s meal.
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6. Earthborn Holistic Hip & Joint EarthBites
Best Treat For Great Danes: Made of quality ingredients
PROS
- Specifically formulated to fortify joints
- Low calorie (6 calories per treat)
- Contain L-Carnitine
- Sweetened with honey – no sugar
CONS
- Only one flavour available in the hip & joint variety
Treats are an important part of a dog’s diet, and choosing high-quality ones that are going to contribute positively to your pup’s health is almost as essential as what dog food you choose.
You’ll most likely be feeding these to your pet in between meals, and for Great Danes, it’s great to have a treat that’s delicious and healthy but doesn’t add too much by way of calories. Earthborn Holistic Hip & Joint EarthBites are just that – healthy, joint-strengthening, tasty, and low-calorie.
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7. American Journey Beef & Potato Dry Dog Food
Premium Option: High protein and fat levels
PROS
- Completely grain-free to limit the chances of food allergies or sensitivities
- High protein and fat levels make this great for active dogs
- Slow-burning vegetables for sustained energy
- Contains glucosamine and DHA fatty acids
CONS
- There is chicken fat in the non-chicken flavours
Earthborn Holistic Hip & Joint EarthBites contains all the good stuff for your Great Dane and none of the artificial, non-nutritious, or allergy-inducing stuff. It’s fairly limited in its ingredient list, which means each one is chosen for its contribution to the health-promoting properties of this dog food.
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8. Blue Buffalo Freedom Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Best With Chicken: Optimal protein and fat count
PROS
- Optimal protein and fat counts for Great Danes
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin to keep those big joints tough
- L-carnitine for aiding digestion and regulating energy levels
- Contains Blue’s LifeSource Bits, an antioxidant, vitamin, and mineral mix
CONS
- Chicken may not be tolerated by all dogs
Chicken is one of the ingredients that Great Danes can be intolerant of, but that doesn’t mean all of them will be. If your Great Dane can handle his chicken, Blue Buffalo Freedom Large Breed Dry Dog Food is a super one for his daily meal. There is a chicken flavor, and the others are lamb and beef.
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9. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best Low-Protein Food For Great Danes: For dogs on a low-protein diet
PROS
- Good protein number for Great Danes on a low-protein diet
- Contains plenty of chelated minerals which help absorption
- Fewer than 10 ingredients, which leaves little room for food sensitivities
CONS
- No added glucosamine
- Slightly lower calcium and phosphorus numbers than other dog foods
If your Great Dane has problems with their kidneys or liver, a low-protein diet is the best way to take some pressure off their body and help manage their health better. Although Great Danes already need less protein than the average dog of their size, it can be hard to find even lower protein dog foods for those who need less.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food just hits 20% protein while keeping a good fat count, which makes it an excellent choice for Great Danes with kidney or liver issues.
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10. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best For Great Danes With Food Intolerances: Very limited ingredient
PROS
- Very limited ingredient, which is super for Great Danes who are prone to dog food allergies or intolerances
- Plenty of added vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids
- No grains, chicken, dairy, or other common allergens
CONS
- Higher in calories than most on this list (but this can be worked around by how much you feed your pet)
- Doesn’t contain glucosamine or chondroitin
The Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dry Dog Food consists of a single animal protein and a single vegetable, leaving very little room for food allergies or intolerances while still providing enough nutrients for your dog to thrive. It’s devoid of grains, dairy, eggs, chicken, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial ingredients.
No matter what your Great Dane’s disposition, this is a great option for them. You don’t need to wait until your pet displays signs of food intolerances either – you can feed them this from the start and know they’re getting high-quality, all-natural ingredients
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Testing Protocol & Criteria Used For Evaluation
Criteria 1 – Calorie Count
Because Great Danes are giant breeds, their metabolisms are a little slower than smaller dogs or even a large breed. Also, because they’re very lanky dogs, any extra weight on them can be a problem as it puts pressure on their bones and joints and increases the risk of hip dysplasia.
The best dog food for a Great Dane will have a lower calorie count, so your Great Dane can get a decent, filling meal but not overeat and gain weight. The average, moderately active Dane will need around 200 calories per day, while a more highly energetic one will need closer to 3000. Puppies will need between 2500 and 3000 a day.
These will need to be spread over a couple of meals, so we’ve tried to stick to foods for Great Danes with calories in the lower to mid-300s unless otherwise specified. This depends on your Dane though – you can use this calorie calculator to work out what would be best for your big guy or girl.
Criteria 2 – Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio
Too much calcium in your Great Dane’s diet can cause their bones to become a little too brittle to support their bodies properly, which can lead to problems that can be painful and dangerous for your pet. AAFCO recommends between 2 and 4.5 grams of calcium per 1000 calories, so you’ll most likely need to do some calculating when checking the calcium content of foods.
Going hand-in-hand with calcium is phosphorus, and these two minerals should be found in a particular ratio. This ratio in the best dog foods for Great Danes should be 1:1 to 2:1 – anything other than that will result in a deficiency of one or the other after prolonged use. This problem is particularly prevalent in a large breed or giants.
Criteria 3 – Glucosamine & Chondroitin
These two things have a very specific property that is highly beneficial for Great Danes – that is, they help strengthen and lubricate joints, which is crucial for giant dogs who are prone to hip dysplasia.
You should see this on the ingredient list when looking for the best dog food for a Great Dane. Great Danes are pretty lanky, so they don’t have as much weight on their joints as some other giants, but they’ve still got quite a bit of weight behind them, even if they’re of average size and weight.
We’ve made an effort to review dog foods for Great Danes that contain both of these. Some foods may contain only glucosamine, but we’ve specified if that’s the case.
Criteria 4 – Protein Content & Fat Content
Although it may seem logical that giant dogs would need a higher protein content due to their size, this is not so for Great Danes. Because they are so slim and lean, they actually need less protein than you may think.
The best dog food for these big guys should contain 18% protein minimum for an adult Great Dane, but 23% is optimal for healthy muscle growth but minimal weight gain. 25% is a great number for growing puppies. Animal proteins are always best, and contain the most amino acids your Great Dane will need to keep his body healthy. Meat by-products should be avoided, though.
Fats are concentrated sources of energy that are very useful for your pooch. Don’t think more fat equals a more overweight Great Dane! As long as your pet is active, they’ll convert that fat into energy very nicely. Great Danes should eat a food containing between 8 and 12% fat at the minimum.
We’ve stuck to foods that fall within these protein and fat numbers and that use primarily healthy animal sources.
Criteria 5 – Affordability
Feeding an enormous, hungry animal is no mean feat! These pups can eat up to 5 cups of food in one meal, so a bag of kibble tends to not last as long as they do with smaller breeds. While affordability is an important consideration no matter what dog breed you own or how much you earn, it’s something you’re far more likely to think about if you’re going through a couple of bags a month feeding your furry friend.
We’ve added this criterion to give you a good idea of cost at a glance, so you can compare and make a decision that works best for both you and your pet. After all, while this is mostly about choosing the right food to keep your dog healthy, your mood affects your pooch far more than you realise – so a happy owner will also make for a happier pup!
Questions & Answers

How do the nutritional requirements of a giant breed differ from those of a large breed dog?
Don’t think that just because giant breeds are bigger than other dogs they need more of everything in their food.
They tend to need fewer calories because their metabolisms are slower than others. They also need joint-strengthening supplements to reduce the chances of hip dysplasia and other joint problems.
Puppies need a great calcium/phosphorus ratio to make sure they don’t grow too quickly and put extra pressure on their bones.
Despite popular belief, they also don’t need a whole lot of protein. Around 23% is adequate for these big fellows.
It can be hard to find a food made for these types of giant dog breed. An adult large breed food should provide all the necessary nutrients needed for the best dog foods for Great Danes.

How much food does a Great Dane need on a daily basis?
A healthy, active Great Dane who is getting plenty of exercise will need to eat around 3000 calories a day to keep his energy levels where they should be. Seniors and less active Danes should go for around 2500 calories a day, and puppies can eat between 2500 and 3500, depending on how bouncy and energy-expending they are.
The amount of cups or scoops of food you feed your Dane will depend on how many calories are in one cup of food. If your active pup’s food contains 300 calories per cup, they’ll need 10 cups a day, which would most likely be split between 2 meals, making it 5 cups per meal. This depends on a good few things, though – your Great Dane’s appetite, activity level, and whether or not you want to give them a few treats during the day.
If you want to feed your pooch some treats between meals, you’ll need to give them slightly fewer calories during their mealtimes to make space for a couple of snacks. Be aware of the calorie count of treats too, to make sure you don’t go overboard and give them too many calories.

