Unleashing the Best Raw Food Diet for Your Rottweiler: Nurturing Health, Strength, and Vitality
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As a devoted pet owner, ensuring the well-being of your cherished Rottweiler is of paramount importance. Amidst the myriad of dietary options available, one approach stands out for its ability to tap into the natural instincts and ancestral roots of these majestic canines—the raw food diet.
Far beyond a mere trend, this nutritionally rich and biologically appropriate diet has garnered growing popularity among pet owners and experts alike.
In this article, we delve into the world of raw feeding and unveil the secrets to nourishing your Rottweiler with a carefully tailored raw food diet, unlocking the gates to a vibrant, healthy, and thriving companion like never before.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already on the raw dog food train and just want some answers on the best raw dog food for your dog. Don’t worry, we won’t make you wait much longer, but if you are interested in the benefits of raw feeding for Rottweilers, be sure to read this article to the end!
Which Raw Food for Rottweilers is Best?
There are virtually endless dog food companies vying for your attention, and it can be a little tricky to parse out which ones are offering a high-quality product and which are simply dazzling with flashy marketing. We’ve selected the two best raw dog foods for a rottweiler plus one alternative if you’re still not totally sure about feeding raw, or aren’t able to handle raw dog food. Tried and true, these brands have devoted followings of happy dog owners whose dogs love their products, and feel healthier than ever before!
In a rush to find the best raw dog food for your Rottweiler? Take a look at our comparison chart to see what each of our three options do best.
We Feed Raw | Raw Wild | The Farmer’s Dog | |
Best For | Overall Top Pick | Dogs with Allergies | Raw Alternative |
Raw? | Yes | Yes | No; fresh-frozen |
Flavor Options | 6 formulas—Beef, Chicken, Duck, Lamb, Turkey, and Venison | 1 formula—Elk and Venison | 4 formulas—Beef, Chicken, Pork, and Turkey |
Pricing | $$ $7.37–$9.99 per pound | $$$ $11.62–$14.03 per pound | $ ~$5.70–$7.22 per pound |
Custom Plans? | No | No | Yes |
Ingredients | 6 ingredients per formula—first three include raw meat, raw organs, and bone | 4 ingredients per formula—meat and ground bone only, no organ meat | 8–10 ingredients per formula—includes cooked meat, grain, vegetables, etc., no bone |
Where To Buy | wefeedraw.com | rawwild.com | thefarmersdog.com |
1. Best Overall: We Feed Raw
We Feed Raw’s line of raw dog food formulas wins our #1 pick for Best Overall thanks to its fantastic formula, reasonable price point, and range of standard and novel proteins. For Rottweiler owners, finding the right dog food can take some trial and error, since this breed is prone to food (and environmental) allergies. We Feed Raw offers 5-pound-bags of all formulas in addition to bulk buying options, which makes it really easy to test out a protein option before making a big commitment.
First 5 Ingredients | Venison, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Neck with Bones |
Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 13% Protein — 10.7% Fat — 1% Fiber — 69.4% Moisture |
Cost Per Pound | $7.37–$9.99 (may vary depending on formula) |
Pros: | Cons: |
Lots of protein options including novel proteins | Some novel-protein formulas include standard protein ingredients |
Relatively affordable compared to other raw dog foods | |
USDA and human-grade ingredients | |
Blend of meat, organs, and bone for a balanced nutrient profile | |
Large variety of size options |
2. Best for Rottweilers with Allergies: Raw Wild
If your Rottweiler is allergic to basically all standard proteins or foods you try to give them, Raw Wild raw dog food might work for you! With just one proprietary formula, Raw Wild’s 100% wild-sourced elk and venison recipe is more than 99% meat, and contains absolutely zero filler. A little more expensive than other raw dog food options, we think Raw Wild is worth it for the superior and sustainably-sourced ingredients.
Organ meats are often considered a key element of a raw diet for dogs, but Raw Wild’s formula doesn’t include organs. This can be beneficial for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, but can be a con for people specifically looking for a meat and organ blend raw dog food.
Ingredients | Elk, Venison, Bone Meal, Vitamin Mix |
Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 18% Protein — 10% Fat — 0.45% Fiber — 70% Moisture |
Cost Per Pound | $11.62–$14.03 |
Pros | Cons |
Excellent for dogs with allergies—made entirely with novel, wild proteins | Expensive |
Simple ingredient list | Only one formula option |
Sustainably sourced ingredients | Does not include organ meat |
3. Best Raw Alternative: The Farmer’s Dog
The Farmer’s Dog does not make raw dog food, but they do make a good alternative if you’re still on the fence about feeding your Rottweiler raw food. Fresh-frozen food is fully cooked, but made with more limited ingredients than most commercial dog foods. The biggest downside of fresh-frozen food in comparison to raw dog food is that there is some nutrient loss when meat is cooked, but the loss is fairly negligible.
First 5 Ingredients | Beef, Sweet Potato, Lentils, Carrot, Beef Liver |
Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 11% Protein — 8% Fat — 1.5% Fiber — 72% Moisture |
Cost Per Pound | ~$5.70–$7.22 |
Pros | Cons |
Lower cost than truly raw options | Not raw |
Good stepping stone if you’re unsure about fresh and/or raw dog food | Novel proteins not offered |
Easier handling than raw dog food | Not good for Rottweilers with allergies |
Safe for immunocompromised individuals to handle |
Benefits of a Raw Diet for Rottweilers
All dogs have the same basic nutritional needs: a high-protein diet with a health ratio of fat and carbohydrates. For Rottweilers—muscular but not particularly active or athletic dogs—finding the right dog food can be a bit of a process. You may need to experiment with different proteins, brands, and formulas before you find the one.
