Best Biologically Appropriate Dog Food For Rottweilers

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Rottweilers thrive on a balanced, high-quality diet that meets their unique breed-specific needs. To keep your Rottweiler happy and healthy, it’s important to choose their food carefully. Here’s what you need to know about feeding your furry friend.

Rottweilers are known for their strength, loyalty, and love of playtime. With a muscular build and an impressive work ethic, these dogs require a diet that can keep up with their high energy levels. Their short, thick coat also means they can overheat easily, so it’s important to keep them cool and comfortable.

As a Rottweiler owner, you know that keeping your furry friend well-fed and content requires a lot of dedication and effort. But with the right diet and plenty of love and attention, your Rottweiler will thrive and bring joy to your life for years to come.

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Basics of Canine Nutrition

Dogs are the direct descendants of wolves, whose diets are made up entirely of meat, fat, and bone. While domesticated dogs are a far cry from their wolf ancestors, their nutritional needs remain extremely similar. Dogs are facultative carnivores, which means that they eat meat, fat, bone, and non-animal-based foods as opposed to obligate carnivores (like cats) that exclusively eat meat. 

Rottweilers puppy - Best Dog Food For Rottweilers

Thanks to centuries of selective breeding, dogs have adjusted to a diet that is higher in carbohydrates than the typical carnivore diet, and can thrive on these diets as long as a significant amount of that diet still consists of animal protein. A minimum of 18% dry matter protein is recommended for adult dogs, and the bare minimum protein content required by the Association of American Feed Control Officials. 

The term “dry matter” refers to dog foods that contain zero moisture, like kibble. 

We think your dog deserves more than the bare minimum, so shoot for a dry-matter protein percentage above 18% when choosing dog food for your Rottweiler. 

Rottweiler-Specific Nutrition Needs

All dog breeds have the same basic nutrition needs, but there are some breed-specific behavioral and health needs to look out for when considering the best food for Siberian Rottweilers:

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that can cause arthritis and mobility issues in dogs. Rottweilers are one of the breeds that are most prone to hip dysplasia, so it’s important to have your dog screened for the condition early on.
  • Bloat: Rottweilers are deep-chested dogs, which puts them at risk for bloat (also known as gastric torsion or twisted stomach). This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.
  • Obesity: Rottweilers love to eat and can be prone to weight gain, which can put them at risk for a range of health issues. It’s important to feed your Rottweiler a balanced diet and make sure they get plenty of exercise to help them maintain a healthy weight.
  • Cancer: Unfortunately, Rottweilers are at an increased risk for certain types of cancer, such as osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes).
Best Dog Food For Rottweilers

Rottweilers are not prone to overeating, so most won’t eat beyond the point of fullness, which also helps to maintain a healthy weight while ensuring they get enough calories. 

  • Size: Rottweilers range in size from around 40-60 lbs., and are considered a medium-large or large breed. You should feed your Rottweilers based on their weight according to the recommended serving size on your dog food packaging, while also considering activity level, and that the Rottweiler has a fast and efficient metabolism. 

Best Rottweilers Food, Rated

We’ve sniffed out our top contenders for the best dog food for Rottweilers, and here’s why! They all have:

  • Animal protein as the first ingredient
  • Two or more sources of animal protein
  • Healthy fat sources
  • Easy to digest carbohydrates (fruits and vegetables, limited grains)
  • Limited ingredients

1. Best Air-Dried: Sundays For Dogs Beef Recipe

Sundays For dogs woman pouring into bowl

If you struggle to get your Rottweiler to eat their food, but they love treats, they’ll probably love Sundays For Dogs. Air-dried in small pieces that look, taste, and feel like jerky, Sundays For Dogs can also be used as training treats if you’re working on teaching your Rottweiler new tricks, or they just deserve an extra snack at the end of a long hard day of naps. 

Other than the delicious recipe, we think Sundays For Dogs deserves consideration for the best food for Rottweilers thanks to the turmeric to reduce inflammation, blueberries for antioxidant and immune support, and tart cherries to protect the joints. 

First 5 IngredientsBeef
Beef heart
Beef liver
Beef Bone
Quinoa
Food TypeAir-Dried
Guaranteed Analysis30% Protein
20% Fat
3% Fiber
15% Moisture
Feeding InstructionsFeed ½ cup (2.2 oz.) per day or ¼ cup (1.1 oz.) per meal*
Cost Per Meal$1.92 per meal* – $69 for 72 oz. (best option for savings)
Get 35% off your first order + free shipping w/ code ROCKY35!
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2. Best Raw: We Feed Raw

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If you’ve ever considered feeding your dog raw food, We Feed Raw makes it super easy! We Feed Raw’s complete and balanced recipes are protein-forward and come frozen for easy storage. If your pup has never eaten raw before, remember to transition them slowly over several weeks, since a change to their diet can trigger gastrointestinal issues. 

You can choose from a variety of recipes, but we’re analyzing the venison recipe for the purposes of this blog. Here’s the guaranteed analysis of We Feed Raw on a dry matter basis; we’ve done some simple calculations to convert this hydrated food’s protein content into the same language used for dry food. 

First 5 IngredientsVenison
Beef heart
Beef liver
Beef kidney
Beef necks with bone
Food TypeRaw
Guaranteed Analysis42.5% protein (dry matter, 13% hydrated)
34.9% fat (dry matter, 10.7% hydrated)
3.27% fiber (dry matter, 1% hydrated)
Feeding InstructionsFeed 2% of ideal body weight daily. For a 50 lb. Rottweiler , this would be 1 lb. per day, or ½ lb. per meal. 
Cost Per Meal$5 ($49.99 for 5 lbs.)
Save 25% off your first subscription trial box.

