Specific breed brochure - Breed Nutrition

Strong jaws and teeth
Ingestion and digestion are connected
Among the factors causing gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) – also known as bloat and torsion –
are small kibbles and rapid ingestion (Glickman et al, 1994; Raghavan et al, 2004). As with all
large dogs, the risk of GDV in Rottweilers is not to be brushed aside, although the likelihood of it
occurring remains relatively low compared with
other giant breeds. According to Ward et al
(2003), 3.9% of individuals will suffer from
the problem some time in their life.
Dilatation occurs when the sphincter at the
end of the stomach, the pylorus, does not
allow the stomach to empty normally. This is
quickly aggravated by the accumulation of gas
emitted from the stomach contents and air ingested
by the dog as it unsuccessfully tries to vomit. It
can be followed by the rotation of the stomach,
which is facilitated by the laxity in the way the stomach
is attached in the abdomen. This disrupts
local circulation, lowers blood pressure and provokes
a sudden state of shock. If surgery is not performed
in time GDV can be fatal.
This means it is essential to take account of the anatomical
characteristics of the Rottweiler’s teeth and
jaws to ensure the dog is given a food that encourages
it to chew and prevents it from sucking a
large quantity of air in with its food.
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© J.-M. Labat