Large, muscular, and incredibly hardworking are just a few attributes associated with the Rottweiler breed. Their size may be intimidating but Rottweilers are passionately loyal to their owners and make an excellent pet. Sometimes called 'rotties', they are a very active breed and love to hike, swim, and be mentally challenged with training exercises.
The best dog food for Rottweilers is packed with high-quality ingredients, and especially high-quality protein, to keep them fuelled with energy throughout the day. The proper large breed dog food will help maintain their muscle mass, keep their coats sleek, and strengthen their joints and bones. The best food for Rottweiler puppies will also contain Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and be specifically designed for large breed pups.
Before getting into the specifics about Rottweiler's nutrition needs, let’s first look at the breed’s history, physical appearance, and typical character traits.
About the Rottweiler Breed
Rottweilers in History
Rottweilers are recorded in history since the Roman Empire. There are descriptions of Rottweilers walking across the Alps with Roman soldiers, herding the livestock along the route. Because of their strength, this breed was commonly used to pull carts, filled with produce and meat, from farms into town to sell.
In the 1800s it was common for Rottweilers to be used as police dogs. Also, they were one of the first breeds used as guide dogs for visually impaired people. More recently, these special dogs are trained for search and rescue operations, like the World Trade Centre.
It is believed the Rottweiler breed is a descendant of the Mastiff. The first Rottweiler club was founded in Germany in 1914 and the breed was officially recognized in the United States in 1931. In the mid-1990s the Rottweiler’s popularity reached an all-time high, as it was the breed with the most registered dogs according to the American Kennel Club. Currently, it is ranked as the 8th most popular breed in the United States.
Bulging Muscles and Big Bones
Rottweilers are known for being big, muscular dogs. Their heavy bone structure and large frame both contribute to their size and weight. Females typically weigh between 80 pounds and 105 pounds and grow as tall as 25 inches. In comparison, males usually weigh between 95 pounds to 130 pounds and can be up to 27 inches tall.
This breed has a straight, short, and coarse medium-length coat. Rottweilers are black in color and can have rust or mahogany markings on their eyes, cheeks, muzzle, and legs. Their tail is docked close to their body. They have a broad muzzle with a defined chin and their ears are triangular in shape with a small pendant drop at the top.
Large, Loyal, and Loving
Sometimes the Rottweiler's reputation is questioned because of their potentially intimidating size. However, with the proper exercise and training, they are friendly, loyal, and affectionate dogs. Positive enforcement training will ensure your fur friend remains protective of your family, but not aggressive.
As their history shows, Rottweilers love to work and be physically active. This means that as pets, they do require a high level of exercise. They love long walks multiple times a day and usually enjoy other adventurous activities like hiking and swimming. So what do Rottweilers need in their diet to sustain a healthy and active lifestyle? Let’s get into the details.
Rottweiler Eating Habits & How Much Does They Eat
So how much does a Rottweiler eat? Rottweilers are compulsive eaters. They will eat anything and everything put in front of them, and because of this, are prone to gaining excess weight. This breed needs a lot of food to keep them fueled with energy, and also high-quality, protein-rich food to help them maintain their muscle mass. A vegetarian diet is not recommended because of how much energy this breed needs to function on a daily basis.
Adult dogs will eat between 4 cups to 8 cups of dry dog food per day depending on their size and activity level. It is recommended to feed adult Rottweilers two meals per day. Make sure to include treats in their daily calorie count. Treat should be no more than 10% of any dog’s daily calorie intake.
Adult
An adult Rottweiler need between 2,200 and 2,800 calories per day, spread out between two meals. As always, the caloric intake must match the amount of energy exerted. Bigger dogs need more food, as do dogs that are very physically active. If your dog is very active you may want to consider feeding them up to 3,000 calories per day. High protein levels are the key ingredient in an adult Rottweiler’s diet as it keeps them feeling full for longer, preventing weight gain and encouraging strong muscles.
