Rottweilers are known for being energetic, active dogs that take some work to maintain. You’ve got to provide lots of exercise, training, grooming, and regular vet checkups. A nutritious diet will help keep your Rottweiler dog or puppy’s body in optimal working order. Healthy food will also help optimize coat and skin health, digestive health, and immune health.
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Look for Specific Ingredients
To find the best food for Rottweilers (or any other breed for that matter), look for quality ingredients that meet your puppy or adult dog’s nutritional needs. To feed your pup the best diet possible, you need to know what ingredients are in their food. Look for specific ingredients rather than generalized or vague ingredient descriptions.
For instance, choose foods that contain “chicken meal” or “turkey byproducts” but stay away from foods that contain “poultry byproducts” or “meat meal.” With brands that include specific ingredients, such as chicken meal, you know what you are getting. However, if the brand consists of a vague meat meal description, you have no idea what kind of meats are in this meat meal blend. These ingredients likely won’t hurt your dog (unless they are allergic), but they also may not provide your pup with optimal nutrition either.
Compare the Best Food for Rottweiler Dog
What Dog Food is Good for Rottweilers? Our Top 6 Picks
Wellness CORE Large Breed
The Wellness CORE Large Breed has high-quality, all-natural premium ingredients. This recipe is grain-free and is specifically designed to meet the needs of large breed dogs like Rottweilers. Wellness CORE foods come in grain recipes, grain-free recipes, and limited ingredient recipes for Rottie’s with sensitive tummies.
The high protein formula used in Wellness CORE comes from fresh meats like deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal to help develop and maintain your dog’s lean muscle. Omegas, flaxseed, and fish oil are infused in Wellness CORE recipes to give your dog a shiny coat and healthy skin.
Wellness CORE is made in the US, with premium, globally sourced ingredients for wholesome, non-GMO meals dogs will love. Wellness CORE uses a blend of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants like carrots, apples, blueberries, spinach, broccoli, and parsley to help your pup maintain a healthy immune system.
Flaxseed gives your Rottweiler essential Omega 3’s, and probiotics help maintain your dog’s healthy digestive system. Wellness CORE also includes chondroitin and glucosamine to help keep your dog’s bones and joints healthy.
Features:
- Omegas
- Antioxidants
- Probiotics
- Taurine
- Glucosamine
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Large Breed
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Dog Food is an excellent choice for Rottweilers because it is full of protein and is free of grains, wheat, and corn. The first ingredient is real beef. This recipe is free of chicken, and instead, is full of red meat Rottweilers love. Red meat also helps build up your lean muscle mass.
This food uses healthy carbohydrates, including peas and sweet potatoes, to give your pup plenty of energy. Omega 3 and Omega 6 are added to provide your dog with healthy skin and a glossy coat. Unique to Blue Buffalo recipes are “LifeSource Bits,” which are a specialty blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help support your Rottweiler’s immune system. Included are plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as cranberries, blueberries, and carrots.
Features:
- Red Meat
- Peas & Sweet Potatoes
- Vitamins & Minerals
- Omegas
- Antioxidants
Fromm Gold Nutritionals Adult Large Breed
The Fromm Gold Nutritionals dog food is the best for essential nutritious ingredients that are beneficial for most dog breeds, including the Rottweiler. The Large Breed formula is explicitly great for Rotties, as they are a larger dog breed.
This recipe contains a protein-rich combo of chicken and duck and healthy carbs like brown rice and oatmeal. Combining proteins, carbohydrates, and moderate fats provide your dog with a nutritious and delicious meal. Fromm’s blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 are included to help with healthy brain function and inflammation prevention. Additionally, Fromm adds probiotics to promote healthy digestion.
Features:
- Prebiotics & Probiotics
- Added cartilage for joint health
- Omega3 & Omega6
- 100% USDA-inspected ingredients
- NO corn, wheat, or byproducts
Royal Canin Rottweiler Adult Dry Dog Food
The Royal Canin Rottweiler Adult Dry Dog Food is formulated specifically for adult Rottweilers. Rottie’s are considered adults around 18 months old. This recipe’s main ingredient is chicken byproduct meal, followed by chicken fat, brown rice, corn, and brewers rice.
