What you need to know about Rottweilers
Rottweilers may have a scary reputation but the ones I’ve met have been sweethearts. With family and friends Rotties are playful, loving, devoted dogs. They are versatile, intelligent, even clownish at home. Yes, they can guard the ol’ homestead, but they can do so much more. They have been used for herding, as guide dogs, for search and rescue, and even for pulling carts.

Rottweilers are big dogs and they can have a few health issues. They can weigh between 75-130 pounds, with males at the top end of the range. They are between 22 and 27 inches tall with a lot of bulk. They look strong and powerful and they are.

Rottie health issues
Many Rottweilers tend to put on weight as they get older so you should watch their calories and measure their food portions. It’s important for these dogs to continue to get exercise even as they age. Most Rotties are very active as puppies and young adults but, like many of us, they can start to slow down as they get older. Keeping your dog active as a senior can help him stay healthy and fit.

Like many other large breeds, Rottweilers can have some problems with hip and elbow dysplasia, especially as they get older. These issues can lead to arthritis and other joint and mobility problems. Rottweiler puppies can benefit from a large breed puppy food that encourages slow growth. Slow growth as a puppy has been shown to help many dogs avoid hip dysplasia and other joint problems later in life. Keeping your Rottweiler fit and slim throughout his life can also help him avoid hip dysplasia and arthritis. Overweight and obese dogs are much more likely to have joint and mobility problems as they age.

Some people like to feed adult Rottweilers a large breed dog food. These foods often have slightly fewer calories than regular dog foods to help keep dogs slimmer. They also often have added glucosamine and chondroitin which may help with joint problems like arthritis. (Note that the evidence is inconclusive about whether these supplements really work, but many dog lovers believe they do.) However, pet food companies really can’t add enough glucosamine and chondroitin (or other joint supplements) to make a big difference to a dog. If you would like to get benefits from these supplements, it’s a good idea to buy them separately at the drug store or online and add them to your dog’s diet.

Some of the best large breed dog foods include:

• Fromm Large Breed Adult Gold
• Now Fresh Grain Free Large Breed Adult Recipe

Good large breed puppy foods include:

• Fromm Large Breed Puppy Gold Formula
• Canidae Life Stages Large Breed Puppy Duck Meal, Brown Rice & Lentils Formula Dry Dog Food

These are just a few suggestions. There are lots of other good foods for large breed adults and puppies.

Bloat (gastric dilatation and volvulus) can occur in Rottweilers occasionally but it’s not considered common. Bloat occurs when the dog’s stomach fills up with air, putting pressure on the organs. The stomach may twist or rotate (called “torsion”) which cuts off circulation. This is an emergency situation. A dog can die if he doesn’t get to the vet immediately for help. Feeding your dog several small meals per day instead of one large meal is believed to help avoid bloat. Some people also use a slow feed bowl to try to prevent their dog from eating too fast and gulping air while they eat.

I’ve never heard of a specific dog food that can help prevent bloat but if you are concerned about this problem, you might consider a food for sensitive digestion. These foods tend to break down more easily so they would be less likely to create any gas in the dog’s stomach.

• Canidae Salmon
• Wellness Simple

These are all foods that could be good choices for dogs with a sensitive digestive system.

Rotties may have allergies, like any dog, but they don’t seem to be any more common than with other dogs.
Cancer is a problem in the breed and a frequent cause of early death. Food may or may not be related to cancer. About the best you can do is probably try to avoid foods with any known carcinogens. Feeding better quality, more “natural” foods is a good choice.

Rottweilers do seem to have a shorter lifespan than other breeds of similar size. They are currently estimated to live between 8 and 10 years. The American Rottweiler Club, the AKC parent club for the breed in the United States, is currently conducting a program to study longevity in Rottweilers to try to improve the health and well-being of the breed. You can find out more about the program and how to participate on the site.

Summary
Look for good quality dog food for your Rottweiler with good meat protein, no fillers, and avoid artificial colors, preservatives, and sweeteners, Consider a large breed food for your puppy or adult Rottie. And, if you are concerned about bloat or if your Rottie has any digestive problems, look at some of the foods for sensitive digestion. Rottweilers are wonderful dogs that make great family pets. I hope the information here is helpful as you consider choosing a food for your Rottie.

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