Working group · Breed guide
Great Dane: weight, routine and daily dose
Despite its name, the Great Dane’s origins lie in Germany, where the Royal Kennel Club notes its heavier ancestors hunted wild boar in packs. Some enthusiasts still believe it to be a sighthound, and the hunting instinct remains, although today’s dog is taller and more elegant — nobility enough to have earned it the name ‘Apollo of dogs’.
The breed standard describes a very muscular, strongly yet elegantly built dog with a look of dash and daring, and a temperament that is kindly, friendly and outgoing; the RKC adds that, despite its size, it makes a wonderful, loyal family dog. Both the PDSA and Cornell’s Riney Canine Health Center name the Great Dane among the deep-chested breeds most at risk of bloat (GDV), so mealtimes for this giant deserve a little planning.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 49.5–79.5 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 4 tablets/day
- One bottle lasts
- 30 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 4 weeks — a bottle lasts 30 days, so consider 2 per delivery
Weight: American Kennel Club, “Weight: 140-175 pounds (male), 110-140 pounds (female)” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Great Dane need?
A typical adult Great Dane weighs 49.5–79.5 kg, which sits entirely in the Over 40 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 4 tablets/day.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 40 kg | 4 tablets/day | 30 days | Every 4 weeks — a bottle lasts 30 days, so consider 2 per delivery |
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a Great Dane
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 tablets/day | 30 days | 60 days | 90 days | from £0.67 |
Days are for one dog. Each bottle holds 120 tablets; days are rounded down to whole days. Prices and cost per day by bottle count.
Feeding-routine notes for Great Dane owners
- The PDSA advises avoiding exercise or car travel around mealtimes, and feeding several small meals through the day rather than one big one.
- Feed from a bowl on the floor: the PDSA notes that raised bowls, once recommended, have been shown to increase the risk of GDV.
- The PDSA also suggests encouraging your dog to drink little and often rather than a lot in one go, and changing food gradually.
- Every adult Great Dane is in the top band of the feeding guide; scales are still worth using to keep an eye on condition — ask your vet practice about walk-on scales.
- Give DIGEST+ at the same point in the day — with breakfast or dinner — so it becomes part of the routine. The tablets can be eaten directly or crushed into food.
- Weigh your dog every few months: the dose follows body weight, not breed.
- Introduce one new thing at a time. If you are also changing food, let that settle first so you know what is what.
The full feeding guide
| Body weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days |
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days |
| Over 40 kg | 4 tablets/day | 30 days |
Work out your exact supply
The calculator on the product page takes your dog’s weight band and how many dogs you have, then shows the daily dose, how long a bottle lasts and a sensible refill rhythm.
Great Dane: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Great Dane have a day?
Typical adult Great Danes weigh 49.5–79.5 kg, which is the Over 40 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 4 tablets/day. Always use your own dog’s current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a Great Dane?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 4 tablets/day one bottle lasts 30 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
Why does this page talk about bloat?
Because the PDSA and Cornell University’s Riney Canine Health Center both name Great Danes among the large, deep-chested breeds most at risk of GDV, or bloat. It is an emergency: if your dog’s belly swells or they retch without bringing anything up, call your vet immediately. Smaller meals, calm time around mealtimes and feeding from the floor are among the PDSA’s suggestions.
How should I give a tablet to a Great Dane?
With one of the day’s regular meals, eaten directly or crushed into food. Keep the time after that meal calm rather than heading straight out for exercise. Fresh drinking water should always be available.
Can every Great Dane have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Great Dane is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Great Dane Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Great Dane – Breeds A to Z — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Great Dane breed standard — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) — PDSA. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or Bloat) — Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated