The Best Dog Food For Rottweilers: Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Austin S.
Updated: May 27, 2024
Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock.com

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There is nothing sweeter than a Rottweiler. If you own a Rottweiler, you know how energetic they can be. You can expect these dogs to be constantly full of strength and energy since they are working dogs. Because Rotties are so energetic and excitable, they need a lot of healthy food and meat to maintain their energy levels. On the other hand, you need to watch your Rottweiler’s weight as they need to stay active to burn it all off.

If your Rottweiler isn’t working hard in the fields every day or getting some serious high-intensity exercise, you might have a challenge with keeping their weight healthy. The key to having a healthy Rottie is feeding them high-quality food that provides your precious furry friend with all the nutrients they need. By eating such high-quality food, you will also prevent unnecessary and unwanted excess weight gain.

There are a lot of things to consider for Rottweiler’s parents, including sensitivities, allergies, and taste preferences. To help you make the right choice, we have ranked the top four best dog foods for Rottweilers.

  1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Rottweiler Adult Formula
    • Specialized Formula For Rottweilers
    • Larger kibble for slower intake and digestion
    • Higher protein and L-Carnitine content to support muscle growth
    Check Chewy
  2. Horizon Legacy Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
    • 81% Animal protein content to support muscle growth
    • GMO free carbohydrates
    • Grain free, good for large dogs with sensitive stomachs
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
    • 85% Animal protein to support muscle growth and stability
    • Cartilage as an ingredient, to support aging joints
    • Low in allergy causing ingredients and grains
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Blue Buffalo Life Puppy Protection Formula
    • DHA and ARA for young brain and eye development
    • High levels of calcium to support strong, growing bones
    • Omega 3 and 6 for brain health, and a healthy coat
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Dog Food for Rottweilers Today

#1. Best Overall: Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Rottweiler Adult Formula

Our top pick for the best dog food for Rottweilers is the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Rottweiler Adult Formula. This recipe is specifically formulated for Rottweilers, which are a large breed with a highly muscular build. This product is most appropriate for Rottweilers 18 months of age, or older. If your dog is younger than this, we suggest the puppy formula we have listed below. 

This dog food boasts special considerations like larger kibble bits to make eating and digestion slower and avoid vomiting. The high ratio of protein from animal sources and L-carnitine supports muscle growth, while the EPA and DHA support coat health.

If your Rottweiler is one of the many large breed dogs that also suffer from skin issues and allergies we recommend you consider the best dog food for allergies options instead, as the Royal Canin option here does include grains. The primary animal protein is deboned lean chicken and also contains brown rice, corn, gluten fish oil, beet pulp, and other supplements.

Pros and Cons of the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Rottweiler Adult Formula

ProsCons
This product is specifically designed to meet the health needs of an adult Rottweiler.The formula is not grain-free.
Feeding is slowed and digestion is aided by the larger kibble size.
This formula enhances the health of the coat and skin.
The primary protein source is high-quality deboned chicken.
Best Overall
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Rottweiler Adult Formula
  • Specialized Formula For Rottweilers
  • Larger kibble for slower intake and digestion
  • Higher protein and L-Carnitine content to support muscle growth
Check Chewy

2. Best Affordable Option: Horizon Legacy Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

You can find a high-quality and affordable Rottie dog food option in Horizon Legacy Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food.

For its affordable price, this dog food is simply paw-some. Your Rottweiler’s muscle mass, energy levels, and stamina will significantly improve with Horizon Legacy Adult Dog Food. The perfect amount of linoleic acid in this dog food gives Rott’s fur that unmistakable sheen and lushness. There are many important micronutrients in Horizon Legacy that give your big doggo all the nutrition he needs.

As a result of its mineral and vitamin content, it helps strengthen joints and develop bones. In addition, it has a great protein-to-fat ratio. A whopping 81% of this product is made up of animal protein. The protein is derived from turkey, salmon, and chicken. The recipe is also made up of locally sourced, GMO-free carbohydrates, which are free of soy, corn, wheat, and potatoes. It has been reported by some consumers, however, that some dogs are allergic to this product, especially to the salmon.

Pros and Cons of the Horizon Legacy Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
Chicken, salmon, and turkey provide a high level of animal protein.Some dogs may be allergic to the salmon in the recipe.
The soy, corn, wheat, and potatoes in the recipe are sourced locally and free of GMOs.
Considering how much you get, the dog food is an excellent value.
Best Affordable Rottweiler Food
Horizon Legacy Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • 81% Animal protein content to support muscle growth
  • GMO free carbohydrates
  • Grain free, good for large dogs with sensitive stomachs
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best For Seniors: ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

The ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a great choice for senior Rottweilers who now have different dietary needs. Your senior dog’s nutritional requirements are unique, and they must be met for them to be healthy and maintain lean muscle mass and weight. Your dog will get the nutrition they need from a diet high in protein from whole animal components. 

