5 Best Dog Foods For Rottweiler Puppies

If you’re looking for the best dog food for a Rottweiler puppies, look no further, because this review has all you need to know. In this article, we will talk about: 

  • What makes a food worthy of your dog 
  • What to look for when buying good quality dog food 
  • What to avoid when shopping for healthy and nutritious dog food 
  • Five great foods your dog will love 

Instead of sifting through thousands of other sites, just stay with us, we’ve got you and your dog covered.  

What to Look for When Purchasing the Best Dog Food for Rottweiler Puppies? 

To understand the best dog food for Rottweiler puppieswe have to first understand what it is puppies need to grow into healthy adult dogs.  

Puppies have very specific nutritional needs compared to adult dogs. This is why it is crucial to choose a food that gives them everything they need to grow, play, explore, perform bodily functions, and generally feel good. 

Let’s talk about the nutrients puppies need, so you can look for them as you shop and select bags of dog food at the store or online.  

First, start by reading the label on the puppy food. You will want to choose a food that is appropriate “for all stages of life” or specially made for puppies. 

Next, you will want to make sure the bag can feed your puppy or puppies.  

Here are the frequencies at which puppies should eat to ensure growth and energy:  

  • 2-3 months old means eating 4 meals per day 
  • 3 -6 months old means eating 3 meals a day 
  • 6 to 12 months old means eating 2 meals a day 

It is about the age of 3-4 weeks old that a pup begins to wean from their mother or formula milk. Once weaning has begun, it takes about three weeks before the puppy is fully weaned off milk or formula.  

So how can the pup eat food and learn to enjoy it? Veterinarians advise adding warm water to the food as a means of making a thick substance that is soft and easy to eat.   

Puppies have to have a balanced diet, which is why selecting a quality food is important. Thankfully, many of the top brands are well-balanced and have all your dog needs to get started on the right foot.  

That being said, it never hurts to ask around. Talk to your vet or breeder about what food they recommend. After all, this is the stuff that will give your dog the energy he needs to learn, grow, and, of course, play with your family. 

Much like with us humans, seek out labels that help your pup like “gluten-free, Vitamin C, No Shellfish”you have to be label smart when you shop for your dog’s food.  

Look for these phrases on the bag as you buy: 

  • Balanced/Complete Nutrition 
  • Meets Nutritional Requirements as Established by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) 
  • Balanced/Complete nutrition based upon AAFCO Trials 

What Nutrients Should You Look For?

Another important thing to look for when shopping for the best dog food for Rottweiler puppies is the nutrients contained within the food. Most quality brands will include these nutrients, so you don’t have to worry too much about them. However, you should know what puppies need so you can shop smart:  

Proteins: These promote muscle recovery and also help build the tissue in your puppy’s body.  

Fats: These keep the hair and skin of your puppy in good repair, giving them the shiny coat, they need to look their best. Fats are also key players in the development of healthy vision and a functioning, healthy brain.  

Carb: Dogs are carnivores, so protein is what they really need. However, carbs will give your dog energy to do all he needs to do during the day.  

Water: Puppies need lots of fresh water, in unlimited supply. Get yourself a good water bowl and fill it up for your dog to use anytime he wants. Canned food contains lots of water, but that’s not enough for your dog to thrive. 

You might think if a food is lacking, you could give your dog “people food” or table scraps to help them get what they need. However, if this is what you were planning, it’s time to reconsider.  

Experts agree that people’s food and treats should not account for more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Feeding too much of this stuff can lead to obesity, which can, in turn, cause heart disease and diabetes. 

There are also some people foods you should not give to your dog EVER. They include: 

  • Chocolate 
  • Garlic 
  • Onions 
  • Avocados 
  • Bread dough 

Vitamins/Minerals are also important. A complete, balanced package of puppy food will have all the necessary vitamins and minerals that your pup needs to stay healthy. 

Some of the common ones that your dog needs to stay healthy include:  

  • Vitamin A – This provides your dog with good vision, cell function, immune function, and growth. 
  • Vitamin B- Aids in regulation of energy, helps enzymes function, aids in energy metabolism 
  • Vitamin C- This is an antioxidant that dogs need to boost their immune systems and fight free radicals. It helps bring down inflammation and decreases cognitive aging. Dogs are capable of making Vitamin C, but supplementation is crucial for them. 
  • Vitamin D- This helps your dog attain healthy bones by balancing minerals like phosphorus and calcium. 
  • Vitamin E- Vitamin E is your dog’s defender against oxidative harm. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is needed for fat metabolism and the proper function of the cells. Without enough of this helpful vitamin, muscle degeneration, reproductive issues, and eye problems can occur. 
  • Vitamin K- Vitamin K is another thing to watch for when shopping for the best dog food for Rottweiler puppies. It helps your dog’s blood clot, which is needed in the event he gets a cut or scrape. If a dog accidentally eats rat/mouse poison, the dog’s ability to use Vitamin K can be compromised, which may lead to death if not treated by a vet.   
  • Choline- This supports your dog’s brain and liver and may be used for a pet suffering from epilepsy. 

