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Giant breeds process food a little differently. Their digestive systems are longer, and their bodies are busy growing and maintaining a lot of mass. Poor-quality ingredients, too much fat, or frequent food changes can show up fast as gas, soft stool, or diarrhea.

• Common troublemakers: very fatty food, lots of table scraps, low-quality fillers, or constant brand-hopping.
• Watch for red flags: chronic loose stool, repeated vomiting, obvious discomfort after meals, or refusal to eat.
• When in doubt: talk to your vet. Sudden severe symptoms can be a sign of something more serious, including bloat.

For a deep dive into ingredients and feeding strategy, visit the Great Dane nutrition page →

Not every Dane will thrive on fresh food alone. A high-quality giant-breed kibble is still the mainstay for many owners, and with the right formula, it can work very well for sensitive dogs too.

• Look for: a named meat protein, moderate fat, clear ingredients, and “large/giant breed” on the label.
• Puppy formulas: choose a large/giant breed puppy formula to support slow, steady growth and avoid overloading the joints.
• Adult formulas: transition when your vet is comfortable that growth is leveling out (often 18–24 months).
• Senior or lighter options: for older or less active Danes who struggle with weight gain.

I rotate between kibble and fresh options so my dogs get variety without constant food changes. You can see more about overall feeding strategy on the nutrition guide →

Simple toppers can make food more enticing while also supporting digestion. The key is to keep them clean and consistent so you know what’s helping and what’s causing chaos.

• Pumpkin puree: plain, unsweetened pumpkin (not pie filling) can help firm up loose stool or smooth out transitions.
• Bone broth: low-sodium, dog-safe broth can add flavor and hydration, especially when your dog doesn’t feel like eating.
• Probiotics: canine probiotics can help support healthy gut bacteria, especially during food changes or stress.
• Slow-feeder bowls: for gulpers, a slow-feeder bowl or puzzle feeder can reduce gulping and help lower bloat risk.

Many of my favorite toppers and tools also show up on the bloat prevention page, since feeding speed and portions matter for GDV risk.

When a dog has an upset stomach but isn’t in full emergency mode, my vet and I have used a simple, bland “sick day” meal for short periods. Always check with your vet first before changing food during illness.

• Boiled lean chicken or turkey, with fat removed
• Plain white rice or sometimes plain mashed potatoes
• A spoonful of pumpkin puree if recommended by your vet
• Small meals, fed more frequently, instead of big servings

This kind of bland diet is temporary, not a permanent long-term food. Once things settle, we slowly transition back to their regular diet.

I partner with CUDDLY because their products support pets at home and help shelter pets at the same time. When you purchase through CUDDLY, you’re supporting their mission to provide supplies and funding to rescues and shelters.

Below are some of the food items and enrichment tools I like from CUDDLY, along with a few “shop with purpose” items where every purchase helps a shelter pet.