New Rottweiler parents are often surprised to see how quickly their small puppies grow into large dogs weighing 110 pounds or more. As a Rottweiler owner, you are responsible for providing your pup with the nutrition to support its rapid development and health.
In this article, we at Champion Rottweilers provide health and nutrition information for Rottweilers. Keep reading to learn how you can help protect your Rottweiler’s well-being and quality of life.
Feeding Your Rottweiler: Essential Ingredients to Include
Rottweilers have complex nutritional requirements due to their size, high energy levels, and risks for health complications. However, because these pups eat large quantities, their owners often choose the cheapest dog food to save money. Unfortunately, these products don’t always contain the macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs to thrive.
Below, we explore the essential ingredients to include in your Rottweiler’s diet.
Dietary Proteins and Amino Acids
Proteins are among the most critical ingredients in your Rottweiler’s food, and it will not survive without this essential macronutrient. In fact, your large Rottweiler can survive on a vegetarian diet, provided it contains sufficient dietary proteins and vitamin D.
The dietary proteins in dog food contain ten amino acids that your dog’s body cannot produce on its own. These amino acids play a crucial role in various biological functions, including:
- Energy production
- Muscle cramp healing
- Bone and muscle development
- Hair and skin health
- Body tissue repair
Interestingly, dogs can tell if their food doesn’t contain all ten amino acids, in which case they will ignore the food. Check the food’s protein content if your Rottweiler skips meals.
Dog food ingredients rich in protein include eggs, poultry, fish, beef, lamb, and soybean. Some dog foods have additional protein supplements. The protein content of your adult Rottweiler’s food should be at least 20%. Rottweiler puppies’ minimum protein requirement is higher at 24%.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are macronutrients in the form of starch, sugar, and dietary fibers. Your Rottweiler’s body breaks the carbs it eats into glucose, an energy source for body cells and the brain.
Commercial dog food ingredients containing carbohydrates include wheat, oats, barley, maize, and rice. Carbohydrate-rich vegetables include potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, and peas. Carrots, wheat germ, and apples are healthy fiber sources, promoting gastrointestinal health.
A young, energetic Rottweiler’s diet should contain around 20% carbohydrates. However, as your friend ages and becomes more passive, limit its carb intake to reduce its risk of diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.
Fats and Fatty Acids
Fat is a critical macronutrient and concentrated source of energy for Rottweilers. Your dog needs fatty acids to ensure its hormonal system, organs, and coat are in the best possible health. Fats also maintain your Rottweiler’s body cell structures and functions.
Healthy sources of fatty acids such as omega-6 in dog food include vegetable oils, pork fat, and chicken. Omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation due to arthritis, cancer, dermatitis, and kidney disease. Dog food ingredients containing omega-3 three include flaxseed oil, fish oils, and canola.
Vitamins and Minerals
Your dog’s food should contain various essential vitamins and minerals. Each nutrient plays a specific physiological role in promoting your Rottweiler’s health.
When choosing dog food for your Rottweiler, ensure that it contains vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, E, and K. Mineral nutrients your dog needs include calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and iron.
Rottweiler Health Conditions and Nutrition
Your Rottweiler’s dietary needs depend on various factors, including its age, activity level, and underlying health concerns. Insufficient nutrition can lead to various health concerns. On the other hand, changing your dog’s diet can relieve certain health complications.
Below, we discuss some of the most common health conditions relating to nutrition.
Recognizing and Managing Food Allergies
A food allergy is when your dog eats an ingredient that triggers an immune system overreaction. Ingredients that typically cause allergic reactions include proteins, such as eggs, dairy, and soy. However, your dog may be allergic to other ingredients, such as additives.
Common symptoms of food allergies include vomiting, diarrhea, and itchiness of the skin, paws, and ears. In some cases, food allergies can even lead to aggression or low energy.
Dog allergies are generally highly treatable. Schedule a veterinary exam if you suspect your Rottweiler has a food allergy. Your allergic dog should also switch to a hypoallergenic diet.
Heart Disease
If your dog’s diet has a high salt (sodium) content, its risk for heart disease increases. When your dog’s sodium levels increase, the blood vessels must retain water, increasing blood pressure. As a result, the arteries lose their elasticity, and the heart muscle must work harder to circulate blood throughout the body.
Schedule yearly vet visits to monitor your Rottweiler’s blood pressure and make dietary changes early to prevent this health condition.
Potential Feeding Risks for Your Rottweiler
Like most other large breeds, Rottweilers have a high risk of bloat. This medical emergency occurs when a dog’s stomach turns after eating, blocking the release of building gasses. Bloating is often fatal, especially when emergency vet care is unavailable.
You can prevent bloating by:
- Giving your dog three small meals per day instead one large one
- Waiting at least one hour after exercise before feeding your dog
- Ensuring your dog always has a supply of clean water so that it’s not thirsty after meals
According to some vets, using a shallow feeding bowl can also reduce your dog’s risk of bloating.
Seeking Professional Advice: Consulting with Your Veterinarian
Most high-end dog food options are suitable for Rottweilers. While these products tend to have relatively high price tags, they contain all the nutrients your pup needs to live a long, healthy, and active life.
If your dog has an underlying health concern, consult your vet to determine which ingredients to avoid. Switching to a different formula may be all your dog needs to regain health and energy.
Do You Want to Adopt a Rottweiler Puppy? Call Now
At Champion Rottweilers, we are a reputable breeder offering professional stud services. If you want to adopt a championship-quality German Rottweiler, call us today.
