Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for Rottweiler Puppies: CANIDAE Grain Free Puppy Recipe
“This puppy-specific recipe contains a great amount of Vitamin A supplements that protect your rottie pup from eye-related problems at an early age. It’s formulated to boost your dog’s eyesight as well as provide him with all the right nutrients necessary for growth and development.”
Best Raw Food for Rottweiler Puppies: Stella & Chewy’s Raw Dinner Patties
“These dinner patties are ideal raw food for puppies, providing all the nutrients they need to grow into a healthy, functioning adult Rottie. It’s processed such that it retains all essential nutrients, texture, and flavor for a better raw diet experience.”
Best for Picky Eater Rottweilers: Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Dog Food Topper
“Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Dog Food Topper adds an amazing flavor and texture to your Rottie’s usual kibble. It is packed with protein and fat in just the right ratio that’s ideal for your pooch.”
Rottweilers are built like a tank and are excellent, reliable guard dogs. Their muscular build demands a diet that’s rich in protein to help their muscles develop properly, maintaining a good mass as they grow older. They also require a diet that’s rich in essential nutrients that prevent the development of eye-related problems which Rottweiler puppies are susceptible to.
We’ve picked out the best food for Rottweiler puppies that has everything they need to grow into a strong, healthy adult dog.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Food For Rottweiler Puppy
- How to Choose the Best Food for Rottweiler Puppies
- Questions & Answers
- What are the nutritional needs of Rottweiler puppies?
- How many times a day should I feed my Rottweiler puppy?
- Can I let my Rottweiler free-feed?
- What should I look for in the best food for Rottweiler puppy?
- What health conditions do Rottweilers suffer from?
- Can I feed my Rottweiler puppy an adult dog food?
- What are the nutritional needs of Rottweiler puppies?
Best Food For Rottweiler Puppy
Here are our top recommendations for the best food for Rottweiler puppies on the market:
- Best Overall for Rottweiler Puppies: CANIDAE Grain Free Puppy Recipe
- Best Raw Food for Puppies: Stella & Chewy’s Raw Dinner Patties
- Best for Picky Eater Rottweilers: Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Dog Food Topper
- Best Value For Money: American Journey Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
- Best Flavor Range: Acana Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
- Best for Joint Health: ORIJEN Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
- Best Breed-Specific Dog Food: Royal Canin Rottweiler Puppy Dry Food
1. CANIDAE Grain Free Puppy Recipe
Best Overall for Rottweiler Puppies: Added Vitamin A supplements to help prevent retinal atrophy
PROS
- Limited ingredient formula to avoid problem ingredients that puppies are allergic to
- Contains a good amount of Vitamin A supplements that promote healthy eyesight
- High protein count to help healthy muscle growth
- Added probiotics to support healthy digestion
CONS
- High-calorie
- No mention of calcium/phosphorus ratio
Rottweiler puppies are more susceptible to Progressive Retinal Atrophy which usually starts at a young age. A diet that has added vitamin A supplements which help their eyesight develop properly is the best food for Rottweiler puppies.
This puppy-specific recipe is formulated especially for that. Aside from giving your little fur ball the proper nourishment he needs, this formula also protects them from eye-related problems that can start at an early age.
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Puppies are still sensitive to a lot of ingredients as they are still trying to develop certain tolerance. This is why having a limited ingredient food for your puppy is crucial as it introduces food ingredients a few at a time. Aside from helping them navigate food sensitivities, this particular recipe formulated for puppies has just the right amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
2. Stella & Chewy’s Raw Dinner Patties
Best Raw Food for Puppies: Minimally processed meal that retains flavor, texture, and nutrients essential for your pup’s growth
PROS
- High protein and fat content to support muscle growth and provide enough fuel daily
- Superb quality ingredients that provide a good amount of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants
- Added taurine which boosts your pup’s eyesight
- Minimal processing to retain nutrients, texture, and flavor
CONS
- Lacking in joint supplements and DHA
- No mention of calcium/phosphorus ratio
These dinner patties are extremely rich in protein coming from a single animal protein source. It contains muscle and organ meat from a organically sourced animal meat and premium quality organic vegetables. These patties are already minimally processed and freeze-dried which helps them retain their flavor and texture as well as locks in all the nutrients necessary for growth and development.
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These patties have a protein-rich formula that has been enhanced with added probiotics and antioxidants. These substances help support healthy digestion and boosts your puppy’s immune system. In addition to that, they also contain a significant amount of taurine which is great for dog breeds like Rottweilers who are susceptible to eye-related problems.
3. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Dog Food Topper
Best for Picky Eater Rottweilers: Adds a nice flavor and texture to your pup’s usual kibble while providing the nourishment he needs
PROS
- All-natural, grain free food toppers made from premium protein source and high quality fruits and vegetables
- Contains ingredients that support healthy digestion and enhance your pup’s skin and coat health
- Raw nutrition with a perfect blend of amino acids for muscle development
- Comes in three delicious flavor options your pup will enjoy
CONS
- 14oz bag is the biggest you can buy
A lot of Rottweiler puppies tend to get picky with their food, and a dog food topper like this one can be an excellent way to get them to eat with gusto. It’s a minimally processed food which means it retains its flavor and the nutrients from its premium ingredients are locked in. It doesn’t just pack a flavor punch, it’s also healthy and nutritious for your growing pup.
You can choose from chicken, beef, or lamb to avoid ingredients that your Rottie may be sensitive to!
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Extra Healthy Calories
With 244 calories per cup, be careful not to overfeed your Rottie by adding too much of this to their dry dog food. Those calories are made up of a single source protein and wholesome vegetables, so your pooch will be getting great nutrition in every bite.
They’re extremely rich in protein and fat coming from real meat and whole food ingredients. This kibble topper is the best for Rottweilers and other large breed dogs like Catahoulas who are fairly active!
4. American Journey Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
Best Value For Money: Incredibly affordable puppy-specific formula that’s rich in omega fatty acids for improved skin & coat health
PROS
- Well-balanced food for large breed puppies that comes at a budget friendly price
- High-quality ingredient list avoids common allergens
- Good calcium/phosphorus ratio to strengthen bones for growing Rottweiler puppies
- Added DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
CONS
- Kibble may be slightly small
For a low priced product, this dog food packs a full range of supplements, including DHA and ARA, glucosamine and chondroitin, taurine, and high Omegas. The protein and fat levels are moderate, at 25% and 15% respectively. That’s perfectly adequate for an average puppy who gets daily exercise. These nutrients are not usually found in a dog food at this price point.
The ingredients found in this dog food come from high quality sources. They avoid common allergens such as chicken, beef, and potatoes. The fruit and vegetable inclusion also add a nice dash of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
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All Your Puppy Needs
There are five other flavors available in this recipe range, and Salmon is the most appropriate option for Rottweiler puppies. Aside from having a highly concentrated amino acid profile that’s great for developing muscles, it also has a good amount of DHA and ARA which is great for brain and eye development.
5. Acana Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
Best Flavor Range: Seven tasty and nutritious flavor combination that’s great for picky eater dogs who need a well-rounded nourishment
PROS
- Made from 60% animal ingredients, 40% fruits & vegetables packed with vitamins and minerals
- Multiple protein sources and flavor combinations to choose from
- Nutrient-dense dog food loaded with useful supplements essential for growing pups
CONS
- A pricey option
Your Rottweiler puppy deserves the best dog food, and this Puppy & Junior formula contains all the necessary nutrients for a growing puppy to thrive. It has the right amount of DHA, EPA, glucosamine, and Omega fatty acids that combines to support healthy and proper development of a growing Rottweiler puppy.
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Puppy-Specific Nutrition
With 31% protein and 19% fat, your energetic Rottweiler puppy will get enough fuel to power through his day happily and healthily. It also has the right amount of protein to support muscle development.
The calcium/phosphorus ratio is spot-on, so your puppy’s bones will grow at the right pace. The added probiotics aid in a healthy digestion, especially for Rottweiler puppies with a sensitive stomach.
6. ORIJEN Large Breed Dry Puppy Food
Best for Joint Health: Contains good amount of joint-fortifying supplements ideal for large breed puppies
PROS
- Biologically appropriate nutrition for large breed puppies like your Rottweiler
- Contains DHA and EPA that promotes proper brain and eyes development
- Good levels of joint supplements crucial for growing large breed puppies
CONS
- Somewhat pricey
- Not available in other flavors
ORIJEN Large Breed Dry Puppy Food is the best food for Rottweiler puppies who need extra support in keeping their hip and joints strong and tough. It contains a significant amount of glucosamine and chondroitin which fortifies their joints as they grow and develop their large frame.
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Biologically Appropriate
This kibble is labelled as being ”biologically appropriate”, which means that it’s composed of ingredients that your Rottie would eat if they were out in the wild. It’s packed with all-natural stuff. You won’t find anything artificial in this dog food.
The protein count (38%) is ideal for active Rottweiler puppies, and comes from a variety of sources. Chicken, turkey, and fish all contribute, and the key thing is that your pup won’t only be getting muscle meat.
7. Royal Canin Rottweiler Puppy Dry Food
Best Breed-Specific Dog Food: Takes all the necessary requirements of a growing Rottweiler puppy into account
PROS
- Good protein and fat numbers for a developing Rottweiler puppy
- Contains joint strengthening supplements o support their large frame as they grow
- Contains L-carnitine that promotes bone and muscle health
CONS
- Contains some low-quality “filler” ingredients
- No DHA or EPA
The dry dog food for puppies is specifically formulated to cater to a Rottweiler puppy’s nutritional requirements between 8 weeks to 18 months old.
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It’s formulated to have the right nutrients to properly nourish growing Rottweiler dogs while keeping their weight at the optimal number. It incorporates dry and wet food which comes in a uniquely shaped pieces which allows them to pick their food up easily.
How to Choose the Best Food for Rottweiler Puppies
1) Ingredient Quality
Rottweilers are prone to allergies and food sensitivities, so it’s crucial to make sure their dog food is made of premium quality ingredients. Everything should be wholesome, natural, and real food – nothing artificial or dodgy.
Make sure that the first ingredient on the list is a high-quality animal protein. As for carbs, some of the foods on this list are grain-free, while others contain healthy, fiber-rich, gluten-free grains.
2) Added DHA & EPA
DHA and EPA are Omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for puppies’ healthy development. They’re not usually included in the normal fatty acids, so to see them on a guaranteed analysis list is extremely important.
These two are responsible for the correct development of your Rottweiler puppy’s eyes and brain cells. You can get supplements that contain them, but it’s better to see them in the dog food your little pup will be eating every day.
3) Joint Supplements
Don’t think that because your Rottie puppy isn’t built like a bodybuilder yet he won’t need joint support! It’s best to start feeding your young dog joint supplements when they’re a puppy so their joints will be supported as they play.
4) Perfect Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio
This is something that most pet parents don’t realize is incredibly important for large breed puppy growth. It’s also one of the reasons you can’t just feed a puppy adult dog foods (even though some are appropriate).
The ratio of calcium to phosphorus is important to know to ensure your little one’s bones are getting enough support. Too much calcium makes them brittle and unable to hold a Rottie’s weight. Too little makes them weak, and more likely to break.
Questions & Answers
What are the nutritional needs of Rottweiler puppies?
Although they’re still babies, Rottweiler puppies need a good many calories and a super high-quality, nutrition-packed food.
As a general rule of thumb, Rottie puppies need about 20 calories per pound of body weight per day. If your dog is very active, you can up that to about 23-24 calories per pound.
The best food for Rottweiler puppy will be high in protein. They need 22% at the minimum, but more is preferable. Some foods contain protein in the high 20s, and others go into the 30s. Protein in the 30s isn’t a bad thing, as long as your pup is also getting the right calcium/phosphorus ratio and joint supplements.
There’s no need to worry about carbohydrate numbers. What’s most important is the content – you’ll want to see fruits and vegetables.
Fat is what your dog uses for energy. 8% is the absolute minimum a puppy needs, but between 12 and 18% is best, depending on your pup’s activity level. Less than 12% is only recommended for weight management.
Apart from those three, you should see high levels of Omega fatty acids, DHA and EPA, vitamins and minerals for immune system boost, probiotics and prebiotics, and glucosamine and chondroitin.
How many times a day should I feed my Rottweiler puppy?
Rottweilers can be at risk of bloat, which is when too much air gets into the digestive tract. This often happens when dogs scoff their food or when the kibble size is too small.
To counteract this, Rottweilers should be fed multiple times throughout the day. Puppies need three to four meals a day. Make sure to split their daily calorie intake between these three or four meals.
Can I let my Rottweiler free-feed?
It’s not a good idea to give your Rottie access to food all the time. These large dogs are prone to overeat, so allowing them free access could super-speed obesity.
What should I look for in the best food for Rottweiler puppy?
The best Rottweiler dog food should tick a few boxes. Make sure the food you choose contains:
- A high-quality animal protein
This should be the first ingredient on the list. A single source protein is great for Rotties who have sensitive tummies. Multiple sources are superb if your dog isn’t fussy.
- Fruits and vegetables
Gluten-free grains like rice, oatmeal, millet, and sorghum are all right. But whether or not they’re present, fruits and vegetables should be included. They’re an essential source of vitamins and minerals, and also contribute to the tastiness of the kibble.
- DHA and EPA
A food without these is not worth feeding to your pup unless you’re adding them in. These two are crucial for your Rottweiler puppy’s development.
- Omega Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are also essential. Not only do they help with digestion, but they also keep your Rottie’s black-and-tan coat shiny and healthy.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Your little one’s joints need supporting right from the start. These compounds strengthen and support their joints as they do their bouncy puppy business.
- Calcium and Phosphorus
Both calcium and phosphorus should be around the 1% mark, with a ratio of about 1.3:1. This is essential to check on. Adult dog foods have a ratio of close to 1:1, but puppies need a different mix for best health.
What health conditions do Rottweilers suffer from?
Rottweilers are prone to certain health conditions. Some of these only show up in adults, but it’s worth knowing about them and actively preventing them while your Rottie is still a puppy. Some common health problems include:
- Food allergies
- Obesity
- Knee, elbow, and hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Osteoarthritis
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cataracts
- Bloat
Can I feed my Rottweiler puppy an adult dog food?
You can, but you shouldn’t. Although some adult foods are perfectly appropriate, it’s safer to choose a puppy food as they’re created specifically for these little, growing pooches.
