If you are looking for high-quality dog food made with real, whole-food sources for your Pittie you are in the right place. This guide highlights the best dog food for pitbull. Pitbulls are some of the most incredible companions to have despite their troubled reputation.
Those who have had an opportunity to closely interact and own then describe them as affectionate, sweet and smart. Characterized by their sturdy built bodies, these dogs combine strength, tenacity and athleticism that make them easily trainable and quite a valuable breed.
Pitbulls should therefore remain well complemented with a healthy nutritious diet. In this guide, we take a look at these nutritional requirements and some of the best dog food for Pitbulls available in the market today.
Wondering where to start in picking the best dog food for your burly bow-wow? Today’s post is a comprehensive guide for you.
1) Dr. Tim’s-All Life Stages Kinesis Formula Dry Dog Food
As one of the best dog food for Pitbulls, this dry dog food promotes the growth and development of your pooch from puppyhood to adulthood. Just as its name suggests this dog food is suitable for both young and old dogs. It derives its high protein content from animal sources and the meal is well balanced with the inclusion of a blend of carbohydrates, fats and fiber.
Made without wheat, corn and soy, this dog food is well suited for a dog with stomach sensitivity. Contained in the food are vitamin E, Omega 6 and 3, calcium and phosphorus to support healthy skin and coat, proper mentalism and a robust immune system. Your dog’s mental and physical health from puppy to its golden years will be well catered for with the consumption of this dog food.
Features
- Rich in animal protein
- Good for dog cognitive health
- Rich in antioxidants
- Suitable for all life stages
2) Bully Max-High Performance Super Premium Dog Food
Bully Max dog food uses real meat as its number one ingredient making it one of the best dog food for Pitbulls. Meat-based dog foods are rich in amino acids that support the development of muscles and are rich in calories that is ideal for the Pitbull breed as it provides the much-needed energy for their activity.
Its other ingredients include brown rice, chicken fat, dried beet pulp and ground grain sorghum. Brown rice offers your pitty a carbohydrate source that is easily digestible while chicken fat provides fatty acids whilst making the meal delectable and tasty.
Beet pulp on the other hand has high fiber content and blood sugar boost. Ground grain sorghum also promotes good blood sugar regulation in your Pitbull. This diet is suitable for Pitbulls at all life stages.
Features
- Uses real meat as a first ingredient
- Good for all life stages, nursing and pregnant dogs
- Offers high-calorie content
- Free of artificial additives
3) Earthborn Holistic- Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
If you love your pet then you are keen on offering it a well-balanced diet that will support its overall health and well-being. Earthborn Holistic offers this with its high-quality carefully crafted formulation that ensures your pet is well nourished.
Protein is drawn from bison meal red meat which is rich in amino acids essential for a healthy body. Pitbulls are highly energized dogs and the supply of proteins ensures muscle mass is well maintained.
Omega acids support healthy skin and coats. Complementing these ingredients are antioxidants that help hold up the immune system for optimal health of your pup.
This scrumptious meal also has in it a range of vegetables and fruits like apples and spinach that offer extra nutrition for your pitty’s diet. Earthborn Holistic also offers various dog treats that could go well if included in this meal.
Features
- Grain-Free: suitable for sensitive digestive systems
- Rich protein content
- Has antioxidants that boost immunity
- Rich in veggies and fruits
4) Taste of the Wild- High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
While some dogs are mellow couch potatoes, Pitbulls are very active and energetic and require well-balanced nutrition to maintain this. This Taste of the Wild formula offers a savory meal that is nutrition rich with peas and sweet potatoes that are highly digestible which is a good alternative for grains.
Protein is drawn from Buffalo, lamb and chicken meals that help support strong muscle development and maintenance. This meal is free of artificial preservatives or flavors. This is one of the best dog food for Pitbulls available in the market and will provide a great feast for your Pitbull.
Features
- Contains easily digestible ingredients
- Free of grain, corn, artificial additives and preservatives
- Natural recipe with ingredients drawn from natural ingredients
- Suitable for picky eaters
5) Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Recipe Dry Dog Food
The next best dog food for Pitbulls worth your consideration is the Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Dog Food. Its raw nature gives your Pitbull a taste of what their ancestors would get from a hunt but in a safer and well-formulated recipe.
Real deboned chicken is the first ingredient and is combined with duck and lamb to provide a high supply of protein. This food is suitable for pitties with sensitive stomachs because it is free from grain, gluten and artificial flavors.
Contained in the meal are high levels of Omega fatty acids to promote a lustrous coat. Being formulated for large breeds, it is perfect for helping large breeds build and maintain healthy muscles while keeping them sufficiently energized throughout the day.
Glucosamine and chondroitin in the meal give your Pitbull healthy joints and hips to go about their activity. It also contains includes veggies and fruits making it a lip-licking meal for your Pitbull.
Features
- Freeze-dried raw kibble that is easily digestible
- Rich in Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Has glucosamine and chondroitin essential for promoting healthy hips and joints
- Raw diet giving an indigenous taste
6) Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey and Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
With their cute adorable faces, it is easy to overindulge Pitbulls with food and this could end up making them gain a lot of weight rapidly. If you’re looking to manage this worry and maintain a healthy weight then this would be a great pick.
As one of the best dog foods on sale, today, Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey and Chicken Recipe features 25% less fat than the other Wellness CORE Original formulas.
