The Best Dog Food for Rottweiler Puppies

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: March 20, 2023
© Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock.com

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Although they may look intimidating, Rottweilers are typically large softies. They have a great deal of devotion and are eager to please. Even though a domesticated dog’s routine typically consists mostly of enjoyable playing, the need to please people persists. Even young Rottweiler pups will demonstrate their commitment to you. A major benefit of this is how much simpler it will be to teach your young Rottie. Your pup needs a lot of work to grow into a healthy adult, and it all starts with the best dog food for Rottweiler puppies.

There are many different kinds of dog food available right now. You’ll have to put in a little more effort to select the proper formula because Rottweilers puppies have particular dietary requirements. Fortunately, we’ve put together a list of some of the top Rottweiler puppy dog foods on the market!

  1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
    • Designed to promote cognitive development with DHA and ARA
    • Supports muscle and bone development
    • High-quality chicken is the first ingredient
    • No byproduct chicken meals, corn, wheat, and soy
    Check Chewy
  2. Purina ONE +Plus High Protein Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Puppy Food
    • Specially formulated for big breed puppies
    • Added vitamins, and minerals
    • A combination of dry kibble and meaty morsels
    • Easy to digest
    Check Chewy
  3. Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
    • Contains roasted fowl (duck is the first ingredient)
    • Grain-free
    • Contains chelated minerals
    • Omega fatty acid and optimal amino acid rich
    Check Chewy

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Dog Foods for Rottweiler Puppies

#1 Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

For your Rottweiler puppy’s finest overall dog food, we suggest the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food.

This dog food, which is specially made for pups, provides nutrients that support healthy growth and development, such as genuine meat, vegetables, whole grains, and fruit.  Additionally, it is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will support the immune system of your dog. Plus, it contains actual chicken—not chicken by-products—which offer a superior kind of protein that will promote the development of lean muscle.

What other merits does it possess? Well, the omega fatty acids in this food are good for your pup’s skin and coat, while ARA and DHA are good for your Rottie’s brain. It also contains calcium and phosphorus which good for their teeth and bones. Also, the fact that the meal bits in this dog food are smaller than those in conventional diets helps to prevent choking and reduce tartar, which is another benefit.

The only drawback to this food is that not all dogs like it.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
This food contains real chicken as the first ingredient.Not all dogs like this food.
It contains omega fatty acids which promote a healthy skin and coat.
The ARA and DHA is this food support brain development.
It contains calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and bones.
Best Overall
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Dry Dog Food
  • Designed to promote cognitive development with DHA and ARA
  • Supports muscle and bone development
  • High-quality chicken is the first ingredient
  • No byproduct chicken meals, corn, wheat, and soy
Check Chewy

2. Best on a Budget: Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

If you’re on a budget, dog food can quickly become quite an expense. Our top choice for a cost-friendly option for your Rottweiler puppy is Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food.

This food is a winner for your Rottie because it’s made especially for large breed puppies and is a terrific price. It has a lot of protein to support your dog’s growth and contains genuine chicken as its first component. Additionally, it contains 22 vital nutrients that pups would obtain from their mother’s milk! One of these essential nutrients is DHA from omega-3 fatty acid, which will help your puppy’s brain develop and make them the brightest dog in the neighborhood. Plus, IAMS dog food is produced without the use of artificial preservatives, flavors, or fillers.

Unfortunately some customers have reported that the kibble pieces are quite large which may not be suitable for all pups.

Pros and Cons of Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
This food contains real chicken as the first ingredient.The kibble pieces are quite large which may not be suitable for all pups.
It is formulated specifically for large breed puppies.
It contains 22 vital nutrients that are typically obtained from the mother’s milk.
It contains DHA from omega-3 fatty acid to help with brain development.
It is free from fillers and artificial flavors or preservatives.
Best on a Budget
Iams ProActive Health Smart Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food
  • Made for large-breed dogs under two years old
  • Main protein source: chicken
  • Recommended by veterinarians
  • Cost-effective
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best Dry Food: Purina ONE +Plus High Protein Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Puppy Food

There’s no denying that you’ll have endless options when it comes to dry kibble for your pup. While many of them are great, the Purina ONE +Plus High Protein Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Puppy Food stands out to us.

This big breed, puppy-specific dog food is loaded with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support the healthy development of your dog. Antioxidants support immune system health while glucosamine supports joint health. 

Omega fatty acids promote a healthy skin and coat, while DHA promotes healthy brain growth. Calcium also helps to maintain strong bones and teeth. Purine ONE is especially appealing for your pup since it contains a combination of dry kibble and meaty morsels. Plus, it contains real chicken as the first ingredient. Finally, it is a brand that veterinarians endorse and has no fillers or preservatives. 

However, some owners have reported that their pups don’t like all of the different kibble pieces in this food — preferring to only eat their favorites instead.

Pros and Cons of the Purina ONE +Plus High Protein Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Puppy Food

ProsCons
This food contains real chicken as the first ingredient.Some dogs don’t like all the different kibble pieces in the this food and only eat their favorite ones.
It contains antioxidants to support the immune system.
It contains glucosamine to support joint health.
This food contains DHA to support the development of the brain.
It contains calcium to support strong teeth and bones.
Best Dry Food
Purina ONE +Plus High Protein Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Puppy Food
  • Specially formulated for big breed puppies
  • Added vitamins, and minerals
  • A combination of dry kibble and meaty morsels
  • Easy to digest
Check Chewy

4. Best Grain-Free: Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

The best grain-free options is the Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food which is created to give your Rottie food that resembles the diet of wild canines.

