Are you looking for the best dog food for Rottweilers? Rottweiler puppies, descendants of the Roman legions’ mastiffs, are robust with strength and a protective instinct. In the US, they’ve consistently ranked among the top 10 popular breeds, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). To ensure their growth into strong adults, providing them with a balanced, high-quality diet is crucial.
For these large breeds, prioritize diets rich in quality animal proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. Look for dog foods listed as meat protein sources at the top of the ingredient list. Optimal skin and coat health is maintained through healthy fats containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in sources like fish oil, flaxseed, or chicken fat.
Steer clear of dog foods containing artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, opting for natural, minimally processed options. Want to know our top picks for the best dog food for Rottweilers? Stay tuned as we answer your most frequently asked questions about Rottweiler Puppies.
Best Dog Food For Rottweiler
Nom Nom Fresh
Nom Nom Fresh
Meet Nom Nom Fresh Beef Mash, your Rottweiler’s ultimate nutrition solution!
High-quality protein, balanced fat-to-protein ratio, and individually cooked ingredients guarantee top-tier nourishment.
Opt for Nom Nom for premium quality and happy pups!
Pros
High-quality, fresh ingredients
Balanced fat-to-protein ratio
Ingredients cooked individually
Grain-free recipe
Cons
Higher cost
Limited availability
Nom Nom Fresh Beef Mash stands out among the Nom Nom Fresh product line, offering four fresh recipes. This option derives its protein primarily from beef, boasting 34.8% protein, 17.4% fat, and 39.8% estimated carbs, with a balanced fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Each ingredient undergoes gentle individual cooking before blending to preserve nutrients and enhance digestibility.
- Key Ingredients: Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas
- Type: Grain-Free
- Protein Percentage: 34.8%
- AAFCO Standards: All Life Stages
- Best For: Puppies & Dogs
Sample Review: “Most of all, I love giving my pets top-notch food that I hope will contribute to their longevity and overall wellbeing.”
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe: ideal for your Rottweiler’s growth!
Packed with chicken protein and essential DHA, pet parents trust it for top-notch nutrition.
Opt for Blue Buffalo for a thriving, happy puppy!
Pros
High-quality protein from chicken
Wholesome grains and antioxidant-rich ingredients
Formulated for large-breed puppy health
Cons
Contains grains, may not be suitable for all diets
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe excels within the Blue Buffalo Life Protection line, offering 21 dry recipes. With chicken as the primary protein source, it boasts 28.9% protein, 16.7% fat, and 46.4% estimated carbs, resulting in a balanced fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.
Designed for large-breed puppy health, this formula features high-quality deboned chicken, wholesome grains, antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, and essential nutrients like DHA.
- Key Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 28.9%
- AAFCO Standards: Growth & Reproduction
- Best For: Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Females
Sample Review: “Our Rottweiler has thrived on Blue Buffalo since she was 8 weeks old. Shiny coat, growing well, and never any stomach issues.”
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice: perfect for your Rottweiler pup’s growth!
With high-quality lamb protein and essential nutrients, it ensures optimal health.
Trusted and praised by pet parents, Diamond Naturals is the top choice for a thriving, happy puppy!
Pros
High-quality protein from lamb
Balanced nutrition for puppies
Contains essential nutrients for development
Enhanced with superfoods and probiotics
Cons
Includes grains, which may not be suitable for all diets
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula stands out within the Diamond Naturals Dry line, boasting 13 dry recipes.
This formula derives its primary protein from lamb, offering 30% protein, 16.7% fat, and 45.3% estimated carbs, resulting in a balanced fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
- Key Ingredients: Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, grain sorghum
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 30%
- AAFCO Standards: All Life Stages
- Best For: Puppies & Dogs
Sample Review:
“My Rottweiler puppy Gyra loves this food and is a picky eater. Let’s say she was a picky eater until I started feeding her this food. She loves it!!!! Nice shiny coat. I highly recommend feeding Diamond Naturals!! The best thing about feeding this puppy food is they don’t require a lot of it to maintain weight, so you save money. Go Diamond!!!!”
Nutro Natural Choice
Nutro Natural Choice
Introducing Nutro Natural Choice: ideal for your Rottweiler pup!
High-quality chicken, essential nutrients, and natural joint support promote growth and health.
Trusted by pet parents, Nutro ensures your pup thrives.
Opt for Nutro for a happy, healthy Rottweiler!
Pros
High-quality chicken protein
Supports brain and eye development
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Provides essential antioxidants
Cons
It contains grains, which may not be suitable for all diets
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Farm-Raised Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe stands out among the Nutro Natural Dry line, featuring 19 dry recipes. This formula derives its primary protein from chicken, offering 28.9% protein, 15.6% fat, and 47.6% estimated carbs, resulting in a balanced fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
- Key Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), whole grain sorghum, whole grain brown rice
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 28.9%
- AAFCO Standards: Growth & Reproduction
- Best For: Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Females
Sample Review: “Dog food is a big deal to me, and this one is top of the line. My dog has much smaller poops when she eats it, meaning she’s digesting the nutrients better. Plus, she loves it!”
Holistic Select
Holistic Select
Introducing Holistic Select: ideal for your Rottweiler pup!
With high-quality lamb protein and tailored nutrients for large breeds, it supports optimal growth.
Trusted by pet parents, Holistic Select ensures your puppy thrives.
Opt for Holistic Select for a happy, healthy Rottweiler!
Pros
High-quality lamb protein
Includes probiotics, fiber, and enzymes
Specifically for large-breed puppies
Larger kibble size
Cons
It contains grains, which may not be suitable for all diets
Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health stands out in the Holistic Select Dry line, offering 5 dry recipes. This formula features lamb as its primary protein source, providing 27.8% protein, 16.7% fat, and 47.6% estimated carbs, resulting in a balanced fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.
- Key Ingredients: Lamb meal, chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, barley
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 27.8%
- AAFCO Standards: Growth & Reproduction
- Best For: Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Females
Sample Review: “Bitzy and her sister Minnie are big girls at 227lbs. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal dry dog recipe keeps them happy and healthy since puppyhood. Thanks for keeping my girls in great shape!”
Redbarn Grain-Free Sky Recipe
Redbarn Grain-Free Sky Recipe
Introducing Redbarn Grain-Free Sky Recipe – perfect for your Rottweiler!
Packed with turkey protein and essential nutrients, it supports overall health, digestion, and immunity.
Trusted by pet parents, Redbarn ensures a thriving pup.
Opt for Redbarn for a happy, healthy Rottweiler!
Pros
High-quality turkey protein
Supports digestion with probiotics and fiber
Promotes skin and coat health with omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
Supports heart health with additional nutrients
Boosts immune system with vitamins A and E
Cons
It contains grains, which are not suitable for all diets
Redbarn Grain-Free Sky Recipe stands out in the Red Barn Grain-Free Dry line, featuring 3 dry recipes. This formula derives its primary protein from turkey, offering 31.1% protein, 16.7% fat, and 44.2% estimated carbs, resulting in a balanced fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.
It supports healthy digestion and is formulated with probiotics, miscanthus grass, and prebiotic fiber. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids from chicken and flaxseed promote healthy skin and coat. Methionine, taurine, and L-carnitine support heart health, while vitamins A and E bolster the immune system.
- Key Ingredients: Turkey, chicken, chicken meal, duck meal, turkey meal
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- AAFCO Standards: All Life Stages
- Best For: Puppies & Dogs
Sample Review: “Our girls love your food, and we tell everyone to buy from RedBarn. Thank you for making such quality dog food. We will continue to purchase from your RedBarn Family. God Bless you all.”
Jinx Jr. Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato
Jinx Jr. Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato
Introducing Jinx Jr. Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato – ideal for your Rottweiler pup!
Organic chicken, whole grains, and essential nutrients ensure optimal health and vitality.
Trusted by pet parents, Jinx Jr. Puppy is the perfect start for a happy, healthy puppy!
Pros
Made with organic chicken for muscle development
Includes whole grains for sustained energy and digestion
Contains essential vitamins and minerals for brain and heart function
Formulated for puppies’ specific needs
Non-GMO ingredients
Cons
None reported
Jinx Jr. Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato shines within the Jinx Dry line, offering 5 dry recipes. This formula derives its primary protein from chicken, providing 33.3% protein, 15.6% fat, and a balanced fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
Crafted with organic chicken for muscle development, whole grains for sustained energy and digestion, and essential vitamins and minerals for brain and heart function, this kibble recipe ensures your puppy thrives.
