Rottweiler Feeding Chart: How Much To Feed Your Rottie Puppy

Are you bringing a Rottweiler puppy into your home? These extra-large dogs require careful attention during their 24-month growth period until they reach adulthood. We share a Rottweiler feeding chart to use as a guide, plus more information on the Rottweiler diet.

Rottweiler Feeding Chart By Age & Weight

Age	Weight (lbs)	Type Of Food	Calories	Meals Per Day
0-3 weeks	.8-4.2	mother’s milk	105-339	unlimited
3-4 weeks	2.9-6.4	mother’s milk and mush	255-468	unlimited
4-6 weeks	4.6-11	mother’s milk and mush	366-702	4-6
6-8 weeks	8.8-11	mother’s milk and puppy diet	594-702	4-6
8 weeks to 6 months	8.8-77.1	puppy diet	594-2,014	3-4
6-9 months	66-101.4	puppy diet	1,790-2,472	2
9-12 months	79.4-110.2	puppy diet	2,058-2,632	2
12-24 months	95-120	puppy diet or adult diet	2,354-2,804	1-2

How Much To Feed A Rottweiler Puppy

Like any puppy, feeding a baby Rottie requires careful attention. Your pup must grow slowly and steadily to avoid the joint abnormalities common in large breeds. While your pup will initially live off of mother’s milk, they will eventually switch to balanced puppy food and finally an adult formula. Every puppy’s food needs will differ; however, you can refer to these general guidelines when feeding your Rottweiler puppy.

Weeks 0 – 3

During the initial weeks, puppies should be with their mother and nursing throughout the day. Mom’s milk has the nutrients necessary to provide all puppies’ needs. During this time, a puppy’s weight may vary based on the size of the litter and how much milk the mother produces. So long as your pup gets plenty of mother’s milk, they should receive all their nutritional requirements without any additional support. If your puppy cannot get enough milk, talk to your vet about a puppy formula milk substitute.

Weeks 3 – 4

At week three, your puppy’s eyes and ears are opening. They’ll be gaining weight but doing little more than nursing and sleeping. Puppies will begin developing teeth and will start weaning at around four weeks. Separate puppies from mom during mealtime and introduce mush or canned wet food mixed with milk replacer and water. Don’t be worried if your puppy is not immediately interested in the mush mixture. Mother’s milk will still provide all the nutrients they need. Over time, gradually increase food portions and the length of separation.

Weeks 4 – 6

You’ll notice lots of “firsts” at four to six weeks. Your puppy will take short walks around their space. They will become more interested in the world around them. Continue offering bowls of puppy mush throughout the day while gradually decreasing the amount of water and increasing the amount of solid food. Your Rottie should be eating four to six meals per day.

Weeks 6 – 8

Most puppies are fully weaned by seven to 10 weeks, so you should prepare for this transition. You’ll likely see puppy teeth growing in at six weeks, which means your puppy can explore solid foods. You should still feed four to six balanced meals daily to encourage slow, steady growth. Consult your veterinarian if your dog shows no interest in solid food at six to eight weeks.

8 Weeks – 6 Months

During this time, puppies should fully transition to puppy food. Your pup may continue nursing for up to 10 weeks, at which time their mother should stop producing milk. You may reduce feedings to three to four meals throughout the day.

6 – 12 Months

Towards the 12-month mark, consider switching your puppy to adult food. Larger breeds like the Rottweiler don’t reach full maturity until two years of age. If your puppy still has lots of growing to do, you may keep them on puppy food for up to 24 months. Consult your veterinarian for a timeline based on your dog’s age, health, activity level, neuter/spay status, and anticipated adult weight.

12 – 24 Months

Larger breeds like the Rotweiller can continue growing until they are two years of age. This means that they can potentially continue eating a puppy diet until 24 months. That said, some veterinarians recommend switching from puppy food to adult food once your pup is spayed or neutered, as this procedure lowers your pet’s caloric needs. In larger breeds, spaying or neutering typically occurs around 12 to 16 months, as early neutering can affect skeletal growth. Other factors affecting the transition from puppy to adult food include weight, overall health, and activity level.

Feeding Schedule For Dogs

A consistent feeding schedule is a cornerstone of good health and well-being. Typically, puppies are fed three to four times daily to ensure they receive enough vital nutrients for growth and development. An example feeding schedule for puppies may be 7 am, noon, and 5 pm.

Try to keep the final feeding around the 5 o’clock mark so that your puppy has ample time to digest their food and eliminate it before bedtime.