Rule of paw: simpler is always better with Rottweilers, and raw foods formulas are usually made with minimal ingredients.
Two key health and nutritional needs to consider when choosing the best dog food for Rottweiler includes allergies and hip, joint, and inflammation management.
- Allergies—Food allergies are very common in Rottweilers, and may present as gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation, chronic ear infections, excessive licking or self-grooming, and other similar symptoms. Chicken, beef, fish, wheat, soy, corn, dairy and eggs are some of the most common foods Rottweilers are allergic to, and unfortunately, key ingredients in many popular dog foods.
- Raw dog food—often composed purely of animal protein, organs, and bone—can be beneficial for dogs with food allergies, and are frequently made with novel proteins that are appropriate substitutes for standard proteins like beef and chicken.
- Pain & Inflammation—Rottweilers are prone to developing joint, back, and inflammatory issues as they age, particularly in the hips and elbows. Feeding your Rottweiler raw food is one way you can help to nourish their bodies and protect them as they age. Of course, diet alone cannot cure, prevent, or reverse health issues like hip or elbow dysplasia, it is a key element in a balanced healthy lifestyle for your pooch.
Raw and whole food diets have been shown to promote anti-inflammatory markers in dogs, and contain key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), chondroitin, etc., to support healthy joint function for life.
Pro Tip: No matter what kind of food you feed your Rottweiler raw diet, kibble, canned, or anything else, adding a joint supplement for dogs can help keep them feeling spry well into their golden years.
Best Raw Food for Rottweiler FAQ
Have more questions about raw feeding your Cane Corso? We’re answering common questions from dog owners just like you.
Can I feed my American Rottweiler raw eggs?
Yes, but only if your Rottweiler is able to eat cooked eggs and has no known egg allergy. Raw eggs are an excellent addition to raw and cooked dog foods, and have multiple well documented health benefits.
What foods are Rottweilers commonly allergic to?
The most common foods Rottweilers develop allergies to include chicken, beef, eggs, dairy, wheat, and soy. Many Rottweilers also have environmental allergies to grass, mold, pollen, and more.
How many times a day should an Rottweiler eat?
2 times a day is the standard recommended feeding schedule for most dog breeds, including the Rottweiler.
What is the best dog food for Rottweiler puppies?
Rottweiler puppies can be fed a raw diet once old enough, but The Farmer’s Dog is also a fantastic fresh-frozen option that is appropriate for puppies. You can also try making puppy food at home by following simple vet-approved recipes!
What is the best raw dog food for an Rottweiler puppy?
The best raw dog food for an Rottweiler puppy should consist of real meat, with real chicken as the first ingredient, to provide essential nutrients for their growing bodies. Look for performance super premium dog food that supports healthy development and contains fruits and vegetables for added vitamins and minerals.
Is raw dog food better than dry dog food for my Rottweiler?
Absolutely. Raw dog food can be a great choice for Rottweilers due to its higher nutritional value, including essential fatty acids like omega fatty acids. However, if you prefer dry dog food, opt for high-quality options that still contain real meat as the primary ingredient and avoid those with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Look for dry food OTHER than kibble such as Air Dried Food.
How much protein and fat should be in the raw dog food for my Rottweiler?
Aim for a raw dog food that contains at least 30% protein and 20% fat. These proportions will support the high energy levels and muscle maintenance of Rottweilers, especially for those with an active lifestyle.
Can I feed my senior Rottweiler raw dog food?
Yes, raw dog food can be suitable for senior dogs as well. In fact, it can be beneficial for their joint health and overall well-being due to the presence of essential nutrients and healthy fats that help with nutrient absorption.
What benefits do omega fatty acids provide in raw dog food for Rottweilers?
Omega fatty acids, commonly found in high-quality raw dog food, can help your Rottweiler absorb essential nutrients better. Additionally, they promote a healthy coat, skin, and joint function, which are essential for the well-being of your pet.
Is “Taste of the Wild” a recommended raw dog food brand for Rottweilers?
“Taste of the Wild” is a not raw food. It’s kibble.
Should I include brown rice in my Rottweiler’s raw dog food diet?
You do not need to include rice in your dog’s raw food diet. If you think you need a starch, try quinoa instead. However, ensure that the majority of the diet consists of real meat to meet their high protein requirements.
How can a raw dog food diet support the joint health of my Rottweiler?
A raw dog food diet rich in real meat and omega fatty acids can help maintain healthy joints in your Rottweiler. These nutrients support the overall joint structure, reducing the risk of joint-related issues as they age.
Are there any specific vitamins and minerals I should add to my dog’s raw food diet?
I highly recommend using a supplement on your dog’s food, no matter what you feed them, to ensure the meal is balanced and they are getting all the right supplements to help them stay healthy.
This supplement has 12 ingredients that have been clinically-proven to keep your dog’s joints, skin, heart, digestion, and even their breath in tip-top shape. It’s also a powder, so it’s easy to sprinkle on your dog’s food.
How can fats help my Rottweiler‘s nutrient absorption?
Fats play a vital role in nutrient absorption in dogs. Including healthy fats in your Rottweiler’s raw dog food diet can enhance their ability to absorb and utilize essential nutrients from the food they consume, ensuring they get the most out of their meals.
What is the cost of raw food diet for dogs?
The raw food diet for dogs costs anywhere from $5 to $15 per pound. You will save some if you make it yourself. Here are some recipes and here are some raw food delivery services.
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