We have had many inquires as to what we feed our Danes. We have never had picky eaters, skinny Danes, bone/growth problems, HOD, OCD, skin problems, or digestive problems. For the first 15 years, we fed all our danes from weaning on, Adult Alpo Lamb and Rice. Since that time we have switched to a brand called Beaver Dam. We believe that everyone is entitled to their own opinion in regards to diets, but we have found this diet works the best with OUR Danes. The biggest problem we have seen is some of our owners go on the web and talk to other dane owners, who in turn come across as an authority on ALL danes. They convince them that food A, B or C is the better/best to feed their dane. The people switch, then I get that phone call about how the puppy has diarrhea, poor coat, allergies ect...I tell my people if it's not broken, don't try to fix it. The puppy was doing outstanding on the diet it was sent home on, why would you change it?
If you cannot obtain Beaver Dam, other comparable foods are Pedigree (adult), Dog Chow or Alpo Come and Get it. The protein level must be 21% or less. The problem with this is the first ingredient will be corn, not meat. If the first ingredient is meat, the protein level is too high for MY dane puppies. You run a high risk of them developing HOD.
Once my puppies are 1 year of age, feel free to change their diet if you'd like. Again I stress, if the puppy is not doing well with your changes, go back to what was working before.