Pitbulls have a bad reputation after years of being bred for fighting but these bundles of love actually make wonderful family companions. Much like any other pet, extensive research should be done before having them in your home.
You need to be sure not only of the fact that this breed is what you truly want but also if you have the capacity to provide its basic needs. To keep this dog’s vitality at the optimum, it needs adequate exercise and of course, a well-balanced diet – and we’re here to help you find the best dog food for Pitbulls.
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Last update on 2023-10-02 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
You see, this breed has a sturdy built, high-energy disposition, and a muscular body so their nutritional requirements are different from that of smaller breeds and mild-tempered dogs. They also have eating habits that may lead to the deterioration of their bodies. Pitbulls are low-maintenance dogs, but you still have to keep on how much they consume per day.
Now that we’re already at it, let’s go right in and discuss diet.
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls
Basic Dietary Requirements
Based on a science-based guide, a pitbull’s diet must comprise of high-quality protein and fat, with the quantity varying with the dog’s age and size.
According to the National Research Council, the amount of food consumption for an adult bully per day should be from 922 to 1740 calories. Most dog food products marketed towards Pitbulls are usually composed of 30-45 percent protein, 30 percent carbohydrates, and 25 percent fats. However, research shows that carbohydrates contribute no nutritional value to the dog’s body.
Nutritional value aside, the suitability and size of the kibble also matter. You should neither feed your adult dog with puppy food nor have your bully eat a food mix made for breeds with a lower energy level. If you’re making something homemade, the recommended quantity for consumption is about 2 to 4 percent of your dog’s total body weight every day.
Proteins
Since Pitbull is a bulky and muscular breed, a higher composition of the protein is needed in their diet. It is vital in the growth and protection of tissues, and it contains amino acids that keep hormones and enzymes healthy. If paired with enough exercise and activity, a high-quality protein diet can develop much of your dogs’ muscles and will keep them fit.
Whole meats should be the top ingredient for bully food. A two or three protein source diet, in particular, can provide all the nutritional requirements of a healthy Pitbull. The best dog food for Pitbulls to gain weight usually includes beef, chicken, lamb, turkey, and fish.
Fats
Contrary to popular belief, dietary fats can keep a dog’s body healthy by providing cell protection and reinforcing the development of their nervous system. It aids in digestion, vitamin-absorption and is actually recommended for the consumption of active and energetic dog breeds like pitbulls.
Chicken fat, fish oils, canola oils, and sunflower oils provide the Pitbull’s Omega-3 fatty acids and DHA needs, and these components lower the dog’s blood pressure and improve hair and coat, and cognitive functions.
Trace Vitamins and Minerals
Veggies and fruits are crucial additions to a Pitbull’s health since these are full for vitamins and minerals that work to develop the dog’s body and aid in the absorption and processing of the proteins and fats to ensure proper body functions. They also constitute a small part of the meats and oils your bully consumes.
Vitamins and minerals that contribute to keeping the dog’s diet healthy and well-balanced include Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, Sodium, and Iron. Some vitamins also provide a lot of essential benefits and keep the Pitbull’s immune system at its best and these include Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and Choline.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Bullies, especially those with pink skin and white fur, have allergy issues with common food, like soy, wheat, and corn. Since their bodies consider these as irritants, make sure that you look for dog food for allergies.
Some vitamins and minerals may also have adverse effects once consumed at high doses. Here are examples of such:
- Too much calcium may lead to orthopedic disorders in Pitbulls since they are considered a large dog breed.
- Excessive Vitamin E may also affect the processing of Omega 3 fatty acids.
- An unhealthy dose of Vitamin A may cause joint pains and dehydration.
Cool and Warm Meats
This article shares such a thing as meats that provide a cooling or warming effect, particularly to the internal organs of the dog. This can help you in determining the flavor of the dog food you should buy and serve your pitbull. Cooling meats such as fish, ducks, and chicken are good for bringing down any inflammation within the body and may calm a dog’s anxieties. Other cooling food includes veggies and fruits. Warm meats, on the other hand, increase the dog’s body heat and may prove beneficial in areas with cooler climates. These include lamb, mutton, and venison.