Adult vs. Puppy Food

Feeding your pooch age-appropriate food is crucial for their growth and development. Key differences between puppy vs. adult food include:

• Caloric content: Puppies have a higher metabolic rate, requiring more calories per pound of body weight to support their growth and energy needs.
• Protein content: Puppy formulas typically have a higher protein content, as the amino acids in protein support muscle growth and development.
• Fat content: Because puppies are more active than adult dogs, their food will include higher fat content to support sustained energy. Puppy formulas often feature omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which supports brain and vision development.
• Vitamins and minerals: Puppy formulas contain higher levels of specific vitamins and minerals to support growth and development

We do not recommend serving adult dogs puppy food. These formulas typically contain more calories than needed and can contribute to weight gain and obesity, especially in dogs that lead a more sedentary lifestyle.

Different Types Of Puppy Food

Below are the current diet options available for puppies and adult dogs.

Dry Food (Kibble)

Standard kibble is a popular choice among Rottweiler owners. It’s convenient, budget-friendly, and easy to purchase and store at home. Commercially available pet food must be nutritionally complete and balanced for all life stages. This ensures that your pup gets a combination of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. As commercial diets are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the product will always list ingredients in order from most to least, based on weight. You’ll also see a guaranteed analysis showing crude protein, fat, fiber, and moisture percentages.

There are countless varieties of dry food on the market, so it should be easy to find one that suits your needs. When it’s mealtime, serve kibble as-is—the crunchy texture may help in reducing plaque build-up—or mix with water or bone broth for added hydration.

The downside to kibble? Dry food is somewhat notorious for containing less-than-desirable ingredients—from unhealthy to potentially harmful. Some of the controversial ingredients in kibble are listed below in our section on dog food ingredients to avoid.

High-quality kibble will blend protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals from recognizable sources. Try to avoid formulas with artificial flavors, food dyes, nondescript fats (often listed as “animal fat” or “poultry fat”), and added chemicals and preservatives—excluding natural preservatives such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (mixed tocopherols).

Wet Food (Canned)

Commercial wet food comes in a can or pouch. As with kibble, wet dog food is widely available, and there are virtually endless varieties. Wet food is typically more appetizing to dogs than kibble, making it a good option for picky eaters. It also tends to be lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein and fat than dry food, thus more appropriate for a dog’s nutritional needs.

Canned food has a higher water content than kibble, which has pros and cons. On the one hand, your pup gets extra hydration during meals. On the other hand, wet food is typically lower in calories, so your pet may require more food to meet their caloric intake.

The biggest con of wet food is the cost, which can be more prohibitive than kibble, especially if this is what you’re exclusively feeding. Because commercial wet food is soft, your dog won’t get kibble’s abrasive, anti-plaque benefits. This may be more noticeable if you don’t already have a dental routine for your pup.

When buying wet food, ensure the containers (cans and pouches) are Bisphenol A (BPA) free. This chemical is a known endocrine disruptor in people and pets. Exposure has been associated with many adverse health effects in dogs, including cancer, diabetes, heart and kidney disease, and thyroid and reproductive disorders.

Fresh (Human-Grade)

The rise of human-grade food came from a consumer demand for high-quality, fresh dog food. Unlike traditional, feed-grade commercial dog foods, makers of human-grade dog foods claim that their pet food is manufactured in accordance with applicable human food regulations and thus does not contain certain by-products, chemicals, fillers, or “4D meats”—or those meats that were not sourced from slaughtered animals but rather from animals that were found “dead, dying, diseased, or down” and processed at rendering plants.

While “human grade” is not a regulated term, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends certain voluntary guidelines for manufacturers when labeling their products as “human grade.” Keep in mind that it is the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure quality sourcing, processing, and packaging, so you should always look into each company individually rather than relying on marketing buzzwords.

It’s essential to always read the ingredient list on any dog food labeled “human grade.” Look for a transparent list of ingredients and avoid products that contain artificial ingredients. Here are some additional characteristics to look for in human-grade foods:

• Recipes feature real meat, poultry, and fish instead of meat by-products
• Recipes feature whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds, and eggs
• Meals are formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists
• A focus is placed on traceability and transparency when it comes to ingredient sourcing and supply chain
• The company seeks out third-party quality control and certifications

Many human-grade dog food producers also focus on ethical, social, and sustainability efforts. This may include reducing environmental impacts, committing to certain animal welfare standards, and supporting its workers and community.

What are the cons of human-grade food? The emphasis on premium ingredients and superior production means that human-grade food also comes with a significant price increase. Human-grade dog food may also spoil faster than your standard kibble because it focuses on fresh ingredients.

