11 Best Dog Foods For Rottweilers in 2024

Finding food that is suitable for your Rottweiler can be difficult.

After all, this dog breed has specific nutritional requirements. A Rottweiler’s diet should be made up of at least 22% protein. Additionally, many Rottweilers can be quite fussy when it comes to the food that they’re willing to eat. [1]

I tested 11 products and found Blue Buffalo Life Protection Adult Formula to be the best dog food for Rottweilers because it fulfills the nutritional requirements of this breed.

It’s packed with protein and nutrients, such as taurine and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). [2] This will ensure that your Rottie’s heart is healthy. Not to mention, it’s made to be easy for Rottweilers to eat.

As a dog lover, it was important for me to find the ideal dog food for my furry friend. Before writing this article, I tested a bunch of different dog food brands. This allowed me to see which variety my magnificent Rottweiler, Mason, preferred. 

From my testing, I found that loads of other dog food brands were also viable candidates for the top spot. 

Keep on reading to find out more!

What is the Best Dog Food for a Rottweiler?

• Best for Adult Rottweilers – Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food
• Best for Senior Rottweilers – Orijen Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Best for Rottweiler Puppies – Royal Canin Rottweiler Puppy Dry Food
• Best Fresh Food for Rottweilers – Nom Nom Turkey Fare Fresh Dog Food
• Best for Sensitive Stomach – Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
• Best for Picky Eaters – Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Dry Dog Food
• Best Budget Option – Iams Adult Large Breed High Protein Dry Dog Food
• Best for Active Rottweilers – Bully Max High Protein Dog Food
• Best Value – Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Dog Food
• Best for Muscle Mass – Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Best for Overweight Rottweilers – Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Rottweiler Adult Dry Dog Food

11 Best Rottweiler Foods Reviewed and Ranked

What is the best food for a Rottweiler dog? Read on to find out!

1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Key Takeaways

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
• Nutrient Content: 24% Protein, 14% Fat, 5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: No Corn, Wheat, or Soy, With Grain, Natural, No by-products
• Key Features: Premium protein from real chicken stacked with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and LifeSource Bits to boost the immune system
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Adult Rottweilers

Blue Buffalo’s dog food formula is made from natural ingredients, such as meat and vegetables. It doesn’t contain any animal by-products. This means that the formula features only the highest-quality ingredients.

The formula features delicious chicken, which is an excellent source of protein. This will allow your dog to build strong muscles. Not to mention, your Rottweiler will likely appreciate this chicken. My Rottweiler has been known to devour this food!

Aside from this, Blue Buffalo’s recipe also contains fruit, vegetables, and grains. This will ensure that your dog receives plenty of nutrients. In particular, it’s a sensational source of antioxidants. As a result, this will boost your Rottweiler’s immune system.

Plus, thanks to the inclusion of fish oil (salmon oil), Blue Buffalo’s food features omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, including vitamins, too. So if you want to give your dog healthy skin and a shiny coat of fur, you may want to opt for this brand. Also, this food improves joint health.

This formula was devised by animal nutritionists and veterinarians. They have ensured that dogs will receive all the nutrients that they need at different stages of their lives.

It also doesn’t include any wheat or soy, which many dogs are sensitive to. Additionally, the Blue Buffalo dog food is free from artificial flavors and preservatives. Therefore, your Rottweiler won’t eat anything that may upset its digestive system.

2. Orijen Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog

Key Takeaways

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard)
• Nutrient Content: 38% Protein, 15% Fat, 8% Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, High-Protein, Weight Control, Gluten Free, Natural, Raw, No Corn, Wheat, or Soy
• Key Features: The first 5 ingredients are fresh or raw
• Life Stage: Senior
• Best for: Senior Rottweilers

From my experience, old dogs can be hard work. This is because you will have to find food that suits their needs. For instance, senior dogs tend to prefer food that’s easy to digest and chew.

If you have a senior Rottweiler, Orijen may be the best option for you! Though it can be a little expensive, this dog food brand has been fortunate for senior dogs. As a result, it contains everything that older dogs need.

This dog food is composed of 85% protein ingredients, meaning that your Rottweiler will get sufficient protein. Plus, this will allow your senior dog to grow strong muscles.

The reason why Orijen’s dog food is so high in protein is that it is made with animal ingredients. Dogs are naturally meant to consume these foods, meaning that they should enjoy eating this food.

