Rottweilers have very sensitive stomachs, so when considering the best diet for a Rottweiler, any changes should be subtle and gradual over time. We follow a balanced diet that consists of roughly 50% meat and 50% raw meat, enriched with a variety of vegetables and herbs. The veggies can be served raw or sometimes cooked, and once a day, we enjoy a serving of pasta or rice since we are fed twice daily. Our mum is particularly keen on organic food, and we try to grow our own produce as much as possible. While we don’t get many treats to maintain our athletic appearance, when we do, it’s usually a bone. Below is a list of what a Rottweiler eats in terms of vegetables that we consume on a more or less frequent basis: carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, beetroot, cauliflower, broccoli, kohlrabi, swede, and potatoes (always cooked with cumin and garlic in limited amounts). We also enjoy kale, butternut squash, and pumpkin. This list isn’t exhaustive. Additionally, we eat some fruit including apples and pears, we love watermelon, and sometimes we indulge in various berries.
It is good practice to minimize running up and down stairs, so we have a stair gate fitted and are confined to downstairs only. Our mum wasn’t happy with the back door step as the drop was too steep, so builders came to build three steps instead, which makes running in and out of the back door much easier. When considering the best diet for a Rottweiler, there are dietary tips to keep the joints healthy; for instance, salmon oil is great, but also oils, nuts, and seeds will generally help lubricate the joints. Gaia suffered from cruciate ligament damage in 2020, and because mum is keen on 'everything natural,' we declined an operation and started to use a leg brace, consuming green-lipped mussel, which is excellent for joint and bone healing. We also introduced anti-inflammatories such as turmeric (ground and fresh), ginger, and black pepper. We minimized walks and then slowly built back her strength. It took over a year, but we are happy to report that Gaia happily jumps and bounces around now. We also used a deep massage tool regularly to aid recovery. It's crucial to minimize stairs, running downhill, and excessive jumping, especially during the developing stages of a Rottweiler. Over-exercising a puppy may contribute to hip problems, so keeping the walks short during these stages will help preserve the integrity of their joints. It's important to note that while female Rottweilers are fully developed at 24 months (although Gaia grew beyond this age!), male Rottweilers aren’t regarded as fully grown until 36 months. Understanding what to feed a Rottweiler is vital for their health as they grow.
Many people consider the raw diet for Rottweilers to consist mainly of raw meat and a few veggies, but it’s important to know that herbs play a significant role in the best diet for a Rottweiler. For instance, turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can be added in either powder or raw form. Just like humans, dogs also need some salt! Additionally, rosemary, which has anti-parasitic properties, is a great option for what to feed a Rottweiler in small servings. We create our own herbal mix, so if you want more information on what does a Rottweiler eat, feel free to contact us for details!