The Royal Canin formula is infused with Taurine, DHA, and EPA to help your dog’s heart health. Additionally, this product contains L-Carnitine, which helps build and maintain lean muscle, strong bones, and helps your Rottweiler maintain healthy body weight.
Features:
- L-Carnitine
- DHA, EPA, Taurine
- Brown rice
- Brewers rice
- Corn
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food For Large Breeds
The Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food is designed for large breeds such as adult Rottweilers. This recipe contains high-quality ingredients your Rottie is sure to love, including high protein content like chicken, chicken meal, cornmeal, ground whole grain barley, and ground whole grain sorghum.
This Hill’s Science formula is also infused with Glucosamine & Chondroitin, vitamin E, and L- Carnitine to support your dog’s health.
Features:
- L-Carnitine
- Vitamin E
- Glucosamine & Chondroitin
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Ground whole grain sorghum
- Ground whole grain barley
Victor Classic – Hi-Pro Plus For Active Dogs
The Victor Super Premium Dog Food – Hi-Pro Plus for Active Dogs features high-quality ingredients like real prebiotics and probiotics. This recipe also includes beef meal, mineral complexes, and Omega fatty acids.
Additionally, Hi-Pro Plus contains their VPRO blend which helps maximize your Rottweiler’s energy. This recipe is free of artificial flavors and preservatives for an easy-to-digest meal your pup will love.
Features:
- Omega fatty acids
- Probiotics and Prebiotics
- L-Carnitine
- Selenium Yeast
What Should Your Rottweiler Eat?
Rottweiler Dogs Need Plenty of Protein
The best food for a Rottweiler dog or Rottweiler puppy will have high protein. Protein is an excellent source of amino acids that help to build strong muscles in your Rottweiler puppy and will keep your adult Rottie’s body in optimym working shape. If your Rottie is not getting enough protein, it could lead to weakness and even organ failure.
When you look for protein in the best dog foods, consider the protein source and the amount of protein. The best Rottweiler dog food for a puppy or adult will likely include natural meats. The best dog food Rottweiler puppies and adult dogs need will not have a lot of processed proteins and animal byproducts. Your pup will thrive on proteins from bison, chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, duck, and salmon.
Make sure to look for dog foods that contain a whole protein as the first ingredient. Rottweilers are omnivorous, meaning they eat meat and plants. However, the most critical element in your Rottie’s diet is meat.
Meat provides essential protein for your dog’s healthy growth, development, and to maintain healthy lean muscle. Many pet parents prefer to choose food with some type of meat meal as the number one ingredient. The reason for this is because sometimes whole proteins may contain a lot of water. If you take the water out of the equation, these whole proteins will fall farther down on the ingredients list.
Rottweiler Dogs Need Healthy Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are essential to your Rottweiler puppy and your Rottweiler adult dog’s balanced diet because they provide fuel for energy. Your Rottie puppy or Rottie adult needs the right type and amount of carbs. Some dog food brands over-use carbohydrates in their formulas because carbs are a relatively cheap ingredient compared to proteins.
However, consuming an overabundance of carbohydrates contribute to unwanted weight gain, especially in older Rottweilers. Low-quality carbs are not suitable for your pup, either. You may want to stay away from simple starches such as corn. Slow-burning carbohydrates like brown rice, barley, and sweet potatoes give your pup the energy they need while keeping their weight in check.
Rottweiler Dogs Need Healthy Fats
The Rottweiler puppy and Rottweiler adult will both need a moderate amount of fat in their diets. Fatty acids are essential to a healthy diet. Fats help your dog’s body absorb the vitamins and nutrients in their food and help with the digestion process. These help to keep your Rottie’s coat looking healthy and shiny. The best kind of fats will come from animal sources. Make sure to look for fat sources like flaxseed oil, fish oil, and animal fats. These ingredients help improve your pup’s immune system.