Orijen dog food has been made with what are arguably the most succulent parts of fish and poultry, such as the organs. This gives the food a lush texture, though some pet owners may object to feeding these parts to their dogs.

Aside from the meat, Orijen’s dog food has been made with plenty of fruits and vegetables, which will boost the nutritional value of this food. This includes pumpkin seeds, apples, and pears.

The nutrients from these ingredients can aid a Rottweiler’s immune system, thus helping them to avoid becoming ill. 

3. Royal Canin Rottweiler Puppy Dry Food

Key Takeaways

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Wheat Gluten, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat
• Nutrient Content: 24% Protein, 18% Fat, 3.9% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: With Grain
• Key Features: Supports digestion and development of the immune system
• Life Stage: Puppy
• Best for: Rottweiler Puppies

Rottweiler puppies should eat different food than adult Rottweilers. 

The reason for this is that this product is suited to puppies. It’s catered to Rottweiler puppies between the ages of 8 weeks and 18 months old.

The main feature of this dog food is that it contains antioxidants. These nutrients help puppies develop their immune systems. By building your dog’s natural defenses, Royal Canin will help your dog to fend off infections. [2]

Furthermore, the unique kibble will help your dog to chew this food. This is a particularly important feature for puppies who are still learning to eat.

This formulated dog food is also made to support joints and bones, which is great for your puppy as it develops into an adult. Plus, it contains curated traces of protein, L-carnitine, and phosphorus. This means that your adorable puppy gets all the nutrients it deserves.

This protein is of excellent quality, thus aiding your dog’s digestion. This will help your dog to achieve the desired quality of stool, which you will find beneficial when cleaning up after your puppy.

If you have a Rottweiler that is under 18 months of age, this Royal Canin formula might be suitable.

4. Nom Nom Turkey Fare Fresh Dog Food

Key Takeaways

• First 5 Ingredients: Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach
• Nutrient Content: 10% Protein, 5% Fat, 1% Fiber, 72% Moisture
• Type of Product: Fresh food
• Key Features: Made in the USA by Vet Nutritionists with high-quality, fresh, and organic ingredients, minimally processed human-grade dog food
• Life Stage: All Life Stages
• Best for: Fresh food

Nom Nom’s recipe is a fantastic option for dogs of all breeds and at any life stage since the meals are tailored to their needs.

They use fresh ingredients and cook them individually to create a meal that’s nutritious and tasty at the same time.

Nom Nom’s team takes care of your dog’s dietary needs by providing a meal according to your dog’s size, age, and current goals.

This mouthwatering recipe offers ground turkey as the very first ingredient. Turkey is a great source of protein to keep your four-legged buddy strong and fit. And with 10% crude protein your canine will get the energy it needs.

Furthermore, this recipe features only a few more ingredients such as brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach, fish oil, vitamins, and minerals.

The ingredients are easily digestible and they are high in essential nutrients your dog needs to thrive.

In addition, the meal contains omega fatty acids from fish oil, which is beneficial for your pup’s skin, and taurine to support his heart.

If you want human-grade, premium-quality food for your Rottie and you are ready to pay a bit more, Nom Nom should be the right choice.

5. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food

Key Takeaways

• First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oat Meal, Canola Meal
• Nutrient Content: 26% Protein, 16% Fat, 4% Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Type of Product: High-Protein, Sensitive Digestion, Weight Control, No Corn, Wheat, or Soy, With Grain
• Key Features: Simple, digestible ingredients for sensitive stomachs
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Sensitive Digestion

Purina’s dog food contains guaranteed live probiotics that can aid your dog’s digestion and improve its immune health. Thanks to the use of oatmeal and rice, this dog food is super easy for dogs to digest. So if your pet has digestive sensitivity, it may be worth trying Purina.

Despite this, the Purina Pro Plan is free from soy, wheat, and corn.

Rottweilers who are sensitive to these ingredients can continue to eat this dog food. This is our favorite brand for dogs with digestive issues or sensitive stomachs.

This brand has a fish taste that dogs are bound to love. Aside from this salmon option, Purina also provides turkey and lamb versions that may suit dogs that prefer these flavors.

Purina’s dog food is also bursting with omega-6 fatty acids, which will give your dog a healthy coat and skin. This is thanks to the use of sunflower oil. Besides, this brand contains healthy doses of omega-3 acids, which will be beneficial for a dog’s joints and will aid with mobility.

