How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Rottweilers
Rottweilers are an incredibly beautiful breed known for their depth of intelligence, stamina, and power. A working breed, the Rottweiler is a dog that enjoys an active lifestyle and requires a high-quality diet to fuel its energy and daily performance.
Rottweilers can be prone to skin issues, and certain individuals may require a hypoallergenic novel protein/carbohydrate or hydrolyzed protein diet with limited ingredients. Your veterinarian should always be consulted in any cases of food sensitivity or allergy before changing the diet. The breed is also predisposed to bloat, and thus, care should be taken to select a diet with large kibble pieces to prevent the Rottweiler from eating too much or too quickly, two problems that experts believe may contribute to the development of the condition.
A breed that loves to eat, the best dog food for a Rottweiler should be carefully measured and all intake monitored to prevent weight gain. Obesity can be a big problem in the breed, and thus, free-feeding is strongly discouraged.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Rottweilers
The Rottweiler requires a lot of calories per day to provide it with the energy it needs. Moderately active dogs should receive approximately 2000 calories with dogs that engage in highly vigorous activity each day receiving around the 2500 calorie mark. The individual calorie count will vary depending on factors like activity level and if the dog is spayed and neutered. The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remember to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information. The easiest means to provide this number of calories for the Rottweiler is through the selection of a diet that is comprised of high-quality proteins. Calorie-dense food formulations are best for this breed.
The total amount of the best food for Rottweilers per day should be divided between two to three meals fed throughout the day to prevent the Rottweiler from becoming hungry. Feeding one large meal may also increase the risk of developing bloat. The ideal diet for a Rottweiler contains a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.
Dietary Requirements for Rottweiler Dog Foods
The primary ingredient in any diet suited to the Rottweiler’s needs should be a high-quality protein. Meats in their whole form are the best choice; however, meat meals also provide a concentrated protein source.
Though grains can be problematic for some Rottweilers; in general, a diet that contains whole grains is perfectly acceptable for this breed. Carbohydrates can also come from easily digestible fruits and vegetables.
Healthy fats are an important component of any diet for the Rottweiler. The best sources for these items are from animals. Some of the most beneficial fats include chicken fat or oils from salmon, mackerel, or anchovies. Certain vegetable oils may also provide omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Rottweilers
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Rottweiler:
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Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
One of the first ingredients in any diet suitable for the Rottweiler should be a high-quality protein. Whole meats are the preferred protein option, but meat meals are also excellent.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Since no diet is complete on its own, supplements help a food to be complete and balanced. Some of the more beneficial supplements for the Rottweiler are glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Rottweiler should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.