by potpot

Created on: November 17, 2009

Great dane has become one of the world's favorite tallest dog breed just like the famous Hanna-Barbara character Scooby-Doo. Great dane is a giant-sized domestic dog known to be gentle and friendly. Since this dog breed is not the same as the regular sized dogs, they have certain needs that an owner must give special attention like guide to feeding a great dane and the proper nutritional diet.

The best way of feeding a great dane is to give digestible dry, canned or raw dog food with protein of not more than 23% and fat not exceeding 12%. It is also advisable to feed puppy and adult danes with adult dog food. The reason behind this is that puppy food has higher percentage of protein and fat which promotes faster growth. For danes, they need to grow naturally to prevent them from any health issues such as growth and bone problems. Cervical vertebral instability or wobbler's syndrome, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, osteochondrosis dissecans and panosteitis are common diseases of large breed dogs like great danes.

High quality natural premium food is the most recommended food for great danes. It will help them to stay healthy and active. Natural premium food is one of the healthiest since it does not contain by-products, soy, corns, wheat, gluten and chemical preservatives that are very difficult to digest. Natural premium food is mostly a meat-based product which is very important for the dog's health.

Another nutritional dog food that many owners now are turning to is the biologically appropriate raw food or BARF. It is based on fresh bones and raw meat diet as well as fruit and vegetables that is believed to improve the dogs health and longevity. Many claim that BARF can help reduce the teeth, gum and skin problems of dogs. However, not all veterinarians may agree to this kind of diet.

One of the essential part in feeding a great dane is to have a raised feeder. This is to avoid the risk of digestive problems like bloat. Raised feeders can be purchased at any pet supply shops. If you do not want to spend a dime, you may as well place the bowl on an elevated surface or table. A dane puppy needs to eat 3 to 4 times a day. While a dane of 6 months old or so can be fed 2 to 3 times a day.

Feeding a great dane takes a lot of dedication on the part of the owner in order to give the appropriate nutrition needed by the dog. It is also advised to have regular visit to the veterinarian and give the right dog supplements and medicines for proper development.

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