Feeding your Rottweiler a healthy and balanced diet is so important. But, let’s be honest, all of these fancy and expensive foods are not within everybody’s budget, especially when you have a massive Rottweiler that has to eat a lot.
Happily, there are some great and affordable options out there, and we aim to provide you with choices.
All listed dog foods are for large breed dogs, are reasonably priced for a 30-pound bag of kibble, and are available both online and in-store. It includes adult and puppy foods from Eukanuba, Blue Buffalo, Purina, Wellness, Now Fresh, Merrick, Holistic Select, Nutro, Blackwood, and American Journey.
Before we go on with listing the best foods for your Rottweiler, it is important that we address and explain a few different terms and ideas that are often thrown around in the dog food world.
Let’s begin!
What Is “Meal”?
By now, you will have seen “meal” listed as a common ingredient in many of the dog foods included in our list. However, not everyone knows what is meant by this term.
Well, when a dog food says that it contains chicken meal, for example, it refers to chicken flesh, skin, and bone that has been ground up and dried out.
Chicken meal by-products refer to the dried out and ground up leftover parts of a chicken, such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, etc.
Should a Rottweiler Eat a Grain-Free Diet?
As you will have seen, the list included both grain-free and grain-containing options. This is because there are great foods available for both options, and feeding your Rottweiler grains or not is your choice, not ours.
Some Rottweiler owners have no issue with feeding their dogs grains, while others won’t touch a kibble (or allow their Rottweilers to touch it) if it contains grains.
There are two primary motivations behind this aversion:
- They believe that grains cause weight gain
- They believe that gains cause bloat (which is a potentially fatal condition in dogs)
But how accurate are these beliefs? Well, you probably won’t be surprised to find out that there is research supporting grain-free diets and other research indicating that this can be incredibly harmful.
If your Rottweiler has a true grain allergy, then certainly feeding them a grain-free diet is called for, but grain allergies are actually very rare in dogs; they are more likely to be allergic to meat proteins.
In addition, recent studies have found that grain-free diets may be linked to the development of Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
For more detailed information on this topic, we have an excellent article for you right here:
Should Rottweilers Eat a Grain-Free Diet?
But remember – consulting your veterinarian before you begin your Rottweiler on any new diet regimen is always the best idea.
How Much Should You Feed a Rottweiler?
There is no one answer to the question of how much food you should be feeding your Rottweiler. It depends on several variables, including:
- The age of your Rottweiler: puppies require more food to support proper growth, and seniors may require more to maintain weight.
- The amount your Rottweiler weighs: bigger dogs require more food to a certain extent (they also tend to have slower metabolisms, so it is not an exact science).
- The activity level of your Rottweiler: Rottweilers who are more active burn more calories and, therefore, require more food to maintain weight and condition.
- The specific food you are feeding them: each formula has a different balance of proteins, fats, carbs, etc., and so different portions may be required to ensure a sufficient daily intake of each nutrient and overall calories.
- If you are also feeding your Rottweiler wet food: You can often feed your Rottweiler less dry food if you are supplementing their diet with wet food, but you do need to strike the correct balance so that you Rottweiler feels full as well as receives all the proper nutrients.
- If your Rottweiler has a medical condition: some medical conditions will necessitate a strict calorie-counting diet; others may require your Rottweiler to eat small meals every few hours instead of one or two meals per day, etc.
You should look at the quantity recommendations provided on the back of the dog food packet for a guideline. Beyond that, you can speak to your Rottweiler’s veterinarian, or you can judge for yourself.
If your Rottweiler leaves food after each meal, or if they start picking up excess weight, then cut back a little. If they always seem to be hungry after just eating, then you can increase their portion size.
We have a thorough article on feeding your Rottweiler linked for you below. It is full of useful information and easy to follow infographics for quick reference.
