It is true that puppy Danes who have high protein diets are prone to HOD (Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy) – a painful swelling of the joints during development, it is an infection brought on in most cases by high protein diets. The protein collects in the joints and cannot leave the body fast enough and causes infections. I do Great Dane rescue and we come across this a lot – at least 50% of the puppies that are surrendered have HOD due to high protein, cheap diets. (not all high protein is cheap mind you – just in this case that typically is the cause – like “Old Roy”). It is treatable but for Great Dane puppies and other giant breeds this is a huge no no. My own dog had HOD as a result of this, we have a dog that has gone Septic because of HOD being untreated, it is not anything to mess with. Adult Danes I believe can be more tolerant but it is documented, researched and validated in puppies under 10 months where growth plates have not closed.
