Best Dog Food For Rottweiler Puppies

Karan French

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Karan French
Karan French

Karan French

Senior Researcher

Karan is a senior researcher at the Dog Food Advisor, working closely with our in-house pet nutritionist, Laura Ward, to give pet parents all the information they need to find the best food for their dog.

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Updated: September 18, 2024

Verified by Laura Ward

Laura Ward

Laura Ward

Pet Nutritionist

Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.

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Laura Ward

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What’s the best dog food for Rottweiler Puppies?

Rottweiler puppies are the young offspring of the Rottweiler breed, descended from the mastiffs of the Roman legions, they are a robust breed with great strength and a protective nature.

Rottweilers are relatively popular as pets in the United States. The American Kennel Club (AKC), which keeps track of dog registration statistics, reveal that Rottweilers have consistently ranked within the top 10 most popular breeds in the US over the past decade.

It is crucial to provide your Rottweiler puppy with a high-quality, balanced and nutritious diet to ensure proper growth and development into a strong adult dog.

This large breed benefits from a diet rich in high-quality animal protein sources such as chickenbeef, or fish, so look for a dog food with named meat protein sources at the top of the ingredient list.

Healthy fats are also crucial for Rottweilers to maintain optimal skin and coat health. Opt for dog foods that contain sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids such as fish oilflaxseed, or chicken fat.

You should also avoid dog foods that contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Opt for natural and minimally processed options.

Below, you can read our recommendations of the best dog food for Rottweiler Puppies.

You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Rottweiler Puppies.

The Dog Food Advisor - Editor's choice

Best Dog Food For Rottweiler Puppies November 2024

Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Rottweiler puppies for November 2024.

  • 1. Nom Nom

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    Nom Nom Fresh Beef Mash is one of four fresh recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom Fresh product line.

    Nom Nom Fresh Beef Mash derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 34.8% protein, 17.4% fat and 39.8% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.

    Every meat and veggie is gently cooked individually, then mixed in batches to seal in vital nutrients and maximize digestibility.

    Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here

    Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas
    Type Grain-Free
    Protein Percentage 34.8%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Puppies & Dogs

    Sample buyer review...

    "Most of all I love that I’m giving my pets top-notch food that I hope will contribute to their longevity and overall wellbeing."

    Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com
  • 2. Blue Buffalo

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    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is one of 20 dry recipes included in our review of the Blue Buffalo Life Protection product line.

    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28.9% protein, 16.7% fat and 46.4% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

    Formulated for the health and well-being of large breed puppies, BLUE Life Protection Formula starts with high-quality deboned chicken and features wholesome whole grains, antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, plus essential nutrients like DHA to support healthy growth and development in larger puppies.

    Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Life Protection Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley
    Type Grain-Inclusive
    Protein Percentage 28.9%
    AAFCO Standards Growth & Reproduction
    Best For Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Females

    Sample buyer review...

    "Our rottweiler has been on Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy food since she was 8 weeks old. She is thriving well on this food and loves it. Shiny coat , growing well, and never had a stomach upset."

    Read more buyer reviews at BlueBuffalo.com
  • 3. Diamond

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    Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals Dry product line.

    Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice Formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from lamb. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16.7% fat and 45.3% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

    Appropriate nutrient levels to fuel larger growing bodies with calcium and phosphorus for bone and joint development, DHA for proper brain and vision development and L-Carnitine helps convert fat to energy. Enhanced with superfoods and guaranteed probiotics.

    Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, grain sorghum
    Type Grain-Inclusive
    Protein Percentage 30%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Puppies & Dogs

    Sample buyer review...

    "My Rottweiler puppy Gyra loves this food, very picky eater. Well let’s say was a picky eater until I started feeding her her this food she loves it!!!! Nice shiny coat I highly recommend feeding Diamond naturals!! Best thing about feeding this puppy food is they don’t require a lot of it to maintain weight, so you save money, go Diamond!!!!"

    Read more buyer reviews at DiamondPet.com
  • 4. Nutro

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    Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Farm-Raised Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Natural Dry product line.

    Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Farm-Raised Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28.9% protein, 15.6% fat and 47.6% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.

    Made for large breed puppies up to 18 months old, this dry food supports brain and eye development with omega-3 fatty acids like DHA. It’s formulated to support healthy joints, contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, and provides essential antioxidants for healthy immunity.

    Read our review of the full Nutro Dog Food range here

    Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate), whole grain sorghum, whole grain brown rice
    Type Grain-Inclusive
    Protein Percentage 28.9%
    AAFCO Standards Growth & Reproduction
    Best For Puppies & Pregnant Or Lactating Females

    Sample buyer review...

    "Dog food is a big deal to me, and this one is top of the line. My dog has much smaller poops when she eats it, meaning she’s digesting the nutrients better. Plus she loves it!"

    Read more buyer reviews at Nutro.com
  • 5. Holistic

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    Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health is one of five dry recipes inculded in our review of the Holistic Select Dry product line.

    Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Puppy Health derives the bulk of its meat protein from lamb. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27.8% protein, 16.7% fat and 47.6% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.

    Lamb Meal & Oatmeal Recipe is specially formulated natural dry puppy food for large breed puppies with larger kibble for larger mouths, including active probiotics, healthy fiber and digestive enzymes.

    Read our review of the full Holistic Select Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Lamb meal, chicken meal, oatmeal, brown rice, barley
    Type Grain-Inclusive
    Protein Percentage 27.8%
    AAFCO Standards Growth & Reproduction
    Best For Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Females

    Sample buyer review...