What to Avoid When Purchasing the Best Dog Food for Rottweiler Puppies? 

Now you know what goes into making dog food great. But what should you be watching out for as you shop for dog food suitable for your Rottweiler puppies? 

Let’s explore a few ingredients that are not allowed, or at best, questionable when shopping for dog food.  

These ingredients are mostly meant to fill in the blanks and provide a method for manufacturers to cut corners, unlike other brands that fill their bags with wholesome and nutritious dog food.  

Some foods may be cheaper, but your dog’s health matters and spending money on quality food now may help you save money in vet bills down the road.  

Here they are now: 

Corn 

Corn is not necessarily a bad thing; you will find that some of the foods we feature today include it as a means of providing digestible fiber. However, if corn is the first ingredient, it is being used as a filler.

As well as this, some dogs may also be allergic to corn. 

Filler Ingredients 

Fillers in pet foods often show themselves in the form of things like “wheat mill run,” “Oat hulls,” “Soybean hulls,” and “Modified cornstarch,” to name a few. They have almost no nutritional value, but they help bulk up the food, which allows the maker to create more of the product, sell it at a lower price, and make money. 

Colors 

Why would a dog food need artificial colors? Dogs are colorblind after all, and their excellent senses of smell guide them to the food bowl. Humans may falsely think the food is better for their dog if it is brightly colored.  

Low-grade dog foods may include dyes like Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, or Yellow 6. Titanium Dioxide may also be used to condition the dough used to make dog food. There is no need for this in your dog’s food. 

Preservatives 

Preservatives can be used to keep a product edible for a longer period of time. It helps it stay on store shelves longer and makes owners happy knowing they can have it around for a few months without it going bad.  

But there is a considerable price to pay- these preservatives are sometimes made using unsafe chemicals. BHA and BHT, common preservatives, are carcinogens for animals and can lead to organ damage.  

They are used to keep fats in dog foods from becoming rancid. BHT has been shown to cause cancer and increases the occurrence of tumors in mice, specifically pulmonary and pituitary ones. 

Another artificial preservative to watch out for is ethoxyquin. It is no longer allowed for the production of human food but may be used in pet food. This chemical is added indirectly to dog food because it was already used on poultry or fish meals utilized in the production of pet food.  

This is why you may not see it listed on most cheap dog food bags. It is used to prevent fats in dog food from becoming rancid. It can lead to hemorrhage, cancers, damage to the kidneys, and damage to the thyroid. 

Rendered Fats 

Rendered fats are a scary thing when it comes to pet foods.They can come from nearly any animal, and it is hard to trace back where these fats are sourced from. Sometimes it’s from animals that were slaughtered for human foods or even roadkill. It is a meat by-product that has shady origins.  

Lastly, it may even be contaminated with harmful chemicals such as sodium phenobarbital, which is used in the euthanization of animals. Plastics and antibiotics may also be found in these rendered fats. 

Sweeteners 

These will not present themselves as saccharine or xylitol (which is toxic to dogs). Instead, they will be in the form of fructose, sugar, or even fruit. Fruit like cranberry, blueberry, apples, and cherries are OK for dogs, and so are lesser refined sugars like molasses and honey.  

However, sugar and fructose have no role in giving your dog vital nutrients. They are simply used to make your dog’s food more appealing to them.   

These add unneeded calories to the food and may also contribute to poor dental health. They increase a dog’s risk for obesity and, in turn, increase the risk for obesity-related health issues like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

Allergens 

Dogs can have allergies, just as humans can. The foods that affect humans commonly affect dogs, too. Here are some of the most common food allergens for dogs: 

  • Shellfish 
  • Wheat 
  • Soy 
  • Eggs 
  • Yeast 
  • Lamb 
  • Corn 

It doesn’t mean you should totally avoid dog foods that contain these foods, but you should if your dog has a known allergy to any of these ingredients. Many owners will not know this until their dog eats a portion of food containing one of these ingredients. 

Food allergies present themselves in dogs in ways that are different from humans. For example, dogs may not react immediately by way of the gastrointestinal system like a human might.  

Your dog might develop skin-related issues in connection with the food he is eating. Look for symptoms like dry, itchy skin that is inflamed. Also, look for ear infections. These are all symbols of intolerance or allergy to a particular food. 

What Are The Best Dog Foods for Rottweiler Puppies?

Now you know what to look for when you’re purchasing food for your rottweiler puppy, here are some of the best foods to consider getting them.

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Food, Puppy, Small Bites 

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Food For Puppies is a small kibble that puppies will just love to eat. It has healthy fats from fish oil to support a healthy brain and eyes. On top of this, it also has balanced minerals that will ensure strong bones and teeth. And it’s totally natural.  

It is a dog food that vets recommend, too! There are no artificial colors or flavors, and everything tastes excellent, so say the dogs that have tried this food.

There are really no downsides to this particular product, except the pricing. It is undoubtedly more expensive than some foods we reviewed, but the 15 lb bag they sell is enough for your puppy to eat all they need. 