Home Cooked

Before dog food existed, our furry friends’ diets were essentially those of their owners. The Pet Food Institute provides an interesting look at the evolution of pet food, emphasizing that before the development of prepared dog food, dog owners would often feed their dogs table scraps. While our understanding of animal science has evolved to better meet our puppy’s nutritional needs, there’s still merit to feeding our dog home-cooked meals.

Let’s look at the diet of verified longest-living dogs. Chanel, a Dachshund that lived to be 21 years old—ate home-cooked chicken in her dog food. Bramble, a Border Collie who lived to be 25 years old—was fed a vegan diet of rice, lentils, and vegetables. The Guinness World Record holder Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived to 29 years old, lived on kangaroo and emu—in true Australian fashion. While entirely different diets, you’ll notice that all focus on fresh, real food.

Home-cooked meals offer ultimate control over what your pet eats; however, they require much more planning and preparation. You’ll need to closely monitor your pet’s nutritional intake and work with your vet to ensure your pet’s meals are nutritionally balanced.

Raw, Prey Model, Or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF)

Raw feeding, also known as the Prey Model or BARF diet, stems from the belief that most of today’s health problems in dogs stem from not feeding them a species-appropriate diet. Instead of commercially prepared kibble or wet food, the raw diet focuses on providing pets with uncooked meat as their ancestors would eat in the wild.

Those who follow the Prey Model stick to meals consisting of 80% muscle meat, 10% bone, 5% liver, and 5% other secreting organs. On the other hand, the BARF Diet is 70% muscle meat, 10% edible bones, 7% vegetables, 5% liver, 5% other secreting organs, 2% seeds or nuts, and 1% fruit.

Fans of the raw diet say it’s the best option for optimum health for the following reasons:

• Raw diets are biologically appropriate and based on an ancestral diet
• Raw foods maintain digestion-boosting enzymes that are lost during the cooking process
• Raw feeding has a higher moisture content
• Raw diets focus on simple ingredients, making them better for animals with food sensitivities or allergies
• Ground bone in raw food acts as an abrasive for dental health
• Switching to a raw diet may support increased energy and weight loss

You should also consider the following drawbacks of switching your pooch to a raw diet:

• Raw diets tend to be more expensive
• Those making DIY meals for their dogs risk creating nutrient deficiencies from unbalanced meals
• Bones in raw diets could create intestinal blockages
• Raw foods may be easily contaminated with harmful bacteria

If you are considering a raw diet for your Rottie, we recommend buying packaged raw dog food. This way, the company is responsible for providing your pet with a quality, well-balanced meal.

Vegan Diet

The vegan diet is the latest in pet nutrition. A vegan diet is strictly plant-based, meaning no animal products. Like humans, dogs are omnivores, which means they can survive on both plant and animal matter. And as the popularity of vegan diets grows within human populations, many dog owners wonder if their dogs can eat vegan food, too. But do vegan dog foods benefit our furry friends?

Research shows that dogs indeed benefit from plant phytochemicals, which support the immune system, prevent DNA damage, reduce inflammation, and slow cancer cell growth. The latest research suggests that vegan dog foods are highly digestible and perform better than meat-based dog foods when exploring health outcomes.

Importance Of High-Quality Dog Food

Diet plays a huge role in overall health. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients and can boost your pet’s immunity, increase energy levels, improve mood, and reduce the risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.

High-quality foods can even ward off hereditary diseases through a process called gene regulation. A healthy diet supports the body’s ability to control which genes are expressed, turning on “good genes” and switching off “bad genes.” The Rottweiler lifespan averages eight to 10 years, but with a well-balanced, quality diet, you may be able to extend your dog’s healthy years.

Ingredients To Avoid In Dog Food

• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ethoxyquin: These are synthetic antioxidants used to preserve pet food. While the FDA regards BHA and BHT as “generally recognized to be safe,” they are controversial due to both showing carcinogenic effects in laboratory studies of rodents and other animals. The Center For Science In The Public Interest gives BHA its “avoid label and BHT its “caution” label. Alternatively, the synthetic antioxidant ethoxyquin cannot be used in any food for human consumption but is still allowed in animal feed despite showing harmful effects in both animals and humans.
• Food dyes: Caramel colorant is a popular addition to pet food despite containing 4-methylimidazole (4-MIE), a known animal carcinogen. Food dyes Blue 2, Red 40, and Yellow 5 and 6 have also been documented as contributing to behavioral problems and cancer in humans.
• Unnamed meat and bone meal: Meat meals and other by-products come from the rendering process and can contain animal parts from any species, including carcasses from animal shelters, farms, feedlots, and ranches.
• Propylene glycol: This humectant keeps semi-moist foods moist. It is derived from ethylene glycol (EG), aka antifreeze, which is extremely toxic to animals. The FDA prohibits propylene glycol from being in cat food but allows it to be in dog food.
• Rendered fat: While rendered fat provides flavor for kibble, it can also be a source of harmful microorganisms and toxins due to limited regulations.