    "Bitzy and her sister Minnie are big girls at 227lbs. Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult Health Chicken Meal & Oatmeal dry dog recipe keeps them happy and healthy since puppyhood. Thanks for keeping my girls in great shape!"

    Read more buyer reviews at HolisticSelect.com
  • 6. Redbarn

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    Redbarn Grain-Free Sky Recipe is one of five dry recipes included in our review of the Red Barn Grain-Free Dry product line.

    Redbarn Grain-Free Sky Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from Turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31.1% protein, 16.7% fat and 44.2% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.

    Probiotics, miscanthus grass & prebiotic fiber in this recipe support healthy digestion. Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids in chicken and flaxseed help support healthy skin and a beautiful, shiny coat.Methionine, taurine & L-Carnitine supports heart health and vitamins A & E help support a healthy immune system.

    Read our review of the full Redbarn Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Turkey, chicken, chicken meal, duck meal, turkey meal
    Type Grain-Inclusive
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Puppies & Dogs

    Sample buyer review...

    "Our girls love your food and we tell everyone to buy from RedBarn . Thank you for making such quality dog food we will continue to purchase from your RedBarn Family God Bless you all"

    Read more buyer reviews at RedBarn.com
  • 7. Jinx

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    Jinx Jr. Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato is one of six dry recipes included in our review of the Jinx Dry product line.

    Jinx Jr. Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33.3% protein, 15.6% fat and 43.1% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.

    Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice, and Sweet Potato kibble recipe is formulated using high quality ingredients. Made with organic chicken to enrich your puppy’s growing muscles, whole grains for sustained energy and healthy digestion, and essential vitamins and minerals to support your puppy’s developing brain and heart function.

    Read our review of the full Jinx Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Organic chicken, chicken meal, ground peas, pearled barley, brown rice
    Type Grain-Inclusive
    Protein Percentage 33.3%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Puppies & Dogs

    Sample buyer review...

    "Kingston loved the Jinx Puppy Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Kibble! I used it to train him and teach him new tricks, and he was always eager to earn more. What I liked about this product was that it was made with organic, non-GMO ingredients and was specially formulated for puppies. Compared to other puppy food brands I’ve tried, Jinx’s kibble was definitely one of the best. It had all the nutrients Kingston needed to grow and thrive, and he enjoyed every bite."

    Read more buyer reviews at ThinkJinx.com
  • 8. Merrick

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    Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate Beef Recipe In Gravy is one of 14 wet recipes included in our review of the Merrick Grain-Free Canned product line.

    Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Plate Beef Recipe In Gravy derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 44.4% protein, 16.7% fat and 30.9% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 38%.

    Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipes start with real USDA-inspected deboned meat or chicken. This recipe is 96% meat or poultry with all the vitamins and minerals your puppy needs for complete nutrition.

    Read our review of the full Merrick Grain Free Dog Food (Canned) range here

    Main Ingredients Deboned beef, beef broth, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples
    Type Grain-Free
    Protein Percentage 44.4%
    AAFCO Standards Growth & Reproduction
    Best For Puppies and Pregnant or Lactating Females

    Sample buyer review...

    "My pups enjoyed Merrick Beef Grain Free Wet Puppy Food. We mixed it with dry food for them and they absolutely loved it!! An hour after they ate they were nudging their bowls for more. We have added merrick canned dog food to our feeding regime."

    Read more buyer reviews at MerrickPetCare.com

If you are considering getting a Rottweiler puppy, it’s essential to carry out thorough research, meet individual dogs, and interact with responsible breeders – or reputable rescue organizations – to ensure this is the right breed for your lifestyle and capabilities.

Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Rottweiler Puppies:

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a Rottweiler puppy?

Rottweiler puppies can vary in size depending on factors such as genetics, diet and overall health. A newborn puppy would typically weigh around 1 pound (0.5 kilograms).

As a breed they grow and mature slowly. At around 8 weeks old, Rottweiler puppies can weigh between 13.5 and 15 pounds (6 to 7 kilograms) or more.

Rottweilers usually reach their full adult size and weight between 18 months and 2 years of age.

How to socialize and train a Rottweiler puppy?

Start training your Rottweiler puppy early. Basic commands like sit, stay, come are important for their safety and your control.

They are intelligent and trainable but require consistent and firm guidance.

Known for their loyalty, confidence, and protective nature, Rottweilers are generally calm and confident dogs but can be aloof and reserved with strangers. Early socialization and obedience training are important to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and well-adjusted dogs.

How much exercise does a Rottweiler puppy need?

All puppies, including Rottweiler puppies, have growing bones and joints that are still developing. Excessive high-impact exercise, such as running on hard surfaces or jumping, can potentially lead to joint problems later in life. Until your puppy’s growth plates have closed (usually around 18 months of age), focus on controlled and moderate exercise.

For very young Rottweiler puppies, the general rule would be around five minutes of exercise per month of their age.

As your Rottweiler puppy grows, you can gradually increase the lengths of walks and playtime. Focus on controlled activities such as walking, jogging, or light training.

Is a Rottweiler puppy a good family pet?

Rottweilers are affectionate and do well with young children when introduced to them properly.

Remember that each dog is an individual, and while there are general breed characteristics, your Rottweiler puppy’s personality and behavior will also be influenced by genetics, upbringing, and environment. If you’re dedicated to providing proper training, socialization, and care, a well-raised Rottweiler can be a loyal and loving companion.

Final word

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