The name pitbull isn’t actually a breed; it is a general term used to describe four types of breed: the American pit bull terrier, American bully, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bull dog, and American Staffordshire terrier. These dogs all have individual differences, but they have a similar muscular and stocky build; they are also very strong, active and determined.
When selecting the best food for your pitbull, it is vital to notetheir traits so that you can be sure that you’re providing them with the right amount of food to sustain them. Because Pitbulls are larger and quite energetic, they will need more calories and protein than some other dog breeds.
The type of dog food you give your dog will make the difference between a healthy, happy dog that’s energetic and a lazy, skinny dog that hates the taste of his food. When feeding a pitbull, it is important that you stick to a diet that contains all the essential nutrients that your pitbull will need. Feeding your dog food that lacks nutrients will cause your dog to be malnourished, causing your dog to be lethargic. High-quality dog food might come with a high cost but feeding your dog cheap food will cost more in the long run. Pitbulls are athletic dogs, so they need more fat, protein and carbs in their diet.
However, it may be difficult to know what food is best for your pitbull with all the numerous brands out there. To make things easier for you, we will explain some factors to notewhen feeding your dog; after that, we will provide you with a list of the best dog food for Pitbulls.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN DOG FOOD FOR PITBULLS
Understanding pitbull nutrition will go a long way in helping you choose the right dog food for your pitbull. You should also know the nutrients you’re getting from the ingredients in the dog food; these are the things you should be on the lookout for when selecting the best dog food. Below are some of the main factors you should notewhen looking for the best dog food that provides great value for your pitbull.
Label Ingredients
The first thing you want to look at is the ingredients on the label. The ingredient list is what will tell you what is in the dog food. Keep in mind that the ingredients are listed according to weight so that the first ingredient will be the most prominent in the dog food. Most vets advise that you avoid grain-free foods as it may increase the risk of heart disease in dogs, but that doesn’t mean that all grains are healthy. Ensure you opt for healthier whole grains such as barley, oats and stay away from flour and corn.
Natural Fat
Fat is one of the most vital nutrients to look out for. Fat has a bad reputation among humans, but it is an essential nutrient for both dogs and humans. However, some dog food contains cheap vegetable oils, but what you need for your pitbull is a dog food containing all-natural fat such as chicken fat which is healthier. Your Pitbulls needs about 17% fat included in his diet from good sources such as pork fat, fish oil and soybean oil.
Protein
Pitbulls are mostly carnivorous, which means that they need a lot of protein to grow their muscles and stay active. The best source of protein is real meat and if you’re opting for dry food, then look for one that contains a meat meal as the first ingredient. Dog food containing protein from whole meat sources such as chicken, venison, beef, salmon, bison, turkey, and more is the best. The dog food you choose should have a minimum of 30% protein for it to sustain your pitbull.
Carbohydrates
Your active and energetic pitbull can thrive on high-quality carbs in their diet. A combination that includes potatoes or sweet potatoes is good as long as your pitbull isn’t allergic to these ingredients. It is best to introduce your dog to small amounts to know if your dog has any allergies before introducing a new diet. Make sure that you keep the carb content between low to moderate.
High-Quality Nutrients
The dog food you choose also has to contain vitamins and minerals, so make sure you check the label for those also. Sometimes it may be difficult to find them on the label. Still, they usually have names such as ascorbic acid, niacin for vitamin C and biotin, and thiamin for vitamin B. you’ll also see other names there for different vitamins.
Life Stage and Size
When choosing your dog’s food, make sure the type you’re purchasing is suitable for the age and size of your dog. Most Pitbulls usually weigh about 50+ pounds, making them a large breed; if your dog is smaller, ensure you look for food geared towards medium-sized dogs.
Avoid Overfeeding
Many dog owners miss this point, but it is important to note that you should give your dog as much food as they want; if not, they wpuld gain weight, which could lead to joint problems. As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your giving your dog the right amount of food to sustain their breed, size and age.
