Understandably, you want to feed your Pit Bull a nutritious, tasty and complete high-quality dog food. But you don’t just want to pick any food, you want to pick the best dog food brand and recipe that addresses the specific biology and nutrition needs of Pitbull.
In this comprehensive Pit Bulldog food buying guide, we’ll start by recommending the Best dog food for Pitbulls with 5 top recommendations. Then, we’ll follow with reviews of the best food for Pit Bull puppies with 6 top-rated picks.
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Prairie Dry Dog Food
Our Top Recommendation for Dog Food for Pitbulls!
The USA-made large breed friendly Taste of the Wild is a high-protein roasted bison and venison dry dog food. It’s fortified with vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and prebiotics from chicory roots and is also rich in K9 Strain probiotics.
*We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
In addition, we’ll discuss the health issues and characteristics of Pitbull that should influence your choice of dog foods, as well as the basic things you’ll want to seek out in any dog food brand.
Best Dog Food for Pitbulls
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Prairie Dry Dog Food | • Contains tasty protein sources your dog will love • Formulated with salmon oil | |
 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula - Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe | • Fortified with glucosamine to promote joint health • Contains five different probiotic strains to help regulate the digestive process | |
 | Wellness CORE Grain Free Dry Dog Food | • Fortified with both chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health • Made in the USA | |
 | Canidae Grain-Free PURE LID Diet - Real Lamb & Pea Recipe | • Real lamb is the first listed ingredient • Formulated with menhaden fish meal — a great source of omega-3 fatty acids | |
 | BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult | • Made without corn, wheat, soy or artificial flavors • Fortified with five different probiotic strains | |
 | Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food | • Limited ingredient product drastically reduces chances of food allergies • Carbohydrates are easily breakable by a pitbull’s digestive system |
#1 – Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Prairie Dry Dog Food
(Best Affordable Dog Food for a Pit Bull)
Taste of the Wild is a high-quality Pitbull dog food brand that is designed to mimic the diet of your dog’s wild ancestors.
A grain-free recipe, this dry dog food is made with premium proteins, nutritious carbohydrates, antioxidant-rich fruits, and vegetables. Taste of the Wild High Prairie is also fortified with three different probiotic strains, to help ensure proper digestion.
Features:
- Made in the USA
- Contains tasty protein sources your dog will love, such as roasted bison and roasted venison
- Formulated with salmon oil (a good source of omega-3 fatty acids)
- Grain-free dry dog food utilizes sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes to supply the carbohydrate content
Top Ingredients:
Buffalo, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, pea protein, peas, potatoes, canola oil, tomato pomace, roasted bison, roasted venison, beef, flaxseed, potato fiber, natural flavor, ocean fish meal, salmon oil (a source of DHA), salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, Yucca schidigera extract, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product, vitamin E supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis:
CRUDE PROTEIN 32.0 % min
CRUDE FAT 18.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
ZINC 150 mg/kg min
SELENIUM 0.35 mg/kg min
VITAMIN E 150 IU/kg min min
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 2.8% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.3% min
TOTAL MICROORGANISMS 80,000,000 CFU/lb
Owner Reviews:
Most dog owners report being very satisfied with Taste of the Wild dry dog food, and many become long-term devotees to the brand. Several mentioned improved skin and coat conditions after switching to this recipe and a few even noted improved elimination habits and increased energy levels.
But in addition to these tangible benefits, many owners simply appreciated the chance to feed their dog a biologically appropriate diet for their pet.
Taste of the Wild is made with the types of protein sources wild canines consume, and it also provides the types of fruits (primarily colorful berries) that wolves and prehistoric dogs likely included in their diets.
Dogs, for their part, appear to love the way the recipe tastes. Given the impressive collection of protein sources included in the formula, this is hardly surprising.
Bottom Line:
Taste of the Wild is often recommended for a variety of medium and large breed dogs, and there’s a good reason for it: It is simply one of the finer mass-produced dog food brands on the market for most canines (especially Pitbulls and other big breeds).
It satisfies almost all the criteria you’d want in a Pitbull dog food, and it is reasonably priced for the quality of the product. It also includes a number of specific things that may benefit your Pitbull, including the use of sweet potatoes and peas, rather than grains, and relatively high protein content to ensure your Pit can build strong, healthy muscles. It may just be the best affordable dog food for Pitbulls on our list.
#2 – Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula – Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe
We’d recommend their Life Protection Formula Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe for Pitbulls, as neither lamb nor brown rice is likely to trigger food allergies, which are frequently a problem for Pitbulls.
Features:
- Made in the USA
- Fortified with glucosamine to promote joint health
- Contains Blue Buffalo’s patented LifeSource Bits, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Contains five different probiotic strains to help regulate the digestive process
Top Ingredients:
Deboned Lamb, Menhaden Fish Meal (Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Pea Starch, Peas, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (Source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Dried Tomato Pomace, Lamb Meal, Pea Protein, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Dl-Methionine, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Garlic.
Guaranteed Analysis:
CRUDE PROTEIN 22.0% min
CRUDE FAT 14.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 5.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.0% min
PHOSPHORUS 0.7% min
OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS 0.75% min
OMEGA 6 FATTY ACIDS 2.0% min
GLUCOSAMINE 400 mg/kg min
Owner Reviews:
Blue Buffalo is one of the best-reviewed commercial dog food brands on the market, and the vast majority of owners rave about these foods. Many dog owners report improvements in elimination habits (likely due to the inclusion of five different probiotic strains), and a large number of owners noted improvements in skin and coat health too.
Most dogs seem to love the way Blue Buffalo’s lamb recipe tastes, and many owners reported the apparent reduction in their dog’s hip and joint pain after feeding this food to their pet for several weeks. This is likely due to the inclusion of glucosamine, as well as the food’s rich omega-3 content (which helps to reduce inflammation).
Bottom Line:
Just about any Pitbull would benefit from eating Blue Buffalo Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe. It has all of the things you’d want in the best food for Pitbulls, including glucosamine, which may help reduce the symptoms associated with hip and elbow dysplasia and omega-3s, which will improve skin health.
However, it is likely the best dog food for Pitbulls who often struggle with intestinal issues, as this is a very easy food for dogs to digest, thanks to its reliance on brown rice as the primary carbohydrate.
Note that this is not a grain free recipe. That is not necessarily a problem (most dogs — including pit bulls — will digest grains without problem), but if you would prefer a grain-free formula (or you know your dog is allergic to rice, barley or oatmeal), you may want to opt for one of the grain free products, such as Blue Wilderness, instead.
#3 – Wellness CORE Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Wellness CORE Grain Free Dog Food is another fantastic dog food for Pitbulls.
Made without grains, fortified with three probiotic strains, and stuffed with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, it is easily one of the best dog foods on the market, and it should make an excellent dry dog food choice for most Pitbulls.
Features:
- Made in the USA
- Made with peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, rather than corn or wheat
- Fortified with both chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health
- Contains flaxseed and salmon oil, which are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids
Top Ingredients:
Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Dried Ground Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato Pomace, Chicken Liver, Natural Chicken Flavor, Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Kale, Broccoli, Spinach, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Beta-Carotene, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Biotin, Folic Acid].
Guaranteed Analysis:
CRUDE PROTEIN 34.0% min
CRUDE FAT 16.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 2.0% max
PHOSPHORUS 1.40% max
VITAMIN E 400 IU/kg
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS 3.25% min
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS 0.5% min
GLUCOSAMINE 250 mg/kg min
CHONDROITIN SULFATE 200 mg/kg min
BETA-CAROTENE 5 mg/kg min
TOTAL LACTIC ACID MICROORGANISMS* +80,000,000 CFU/lb min
Owner Reviews:
Most dog owners were very pleased with Wellness CORE. Several mentioned drastic improvements in coat health and a few mentioned that their dog’s energy level improved once they began eating this dog food.
A few owners noted that their dogs produced less waste after switching to Wellness CORE, and others noted a reduction in gas. This is likely due to the relatively modest nutritional fiber content of the food and the use of potatoes, rather than grains, as the primary carbohydrate source.
On the other hand, a few owners did note minor digestive issues after feeding their dog Wellness CORE, but that can occur anytime you switch dog foods, and it usually resolves quickly. Just be sure to transition your dog’s diet slowly, and you can reduce the likelihood of these types of problems occurring.
Bottom Line:
Wellness CORE is one of the best dog foods for Pit bulls available, and it has a number of features that are especially helpful for the breed.
For example, it has more protein than many other dog foods, and it is formulated with both chondroitin and glucosamine to help support joint health. And, because it is made without grains, it may help support skin and coat health.
Wellness CORE is more expensive than many other dog foods, but as with any other consumer product, you usually get what you pay for – and in the case of Wellness CORE, this means premium-quality grain-free dry dog food.
#4 – Canidae Grain-Free PURE LID Diet – Real Lamb & Pea Recipe
(Best Dog Food for Pitbulls with Sensitive Stomach)
This makes it one of the best dog foods for Pit bulls suffering from skin and coat problems. But it’s also a good choice for dogs that don’t suffer from these types of problems, given the quality of the ingredients used in the recipe.
Features:
- Real lamb is the first listed ingredient
- The grain-free formula uses sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and peas rather than corn or wheat
- Contains five different probiotic strains to help promote proper digestion
- Formulated with menhaden fish meal — a great source of omega-3 fatty acids
Top Ingredients:
Lamb, turkey meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, chickpeas, peas, chicken fat, menhaden fish meal, potatoes, suncured alfalfa, natural flavor, minerals (iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite), vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid)
Guaranteed Analysis:
CRUDE PROTEIN 32.0% min
CRUDE FAT 18.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 4.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
VITAMIN E 50 IU/kg min
OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS0.4% min
OMEGA-3 0.5% min
TOTAL LACTIC ACID MICROORGANISMS* 100,000,000 CFU/lb min
Owner Reviews:
Most dog owners were quite pleased with CANIDAE dog food. Several reported that the PURE LID DIET recipe helped alleviate their dog’s problems with itchy skin, and a few even noted improved digestion and elimination habits after making the switch — likely due to the impressive collection of probiotic strains present in the dog food. Most dogs seemed to love the taste, which isn’t surprising, as many dogs tend to relish lamb.
Conversely, a few dogs experienced intestinal upset after trying this food, but this seemed to be the exception, rather than the rule. Such problems can likely be limited by transitioning your dog’s diet slowly (scroll down to see the recommended transition protocol).
Bottom Line:
CANIDAE PURE LID is one of the best dry dog foods for Pitbulls with itchy skin or food allergies. This recipe is not only free of corn, wheat, and other grains, but it has a relatively simple ingredient list, which helps eliminate potential allergic triggers from you Pitbull’s diet.
However, this also means that some of the nutrients found in other foods are lacking in CANIDAE PURE LID. For example, owners seeking a dog food full of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables may want to look for a different product, as this recipe lacks things like carrot, leafy greens, and colorful fruits.
#5 – BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult
(Best Dog food for Pitbulls with Skin Allergies)
Blue Wilderness with Chicken Grain Free is based on the evolutionary diet of wild-living canines, so it is made with plenty of nutritious proteins and things like peas and tapioca, rather than grains.
Also, like many other Blue Buffalo products (Blue Wilderness is manufactured by the same company that Blue Buffalo is), it contains LifeSource Bits, which provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Features:
- Made in the USA
- Made without corn, wheat, soy or artificial flavors
- Fortified with five different probiotic strains
- Made with antioxidant-rich ingredients, including blueberries and cranberries
Top Ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Dried Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Starch, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, DL-Methionine, Dried Chicory Root, Potatoes, Pea Fiber, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Caramel Color, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis:
CRUDE PROTEIN 34.0% min
CRUDE FAT 15.0% min
CRUDE FIBER 6.0% max
MOISTURE 10.0% max
CALCIUM 1.4% min
PHOSPHORUS 0.9% min
OMEGA 3 0.5% min
OMEGA 6 FATTY ACIDS 2.75% min
GLUCOSAMINE 400 mg/kg min
Owner Reviews:
The overwhelming majority of dog owners who tried out Blue Wilderness Grain Free were very pleased with their choice. Many noted improvements in skin and coat health and most dogs appear to love the way this recipe tastes.
