Best Dog Food for Rottweilers : 15 Healthy Recipes Reviewed by Budget, Diet and Life Stage
Quick Guide
- What is the Best Dog Food for Rottweilers?
- Understanding a Rottweiler’s Diet Requirements
- Special Dietary Considerations for Rottweilers
- Rottweiler Feeding Chart
- The Best Dog Food for Rottweilers: Our Top 15 Picks for 2023
- Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Adult Recipe
- American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Large-Breed Adult Recipe
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Adult Dry Food
- NomNom Fresh Food Delivery Service
- FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe
- Holistic Select Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Large & Giant Breed Recipe
- 3 more Top Rated (5 Star) Rottweiler Adult Foods
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Salmon Large-Breed Recipe
- Halo Holistic Chicken Large Breed Adult Recipe
- Nutro Grain-Free Pasture-Fed Lamb and Rice Large Breed Recipe
- 3 Top Rated (5 Star) Rottweiler Puppy Foods
- 2 Picks for Rottweiler Senior Foods
- Our FAQ and Rottweiler Feeding Guide
- Rottweiler Dog Food – A Final Word
The Rottweiler is a large-breed dog with a heavy, muscular build and a black-and-tan coat.
Due to their size and build, these dogs have a somewhat intimidating appearance. Though they have been used as police dogs and guard dogs, they were actually developed for herding. Rottweilers have excellent stamina but only moderate needs for exercise. They are also intelligent, and they generally respond well to training. They may not be the most dog-friendly but they can get along with children when raised with them, so they are adaptable as family pets.
The Rottweiler varies greatly in size, standing between 22 and 27 inches tall and weighing 75 to 110 pounds. Though their needs for exercise are moderate, these dogs need a lot of calories and protein to maintain their muscle mass. Unfortunately, they are prone to food allergies which can make it a little tricky to find the right dog food.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:
What is the Best Dog Food for Rottweilers?
Understanding a Rottweiler’s Diet Requirements
All dogs have the same general requirements for nutrients in their diet. Protein is the most important nutrient and it provides the building blocks for strong muscles and lean muscle mass. It should come from animal-based sources like meat, poultry, and fish because your dog is primarily carnivorous, and his body is better able to digest and absorb nutrients from animal sources than from plant sources.
Fat provides a concentrated source of energy for dogs, and your Rottweiler’s need for this nutrient are moderate-to-high depending on his activity level. Fats are the easiest for your dog to metabolize when they come from animal sources like chicken fat and salmon oil. Plant fats can be used for supplemental energy and to help balance the omega-3 and omega-6 fat content.
Your Rottweiler doesn’t have any specific needs for carbohydrates, but these ingredients can provide additional energy as well as fiber and essential nutrients. For most dogs, whole grains and vegetables are a digestible source of carbohydrates. For allergy-prone dogs like the Rottweiler, however, a grain-free option like starchy vegetables, beans, or legumes may be better. You should also look for a diet rich in fiber, somewhere between 3% and 5% is best.
- Puppy Rottweilers Diet – As a puppy, your Rottweiler needs a minimum of 22% protein and 8% fat in his diet. Additional protein will help him grow strong muscles and fat will provide for his energy needs. Choose a large-breed puppy food to ensure that your puppy grows properly but doesn’t grow so fast that he has an increased risk for musculoskeletal issues as an adult.
- Adult Rottweilers Diet – When your Rottweiler reaches his full size, switch to a large-breed adult recipe that provides a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat. More protein is better to maintain lean muscle mass with controlled fat to prevent obesity.
- Senior Rottweilers Diet – As your Rottweiler gets older, his metabolism slows down and his risk for obesity goes up. Switching to a low-fat or large-breed senior recipe can help maintain a healthy body weight.
A good dog food will meet your dog’s basic requirements for protein, fat, and carbohydrates but your Rottweiler can also benefit from fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy supplements. Fresh fruits and veggies provide natural sources for key nutrients and they are more biologically valuable than synthetic supplements. Chelated minerals are mineral supplements that have been chemically bound to protein molecules which increases their absorption. Your dog can also benefit from prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
Special Dietary Considerations for Rottweilers
The Rottweiler has an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years which is short but is about average for breeds of his size. This breed is highly prone to obesity, so a high-quality diet with moderate calorie content is a must. There are also some health problems to which the breed is prone which may necessitate some special dietary considerations.
Here is a quick list of the health problems to which the Rottweiler may be prone:
- Allergies
- Cataracts
- Cardiomyopathy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Obesity
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Subaortic Stenosis
- Von Willebrand Disease
Let’s take a closer look at some of these health problems.
Many of the health problems to which the Rottweiler is prone can be divided into groups such as eye problems, musculoskeletal issues, and inherited health problems. Some of the eye problems to which the breed is prone include cataracts, eyelid deformities, and progressive retinal atrophy. A cataract is simply an opacity in the lens of the eye – it can happen in one or both eyes and may cause a partial or complete obstruction of vision. Progressive retinal atrophy is a condition that causes the gradual deterioration of the retina and may lead to blindness.
Some of the inherited health problems to which the Rottweiler is prone include hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy, and subaortic stenosis. The first of these is caused by an underactive thyroid gland and the latter two are heart problems. Rottweilers can also inherit musculoskeletal issues like hip and elbow dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is condition in which the femur bone slips out of the hip joint, causing inflammation and an increased risk for arthritis. Elbow dysplasia is a similar defect in the elbow. Both of these conditions can be benefited by higher levels of glucosamine and chondroitin in the diet.
Not only are Rottweilers prone to joint problems based on their size, but they also have a higher risk for a condition called gastric dilation or bloat. This is a condition in which the stomach fills with air and twists on its axis, cutting off blood flow and causing a life-threatening condition. It happens when your dog eats too much, eats too fast, or swallows too much air while he is eating.
In addition to these health problems, the Rottweiler also has a higher risk for food allergies and sensitivities than other breeds. Some of the most common food allergens for dogs include wheat, corn, and soy as well as common proteins like chicken, beef, and pork. Feeding your dog high-quality natural diet made with a limited number of ingredients can reduce the risk for triggering food allergies. This breed is also highly prone to obesity so, in addition to giving your dog plenty of exercise, make sure his diet is rich in protein but moderate in fat.
Rottweiler Feeding Chart
When your Rottweiler is a puppy, the focus is on steady growth and muscle development. A large-breed puppy recipe will ensure that your dog gets enough protein to develop strong muscles without so much fat that he grows at an unsafe rate. Rapid growth in large breeds can increase the risk of joint problems later in life. Large-breed puppy foods contain controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus to help minimize that risk. Feed your Rottweiler puppy two meals a day (or three small meals for very active puppies during the first 6 months).
Once your Rottweiler reaches 12 months of age or about 75% of his adult size, switch to a large-breed adult recipe. These recipes are rich in protein to maintain lean muscle mass with moderate fat content for energy. Preventing obesity is very important for adult and senior Rottweilers, so pay close attention to the feeding recommendations on the package and keep an eye on your dog’s body weight and condition. You may need to make adjustments to his feeding over the course of his life.
The Best Dog Food for Rottweilers: Our Top 15 Picks for 2023
Now that you have a better understanding of your Rottweiler’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for dog food! Remember, the best Rottweiler food will be founded on high-quality, natural ingredients to ensure digestibility and balanced nutrition. The focus is on lean protein to maintain muscle mass with moderate fat content for energy without risking obesity. You should also look for glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support and probiotics for digestion.
Rank | Dog Food | Price | Rating |
Overall Best | $3.02/lb |
A+
| |
Most Affordable | $1.49/lb |
A+
| |
Most Popular | $1.55/lb |
A+
| |
Super Premium | Varies |
A+
| |
Allergies | $2.56/lb |
A
| |
Sensitive | $1.89/lb |
A
|
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Adult Recipe
Overall Best Food for Rottweilers: To provide your Rottweiler with the nutritional benefits of raw food with the convenience and dental benefits of dry food, try this Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Adult Recipe. This recipe features high-protein kibble infused with freeze-dried raw pieces to provide a boost of nutrition and natural flavor. This recipe contains deboned chicken as the main ingredient – it is a lean source of protein and a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. This recipe also contains a blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, grain-free carbohydrates for easy digestibility, and fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure balanced nutrition from biologically valuable sources.
- Pros: High-protein kibble infused with freeze-dried raw pieces, deboned chicken as the main ingredient, grain-free carbohydrates for digestibility, rich in omega fatty acids, fresh fruits and vegetables
- Cons: Contains some plant protein (potato protein), expensive to feed as a staple diet
American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Large-Breed Adult Recipe
Most Affordable Food: If you’re worried about providing your Rottweiler with a quality diet on a limited budget, this American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Large-Breed Adult Recipe is just what you need. Made with grain-free carbohydrates and protein-rich nutrition, this recipe is formulated specifically for large breeds. It contains deboned salmon as the main ingredient with chicken meal for supplemental protein and a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. This recipe contains nutrient-rich chicken fat for energy and essential fatty acids with fresh fruits and veggies to provide biologically valuable sources of key nutrients. It also contains chelated minerals for nutritional balance and optimal nutrient absorption.
- Pros: High-quality sources of animal protein, rich in essential fatty acids, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, chelated minerals, no artificial additives
- Cons: main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Adult Dry Food
Most Popular Food: If you don’t know where to start in looking for a high-quality Rottweiler diet, try one of the most popular dog foods on the market – Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Adult Dry Food. This recipe features a blend of premium roasted meats in a digestible grain-free diet that your dog will love. It contains buffalo as the main ingredient with supplemental protein from lamb, chicken, eggs, bison, venison, and beef. Grain-free carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas provide energy and fiber with dried fermentation products for additional digestive support.
- Pros: Several premium animal proteins, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, rich in omega fatty acids, chelated minerals, prebiotics and probiotics
- Cons: Main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil), could be higher in fiber
NomNom Fresh Food Delivery Service
Super Premium Food: If you want to provide your Rottweiler with a nutrient-rich diet that is highly digestible, try NomNom. NomNom is a fresh food delivery service for dogs that offers wholesome, natural meals catered to your dog’s individual needs and preferences. You simply fill out a profile on the website to provide information about your dog’s breed and size then select a recipe from their collection. From there, you receive monthly deliveries of freshly prepared meals portioned perfectly for your dog. Each recipe is prepared fresh from the highest quality ingredients and delivered right to your door in pre-portioned packs for your convenience.
- Pros: Made with the freshest ingredients, custom meals for your dog, delivered fresh to your door, perfectly portioned pouches, automatic shipments
- Cons: Limited number of recipe options, very expensive to feed, delivery restrictions in some areas
FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe
Best Food for Rottweilers with Allergies: If your Rottweiler has food allergies, you need a diet that will reduce the risk for triggering those allergies. This FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe is a great option because not only is it made with limited ingredients, but it is grain-free and features a single source of novel protein. This recipe contains wild herring as the main ingredient which is also a valuable source of omega fatty acids. It contains grain-free carbohydrates like potatoes and is supplemented with chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption. It also comes in larger kibbles for controlled eating.
- Pros: Single source of novel protein, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, rich in essential fatty acids, limited number of main ingredients, chelated minerals, glucosamine, large kibble size
- Cons: May be too high in fiber for some dogs, expensive to feed as a staple diet
Holistic Select Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Large & Giant Breed Recipe
Best Food for Rottweilers with Sensitive Stomachs: If your Rottweiler has a sensitive stomach, a highly digestible formula like this Holistic Select Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Large & Giant Breed Recipe might be a good option. Not only is it made with premium-quality ingredients, but it is formulated for both large and giant breeds – the Rottweiler walks the line between these two. This recipe features chicken meal as a lean but concentrated source of protein as well as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. It also contains digestible whole-grain carbohydrates like brown rice and oatmeal. It offers a balance of omega fatty acids as well as plenty of calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and joints.
