We’ve all had that moment – your cute Rottweiler pup is staring up at you with those big ol’ puppy dog eyes as you sit down to eat dinner. It’s so hard not to give in and slip them a little bit of whatever tasty food you’re having!
I know, I know, it seems harmless to share some of your meal with your four-legged buddy. However, the fact is, that no longer everything we human beings chow down on is cool for dogs to consume.
As a responsible Rottie owner, you gotta know which human being’s ingredients you can upload to their eating regimen and which to keep away from the dog bowl. In this article, we’ll dish out the do’s and don’ts of feeding your Rottweiler snacks from your plate. I’ll cover what human food can rottweilers eat, and which may cause some issues for your pup.
But first, permit’s take a short study of the Rottweiler breed and their nutritional desires before diving into what human grub gets the green mild from vets. It’s time to analyze what’s safe with regard to sharing your snacks!
The Need-to-Know What Human Food Can Rottweilers Eat?
Recognized for their big, burly frames and constant spirit, Rottweilers may be total teddy bears whilst also being fierce protectors whilst wished. In keeping with the American Kennel membership, Rotties were firstly bred to herd cattle and pull carts and carriages.
Male Rottweilers normally weigh between 95 to 135 pounds completely grown, while females range from 80 to 100 pounds. Their signature black coats with rust-colored markings on the cheeks, legs, chest, and eyebrows supply them with an awesome look.
As a medium-huge running breed, Rotties need plenty of everyday exercise and stimulation. They love going on lengthy walks, chasing after balls, gaining knowledge of new tricks, and competing in dog sports activities. Preserving their body and mind active is prime for those active doggies.
Rottweilers are true chow hounds who stay for mealtime. They’ve got big appetites and can easily become obese if overfed. Presenting the proper portions of balanced nutrition is crucial to maintaining your Rottie fit and healthy.
But what exactly should you feed a Rottweiler? Let’s go over what these dogs need nutrient-wise before getting into what human foods to add or nix.
A Rottie’s Dietary Needs
Rottweilers are big, active dogs with the calorie requirements to match their substantial size and energy levels. The typical adult Rottweiler needs between 1,500 to 2,600 calories per day depending on their age, size, and activity level.
You’ll want to feed them high-quality commercial dog food made for large or giant breeds. Look for a recipe with 25-30% of its calories from protein sources like chicken, beef, fish, or eggs.
Fat should make up around 12-15% of their diet to meet their energy needs. Complex carbs like sweet potatoes, brown rice, barley, or oatmeal are good sources of fiber. Veggies, fruits, and supplements round out the nutritional profile.
Grown Rotties only need one or two meals a day, ideally scheduled for around the same times. Feed measured portions rather than free-feeding to prevent overeating.
Now let’s get into which human foods are safe to add to your pup’s diet and which you should keep off the menu!
Make sure to feed a high-quality commercial dog food formulated for large or giant-breed dogs. Look for a recipe with 25–30% protein from quality sources like chicken, beef, fish, or eggs. Fat should make up 12–15% of the diet to meet energy needs.
Rotties also need adequate fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Choose dog foods with ingredients like sweet potatoes, brown rice, barley, or oatmeal. Vegetables, fruits, and supplements round out the nutritional profile.
Adult Rottweilers only require one or two meals a day. Feed at the same times each day and avoid leaving food out constantly. This breed is prone to overeating, so measured meals are best.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of a Rottweiler’s nutritional requirements, let’s explore which human foods are safe to incorporate into your pup’s diet and which to keep off the menu.
Human Foods Your Rottie Can Enjoy
Sharing tidbits of your own meals with Fido may meet some of their nutritional needs while also helping reinforce the human-canine bond. Here are some of the healthiest, dog-safe options to consider:
Lean Meats: Unseasoned, cooked chicken, turkey, beef, or pork make nutritious treats. Lean cuts are the lowest in fat. Just double-check for bones.
Fish: Cooked salmon, tuna, shellfish, and sardines provide omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health. Avoid raw fish due to the risk of parasites.
Eggs: Scrambled, hard-boiled, or cooked over-easy, eggs are packed with protein. Prepared plain, they make great training treats.
Oatmeal: A source of soluble fiber to promote healthy digestion. Cook plain oatmeal and serve small amounts cooled down.