Additionally, Blue Wilderness appeared to help a lot of dogs enjoy more energy, and some owners noted that their dog seemed to get around better after making the switch. This may be due to the glucosamine and omega-3s included in the formula, as these can help reduce the symptoms associated with joint problems (including the apparent lack of energy).
A few dog owners noted digestive problems upon making the switch, so it is wise to make the transition slowly. Nevertheless, the majority of owners actually reported that their dog’s elimination habits improved after transitioning to this dog food. This is probably due to the food’s grain free formulation.
Bottom Line:
There aren’t many things to complain about with Blue Wilderness with Chicken. It satisfies nearly all of the things most Pitbull owners would want in a pet food, and it provides probiotics, glucosamine and more than one source of omega-3 fatty acids.
But one of the most impressive things about Blue Wilderness (as well as Blue Buffalo’s other recipes) is the inclusion of their patented LifeSource Bits. These are tasty little bits of kibble included in the recipe, which are made from vitamin-, mineral-, and antioxidant-rich ingredients, that’ll support your Pitbull’s immune system.
You will, however, have to pay for such a high-quality dog food for your Pitbull, as Blue Wilderness with Chicken is a relatively expensive option.
#6. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food
Blue Buffalo produces a selection of highly nourishing dry dog meals with formulations tailored to various dog breeds. This grain-free adult dry dog food has a single animal source of protein along with potatoes, peas, and pumpkin to aid digestion. If you have a dog with a sensitive stomach or a pitbull, the turkey and added antioxidants will do a phenomenal job for your dog’s immunity!
Features:
- Contains a limited amount of ingredients (no by-products)
- Dry food for sensitive stomachs
- Healthy blend of holistically nutritiously ingredients
Top Ingredients:
Deboned Turkey, Potatoes, Turkey Meal (Source of Glucosamine), Pea Starch, Peas, Tapioca Starch
Guaranteed Analysis:
Crude Protein 20.0% min.
Crude Fat 12.0% min.
Crude Fiber 6.0% max.
Moisture 10.0% max.
Calcium 0.9% min.
Phosphorus 0.7% min.
Vitamin E 300IU/kg min.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids* 0.75% min.
Omega 6 Fatty Acids* 2.25% min.
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)* 100mg/kg min.
Glucosamine* 300mg/kg min. (Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles)
Owner Reviews:
Most customers reported that this particular product helped their dogs’ food allergies. Since this product contains turkey and not chicken, many pet parents rated the product positively for helping their pooches get better. They also mention that their dogs enjoy the quality of food it provides, remedying various food sensitivity related issues.
The different dog foods from Blue Buffalo appear to be a hit with most pups, and you can say the same about their flavor. Even better, the taste of this product specifically caters to the taste buds of pitbulls. Pet parents also reported improved elimination behaviors and incredible skin and coat health. That being said, some have claimed that the brand is expensive for them.
Bottom Line:
Your pup will definitely benefit from eating Blue Buffalo Turkey and Potato flavored Grain-free Dry Dog Food. This dog food works as the perfect meal for our furry friends (pitbulls for sure) due to its grain-free and limited natural ingredients to aid food sensitivities.
However, there are grain and grain-free options. Owners can decide depending on the pet’s health requirements and past reactions to different ingredient formulations. Rest assured, the single high-protein meat will be the game-changer.
What Is a PitBull?
The term “Pit Bull” is thrown at a variety of dog breeds. The American PitBull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Bulldog are all different types of Pitbulls.
Most commonly, the term “Pit Bull” refers to the American Pit Bull Terrier. However, all the “bully breeds” have similar nutritional needs, so we’ll use the broader Pitbull term to refer to all of them.
