10 Best Dry Dog Food for Great Danes: Reviews and Buyer's Guide

Great Danes are gentle giants: devoted, affectionate and confident. Their huge size also means they have special nutrition needs.

Your puppy may fit on your lap when you bring it home, but within about a year and a half it will be a giant. Feeding a Great Dane puppy correctly helps protect its bones and joints during that fast growth.

Like other giant breeds, Great Danes are prone to certain health problems, including bloat and heart disease, and they have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs.

Below is our list of dry dog foods to consider for Great Danes, along with a buyer's guide and answers to common questions. Product formulas change, so always check the current label, and ask your veterinarian which food fits your dog.

OUR TOP PICK

Best Pick

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Dog Food

• Flavor: Chicken and Rice
• Item Form: Kibble, Crunchy, Hard
• Breed: Large Breed

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Limited Ingredient Pick

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Dry Dog Food

• Flavor: Salmon and Sweet Potato
• Item Form: Dry
• Breed: All breed sizes

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Editor Pick

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

• Flavor: Chicken and Brown rice
• Item Form: Dry
• Breed: Large and Giant

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Our Best Dry Dog Food

1. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Dog Food (Best Overall)
2. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Dry Dog Food (Limited Ingredient Pick)
3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food (Best for Seniors)
4. NUTRO Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Dry Dog Food (Best for Food Sensitivities)
5. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Large Adult Dry Dog Food (Best for Large Breeds)
6. Purina ONE Natural Large Breed +Plus Formula Dry Dog Food (Value Pick)
7. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Turkey Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food (Raw-Coated Kibble Pick)
8. Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food (Multi-Protein Pick)
9. American Journey Large Breed Adult Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-free Dry Dog Food (Fish-Based Pick)
10. Bil-Jac Sensitive Solutions Whitefish Recipe Dry Dog Food (Sensitive Stomach Pick)

A note on grain-free foods: Several foods on this list are grain-free and contain peas, lentils or potatoes. The FDA has investigated a possible link between such diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart disease. Great Danes are already genetically prone to DCM, so talk to your vet before choosing a grain-free food.

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1. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Dog Food: Complete Nutrition

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Reasons to Buy

• Chicken is the first ingredient
• Includes glucosamine for joints
• No artificial colors or flavors
• Made with rice, which many dogs digest well
• Formulated for large breeds

Reasons to Avoid

• Contains grain, so not for dogs with a diagnosed grain allergy
• Some dogs get loose stools when switching foods

Product specifications:

• Weight: 34 pounds
• Breed size: Large and Giant breeds
• Food form: Dry, Kibble
• Life Stage: Adult
• Special diet: Contains rice (not grain-free); no artificial colors or flavors
• Ingredients: Chicken, Rice
• Flavor: Chicken, Poultry, Rice

About the Product:

This Purina Pro Plan recipe is made for large breed adult dogs, including giant breeds like Great Danes. It is meant to help large dogs maintain a healthy body weight.

Chicken is the first ingredient. The formula provides protein to help maintain muscle.

It includes omega-rich fish oil for skin and coat, plus calcium, phosphorus and other minerals for bones and teeth.

It also contains glucosamine, which is often included in large breed foods for joint support, and prebiotic fiber for digestion.

This Purina diet contains no artificial colors or flavors. It is an adult formula, so Great Dane puppies should eat a large or giant breed puppy food instead.

Purina Pro Plan is widely recommended as a complete and balanced choice for large adult dogs.

Highlight: A grain-inclusive, large breed adult formula with chicken as the first ingredient.

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2. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Dry Dog Food: Salmon and Sweet Potato

Reasons to Buy

• Limited ingredients, which can help with food sensitivities
• Salmon as the main animal protein
• No artificial colors or flavors
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for coat health

Reasons to Avoid

• Grain-free, a type of diet the FDA has looked at in its DCM investigation
• Not a large breed formula and not made for growing puppies

Product specifications:

• Breed size: All breed sizes
• Food form: Dry
• LifeStage: Adult
• Special diet: Grain-free, limited ingredient, no corn, no wheat, no soy
• Ingredients: Salmon, Sweet potato
• Flavor: Seafood and Fish

About the product:

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets are built around a small number of protein and carbohydrate sources, which makes them easier to use for dogs with food sensitivities.

This recipe uses salmon as its main protein, combined with sweet potatoes.

It contains no artificial flavors or colors.

