rottweiler puppy

Question
I have a 4 month old rottweiler puppy and I'm not sure what to feed her. On alot of the website I have looked at the have recommened Nutro Natural Choice Large breed puppy. What would you recomend?

Answer
I have a different background and different answers from many on the net.  I am not selling anything,and neither are the sources of my information.  I have never seen any real data backing feeding Nutro or other premium dog chows.  Not only are there no comparative tests, I find the reasoning justifying it lacking too.  What I have seen are large, successful programs feeding common brands of dog chow including Pro Plan.  I have personally seen thousands of dogs thriving on it.  I question the validity of rating systems that give low ratings to a chow dogs do very well on.  I would choose the ADULT version of one of the common brands of dog chow.  Try to stick to the same protein source as you have been feeding, and make the change gradually over a week.  

My answer is straight out of the instructions the dog guide school gives us on raising their Shepherds and other dogs.  They have no other agenda  than producing strong, healthy dogs.  Dogs with joint problems cannot be used as intended.  They have bred thousands of dogs, X-rayed their hips, and kept track of them over their whole life.  They keep careful breeding records. They desperately want sound dogs.  They say switch to adult food at 4 months.  I have done that, and all 16 of the dogs I have turned in passed the X-rays of their hips.

One of the worst things you can do for a large breed puppy' joints is feed it too much of too rich of a diet.  Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them.  Each dog is different.  Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx