Should I feed my Great Dane Puppy Puppy Food?

Most breeders are strongly against this. However, others will only feed puppy food. It is really a preference and dependent on the susceptibility of the line to growth development diseases.

If you choose to feed puppy food, use caution. Watch for signs of extremely rapid growth and joint swelling. These are the first signs of developmental diseases.

It is common for many breeders to recommend a diet with lower protein and fat levels to reduce the risk of developmental problems.

The majority of puppy foods on the market are high in calories (protein and fat content).  Danes should ideally be fed a diet of about 22% - 26% protein, a fat content range of 12% - 15%. Higher protein and fat contents can lead to increased growth rates and can lead to developmental diseases.

LESS IS BETTER WHEN IT COMES TO GROWTH THE FIRST YEAR. ALL DANES FED PROPERLY WILL EVENTUALLY REACH THEIR GENETICALLY PROGRAMMED HEIGHT AND WEIGHT. FEEDING A DIET AROUND 22-24% PROTEIN DURING THE FIRST YEAR SHOULD AID YOUR BABY IN GROWING SLOWLY BUT STEADILY AND SHOULD CUT DOWN ON GROWTH RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS.