Great Dane Puppy Feeding Chart: How Much To Feed Your Great Dane Puppy

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

Quick Summary: The Great Dane is a loving giant breed of dog with specific food needs. Good quality puppy food should have the essential nutrients your Great Dane needs. The primary component in dog foods must always be protein from animals. The amount of protein in the puppy food should be between 23% and 24%. Because dog food is already packed with nutrients, there is no need to give your dog any additional supplements. When your puppy is a new addition to your family, it’s important to keep yourself aware of their food requirements to ensure their health and well-being and assist them in becoming an enormous dog who is gentle and filled with love.

A Great Dane is an enormous breed that is full of affection. They are playful and affectionate and love being part of a group. Great Danes are referred to as “gentle giants” because they are both large and peaceful. They are the largest dog breed in the world. Because they are huge dogs, observing their diet, particularly when they are puppies, is crucial for them to develop in a healthy way.

The nutrition of your puppy isn’t always easy. There are likely to be a few concerns about feeding your puppy properly. Owners of puppies are often interested in knowing how much to feed their pup and if the amount changes as they grow older, and what kind of food items they should be feeding their new pet.

This comprehensive guide will give you an overview of the nutritional needs of your Great Dane through their first few weeks and months. We’ve also included a nutritional chart that can be a useful reference when your puppy is growing. We also address some of the questions most commonly asked regarding your dog’s diet as they grow.

Great Dane Puppy Feeding Chart at a Glance

So, How Much Should Your Great Dane Puppy Eat?

While all dogs are different, here are some general guidelines of what a Great Dane puppy should be eating. If you’re interested in specifics about your dog’s development milestones, check out the Great Dane growth chart.

Week 1

While the majority of pet owners won’t get a puppy until it’s just one week old, there could be instances where you’ll need to look after a puppy that young, which is why we’ve listed the first couple of weeks to help you understand.

This is the most crucial time for the development of a puppy. During this week, the puppy will drink mainly his mother’s milk, which is a rich source of nutrients. Milk from mothers contains colostrum, which supplies the puppies with the infection and immunity-enhancing protection their bodies require. Developing these antibodies during the initial days is crucial for the health of your puppy. Allow the puppies to nurse at the time they want and require. If the mother isn’t making enough milk, be sure to get in touch with your veterinarian immediately.

Week 2

At two weeks old, the puppy still consumes his mother’s milk. At this point, the more boisterous and aggressive puppies will eat more, while the smaller, gentler ones will be left in the background. Try to get the smaller pups to feed the first if you observe this occurring regularly. You could also add puppy formula. Consult your veterinarian for the best brand that works best for Great Danes.

Week 3

The curious Great Dane puppies will start exploring and moving around more after three weeks. They are expected to continue nursing, but they can be gradually introduced to moistened kibble. But, mother’s milk is the main food they consume.

Week 4

In the coming week, Great Dane puppies will be slowly introduced to softening kibble; however, their diet will remain mostly milk. Mix a small amount of freshly prepared food or even kibble with water. The mixture should consist of 1/4 food and 3/4 water. It is possible that they will not be able to take in the food right away. This is fine. Allow them to get adjusted, and don’t force-feed them.

Great Danes are considered to be a large breed, and their diet should be created to help them grow and meet their nutritional requirements. When choosing a kibble, ensure that the food caters to “giant breeds.”

Week 5

In week 5, Great Dane puppies may be more likely to eat food items. They will most likely be nursing; however, they are gradually getting more independent.

Week 6

Great Dane puppies should be more attracted to feeding on the food mix at 6 weeks than mother’s milk. They may still attempt to nurse alongside mommy. It’s normal. It’s a good time to determine if your dog is enjoying the wet kibble with no negative consequences. It’s time to transition him off milk. It is recommended to gradually alter the kibble every week until it’s 3/4 food and 1/4 water.

Week 7

Great Dane puppies should be mostly weaned by seven weeks at the earliest, if not completely. Some might try nursing with their mom, but the mom may not let them at this stage. The kibble mix is likely to work for them.

Week 8

Eight weeks old Great Dane puppies should be completely weaned and only fed on dog foods. A typical Great Dane eight-week-old puppy eats 2 to 3 meals per day, divided into three or two meals. It is typically when puppies go to the new home they will be staying in.

Adoption shelters or breeders typically provide new owners with enough food to slowly transition the puppy over to the new kind of food you’ll be feeding them. If this isn’t the case, you’ll need to inquire with the breeder which food they were feeding their dogs and then purchase an individual bag. Make sure you switch the food slowly. If you change their food too quickly, it could cause stomach upset. The typical transition for dogs can take between 10 to 14 days. If you’re planning to use similar food for your dog, there’s no need to undergo an initial transition phase.

Week 9

At nine weeks old, Great Danes continue to consume two to 3 cups of their kibble at two to three meals.

When both you and the puppy become familiar with your new surroundings, it is essential to establish a routine for feeding. Don’t leave food in the kitchen all day. After eating, take a break for at least an hour before taking your dog for a stroll. Great Danes have bloat issues, which could be fatal. It is not recommended to exercise right after eating.

Week 10

You’ve probably been to the vet for your first appointment. Your vet will determine if your dog is a bit behind, not at a healthy weight, or is becoming too large. At the age of ten weeks, Great Danes continue to consume up to three cups of kibble every three to two meals. Regardless of your veterinarian’s findings, ensure that you follow any new directions.

Week 11

Great Danes will continue to consume up to three cups of food in between two and three meals every 11 weeks. After several weeks of exploration and adjusting to a new environment, your puppy will be more hungry than ever. However, it’s important to adhere to the routine you have established. If your puppy isn’t eating, remove the food within 10 minutes. Soon, he’ll be able to eat after being fed instead of anticipating eating every couple of hours.

Week 12

Your puppy will gradually begin eating two meals every day starting at week twelve. His food intake will rise to 3 to 5 cups per day. Check his appetite to determine whether he’s ready to eat his food every day twice.

Week 13

Your puppy will continue to consume three to five cups of food every day until he is thirteen weeks old. It is likely that he will be expanding his play time and is growing faster! He’ll require more calories to maintain the energy and boost his growth.

Week 14

The Great Dane puppy is starting to show his size at 14 weeks. He’ll begin to get larger and bigger and will require all the nutrition needed to aid in his growth. The dog will be able to eat 3 to 5 cups of food a day; however, the quantity will rise from now to the end of the growing stage.

The Importance of High-Quality Dog Food

Great Danes go through three life stages: the puppyhood stage, adulthood, and senior years. The puppyhood stage is the most crucial life stage for nutrition because it establishes the foundation for a healthy lifestyle and an overall healthy body.

Foods that are not of a high standard contain artificial components – fillers, colorants, preservatives, and other chemicals. It is devoid of any nutritional worth. Food that is not of high quality could put your dog at risk of being nutritionally deficient or not growing properly.

Different Types of Puppy Food to Feed Your Great Dane

• Fresh (human-grade)
• Kibble (dry food)
• Pouch or Canned (wet food)
• The Raw or the BARF (biologically suitable raw food)
• Home-Cooked meals

Fresh (human-grade)

Quality dog food that is human-grade is food suitable for human consumption. The food is subject to quality control checks to ensure hygiene and top-quality meat selection.

Kibble (dry food)

Kibble, also known as dry dog food, is available in a variety of sizes. This can be very helpful in choosing a brand your dog will love. You can buy a smaller bag to test the product. If the doggo you test it with is happy, then purchase the bigger bag.

Great Danes are susceptible to Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV), which is also known as Bloat. Studies have shown that feeding them kibble with larger sizes will help in reducing the risk of GDV. Kibble pieces that are larger than 30 millimeters are suggested.

Most brands provide kibble specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of giant breed pups. Be sure to select a product that contains essential fatty acids and significant amounts of protein. It is also suggested to choose grain-free.

Pouch or Canned (wet food)

Processed or canned foods tend to be higher in fats, which isn’t suitable for puppies that need to develop steadily.

The Raw or the BARF (biologically suitable raw food)

Raw diets or Biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) could be too high in fat for puppies’ stomachs and may cause irritation to their stomachs. So select a product that is in line with the nutritional needs of a Great Dane.

You can purchase BARF meals frozen in packs. They can be defrosted if you require them. Most dogs enjoy raw food. However, take care when handling raw food because it could pose an increased risk of contamination.