An advantage of the Purina Pro Plan is that there are loads of versions available. As a consequence, you are sure to find something suitable for your Rottweiler.

It’s available in different flavors and you can get versions for different ages. 

6. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Key Takeaways

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Barley, Peas
• Nutrient Content: 26% Protein, 12% Fat, 5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: No Corn, Wheat, or Soy, With Grain
• Key Features: A premium protein for lean muscle and energy
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Picky Eaters

Wellness’s formula is specially made with natural ingredients, optimal caloric intake, and probiotics to maximize large dogs’ potential.

The first ingredients are chicken and chicken meal, which means plenty of protein (26% crude protein content) for your big pup.

Protein helps build muscle and it provides your dog with energy for a lot of playing.

Furthermore, this balanced formula contains whole grains such as ground brown rice and oats which are rich in fiber and vitamins that are beneficial for digestion and the gut.

Also, it features a salmon meal, barley, ground flaxseed, peas, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples.

Flaxseed is an excellent source of omega fatty acids that give your Rottie a radiant coat, and these healthy veggies and fruits are loaded with antioxidants to boost the immune system.

This recipe is enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to support your pup’s digestion and general well-being.

Rottweilers and other adult large dog breeds can benefit from this tasty, nutritious meal that provides them with quality protein, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber.

The carefully chosen ingredients are GMO-free, they support your dog’s health, digestive system, joints, and skin and don’t contain meat by-products, artificial preservatives, or fillers.

Dog parents will be glad to know that the kibble is budget-friendly.

7. Iams Adult Large Breed Real Chicken High Protein Dry Dog Food

Key Takeaways

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Ground Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal
• Nutrient Content: 22.5% Protein, 12% Fat, 5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: With Grain
• Key Features: Inexpensive diet for dog owners on a budget
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Dog owners on a budget

Iams Proactive Health contains ingredients that promote good health. For instance, it features beet pulp, which will help your Rottweiler to digest food. It also features wholesome grains that will give your dog plenty of energy.

Plus, the main ingredient of this dog food is chicken, which will allow dogs to build powerful muscles. These chickens have been farm-raised, which will likely be welcome news to animal lovers.

One of the main advantages of this dog food brand is that it promotes healthy joints and bones. This is thanks to the inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin. If your Rottweiler likes to run as much as mine, these healthy bones will prove beneficial!

Thanks to the unique formula, this dog food has an excellent mix of prebiotics and fibers. These nutrients will help your dog to properly digest its food and will prove beneficial to its immunity.

8. Bully Max High Protein Dog Food

Key Takeaways

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Dried Beet Pulp, Ground Grain Sorghum
• Nutrient Content: 30% Protein, 20% Fat, 3.8% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: With Grain
• Key Features: Premium-rich diet for very active dogs
• Life Stage: All Life Stages
• Best for: Active Rottweilers

As indicated by the name, Bully Max High Protein Dog Food is loaded with protein. It’s formed of 30% crude protein and 20% fat, which will ensure that there is enough protein in your Rottweiler’s diet.

Furthermore, this will guarantee that your dog maintains a healthy weight. Make sure that you keep an eye on how much fat your dog is consuming. Excessive fat can lead to a plethora of canine health problems. 

Obesity in dogs can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. [3] So if your Rottweiler looks as though it has put on a few too many pounds, you may need to reduce the portion sizes.

As an energetic dog breed, Rottweilers are sure to put these calories to good use. As I write this, my beloved Rottweiler Mason is currently doing laps of my garden!

Bully Max also contains more calories than standard dog food brands. Rottweilers need an impressive 2,100 calories every day. 

A single cup of Bully Max High Protein Dog Food contains 535 calories. This will make it super simple for dog owners to ensure that Rottweilers get their daily intake. This also means that you will have to give your dog less food than you would with other brands, thus saving you time and money.

Another brilliant feature of this dog food is that it is suitable for most ages. Any dog that’s older than 4 weeks old can consume Bully Max’s Dog Food, meaning that it’s suitable for puppies and adults alike.

Made in the USA, Bully Max’s dog food doesn’t contain any chemicals that will harm your dog or the environment. So your dog won’t be consuming dangerous chemicals!

Thanks to its meaty flavor, most dogs love Bully Max. So even if your dog is as fussy as my furry friend, it will likely adore the taste of this brand. 