The majority of dog food comes with a helpful table that tells you the amount of food you should give your dog according to their weight, but it is also important that you check it by yourself to be sure.
Avoid Certain Types of Proteins and Fillers
There are some common dog food tricks that you should keep an eye out for, such as drawing your attention to a handful of healthy ingredients while making you ignore the remaining filer ingredients. It is also important that the protein in the dog food comes from real meat sources, most preferably from a meat meal. Look out for substandard proteins such as Pea Protein.
PITBULL HEALTH ISSUES
Pitbulls tend to suffer a range of health issues. It is vital that you watch out for the symptoms in order to have control over the situation on time. Some ingredients in dog food can increase the symptoms of health problems in dogs. Below are some of the most common health problems that Pitbulls tend to have.
Allergies
It isn’t only humans that have allergies; dogs also have them. The same way some humans are allergic to some foods is the same way dogs are allergic to particular ingredients in their food. The best dog food for Pitbulls with allergies are ones that contain all-natural ingredients and a lot of real meat. Certain ingredients such as corn, soy, wheat, artificial preservatives, and flavour can cause severe issues for dogs with allergies. If you suspect that your dog has a food allergy, talk to your vet and get him tested. As a dog owner, you need to know some of the common signs of allergy in your dog; they include vomiting, sneezing, red skin, itchy skin, snoring and licking. Heavy snoring is usually associated with throat inflammation.
Joint Problems
We all know that Pitbulls are an active breed, and this means that they tend to suffer from joint problems; however, it is more prominent as they get older. It tends to affect their mobility and lead to discomfort, which is bad for an active breed.
Some dogs develop these joint problems earlier because of the physical activity they perform. Still, you could always talk to your vet and noteintroducing your dog to supplements that support proper joint health accompanied by the right medication to take care of the problem. High-quality food that contains all-natural ingredients can help improve your dog joint problems. Ensure you keep an eye out for the symptoms because these problems can go unnoticed for a long time; if your dog refuses to play or run around, he may be having joint issues.
Bloating
Bloating, which is also known medically as gastric dilation-volvulus, is a common issue in dogs; it isn’t just an inconvenience as it can be fatal in Pitbulls. Bloating comes with gas which causes your dog’s stomach to expand, but it can also lead to a tear in the stomach wall causing serious damage for a dog owner; it’s not safe to take bloating lightly. Learn to identify the common symptoms, which include anxiousness, pale gums, restlessness, shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat so that you can seek assistance from your vet in time. To prevent bloating, it is best to stick to dog foods that contain high amounts of meat-based proteins.
INGREDIENTS THAT PROMOTE MUSCLE GROWTH IN PITBULLS
It is important that your pitbull’s diet includes certain ingredients to help promote healthy muscle growth. No matter the food you choose for your dog, make sure that it contains a few of these ingredients to know that you’re feeding your dog a healthy option.
Vitamin B Complex
Even though vitamin B1 is great at maintaining a healthy metabolism, vitamin B6 is vital for supporting the growth of a healthy muscle tone. Vitamin B8 also aids muscle function. The best sources of vitamin B complex include nuts, sweet potato, leafy vegetables, poultry, fish, beef and organ meat such as liver.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the most powerful antioxidant, which helps promote energy metabolism and boost overall cellular activity and repair tissue. A deficiency of this vitamin can cause weakness in the ligament or tendon or could lead to muscle degeneration. It is important that your dog has adequate levels of vitamin E included in his diet. The best sources of vitamin E include spinach, broccoli, kale and nuts.
Calcium
Calcium has to be an essential part of your dog’s diet in order to properly care for your dog’s bone and muscle health. It is a crucial ingredient that helps promote proper nerve transmission and appropriate muscle contraction. This is very important in Pitbulls as they are incredibly active dogs. If you feed your dog a diet deficient in calcium, they may end up with weak bones and ropy muscles, which could lead to a degraded nervous system. Foods high in calcium include leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts and fish.