Because salmon is a less common protein in dog food, a recipe like this can be useful when your vet suspects a food allergy and recommends trying a new protein.

The formula includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from salmon and canola oils, which support a healthy coat.

It is grain-free, so discuss it with your vet first, given the FDA's DCM investigation and the breed's existing risk of heart disease.

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3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food: Savory Recipe

Reasons to Buy

• Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
• Includes glucosamine and chondroitin
• Contains whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal
• Made for large breed adults

Reasons to Avoid

• Some owners report delivery problems

Product Specifications:

• Weight: 30.0 pounds
• Breed size: Large and Giant breeds
• Food form: Dry
• Special diet: Contains whole grains (not grain-free); no corn, no wheat, no soy
• Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, chicken meal, Brown rice
• Flavor: Chicken, Poultry

About the product:

This Blue Buffalo formula is made for large and giant breed adult dogs. It uses deboned chicken as the first ingredient, along with chicken meal and brown rice.

It contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which are commonly added to large breed foods for joint support.

It also includes whole grains like brown rice, barley and oatmeal, plus Blue Buffalo's LifeSource Bits, a blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

The recipe contains no corn, wheat, soy or poultry by-product meal.

Follow the feeding guide on the bag as a starting point, then adjust based on your dog's body condition.

Highlights: A grain-inclusive large breed adult formula with joint-support ingredients.

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4. Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Dry Dog Food: Lamb and Sweet Potato

Reasons to Buy

• No artificial flavors
• Limited ingredients for dogs with food sensitivities
• Contains no chicken
• Free of corn, wheat, and soy

Reasons to Avoid

• Grain-free, a type of diet the FDA has looked at in its DCM investigation
• Contains no added glucosamine

Product specifications:

• Weight: 22 pounds
• Breed size: Large breeds
• Food form: Dry
• LifeStage: Adult
• Special diet: No corn, no wheat, no soy, no dairy protein, Grain-free
• Ingredients: Lamb, Sweet potato
• Flavor: Lamb, Meat

About the product:

This limited-ingredient recipe is a common choice for adult dogs with food sensitivities. It uses lamb as its main protein and sweet potato as a key carbohydrate.

It contains no chicken, which helps if your dog is sensitive to poultry.

It contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and is made with non-GMO ingredients.

It is grain-free. Being grain-free does not prevent bloat, and grain-free diets have been part of the FDA's DCM investigation, so check with your vet first.

It is an adult formula. Growing Great Dane puppies need a food made for large or giant breed puppies.

It doesn't include added glucosamine, so ask your vet whether your dog needs joint support.

Highlights: A limited-ingredient, chicken-free option for adult dogs with food sensitivities.

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5. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Large Adult Dry Dog Food: High-Quality Formula

Reasons to Buy

• Made for large breed adults
• Supports bones and joints
• Includes omega-3 fatty acids for coat health
• Highly digestible protein

Reasons to Avoid

• A few dogs get loose stools
• Contains chicken, which some dogs are allergic to

Product specifications:

• Weight: 35 pounds
• Breed size: Large breeds
• Food form: Dry
• LifeStage: Adult
• Special diet: Contains grain; made for large breeds
• Ingredients: Chicken By-Product meal, Brown rice
• Flavor: Chicken

About the product:

This Royal Canin food is designed for large breed adult dogs. Royal Canin also makes a separate Giant Adult formula for breeds like Great Danes.

It contains a mix of fibers to support digestion and highly digestible protein.

The formula includes nutrients for joints, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat.

It contains chicken by-product meal, so it isn't a good fit for dogs with a chicken allergy.

Highlights: A large breed adult formula focused on digestion and joint support.

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6. Purina ONE Natural Large Breed +Plus Formula Dry Dog Food: Easy-to-Digest

Reasons to Buy

• Real chicken is the first ingredient
• Usually lower priced than premium brands
• No artificial flavors or preservatives
• Contains natural sources of glucosamine

Reasons to Avoid

• May not suit dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Contains chicken, which some dogs are allergic to

Product specifications:

• Weight: 40.0 pounds
• Breed size: Large and Giant breeds
• Food form: Dry
• LifeStage: Adult
• Special diet: High protein, Natural, With grain
• Ingredients: Chicken, Rice flour, Chicken By-Product meal
• Flavor: Chicken, Poultry

About the product:

This Purina ONE formula is made for large breed adult dogs. It combines crunchy kibble with tender, meaty morsels.

