According to the Harlingen Veterinary Clinic, Rottweilers can be more prone to bacteria and some diseases. With this, it is essential to provide them with the highest quality meals to ensure that they stay in good health and body.
This article will discuss the best dog foods for Rottweilers, the factors you need to consider in choosing a dog food, and the answer to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the best Rottweiler dog food!
15 Best Dog Foods For Rottweilers
1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Rottweiler
This puppy dry dog food by Royal Canin is known for its exclusively made formula for purebred Rottweilers aging 8 weeks to 8 months old. This product also contains a set of vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to having a well-developed immune system.
Additionally, its protein, calcium, phosphorus, and L-carnitine contents help in improving Rottie’s overall muscle support. The kibble shapes are also designed to be easily picked up and chewed by dogs.
However, this product is not grain-free. Meaning, it contains ingredients like wheat and corn. Some dogs, especially those with extra-sensitive stomachs, might not react well to grain ingredients. Also, Royal Canin uses rendered rather than raw chickens (by-products) as their first ingredient.
Pros
- Specially made to cater to a Rottweiler’s health needs
- Packed with nutrients and vitamins
- Easy to eat and chew
Cons
- Uses a notable amount of by-products for its protein content
- Not grain-free
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
This adult dry dog food by Blue Buffalo is proud of its all-natural and authentic main ingredients. Their real meat contains a high amount of protein that helps in building muscle strength. Plus, this dog food doesn’t have any corn, soy, wheat, by-products, artificial flavorings, and other preservatives.
Furthermore, the antioxidant-rich ingredients, together with the vitamins and minerals, assist in having an overall healthy body. This Blue Buffalo product also features omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that can nurture your dog’s coat and skin.
On the other hand, this product is not grain-free, and there are reviews from buyers that this food might not be suitable for dogs who have sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- Authentic meat as its first ingredient
- All ingredients are natural and no preservatives are added
- Packed with nutrients, minerals, and vitamins
Cons
- Grain-inclusive
- Might not be applicable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
3. ORIJEN Dog Senior Recipe High-Protein
From the name itself, this ORIJEN product is packed with high-protein ingredients that will surely help in keeping your dog healthy and physically fit. In addition, this product is composed of 85% high-quality animal ingredients that are proven to meet your dog’s required natural and biological needs.
However, the only downside of this product is some dogs find the kibble sizes bigger than what they can consume. Plus, its price might be expensive for some buyers.
Pros
- Grain-free formula
- No by-products are included in the ingredients
- Packed with nutrients and protein
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Small senior dogs may find the kibble sizes harder to consume
4. Wellness Core Grain-Free
The Wellness Core Grain Free Chicken & Turkey Liver is known for its 100% free from grain and preservatives ingredient list. This product also has a high-protein content from premium meat sources. In addition, this Wellness dog food helps in keeping your Rottweiler’s skin and coat smooth and healthy.
On the other hand, this product does not have any major complaints from Amazon buyers – aside from it can arrive with minor dents in the packaging.
Pros
- Helps in keeping a healthy skin and coat
- Grain-free formula
- Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals
- All ingredients are natural
Cons
- Contains carrageenan (a controversial dog food ingredient)
- Shipping and packaging
5. Taste of the Wild High Prairie
This dog food from the Taste of the Wild, with real meat as its first ingredient, is packed with protein that will surely help support your Rottweiler’s muscles and bones. In addition, it also contains K9 strain probiotics that help in keeping a healthy stomach and digestion. Moreover, this dog food is 100% free from grains and artificial flavorings or preservatives.
However, this product might not be the most suitable for picky dogs.
Pros
- Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals,
- Grain-free formula
- All ingredients are natural and have no preservatives or artificial flavorings
Cons
- Have one controversial ingredient (Ocean Fish Meal)
- Might not be suitable for picky eaters
- Can be pricey
6. Wellness Grain-Free Complete Health Large Breed
This other dog food product by Wellness is highly recommended for your large Rottweilers who have sensitive stomachs. In addition, this product includes ingredients such as omega fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics, and taurine that promote overall health and wellness.
Furthermore, this Wellness product does not use any preservatives or artificial flavorings in the process. It is also free from any grain ingredients.
But, despite being designed for dogs with stricter food preferences, there are some reviews from buyers saying that their dogs didn’t like dog food. Thus, this product might not work best with picky eaters.
Pros
- Grain-free formula
- Packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals
- Made of balanced protein and nutrient-rich ingredients
Cons
- Kibble might be too big for your dog’s liking
- Might not be suitable for picky eaters
7. Nutro Ultra Adult Weight Management Dry Dog Food
This Nutro Ultra Dry Dog Food is specially formulated to help overweight dogs with healthy weight management. This product is composed of protein-rich ingredients like chicken, lamb, and salmon.
It also has high-quality authentic ingredients, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to ensure balanced nutrition for your dog. In addition, this dog food does not contain any by-products or artificial preservatives.
On the other hand, according to some buyers, the kibbles are too small for their dogs. Plus, some also find this product quite expensive.