Choline
Choline is another mineral that plays an important role in the development of healthy muscles as well as gaining overall muscle. Choline helps to improve communication in the nervous system, which in turn allows proper muscle contraction. Choline also helps to break down fat into energy. Sources of choline include nuts, cauliflower, organ meats and spinach.
BENEFITS OF A WELL BALANCED DIET
Providing your pitbull with a balanced diet comes with different benefits, but the most important one is helping your dog live a long and healthy life. It is also important for a pitbull to be fed a balanced diet in order to maintain an adequate muscle tone and a healthy coat. It is best to establish a good foundation for your pitbull’s nutrition.
Unlike in other breeds, a balanced diet for a pitbull has to include carbohydrates as a source of energy, especially if they are incredibly active, which they usually are. It is vital that you stay away from low-quality dog food containing unnecessary grains and empty carbs as they are not the best macronutrient option that your ppitbull should be eating daily. Opt for an all-natural dog food rich in fat and protein to achieve the best health benefits.
After going through the buying guide above, it should be much easier for you to choose the best dog food for your pitbull. However, we have also provided you with a comprehensive list of the best dog food for Pitbulls available on the market. In order to compile an accurate list, we noted factors such as buyer ratings, nutritional analysis and brand reputation and a lot more. Let’s check out the list.
The Best Dog Food For Pitbulls Are Reviewed Below
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Below is a comprehensive list of the best dog food for Pitbulls. We ensure that we provided you with all the information you need to choose the right dog food for your pitbull.
1
Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food
Bully Max High-Performance dog food is well known as the best high protein dog food available on the market. It is full of 100% natural ingredients, making it the highest calorie density you’ll see in healthy and delicious dog food. The first ingredient in this dog food is chicken meal, and it contains no fillers, so you can be certain that you’re feeding your dog only natural ingredients. Apart from having a high protein content, it also contains healthy carbs and fat from natural sources such as fish meal, beet pulp, flaxseed, brown rice, dried kelp and much more. The first five ingredients in this dog food include chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, ground grain sorghum and dried plain beet pulp.
Bully Max is a highly nutritious dog food that provides your pitbull with the energy they need to stay active and happy for years. The recipe is suitable for all pitbull life stages so that you can provide your growing puppy with the best diet from the start.
Key Features:
- 5 star rated performance dog food
- Meat-based formula
- It contains 535 calories per cup
- Suitable for all ages
Specification:
- Brand: Bully Max
- Model: FBA_30/20
- Weight: 15 Pounds
- Dimensions: 16.25 * 12.25 * 6.25 inches
Pros
- It is suitable for all ages
- It contains enough calories to sustain your dog
- It improves your dog’s physique and health
- It doesn’t contain corn, soy or wheat
- It uses all-natural ingredients
- It is suitable for pregnant and nursing dogs
- It can be combined with any diet
Cons
- It is quite expensive
2
Wellness Natural Dry Dog Food
Instead of opting for a grain-free diet that may most likely lead to heart disease, it is best to go for a diet that is rich in protein and has a mix of healthy whole grains for your dog. This dog food uses a formula containing a blend of chicken and high fibre grains, including peas, oatmeal, barley and brown rice, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, anitoxidants, and taurine and probiotics.
Wellness dry dog food is made in the U.S. with its ingredients globally sourced. It is GMO-free and doesn’t contain fillers, meat by-products or artificial preservatives. This food promotes a healthy immune system, improves energy levels and the overall health of your dog’s skin and coat.
