If you’re getting a Rottweiler puppy, it’s vital to know the right kind of food to feed them. Because your Rottie will grow up to be a pretty hefty dog, you’ll need to find a specially formulated food for large breed dogs. You’ll also want to get them puppy-specific food since eating adult dog food could mean they miss out on essential nutrients necessary for growing bodies. Another thing to be on the lookout for is food containing minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that will help lower the risk of any health issues to which they are susceptible.
Luckily, many large breed puppy foods are available, but that also means finding the right food for your puppy will be more challenging. That’s why we recommend checking reviews of dog foods to learn more about them so you can decide if a particular food will be a good fit for your Rottweiler puppy. To help you begin your journey for the perfect dog food, we’ve put together reviews of the ten best foods for Rottweiler puppies.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Blue Buffalo Life Protection
High protein
Puppy-sized pieces
Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more than your pup requires
Check Price
Best Value
Iams ProActive Health Puppy
Best value
Has DHA for healthy brains
Contains key nutrients found in mother’s milk
Check Price
Premium Choice
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food
Fresh food
Each meal is portioned for your dog’s needs
Recipes made in conjunction with veterinary nutritionists
Click to Save 50%
- Free Shipping
Purina ONE Natural High Protein
High protein
Dry & meaty bits
Veterinarian-recommended brand Dry & meaty bits
Check Price
Diamond Naturals Large Breed
High protein
Designed for large breed puppies
Contains probiotics and prebiotics
Check Price
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Rottweiler Puppies
When you want the best overall dog food for your Rottweiler puppy, we recommend Blue Buffalo Life Protection. Specifically designed for puppies, this dog food contains ingredients such as real meat, veggies, whole grains, and fruit that promote healthy development and growth. It’s also chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that will help protect your pup’s immune system. Plus, you’ll find that real chicken (and no chicken by-products!) provides a high-quality protein that will aid in lean muscle growth.
Weight: 30 lbs
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Special diet: No corn, wheat, or soy; with grain
Check Price on Chewy
What other good stuff does it have? Blue Buffalo Life Protection has omega fatty acids for a healthy coat, ARA and DHA for a healthy brain, and calcium and phosphorus to promote strong teeth and bones. Another upside of this dog food is that the food pieces are smaller than most foods to help prevent choking and control tartar.
Pros
Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more than your pup requires
High protein
Puppy-sized pieces
Cons
Some dogs experienced diarrhea after eating
Occasional report of food bags arriving with small holes or tears
For the best dog food for your Rottweiler puppy for the money, our pick is Iams ProActive. Not only is it a great price, but it’s formulated particularly for large breed puppies, making it a winner for your Rottie. Containing real chicken as the first ingredient, it provides plenty of protein to help your pup grow. It also contains 22 essential nutrients that puppies get from momma dog’s milk! DHA from omega-3s is one of these critical nutrients—a nutrient that will help your puppy’s brain develop, so they’ll be the smartest doggo on the block.
Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more than your pup requires
High protein
Puppy-sized pieces
- Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more than your pup requires
- High protein
- Puppy-sized pieces
Some dogs experienced diarrhea after eating
Occasional report of food bags arriving with small holes or tears
- Some dogs experienced diarrhea after eating
- Occasional report of food bags arriving with small holes or tears
Weight: 30.6 lbs
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Special diet: With grain
Pros
Best value
Contains key nutrients found in mother’s milk
Has DHA for healthy brains
Cons
Contains chicken by-product
A few dogs suffered upset stomachs after eating
3. Nom Nom Turkey Fare Fresh Dog Food Subscription — Premium Choice
Click Here to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping with Nom Nom!
Weight: 12.35 oz per meal
Food form: Fresh
Flavor: Turkey
Special diet: Weight loss or weight gain
Want to get your Rottweiler puppy a dog food that’s different and a bit more premium? Then why not try Turkey Fare by Nom Nom? Nom Nom is a delivery service for pets that offers fresh-made meals with human-grade ingredients (so you could eat it too!). Each recipe is created in conjunction with board-certified veterinary nutritionists to meet the nutritional requirements the Association of American Feed Control Officials has formed.
Best value
Contains key nutrients found in mother’s milk
Has DHA for healthy brains
- Best value
- Contains key nutrients found in mother’s milk
- Has DHA for healthy brains
Contains chicken by-product
A few dogs suffered upset stomachs after eating
- Contains chicken by-product
- A few dogs suffered upset stomachs after eating
Turkey Fare is the meal with the highest amount of protein and is made from turkey, eggs, brown rice, spinach, and carrots. It’s also full of good things your pup needs to grow healthy and strong, such as fish oil, calcium, and lots of vitamins. Plus, each meal can be tailored for weight gain or weight loss, so there’s no risk of your dog overeating—particularly important when it comes to Rottweilers.
As a subscription service, you might pay a tiny amount more, but for your pet’s health, it’s well worth it!
Pros
Fresh food
Each meal is portioned for your dog’s needs
Recipes made in conjunction with veterinary nutritionists
Cons
May be a bit pricier than other dog foods
This large breed, puppy-specific dog food is stuffed with protein, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to help your dog grow up healthy. Glucosamine promotes joint health, while antioxidants help the immune system stay strong. Omega fatty acids keep your pup’s coat staying shiny, while DHA aids the growth and development of the brain. Plus, there’s calcium to keep bones and teeth nice and strong.
Fresh food
Each meal is portioned for your dog’s needs
Recipes made in conjunction with veterinary nutritionists
- Fresh food
- Each meal is portioned for your dog’s needs
- Recipes made in conjunction with veterinary nutritionists
May be a bit pricier than other dog foods
- May be a bit pricier than other dog foods
Weight: 31.1 lbs
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Special diet: High-protein, natural, with grain
Purine ONE has a mix of dry kibble and meaty morsels, making it extra tasty for your little one. It also has no preservatives or fillers and is a veterinarian-recommended brand.
Pros
High protein
Veterinarian-recommended brand
Dry & meaty bits
Cons
Some complaints of dogs having loose stool after eating
Rare reports of moldy food
When you want to start your puppy on the right track nutritionally, you’ll want to look at Diamond Naturals. Made by a family-owned company in the U.S., this particular recipe is designed explicitly for large breed puppies. Not only does it offer your pup 27% crude protein with the addition of lamb, but it’s enhanced with probiotics and prebiotics to improve digestion, along with superfoods! This food is stuffed with omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to ensure that your Rottweiler looks and feels its best.
High protein
Veterinarian-recommended brand
Dry & meaty bits
- High protein
- Veterinarian-recommended brand
- Dry & meaty bits
Some complaints of dogs having loose stool after eating
Rare reports of moldy food
- Some complaints of dogs having loose stool after eating
- Rare reports of moldy food
Weight: 40 lbs
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Lamb
Special diet: No corn, wheat, or soy; with grain
Diamond Naturals is made without soy, corn, wheat, and artificial colors or flavors. One thing to know about this product is that it also contains chicken fat, so it may be unsuitable for dogs with chicken-related food allergies.
Pros
High protein
Contains probiotics and prebiotics
Designed for large breed puppies
Cons
Rare reports of dogs having stomach upset after eating
May be bad for dogs with food allergies due to chicken fat
This dog food by Hill’s Science Diet is specially formulated for puppies who will grow up to be 55 pounds or more as an adult. Suitable for dogs till they turn one, this food offers your Rottweiler plenty of protein for muscle growth and calcium for strong bones. The addition of glucosamine and chondroitin also aids in the development of strong muscles and joints. On top of all that, Hill’s Science Diet contains plenty of vitamin E and C, plus antioxidants that boost the health of your pup’s immune system.
High protein
Contains probiotics and prebiotics
Designed for large breed puppies
- High protein
- Contains probiotics and prebiotics
- Designed for large breed puppies
Rare reports of dogs having stomach upset after eating
May be bad for dogs with food allergies due to chicken fat
- Rare reports of dogs having stomach upset after eating
- May be bad for dogs with food allergies due to chicken fat
Weight: 30 lbs
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Chicken & oat
Special diet: High-protein, with grain
The downside to this dog food is that it doesn’t contain real meat, only chicken meal, and chicken fat. However, it also has no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, which is a plus.
Pros
Specially formulated for puppies who will grow to be 55 pounds or more
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin, both important for large breed dogs
Has calcium for bone development
Cons
Contains no real meat
Some dogs had loose stool after eating
Food has large pieces that some dogs had difficulty eating
With chicken as the first ingredient, you can ensure your puppy is getting a great quality protein with Nutro Natural Choice. This specially formulated recipe for large breed puppies also contains plenty of other good for your pup ingredients, such as brown rice, spinach, and kale. Nutro Natural Choice provides your Rottweiler with omega-3 fatty acids to help develop a healthy brain and shiny coat, along with calcium for strong joints and bones. Plus, this dog food has a ton of antioxidants that help support your dog’s immune system. Nutro Natural Choice is best for puppies 18 months of age and under.
Specially formulated for puppies who will grow to be 55 pounds or more
Contains glucosamine and chondroitin, both important for large breed dogs
Has calcium for bone development
- Specially formulated for puppies who will grow to be 55 pounds or more
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin, both important for large breed dogs
- Has calcium for bone development
Contains no real meat
Some dogs had loose stool after eating
Food has large pieces that some dogs had difficulty eating
- Contains no real meat
- Some dogs had loose stool after eating
- Food has large pieces that some dogs had difficulty eating
Weight: 30 lbs
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Chicken & brown rice
Special diet: Non-GMO, no corn, soy, or wheat, with grain
Pros
Contains calcium
Real meat as the first ingredient
Non-GMO
Cons
Dogs with sensitive stomachs may experience loose stools
Rare complaints of dogs’ coats drying out after eating
Unleash your Rottweiler puppy’s potential with this dog food formulated to fuel your dog’s body as it grows! Offering complete nutritional requirements for large breed puppies 15 months of age and under, Eukanuba provides your Rottie with a high-protein food featuring real chicken as the first ingredient. It also contains the calcium and phosphorus needed to support your pup’s joints as they get older, along with DHA for a healthier, smarter brain. Prebiotics and fiber aid with better digestion, while vitamin E boosts the health of the immune system. Eukanuba has everything your little one needs to grow up strong and healthy!
Contains calcium
Real meat as the first ingredient
Non-GMO
- Contains calcium
- Real meat as the first ingredient
- Non-GMO
Dogs with sensitive stomachs may experience loose stools
Rare complaints of dogs’ coats drying out after eating
- Dogs with sensitive stomachs may experience loose stools
- Rare complaints of dogs’ coats drying out after eating
Weight: 33 lbs
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Special diet: High-protein, with grain
Pros
Real meat as the first ingredient
Contains prebiotics for easier digestion
Has calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and joints
Cons
Complaints of pieces of food being too large for very young puppies
Rare occurrence of loose stool after consumption
This wholesome food was developed for puppies who will grow to be between 56 and 100 pounds and contains a mineral blend designed to promote healthy bones and joints. It also contains prebiotics and easily digestible proteins that the company promises will aid in digestion and improve the quality of your pup’s stools. Royal Canin’s puppy food also has a host of vitamins and antioxidants that work to keep your puppy’s immune system operating at its best. And Royal Canin claims the size and design of its food pieces will encourage your dog to chew its food thoroughly instead of scarfing it down.
Real meat as the first ingredient
Contains prebiotics for easier digestion
Has calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and joints
- Real meat as the first ingredient
- Contains prebiotics for easier digestion
- Has calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and joints
Complaints of pieces of food being too large for very young puppies
Rare occurrence of loose stool after consumption
- Complaints of pieces of food being too large for very young puppies
- Rare occurrence of loose stool after consumption
Weight: 35 lbs
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Chicken
Special diet: With grain
Unfortunately, this dog food does not contain real meat, only chicken by-product meal and chicken fat, so it may not be best for those looking for foods with actual meat in them.
Pros
Contains a specialized blend of minerals to promote joint health
Has prebiotics to improve digestion
Claims food design will encourage pups to chew food completely
Cons
Does not contain real meat
Rare reports of dogs being allergic to food
Occasional complaints of dogs becoming gassy after eating
For those Rottweiler puppies who have sensitive stomachs or are allergic to chicken, this lamb and oatmeal food from Holistic Select might just be a great fit. Holistic Select’s recipe contains a host of nutrients specially designed to improve your pup’s digestive health, including fiber, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. It also has plenty of nutrients for a healthy heart and joint support, such as taurine, antioxidants, and glucosamine. And you won’t have to worry about your dog’s skin or coat becoming dry and itchy, as this food has lots of omega-3 fatty acids. The best part? This recipe is formulated to increase the absorption of all the nutrients your pup needs!
Contains a specialized blend of minerals to promote joint health
Has prebiotics to improve digestion
Claims food design will encourage pups to chew food completely
- Contains a specialized blend of minerals to promote joint health
- Has prebiotics to improve digestion
- Claims food design will encourage pups to chew food completely
Does not contain real meat
Rare reports of dogs being allergic to food
Occasional complaints of dogs becoming gassy after eating
- Does not contain real meat
- Rare reports of dogs being allergic to food
- Occasional complaints of dogs becoming gassy after eating
Weight: 30 lbs
Food form: Dry
Flavor: Lamb & oatmeal
Special diet: Sensitive stomachs, with grain
Pros
Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Designed for optimal digestive health
Formulated for better absorption of nutrients
Cons
Rare report of food having a chemical smell
Some dogs still had loose stools after eating
Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Designed for optimal digestive health
Formulated for better absorption of nutrients
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
- Designed for optimal digestive health
- Formulated for better absorption of nutrients
Rare report of food having a chemical smell
Some dogs still had loose stools after eating
- Rare report of food having a chemical smell
- Some dogs still had loose stools after eating
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Food for Rottweiler Puppies
Rottweiler Puppies Dietary Needs
Rottweilers are large, muscular dogs that grow rapidly until they reach their full height and weight. This is why puppy-specific food is so important. Food made especially for young dogs contains the nutrients needed to support such rapid growth.
They also need food that will help alleviate the risk of diseases and health issues to which they are most susceptible. Some of the most common health problems Rottweilers run into include arthritis, elbow or hip dysplasia, and obesity. This is where large breed-specific dog foods come in, as they typically include nutrients needed to support joint health and more.
With any dog food, you should be aiming for between 24-28% of crude protein and between 14-18% of fat. As for how much you should be feeding your Rottweiler puppy, it’s best to check with your vet as the amount of food can be different for each pup according to their activity level and how quickly they grow.
What To Look for In a Puppy Food for Rottweilers
Because you want to make sure your Rottweiler puppy is getting all the proper nutrients to ensure they grow as they should, you’ll need to look for certain specifications in any dog food you’re considering purchasing.
Age & Breed Specific Dog Food
As stated previously, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting dog food that is formulated especially for both puppies and large breeds. This will ensure your pup is getting all the required nutrients to support their rapidly growing bodies and help reduce the risk of large breed-specific health issues.
- See Also: What Are Albino (White) Rottweilers & Should They Be Adopted?
Dog Food Ingredients
You’ll want to carefully read the ingredient list for any dog food you’re considering for your Rottweiler puppy. Ideally, the first ingredient should be real meat—not a meat by-product—so your pup can get the protein they need. You’ll also want to ensure that whatever dog food you get has enough calcium and phosphorus to help with bone growth, plus omega fatty acids to help keep your pup’s coat and skin healthy.
Complex carbs such as whole oats or sweet potatoes will be better for your dog than simple carbs like wheat or corn, as complex carbs are absorbed more slowly and help keep blood sugar levels in check. Also, look for dog foods with antioxidants for immune support and probiotics or prebiotics for digestive health. Finally, look for the addition of glucosamine and/or chondroitin, as these elements aid in keeping joints healthy.
Dog Food Price
Dog food can get pricey, particularly when your puppy goes through it like it’s going out of style! That’s why it’s important to look around for the best value. Just because one food is more expensive than others doesn’t mean it offers more nutritional value or is healthier for your pet. You may find a food with the same ingredients for much less.
Also, if you’re switching your puppy to a new food, starting with a small bag will save you money. Sometimes certain foods just don’t agree with our dogs (or our dogs refuse to eat it). So, remember that when searching for a new food to try out!
Dog Food Reviews
While every dog is different, reading reviews from other pet owners—particularly those who also own Rottweilers—can help you in deciding about dog food. You may find that most Rottweiler owners found a certain food left their pets gassy or find out a food is bad for those with sensitive stomachs. Reviews tend to give you better information than you would get by simply reading the brand’s description of their product.
- See Also: Rottweiler vs German Shepherd: Which Is Right For You?
Conclusion
When it comes to the best overall dog food for Rottweiler puppies, our choice is Blue Buffalo Life Protection, not only for the wholesome ingredients but because it’s designed to help control tartar. For the best value, we recommend Iams ProActive for the excellent price and 22 nutrients it contains that your pup needs. Finally, if you want to get a little premium, our pick is Nom Nom Turkey Fare because it’s fresh and created in part with veterinary nutritionists.
Featured Image Credit: otsphoto, Shutterstock
