Dog food is a big topic, and if you’ve spent any time researching it, you know how much conflicting information is out there. Like with human nutrition, it can be hard to sort through all the advice and marketing. My approach is to prioritize real, whole foods and transparency, both for myself and for my dogs. My husband is a certified nutritionist (for humans), and he’s helped me look more critically at ingredient panels and sourcing, whether it’s for us or for our pets. We avoid processed foods and seed oils, based on the research showing their potential harm (see study).
It’s easy to be misled by things like the food pyramid, which once suggested the base of our diets should be breads and cereals. But just because a food is fortified with vitamins and minerals doesn’t mean it’s the best way to nourish ourselves—or our dogs. Whole foods deliver nutrients in a natural matrix, often making them more bioavailable and effective than synthetic additives alone. Highly processed foods, even when fortified, may lack important compounds like fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, and can contain additives or fillers that aren’t beneficial for long-term health.
I haven’t spent as many years on canine nutrition as I have on human nutrition, but I’ve learned a lot. Not all dog foods are created equal, and some lack key nutrients. For example, DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) is a concern in certain breeds, including Danes, and nutrition is a factor. The safest route, according to most veterinary guidance, is to use diets that follow WSAVA standards. The major brands that meet these standards—Purina, Iams, Eukanuba, Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet—employ PhD-level nutritionists and have rigorous testing. However, these brands also use more fillers and synthetic nutrients than I’d prefer, and they’ve had recalls that make me cautious.
Boutique brands like Fromm, Acana, and Zignature have been linked to DCM, likely due to lower meat content and higher use of legumes, which can impact taurine levels. The FDA is still investigating, but the key takeaway is to ensure your dog’s food provides what they need to produce taurine, or supplement if necessary.
After a lot of research, I’ve started feeding my dogs Butcher Box for Pets (code: COWTOWNDANES for 20% off your first order). What sets them apart is that they use the exact same sourcing standards for their pet food as for their human food. Everything is human-grade, ethically sourced, and fully transparent. I haven’t found another dog food company that applies their entire human food supply chain to their pet products in this way. Their meats are humanely raised, free from antibiotics and hormones, and every batch is made with the same standards as their human meals. You can read more about their sourcing here.
This level of transparency and ingredient quality is rare in the pet food industry. For me, it’s about knowing exactly what’s in my dogs’ food and being able to add whole food toppers or supplements as needed.
I understand that financial restrictions might be in play, especially with how much our Great Danes eat. If you want or need to feed a kibble, Open Farm GoodBowl and Farmina N&D Ancestral Grains are two options I recommend. Open Farm GoodBowl uses 100% traceable, ethically sourced ingredients, is non-GMO, and features human-grade protein sources1567. The recipes are oven-baked in small batches and include wholesome grains like brown rice, which is high in fiber and easy to digest for large breeds1567. Farmina N&D Ancestral Grains is also properly formulated for large and giant breeds—just be sure to choose the "Med & Maxi" size formulas for Great Danes.
Both options are formulated to meet AAFCO nutrient profiles and are designed to support the unique needs of large dogs12. You may want to rotate between different proteins or formulas, as dogs can respond differently to various nutrient profiles, calorie levels, and fat contents. Sometimes, one recipe will simply work better for your individual dog. If you have questions about choosing or rotating foods, please reach out.
Feeding a Great Dane is not cheap—they can eat up to 8–10 cups a day at peak growth. I understand the need to be conscious of price, but I also know that nutrition is foundational, especially for puppies. If you’re feeding raw or homemade, make sure what you’re using is AAFCO-approved or balanced by a professional. The common 80/10/10 ratio isn’t enough for puppies; bone content should be closer to 15–20%. Always consult a nutritionist if you’re making your own food.
I recommend Dr. Karen Becker’s book, The Forever Dog, for a deeper look at how processed foods can impact long-term health, including cancer risk. The rise in cancer in dogs is connected to diet, and minimizing processed foods is one way to help protect their health.
There’s a persistent myth that giant breed puppies should have less than 25% protein. Research (Nap et al., 1991) shows that protein levels up to 31% (dry matter) don’t negatively affect skeletal growth. What matters more is overall balance, especially calcium and phosphorus ratios. Make sure your food is formulated for “growth of large-size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult)” per AAFCO guidelines.
There’s no perfect answer, and dog nutrition is always evolving. My advice: consult your vet, consider annual blood panels, and do your own research—preferably by reading published studies, not just websites. For now, feeding Butcher Box for Pets, with whole-food toppers and variety, is what makes the most sense for my dogs.
If you want to try Butcher Box for Pets, you can use my code COWTOWNDANES for 20% off your first order (applies to both subscription and one-time orders). As always, do what’s best for your dog and your situation.
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