Basically, the reason for the reduced protein levels during growth stage (about 2 years old) is to maintain a slower , controlled growth rate. Danes grow so rapidly that their bones can get distorted very quickly and easily if their body mass is not kept in check. This was initially thought that it was the over load of protein, but recent studies have shown that is only part of the problem. Since the problem is actually caused by the animal being overweight, overfeeding ANY food, or a high fat diet is just as bad .
Almost all studies have shown excessive calium to be the most determining factor in skeletal disorders, with a level of around 1 % being the maximum optimal level. So from what I have researched, a dogs weight is what is important. High protien can cause this, but so can other factors, and given every dog is different - they all will maintain differing weight levels on the same food (just like us!). An overweight dog (and esp a puppy) will have too much stress on a fragile growing skeleton to keep their joints / bones in a proper state.
Too Much Calcium is the associated factor in almost ALL skeletal diseases (and therefore excess Vitamin C as is increases calcium uptake)
Heres a few research studies :
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