Senior
As dogs get older, they require fewer calories and usually become less physically active. A senior Rottweiler requires two meals per day that consist of approximately 1,800 to 2,000 calories per day.
The best dog food for a senior Rottweiler will include complex carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables. This will keep their sugar levels low, and therefore prevent extra weight, while still ensuring they are satisfied and receiving the necessary nutrients. Lean proteins like chicken or fish are a better choice if your dog does not have allergies.
Best Dog Food for Rottweiler Puppies
A Rottweiler puppy should eat between 800 and 2,200 calories, spread out over 3 to 4 meals per day, up until they are 16 months old. There is a big discrepancy between the minimum and maxim calories. This is because the amount of food you feed your Rottweiler puppy will depend on how much they weigh, how active they are, and how fast they grow.
The best dog food for a Rottweiler puppy should contain a balanced amount of protein, fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamins, and minerals. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is also an important ingredient as it increases puppies’ brain development.
To avoid common health problems associated with large breed puppies, the best puppy food for Rottweilers should be specifically designed to meet a large breed puppy’s nutritional needs. Most notably, puppies that experience growth spurts too quickly can have problems associated with joint pain.
Macronutrients: Proteins, Carbs, Fats split
Macronutrients are the essential elements required for growth and development. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has researched and determined the standard percentages of protein, carbs, and fat that dog foods should contain. These are the recommended amounts for a Rottweiler:
Protein
The protein levels for this breed are relatively high in comparison to other dog breeds. This is because Rottweilers require the amino acids found in protein to help develop and maintain their muscle mass.
When evaluating different dog foods for Rottweilers, always make sure the protein source is high-quality, and ideally from whole animal meats. The protein should be listed as the first ingredient. Avoid dog foods that list animal by-products as they do not contain the same complex amino acids as pure animal meat.
Carbohydrates
When choosing dog food for Rottweilers, it is important to compare the source of carbohydrates. The best dog food contains complex carbohydrates that come from ingredients like sweet potatoes, beans, and brown rice. It is important to avoid simple carbohydrates, like corn, corn meal, wheat, and soy, as they can cause huge influxes and dips in your dog’s blood sugar over a short period of time.
Fat
It is important to check the dog food you choose contains a healthy percentage of fat. Omega-3 and omega-6 will contribute to the overall health of your dog’s cardiac system. Plus, it will help your dog have a healthy coat and skin. Fat in dog food should come in the form of animal fat, like chicken fat, salmon oil, or plant-based fats, like flaxseed or sunflower oils.
Is Pedigree Good for Rottweilers?
One brand we suggest to avoid feeding your dog would be Pedigree dry food. The first five ingredients in this adult dry dog food are ground whole grain corn, meat and bone meal, corn gluten meal, animal fat, and soybean meal.
It also contains chicken by-product meal, which should be distinguished from chicken meal. If the word by-product is there, it means the protein source could be coming from animal organs. Plus, instead of identifying the source of protein, it simply lists in the ingredients “meat and bone meal.” The best dog food will specifically name a protein, like chicken or turkey.
The first ingredient in Pedigree is corn, which causes unhealthy spikes in dogs’ blood sugar. Also, it does not specify what type of animal fat is included in the dog food. All of these issues are the reason for concern and it is best to steer away from this dog food brand.
So what is the best dog food brand for Rottweilers? Keep reading to find out the top 5 reviews.
Grain Sorghum
A new topic of conversation in the dog food realm is grain sorghum. Whole grain sorghum is a plant that can be made into many things including sorghum syrup, sorghum flour, and sorghum bran. In its syrup form, it has no nutritional value, however, in its grain form, it does provide protein and fiber.
There are many ongoing debates about whether it is the next “superfood” for dogs. What you do need to know is that it is a gluten-free and non-GMO grain. If your dog has a grain allergy it is probably best to avoid the ingredient altogether. Otherwise, there are not a lot of cons to it being included in your dog’s food.