It includes natural sources of glucosamine for joint health.

The formula also includes antioxidants such as vitamin E, along with zinc, vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids, which Purina says support the immune system and a healthy skin and coat.

It contains grains, such as rice flour. Most dogs digest grains well, but if your dog has a sensitive stomach, this may not be the best choice.

Purina says the food contains no fillers and no artificial flavors or preservatives.

Highlights: A lower-priced, grain-inclusive large breed formula.

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7. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-free Recipe with Real Turkey Freeze-dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food: Sensitive Digestion

Reasons to Buy

• One animal protein (turkey)
• Free of chicken, eggs, soy and grains
• Kibble coated with freeze-dried raw turkey for taste

Reasons to Avoid

• Grain-free and contains peas, ingredients the FDA has looked at in its DCM investigation
• Expensive

Product specifications:

• Weight: 22.0 pounds
• Breed size: All breeds size
• Food form: Dry
• LifeStage: Adult
• Special diet: Sensitive digestion, no corn, no wheat, no soy, grain-free, chicken-free
• Ingredients: Turkey meal, peas, turkey
• Flavor: Turkey, poultry

About the product:

This limited-ingredient recipe uses a single animal protein, turkey, and peas as its main vegetable. That makes it an option for dogs with food sensitivities.

It contains no grain, chicken, eggs or soy. Each kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw turkey to make it more appealing.

Raw coatings carry a small risk of bacteria such as Salmonella, so wash your hands after handling the food and bowls.

Because it is grain-free and pea-based, ask your vet before feeding it to a Great Dane.

Highlights: A single-protein, grain-free option for dogs with food sensitivities.

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8. Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food: Immune Support

Reasons to Buy

• Several protein sources
• Includes whole grains
• Free of wheat, corn and soy
• Contains glucosamine and chondroitin

Reasons to Avoid

• Some dogs may get gas
• Contains chicken, which some dogs are allergic to

Product specifications:

• Weight: 30.0 pounds
• Breed size: Large and Giant breeds
• Food form: Dry
• LifeStage: Adult
• Special diet: Pea-free, no corn, no wheat, no soy, natural, non-GMO
• Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken meal
• Flavor: Poultry, meat, seafood

About the product:

This Nutro formula is designed for large breed adult dogs. It combines several protein sources, healthy oils, grains and a mix of fruits and vegetables.

It uses chicken, lamb and salmon as protein sources.

It also includes glucosamine and chondroitin from natural sources.

The recipe is free from wheat, corn, soy and peas, and is non-GMO.

Highlights: A grain-inclusive large breed formula with several protein sources.

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9. American Journey Large Breed Adult Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-free Dry Dog Food: Healthy for Brain and Eyes

Reasons to Buy

• Contains glucosamine for joint health
• Includes DHA and omega fatty acids
• Usually lower priced than many grain-free brands
• Salmon is the first ingredient

Reasons to Avoid

• Grain-free and contains peas and chickpeas, ingredients the FDA has looked at in its DCM investigation
• Some dogs may have digestive upset

Product specifications:

• Weight: 24.0 pounds
• Breed size: Large and Giant breeds
• Food form: Dry
• LifeStage: Adult
• Special diet: Grain-free, no corn, no wheat, no soy, high-protein
• Ingredients: Deboned salmon, peas
• Flavor: Salmon, Seafood, and Fish

About the product:

This American Journey recipe is made for large breed adults and has a larger kibble size.

It uses deboned salmon as the first ingredient, along with sweet potatoes, peas and chickpeas.

It also includes carrots and blueberries for fiber and antioxidants, plus omega fatty acids, including DHA, from salmon and flaxseed.

It contains no corn, wheat or soy.

It contains glucosamine for joint support.

Because it is grain-free and legume-rich, ask your vet before choosing it for a Great Dane.

Highlights: A salmon-based, grain-free large breed formula.

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10. Bil-Jac Sensitive Solutions Whitefish Recipe Dry Dog Food: Skin and Stomach Support

Reasons to Buy

• Made for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin
• Includes omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• Contains grain and no peas
• Soft-textured kibble that is easy to chew

Reasons to Avoid

• Contains chicken, which some dogs are allergic to
• Some owners report delivery issues

Product specifications:

• Weight: 30.0 pounds
• Breed size: All breeds size
• Food form: Dry
• LifeStage: Adult
• Special diet: Sensitive Digestion, Pea-free, With grain
• Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product
• Flavor: Chicken, Poultry, Seafood, Fish

About the product:

Bil-Jac Sensitive Solutions is made for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin.