Why Is Large Breed Puppy Food Important?

Larger breeds like the Rottweiler are prone to growth-related health issues, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. To reduce your puppy’s risk of developing growth abnormalities, look for puppy food specially formulated for larger-breed puppies. From there, feed your pup controlled proportions to promote slow and steady growth. Excessive calories can cause rapid growth and weight gain, which are risk factors for dogs with a genetic predisposition.

For those looking for an alternative to commercially available puppy food, work with your veterinarian to ensure your furry friend gets a complete and balanced diet for slow, steady growth.

What Nutrients Do Rottweiler Puppies Need?

Your puppy needs six essential nutrients: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. The AAFCO provides regulations for dog nutrition, which you can view in full on its website. We’ve included minimum requirements for both puppy and adult dogs so that you can see their different nutritional needs for some of the most essential puppy nutrients for growth and development.

Nutrient	Growth & Reproduction Minimum	Adult Maintenance Minimum
Crude Protein	22.5%	18.0%
Crude Fat	8.5%	5.5%
Eicosapentaenoic + docosahexaenoic acid	0.05%	Not determined
Minerals
Calcium	1.2%	0.5%
Phosphorus	1.0%	0.4%
Sodium	0.3%	0.08%
Magnesium	0.06%	0.06%
Vitamins & Other
Vitamin A	5000 IU/kg	5000 IU/kg
Vitamin D	500 IU/kg	500 IU/kg
Vitamin E	50 IU/kg	50 IU/kg
Thiamine	2.25 mg/kg	2.25 mg/kg
Riboflavin	5.2 mg/kg	5.2 mg/kg
Pantothenic acid	12 mg/kg	12 mg/kg
Niacin	13.6 mg/kg	13.6 mg/kg
Pyridoxine	1.5 mg/kg	1.5 mg/kg
Folic acid	0.216 mg/kg	0.216 mg/kg
Vitamin B12	0.028 mg/kg	0.028 mg/kg
Choline	1360 mg/kg	1360 mg/kg

Protein

Protein is a source of energy for our furry friends. It also plays a significant role in processes throughout the body, including:

• Body structure, strength, and elasticity
• Fluid balance
• Growth and maintenance of tissues
• Hormone signaling
• Immune health
• Nutrient transport and storage
• pH balance

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. They offer a wide range of benefits to dogs. For example, the amino acid tryptophan is a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin and can help relieve stress, anxiety, and aggression. So, the next time your dog seems anxious, try giving them a bit of tryptophan-packed turkey or tofu.

Of the 20 amino acids that make up protein, 10 are “essential” amino acids for dogs. This means that half of the amino acids a dog’s body can synthesize on their own, and 10 must be supplied by food.

The essential amino acids for dogs are:

• Arginine
• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Tryptophan
• Valine

Protein can come from both animal and plant-based sources. Animal-sourced proteins are considered “complete” proteins as they provide all the essential amino acids your pup needs without combining various protein sources (there are also some complete plant proteins, including quinoa and soybeans).

Fat

Fats are the second-most important macronutrient for canines. They provide energy and perform many functions in the body, including:

• Carrying fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K and supporting absorption in the intestine
• Making hormones
• Protecting organs
• Proving insulation to keep the body warm

The building blocks of fats are called fatty acids. Fatty acids also offer various health benefits. For example, DHA fatty acid supports brain and vision development, making it especially important in puppy food. DHA is so crucial that some pet parent even supplement their pup’s diet with fish oil—a significant source of this fatty acid.

Dietary fats are grouped into three types based on their molecular structure: omega-3s, omega-6s, and omega-9s. While dogs can synthesize omega-9s in their body, certain omega-3s and omega-6s must be consumed through your dog’s diet.

The following are essential fatty acids for dogs:

• Omega-3s: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic (EPA)
• Omega-6s: linoleic acid (LA)

Note: Arachidonic acid (AA) is another omega-6 fatty acid obtained from foods like animal organs and meat. Unlike cats, dogs can convert LA to AA, so it is not considered an essential fatty acid.