If you own a Rottweiler or plan on getting one, you’ll definitely want to bookmark the article below:
Rottweiler Feeding Guide: From Puppy to Adult
Before You Choose a New Food for Your Rottweiler
Not all Rottweilers are the same, and your Rottweiler may respond well to one of the foods on this list, but another type could give them an upset stomach.
This does not mean that the second type of food is bad; it just means that it was not the best choice for your individual Rottweiler with its physiological profile.
Now, you don’t want to buy a 30-pound bag of food that your Rottweiler might not be able to eat.
So, you will be pleased to find out that most of the food listed in this article comes in smaller (typically 15-pound) bags that you can buy to try out for a week or two.
It is also worthwhile and advisable to consult your Rottweiler’s veterinarian before starting your pup on a new food.
The foods in this list are for normal, healthy Rottweilers, so if your Rottweiler suffers from a specific medical condition, there may be only certain foods that they can eat, and you will need your veterinarian’s help in such a case.
Now that we’ve gotten some of basic yet very important information out of the way, let’s move forward with the list. Below you’ll find the 16 best, yet affordable, dog foods for your Rottweiler.
1. Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
| Size of Bag | 33 pounds |
| Flavor | Chicken |
| First 6 Ingredients | Dehydrated poultry protein Maize Wheat Maize flour Barley Animal Fats |
| Good For | Rottweilers over 80 pounds between the ages of 2 and 5 years *Puppy formula is available |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- High-quality poultry protein is the top ingredient in this dry dog food
- 23% protein content (according to the AAFCO, the minimum amount of protein required for a healthy maintenance diet for dogs is 18%, so the Eukenuba more than meets the requirements)
- Eukanuba Adult Large Breed contains Eukanuba’s 3D DentaDefence, which reduces the build-up of tartar, promoting dental health and fresh breath
- Rich in omega oils and antioxidants, this food is formulated for optimal brain function and healthy skin and coat
- It is great for Rottweilers with an active lifestyle
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult Dogs
| Size of Bag | 30 pounds |
| Flavor | Chicken and brown rice *Also available in lamb and brown rice or fish and oatmeal |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Deboned chicken Chicken meal Brown rice Oatmeal Barley Pea starch |
| Good For | Adult Rottweilers over 50 pounds |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- Real high-quality chicken is the top ingredient in the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
- 22% protein content (above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- This food doesn’t contain corn, wheat, or soy for people who would prefer to avoid these ingredients
- It is free from artificial flavorings and preservatives
- The formula contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints, which is incredibly important for heavy dogs like Rottweilers
3. Buffalo Blue Rocky Mountain Recipe Adult Large Breed
| Size of Bag | 22 pounds |
| Flavor | Red meat |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Deboned bison Fish meal Peas Tapioca starch Pea starch Pea protein |
| Good For | Adult Rottweilers over 50 pounds |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- Real high-quality red meat (bison) is the top ingredient in the Blue Buffalo Rocky Mountain Recipe
- 28% protein content (well above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- There are no poultry by-product meals in this food, so it is suitable for Rottweilers with a sensitivity to chicken
- This food doesn’t contain corn, wheat, or soy for people who would prefer to avoid these ingredients
- It is a grain-free formula for Rottweilers with a grain allergy
- The kibble is free from artificial flavorings and preservatives
- It contains both glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints in large breed dogs like Rottweilers
4. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed
| Size of Bag | 34 pounds *Available in a 47-pound bag |
| Flavor | Chicken and rice *Available in a grain-free formula of chicken and egg |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Chicken Rice Corn gluten meal Whole-grain corn Poultry by-product meal Whole-grain wheat |
| Good For | Puppies up to 2 years of age |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- Protein is the top ingredient (28%) in Purina Pro Plan Puppy (according to the AAFCO, the minimum required protein content for a puppy formula is 22%)
- It contains glucosamine, essential for healthy growing joints in your giant breed Rottweiler
- The formula is rich in omega oils and antioxidants for healthy brain and immune system functioning
- It is free from artificial flavorings and preservatives
5. Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed
| Size of Bag | 34 pounds *Available in a 47-pound bag |