- Key Ingredients: Organic chicken, chicken meal, ground peas, pearled barley, brown rice
- Type: Grain-Inclusive
- Protein Percentage: 33.3%
- AAFCO Standards: All Life Stages
- Best For: Puppies & Dogs
Sample Review: “Kingston loved the Jinx Puppy Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Kibble! Made with organic, non-GMO ingredients and specially formulated for puppies, it was one of the best. It had all the nutrients Kingston needed to grow and thrive, and he enjoyed every bite.”
Merrick Classic Grain-Free Puppy
Merrick Classic Grain-Free Puppy
Introducing Merrick Classic Grain-Free Puppy Plate Beef Recipe In Gravy – packed with naturally deboned beef and boasting 44.4% protein for optimal growth.
Grain-free and nutrient-rich, it’s perfect for your Rottweiler puppy.
Choose Merrick for a happy, healthy pup!
Pros
Real USDA-inspected deboned beef
High protein content for growth
Grain-free for puppies and lactating females
Contains essential vitamins and minerals
Palatable gravy texture
Cons
Contains sweet potatoes and apples, which may not be suitable for all diets
Merrick Classic Grain-Free Puppy Plate Beef Recipe In Gravy stands out in the Merrick Classic Canned line, offering 10 wet recipes. This formula derives its primary protein from beef, providing 44.4% protein, 16.7% fat, and a balanced fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.
Crafted with natural USDA-inspected deboned beef, this recipe is 96% meat with all the essential vitamins and minerals for complete puppy nutrition.
- Key Ingredients: Deboned beef, beef broth, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples
- Type: Grain-Free
- Protein Percentage: 44.4%
- AAFCO Standards: Growth & Reproduction
- Best For: Puppies and Pregnant or Lactating Females
Sample Review:
“My pups enjoyed Merrick Beef Grain Free Wet Puppy Food. We mixed it with dry food for them, and they loved it! We have added Merrick canned dog food to our feeding regime.”
How To Choose The Best Dog Food For Rottweiler?
1. Low-Carb Diet With Moderate Protein
To keep your Rottweiler healthy:
- Focus on a low-carb diet with moderate protein.
- Opt for complex carbs like brown rice and sweet potatoes while avoiding fillers like corn and soy.
- Prioritize high-quality protein sources such as chicken and beef.
2. AAFCO Requirements
Support your Rottweiler’s joint health by choosing foods with anti-inflammatory ingredients like alfalfa and turmeric. Look for products that meet AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition.
3. Human Grade Dog Food
Consider human-grade dog food, legally suitable for human consumption and free from by-products and fillers. Practice portion control and monitor feeding frequency to prevent obesity.
4. Avoid Additives and Artificial Sweeteners
Avoid pet foods with additives and artificial sweeteners, as these can trigger allergies and other health issues in Rottweilers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is a Rottweiler puppy?
Rottweiler puppies’ size varies based on genetics, diet, and health.
- A newborn typically weighs about 1 pound (0.5 kilograms).
- They grow gradually; by 8 weeks, they can weigh 13.5 to 15 pounds (6 to 7 kilograms) or more.
- Rottweilers usually reach full adult size and weight between 18 months and 2 years old.
How much exercise does a Rottweiler puppy need?
Like all puppies, Rottweilers have developing bones and joints. Excessive high-impact exercise, like running on hard surfaces, can harm them in the long run. Opt for controlled, moderate exercise until their growth plates close at about 18 months.
For young Rottweiler puppies, aim for roughly 5 minutes of exercise per month of age. As they grow, gradually extend walks and playtime. Focus on controlled activities like walking, jogging, or light training.
Is a Rottweiler puppy a good family pet?
If introduced correctly, Rottweilers are affectionate and can thrive with young children.
However, each dog is unique and influenced by genetics, upbringing, and environment. A well-raised Rottweiler can become a loyal and loving family companion with proper training, socialization, and care.
What are the health problems of Rottweilers?
Given their size, Rottweilers have unique nutritional needs. Common concerns include joint health, with supplements like glucosamine recommended. They’re at high risk for osteosarcoma, so early detection is crucial. Obesity is a concern due to their hearty appetite and sedentary lifestyle. A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for their wellbeing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the best dog food for Rottweilers requires careful consideration of their unique nutritional needs and health considerations. Opting for high-quality, balanced diets with lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and joint-supporting supplements can contribute to their overall wellbeing and vitality.
It’s essential to prioritize foods that meet AAFCO guidelines and avoid additives and artificial ingredients that may pose health risks. By providing proper nutrition and portion control, Rottweiler owners can help their beloved companions thrive and lead healthy, active lives.