Rottweiler Diet and Allergies
Rottweilers have specific dietary needs based on the diseases to which they are prone. Learn how to feed your Rottweiler right.
Rottweilers are muscular, energetic dogs that require a high-quality diet rich in protein to maintain their health and their shiny, short coats. Ensuring optimal coat health is crucial, and nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, vitamins, and minerals play a significant role. This breed may suffer more often from food allergies, and those dogs affected require a hypoallergenic diet to avoid such problems as vomiting, gas, and dry, itchy skin. Additionally, Rottweilers can experience allergic reactions due to food sensitivities or environmental irritants, making it essential to recognize the signs and symptoms to provide relief. A special hypoallergenic diet can also help Rottweilers with sensitive stomachs that result from conditions such as canine inflammatory bowel disease.
Diet
Adult Rottweilers need a diet containing between 22 and 26 percent protein from whole proteins such as chicken, turkey, lamb, or herring. Rottweiler puppies often do well if fed adult food to prevent the rapid growth that can cause joint problems in large breeds. An elimination diet, using a single, unfamiliar protein and carbohydrate source, can help identify food allergens through an 8-week elimination period. Whether or not your dog has food allergies, avoid chemical preservatives, including BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, and foods high in sodium.
Rottweilers generally weigh between 85 and 125 pounds, and an active Rottweiler requires at least 2,100 calories per day. Do not allow your Rottweiler to become obese. There should not be so much fat on your dog’s ribs that you cannot easily feel them under the skin. Obesity can also lead to or worsen joint problems that are common in this breed, including hip or elbow dysplasia. When feeding your Rottweiler, watch for signs of upset stomach, vomiting, flatulence, or skin problems that are symptoms of larger problems.
Food Allergies
Rottweilers can suffer from food, skin, or inhalant allergies. Fish oil can play a crucial role in alleviating stomach inflammation and supporting skin health. If you notice that your dog is experiencing sensitivity to certain foods, your veterinarian may recommend dietary changes to prevent these issues. Some ingredients tend to irritate food allergies more than others. These ingredients include protein sources that your dog has already been eating or those common in dog foods, such as beef, chicken, or turkey. Dairy products and high amounts of animal fats can also upset dogs with food allergies. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, are important for maintaining skin health and reducing inflammation.
Sensitive Stomach Issues
Rottweilers suffer from sensitive stomach issues resulting not only from food allergies but also from canine inflammatory bowel disease and colitis. Recognizing allergic reactions and limiting exposure to allergens is crucial to provide relief. Allergies and immune conditions are more frequent in the Rottweiler breed than in other breeds. Because the symptoms of these autoimmune disorders are similar to food allergies, consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
A hypoallergenic diet often is part of the treatment of food allergies, IBD, and colitis. After eating foods that trigger either a food allergy or irritate a bowel condition, these dogs can become gassy and have loose stools; dietary management helps alleviate these symptoms. Hypoallergenic diets that contain one protein and one carbohydrate can help alleviate these conditions and prevent an upset stomach, the Rottweiler Health Foundation reports. After eating one protein and one carbohydrate for a period of a few weeks, other ingredients can begin to be added back into your dog’s diet, one at a time, to determine if one or more of them is the cause of a food allergy.
Ingredients
A diet of raw ingredients and low amounts of carbohydrates may reduce your Rottweiler’s stomach issues. It is important to consult with your veterinarian before feeding your raw dog meats or homemade meals.
Fillers and grains such as corn, soy, wheat, yeast, and all spices can trigger food allergies in Rottweilers and should be avoided. Barley and potatoes used as the carbohydrates in your Rottweiler’s diet may reduce allergic symptoms. Soy products and table scraps can cause flatulence in your Rottweiler. Fish oils that contain omega-3 fatty acids can help alleviate stomach inflammation caused by food allergies or sensitive stomachs, so salmon and other types of fish may be a good choice as your allergic dog’s primary protein. Fish and venison are both considered hypoallergenic meats, according to “The Everything Rottweiler Book.”
Feeding Cautions
Rottweilers share with other large, deep-chested breeds a heightened risk of gastric dilation and volvulus, commonly referred to as bloat. Like other dog breeds, Rottweilers have specific dietary needs that should be considered to prevent health issues. This is a true medical emergency caused when a dog’s stomach fills with food and gas and then turns, blocking the release of the building gases. The dog will die without fast medical help. The risk that this condition will occur is worsened by rapid gulping of food and by consuming a single large meal per day. Divide your Rottweiler’s ration into at least two meals per day; three is preferable. Don’t feed your dog in elevated dishes, and avoid feeding less than an hour before or after strenuous exercise. Give your dog a constant supply of fresh, clean water so that the dog does not feel the need to drink large quantities of water at mealtime.