| Flavor | Chicken and rice *Available in a grain-free formula of chicken and egg |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Chicken Rice Corn gluten meal Whole-grain corn Poultry by-product meal Whole-grain wheat |
| Good For | Adult Rottweilers over 2 years of age |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- This food is available in a 47-pound bag, which is great if you have more than one Rottweiler
- Chicken is the top ingredient in the Purina Pro Plan Adult
- 28% protein content (well above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- Contains glucosamine for healthy joints
- Rich in omega oils and antioxidants for healthy brain and immune system functioning
- Fortified with live probiotics for gut health
- Free from artificial flavorings and preservatives
6. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed
| Size of Bag | 30 pounds |
| Flavor | Deboned chicken and brown rice |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Deboned chicken Chicken meal Ground brown rice Barley Peas Oats |
| Good For | Adult Rottweilers over 50 pounds |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- Real high-quality chicken is the top ingredient of the Wellness Complete Health formula
- 26% protein content (above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- It contains both glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
- It also contains probiotics, which promote gut health
- The omega oil content facilitates healthy skin, coat, and mental functioning
7. Wellness Core Grain-Free Large Breed
| Size of Bag | 26 pounds |
| Flavor | Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Deboned chicken Chicken meal Turkey meal Lentils Peas Dried ground potatoes |
| Good For | Adult Rottweilers over 50 pounds |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- Real high-quality chicken is the top ingredient of the Wellness Core Grain-Free dog food
- 34% protein content (well above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- The formula is 100% grain-free, so it’s an excellent option if your Rottweiler has a grain intolerance
- It contains both glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
- It also contains probiotics, which promote gut health
- The omega oil content promotes healthy skin, coat, and mental functioning
- The kibble pieces are larger, encouraging your Rottweiler to chew properly, instead of swallowing the kibble whole
8. Wellness Complete Health Senior
| Size of Bag | 30 pounds |
| Flavor | Deboned chicken and barley |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Deboned chicken Chicken meal Oatmeal Ground barley Ground brown rice Peas |
| Good For | Adult Rottweilers over 50 pounds |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- Real high-quality chicken is the top ingredient of Wellness Complete Health Senior
- 22% protein content (above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- It contains both glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints, something that is very important in aging Rottweilers
- The formula contains probiotics and fiber, which promote gut health
- The omega oil content promotes healthy skin, coat, and mental functioning
- The recipe also includes various fruits and vegetables that provide vitamin A and calcium to support healthy eyesight and teeth; such support becomes more critical as a Rottweiler ages
9. Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed Adult
| Size of Bag | 25 pounds |
| Flavor | Turkey, salmon, and duck |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Deboned turkey Whole dried egg Potatoes Peas Potato flour Tapioca |
| Good For | Adult Rottweilers over 50 pounds |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- Real high-quality turkey is the top ingredient in Now Fresh Grain-Free Large Breed dog food
- 27% protein content (above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- Each piece is full of nutrient-rich superfoods
- The formula includes probiotics and pumpkin, which support gut health
- It is free from meat meals, grains, and by-products
- It contains both glucosamine and chondroitin to support your Rottweiler’s joint health
10. Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed
| Size of Bag | 22 pounds |
| Flavor | Real chicken and sweet potato |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Deboned chicken Chicken meal Turkey meal Sweet potatoes Potatoes Peas |
| Good For | Adult Rottweilers |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- Real deboned chicken is the top ingredient in Merrick Grain-Free Large Breed dog food
- 22% protein content (above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- The whole-food ingredients included in this food are locally sourced and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- The formula is grain-free, so it is suitable for Rottweilers with a grain intolerance
11. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed
| Size of Bag | 20 pounds (this makes it the most expensive option on our list, and a little over $100 for 30 pounds, but we chose to include it because it is not too expensive, and it is a great food) |
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Deboned chicken Chicken meal Turkey meal Sweet potatoes Potatoes Peas |
| Good For | Adult Rottweilers |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- Real deboned chicken is the top ingredient in Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed dog food
- 38% protein content (well above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- The raw infusion comes from free-dried raw pieces being mixed in with the kibble
- It contains both glucosamine and chondroitin to support your Rottweiler’s joint health
- The omega oil content promotes healthy skin, coat, and mental functioning
- The kibble pieces are larger, encouraging your Rottweiler to chew properly, instead of swallowing the kibble whole
12. Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Adult
| Size of Bag | 30 pounds |
| Flavor | Chicken meal and oatmeal |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Chicken meal Rice Oatmeal Oats Chicken fat Pork meal |
| Good For | Adult Rottweilers weighing over 50 pounds |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- The first ingredient in the Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed dog food is protein
- 24% protein content (above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- It contains glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate, which support healthy hips and joints
- The formula includes prebiotics, probiotics, natural fiber, live yogurt cultures, and digestive enzymes, which all support gut health
13. Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Puppy Food
| Size of Bag | 30 pounds |
| Flavor | Chicken meal and oatmeal |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Lamb meal Chicken meal Oatmeal Brown rice Barley Peas Chicken fat |
| Good For | Rottweiler puppies |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- The first ingredient in the Holistic Select Large and Giant Breed Puppy formula is protein
- 25% protein content (above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- The formula includes prebiotics, probiotics, natural fiber, live yogurt cultures, and digestive enzymes, which all support gut health
- It contains omega oils to help promote healthy brain and eye development
14. Nutro Ultra Adult Large Breed
| Size of Bag | 30 pounds |
| Flavor | Chicken, lamb, and salmon |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Chicken Chicken meal Whole grain brown rice Brewers rice Rice bran Whole grain oatmeal |
| Good For | Rottweiler adults |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- The first ingredient in the Nutro Ultra Adult Large Breed dog food is real chicken
- 23% protein content (above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- The formula includes a blend of 15 different superfoods, including blueberries, chia, coconut, and kale
- There is no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy in this dog food
15. Nutro Natural Choice Adult Large Breed
| Size of Bag | 30 pounds *Available in a 40-pound bag as well |
| Flavor | Lamb and brown rice |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Deboned lamb Chicken meal Whole grain brown rice Split peas Whole grain sorghum Brewers rice |
| Good For | Rottweiler adults older than 18 months |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- Deboned lamb is the first ingredient in the Nutro Natural Choice Adult Large Breed dog food
- 20% protein content (above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- This food is made with non-GMO ingredients
- There is no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy in this dog food
16. Blackwood Whitefish Meal and Oatmeal Adult Large Breed
| Size of Bag | 30 pounds |
| Flavor | Whitefish and oatmeal |
| Top 6 Ingredients | Whitefish meal Brown rice Oats groats Pearled barley Ground Grain Sorghum Chicken fat |
| Good For | Rottweiler adults weighing over 40 pounds |
Features to Love About This Dog Food
- The first ingredient in the Blackwood Whitefish Meal and Oatmeal Adult Large Breed dog food is whitefish meal
- 24% protein content (above AAFCO minimum requirements)
- It doesn’t contain any corn, wheat, or soy
- It contains both glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints in your Rottweiler
- It also contains probiotics and prebiotics, which promote gut health
- This food has a fish flavor as opposed to a chicken flavor, which can be ideal if your Rottweiler is turning its nose up at other foods
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to dish out a mini fortune each month on food for your Rottweiler in order to provide them with the best nutrition possible. This list of 16 different dog foods proves that.
If you are considering a dog food not on the list above, then look at the ingredients and compare it to this list from the AAFCO.
Another good approach is simply to trust your gut. If a dog food looks and smells weird, then avoid feeding it to your Rottweiler. If it looks really dry and feels very light (not a dense piece of kibble), then just skip it.