Key Features:
- It’s number one ingredient is chicken
- It contains wholesome grains such as oatmeal
- Contains no fillers or meat by-products
- Made in the USA
Specification:
- Brand: Wellness Natural Pet Food
- Model: 8904
- Weight: 15 Pounds
- Dimensions: 13.5 * 14 * 3 inches
Pros
- It is made from all-natural ingredients
- It promotes the proper joint and bone health
- It improves your dog’s immune system
- Vets highly recommend it
Cons
- It has some packaging issues
3
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo is well known as one of the largest dog food brands. It offers 416 calories per cup; they might not go the extra mile with top foods, but they include good protein sources with no wheat, corn or soy, making it an excellent option for Pitbulls. The formula they use mimics the natural diet of wolves so that you would be providing your dog with the most optimal meal for their growth.
Its top two ingredients are deboned duck and chicken meal; it also includes turkey meal which are all great meat protein sources; however, it is formulated for adult dogs and not puppies. The ingredients in this dog food provide amino acids for muscle building and maximum energy for your pitbull. It also includes other healthy fruit ingredients such as flaxseed, carrot, blueberries and cranberry.
Key Features:
- Filled with healthy, natural ingredients
- It contains antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
- It’s a high protein dog food
Specification:
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Model: 800220
- Weight: 24.24 Pounds
- Dimensions: 24.5 * 15.5 * 4 inches
Pros
- It contains all-natural ingredients
- It helps to promote healthy growth
- It aids digestion
Cons
- May cause loose stool in dogs with sensitive stomachs
4
Dr. Tim’s All Life Stages Kinesis Formula with Chicken Premium Dry Dog Food
Dr Tim didn’t simply start out as a brand; it is the name of an accomplished veterinarian and dog lover who started by making dog food in his backyard way before it became a large company. This dog food contains all the highest quality ingredients and has a nutritional balance that is suitable for large breeds and working dogs. Dr Tim used his firsthand knowledge about the energy and stamina needed by working dogs to formulate dog recipes that would satisfy them. The first five ingredients of this dog food include chicken meal, brown rice, pearled barley, whole oat groats and chicken fat.
Dr Tims offers a wide range of dog food, but most pitbull owners love the All Life Stages Kinesis Formula because of its wonderful blend of flavours and nutrition it provides. This dog food is all-natural and slow-cooked; it is also prepared under the supervision of a canine nutritionist and experienced veterinarian to make sure that you are providing your pitbull with the best ingredients and metabolically balanced nutrition. This meal is free of corn, pea, and soy. It is also suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs while supporting their healthy and active lifestyle.
Key Features:
- It contains omega 3 fatty acids
- Balanced formula
- 79% animal-sourced protein
- Formulated for the casual canine
- 413 kcal per cup
Specification:
- Brand: Dr Tim’s Pet Food
- Model: K40
- Weight: 40 Pounds
- Dimensions: 18.75 * 6.75 * 27.5 inches
Pros
- Suitable for all breeds
- Its made to meet the nutritional needs of both puppies and adult
- It promotes healthy skin and shiny coat
- It has a well balanced nutritional profile
- It is formulated to work with the natural metabolism of your dog
- It is suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Cons
- None
5
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
This option from Taste of the Wild is great for your pitbull due to its all-natural and grain-free formula. Pitbulls are an active breed, so they require balanced nutrition to maintain their overall health. This dog food is savoury while being packed with nutritionally rich ingredients that include lamb, buffalo and chicken meal. The top five ingredients in this meal include buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes and peas.
The formula also contains easily digestible ingredients such as peas and sweet potatoes, making it an excellent option for picky eaters and dogs with sensitive stomachs. This dog food doesn’t contain any grain, corn, wheat, artificial flavors or colors. Taste of the Wild is a great choice for Pitbulls.
