Me and my boyfriend decided that we would like to become the new owners of a great dane puppy, but his biggest concern is the cost for food and their short lives. Does anyone know of a way to help with either of these problems? Please let me know. Thanks =)
2007-02-12 09:19:46 · 9 answers · asked by mscandaceelaine 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
If you buy a Dane from a responsible breeder it should have a long healthy life. Wellbred Danes aren't that shortlived.
As for food if you are concerned about feeding costs then likely a Dane isn't for you and you probably want to consider a smaller breed.Feeding is only a very small part of Dane ownership, there is vet fees for Heartworm preventative, flea control, spay/neuter all of which are more $$$ then for smaller breeds. There is also collars, leashes, safe chew toys, etc.
It doesn't need to be overly expensive to feed a Dane though. If fed a good quality food such as Canidae or Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover's Soul they won't need a lot.
I have owned Danes for over 25 years. I fed Chciken Soup for several years and I only needed to feed 4-5 cups per day. My biggest Dane weighed in at 175# and was 36" tall certainly not timy. I currently feed Canidae All Life Stages to my adult Dane and to my pup.My puppy is 7 months old 115.2# and 30 1/2" tall.I feed him 4 1/2 cups of Canidae dry plus one can of Canidae per day. My adult eats 4 cups of dry per day.
If you do get a Dane research the breed well. Also do NOT EVER feed it any puppy food including large breed. A Dane puppy should never have a food with over 24% protein.
I recommend that you get the book The Great Dane: Model of Nobility by Jill Swedlow. It is a wonderful, honest book with great info. It is written by an extremely knowledgeable Dane person.
2007-02-12 09:58:31 · answer #1 · answered by Great Dane Lover 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can't afford the cost of feeding a great dane, then DO NOT get one! Giant breeds need top quality nutrition and if you want to go cheap on the food, you'll definitely be contributing to him having a short life span.
If you can't even spend the money on quality food, how are you going to feel about paying all the vet expenses involved in dog ownership? Save a great dane's life and get yourself some tiny little dog that you're willing to feed properly!
2007-02-12 17:23:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There really isn't much you can do about either of these problems. No matter what - Great Danes are expensive to feed cuz they are big dogs & they eat a lot & you must give them quality food.
Also, they don't live long. None of the giant breeds do & unfortunately there is nothing you can do about that either.
You might be better off getting a more average sized breed, or even a smaller breed which will live longer & will be less expensive to feed.
Good luck!
2007-02-12 18:24:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi you didn't sat what country you are from & this makes it hard for ppl to answer your questions...however if you live in the UK there is a complete food called Dr John & it is around £7 for 15kls...The life span of the Great Dane is something else as you can't alter gene's that the dog carries & therefore there is very little you can do to lenthen his/her life...all you can do is give the dog the best you can with plenty of care & there is little more else you can really do...
2007-02-12 17:31:29 · answer #4 · answered by Jake 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would strongly recommend that you feed a premium diet (ask your breeder what she uses), just like humans, dogs are what they eat! Remember that quality foods are formulated to feed less as well. As far as longevity, regular health care, proper feeding and grooming should make for a good life. Good Luck I love the breed.
2007-02-12 19:55:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No....
GDs are HUGE dogs, they eat alot, and like any large breed dog, only live about 8 years. There is nothing you can do about the amount/cost of the food, nor the lifespan.
Sorry to sound rude, but if it is bothering your bf, don't get one. He will get sick of paying for the food and leave you with the bill.
2007-02-12 17:23:25 · answer #6 · answered by vomdeitrichgiants 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to feed less of premium foods like Innova and Canidae, as it's very rich.
2007-02-12 17:40:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
who gets the dog if you break up? just asking.
spend the money on quality, and the dog will live longer. be responsible about it.
2007-02-12 17:27:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
stray kittens & full grown cats, mine loves them. sometimes i pick the meat off the left over bones and whip up a nice hot bowl of soup for myself.
2007-02-12 17:23:47 · answer #9 · answered by poo hat 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