Benefits of Feeding Your PitBull a Healthy Diet
Cheap dog food is the equivalent of junk food for people. Sure, it will keep you alive, but it won’t keep you healthy. To help your Pitbull have a long, healthy life, you want to feed your Pitbull puppy the best dog food you can.
You should look for food with quality ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Also, avoid fillers like corn and soy – they don’t offer any nutritional value.
The best dog food for Pitbulls tends to be expensive. However, it should keep your dog healthier, avoiding costly vet bills down the road.
How to Pick the Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls?
‘Pit Bulls’, which we also describe to include the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier, have a variety of physical traits and characteristics that should be considered when picking out their food. Accordingly, you’ll want to look for dog food for your Pitbull that satisfies the following criteria whenever possible.
1. Try to Pick a Dog Food Fortified with Joint Supplements:
Pitbulls are pretty susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia – two conditions in which the joints don’t form properly. Dogs with either type of dysplasia will often suffer from a significant loss of joint cartilage, pain and reduced mobility.
Fortunately, foods that are fortified with glucosamine or chondroitin can help repair some of the damage and prevent the loss of additional cartilage.
As an added measure, you can use a standalone joint supplement for dogs containing glucosamine and chondroitin to help keep your pitbull feeling his best.
2. Avoid High-Calorie “Muscle-Building” Foods:
In an effort to help make their Pitbull look bigger and more muscular, many owners turn to “muscle-building” foods (we’ve reviewed the best dog food for weight gain), which claim to help add mass to your pet.
Simply put, this is generally a bad idea and it won’t work anyway. It is extraordinarily difficult to get a dog to build high levels of muscle mass, and it may even cause health problems.
For example, muscle-building dog foods tend to have higher caloric values than typical foods. This can lead to weight gain and obesity – two problems Pitbulls are naturally predisposed too.
Instead, just pick a dog food for your Pitbull with a normal caloric value and get him plenty of exercise.
3. Look for Foods That Are Fortified with Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Skin and coat problems are also extremely common in Pitbulls. Many experience itchy or dry skin, while others struggle with hair loss. And while these problems may require veterinary treatment if they become serious, one of the most effective first-line treatments involves increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your dog’s food.
Omega-3 fatty acids help to prevent inflammation and they usually improve coat and skin health. Most of the high-end dog foods produced in the modern world contain omega-3-rich ingredients, such as salmon, trout or menhaden fish meal, and others simply fortify their foods with fish oils.
4. Try to Stick to Single-Protein Dog Foods:
Aside from omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies, food allergies are another leading cause of skin and coat problems in Pitbulls. Skin allergies usually start occurring in response to one (or rarely, more than one) protein in your pet’s food.
The best way to treat them is usually through the use of an elimination-challenge diet, which helps to identify your dog’s allergic trigger. The best dog food for Pit bulls with skin allergies is determined by simply selecting a food that doesn’t contain this ingredient.
Accordingly, you’ll want to make sure that you have the most options available, should this need arise. And the best way to do this is by embracing a diet with a single protein source.
Some Pitbull owners also have success in treating food allergies by simply switching to a limited-ingredient diet (LID). Such foods are made with relatively few ingredients, and they typically avoid some of the most common allergy triggers, including:
- Beef
- Dairy
- Wheat
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Lamb
- Soy
- Pork
- Rabbit
- Fish
READ MORE: The Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food
5. Fortified with Probiotics:
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are incorporated into many high-quality large breed dog foods. They often help improve the way your Pitbull digests his food and improve elimination habits. They also often help reduce the likelihood that harmful bacteria will be able to colonize your dog’s digestive tract through competitive exclusion.
There are a variety of probiotic strains used in different dog foods. Because veterinarians and researchers don’t yet understand which strains are most effective, many manufacturers incorporate several different strains.
Note that if you find a dog food that is ideal for your Pitbull, yet doesn’t contain several probiotic strains, you can use standalone dog probiotics to help support your dog’s digestive health.
There are a number of good dog food brands on the market, but the following five are among the best dog foods for Pitbulls. Just be sure to review each recipe carefully, so that you can arrive at the best choice for your pet.
