These suggestions are very general guidelines to follow when feeding your 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
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few thoughts on protein levels 
The majority of breeders and vets who are knowledgeable about the breed are now leaning toward always feeding low protein, somewhere between 23-25%
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 dogs 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.
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few thoughts on 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.
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few thoughts on 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.
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few thoughts on 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
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few thoughts on 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
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few thoughts on 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.
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