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Great Dane. There is little (if any) true scientific data pertaining to feeding and
canine nutritionists rarely involve themselves in breed specific nutrition. The
ideas and suggestions on this page are based on breeders and veterinarians
who have years of experience with Great Danes
Protein levels
The majority of breeders and vets who are knowledgeable about the breed are
now leaning toward always feeding low protein, somewhere between 22%-24%
for dry kibbles, not for canned foods. The reasoning is that higher protein
results in more rapid growth, and thus more developmental problems, such as
canine hip dysplasia (CHD), panosteitis (PANO), osteochondrosis dessicans
(OCD), and wobblers syndrome. Feeding with this guideline has shown fewer
developmental problems, and the Danes on these low protein diets still achieve
their full expected growth potential.
High protein is bad for older dogs and may further shorten their life. Higher
protein puts a greater load on the kidneys, and may cause kidney problems.
High protein diets in normal adults are not really doing any good to the body
except increasing the work load of the kidney. The body does not store
protein, so protein which is not utilized is waste.
Feeding schedules
Feeding multiple times daily may reduce the incidence of bloat and torsion in
the Great Dane; Puppy schedule: 4 times daily is best - Minimum 3x/daily
Adult schedule: 3 times daily is best - Minimum 2x/daily
Free feeding is an alternative to set feeding schedules, but may result in
problems. Great Danes like to be on a set schedule, feeding your dog at
certain times of the day will also help him to understand you are in control.
Great Danes should avoid strenuous exercise at least 1 hour before and 1
hour after each meal. This is the time they are very susceptible to bloat.
Supplement to foods
Supplementing a Great Danes food is discouraged and in most cases, not
necessary. Calcium supplementation must be avoided, along with most other
minerals. Some vets would want you to believe that because these dogs get
so big, their body needs extra calcium to build bones. This is incorrect and
may contribute to a host of bone problems and possibly bloat. Canines are not
able to excrete excess calcium and if overdosed on calcium, there may be a
build up in the bones which could result in painful inflammation. Other
minerals, such as phosphorus may contribute to growing disorders such as
Wobblers. Some breeders do advocate the use of Vitamin C, however, the
results of supplementing with this vitamin has never been studied or
researched so the effectiveness to help or hinder is anybody's guess.
Weight control and feeding amounts
It's very important to keep a Danes weight on the lower end. Excess weight,
especially on growing dogs, may cause developmental problems such as
growing pains (Pano) and other joint problems. Feeding a quality kibble does
not automatically guarantee an appropriate weight. Puppies should be
maintained on the lean side during growth, You should always be able to feel
his ribs. If you can see rolls of skin and fat, the pup is too heavy. At seven
weeks most pups are consuming around 1 1/2 to 2 cups of kibble 3 times a
day. This will increase from week to week as the puppy grows. Most pups top
out at around 4 cups, twice daily by the time they're 4-6 months. However,
dogs will often eat more than bitches
Dog food ingredients
Do your research and learn as much as possible about how to interpret the
labels on dog foods ie; Poultry meal and poultry by-products are most
definitely not the same ingredient. Any ingredient which is designated as
"by-products" is most likely things like beaks, feathers and feet - basically
unusable protein sources for dogs. Poultry meal means that the whole
chicken has been utilized. Corn is for pigs and should not be a primary
ingredient in dog food. Protein levels can be misleading depending on the
source of the protein. A dog food label can list 28% protein but if it's derived
from dust, the dog will never be able to utilize it. The first ingredient listed on
the label must be the highest percentage of the food. If grains make up the
bulk of the first ingredients, beware, this is not a food that would be beneficial
to your dane
Fruits and vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables are very high in moisture, so will have little
contribution to his diet if not over fed. Many are good sources of fiber and
vitamins, as well. If your dane likes them, use them as treats - Dane owners
have used apples, orange slices, grapes, berries, carrots, broccoli stalks, and
many other fruits and vegetables as treats. There are some food items which
can be bad for your Dane - Onions have a blood thinner which make them
dangerous to dogs. Of course, Chocolate is poisonous to dogs as well. Also,
acorns have a high tannic acid content which make them poisonous to dogs. It
is generally suggested to avoid giving your dog raw foods that you would not
eat raw, such as eggs, poultry, and hamburger. In addition, some salmon
contains a type of parasite that makes dogs sick.