The Right Way to Feed Pitbulls with Dog Food
Pitbulls have a few unique requirements that you’ll want to be sure you address when feeding your pet.
Whether you have a Pitbull puppy or adult, these will help ensure that your dog gets all of the nutrition and calories he needs, and it will also help avoid medical problems that may arise from improper feeding.
Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind include when feeding your Pitbull:
Make Sure That You Provide Enough Calories
Pitbulls are high-energy dogs, and you’ll need to make sure that your canine consumes enough calories on a daily basis to support an active lifestyle.
Generally speaking, average-sized Pitbulls require between 900 and 1800 calories of food each day. This obviously represents quite a range, so you’ll need to tailor the amount of food provided to your pet.
You can do so in part by considering your dog’s size. Pitbulls typically weigh between about 40 and 70 pounds, so if you have a 65-pound pit bull, you’ll want to provide enough food to approach the 1800-calorie-level, while Pitbulls weighing only 45 pounds may only require 900 to 1,000.
Additionally, you’ll have to factor in your dog’s typical activity level. Couch-potato dogs may become overweight if provided with too many calories, while active, working dogs will need plenty of calories to provide the energy they need.
Ultimately, you’ll want to monitor your dog’s body condition to ensure he is obtaining a proper amount of calories. You can learn more about body condition score by reviewing this resource, provided by the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.
Ensure That Your PitBull Obtains the Proper Ratios of Macronutrients
Caloric content is important, but it is not the only factor you’ll need to consider when selecting a dog food. You also need to select a dry dog food with a proper balance of macronutrients.
Generally speaking, Pitbulls will thrive best on dog foods that provide the following ratios:
Pitbull Protein Requirements
Minimally, adult dogs require foods that have protein levels of at least 18%. However, because Pitbulls are typically active, muscular dogs, they’ll remain healthier if provided a diet that contains more than 30% protein.
Pit bull Fat Requirements
Adult dogs typically do best with foods containing 5.5% fat content. You don’t want to dip below this level, as it could cause health problems for your pet, but it is wise to avoid foods with drastically more fat than this, as Pitbulls can be prone to obesity.
Pitbull Carbohydrate Requirements
Carbohydrates are incorporated into dog foods to help provide enough calories for your dog and ensure his energy levels remain consistent. In a perfect world, you would give your Pitbull a food with as little carbohydrates as possible, but this would be cost-prohibitive. You just need to make sure that you select a food that derives no more than 55% to 65% of its calories from carbohydrates.
Do Everything Possible to Help Avoid Bloat in PitBull
Pitbulls, like most other big, large-chested breeds, are susceptible to bloat — a potentially life-threatening condition in which a dog’s stomach fills with air and twists, thereby trapping the gas inside. Without emergency medical treatment, bloat is almost always fatal (and medical treatment isn’t always effective).
You’ll want to do everything you can to help reduce the chances of bloat occurring. A few of the best ways to do so include:
- Feed your dog several small meals, spread throughout the day, rather than one large meal. Minimally, you’ll want to split your dog’s daily food ration into two separate meals, but three is even better.
- Ensure that your dog rests for about 30 minutes after each meal before allowing him to run around in the back yard or taking him on a walk. His body needs time to digest his food, so be sure to provide him with this opportunity.
- Try to discourage your dog from gulping down his food without chewing. Look for foods made with relatively large kibble, which will often encourage your dog to chew more thoroughly.
- Consider using a specially designed food bowl that’ll make it more difficult for your dog to get the kibble in his mouth. This will help slow down the eating process and prevent him from swallowing as much air, which should reduce the chances of bloat.
Be Sure to Switch Your Pit bull’s Food Gradually
Anytime you switch your dog’s food you want to do so gradually. Failing to do so may stress your dog’s digestive tract, leading to excess gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Typically, this requires you to switch your Pitbull’s food over the course of five to six days. A basic regimen would require you to feed your pit bull meals consisting of the following ratios:
- Day One: 90% old food, 10% new food
- Day Two: 75% old food, 25% new food
- Day Three: 50% old food, 50% new food
- Day Four: 25% old food, 75% new food
- Day Five: 10% old food, 90% new food
- Day Six: 100% new food
If at any time during the process, your pittie starts exhibiting digestive problems, slow down and incorporate less of the new food when making your dog’s breakfast or dinner. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, or your dog’s intestinal difficulties do not stop, contact your vet.
