Skip to main content

Rottweiler puppies will eat you out of house and home without these tips

So you’ve decided to add a Rottweiler puppy to your family. Congratulations! You’ve chosen a breed that’s among the most popular in the US. Rottweilers, fondly known as Rotties, are devoted, loyal, and loving companions. They are also known for having huge appetites and are on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) list of “10 Dog Breeds That Love to Eat.” That doesn’t mean, though, that you should let a Rottie eat you out of house and home. In fact, being a responsible pet parent means providing proper nutrition while helping your dog maintain a healthy weight.

Rottweiler puppy running with a dish in his mouth.
Rita_Kochmarjova / Shutterstock

What should I feed my Rottweiler?

Choosing the right food for your Rottie puppy can be a daunting task. In a Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine article, veterinary nutritionist Sally Perea, DVM, MS says that many large breed puppy parents make the mistake of feeding adult dog food to their pets. It’s important, says the nutritionist, to choose a diet specifically formulated for large breed puppies. These diets are designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies who have twice the daily nutritional requirements of mature adult dogs say nutritionists at PetMD. When researching pet food, it’s important to check the label for a “complete and balanced diet” statement which signifies that the food meets the nutritional values established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Recommended Videos

How much to feed a Rottweiler puppy

It’s important to follow the feeding instructions on the pet food label based on your pup’s age and weight. Puppies should be fed smaller amounts of food several times a day, rather than feeding too much food all at once. It’s essential not to overfeed puppies as it can lead to a life of health problems, with overweight puppies being more likely to become overweight or obese adult dogs, say nutritional experts. Your veterinarian can help determine a healthy weight for your puppy and advise adjustments when necessary during health check-ups.

What is the best food for a Rottweiler puppy?

Following are three puppy foods that have received positive reviews and are also highly rated by pet parents.

Royal Canin Rottweiler Puppy Food

Benefits at a glance:

  • Designed to meet the nutritional needs of Rottweilers 8 weeks to 18 months old.
  • High-quality proteins and prebiotics support digestion and promote optimal stool quality.
  • Helps support the development of a puppy’s immune system with a selection of antioxidants including vitamin E.

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy

Benefits at a glance:

  • Developed without any GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives.
  • Specially formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support for a large breed puppy.
  • Supported by omega fatty acids, essential vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics.

Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Benefits at a glance:

  • Supports muscle growth and bone health in active pups with high-quality animal protein and optimized levels of calcium and phosphorous.
  • Supports healthy brain development with DHA.
  • Provides concentrated energy from fat and carbohydrate levels beneficial for growing puppies.

Transitioning to adult dog food

Large breed puppies should be kept on a puppy diet until they reach 12 to 18 months of age says veterinary nutritionist Dr. Lisa M. Freeman. When it’s time to transition your Rottie to adult food choose a diet suitable for large breed dogs. And once again, check that the diet meets the AAFCO standards for a complete and balanced diet. Your veterinarian can help with establishing a healthy diet for your adult dog depending on gender and size. An adult male Rottie can have a weight range of between 85 and 135 pounds while a female can weigh between 80 and 100 pounds.

What human foods can Rottweilers eat?

It can be fun to offer your puppy fruits and vegetables as an occasional healthy treat, but keep in mind that some fruits and vegetables are toxic to pets. When in doubt, check in with your veterinarian before giving any new food to your dog.

Vegetables that are safe for dogs:

  • broccoli
  • brussel sprouts
  • carrots
  • cauliflower
  • celery
  • green beans
  • peas
  • spinach
  • zucchini

Fruits that are safe for dogs:

  • apples
  • bananas
  • blueberries
  • cantaloupe
  • cranberries
  • pineapple
  • raspberries
  • strawberries
  • watermelon
Rottweiler puppy eating a carrot outside.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Finally, Rotties are masters at begging for food but it’s important not to offer leftovers from your plate. Obesity is a serious concern for this breed and can lead to joint problems, digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Providing the right balance of food, exercise, and mental stimulation will help keep your Rottie happy and healthy for years to come.

Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
Can dogs eat pears? What you need to know
Here's the truth and what to do if your dog eats pears
Bernese mountain dog with a par in his mouth

"Eat your fruits and veggies" is standard advice from doctors, dietitians, and parents — you may have been on the receiving end of this (sound) recommendation for your overall health. However, dog-specific food is generally limited to "dry" and "wet." That doesn't mean a taste of a favorite human food here and there is off the table. Still, you'll want to know which ones (blueberries and apples) are safe and which (chocolate, grapes, and onions) are off the table.

If you find pears peachy, you may wonder if you can share. Can dogs eat pears? What happens if the little rascal eats a piece of pear you dropped on the floor faster than you can say, "Leave it?" Good news: You don't have to panic. Here's what to know about pears and dogs.
Can dogs eat pears?

Read more
Can dogs eat peaches? What you need to know
How to prepare this summertime fruit for your dog
A small white dog sits in the grass next to a basket of peaches

Summertime may be hot, but there are plenty of ways to stay cool and refreshed, even when the sun is at its peak. You can go for a swim, crank up the air conditioner, or enjoy an energizing snack. Fresh fruit tends to be popular this time of year, and it's only natural to want to share a bite of something cool and yummy when your dog starts begging.
But how do you know what's safe to share with your furry friend? Many fruits are dog-safe, delicious, and even nutritious foods, but where do peaches stand on the list? If you've ever asked yourself, "Can dogs eat peaches?" you're certainly not alone. Fortunately, you won't need to wait long to find out what fruit you can feed your dog this summer. Here's what to know about dogs and peaches.

Can dogs eat peaches?

Read more
Here are the melons you can share with your dog this summer
Here's the scoop on feeding your pup these fruits
A small black dog lies in the grass next to an eaten slice of watermelon with just the rind remaining

As summertime continues, you might find yourself reaching for a refreshing snack ... but you won't be the only one! Odds are, your dog will also be looking for a way to re-energize, and fresh fruits like berries and melons can be the way to go. Watermelon is such a classic summer treat, so why not try other melons, too?
But can dogs have cantaloupe? What about honeydew? Before you let these questions confuse you, read on to find out everything you need to know about dogs eating melons. Who knows -- you just might find your pup's new favorite treat!

Can dogs have watermelon?

Read more