Feeding your Great Dane isn't just about filling up their bowl, it's a crucial aspect of their overall health and well-being.
Whether you're a new dog owner or a seasoned pro, trying a raw diet like Huntaway can make all the difference in ensuring a long and happy life for your pup.
Known as the gentle giants of the dog world, Great Danes are described as friendly, patient and dependable, Great Danes are one of the biggest dog breeds. They range from 110-175 pounds.
However, their large size predisposes them to specific health challenges, including bloat, cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, Wobbler Syndrome and skin allergies.
Proper nutrition for Great Danes is important for optimal growth and development. One of the best ways to make sure a growing dog has all of the nutrition they need is through a raw diet, especially one rich in high-quality proteins, such as Huntaway Raw Venison, and complemented by green-lipped mussels.
Bloat
Bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists upon itself. Great Danes, due to their deep chests, are particularly prone to this ailment.
A raw diet retains natural enzymes that aid in digestion, promoting gastrointestinal health. It is also easily digestible, reducing the time food stays in the stomach and minimizing gas buildup. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can also prevent overeating and rapid ingestion, both risk factors for bloat.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood effectively. It's a concern in large breeds, including Great Danes.
Being naturally low in sodium, Venison helps maintain optimal blood pressure, reducing cardiac strain. Raw Venison is also rich in taurine, an amino acid essential for heart health. Providing a natural dog food diet with adequate taurine can support cardiac function and reduce the risk of cardiomyopathy.
This ailment can also benefit from the omega-3 fatty acids found in green-lipped mussels, reducing inflammation and improving blood flow.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't fit snugly into the hip socket, leading to arthritis and pain. Great Danes are particularly susceptible due to their rapid growth and substantial weight.
A lean, high-protein source, such as Huntaway Freeze-Dried or Frozen Raw Venison, is supports muscle development without excessive fat, aiding in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing stress on the hips. Venison also contains omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce joint inflammation.
Green-lipped mussels are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, which are known to reduce inflammation and support joint health. These components can alleviate the symptoms of hip dysplasia and improve mobility.
Wobbler Syndrome
Wobbler Syndrome affects the cervical spine, leading to neurological issues and mobility problems. It's prevalent in large breeds like Great Danes.
High-quality protein from venison supports muscle strength, helping to stabilize the spine, while Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce spinal inflammation.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies in Great Danes can manifest as itching, redness, and infections, often due to food sensitivities or environmental factors.
Venison is considered a novel protein, less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to common proteins like chicken or beef. Omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce skin inflammation and promote a healthy coat.
Voice of the Customer
One of our customers who has Great Danes, shared her experience with raw food. "I have raised all of my Great Danes on raw food for the wonderful health benefits. Danes often have sensitive stomachs and on kibble, they can have softer poop and easily experience stomach upset. With a fresh diet, my dogs have always had stronger, healthier guts and well-formed poo. They also have far less waste on raw compared to kibble. I also prefer raw because bloat/stomach torsion can be a common breed issue and I notice that with raw food, my dogs have far less gas build up. In addition to having beautiful coat health, they also tend to stay a bit more fit and lean compared to kibble-raised Danes, which is important because it helps keep any unnecessary weight off of their joints. The health benefits really speak for themselves when it comes to raising a giant breed on raw food!"