Common Health Problems in Pitbulls due to Food
Pit bulls are prone to several health problems, and some of them can be impacted by the food they eat. Here are some common health problems in Pitbulls.
1. Allergies
Pitbulls are prone to allergies more than many other breeds. Those allergies may be environmental (like grass) or food (like grain). A lot of common food ingredients may cause allergies in Pitbulls.
Some fog food ingredients that commonly trigger food allergies include:
- Wheat
- Corn
- Soy
- Chicken
- Beef
- Pork
- Eggs
If you suspect your Pitbull puppy has a food allergy, you should put them on a limited ingredient diet to try to find out what they’re allergic to. Trying to discover what allergens trigger a dog can take time and patience, but relieving your Pitbulls allergy symptoms is well worth it.
2. Bloat
Bloat is a condition where a dog’s stomach fills with air and rotates, often blocking blood flow to the intestines. Half of all dogs who get bloat will die from it, including 1/3 of dogs who get emergency surgery to try to fix the problem.
The best way to prevent bloat is to feed your Pitbull at least twice a day. Big meals are more likely to cause bloat. You should also keep your Pitbull calm for at least 20 minutes after they eat.
Food gulping is a common cause of bloat in dogs, especially food-loving Pitbulls. Slow down their feeding with a clean rock placed in their bowl, a treat ball, or a puzzle bowl.
3. Joint Problems or Arthritis
Sadly, Pitbulls are prone to arthritis and other joint problems as they age. One way to help prevent or minimize pain is to make sure your Pitbull puppy maintains a healthy weight.
Obesity causes a wide variety of health problems, including putting extra weight on sore joints. You should be able to feel, but not see, your Pitbull puppy’s ribs when they are standing up straight.
4. Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is more common in larger breeds of Pitbulls than smaller ones. It’s a condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly, and it’s extremely painful.
Growing too quickly can be one cause of hip dysplasia, or could make it worse. Make sure your Pitbull puppy’s food contains a calcium to phosphorus ratio of about 1.2 to 1. A higher ratio than this can lead to a puppy growing more quickly than it should.
Should Pitbulls eat Grain Free Dog Food?
There has been a lot of debate recently about the risks and benefits of grain free food for dogs. However, there is little scientific research to back up either side of the debate.
Having said that, Pit bulls are highly susceptible to allergies, and grains are a common allergen for dogs. If your Pitbull puppy seems to be struggling with allergies, you may want to try a grain-free food.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the best dog food for Pitbull puppies.
Q. When Should I Switch My Pitbull Puppy to Adult Dog Food?
Ans. You should switch your Pitbull puppy to adult dog food when they are just about done growing. For smaller Pitbull breeds, that will be when they’re around 1 year old. For larger ones, they may grow until they’re 2.
Ask your vet when you should switch your Pitbull puppy to adult food.
Q. How Much Should I Feed My Pitbull Puppy?
Ans. There is no simple answer to this question. The answer varies widely depending on your puppy’s food, weight, and activity level. Take your bag of puppy food to the vet and see what they recommend for your Pitbull puppy.
Q. How Often Should I Feed My Pit bull Puppy?
Ans. When you first bring your Pitbull puppy home, you should feed them 4 times a day. They need plenty of food, but their tiny tummies can’t handle too much at once.
At 4 months, reduce to 3 feedings per day. From 6 months of age onward, feed your Pitbull twice a day.
Summing Up the Best Dog Food For Pitbulls
There are certainly a number of excellent dog foods on the market, but the options listed above stand prominently as the best dog food dog for Pit bulls, including both adult and puppy Pit bulls.
Just be sure to select the food that best meets the needs of you and your dog, and don’t forget to make the switch to your dog’s new food gradually, to help avoid the digestive problems that can occur during rapid food transitions.
[wpdatatable id=67]
Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.