What are the essential ingredients that I should look for in the best dog food for Great Danes?
Great Danes, like all pets, need wholesome, all-natural ingredients in their food of choice. It may be easier to find a large breed dog food than one specifically for giants.
Animal proteins and fats are the best ingredients to ensure your Dane is getting all the necessary amino acids. A healthy, real meat source that is identified is essential, and meat meals are also acceptable protein sources. Plant protein is not advised, because it doesn’t quite offer the same nutrients as animal sources.
Fats are essential to provide energy, and should also be from animal sources. Salmon oil, chicken fat, pork fat, and so on, are fantastic ingredients. Other fat sources that are good quality include flaxseed and canola oil.
Carbohydrates aren’t usually found on the guaranteed analysis list, but it’s imperative that these are complex, slowly-digesting ingredients that are all-natural. This means fruits and vegetables, and gluten-free grains such as millet, oatmeal, brown rice, and barley.
Additional ingredients you should be looking for on the guaranteed analysis list are glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, phosphorus, DHA (especially for puppies), and Omega fatty acids.

What ingredients should I avoid feeding my Great Dane?
Great Danes can suffer from sensitive tummies, and grains like wheat, corn, and soy should be avoided. These are more difficult to digest, and so you should avoid feeding them to your Dane for his own comfort and health.
Chicken is another common allergen for these big fluffs. While not all of them are going to react badly to it, it may be best to avoid feeding them a chicken-flavoured food, or a kibble containing chicken fat or other ingredients.
Anything artificial can also cause digestive upset. This includes artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives, so if you spot any questionable ingredients on the list, it’s best to steer clear.
It’s also a good idea to avoid feeding your giant breed a general adult dog food, as these usually don’t contain the extras that giant breeds need to live a healthy life. Some large breed dry dog food make great options, but we’ve also gone through a few of them above so you can see which are great quality. In general, though, if you can find a food aimed at giant breeds that contains all the important ingredients here, that would be your best choice.

What are some common health concerns that Great Danes suffer from?
These big guys and girls can suffer from food allergies and intolerances, so it’s really quite important to pay attention to their diet to alleviate these as much as possible.
There are various other diseases and disorders that these giants can be prone to. Gastric torsion is a particularly dangerous one, and is basically a twisted stomach or intestine due to bloating. It’s the number one killer of giant breeds, unfortunately. It’s very important to be aware of the signs and symptoms, therefore, as the only way to fix this problem is emergency surgery.
These tall, lanky pups can also suffer from joint problems, such as knee and hip dysplasia. This is one of the reasons glucosamine and chondroitin are such great ingredients in a dog food for giant breeds – it helps limit the chances of your pet suffering from this condition. Arthritis is another bone and joint disorder that can affect these pooches.
Giant puppies can also be susceptible to developing something called hypertrophic osteodystrophy, which is when the pup’s bones grow too rapidly and cause pain due to them exerting pressure on the tissues around them. This usually affects puppies and is outgrown when the rest of your pup catches up in the growth department, but it’s a painful condition to suffer from. Making sure to feed your growing puppy the right amounts is essential to keep the chances of this condition at a minimum.
Other things to be on the lookout for include hypothyroidism, Wobbler syndrome, DCM, and osteosarcoma.

What distinguishes the top puppy food for Great Danes from other puppy foods?
Great Dane puppies need specific nutrients from the start, to make sure they grow up healthy, strong, and with the best start.
The best dog food for a Great Dane puppy will have some specific traits. It will contain a high-quality animal protein source right up front of the ingredient list, and may contain more than one. There will be healthy carbohydrates – the best dog foods will contain fruits and vegetables, or gluten-free grains (brown rice, oatmeal, or barley – no wheat, soy, or corn). There should be multiple healthy fat sources, preferably at least one animal source.
A Great Dane puppy food should also show DHA on the label, for healthy development. EPA is another fatty acid that is helpful, and glucosamine and chondroitin are a must. The calcium/phosphorus ratio should be close to 1:1, and an additional fact that is very helpful is that the kibble size should be on the bigger side. This helps decrease chances of eating too fast and being susceptible to bloat.
Make sure not to simply choose any food that says “puppy” on the packaging – not all puppy foods contain the nutrients and supplements necessary for these big little pets to grow as they should. You should be prepared to feed your pooch a puppy formula until about the age of 15 months.

Can I give my Great Dane puppy more food to make her grow faster?
This is never a good idea, but even less so for giant puppies. As you will have read above, Great Dane puppies can suffer from something called hypertrophic osteodystrophy, which is what happens when your little guy or girl’s bones grow too quickly for the rest of their body. In addition to causing your beloved fluff a lot of pain, this can lead to other complications down the line.
Feeding your puppy more than they need can also cause their calcium levels to rise too much, making their bones too brittle. When they get bigger, this can be dangerous as their bones aren’t strong enough to support their big bodies, even though these pooches are leaner than most giants.
We highly recommend that you stick to the recommended guidelines for feeding your Great Dane puppy and don’t try to add to it. You won’t be helping your pet out at all – in fact, you’ll be contributing to possible health problems.