Height/Weight Chart
At best, This height and weight chart should be just a rule of thumb guide.
Genetics and nutrition play the most important roles in the growth rate of a
Great Dane. All Danes fed adequately will eventually reach their genetically
predispositioned height & weight. Please don't feel you need to own the
biggest dane around. When listening to some folks, don't forget that most
people exagerate the size of their pup or adult dane when measuring & telling
others
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Birth weight 1 - 2 lbs.
Week 1 2 - 3 lbs.
Week 2 3 - 5 lbs.
Week 3 4 - 7 lbs.
Week 4 5 - 8 lbs.
Week 6 12 - 20 lbs.
2 Months 18 - 27 lbs Height 13"-17"
3 Months 30 - 45 lbs Height 17"-22"
4 Months 50 - 65 lbs Height 21"-25"
5 Months 65 - 85 lbs Height 25"-30"
6 Months 70 - 100 lbs Height 27"-32"
7 Months 75 - 110 lbs Height 27"-33"
8 Months 80 - 115 lbs Height 27"-34"
9 Months 85 - 120 lbs Height 28"-34"
1 year 90 - 135 lbs Height 28"-36"
18 months - 2yrs - Adult 100 - 190 lbs Height 28"-38"
Typical Dogs 140 - 170 lbs. Height 33"-36"
Typical Bitches 110 - 140 lbs. Height 30"-33"
The Great Dane Standard requires adult Dogs to be 30" and until the weight
requirement was removed - the weight called for 120lbs.
Adult Bitch requirement is 28" with weight at: 100lbs.
The standard is more accepting of true balance in the danes weight and height.
canine nutritionists rarely involve themselves in breed specific nutrition. The
ideas and suggestions on this page are based on breeders and veterinarians
who have years of experience with Great Danes
Protein levels
The majority of breeders and vets who are knowledgeable about the breed are
now leaning toward always feeding low protein, somewhere between 22%-24%
for dry kibbles, not for canned foods. The reasoning is that higher protein
results in more rapid growth, and thus more developmental problems, such as
canine hip dysplasia (CHD), panosteitis (PANO), osteochondrosis dessicans
(OCD), and wobblers syndrome. Feeding with this guideline has shown fewer
developmental problems, and the Danes on these low protein diets still achieve
their full expected growth potential.
High protein is bad for older dogs and may further shorten their life. Higher
protein puts a greater load on the kidneys, and may cause kidney problems.
High protein diets in normal adults are not really doing any good to the body
except increasing the work load of the kidney. The body does not store
protein, so protein which is not utilized is waste.
Feeding schedules
Feeding multiple times daily may reduce the incidence of bloat and torsion in
the Great Dane; Puppy schedule: 4 times daily is best - Minimum 3x/daily
Adult schedule: 3 times daily is best - Minimum 2x/daily
Free feeding is an alternative to set feeding schedules, but may result in
problems. Great Danes like to be on a set schedule, feeding your dog at
certain times of the day will also help him to understand you are in control.
Great Danes should avoid strenuous exercise at least 1 hour before and 1
hour after each meal. This is the time they are very susceptible to bloat.
Supplement to foods
Supplementing a Great Danes food is discouraged and in most cases, not
necessary. Calcium supplementation must be avoided, along with most other
minerals. Some vets would want you to believe that because these dogs get
so big, their body needs extra calcium to build bones. This is incorrect and
may contribute to a host of bone problems and possibly bloat. Canines are not
able to excrete excess calcium and if overdosed on calcium, there may be a
build up in the bones which could result in painful inflammation. Other
minerals, such as phosphorus may contribute to growing disorders such as
Wobblers. Some breeders do advocate the use of Vitamin C, however, the
results of supplementing with this vitamin has never been studied or
researched so the effectiveness to help or hinder is anybody's guess.