Pros 

  • Has a perfect rating on Amazon 
  • Chicken meal is 1st ingredient 
  • Recommended by vets 
  • Kibble is nicely sized for smaller dogs 

Cons 

  • The bag is only sold in two sizes.  
  • The price is higher than some other foods.  

Canidae Pure Puppy Recipe, Grain Free Dog Food 

The great thing about Canidae Pure Puppy Recipe, Grain Free Dog Food is that it is made with 10 ingredients or less. This particular food is made with 9. If your dog is one with a sensitive stomach, then this food will be great for them as it contains no corn, soy, or wheat.  

There are probiotics added to each kibble, so healthy digestion and antioxidants are part of your dog’s lifestyle.  

All the food is made right in the USA and contains all the vitamins and minerals you could ever want for your growing dog. The foods included will keep your dog coming back again and again. 

The only downside to this particular food is pricing. However, it is an excellent investment- a 24 lb. bag will cost just $65 and will keep your puppy eating nutritious food for months.  

While there’s not a lot of variety in flavors for puppies, it does have favorable reviews from other users. 

Pros 

  • 24 lb. bags are available, great for multiple pups 
  • Every bag of food has 10 or fewer ingredients 
  • Your dog’s nutrition comes from real and wholesome sources of food 

Cons 

  • Limited flavor selection for puppies 

Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Food 

Now we move onto our top choice for wet puppy food, Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Food In this pack, you get 12 13 oz cans, flavored with lamb, long-grain rice, and other great vitamins and minerals. Dogs love the taste, and there are no by-products from poultry included.  

Omega-3 Fatty acids are also part of the blend, which helps your puppy grow a healthy coat and skin. Antioxidants are also part of the mix so that your puppy’s immune system is healthy as can be. If your puppy enjoys wet food over dry, this is the way to go. It can be bought in the dry form too! 

This particular food does not really have many downsides, aside from 13 oz cans being too much for some puppies.  

If your dog can’t eat all of it, you can always give it to another dog or safely store it away from your family’s food. However, the taste is so good that we are sure most dogs will be able to eat it all! 

Pros 

  • Great price 
  • Dogs love the flavor 
  • Wet food gives additional hydration to pups 

Cons 

  • The can may be too big for some puppies to finish on their own.  

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Dog Food 

A cute wolf pup adorns the front of this bag, but don’t let the beautiful packaging fool you. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Dog Food is a powerhouse of nutrients and real food your dog will yip happily about once it gets poured into the bowl. 

Real chicken is the first ingredient, and this protein will get the muscles growing and help your puppy recover after long days of play.  

The formula is made with Lifesource Bits, which is the brand’s mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals chosen by holistic veterinarians and prepared to support your dog’s immune system and oxidative balances. 

Everything is natural and contains no by-products, wheat, soy, or artificial ingredients. Plenty of bag sizes are available. 

The only real downside we could find with this food was that chicken was the only flavor. Some dogs might like a bit of variety in their diets, and in some cases, rottweilers can be allergic to chicken as well.

Pros 

  • Contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives 
  • Comes in a variety of sizes for single or multiple puppies 
  • Helps dogs enjoy meat, which they naturally crave and need 

Cons 

  • There was only one flavor of the food available.  
  • This food is on the pricier side.  

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Dry Dog Food 

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Dry Dog Food is good for large and small breed puppies, as they make formulas for each. As we know, the Rottweiler is a larger breed, so this is truly great for your pup as they grow. 

This dog food is packed with farm-raised chicken, sweet potato and brown rice, and plenty of vitamins and minerals.  

There are also Omega-3 Fatty Acids included as well as DHA which aids in healthy development and growth. Calcium is also part of the blend which supports strong joints and bones. 

Chicken and lamb flavors are available to keep your dog interested and coming back for more. There is no chicken by-products, wheat, corn or soy, and no artificial stuff like colors or preservatives. The food is made in the USA with ingredients from around the world. 

Pros 

  • Great for large breed puppy dogs 
  • Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient in the recipe 
  • Two flavors for dogs to enjoy 
  • 30 lb. bag available 

Cons 

  • Pellets are kind of large for food designed for puppies 

Recap 

After reviewing all the food choices above, we have decided that Hill’s Science Diet Dry Food For Puppies is the best choice of puppy food. We made this choice for the following reasons. 

  • It contains chicken meal as the primary ingredient 
  • It is formulated to include all vitamins and minerals a puppy needs to grow and feel good 
  • It has smaller kibble sizing, which is easier for puppies to chew 
  • It has perfect ratings from other owners like you! 

Furthermore, it contains NONE of the stuff we told you to watch out for. Make sure whatever dog food you choose for your pets contains zero of the following. 

  • Artificial colors/preservatives 
  • Fillers like corn bran, soybean hulls, modified cornstarch 
  • By-products 
  • Sweeteners 
  • Corn when used as a primary ingredient 
  • Any ingredients that are known allergens to your dog 
  • Rendered Fats 

Conclusion 

Thank you for checking out our guide to the best dog food for Rottweiler puppies We hope you have an idea of what to look for as you shop around. Enjoy watching your puppy grow!