Rottweiler Puppy Feeding Guide

A Rottweiler puppy can go from about 15 pounds at eight weeks to near adult height within a year. Food fuels that growth, and the goal is steady, not fast. Puppies that grow too quickly are more likely to have joint trouble later.

Choose a large-breed puppy formula

Large-breed puppy foods are formulated with controlled calcium and calories to support slower, sounder bone growth. Look for one that states it meets AAFCO nutrient profiles for growth of large-size dogs. Skip extra calcium supplements unless your vet prescribes them.

How often to feed

Young puppies do best on three or four meals a day, dropping to two meals as they mature. Splitting food into smaller meals is also a sensible habit for a deep-chested breed at risk of bloat.

How much to feed

Start with the amount on your food's label for your puppy's weight, then adjust by body condition. You should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer of flesh and see a waist from above. If you cannot feel ribs, reduce; if ribs are visible, increase slightly. Weigh your puppy every couple of weeks and bring the numbers to your vet visits.

Switching foods

When your puppy comes home, keep the same food for the first couple of weeks to settle the stomach. Any change after that should be gradual, mixing in the new food over about a week. Your vet will tell you when to move to an adult formula, usually somewhere between 12 and 18 months for this breed.

Further reading: AVMA pet care resources