FEEDING YOUR GREAT DANE
A. Protein Levels
Usually a good quality Adult dog food that is 22-25% protein and 15-19% fat is recommended. In recent years, protein requirements have turned into a numbers game. Research has shown that 21% to 24% protein is optimum for various life stages. It's not just the quantity but the quality of your dog's protein source that is vital. For example, a 32% content of a poor quality protein source could give your dog too little protein.
The reasoning for lower protein, is that higher protein results in more rapid growth, and thus more developmental problems, such as Canine Hip Displaysia (CHD), Panosteitis (pano), Hypertrophic Osetodystrophy (HOD) Osteochondrosis Dessicans, and Wobblers Syndrome. Some believe that even 25% is too high, feeding 23% or 20% protein. Note that these numbers are for dry kibble, not for canned food.
Practical experience has shown fewer developmental problems, and the dogs on these low protein diets still achieve their full expected growth potential, some even more so.
B. Feeding Schedules
It is very important that Danes be fed multiple daily feedings, as constant eating will not allow us to measure the volume of who is eating what, and when. Also, it is thought that the incidence of bloat may be reduced by measured feedings at regular intervals. This allows us to keep something in the stomach most of the day.
Puppies are generally fed three or four times per day until they are about 4-6months old. Once a dog is ready to move down to less feedings, it will stop being interested in its noon meal. Never feed less than twice per day.
Free feeding is an alternative that some folks choose, but can result in myriad problems. Some dogs will eat whatever you leave out immediately, and be hungry later on. Other dogs in the home will share dishes, so you don’t have a true picture of HOW MUCH any one dog eats. This is something EVERY dog owner should be able to tell a vet IMMEDIATELY upon any Emergency or regular visit. Dogs like to be on a schedule, and feeding your dog at certain times of the day will help maintain discipline and pack order in your home.
Also, be sure that the dog has not exercised for at least 30 minutes beforeeating and do not exercise him for one and one-half to two hours aftereating. This will make sure his stomach is settled during the critical timearound his meal during which he is very susceptible to bloat.
C. Supplements
Supplementation of Danes' food is discouraged, although there areexceptions.
Calcium supplementation is too be avoided, along with most otherminerals. It can cause growth problems, and as you read further you will see the importance of balancing the Calcium/Phosphorous level of Dog Foods.
Some breeders believe that high doses of Vitamin C may prevent the incidence of growth problems. Given at 1000 milligrams a day it seems to certainly help the immune system. Please use SODIUM ASCORBATE as the Vitamin C source, rather than Ascorbic Acid, which can cause stomach irritation and ulcers in some dogs.
Vitamin E (Tocopherols) is often used as a preservative now, and is considered safer than other chemical preservatives, such as Ethoxyquin, BHA and BHT which are also being pointed out as carcinogens.
Supplements other than Nutritional Supplements such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin and N’zymes Antioxidant supplements are not recommended, especially in growing pups.