This contrasts with many similar brands, which are plant-based. Most dogs won’t eat plants! Instead, they will prefer the meaty taste of Bully Max High Protein Dog Food.

9. Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Key Takeaways

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate)
• Nutrient Content: 20% Protein, 12% Fat, 3.5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: High Fiber, High-Protein, Human-Grade, Molasses-Free, Sensitive Digestion, No Corn, Wheat or Soy, Non-GMO
• Key Features: High-quality protein food that helps large dogs stay healthy and fit
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Overall well-being

Nutro takes pride in making natural food with carefully chosen NON-GMO ingredients from trusted sources.

The first ingredient is real chicken, a great source of premium protein (20% crude content) for building lean muscle.

In addition, it features whole grain brown rice, whole grain sorghum, brewers rice, wholegrain barley, and whole grain oatmeal naturally rich in fiber that supports digestion and well-being.

Healthy veggies like pumpkin, kale, and spinach provide nutrients for your Rottweiler to stay active and fit.

And this tasty kibble contains natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine which are beneficial for your dog’s hips and joints.

Small and big pups need antioxidants to stay healthy, and Nutro’s recipe is high in these substances that boost the immune system.

Rottweilers with sensitivities can also enjoy the kibble since it’s made without wheat, corn, or soy.

Adult large and giant breeds can benefit from Nutro’s natural formula designed to meet their needs.

The NON-GMO kibble is made with excellent ingredients like real chicken, whole grains, veggies, vitamins, and minerals that support your canine’s fitness, skin, and overall health.

Plus, you get great value for money.

10. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Key Takeaways

• First 5 Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
• Nutrient Content: 32% Protein, 18% Fat, 4% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, High-Protein
• Key Features: A formula high in protein, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Pasture-raised bison and pasture-raised venison as sources of protein
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Muscles

Another fantastic choice when it comes to quality ingredients, different meat sources, and affordability.

Taste of the Wild’s recipe is made with water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, roasted bison, roasted venison, and beef to provide plenty of digestible protein and flavor for your Rottweiler.

This formula has 32% crude protein content and that’s terrific for building lean muscle and staying active throughout the day.

Moreover, it contains sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, fish meal, tomatoes, blueberries, and raspberries stacked with nutrients for your Rottie to stay healthy.

The kibble is enriched with probiotics to support the digestive system and the immune system.

This balanced formula for adult dogs of any breed contains omega fatty acids for healthy skin and prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion.

Taste of the Wild recipe offers nourishment and excellent taste that many dogs adore.

The combination of meats, plus hearty fruits and vegetables, added probiotics, vitamins, and minerals make this formula a completely balanced meal for adult dogs, no matter the size.

And the price is very reasonable.

11. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Rottweiler Adult Dry Dog Food

Key Takeaways

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice, Corn, Brewers Rice
• Nutrient Content: 24% Protein, 18% Fat, 3.9% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: With Grain
• Key Features: Weight loss formula for overweight Rotties
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Overweight Rottweilers

This product uses specialized kibble, which makes it easier for Rottweilers to intake and chew. Thus, you won’t have to worry about your dog dropping food all over the place. Plus, this will slow down your dog’s food intake, which can lead to improved digestion. 

Another fantastic feature is the high traces of taurine, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) from fish oil. These nutrients will ensure that your beloved Rottweiler has a healthy heart. Plus, they support your dog’s bones and joints.

Moreover, the protein content is perfect for Rottweilers. This protein can contribute to the maintenance of this breed’s impressive muscle mass.

The ingredients can also guarantee that your dog is of a healthy weight. This will reduce the risk of developing certain diseases. This includes diabetes and heart disease.

Moreover, Royal Canin’s dog food is high in moisture, which will be beneficial to your Rottweiler’s circulation and digestion. It’s also a superb source of fiber, which will likewise help to digest food.

If you have a Rottweiler that is over the age of 18 months, then the Royal Canin dry food may be an outstanding option. 

Nutritional Needs of a Rottweiler Diet & Buying Guide

Large breeds and small breeds differ in size and the food you choose for your big pup needs to meet his needs.

Moreover, the AAFCO changed some things in the nutritional guidelines for dog food.

So, the new changes mean that manufacturers have to state whether their dog food meets additional guidelines just for large and giant breed puppies.