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, your Rottweiler puppy or adult dog needs Omega3 and Omega6. Many types of fatty acids occur naturally inside the body. However, the only way to get these two significant ones is by including them in your dog’s diet.
Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in salmon, sardines, flaxseed, and anchovies. Look for fish-based ingredients or foods that are infused with DHA and EPA. These ingredients will help your dog’s body absorb the essential Omega3 fatty acids. A good rule of thumb is to provide between 20-40 milligrams of EPA for each kilogram of your Rottie’s weight. Do not overdo it on Omega3 fatty acids.
Although these are essential to your Rottweiler puppy or adult dog’s health, they must be consumed in moderation. In exceptionally high quantities, these nutrients can harm your dog. Plant-based sources alone are more problematic for your pup’s body to absorb the essential nutrients. Omega6 fatty acids can be found in a greater variety of meats, fats, and veggies.
Rottweiler Dogs Need Fruits & Vegetables
Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your Rottweiler’s diet to maintain healthy nutrition as a puppy and as an adult. Vegetables including carrots, cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, peas, pumpkin, brussels sprouts, spinach, and sweet potatoes are great additions to any dog’s diet.
Make sure to look for dog foods that contain a variety of fruits and vegetables. Your pet’s primary source of essential vitamins and minerals is these fruits and vegetables. In addition to protein, carbohydrates, and fats, you’ll want to give your pup plenty of fruits and vegetables. They need all of these ingredients for a well-rounded, healthy diet.
Rottweiler Dogs Need Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Rottweilers frequently suffer from hip and elbow problems, so you’ll want to do everything you can to support proper joint health. One easy way to do so is by purchasing food fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin. Glucosamine and chondroitin help to reduce the inflammation in your dog’s joints and regenerate lost cartilage.
Rottweiler Dogs Needs Antioxidants & Micronutrients
Some of the best dog food recipes that contain antioxidants to keep your pup’s immune system healthy. Additionally, your pup will need a diet that includes micronutrients like glucosamine, calcium, and chondroitin for healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
Look for Foods Free of Artificial Colors & Flavors
Look for premium puppy and dog foods free from artificial ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and seasonings. Natural ingredients are almost always going to be a healthier option that will meet the nutitional needs for your Rottie. The only exception to this rule will be if your puppy is allergic to the natural ingredient.
Look for Dog Foods With Probiotics
Some of the best dog foods contain probiotics that keep your dog’s gut healthy and limits stomach upset. Probiotics help with your Rottweiler’s healthy digestion and maintain regular elimination. Most of the high-quality dog foods will include some type of probiotics. Some brands will consist of multiple probiotic strains, while others may not have as many.
Can Rottweilers Eat Chicken?
Chicken is an essential source of protein that suits Rottweiler nutritional needs. You should not limit your dog’s diet to chicken as the only protein source, however, because some pups can develop an allergy to this poultry. For this reason, you may want to provide your dog with a variety of protein sources in addition to chicken.
Can Rottweilers Eat Eggs?
It is safe and healthy for your Rottweiler to consume cooked eggs. Eggs provide your Rottie with protein and amino acids. However, don’t feed your Rottweiler raw or undercooked eggs because undercooked eggs may contain pathogens that can cause your Rottie to become sick.
What Foods Should I Never Feed My Rottweiler?
Please avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, candy, chocolate, or alcohol to keep your dog safe.
What is the Best Dog Food for Rottweiler Puppy?
Royal Canin Rottweiler Puppy Dry Dog Food
The Royal Canin Rottweiler Puppy Dry Dog Food is made just for Rottweiler puppies. Your Rottweiler is considered to be a puppy if they are below 18 months of age. This recipe contains chicken meal, brewers rice, wheat gluten, brown rice, and chicken fat. Royal Canin’s kibble is made to be easy on your puppy’s digestive system, with balanced nutrition to help build strong bones and muscles.
How Much Should a Rottweiler Puppy Eat?