- Pros: Formulated for large and giant breeds, high-quality digestible ingredients, chicken meal for lean protein, grain-free carbohydrates, calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and joints
- Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet
3 more Top Rated (5 Star) Rottweiler Adult Foods
Rank | Dog Food | Price | Rating |
Adult Food | $2.21/lb |
A+
| |
Adult Food | $3.05/lb |
A
| |
Adult Food | $1.66/lb |
A-
|
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Salmon Large-Breed Recipe
Because the Rottweiler is a massive breed, he needs high levels of protein to sustain his lean muscle mass. This Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Salmon Large-Breed Recipe is an excellent source of protein from deboned salmon which also provides a blend of omega fatty acids. It contains grain-free carbohydrates for digestibility with essential vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants for balance.
Halo Holistic Chicken Large Breed Adult Recipe
To provide your Rottweiler with high-quality nutrition, consider a holistic recipe made with all-natural ingredients like this Halo Holistic Chicken Large Breed Adult Recipe. This recipe features real, whole chicken as the main ingredient with other wholesome inclusions such as oats, barley, sweet potatoes, and flaxseed. Plus, it comes in a larger kibble size to control your dog’s eating speed.
Nutro Grain-Free Pasture-Fed Lamb and Rice Large Breed Recipe
If your Rottweiler doesn’t have a problem tolerating grains, this Nutro Grain-Free Pasture-Fed Lamb and Rice Large Breed Recipe is a good choice. It features pasture-fed lamb as the main ingredient which is a lean source of protein and natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. It also contains digestible whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal with probiotics for digestive support.
3 Top Rated (5 Star) Rottweiler Puppy Foods
Rank | Dog Food | Price | Rating |
Puppy Food | $1.88/lb |
A+
| |
Puppy Food | $1.89/lb |
A
| |
Puppy Food | $2.84/lb |
A
|
Wellness Complete Health Chicken, Brown Rice, & Salmon Meal Large Breed Puppy Recipe
If your Rottweiler puppy doesn’t have a problem with grains, this Wellness Complete Health Chicken, Brown Rice, & Salmon Meal Large Breed Puppy Recipe could be an excellent choice. Formulated for complete and balanced nutrition in large breeds, this recipe provides plenty of protein to develop strong muscles with healthy fats for energy and growth. It also contains DHA for brain development.
Holistic Select Lamb Meal Large & Giant Breed Puppy Recipe
To ensure optimal nutrition and high digestibility for your Rottweiler puppy, try this Holistic Select Lamb Meal Large & Giant Breed Puppy Recipe. This holistic recipe features all-natural ingredients including lamb meal and whole-grain oatmeal, not to mention other whole food ingredients. It provides a blend of omega fatty acids with DHA for brain development and antioxidants for healthy immunity.
Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy Recipe
If you’re looking for a grain-free recipe formulated specifically for large breeds, try this Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy Recipe. This recipe features 100% fresh turkey, salmon, and duck for a protein-rich formula that is also rich in omega fatty acids. It also contains grain-free carbohydrates for digestibility as well as prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion.
2 Picks for Rottweiler Senior Foods
Rank | Dog Food | Price | Rating |
Senior Food | $1.92/lb |
A
| |
Senior Food | $2.94/lb |
A
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Blue Buffalo Basics Healthy Weight Turkey & Potato Adult Recipe
If your Rottweiler has food allergies or sensitivities, this Blue Buffalo Basics Healthy Weight Turkey & Potato Adult Recipe might be a good option as he gets older. It is a limited ingredient diet made with digestible grain-free carbohydrates and features deboned turkey as a lean source of protein. It is also rich in omega fatty acids with calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth.
Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Weight Management Senior Recipe
Developed specifically for large breeds like your Rottweiler, this Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Weight Management Senior Recipe is a great choice for senior dogs. It features deboned turkey as a lean source of protein with grain-free carbohydrates for digestibility and green-lipped mussels as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bones and joints.
Our FAQ and Rottweiler Feeding Guide
In addition to choosing a healthy and high-quality diet for your Rottweiler, you also need to think about the practical aspects of feeding him and keeping his food fresh. When it comes to keeping your dog’s food fresh, you should know that it will start losing some of its nutritional integrity as soon as it is exposed to air. The good news is that the inside of the dog food bag is treated to preserve the food. It can still be exposed to air, however, so you should place the entire bag in an airtight container to maximize the shelf life.
Because your Rottweiler eats anywhere from 2 to 5 cups at each meal, you’ll need a large dog bowl. Don’t shop by price because you’ll end up with a low-quality product that needs to be replaced after a couple of months. Stainless steel is the best option because it is highly durable while still being affordable. It is also easy to clean and won’t harbor bacteria because it doesn’t scratch easily. Because the Rottweiler is prone to bloat, you might also consider a slow-feed bowl to keep him from eating too fast. Just don’t use a raised dog bowl because this could cause your dog to swallow air as he breathes, increasing his risk for bloat.
And now, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about feeding a Rottweiler:
How much food should I feed my Rottweiler?
The exact amount of food you give your Rottweiler each day will depend on his age, weight, and activity level as well as the calorie content of the dog food you choose. Generally speaking, however, you’ll be feeding your Rottweiler anywhere between 4 cups and 10 cups of food per day. Because this is such a giant range, you need to pay close attention to your dog’s body weight and adjust his feeding as he grows and ages. Start with a large-breed dog food and refer to the feeding recommendations according to your dog’s age and weight to determine his daily portion.
How many times a day should I feed my Rottweiler?
As a puppy, your Rottweiler may need three small meals a day for the first 6 months. After that, however, it is best to drop down to two meals a day – one in the morning and one in the evening.
What kind of food do Rottweilers eat?
The best dog food for any dog is made from high-quality, natural ingredients and formulated to meet his nutritional needs. Fresh food is a great option for Rottweilers because of their high risk for food allergies. Fresh food offers optimal digestibility and nutritional quality, and many recipes are grain-free. If you can’t afford fresh food, dehydrated or freeze-dried food is a good option – it is dried instead of cooked to preserve more of the original nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients. If you can’t afford those, try a high-quality dry food made with natural ingredients – one infused with freeze-dried raw pieces might be a good choice to get the benefits of both raw and dry food.
What vegetables are good in a Rottweiler food?
Fresh vegetables provide your dog with dietary fiber as well as natural sources for vitamins and minerals. As such, they are a valuable addition to any high-quality dog food. Here are some of the best vegetables for Rottweilers:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Cucumber
- Green beans
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Sweet potato
- Zucchini
Providing your dog with fresh vegetables as a healthy snack is a good idea even if the dog food you choose contains fresh vegetables. Just make sure that the vegetables you choose are safe for dogs to eat and that you clean them well before feeding. You should also feed small amounts to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach from an overload of fiber.
Do Rottweilers need grain-free dog food?
There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the long-term safety of grain-free recipes for dogs, but the fact remains that there is no conclusive evidence as of yet. Keep in mind, however, that the Rottweiler is more prone to food allergies than other breeds and grains are a common culprit for food allergies. If your dog is sensitive or allergic to grains, by all means choose a grain-free recipe. If he can tolerate grains, however, there is no reason to.
Rottweiler Dog Food – A Final Word
Now that you know the basics about your Rottweiler’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for the best Rottweiler food. Remember to look for a product that is founded on high-quality, natural ingredients to ensure digestibility and balanced nutrition. The focus is on lean protein to maintain muscle mass with moderate fat content for energy without risking obesity. You should also look for glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support and probiotics for digestion.
If you’re still not sure where to start in choosing the best Rottweiler dog food, try one of our top 15 picks reviewed above!