Home-Cooked meals

Of course, you can also cook your canine companions their favorite recipes – just make sure that you use dog-friendly ingredients. Boiled chicken, rice, and vegetables (e.g. potatoes, carrots, etc.) are just some of the ingredients you can use for home-cooked dog food.

Why is Giant Breed Puppy Food Important?

The Great Dane is considered a large breed. So, it is recommended to feed him special diets that are specifically designed for breeds with giants. The nutritional content of every piece is measured and optimized to provide particular nutrients such as calcium, fats, phosphorus, and vitamin D.

Some products which claim that they are suitable for all breeds are not suitable for large dogs. The food they eat must have the correct nutrients and vitamins to be healthy.

Keeping Your Great Dane at The Right Weight

Unnecessary weight can cause a variety of health issues, such as bad joints, heart disorders, as well as diabetes and increased risk of cancer. Being overweight can cause the condition to worsen.

What Nutrients Do Great Dane Puppies Need?

Protein

Animal protein is required by dogs to live and grow. It is a vital nutritional element of their diet. Animal protein aids in the development of your dog’s muscles, skin, and joints. Your dog also benefits from plant protein. Starchy vegetables such as peas, chickpeas, and lentils contain significant amounts of protein from nature.

The primary component in puppy foods must always be protein from animals. The amount of protein in the puppy food you feed the Great Dane should be between 23% and 24%.

Carbohydrates

Protein by itself isn’t enough to provide your dog with enough energy throughout the day. They also require carbs to fuel their meals. Healthy carbs can be found in grains like barley, rice, and oatmeal. They are also found in vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils. Great Danes also consume pieces of apples, berries, and melons.

Omega Fatty Acids

Fat acids play an essential role in the development of a healthy puppy. They aid in helping his eyes and brain develop healthily as well as keep his coat and skin healthy and aid in the absorption of vitamins and improve overall health. The recommended fat intake is at least 12%. Find ingredients like fish, meat oil, fish oils, flaxseed, and oils from canola.

Fiber

Fiber can be described as an intricate carbohydrate that is vital to the diet of your dog. Fiber aids in regulating the digestive system, decreasing dental tartar and plaque and the levels of blood cholesterol, controlling body weight, and helping manage chronic large bowel diarrhea and constipation. It is also an extremely low-calorie diet that helps your dog feel more full for longer. Find fiber-rich foods like sweet potatoes, beet pulp, spinach, and chicory roots.

Vitamins and Minerals

Great Danes are prone to health issues that could be triggered by the increased intake of mineral or vitamin intake. Minerals and vitamins are essential to develop properly. However, be cautious with the vitamins or minerals you offer to your pet. For example, Great Danes shouldn’t receive calcium-rich supplements because of their susceptibility to skeletal disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Puppy feeding is an important aspect of taking care of your puppy. It can be a bit overwhelming initially, but it becomes more manageable. If you have any questions, below are a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding Great Dane puppies and their eating schedules.

When should I change the food of my Great Dane puppy to adult food?

Great Dane puppies are not fully mature until about 2 years of age. However, as with other breeds of dogs, you must transition them into adult-sized dog foods between the ages of 12 to 15 months old. Then, make sure the transition goes smoothly to avoid stomach upset.

What happens if I have a Great Dane puppy who refuses to eat food?

Puppies love food. If your puppy refuses to eat, this might indicate that something is not right, and you should visit the vet immediately. Maybe, try gently getting the dog to eat; however, if he doesn’t seem to show interest, you should contact the vet.

Do I need to give my Great Dane puppy vitamin supplements?

Good quality puppy food should have the essential nutrients your Great Dane puppy needs. Because puppy food is already packed with additional nutrients, there is no need to feed your dog any additional supplements. Contact your veterinarian for advice when you’re considering supplements since adding new foods to your puppy’s diet may cause harm to their health.

Conclusion

The Great Dane is a loving giant with specific food needs to allow him to grow into the massive dog we all love and know. He will require your assistance in feeding him and ensuring that they get their daily calories, proteins, and nutrients.

These large dogs require a balanced and high-quality diet throughout their development, from puppyhood through adulthood until their old age. When your puppy is the new addition to your family, it’s important to keep yourself aware of his food requirements to encourage healthy living and assist him in becoming an enormous dog who is filled with love.