Buy From We Feed Raw

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3. Best Freeze Dried: BIXBI

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BIXBI’s Rawbble is the perfect middle ground between kibble and feeding raw. Made from freeze-dried raw ingredients formed into kibble-shaped bits, your Rottweiler gets the goodness of a raw diet and you get the simplicity of feeding kibble. What makes Rawbble extra special is that you can serve it dry or rehydrated! 

To rehydrate, add ½ cup of warm water for every cup of Rawbble, and allow to sit for a few minutes until the pieces have gone soft. Completely grain and gluten-free, Rawbble is unlike any kibble you’ve ever fed your dog. 

Like the other brands on this list, BIXBI offers a variety of flavors and recipes, but we’re focusing on the beef. 

First 5 IngredientsBeef
Beef liver
Beef kidney
Beef bone
Pumpkin
Food TypeFreeze Dried
Guaranteed Analysis50% protein (dry matter)
34% fat (dry matter)
4% fiber (dry matter)
Feeding InstructionsA 50 lb. Rottweiler should eat 5 ¼ c. of Rawbble daily, or a little more than 2 cups at each meal. 
Cost Per Meal$6.30 ($52.79 for 26 oz.)

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4. Best Fresh-Frozen: The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe

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Source: @TheFarmersDog

The Farmer’s Dog makes fresh-frozen formulas that taste as good as human food! If you’ve got a picky Rottweiler , we can pretty much guarantee they’ll love this brand. Made from whole ingredients, you never have to worry about hidden filler with The Farmer’s Dog. They also make feeding super easy by portioning your dog’s food and recommending the right calorie count.  

First 5 IngredientsBeef, Sweet Potato, Lentils, Carrot, Beef Liver
Food TypeFresh-frozen, grain-inclusive
Guaranteed Analysis (for comparison to Dry Food)39% Protein – 22% Fat – 2% Fiber
Feeding InstructionsFeeding instructions are customized by The Farmer’s Dog for your dog!
Cost Per Meal$5 per meal or about $70 for two weeks of food. This price will depend on the size of your Rottweiler

Buy From The Farmer’s Dog

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FAQ

What else do you need to know about feeding your Rottweiler ? Here are a few frequently asked questions!

What is the best dog food for a senior Rottweiler ?

Rottweilers can be fed using any of the brands we’ve listed here! To help their food go down as easily as possible and to make sure they get lots of dietary fiber, we recommend a fresh-frozen option like The Farmer’s Dog.

What is the best dry food forRottweilers?

Instead of a regular kibble, we like air dried food or a freeze dried option (Still dry, but maintains more nutrients). Check out these dog food brands for Rottweilers:
>BIXBI’s Rawbble- is freeze dried
>Sundays For Dogs is air dried

What is the best dog food for Rottweilers to gain weight?

It’s not just about the food itself, but also about how often you feed your Rottweiler .
>Feed three or four small meals instead of one or two larger meals.
>Try feeding high calorie snacks like meat and eggs.
> Look for food that is 30% protein and 20% fat. Several of the brands listed above meet this criteria including: We feed Raw and Sundays For Dogs

What is the best dog food for a Rottweiler Puppy?

Sundays For Dogs makes it super easy to find the right formula for your Rottweiler puppy, and it’s backed by veterinary science!

How often should I feed my Rottweiler, and how much should they eat at each meal?

Rottweilers typically do well with two meals per day. The amount they should eat at each meal will depend on their age, weight, and activity level. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on how much to feed your Rottweiler.

Should I choose dry or wet food for my Rottweiler?

Both dry and wet food can be appropriate for Rottweilers, but it’s important to choose a high-quality brand that meets their nutritional needs. Some dogs may prefer one type of food over the other, so it’s a good idea to offer both and see which your Rottweiler prefers.

Are there any specific ingredients that I should look for when choosing food for my Rottweiler?

Look for foods that contain high-quality animal protein sources (such as chicken, beef, or fish), complex carbohydrates (such as brown rice or sweet potatoes), and healthy fats (such as fish oil). Avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Can Rottweilers be allergic to certain types of food?

Yes, like any dog, Rottweilers can be allergic to certain types of food. Common allergens include chicken, beef, wheat, and corn. If you suspect that your Rottweiler has a food allergy, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a hypoallergenic diet.

Are there any foods that Rottweilers should avoid?

Yes, Rottweilers should avoid foods that are toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, and grapes. They should also avoid foods that are high in fat or sugar, as these can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Can I feed my Rottweiler table scraps?

While it’s okay to occasionally give your Rottweiler a small amount of table scraps as a treat, it’s not recommended to make it a regular habit. Feeding table scraps can lead to weight gain and digestive issues.

Do Rottweilers have any specific nutritional needs?

Yes, Rottweilers have a higher protein requirement than some other breeds due to their muscular build. They also require a balanced diet that contains essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

How do I know if my Rottweiler is getting the right nutrition?

Regular veterinary check-ups can help ensure that your Rottweiler is getting the right nutrition. Your veterinarian can evaluate your dog’s overall health and make recommendations on their diet based on their specific needs. You can also monitor your dog’s weight and energy levels to ensure they are maintaining a healthy body condition.

Does your Rottweiler have allergies? If so you may need to switch to a novel protein dog food. Here are 13 of them you can try.