Key Features:
- Nutrient-rich
- It contains omega fatty acids
- Each serving contains species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics
- Formulated without any grains
Specification:
- Brand: Taste of the Wild
- Model: 9567
- Weight: 28 Pounds
- Dimensions: 5 * 17 * 23 inches
Pros
- It contains omega fatty acids, which promotes healthy skin and coat
- It contains antioxidants that help with healthy digestion
- It has a high protein content
- Provides your pitbull with energy to thrive
Cons
- Contains peas
6
Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food
We all know that puppies need more calories, fat, minerals and vitamins than adult dogs, which is why we are adding this dog food to the list as we are taking into account your pitbull puppy. This dog meal has a high protein content of 28% and has chicken as its first ingredient. It also contains DHA, a nutrient found in mother’s milk that helps develop your puppies fur, vision, and brain; it also contains calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients for the overall health of your puppy. This dog food doesn’t contain any fillers and is formulated to be easily digestible. It is suggested that you feed your puppy with puppy food until they reach their adult size, which is between 12 to 18 months.
Key Features:
- Contains real chicken
- It has a protein content of 28%
- Contains DHA for overall proper development
- All-natural
Specification:
- Brand: Purina ONE
- Model: 14935
- Weight: 16.5 Pounds
- Dimensions: 4 x 15.25 x 23 inches
Pros
- Promotes bright eyes, healthy energy and shiny coat
- Filled with the necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients
- Supports growing muscles
- It is veterinarian recommended
- Provided a complete and balanced diet
Cons
- Most customers complain about buying it off amazon, says its better to buy it from the store
Buying Guide Questions
Below are answers to some FAQs concerning dog food for Pitbulls.
What foods are bad for Pitbulls?
Foods that are bad for the health of your pitbull include cherries, cinnamon, grapes, raisins, coffee, coconut products and some nuts. You should avoid giving your dog these food items.
Is Blue Buffalo good for Pitbulls?
Blue Buffalo is a healthy food choice for your dog, and it offers your pitbull complete nutrition that they need to stay healthy and thrive.
Is Purina Pro Plan good for Pitbulls?
Purina Pro Plan is a good option for your pitbull, especially if he has a skin allergy. It contains prebiotic fibre that improves your Pitbulls digestive health. It also contains easy to digest carbohydrates such as rice.
How do you discipline a pitbull?
To properly discipline your pitbull, you need to understand their instincts and needs so that when your dog does something wrong, you can withhold what they enjoy the most, which may be your attention and when they act properly, you reward them with treats, praises and toys.
Is oatmeal good for Pitbulls?
It is okay to feed your dog oatmeal but not too much; you can give your dog one tablespoon of cooked oatmeal for every 20 pounds of his weight. It contains many carbohydrates, so feed them in moderation as you would want your dog to be fed a healthy diet.
How much should a pitbull eat daily?
For instance, a large pitbull requires three cups of dry food every day, one for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When you’re feeding a smaller dog, give only 2/3 of a cup for every feeding.
How often should you bathe Pitbulls?
Pitbulls need to be bathed and groomed regularly. But they have short fur and natural oils that protect their skin, so they do not need to be bathed too often as that would leave their skin dry and flaky. They should be bathed once a month.
What vitamins are good for Pitbulls?
Most of the vitamins that your dog might need are included in their commercially available dog food. Still, if you’re feeding your homemade dog food, you’ll need to include supplements such as Vita Bully Vitamins and Dyne High-Calorie Animal Supplement.
Conclusion
It is vital that you pay close attention to the fat and protein content in the dog food you choose for your pitbull. The ideal ratio of protein to fat should be at 30/20, but you can also choose a blend that meets the minimum requirement of the required nutrients.
However, there isn’t a right or wrong choice when choosing dog food for your pitbull; simply ensure that the food you choose is nutritious and yummy to your dog. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get healthy dog food, opt for an option containing all the necessary nutrients, and contain high-quality protein from real meat sources.
Ensure you keep an eye out for dog foods that use non-meat meals and add pea protein to inflate the protein content. However, the guide covers all the information you need to know to make an informed decision about the best diet for your pitbull that will help promote healthy weight gain and muscle building while promoting your dog’s overall health. Use the information in your best interest and choose the right dog food for your pet.