Feeding

If you must switch from one brand or type of dog food to another. There are two ways to do it properly and you need to choose the way that works best for your situation and individual dog.

A)Mixing new and old gradually over one to two week's time, gradually adding more and more of the new food.

B)Fast your dog one meal. For the next meal, feed 1/4 of your dog's normal amount of just new food. The next meal feed 1/2 of the normal amount using just the new food. Stay at this level for 2-4 more meals, then gradually work up to the quantity he normally gets in a meal over another day or two's time. Watch your dog for sloppy stools or for weight gain. If either occur cut back 1/2 cup and observe again. Every food has a different calorie level and you may need to feed more or less of the new food to obtain the same weight management results. Always observe your dog's weight and stool output when changing feeds and adjust meal potions accordingly. Remember every food does not work for every dog and just because your friend's dog does well on X brand does not mean your dog will!

Keep your Rottweiler lean throughout his entire life. Condition, not fat, creates health and vitality. You should be able to easily feel but not see all of the ribs. If you can count the ribs by looking, he's too thin. If you have to poke he is too fat. Carrying too much weight contributes greatly to the developement of joint and growth problems in young dogs and causes joint and ligament trouble in adults.

A GENERAL guide to feeding Rottweilers dry dog food (kibble) is as followsFrontier's Feeding Guidelines

"Growth" meaning a puppy/lactation formula of a high quality brand 28% protein and 18% fat. "Adult" meaning a normal maintainence formula of a high quality brand 24-27% protein and 14-16% fat If feeding a raw patty style(meat mix) homemade diet: 1 cup of meat mix (8 oz) is the approximate equivelent of 1 cup (4 oz) of high quality kibble so adjust your volume according to dog's appearance more than by number of cups. If feeding a raw meaty bones and pulped veggie diet then feed aprox 2-3% of dog's body weight per day (puppies need more), and again ALWAYS go by dog's appearance when deciding if you are feeding enough or too much; and be sure to read Carina MacDonald and/or Ian Billinghurst's books or consult with an experienced raw feeding breeder before beginning a raw diet. If feeding a prepackaged raw diet go by the manufacturer's guidelines AND the dog's appearance

DO NOT try to grow your pup quickly! Slow but steady growth is best. Rapid growth and/or fat puppies has been shown to aggravate genetically predisposed problems such as Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, OCD, panostitis, etc. Your dog will reach his genetic height and weight regardless of whether he is pushed to attain it quickly or fed to grow more slowly. The slower grown pup will be the healthier and sounder though.

If feeding a kibble diet, Feed a good quality, all natural feed that does not contain chemical preservatives (BHT,BHA, Ethoxyquin for example) or dyes. Some good choices are Innova, California Natural and Healthwise ; by Nature Bright Life; Canidae; to name just a few of the more popular brands. Alternatively, you can feed your dog a completely raw and natural diet. For the particulars of this diet see Carina MacDonald's book "Raw Dog Food, Make it easy for you and your dog" and/or Dr Ian Billinghurst's books "Give your dog a bone" and "Grow your pup with bones" all are available through Dogwise OR consult with a raw feeding breeder before starting. You can make this diet yourself or you can buy it premade and frozen from many companies. Just a few of these are Bravo; Aunt Jeni's; The Ultimate Diet; Steve's Real Food for Pets and Halshan

If you live in an area where the water is treated, use bottled water at first. Gradually introducing your local water. If YOU do not drink your local water due to chemicals, metals, bacteria etc then DO NOT give it to your Rottweiler!