Quality sources of fats for dogs include:

• Chicken fat: An unsaturated fat that is a source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Chicken fat is notably high in omega-6 LA, an essential fatty acid for dogs that supports skin and coat. LA is also used by the body to synthesize AA.
• Beef tallow (preferably grass-fed): Saturated fat that is a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Raw, ground flaxseed, or flaxseed oil: These seeds are composed of predominantly polyunsaturated fatty acids, including the omega-3 fatty acid ALA. The body can convert ALA to EPA and DHA; however, the conversion rate is quite low.
• Fish or fish oil (anchovies, krill, sardines, salmon, and other small, oily fish): Fish are a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. EPA plays a vital role in immune response and has anti-inflammatory properties. DHA supports brain, eye, and nervous system health.

The AAFCO recommends a 30:1 ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s, which is reflected in commercial pet foods.

Carbohydrates

While the AAFCO provides no guidelines for carbohydrate intake, this macronutrient can still play a valuable role in your pup’s health:

• Complex carbs provide an array of nutrients, including antioxidants, fatty acids, fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
• The fiber in carbohydrates provides a feeling of fullness to support weight management. It can also manipulate the glycemic response to keep blood sugar stable. Thus, research shows dietary fiber plays a role in diabetes prevention and control in dogs.
• Not only does fiber bulk up stools to encourage bathroom regularity, but it can also feed the beneficial bacteria in the gut’s microbiome. Healthy gut flora plays a part in immunity, digestion, mood, and more.

Healthy sources of carbs for dogs include:

• Apples: A good source of nutrients. In particular, apples are a significant source of the phytochemical quercetin. This flavonoid promotes inflammatory relief and antioxidant activity in the body. It also acts as a natural antihistamine, which may benefit dogs needing allergy relief.
• Pumpkin: A significant source of vitamins, minerals, and other phytochemicals. Pumpkin’s blend of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber makes it beneficial for both constipation and diarrhea.
• Quinoa: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and other nutrients. Quinoa is considered a “pseudograin,” meaning it’s prepared and provides similar nutrients to grain; however, it’s actually a dried seed and thus gluten-free.

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins are organic substances animals need for normal cell growth, function, and development. Minerals are naturally occurring elements or compounds that support the body’s development and function. There are hundreds of minerals classified as either primary or trace minerals.

Water

Water is crucial for all bodily metabolic functions. Thus, its benefits to the body are far-reaching. Here are some examples of how water benefits your pooch:

• Aids in digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Carries nutrients in and out of cells
• Cushions brain and spinal cord
• Lubricates joints
• Regulates body temperature

As a general guideline, your pup should drink around one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily.

Keeping Your Rottweiler At The Right Weight

The Rottweiler breed is prone to overeating and obesity, which can lead to a plethora of health problems. To keep your dog happy and healthy, follow these tips for successful feeding and weight management:

• Portion out your dog’s meals using measuring cups
• Avoid feeding table scraps and treats in excess
• Schedule regular exercise for your pet
• Monitor your pup’s weight and adjust feeding as needed
• Choose a high-quality chow that’s suitable for your pet’s age, weight, and lifestyle

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve received various questions from our readers about feeding Rottweiler puppies, and we have answered those questions here. Don’t see yours? Ask us in the comments.

How Much Do Rottweiler Puppies Grow Each Week?

From birth to around eight weeks, Rotties gain an average of .5 to 1 pound per week. From there, a dog’s weight will continue to increase. Various factors, including height, length, and bone density, determine weight increase. Between three and 24 months old, male Rottweilers average 10 pounds per month; female Rottweilers are slightly lower at around 9 pounds per month. Our Rottweiler growth chart article goes into detail, including puppy milestones and a full growth chart timeline.

What Is The Proper Diet For A Rottweiler?

It’s not necessarily the diet itself but rather the quality of the diet that affects health outcomes. Both vegan and raw meat diets perform well compared to conventional meat diets. So, regardless of the diet you choose for your pooch, ensure it features quality ingredients. For a meat-centric diet, this could mean seeking out quality meats—such as grass-fed beef—or a well-balanced plant-based kibble that features pup-friendly superfoods.

Best Dog Food For Rottweilers

Now that you’ve got the feeding schedule down and understand the basics of Rottweiler nutrition, you’re likely curious about which foods we recommend. Our article on the best dog food for Rottweilers shares top picks for puppies, adult dogs, seniors, and beyond.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Tara is a writer for Canine Journal, specializing in health and nutrition. She has worked in the wellness industry for 7+ years, advising pet parents on supplements and nutrition for their furry friends. Tara spends countless hours vetting companies and their products for quality, such as checking ingredient sourcing, product purity, and sustainability.