One evening, while sitting outside on my porch, I saw a gorgeous Rottweiler walking toward me. That Rottweiler had to be half the size of its owner! I thought to myself “What do Rottweilers eat?” Surely they need a hearty diet to support their large build and stature. Eventually, my curiosity got the better of me. I did some digging around and found some fascinating information.
So, what do Rottweilers eat? The average Rottweiler dines on a commercial canine dog food filled with a hefty percentage of protein. Chicken, turkey, and lamb are popular protein sources in these dishes. Unfortunately, Rottweilers are susceptible to a variety of weight problems and digestion-related diseases. Rottweiler owners should feed their puppies a carefully-planned diet to ensure proper growth. This will also prevent them from developing diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
Rottweilers rely on a protein-heavy diet to support their physical and nutritional needs. But there is more to a Rottweiler’s diet than its protein content. Fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals also account for a proper Rottweiler diet and health regime. For Rottweilers, a well-rounded diet is a nutritious diet.
What Rottweilers Eat: General Nutrition and Diet Guidelines
Rottweilers are large dogs that require meals filled with 22 to 26 percent protein. As puppies, they need a little more protein. Experts recommend serving your Rottweiler puppy food that contains between 24% to 28% protein.
Without a sufficient amount of protein, Rottweilers can suffer from skin conditions and tissue problems. At the same time, feeding your Rottweiler too much protein can cause health issues. Finding the perfect protein balance is critical for maintaining your Rottweiler’s health.
Carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins also make up an important part of your Rottweiler’s diet. Rottweilers require a low-carb and moderate-fat diet.
The fat content in your adult Rottweiler’s food should be around 12 to 16 percent. Puppies need 14 to 18 percent fat content in their foods. Owners should also look for nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and calcium in potential dog foods.
Best Rottweiler Foods and Snacks
Need help finding the best food for your Rottweiler? Check out these top brands below.
- Eukanuba — Breed Specific Rottweiler Adult Dry Dog Food: This dry dog food is designed specifically for Rottweilers. Along with 25% of protein, Eukanuba’s Breed Specific Rottweiler food also offers omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
- Royal Canin — Rottweiler Adult Dry Dog Food: Royal Canin’s adult Rottweiler food is packed with 24% of protein, L-Carnitine, and fiber. L-carnitine is known for helping canines maintain a lean muscle mass.
- Taste of the Wild — Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food: Packed with 25% protein from salmon and ocean fish meal, this grain-free formula is great for your Rottweiler. Taste of the Wild’s Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food also provides healthy Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in its formula.
As you can see, these dog food brands contain a hefty amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also pretty low in carbs.
Fun Snacks for Rottweilers
Rottweilers like snacks too!
Whether you purchase a box of dog treats or stock up on carrots, stocking up on snacks is essential. Here are some fun snacks and treats to have on hand the next time you are training your dog or taking him for a walk.
- Unsalted peanut butter
- Starbucks Puppuccino
- Pieces of cooked, unseasoned chicken
- Vegetables such as carrots or cooked sweet potatoes
Rottweiler Nutrition Issues, Allergies, and Weight Problems
Nutrition
- Rottweilers have sensitive stomachs.
- Colitis, the inflammation of the colon or large intestine is common in this breed.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is another common condition among Rottweilers.
Owners should feed their Rottweilers bland hypoallergenic diets high in protein. This diet can help prevent problems such as gas, vomiting, and dry skin.
Allergies
Some Rottweilers are actually allergic to commercial dog foods that contain turkey, chicken, and beef. Keep an eye out for symptoms of a sensitive stomach in your Rottweiler — just in case.
Symptoms include chronic gas, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal issues. Poor nutrition also causes skin and coat problems. A lack of luster in the coat and flaking skin are common skin conditions cause by poor nutrition.
Take your Rottweiler to the vet as soon as possible if you believe your Rottweiler may have a food allergy.
How to Determine if Your Rottweiler is Overweight or Underweight
Due to their large size, Rottweilers also put on weight easily. Make sure you set a regular feeding and exercise schedule to help your Rottweiler maintain a healthy weight.
If you believe your Rottweiler may be overweight or underweight, there are a few examinations you can perform to see if you are right.
Place your thumb over your Rottweiler’s backbone and your fingers over its ribcage. If you have to press down on them, your Rottweiler may be a little overweight. Alternatively, if you can see your Rottweiler’s ribcage just from looking at him from the side, he may be underweight.
Rottweilers should also carry a distinct waist when you look at its back from a downward angle. If the waist looks a little thin or thick, you should check with your vet to see if your Rottweiler is at a healthy weight. They can weigh your Rottweiler and offer you a detailed nutrition guide if they think your dog needs to lose or gain weight.
Food That Rottweilers Shouldn’t Eat
Some foods just aren’t good for your Rottweiler. Chocolate, for instance, contains theobromine. This chemical is poisonous to dogs in large quantities.
Because dogs metabolize theobromine much slower than humans, toxic levels of theobromine can easily build up in their systems. While a small piece won’t kill your dog, it may cause diarrhea or vomiting.
NEVER your dog chocolate, no matter how small a piece it may be.
Here are some other foods you should avoid feeding your Rottie:
- Corn
- Soy
- Wheat
- Spicy foods
- Bread dough
- Grapes and raisins
- Dairy
Benefits of a Healthy Diet and Proper Exercise Routine
A healthy Rottweiler is a happy Rottweiler. Feeding your Rottweiler a proper diet is important to keeping him energetic and preventing health issues.
Fewer health problems also mean fewer visits to the veterinarian! This is great for both your bank account and your canine companion who may not be the biggest fan of the vet.
Related Questions
Rottweiler puppies under four to five months old should be fed three times a day. As the Rottweiler grows older, you should start feeding it twice a day. Some owners choose to feed their adult Rottweilers only once a day. The feeding frequency depends on your Rottweiler’s age and activity level. Double-check with your veterinarian for their opinion on the frequency of your Rottweiler’s feeding schedule.
Ice cream and sugary human desserts are not good for your dog. Most adult dogs have trouble digesting milk. The consumption of dairy products can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, and vomiting. Luckily, there are a wide variety of pet shops that bake and sell treats designed specifically for dogs! Keep an eye out for these the next time you are shopping at the grocery or pet store.