As large breed puppies, Rottweiler puppies weighing between 3-10 pounds should be fed between ¾ cup -1 ¾ cup of dry kibble. Rottie puppies weighing between 10-20 pounds should be fed between 1 ¾ cup -3 cups of dry kibble food. Rottweiler puppies weighing between 20-40 pounds need more food. These Rottweiler puppies need between 3 cups-5 ¼ cups of dry kibble per day. A Rottweiler that weighs between 40-60 pounds should be fed from 5 ¼ cups-7 cups of dry kibbles every day. As the Rottweiler puppy grows and reaches a weight between 60-80 pounds, food consumption should increase to 7-9 cups of dry kibble daily.
Health Conditions Common in Rottweilers
Rottweilers are susceptible to a myriad of health conditions. Consuming a healthy diet will help reduce your dog’s risk of developing some health problems. Additionally, eating a healthy diet can help your dog maintain a higher quality of life when developing some of these health conditions.
Pet owners need to be aware of the types of conditions to watch out for warning signs, symptoms, and treatments. If you suspect your pup is developing one of these health issues, or if they are acting off in general, it is always a smart strategy to consult your veterinarian. Your vet can help to diagnose your dog and help you with a healthy diet and treatment plan.
Rottweilers are distinctively strong and energetic. However, this dog breed is still susceptible to several health problems that are inherited. Some common health conditions found in Rottweilers are obesity, joint pains, bloat, cancer, and food allergies.
Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (Bloat)
Commonly called bloat, gastric dilation-volvulus is a severe health condition in which your dog’s stomach gets filled with gas and twists up, trapping gas and causing severe health problems and sometimes even death if not treated properly.
You can help prevent bloat by feeding your dog small meals frequently, rather than one large meal all at once. Let your dog digest after meals before engaging in exercise. Encourage your pup to eat slowly. All of these things will significantly reduce the risk of your Rottie developing bloat.
Obesity
Rottweilers are prone to unwanted weight gain and obesity as they get older. Obesity causes many health problems and makes existing bone and joint conditions even more painful. If your dog suffers from hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia, for instance, being overweight puts more pressure on these areas, causing more significant pain and inflammation.
Cancer
Rottweilers are more susceptible to cancer risk than many other dog breeds. Common cancers that develop in Rottie’s include bladder cancer, lymphoma, and bone cancer. There is not much that can be done to prevent cancer in your pup. However, a healthy diet can help to improve your dog’s general quality of life.
Joint Problems
Joint diseases are common conditions found in Rottweilers. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteochondritis dissecans. If your dog develops any of these conditions, they will likely experience several common symptoms such as inflammation, reduced mobility, and severe pain.
If your Rottweiler develops any of these conditions, consult your vet for the best treatment plan options. Sometimes physical therapy, surgery, and medication can help to treat these conditions. You may also want to talk with your vet about supplements you can give your pup to support joint health.
Food Sensitivity & Allergies
A lot of Rottweilers are prone to developing food allergies. Often these allergies lead to dry and itchy skin. You may want to avoid foods that can commonly trigger these food allergies. Some common triggers include artificial flavors and artificial colors.
If your Rottweiler has food sensitivities or food allergies, you’ll want to avoid ingredients that could trigger your dog’s allergic reactions or upset their stomach. Many dog food brands make foods that are designed specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs and food allergies.
You may want to look for a limited ingredient recipe for your sensitive pup. Additionally, you may want to choose dog foods that add probiotics to help with your dog’s healthy digestion.
Final Thoughts on the Best Dog Food for Rottweilers
Looking for the perfect healthy food for Rottweilers (puppy or adult) will be a lot easier now that you know what to look for (and what to avoid). Every dog breed is different when it comes to nutritional needs and dietary needs. For this reason, it is wise to learn about your dog’s breed and nutritional requirements so you can provide them with the best foods for their body type and digestive needs.
The Rottweiler, for instance, is a large breed dog with a robust and muscular body. Choosing the best dog food will give your Rottie the nutrients they need to maintain this healthy, strong body. Additionally, Rottweilers are prone to becoming overweight if fed the wrong kinds of foods. For this reason, it is vital to choose food that will help your pup maintain a healthy weight.
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