This formula is specially formulated with a balance of nutrients that are suitable for older Rottweilers. For a concentrated supply of protein, two-thirds of the ORIJEN Senior dry dog food is made up of animal products that are fresh or raw. It’s made with fresh free-range chicken and turkey meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, as well as wild-caught fish and cage-free eggs, and will completely nourish your beloved companion. Additionally, the recipe does not contain any grains, which is great for Rottweilers with grain intolerances.

However, it is important to note that this formula might not be suited to dogs who have kidney disease or who need lower amounts of protein, sodium, and phosphorus.

Pros and Cons of the ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
This formula is specially formulated for senior Rotties.This may not be the best option for dogs with kidney disease or needing lower protein, sodium, or phosphorus.
There is a lot of protein in the recipe.
The recipe is grain-free.
Best For Senior Rottweilers
ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • 85% Animal protein to support muscle growth and stability
  • Cartilage as an ingredient, to support aging joints
  • Low in allergy causing ingredients and grains
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best For Rottweiler Puppies: Blue Buffalo Life Puppy Protection Formula

Rottweiler puppies deserve the best food, which is why you should feed them Blue Buffalo Life Puppy Protection Formula. 

Rottweiler puppies are precious little things, aren’t they? These adorable little bundles of cuteness need a specialized diet for their little bodies, especially foods loaded with calcium and phosphorus. By doing this, they can grow into a beautiful adult Rottweilers. This formula has all the calcium and phosphorus that your large breed puppy needs, as well as all the other nutrients he needs. There is a good dose of grain and linoleic acid in this food for healthy digestion and joint health. It primarily contains chicken and chicken meals as its main protein sources.

However, the formula does contain grains, so if your puppy has an intolerance this will not be the best food choice.

Pros and Cons of the Blue Buffalo Life Puppy Protection Formula

ProsCons
The formula is specifically designed for puppies that are growing.The formula is not grain-free.
A rich source of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
Chicken and chicken meal are the main protein sources in this food.
Best For Rottweilers Puppies
Blue Buffalo Life Puppy Protection Formula
  • DHA and ARA for young brain and eye development
  • High levels of calcium to support strong, growing bones
  • Omega 3 and 6 for brain health, and a healthy coat
Check Chewy Check Amazon

What to Look For in the Best Dog Food for Rottweilers

As of now, you may have begun to come to terms with the fact that your Rottmonster’s diet needs to be carefully curated in order for them to function at their best. Having such big, beautiful babies requires specific dietary requirements, so be sure to examine every ingredient list carefully. In order for the big body of your dog to work properly, you have to provide it with a great deal of fuel, so you cannot go for low-quality dog food. Therefore, if you’re trying to figure out what the best food for your Rottie might be, then knowing what to consider will help. 

Here are the main factors you must consider when choosing the best dog food for your Rottweiler: 

  • Quantity of protein
  • Amount of fat 
  • Grains 
  • Age 

Each of these factors will be explored in more detail in the following section:

Quantity of Protein

Before you purchase dog food for your Rottweiler, remember that they need lots of protein and especially protein from meat. Meat is vital in keeping your dog healthy and at a good weight. When buying, check if meat or meal meat is the first ingredient on the list. You should avoid that dog food and look for something else if it isn’t. The protein helps them build healthy muscle and prevents them from becoming overweight.

Amount of Fat

Dog food that does not have a lot of fat is highly recommended for Rottweilers. When there is some fat in it, ensure that the fats listed are named, for example, chicken fat. If the fats are unnamed, it’s best to avoid them altogether.

Grains

Your Rottweiler needs high-quality, wholesome grains that will encourage easy digestion and help with gut wellness. Ensure that the dog food you’re considering has a reasonable amount of wholesome grains to give your Rottie a balanced diet.

Your Rottweiler’s Age

All dog breeds have varying dietary requirements as they grow. Rottweiler puppies have specific needs that other age groups may not have and vice versa. Ensure that the dog food you buy is appropriate for your dog’s life stage.

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About the Author

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.

The Best Dog Food For Rottweilers: Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much is dog food for Rottweilers?

Rottweilers’ dog food comes from different brands and thus comes at different prices. Depending on the formulation, brand, and other features, they mostly cost $15 to $100.

How do I find out if my dog’s food has been recalled?

As of January 13th, 2023, none of the dog foods reviewed on this list have been recalled per https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals.

 

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