It combines chicken and whitefish, plus a gentle fiber blend to support digestion.

The kibble is softer than many dry foods, which makes it easy for many dogs to chew.

It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.

If your Great Dane has ongoing diarrhea, vomiting or itchy skin, see your vet first. These signs can have medical causes that food alone won't fix.

Highlights: A grain-inclusive, pea-free option for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

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Comparison between Purina Pro Plan and Royal Canin

Purina Pro Plan and Royal Canin are two of the most widely used brands for large dogs. Here is how they compare:

Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog food:

• Offers large breed and giant breed formulas for puppies and adults.
• Its large breed adult formula is designed to help maintain a healthy body weight.
• Many of its large breed formulas include glucosamine for joint health.
• It makes sensitive skin and stomach formulas for dogs that need them.

Royal Canin Dry Dog food:

• Offers size-specific lines, including Giant Puppy, Giant Junior and Giant Adult formulas.
• It is widely available online and in pet stores.
• Its formulas are designed around breed size and life stage.

Checkout our these Guides:

• 8 Best Dog Food For Great Danes With Skin Allergies In 2022
• 11 SECRETS ABOUT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN GREAT DANE
• 8 Best Brushes For Great Danes | Top Picks & Buyers Guide In 2022
• 5 Steps About Caring For A Great Dane Puppy

Buyer guide of Great Dane Dry Dog food

Here is what to look for when choosing food for a Great Dane.

Portion size

Portion size matters a lot for Great Danes. Big dogs eat more than small dogs, but overfeeding leads to obesity and extra strain on their joints.

Calorie needs vary widely with age, size, activity level and whether a dog is spayed or neutered. Use the feeding guide on the bag as a starting point, then adjust to keep your dog lean, with ribs you can feel but not see.

Nutritional needs of Great Dane

Great Danes need a complete and balanced diet with the right mix of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

Proteins:

Great Danes need good-quality protein to build and maintain muscle.

Protein itself is not the main cause of growth problems in puppies. Too many calories and too much calcium are the bigger risks, because they can push growth faster than the skeleton can handle.

Fats:

Too much body fat is a serious problem for any giant breed. Extra weight puts stress on the bones and joints.

Fat is the most concentrated source of calories, so watch the calorie content of the food. Fish oil provides omega-3 fatty acids that support skin and coat health.

Carbohydrates:

Carbohydrates provide energy. Grain-inclusive foods use grains like rice and oats, while grain-free foods use peas, lentils or potatoes.

Because of the FDA's DCM investigation, many vets suggest grain-inclusive foods for Great Danes unless there is a medical reason to avoid grains.

Vitamins and minerals:

A complete and balanced dog food already contains the vitamins and minerals your dog needs.

Calcium and phosphorus are especially important for puppies. Both too much and too little can cause bone problems in giant breeds. Don't add calcium supplements to a complete puppy food unless your vet tells you to.

Great Danes grow very fast and usually reach their full height at about 18 to 24 months of age.

Fiber:

Fiber is not a main energy source, but it supports healthy digestion and gut bacteria. Most dog foods include a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber.

Probiotics:

Some foods add probiotics, which may support digestion. There is no good evidence that they prevent bloat.

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Things to consider before deciding your Great Dane calorie intake

A Great Dane's food needs change a lot as it grows from a small puppy into an adult that can weigh well over 100 pounds. Some factors to consider:

Activity level:

Some Great Danes are more active than others. Active dogs burn more calories, and couch potatoes need less.

Check the calories per cup on the bag, since they vary between foods.

Size, weight, and height:

These physical traits affect how much food your dog needs. Larger dogs generally need more calories in total.

Life stage:

Puppies need more calories per pound than adults to support growth. Great Dane puppies should eat a food made for large or giant breed puppies, which controls calories and calcium.

Avoid free-feeding puppies. Weigh your puppy regularly and adjust portions with your vet's help to keep growth steady, not rapid.

Kibble size:

Great Danes have big mouths, and small kibble is easy to swallow without chewing. Many owners prefer a larger kibble made for big dogs, which encourages chewing.

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Quantity of food needs to feed a Great Dane.

Great Danes grow very fast. Rapid growth raises the risk of bone and joint problems, and the breed is also very prone to bloat, so feeding matters a lot.

The right amount depends on the specific food, your dog's age, weight and activity. Use these general guidelines:

• Split the daily amount into two or three smaller meals instead of one big meal.
• Follow the feeding guide on the bag as a starting point.
• Weigh puppies regularly and keep them lean, not chubby.
• Ask your vet to check your dog's body condition at each visit and adjust portions.

Common Health concerns of Great Dane

Great Danes are among the largest dog breeds, and they are prone to several health problems. Here are the main ones and their signs.

Gastric torsion:

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), or bloat, happens when the stomach fills with gas and food and can twist on itself. This cuts off blood flow and is life-threatening. Great Danes are among the breeds most often affected.

Signs include a swollen belly, retching without bringing anything up, drooling, restlessness and weakness. GDV is an emergency: call your vet or an emergency clinic right away.

Feeding two or three smaller meals a day instead of one large meal may lower the risk. Many vets also recommend a preventive surgery called gastropexy for at-risk breeds, often done during spay or neuter.

Joint problem and hip dysplasia:

Great Danes' heavy bodies put stress on their joints and bones. Hip dysplasia, a malformed hip joint, is partly genetic, and fast growth and extra weight can make it worse.

Dilated cardiomyopathy:

In DCM, the heart muscle weakens and the heart enlarges, so it can't pump blood well. Great Danes are genetically prone to DCM.

Osteosarcoma:

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone cancer that is more common in giant breeds like Great Danes. Limping or swelling of a leg should be checked by a vet.

Hypertrophic osteodystrophy:

Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) is a painful bone disease seen in fast-growing large and giant breed puppies. Signs include swollen, painful leg joints, fever and reluctance to move. Overfeeding and too much calcium can contribute to growth problems in these puppies.

See your vet if you notice any of these signs or any unusual behavior in your Great Dane.

What ingredients to avoid feeding a Great Dane?

Many human foods are harmful to dogs. According to the ASPCA, foods to avoid include alcohol, chocolate, coffee and caffeine, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic and chives, macadamia nuts, avocado, xylitol, yeast dough and salty foods. Xylitol is a sweetener found in some sugar-free gum, candy and baked goods.

Also avoid fatty table scraps, heavily seasoned food, cooked bones, and fruit pits and seeds, such as those in peaches, plums and persimmons.

If your dog eats something toxic, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can my Great Dane have a sensitive stomach?

Yes. Signs of stomach trouble include vomiting, loss of appetite, excess gas and diarrhea. Blood in the stool, repeated vomiting or a swollen belly need a vet right away. Diet can play a role, but so can medical problems, so see your vet before changing foods.

Is regular flatulence common for Great Danes?

Some gas is normal in any dog. Sudden changes in diet, eating too fast, dairy products, fatty foods and table scraps can make it worse. If your dog's gas is excessive or comes with other signs, ask your vet.

How much should I feed my Great Dane dog?

It depends on your dog's weight, age, activity level and the calories in its food. Focus on calories and body condition, not just cups. Start with the feeding guide on the bag and ask your vet to help you adjust.

How much exercise does Great Dane need?

Adult Great Danes need daily walks and play. Puppies need gentle, short sessions of free play instead of long runs or jumping, which can stress growing joints.

Avoid hard exercise right before and after meals because of the bloat risk. Ask your vet what is right for your dog.

Are Great Danes easy to train?

Great Danes are usually eager to please and respond well to positive, reward-based training. Start early, because a poorly trained giant dog is hard to handle. Some can be stubborn.

Are eggs good for Great Dane?

Cooked eggs can be a healthy treat, since they are a good source of protein.

Don't feed raw eggs. The ASPCA warns they can carry bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli and contain an enzyme that can interfere with vitamin absorption. Treats should make up only a small part of the diet.

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Final verdict:

No food is perfect for every dog. The best food for your Great Dane is a complete and balanced diet made for its life stage and size that keeps it lean and healthy.

For puppies, choose a large or giant breed puppy formula. For adults, many vets suggest grain-inclusive foods from established brands because of the breed's heart disease risk.

We hope this guide helps you shortlist your options. Ask your veterinarian for help choosing the right food, especially for puppies or dogs with health problems.

Sources

• FDA Investigation into Potential Link between Certain Diets and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
• People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, ASPCA