Puppies that are expected to be 70 lbs or more as adults are considered in the large and giant breed category.

Basically, you need to pay attention to your dog food labels and check if the nutrients, minerals, and adjusted levels of protein and fat meet the AAFCO minimums and maximums for your Rottie. [4]

Generally speaking, adult Rottweilers need two portions of food depending on their weight.

And puppies need smaller but more frequent meals.

To help you pick the perfect dog food for your Rottweiler, here are some of the main features that you should consider when shopping. 

Protein

As stated, dogs need to consume plenty of protein. This is because this nutrient is made of amino acids, which are required to build muscles, hair, nails, and much more! 

Rottweilers are no different. Their diets are usually made up of between 22% and 30% crude protein. Therefore, Rottweiler owners need to find a dog food brand that carries sufficient quantities of protein.

Fortunately, many of the brands boast high protein levels. 

Flavor

Determining what flavors your dog likes can take a little experimentation. After all, every Rottweiler will have a different flavor palette. So while your dog may prefer the taste of one dog food, they may not appreciate the taste of another.

Once you know what flavors your dog enjoys, it can be easier to find specific brands. Lots of dogs seem to love the Purina Pro Plan Salmon and Rice Formula, so it might be worth giving this dog food a try if your pet seems to prefer fishy flavors.

Nutritional Value

Though protein is one of the most important parts of a Rottweiler’s diet, it will also need to receive other nutrients. This includes fat, antioxidants, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Though it is important not to give your dog too much fat, a little fat is required as part of a balanced diet. This is because fat allows dogs to regulate their body temperature and is needed for energy. If your Rottweiler is anything like mine, it will need this energy!

Meanwhile, omega-3 fatty acids will be beneficial to a dog’s coat, giving them a shiny appearance and a smooth texture. Plus, fatty acids can help your Rottweiler to avoid skin conditions.

Calcium is important for a dog’s bones and teeth.

So if you want your dog to be as healthy as possible, you may want to look out for all these nutrients in your dog’s food.

Age Range

If you’re a dog owner, you likely already know that different food formulas are aimed at different age groups. 

It’s a good idea to get your hands on dog food that is targeted at the age group of your Rottweiler. This is because it will have been formulated with the nutritional needs of your pet in mind.

There are different brands for puppies and senior dogs, which will affect the size of the kibble as well as the nutritional value of the food. Therefore, it can be a good idea to research what age group dog food is aimed at before investing in it.

Wet vs Dry Food

Dog owners are likely familiar with this debate. I remember buying dog food for my adorable Rottweiler and being unsure of whether to get dry or wet food.

The truth is that both dry and wet foods have advantages. To get the best of both worlds, you may want to mix the two. My dog loves this!

Of course, every dog is different. Some will prefer wet food, while other dogs will prefer dry food. 

Knowing your Rottweiler’s preference will be important when shopping for food. After all, there’s little point in buying wet food for your Rottweiler if it doesn’t like this texture.

I tried to include a bit of a mix of dry and wet food on this list, but the truth is that most brands offer both versions. 

Size

Dogs come in a range of shapes and sizes, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. As a result, dog food brands are targeted at different breed sizes. 

This is because small dogs might struggle to eat large kibbles. Large dogs could swallow big kibbles without chewing them. This may impact their digestion. 

As a large or medium-sized breed, Rottweilers are best suited to dog food tailored for this size dog. Small dog food brands will not be suitable for Rottweilers, as the kibbles will likely be too small for them.

Price

You may have noticed that some of the products on this list are a little expensive. This is because high-quality dog food can be costly.

Though we love treating our furry friends, spending tons of money on your Rottweiler can be a little ridiculous. 

You should take into consideration the cost of a dog food brand. If it is outside of the budget that you are willing to spend, you might wish to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

It can be tough to get your Rottweiler to eat food that’s both nutritional and delicious.

Blue Buffalo’s unique blend is the best food for Rottweilers because it was designed for this dog breed. As a result, the nutrients it contains ensure that your Rottweiler receives the healthy diet that it requires. What’s more, my Rottweiler seems to like it.

Though there are lots of other worthy brands, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food claims victory. This brand provides food for Rottweilers at different stages of their lives, so you can find the product that is suitable for your perfect pooch.

FAQs about Rottweiler Food

Here are some common questions and answers about the best dog food for Rottweilers.