Peanut Butter: Smear a spoonful in a Kong for a long-lasting chew treat. Pick an all-natural brand and avoid xylitol sweeteners.
Yogurt: Provides probiotics for digestive health. Stick to plain, unsweetened varieties. Too much dairy may cause gas.
Vegetables: Carrots, green beans, broccoli, and spinach all make low-calorie snacks if cooked plain and cut into bite sizes.
Fruits: Slices of apple, banana, melon, mango, and berries are refreshing additions. But limits due to natural sugars
Rice: Brown or white rice boiled plain makes an easily digestible carb source. It helps settle upset stomachs.
Popcorn: Plain, air-popped popcorn is a crunchy, low-calorie snack. Avoid butter and seasoning due to their fat and salt content.
Although these foods can supplement your Rottweiler’s regular dog food diet, moderation is key. People’s food should never make up more than 10–15% of their total caloric intake. Too many extra treats and table scraps can lead to obesity.
Plus, some foods that seem innocuous to us are actually dangerous for dogs. Let’s go over what not to feed a Rottweiler next.
Foods to Avoid Giving Your Rottweiler
While Rotties have legendary appetites and crave snack time with their owners, many common human foods should stay off the menu. Here are some of the biggest foods to avoid feeding Rottweilers:
Chocolate: Contains theobromine, a chemical toxic to dogs, especially dark chocolate. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
Grapes and Raisins: Contains an unknown toxin that can lead to kidney failure in dogs. Even a small amount is dangerous.
Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia if ingested. Toxicity is unknown, but keep away.
Onions and garlic: Contain sulfur compounds that are toxic to dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Poisonous in any form.
Xylitol: This common sugar-free sweetener found in candy, gum, and baked goods is extremely toxic to dogs and can lead to dangerous blood sugar crashes.
Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks. Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, and even death in dogs.
Alcohol: Can cause dangerous intoxication. Signs include incoordination, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing issues, and seizures.
Avocados: The leaves, fruit, seeds, and bark contain persin, which is toxic to dogs and can damage their digestive systems.
Bones: Can splinter and cause lacerations to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract or lead to dangerous obstructions.
Salt and Fatty Foods: Excessive salt and fat found in foods like chips, fried food, bacon, and cheeses can cause pancreatitis.
These are just some of the many foods people should avoid due to toxicity and digestive issues. When in doubt, don’t share. It’s better to be safe than sorry and consult your vet.
Tips for Sharing Human Food with Your Rottweiler
Now that we’ve gone over the do’s and don’ts, here are some top tips to follow when sharing snacks from your plate with your Rottie:
- Introduce new foods slowly and watch for allergic reactions. Discontinue anything that causes vomiting, diarrhea, itching, hives, or swelling.
- Avoid spicy seasonings and heavy sauces that may upset your dog’s stomach or cause intestinal irritation. Stick to plain preparations.
- Cut foods into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Consider your dog’s size—smaller pieces for little pups!
- Never hand-feed directly from the table, which can encourage begging. Instead, add a bit to their regular meals.
- Avoid feeding on the couch or your lap. This blurs the human-pet hierarchy. Feed separately from your own mealtime.
- People’s food should only be an occasional treat – no more than 10-15% of daily calories. Too many extra tidbits lead to obesity.
- Consult your vet about any dietary concerns or human foods you’re uncertain about sharing with your Rottweiler.
Keeping these tips in mind aids digestion and prevents picky eating habits down the road. Moderation and safety first!
The Verdict on Feeding Your Rottweiler Human Food
Sharing bites of your own meals is one way for you and your Rottweiler to bond. But balance and safety are key when incorporating people’s food into their diet. While lean meats, veggies, and fruits can provide a nutritional boost, many common human foods are hazardous.
Chocolate, nuts, onions, and more can cause serious health issues in dogs. Always exercise caution when feeding your Rottweiler table scraps. Stick to dog-safe choices in strict moderation.
If you’re ever in doubt, avoid feeding your pup the food in question. And be sure to consult your vet with any concerns about your Rottie’s diet and nutrition. With smart additions to your plate, you can reward your big breed buddies and keep them healthy, too.
So go ahead and show your Rottie some love at snack time – just stick to the safe list! With the do’s and don’ts above, you can feel confident sharing delicious and nutritious treats that this amazing breed will drool over. That adorable doggy grin and wagging tail is worth it.