Weight control and feeding amounts
It's very important to keep a Danes weight on the lower end. Excess weight,
especially on growing dogs, may cause developmental problems such as
growing pains (Pano) and other joint problems. Feeding a quality kibble does
not automatically guarantee an appropriate weight. Puppies should be
maintained on the lean side during growth, You should always be able to feel
his ribs. If you can see rolls of skin and fat, the pup is too heavy. At seven
weeks most pups are consuming around 1 1/2 to 2 cups of kibble 3 times a
day. This will increase from week to week as the puppy grows. Most pups top
out at around 4 cups, twice daily by the time they're 4-6 months. However,
dogs will often eat more than bitches
Dog food ingredients
Do your research and learn as much as possible about how to interpret the
labels on dog foods ie; Poultry meal and poultry by-products are most
definitely not the same ingredient. Any ingredient which is designated as
"by-products" is most likely things like beaks, feathers and feet - basically
unusable protein sources for dogs. Poultry meal means that the whole
chicken has been utilized. Corn is for pigs and should not be a primary
ingredient in dog food. Protein levels can be misleading depending on the
source of the protein. A dog food label can list 28% protein but if it's derived
from dust, the dog will never be able to utilize it. The first ingredient listed on
the label must be the highest percentage of the food. If grains make up the
bulk of the first ingredients, beware, this is not a food that would be beneficial
to your dane
Fruits and vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables are very high in moisture, so will have little
contribution to his diet if not over fed. Many are good sources of fiber and
vitamins, as well. If your dane likes them, use them as treats - Dane owners
have used apples, orange slices, grapes, berries, carrots, broccoli stalks, and
many other fruits and vegetables as treats. There are some food items which
can be bad for your Dane - Onions have a blood thinner which make them
dangerous to dogs. Of course, Chocolate is poisonous to dogs as well. Also,
acorns have a high tannic acid content which make them poisonous to dogs. It
is generally suggested to avoid giving your dog raw foods that you would not
eat raw, such as eggs, poultry, and hamburger. In addition, some salmon
contains a type of parasite that makes dogs sick.
Height/Weight Chart
At best, This height and weight chart should be just a rule of thumb guide.
Genetics and nutrition play the most important roles in the growth rate of a
Great Dane. All Danes fed adequately will eventually reach their genetically
predispositioned height & weight. Please don't feel you need to own the
biggest dane around. When listening to some folks, don't forget that most
people exagerate the size of their pup or adult dane when measuring & telling
others
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Birth weight 1 - 2 lbs.
Week 1 2 - 3 lbs.
Week 2 3 - 5 lbs.
Week 3 4 - 7 lbs.
Week 4 5 - 8 lbs.
Week 6 12 - 20 lbs.
2 Months 18 - 27 lbs Height 13"-17"
3 Months 30 - 45 lbs Height 17"-22"
4 Months 50 - 65 lbs Height 21"-25"
5 Months 65 - 85 lbs Height 25"-30"
6 Months 70 - 100 lbs Height 27"-32"
7 Months 75 - 110 lbs Height 27"-33"
8 Months 80 - 115 lbs Height 27"-34"
9 Months 85 - 120 lbs Height 28"-34"
1 year 90 - 135 lbs Height 28"-36"
18 months - 2yrs - Adult 100 - 190 lbs Height 28"-38"
Typical Dogs 140 - 170 lbs. Height 33"-36"
Typical Bitches 110 - 140 lbs. Height 30"-33"
The Great Dane Standard requires adult Dogs to be 30" and until the weight
requirement was removed - the weight called for 120lbs.
Adult Bitch requirement is 28" with weight at: 100lbs.
The standard is more accepting of true balance in the danes weight and height.