With that all to be taken into consideration, we have reviewed 10 of what we’ve noted as the best dog foods for Pitbulls. Read on and you might find what will suit you best.
Best Dog Food for Pitbulls
Merrick Backcountry Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Recipes
Easily Digestible and Great for Allergies
Merrick Backcountry has formulated a high-quality recipe that is good for breeds that build muscle. This is grain-free mix is protein-based and rich in fat, making it highly digestible and can be easily absorbed by the body.
Why We Like It:
- This diet answers the needs of dogs with gluten intolerances and chronic skin ailments, making it a good choice in case of allergies.
What We Don’t Like:
- Online purchasing may damage the goods and will cause diarrhea when fed to your pitbull. Always check the contents first.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Nature’s Evolutionary Diet
Increases Immunity and Promotes Healthy Digestion
Blue Buffalo had always prided itself with meat as its main ingredient, and this variety is made with real chicken is focused on building and maintaining your dogs’ lean muscle mass. It has an optimal amino acid profile that does great for the immune system, thus promoting the Pitbull’s longevity and vitality.
Why We Like It:
- It’s a good source of DHA and the kibble is highly digestible, making one of the best dog foods for sensitive stomach.
What We Don’t Like:
- The kibble can get dry and crumbly so it may be harder for an old dog to chew on.
Perfect for Performing or Highly Active Dogs
Rated as the only performance dog food product with 5 stars, this variety from Bully Max’s main ingredient is real meat. This was also considered the best dog food for Pitbulls to gain weight in many circles. This is highly recommended for a Pitbull that undergoes training.
Why We Like It:
- Contains more calories per serving, making it ideal for growing and training Pitbulls, both young and old.
What We Don’t Like:
- For the price it’s at, you may have to reconsider this investment if your Pitbull isn’t engaged in high-energy daily activities
CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food
Delicious Protein-Packed Dog Food Inspired By Wolves
Cool pet food brand Crave forms recipes inspired by the diets of wolves, who dogs descended from. Its focus is on a dogs need for protein, with 34% of the mix being made from real chicken. This emphasis on protein helps large breeds like pit bulls run and play, maintaining strong and lean muscle mass.
Owners who want to give their pets the healthiest dry food will love that Crave high-protein adult dry dog food is grain free. It is also free from by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. Extra nutrition is provided with healthy veggies, like peas, and lots of extra vitamins and minerals, like B12 and rosemary extract, for a well-balanced large dog food.
If your pet has previously been fussy about higher grade food Crave could be a good brand to try. The protein levels are high, the ingredients are great, but there are less veggies and fruits overall. This focus on protein can be more tempting for fussy pets, and the lack of grains may also be gentler on sensitive tummied pooches.
Why We Like It:
- 34% meat as first ingredient
- Grain free
- Added vitamins and minerals
- No fillers
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite expensive compared to other brands
- The smell of the food may be considered strong by (human) customers
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food
FDA-approved and Promotes Complete Nutrition
The Honest Kitchen made this as the first product under human-grade standards, ensuring that your dog’s food is produced with high-quality control in mind. This grain-free and high-protein formula are only made with natural ingredients that are FDA-approved.
Why We Like It:
- This was made to meet standards of food safety similar to that established for human food, therefore making it a safe source of your Pitbull’s nutrition.
What We Don’t Like:
- This was preserved using a dehydration method, and this does not settle well in stomachs of certain dog breeds.
Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein-Rich and Great for High-Energy Dogs
Earthborn Holistic has a couple of other flavors for your dog’s taste preferences, but this one boasts a warm meat bison and lamb meal formula for your Pitbull. It aims to provide all its protein needs so as to support your dog’s energy levels and activities.
Why We Like It:
- This dog food is recommended for hyper dogs. This also calms the stomach of some dog breeds.
What We Don’t Like:
- Quality is compromised, especially when the product is bought online.
Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK
Grain-Free and Recommended by Vets
Rachael Ray’s provided us a great source of protein from its top ingredient, US farm-raised meat. With zero gluten and grain, its meat line-up includes beef, venison, and lamb, which is fit for your muscle-building bully. It also includes carbohydrate-alternatives like potatoes and peas.
Why We Like It:
- This is a veterinarian-recommended formula and has also been ranked as one of the best dog food for Pitbulls.
What We Don’t Like:
- Kibble may become less dense over time, thus making your pet gassy. It may cause them to lose weight as well.
American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Promotes Complete Nutrition and Easy Digestion
This one from American Journey is made with a mix of real deboned chicken meat, peas, potatoes, wholesome fruits, and vegetables. A formula that can truly satisfy your dogs’ daily nutritional needs, this one can keep your bully healthy, fit and free from stomach issues.
Why We Like It:
- It is full of amino acids, essential fibers, and zero grain, making it one of the best dog food for a Pitbull’s sensitive stomach.
What We Don’t Like:
- This formula, however, isn’t a favorite for picky eaters.
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Dry Dog Food
Perfect for Pitbulls of All Life Stages
Grain-free and zero artificial ingredients, Diamond Natural’s formula is made with real free-range poultry meat and is designed to be a superfood for all of a Pitbull’s life stages. This can easily be another of the best dog food for Pitbulls to gain weight. This also covers all life stages, so this just maybe your dog’s lifelong companion.
Why We Like It:
- It has a high optimal amino acid profile that keeps the muscles lean and keeps the skin and coats healthy. This has been an investment made by many pet lovers.
What We Don’t Like:
- It comes only in big packaging, so you will have to spend quite some money if you want to give it a shot. It also is quite pricey.
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Affordable and Free from Preservatives
Purina has become a household name for the best affordable dog food for Pitbulls and other dogs too, and this formula is a natural source of Glucosamine – a nutrient that keeps the joints healthy. Made with real turkey and venison, this blend does not have preservatives or any poultry by-product meal, making it a great source of your dog’s energy.
Why We Like It:
- Aside from the well-balanced diet formula, the morsels are tender and easy to chew, making it suitable for both young and old dogs.
What We Don’t Like:
- Quality may be compromised when buying online, so opt for local stores.
Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Wet Dog Food
A Balanced Diet for Older Dogs
Protein-rich, full of amino acids, and includes complex carbohydrates, Blue Buffalo offers another recipe for a balanced diet serving with their canned wet food, which makes for very hearty stews. This is easy to consume, which will not pose a problem to your older dogs.
Why We Like It:
- Sits well in a dog’s stomach because it is gluten-free and highly digestible. It also has very minimal bloating as compare to other dog food for Pitbulls.
What We Don’t Like:
- Canned wet dog food will easily spoil if left unattended, so always finish up the contents at the soonest time possible.
FAQs
Q: How often should my Pitbull be fed?
A: Bully pups should be fed 2 to 3 times a day with puppy food specifically for the pit bull breed for a year. Adult Pitbulls can be fed once or twice, provided that they can consume the recommended quantity. Also, check up on your dog as they may get restless and whiny if they are fed only once in a day.
Q: The dog food I got has adverse effects on my Pitbull. What causes such?
A: There are formulas don’t work well with certain dog types. Sometimes it depends on the breed or the current condition of the dog’s body. With that, always try new food in small packages and observe how your dog responds to the formula. Also, find the best dog food for Pitbull’s sensitive stomach just to be safe.
Q: There is something wrong with the dog food I bought. Why is this so and what should I do?
A: Numerous accounts, especially from Amazon, point out that most shipping and improper storage may damage the package. That’s why you must always check the package for any undesirable odors or molds. We also recommend that you buy local instead of online.
Conclusion
Diet is just one of the essential components for the health of your Pitbull, but it is one dealt with disregard. Providing the nutritional needs of your dogs can make all the difference, and the fact that you learn enough about the best dog food for Pitbulls just proves how important they are in your life. Just because Pitbulls are known to have a high tolerance for pain doesn’t mean that you can just turn a blind eye and let them endure the discomfort. As an owner, it goes without saying that it is your obligation to care for your dogs, as they will be there for you as well.