We are new to the great dane ownership, we have had retreivers before. We have two 18 month old great danes. One is a beautiful, HUGE black one who eats ravenously.The other is still as beautiful, but a merle.He is very picky with his food, and lately we think he has lost weight. He stands taller than his "brother", at 35 inches but is very skinny around the waist. Is it normal for them to lose weight at this age? and can anyone suggest what to feed him to build him up. They are both fed on Chopped chicken wings, minced whole turkeys, pats, rice any any leftovers. They have always been fed on this and when we did try the complete foods, they both got the runs! I hope some one can tell me this is normal.

I'm sorry but unless there is a inseason bitch in the area I don't think he should be loosing weight and think you should have him checked over to make sure there is no reason for the weight loss. If he is just being picking then you will have to keep trying to get him to eat more. I am ashamed to say I cook chilli for one of mine because he is not to keen on eating but can't resist chilli. Ja:)kie

Danes can be fussy eaters and I have one at home that I am sure someone will report me for neglect one day as he is sooooo thin! (I have been to the vets and had him checked out).

A few suggestions once the vet has ruled out any problems (that may or may not work depends on the dog):-
Suet sprinkled on his food - this is a short term fix as too much can cause health problems
Vanilla slimfast made with full fat milk and fed on top of the regular diet - it does work!
Pasta (I used twists as they could be mixed in with the other food easier)
Lamb as this has a high fat content compared to chicken

It could always be the heat that has put him off his food! Remember danes are a slow maturing breed.

Good luck I hope something works for you because there is nothing worse than feeling as though you cant do anything to make them look better especially in a giant breed.

Anna