Many of Taste of the Wild’s products will be suitable for your dog, and they are all healthy choices, but we choose to focus on the Wetlands Recipe since it contains a range of bird proteins. The ingredient list for this food is particularly remarkable and begins with high-quality meats like duck and chicken meal before relying mostly on sweet potatoes, beans, and potatoes for their carbohydrate content. 

To make sure that the cuisine is as appetizing as it is healthy, many additional proteins are used in the recipe, including delectable items like baked duck, roasted quail, and smoked turkey.

The amount of protein in the recipe, 32% of its overall weight, is perfect for your little Rottie as it supports the development of lean muscles. Plus, it also contains three distinct probiotic strains to support the digestive system. It also has antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, and sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that it made their dog’s poops softer than usual.

Pros and Cons of the Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
This food contains high-quality bird protein in the form of duck, quail, and turkey.Some customers reported that it made their dog’s poops softer than usual.
It has a high protein content to support the development of lean muscles.
It contains three strains of probiotics to support digestive health.
It contains antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables.
Best Grain-Free
Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • Contains roasted fowl (duck is the first ingredient)
  • Grain-free
  • Contains chelated minerals
  • Omega fatty acid and optimal amino acid rich
Check Chewy

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

You always want to find a nutritious diet for your pet, when you’re attempting to feed a Rottweiler. And while isolated issues can always happen, you can prevent the majority of issues by selecting meals that are designed specifically for your pooch. 

There are several things to consider before ordering a bag of food for your new dog. Some of the most important factors are:

  • Avoid animal by-products
  • Pay attention to protein content
  • Make sure there are antioxidants

Let’s discuss a bit more about the things you should look for when ordering dog food for your puppy. 

Avoid Animal By-Products

Meat meals and animal byproducts are not necessarily bad. Even if they make you a little queasy, your dog will likely find them to be quite delightful and they frequently offer a lot of nutritional value. However, you should stick to dishes that specifically include such elements if you wish to avoid meat meals and byproducts that come from unsuitable animals. 

Make Protein a Priority

Dogs are omnivores and it is obvious that meat plays the most significant role in their diet. A complete protein should thus be listed as the first item on the ingredient list. This might be anything; Rotties typically adore veal, chicken, and even kangaroo meat. 

Observe that some business owners worry that complete proteins are high in water, meaning that if the water content were removed, they would appear farther down the list of ingredients. On a dry-food basis, this would often result in rice, potatoes, or whatever the main source of carbohydrates in the cuisine being listed as the first component. 

As a result, some people favor dishes containing beef meal as the first component. This shouldn’t be a huge worry, though, as long as the diet has a proper relative protein proportion. Many foods have adequate protein amounts and feature genuine protein as the first ingredient.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants assist to maintain your dog’s immune system healthy and get rid of harmful free radicals from the body. Additionally, antioxidants are believed to preserve the DNA in your dog’s cells, assisting in the fight against a number of major health issues, including cancer.

The easiest approach to make sure your dog is getting enough antioxidants is to choose a diet that is full of vibrant fruits and veggies. Spinach, kale, collard greens, carrots, and berries are a few examples of what fall under this category.

Rottweiler Puppy Nutritional Requirements

Rottweiler puppies require a high-quality dog food that is specially made for large breed puppies as it not only contains more calories to support his entire Rottweiler development, but also contains adequate amounts of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and fat to give his developing bones the stability they require to be healthy. 

They will also regulate how rapidly it develops, which is crucial for huge breeds like the Rottweiler since if it grows too fast, it is more prone to suffer osteopathic disorders like hip dysplasia. For these reasons, normal “all-breed” puppy kibbles must be completely avoided.

The Rottweiler puppy requires a lot of protein because it maintains its muscles fit and powerful while also giving him the stamina and pup strength he needs to thrive. Puppy food should have a protein concentration of at least 22%, according to the MSD Veterinary Manual, but bigger dogs like the Rottie should aim for a baseline protein level of 26%. Additionally, it suggests that a minimum fat level of 8% be required.

Healthy carbs are crucial because they will give him energy and keep him satisfied, perhaps reducing his snack asking and the likelihood that he will gain weight. A Rottweiler should never be permitted to gain weight or consume fatty human meals since they are known to have a number of heart issues. 

Because of this, it is important to seek foods high in omega fatty acids, including salmon oils, flaxseed, and the amino acid taurine, that all support the health of the dog’s bones, coat, and heart.

The Different Types of Puppy Food: Pros and Cons Compared

So, how do you know what type of food you should be giving man’s best friend? Here are some of the most common pros and cons of the most popular types of food for puppies. 

Dry Puppy  Food 

ProsCons
It is available in bigger quantities.It can be difficult for some dogs to chew depending on the size of the kibble.
It is usually more affordable.
it helps with dental health by removing tartar and plaque.

Wet Puppy Food

ProsCons
It is easier for puppies to eat.It doesn’t get rid of tartar or plaque.
It can be used to hide medication.
It is more appetizing to picky eaters.

About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

The Best Dog Food for Rottweiler Puppies FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are rottweilers allowed to eat raw meat?

Yes, uncooked meat is edible to Rottweilers. As members of a carnivorous family, raw meat and bones make up the Rottweiler’s natural diet. This is the food that wolves and wild dogs still consume today. Additionally, Rottweilers’ digestive systems are considerably more adapted to processing raw meat than those of humans.



Can rottweiler puppies have milk?

When consumed in moderation, milk is a safe indulgence. Occasionally rewarding your dog with a few spoons of cow’s milk or goat’s milk can be pleasant without the negative effects of overindulgence.



How much should a Rottweiler puppy eat?

You shouldn’t totally wean your Rottweiler puppy until they are eight weeks old. They can then switch to the meal of their choosing at that moment. Two serving periods of three to five cups a day are advised for them.



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