Common Health Problems
Overall, Rottweilers are usually healthy dogs and don't have many breed specific problems. They can suffer from common health issues like joint problems, obesity, bloat, and allergies. They have an average life expectancy of 9 to 10 years. Food is the best medicine to combat some of the common health problems this breed is prone to experiencing.
Joint Problems
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
Like a lot of dog breeds, Rottweilers are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. This occurs when the hip or elbow becomes malformed and the bone no longer fits into the joint properly. The best preventative measure for this common issue is to keep your dog at a healthy weight. When dogs are a healthy weight, they don’t have additional strain and pressure on their joints.
Dog food that includes glucosamine and chondroitin is also key as those are the best ingredients for joint health. Fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, help reduce inflammation of the joints.
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Another common health issue Rottweilers face is osteochondritis dissecans. This ailment occurs when cartilage in the shoulders becomes damaged. It is typically the result of puppies growing up and developing too fast.
It is important to feed your Rottweiler puppy high-quality food from the very start. Choose dog food specifically formulated for large breed puppies.
Lastly, it is important to stay consistent with the amount of food you give your puppy. An increase in food should be determined based on their size and activity level. Especially as a puppy you should review their weight every few weeks and adjusting their calorie intake accordingly.
Obesity
Rottweilers love to eat everything and anything. As a result, Rottweilers are prone to obesity. If your dog is overweight or obese, the extra pounds put additional strain on the cardiac system, the skeletal system, and joints, all of which can lead to even more health problems. You should see your vet if you are concerned about your dog's weight. It is always a good idea to weigh your dog at each annual vet visit.
As previously mentioned, avoid feeding your Rottweiler that contain “filler” ingredients like corn and soy as they have very little substance or nutritional value. Good Rottweiler food should consist of ingredients that have a purpose, and provide them the essential nutrients needed to keep them healthy.
Bloat
Because of their love for eating, you will probably find that your Rottweiler eats extremely fast. Bloat is a fatal condition that can happen to any dog. It occurs when the dog’s stomach is filled with food, water, or gas, and puts pressure on other organs. This limits blood flow and can be fatal.
While it is scary, the most important thing you can do is keep an eye on your dog’s physical activity for 30 minutes before and after mealtime. This will allow them the time to properly digest their food, reducing the chance of bloat.
Encouraging your dog to eat slowly can also help reduce the risk of bloat. There are different feeding bowls you can purchase that are suitable for slowing down the rate your dog consumes their food. Also, the best Rottweiler dog food that has large kibble pieces, as your dog will eat one at a time instead of gobbling their food.
Allergies
This breed is particularly prone to allergies. If you notice your Rottweiler has dry and itchy skin or is constantly sick to their stomach, you should talk to your vet.
Typically, if a dog is suspected of having a food allergy, a vet will suggest using food with only one protein source. The most common are chicken and beef. If the symptoms continue you will stop feeding your dog the chicken or beef, and try a different high-quality protein, like ocean fish, rabbit, and lamb. You may also want to try dog foods that only have natural ingredients or has a very limited ingredient list.
If your dog does have food allergies, it is imperative that you monitor the ingredients in treats as well. Just because the front of the bag says they are bacon flavored, chicken or chicken meal could still be on the ingredient list.
The Best Dog Foods for a Rottweiler
1. The Skin & Coat Dry Dog Food by Diamond Naturals
Skin and Coat, Real Salmon and Potato Recipe Dog Food by Diamond Naturals is the best dry food to feed a Rottweiler. The wild-caught salmon is a high-quality ingredient and the inclusion of fish meal makes this a protein-packed food. It is grain-free and contains no wheat, corn, no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
In addition to being an excellent source of protein, this dog food contains a high amount of omega fatty acids thanks to ingredients like salmon, chia seeds, flax seeds, and coconut. These ingredients help maintain a healthy coat and skin as well as support a healthy heart.
