Finding the best dog food for your Great Dane is one of the most important decisions you can make as a dog owner. The giant breed although full of life and extremely active when they are young, can be susceptible to a variety of health issues as they begin to age. This is why you will want to feed your Great Dane an array of healthy meats, animal fat, complex carbohydrates, chelated minerals and essential vitamins.
Additionally, according to National Research Council of the National Academies, a Great Dane weighing 120 pounds will require an average daily caloric intake of about 2500 calories. You will need to feed your Great Dane enough dog food to adequately supply their caloric needs.
You may find out real quick that feeding an adult Great Dane is not easy on the pocketbook. It’s important to find a dog food that not only contains premium ingredients but also is budget friendly.
So what’s the best dog food for a Great Dane? Our team of dog food nutritionists researched and analyzed over 300 large and giant breed dog food brands for the very best based off the nutritional needs of a Great Dane. Here are the best dog food brands for a Great Dane for 2024.
To qualify each dog food brand must meet the following requirements:
- Real Meat is the #1 Ingredient
- Large or Giant Breed Specific Formula
- Protein and Fat Levels Balance
- No Corn, Wheat or Soy
- No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives
- Exceeds AAFCO Standards
Chicken Soup for the Soul® Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Chicken Soup for the Soul not only makes a great book series, the company makes a budget-friendly dog food that’s perfect for a Great Dane. Chicken Soup for the Soul Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is specifically designed for large and giant breed dogs like the Great Dane. The holistic kibble includes a nutritious ingredient lineup including chicken, turkey and chicken meal.
Chicken Soup for the Soul is also packed with antioxidants, Vitamin E, Selenium and Zinc. Additionally, glucosamines and chondroitin is also added to help support joint health necessary for a larger frame Great Dane. Furthermore, Chicken Soup for the Soul added L-Carnitine to help turn fat into optimum energy.
Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Peas, Oatmeal, White Rice, Turkey Meal, Millet, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Natural Flavor, Potatoes, Ocean Fish Meal, Flaxseed, Duck, Salmon, Egg Product, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Chondroitin Sulfate, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Kelp, Carrots, Apples, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Spinach, Cranberries, Rosemary Extract, Parsley Flake, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Zinc Proteinate, L-Carnitine, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Riboflavin Supplement, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Copper Proteinate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Cobalt Carbonate
Caloric Content: 3,490 kcal/kg; 350 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 24.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 13.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.5% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| ZINC | 180 mg/kg min |
Blue Buffalo® Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe with Red Meat Large Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Made up of deboned beef and chicken meal, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Dry Dog Food is designed to mimic the biologically appropriate diets of the wild. In addition to deboned beef and chicken meal, lamb, venison, potatoes and peas is also added to the 5 star recipe.
To help support the necessary joint health in Great Danes, Blue Buffalo has added glucosamines and chondroitin. Guaranteed analysis shows a 28.0% protein level and 13.0% fat level which is balanced for Great Danes. Additionally, this large breed diet is grain-free and contains no corn, wheat or soy as well.
Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Peas, Pea Starch, Pea Protein, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potatoes, Fish Oil (source of EPA-Eicosapentaenoic Acid), Dicalcium Phosphate, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Deboned Lamb, Deboned Venison, Potassium Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Choline Chloride, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, DL-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, L-Carnitine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
Caloric Content: 3,509 kcal/kg, 372 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 28.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 13.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 6.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.3% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 0.9% min |
| EPA | 0.1% min |
| TAURINE | 0.1% min |
| OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.75% min |
| OMEGA 6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.0% min |
| L-CARNITINE | 100 mg/kg min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 700 mg/kg min |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 550 mg/kg min |
Natural Balance® Original Ultra Whole Body Health Chicken, Brown Rice, Duck Meal Formula Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of a Great Dane. The formula contains rich chicken, chicken meal, peas, brown rice, carrots and duck meal.
In addition to a variety of healthy whole ingredients, antioxidant rich-fruits, chelated minerals and essential vitamins are also include in the recipe. Natural Balance adds oat fiber which is great on a Great Dane’s digestive system as well. Made in the USA, Natural Balance can be found online and on retailer shelves nationwide.
Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Pea Protein, Potatoes, Flaxseed, Duck Meal, Carrots, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Fiber, Dried Tomato Pomace, Salt, Oat Hulls, Potassium Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Taurine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), L-Tryptophan, L-Carnitine, Dried Kelp, Dried Spinach, Cranberries, Blueberries, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
Caloric Content: 3570 kcal/kg, 315 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 24.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 11.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.2% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1.0% min |
| MANGANESE | 30 mg/kg min |
| ZINC | 175 mg/kg min |
| VITAMIN E | 100 IU/kg min |
| ASCORBIC ACID | 200 mg/kg min |
| TAURINE | 0.15% min |
| DHA & EPA | 0.25% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 1.8% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.3.0% min |
Only Natural® Pet Canine PowerFood Large Breed Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This ultra-premium dry dog food is holistically formulated and loaded with only the best ingredients money can buy. Deboned turkey, turkey meal and chicken meal are the first 3 ingredients found in this protein-rich large breed powerfood.
Complex carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and garbanzo beans are also added for additional energy support. Additionally, glucosamine and chondroitin are included to help support healthy hip and joint health in your Great Dane. Only Natural Pet is made in the USA and globally sources their ingredients. Furthermore, there’s no grains, artificial flavors, colors or fillers.
Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potato, Garbanzo Beans, Pea Protein, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Chicken Cartilage (Source Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate), Sun Cured Alfalfa, Herring Oil, Freeze Dried Peas, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Apples, Dried Carrots, Dried Cranberries, Tomato Pomace, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins [Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid], Minerals[Zinc Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate], Pumpkin, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product (Source Of Amylase, Lipase And Protease), Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract, Pineapple Stems (Source Of Bromelain), Taurine, L-Carnitine, Ascorbic Acid (Source Of Vitamin C), New Zealand Green Mussels, Turmeric, Rosemary Extract.
Caloric Content: 3587 kcal/kg, 430 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis: | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 33.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 16.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 5.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| EPA | 0.7% min |
| DHA | 0.7% min |
| CALCIUM | 1.6% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 0.85% min |
| VITAMIN E | 60 IU/kg min |
| OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS | 1.0% min |
| OMEGA 6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.0% min |
| TAURINE | 0.04% min |
| VITAMIN C | 150 mg/kg min |
| L-CARNITINE | 200 mg/kg min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 2400 mg/kg min |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 3600 mg/kg min |
Holistic Select® Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food
If you have a Great Dane that has a sensitive digestive system you may want to consider trying Holistic Select. This large breed dry dog food is packed with chicken meal, rice and oatmeal. This combination gives a healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and fiber.
Additionally, healthy fruits and vegetables including papaya and pumpkin which add extra fiber as well. Cellulose and alpha-amylase is used to help break down starches. Taurine and L-Carnitine is also included to help maintain proper heart function in larger breed dogs. Made in the USA, Holistic Select is a 5 star large breed dry dog food brand.
Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground White Rice, Oatmeal, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Beet Pulp, Pork Meal, Anchovy & Sardine Meal, Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed, Pumpkin, Carrots, Cranberries, Tomato Pomace, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potassium Chloride, Apples, Peas, Organic Quinoa, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Beta-Carotene, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid], Minerals [Zinc Polysaccharide Complex, Iron Polysaccharide Complex, Copper Polysaccharide Complex, Manganese Polysaccharide Complex, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Carbonate, Potassium Iodide], Papaya, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Blueberries, Pomegranate, L-Carnitine, Inulin, Mixed Tocopherols Added to Preserve Freshness, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dl-Methionine, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Fennel, Ground Peppermint, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Oryzae Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Product, Lecithin, Choline Chloride, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract.
Caloric Content: 3,686 kcal/kg, 392 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 24.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 14.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 3.9% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| CALCIUM | 1.0% min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 0.8% min |
| VITAMIN A | 22,000 IU/kg min |
| VITAMIN E | 165 IU/kg min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.8% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.5% min |
| BETA-CAROTENE | 5 mg/kg min |
| L-CARNITINE | 150 mg/kg min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 340 mg/kg min |
| TAURINE | 0.11% min |
| TOTAL LACTIC ACID MICROORGANISMS | 100,000,000 CFU/lb min |