Pros
- Specially designed for healthy weight management
- Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals
- All ingredients are 100% natural
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Kibbles might be small for your dog’s liking
8. FirstMate Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
This dry dog food by FirstMate is proud of its single-source protein formula from wild herrings. Since its protein is sourced from wild herrings, this product does not contain any risks for chicken allergies.
In addition, this dog food is free from grains, wheat, and corn, making it the best option for Rottweilers with sensitive stomachs. This FirstMate product also helps in keeping your dog’s skin and coat healthy, smooth, and shiny.
However, this dog food might not work well with picky eaters. Aside from that, this product does not have any bad reviews and comments from buyers.
Pros
- Chicken allergy risk-free
- 100% free from wheat, grain, and corn
- Packed with needed nutrients, vitamins, and protein
Cons
- Can have a specific smell
- Might not work well for picky eaters
9. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
This dog food product from Holistic is composed of ingredients proven to help in ensuring healthy digestive, heart, coat, and dental health. It contains fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Plus, antioxidants, probiotics, glucosamine, and taurine for a healthy heart and digestive health.
But, this dog food is not grain-free, thus, dogs that are sensitive or allergic to grains might find this food irritating. Moreover, some buyers stated that the kibble sizes are too small for their dogs.
Pros
- Helps in keeping your dog’s oral, digestive, and heart-healthy
- Packed with nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants
- High-protein content
Cons
- Kibbles size might be too small for your dog’s preference
- Not grain-free
10. Wellness CORE Wild Game Duck
This product manufactured by Wellness is designed with advanced nutritional ingredients that help in building muscles, having a smooth and silky coat, and acquiring an overall healthy body mass. Moreover, this product is made of natural ingredients and no artificial additives are included in the process. It is also free from grain, corn, and wheat-gluten
However, this Wellness dog food might not work best for picky eaters. There are some reviews from buyers stating that their dogs did not like the food, or only ate it at first. Moreover, several buyers also shared that they prefer the old packaging.
Pros
- Packed with needed ingredients for achieving a healthy body
- All ingredients are natural
Cons
- Change in packaging
- Might not be suitable for picky eaters
11. Annamaet Original Extra Dry Dog Food
The Annamaet Original Extra Dry Dog Food is unique with its L-carnitine-inclusive formula. L-carnitine is proven to help in maintaining healthy cognitive function and muscle mass. Additionally, this product also contains prebiotics and probiotics needed to ensure your dog’s healthy digestion and stomach health.
But, similar to other dog foods, this might not be suitable for dogs with sensitive food preferences. This Annamaet dog food also has wholesome grain in its ingredients.
Pros
- Helps in maintaining a healthy cognitive function
- Rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids
Cons
- Grain-inclusive
- Might not be the best option for picky eaters
12. HORIZON PET NUTRITION Legacy Adult Non-GMO, Meat Dense Dry Dog Food
This product by Horizon Pet Nutrition is proud of its 81% animal protein content. Its protein is sourced from turkey, salmon, and chicken. With its GMO-free carbohydrates, this dog food promotes a low glycemic diet. This product also contains ingredients like prebiotics and probiotics for a healthier digestive system.
On the other hand, there are reviews stating that some dogs might be allergic to this product, especially to salmon.
Pros
- High animal protein content
- Composed of ingredients essential for maintaining an overall healthy body
- All ingredients are natural
Cons
- Some dogs might be allergic to its ingredients
- Can be low on moisture
13. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food With Roasted Fowl
This other product from the Taste of the Wild has an authentic duck as its main ingredient. It also contains a 32% protein content that helps in building strong muscles and healthier bones and joints.
In addition, this product is packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for healthy skin, digestion, heart, and immune system. And, this dog food is formulated with no added grains, additives, corn, wheat, and artificial flavorings.
Even though the majority of the product reviews are positive, some buyers stated that this product might not be the best option for dogs with sensitive stomachs or picky food habits. Some reviewers also find this product quite expensive.
Pros
- Authentic main ingredients
- No artificial flavorings and additives
- High-protein content
- Composed of essential vitamins
Cons
- Might not be the best choice for sensitive dogs
- Can be expensive
14. NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
This Nutro Natural Choice adult dry dog food has authentic chicken as its main ingredient. With its main ingredient, this product is guaranteed to have a high-protein content that is good for maintaining your dog’s strength and wellness. It is also made to develop a stronger immune system with its antioxidant ingredients.
However, this product might not work with dogs who have sensitive stomachs or chicken allergies. Some of the buyer reviews stated that their dogs experienced stomach problems from this food.
Pros
- Authentic first ingredients
- No additives, by-products, soy, wheat, and corn
- Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and nutrients
Cons
- Might not be suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Not for dogs with chicken allergies
15. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Adult Large Breed Kibble
With its real beef as the main ingredient, this other product from Blue Buffalo Wilderness has a high-protein content for your dog’s stronger muscle mass and build. It also contains healthy ingredients that are essential to meet your dog’s special health needs. Moreover, this product has omega fatty acids for a healthier coat and skin.
Plus, this Blue Buffalo Wilderness product does not have any by-products, corn, wheat, and artificial flavors on its ingredients.
Furthermore, this product does not have any bad reviews aside from some buyers stating that their dogs rejected the food.