This dog food also contains fruits and vegetables to encourage digestive health and antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to provide a boost to the immune system. Diamond Naturals Salmon and Potato Recipe has all of the ingredients to provide your Rottweiler with the necessary nutrients to sustain their active lifestyle.
The High Prairie Puppy Premium Dry Dog Food by Taste of the Wild is the best dog food for a Rottweiler puppy. The meat sources are pasture-raised bison and venison, providing an excellent alternative protein source from poultry. Plus it has 28% protein, which is a perfect amount for a growing Rottweiler puppy.
The best food for a Rottweiler puppy also contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which comes from omega-3 fatty acids. DHA is proven to assist in a young puppy’s brain development. Especially for this dog food, the omega-3 comes from the ingredient of salmon oil.
Taste of the Wild’s High Prairie recipe also contains high levels of antioxidants from ingredients like sweet potatoes, blueberries, and peas. It also has a balance of vitamins and minerals to help sustain a healthy immune system. Lastly, Taste of the Wild contains species-specific probiotics that are developed specifically to aid dogs’ digestive systems.
Your Rottweiler will love the taste of Eukanuba breed specific Lamb and Rice Adult Dry Dog Food. Its special formula is designed to provide the necessary nutrients for an active, large breed adult. The combination of high-quality protein from the lamb, as well as high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, all help support healthy joints and promote lean muscle development.
The kibble is specially shaped and sized to help clean teeth and prevent tartar and plaque build-up. The dog food also contains a balance of probiotics and natural fiber to assist with a healthy digestive system. The fish oil and vitamin E will help your dog’s coat grow thick and shiny. If your Rottweiler is extremely active, Eukanuba’s Lamb and Rice dry dog food for large breed dogs is the best choice.
Dry Dog Food by Wag comes in five different protein flavors: chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and salmon. Because of its variety in flavors, this is the best dog food for Rottweiler with allergies. Most flavors have 35% protein content which is great for an active Rottweiler. The first ingredient in every kind of Wag’s dog food is protein.
It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or chemical preservatives. It is also grain-free and does not contain corn or wheat.
In addition to containing high levels of protein, Wag Dry Dog Food also contains nutritional and fiber-filled vegetables like peas and lentils. Salmon oil and flaxseeds provided the fatty acids and vitamin E required to maintain a healthy coat and skin, as well as a strong heart.
The Life Protection Formula for Senior Dogs by Blue Buffalo is the best dog food for Rottweilers at the age of 7 or older. It contains Blue Buffalo Lifesource Bits which is special blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the dog’s immune system and life stage requirements.
The first ingredient of this dry dog food is deboned chicken and it also includes brown rice and chicken meal. It does not contain any by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
In addition to the deboned chicken and chicken meal, this product contains vegetables (carrots and peas), fruit (dried blueberries and dried cranberries), and wholesome grains (brown rice), all of which contribute to a healthy Rottweilers diet. Blue Buffalo also includes glucosamine and chondroitin to help your senior Rottweiler maintain mobility even as they age.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for an adult, senior, or puppy, there are excellent high-quality dog foods for Rottweilers available on the market. Diamond Naturals Skin and Coat, Real Salmon and Potato Recipe is the best dry dog food for Rottweilers. The company is extremely transparent with their ingredients, and it provides an excellent source of protein through high-quality ingredients. The high levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are great additions.
The best Rottweiler puppy food is produced by Taste of the Wild. Its alternative protein ingredients are great for dogs will allergies and the sweet potatoes and blueberries will ensure their immune system stays strong. The best foods for Rottie puppies will be specifically designed for large breeds, and Taste of the Wild meets this requirement.
By feeding the best food for a Rottweiler dog, you will ensure they have strong bones and joints, a healthy heart, and enough energy to sustain them throughout the day. Don't be intimidated by their size! A Rottweiler will be the best companion for your hiking and camping adventures, and will always be very loyal.
