I was about a week away from getting my new dog and realized that I had absolutely no idea how much to feed a Rottweiler puppy! I didn’t want to be “that girl”, so I decided I would be as prepared as possible to bring him home. I dug a bit deeper and here are the best practices I found for feeding a Rottie puppy.
So, how much to feed a Rottweiler puppy?
A 3-10 pound Rottweiler puppy needs 2/4 of a cup of food 3 times per day. Make sure to check the specific puppy food you are giving them for details. You will need to increase this amount as they grow.
But feeding your dog the right diet is about more than quantity. There are so many options to keep your Rottweiler healthy and happy. Choosing the right sort of diet for your puppy can be complex, and some of the options may surprise you.
How Much Do I Feed my Rottweiler Puppy?
The question of how much to feed your dog has different answers depending on their age. But no matter their age, you should always measure your dog’s food.
Free feeding is not a good idea. Allowing your Rottweiler puppy unlimited access to food will lead to obesity. Overweight dogs are more likely to develop joint and other health problems.
Weighing out food and feeding at intervals will help your dog to develop a good routine. Free feeding will deny your dog the chance to learn to sit and wait for their food. Some free fed dogs even develop problems with aggressive resource guarding.
So, how often should you be feeding your Rottweiler?
- 3 weeks to 8 weeks: four meals per day
- 8 weeks to 16 weeks: three meals per day
- 16 weeks to adulthood: two meals per day
- Adulthood onwards: two meals or one meal per day
In general, you need to feed young puppies small quantities more often.
It can be hard to find time to give your puppy regular meals, but they need regular nourishment. If you work out of the house, try to arrange for a friend to come and feed your pup. Your Rottweiler will also enjoy the extra social interaction.
To know how much food to give your Rottweiler, first check the label on their food. Like our food, dog foods all have different calorie counts and nutritional profiles. The more calorie-dense a food is, the less you will need to give to your dog.
But if you want a rough guide, expect to feed your Rottweiler:
- 3-10 pounds: 1 and a quarter cups of food
- 10-20 pounds: 3 cups of food
- 20-40 pounds: 5 and a quarter cups of food
- 40-60 pounds: 7 cups of food
- 60-80 pounds: 8 and a third cups of food
- 80 pounds or more: an extra third of a cup for every 10 pounds over 80.
Make sure to weigh your dog on a regular basis and adjust their food as needed. Also, don’t neglect your regular visits to the vet. If you are in doubt about whether your dog needs more or less food – ask your vet.
What Diet is Right for my Rottie Pup?
There are all sorts of options to feed your dog a healthy balanced diet.
But there is no perfect one-size-fits-all solution.
The ideal food for your dog will depend on their taste, and your lifestyle. Here are 4 options:
Option 1: Kibble (Dry Dog Food)
Kibble is the best known out of all dog foods.
Dog kibbles are dry pre-packaged foods created for the commercial market. Most of these foods have enjoyed a great deal of input from canine nutritionists.
This means that they are a great choice to keep your Rottweiler healthy. Chewing on the hard biscuits also helps keep your dog’s teeth strong and clean.
Option 2: Canned Dog Food
Most canned, or wet foods are digestible and have an intense smell. This makes them the perfect food for dogs with digestion problems or a low appetite.
But, the soft texture can lead to dental problems, as this type of food does not help to clean a dog’s teeth. For this reason, try to stay away from wet food unless you have a young puppy, or a dog with digestion problems.
Option 3: Raw Diet
Feeding your dog raw meat has become a recent craze. Owners report increased glossiness in their dog’s fur and a reduction in stool volume.
But a large breed like the Rottweiler may not thrive on a raw diet.
Your puppy may develop thyroid problems from an imbalance in vitamins and nutrients. If you want to try this diet, make sure to consult your vet and pick the right vitamins to supplement their raw food.
Option 4: Homemade Dog Food
A homemade diet is like a raw diet, but it also includes a range of vegetables and cooked meats.
Like the raw diet, you must consult with a vet before making your dog’s meal plan. Dogs need a different set of nutrients to humans, and what works for us will not work for them.
It’s possible to make any of these diets work for your dog. Homemade and raw diets are quite new, and the research has yet to catch up. If you have the money to invest in your puppy’s food, and the time to prepare a proper nutritional plan, go ahead! But make sure you consult with professionals on a regular basis.
For the busy pet owner, kibble is likely the best option. Research online to find reviews of the best foods available for large breeds.
Your dog will thank you!
How Do I know if my Rottweiler Puppy has a Food Allergy?
Keep an eye on your dog if they seem lethargic or sick after eating. Like humans, Rottweilers can develop allergies and sensitivities to certain foods. Constipation, gas, failure to gain weight and a dull coat are all signs that something is wrong.
Your Rottweiler’s sensitive stomach may get upset by corn, soy, wheat, yeast, or spices. These are common allergens for dogs, and it’s often best to avoid them.
Low quality dog foods will sometimes bulk out their kibbles with these ingredients. So, always check the label on your dog’s food. The first few listed ingredients should always be meat.
If you decide to change your dog’s food, do it bit by bit. Mix the new food into the old food to allow your dog’s stomach to adjust. A sudden change will lead to diarrhea and digestion problems.
If your dog is suffering from these problems, give them bland food. Digestible wet food, boiled chicken, or even rice could help settle their stomach.
Once you find the right food for your dog, you will see the difference. After all, a well-fed dog is a happy dog!
Related Questions
Your dog should be drinking around an ounce of water per pound of their body weight every day. An active dog, or one living in a hot climate, will need more than this. Dogs also take in water through eating, so dogs on a wet diet may need less water. Make water available throughout the day, and encourage your dog to drink when they need to.
Take your dog outside after every meal. Praise them when they potty in the right place, and never scold them for indoor mistakes. Clean up any messes and show your dog where to use the bathroom every time. For the first few months you will also need to wake in the night to give your puppy a chance to potty.