Pros
- All ingredients are natural
- Authentic main ingredient
- High-protein content
- Packed with essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals
Cons
- Smaller bag size
- Can be pricey
What To Look for In The Best Dog Foods For Rottweilers
In choosing the best dog food for your Rottweiler, here are the following factors you should consider:
High in Protein
When correctly supplied and advised by a veterinarian, a high-protein diet can have many positive impacts on your dog’s health. A healthier, shinier coat, better skin health, the development of lean muscle, and a stronger immune system are a few of these advantages.
In addition, the study by Diez, et al. (2002), found that overweight dogs who are fed a high-protein diet lost more weight compared to dogs who went through a low-carbohydrate diet.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are essential in helping your dog with weight loss, lowering the chances of diabetes and cancer, keeping a healthy coat, anti-inflammatory, and maintaining good heart, liver, and brain health.
Whole Grains
According to Nutro’s article, whole grains serve as a complex carbohydrate in a dog’s diet – which is very essential in giving your dog their needed strength and energy. Plus, it can also be a source of fiber. Moreover, Souliere (2014) states that grains are good for dietary dog food ingredients, but you should only give it in low amounts.
Rich in Antioxidants
Dogs are more frequently exposed to pollutants than people are, making antioxidant supplements essential for good health. Antioxidants improve immune cell activity and slow down cellular molecular aging.
High in Probiotics
The main importance of probiotics in dog foods is: it helps in maintaining your dog’s digestive system healthy and high-functioning. Plus, it contributes to developing a stronger immune system. Probiotics lessen the chances of stomach problems like diarrhea and vomiting.
Contains Enough Calories
Your chosen dog food should also provide the needed calories for your pet in order to maintain their weight. Calories also provide them the energy to go on with their physical activities. But, you should always be wary of not feeding your dog with foods that have an above-average calorie content to avoid chances of obesity and overall poor health.
Has Glucosamine and Chondroitin
According to Earthborn Holistic, glucosamine and chondroitin are excellent pain relievers. The discomfort is numbed and relieved by the glucosamine, while the chondroitin treats any current irritation while also preventing further damage from happening.
These benefits on dogs is backed up by the study conducted by McCarthy, et al. (2007). The study states that Glucosamine and Chondroitin have “positive clinical effects” and greatly contribute to pain-relief.
Large Kibble Size
Rottweilers have a habit of eating like they’ve been starving for a week; thus, resulting in eating their food quicker than other small breeds. With this, a larger kibble size will help Rottweilers chew their foods more carefully and slowly.
Best Dog Foods For Rottweilers: FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding what is the best food for rottweiler:
According to the American Kennel Club, a good diet transition should only be composed of your dog’s old diet and a new diet. Moreover, it is recommended to introduce the new brand slowly. Here’s the ideal diet transition for dogs:
– 75% old dog food and 25 new dog food on the first and second day
– 50% old dog food and 50% new dog food on the third and fourth day
– 25% old dog food and 75% new dog food on the fifth and sixth day
– 100% new dog food diet on the seventh day and onwards
Ensure to observe your dog’s behavior and health while doing the transition to guarantee that the new dog food is good for them. In addition, paying a visit to your vet to consult about transitioning your dog’s diet is highly recommended.
Rottweilers are not prohibited to eat grain-inclusive dog foods as long as they are not allergic or sensitive to those ingredients and the grains used are high-quality and not artificial.
Grains on dog foods have been long controversial because they can cause digestive problems and skin-related issues in dogs. However, according to Cummings Veterinary Medical Center, grain allergies are rarer compared to dairy allergies.
If you are not sure whether your dog can have a grain-inclusive diet, consulting your vet is strongly advised.
According to the Allgemeiner Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub, here are the list of foods that are bad for Rottweilers:
– Grapes, raisins, avocado, macadamia nuts, and cabbage
– Raw eggs, bones, liver
– Caffeine, and Nicotine
– Birch sugar and milk
Most of the foods mentioned above are not only toxic to Rottweilers but also to all dog breeds in general.
You should feed your Rottweiler based on its age:
– For 3 to 8 weeks old: Four times per day
– For 8 weeks to 16 weeks old: Three times per day
– For 16 weeks to adulthood: Two times per day
– Adulthood and above: One to Two times per day
Yes, it is okay and even recommended, to feed Rottweilers raw meat. Based on Conor (2017), a raw diet is one of the best ways to feed a Rottweiler. However, ensure that the meat is thoroughly cleaned to avoid health problems due to contaminated bacteria from the raw meat.
The amount to feed a Rottie will depend on their age, weight, and special needs. With that, here are how much you should feed your Rottweiler:
– 2 to 3 months old: 2-3 cups per day
– 4 to 6 months old: 3-5 cups per day
– 7 to 12 months old: 4-6 cups per day
However, consulting your vet about how much and how often you feed your Rottweiler is highly recommended.
In conclusion, there are a lot of best dog foods for Rottweilers. So, ensure that you will choose the most appropriate one for your dog companion. In addition, remember the factors you need to consider in buying dog food to achieve nothing but the best for your Rottweiler.