Considerations
If you notice that your Rottweiler is experiencing skin problems or gastric distress, consult a veterinarian to determine whether allergies to food or to something in the dog’s environment is the cause. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining coat health and alleviating skin allergies. Skin conditions may result from flea allergy dermatitis and can be eliminated through the use of topical flea preventatives. Other health conditions can mimic allergy symptoms in Rottweilers.
Homemade dog food or raw diets may help alleviate allergy symptoms, but if you wish to try such a diet, it is important to consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog will receive a well-balanced diet that contains all of the vitamins and minerals a dog must have to thrive. When feeding raw meat, always thoroughly wash your hands, kitchen utensils, and surfaces that come in contact with the meat to avoid bacterial contamination.
When feeding your dog, use stainless steel or glass dishes instead of plastic, which can sometimes contribute to skin allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is best for Rottweilers?
Rottweilers, like all dogs, do their best on a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. Adding fish oil to their diet can support coat health and reduce inflammation. This can be achieved through feeding high-quality commercial dog food that is appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) and any health conditions they may have. Look for a food that has a named meat as the first ingredient, such as chicken, beef, or lamb. Rottweilers need a moderate amount of fat in their diet for energy and overall health. Some Rottweilers may have food sensitivities or allergies, and a grain-free or limited-ingredient diet can help address these issues. Every dog is unique and may have different nutritional requirements, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your individual pet.
What is the best diet for a dog with food allergies?
There are certain human foods and other items that should not be fed to Rottweilers, as they can be toxic or harmful to their health. An elimination diet can help identify food allergens by using a single, unfamiliar protein and carbohydrate source. Some examples include chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, avocado, nuts, and anything sweetened with xylitol. It’s also important to avoid feeding bones that can splinter and cause injury to the digestive system, as well as fatty or greasy foods that can cause digestive upset. It’s best to stick to a balanced and nutritious diet specifically formulated for dogs to ensure that your Rottweiler is receiving all of the necessary nutrients and is protected from harmful substances. Always consult with a veterinarian if you’re unsure about a specific food or treat.
Do Rottweilers need special food?
Rottweilers, like all dogs, do need a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their specific nutritional requirements, but they do not necessarily need special food. Adding fish oil to their diet can support coat health and reduce inflammation. A high-quality commercial dog food that is appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) and any health conditions they may have can provide all the nutrients they need. Some factors to consider when choosing dog food for Rottweilers are protein sources, fat content, and grain-free or limited ingredient options. It’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your individual pet, as every dog is unique and may have different nutritional requirements.
What should I not feed my Rottweiler?
There are certain human foods and other items that should not be fed to Rottweilers, as they can be toxic or harmful to their health. Some examples include chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, avocado, nuts, and anything sweetened with xylitol. It's also important to avoid feeding bones that can splinter and cause injury to the digestive system, as well as fatty or greasy foods that can cause digestive upset. It's best to stick to a balanced and nutritious diet specifically formulated for dogs to ensure that your Rottweiler is receiving all of the necessary nutrients and is protected from harmful substances. Always consult with a veterinarian if you're unsure about a specific food or treat.
Why is my Rottweiler so itchy?
Itching in Rottweilers can have several causes, including allergies to food, environmental allergens, flea bites, skin infections, parasites such as fleas, ticks, or mites, hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism, or dry skin. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining skin health and reducing inflammation. If your Rottweiler is persistently itchy, it is important to have them evaluated by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause. A proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, which may include dietary changes, medication, or other interventions.
References & Resources
Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Bloat
"The Everything Rottweiler Book: A Complete Guide to Raising, Training, and Caring for Your Rottweiler"; Margaret Holowinski
"Current Issues and Research in Veterinary Behavioral Medicine"; D. S. Mills
Rottweiler Club of Canada: Some Helpful Tips for Living With a Dog With IBD
Rottweiler Health Foundation: Rottweiler Health Issues
"The Rottweiler Handbook"; Joan Hustace Walker
National Research Council of the National Academies: Your Dog's Nutritional Needs
North East Rottweiler Rescue and Referral: Rottweilers: Weight and Nutrition
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice due to what you may have read on our website.