By choosing this dog food, you are choosing food from high-quality ingredients that make your Pitbull’s mealtime count as he gets every essential nutrient for his overall growth and health.
The turkey provides glucosamine and amino sugar and the chicken meal provides chondroitin a supplement that is good for hip and joint health. These two are also a great source of high-quality protein necessary for the energy supply, muscle and overall healthy growth of your Pitbull.
It also pools together nutrients from various ingredients that include lentils, peas, spinach, broccoli, apples and carrots among others. These ingredients have nutrients that protect the body from diseases such as cataracts and heart diseases. This sumptuous dog food will satisfy your pet’s craving while keeping watch on his weight.
Features
- 100% natural grain-free dog food
- It has reduced fat content
- Free from food- allergy trigger ingredients
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals for optimal health
7) Natural Balance LID Grain Free Salmon and Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food
With nearly two decades of formulating dog foods, natural balance ranks among the top producers of the best dog foods in the pet food industry. Salmon and Sweet’s Potatoes are easily digestible ingredients which is what your pity’s digestive system requires.
Grains are known to cause allergies and therefore this dog food will save you this trouble as it has zero grain content. A completely balanced blend of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and amino acids this dog food is an excellent treat to feed your doggie friend. The unique composition of the dog food makes it one of the best dog food for Pitbulls.
Features
- Used real salmon as the first ingredient
- Produced using limited high-quality ingredients
- Suitable for Pitbulls with food allergies and sensitivity
- Formulated by a team of veterinarians, nutritionists, researchers and pet feeding analysts to guarantee quality
8) Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Pitbulls and other dogs are carnivores at heart and crave a taste of the wild. With this recipe, you get just the best dog food to quench this craving. Your Pitbull will build and maintain lean muscle mass when fed on this meal thanks to the real chicken used. This food is rich in protein, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Carbohydrates are sourced from fruits and vegetables which supplement the energy needs of your canine friend. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are present in the meal to ensure healthy skin development.
While giving satisfaction to your dog’s cravings, Blue Wilderness provides the natural required nutritional value for good health making it rank highly in the best dog food for Pitbull’s category.
Features
- Free of artificial preservatives
- The high protein source is drawn from real chicken
- Suitable for all breed sizes
- Made with natural ingredients
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Best Dog Food for Pitbulls Buying Guide & FAQs:
Essential Nutrients to look for in The Best Dog Food for Pitbulls
1. Proteins
They’re made of amino acids and are essential for the proper growth of hair, skin, nails, muscles, and ligaments. They can be drawn from different animals and plants such as meats, fish and beans. Proteins should be constantly supplied because their dog bodies don’t produce the required levels and do not store them.
Proteins also produce energy in the absence of carbohydrates and fats. The amounts to be administered will depend on the life stage of the dog, pregnancy, lactation, etc. The best food for Pitbulls should have adequate proteins.
2. Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins are organic substances that are required in little quantities for proper metabolism. They boost the immune and nervous systems, strengthen bones, and teeth and are drawn from different meats and plant-based foods. Minerals are inorganic and important for metabolism also.
They help in the formation of bones, serve as complements for antioxidants and regulate fluid balance in the body. They include but are not limited to the following; sodium, calcium, phosphorus and iron. All dog diets should contain a good amount of them.
3. Fats
Along with proteins and carbs, they supply energy for the dog’s body. Fats have twice the number of calories found in proteins and carbohydrates. They facilitate the absorption of some nutrients; help regulate temporary levels and promote the development of shiny lustrous skin. They should however be administered at moderate levels to avoid triggering gastrointestinal problems.
4. Carbohydrates
They are a good source of glucose and are mostly considered a secondary source of energy in comparison to other nutrients. They are drawn from starch, fibers, and sugars and their consumption help fuel your dog and keep it healthy as well.
5. Water
Making more than half of the mature dog’s body, water helps the body flush out waste from the body, keep the body hydrated, dissolve and transport nutrients. Therefore, ensure your dog always has a constant supply of fresh clean water.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls
Apart from nutrients and ingredients, there are some other factors to consider before settling in dog food for your bud. Let’s take a look at some of them
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Life stage
A Pitbull’s lifecycle is a little like that of humans, puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood then senior life stage. With proper knowledge of age, one can then respond to the required nutritional needs of the given life stage.
Puppies need high-quality protein for proper bone and muscle formation, and moderate amounts of fats, vitamins and minerals with low carbs as their ability to digest starch is low.
Too much protein, however, may cause problems later in life. Baby pities have quick metabolism that slows down as they age and may eat regularly and as they grow, the meal times gradually come down.
The adolescent and adult Pitbull is overly active is at around 18 months and over. You will need to switch to adult food and increase food portions to keep up with energy demands.
Care should be taken to avoid becoming overweight. Treats can be introduced at this stage but in limited quantities. At around age 8 and 9, your Pitbull starts transitioning to a senior and reduces activity.
His metabolism slows down and care should be taken to feed him well as he needs fewer calories and fats. Also overwhelming him with proteins and carbs may take a toll on his digestive system.
With this in mind, you can comfortably pick the best dog food for Pitbulls that suits the life stage of your dog.
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Food Related Allergies
Most allergies are environment-related however some are food-related. The two most common food-related allergies are skin and stomach sensitivity. Pitbulls are no strangers to these and are susceptible to skin irritations most of the time. This is because their coat is usually thin and less furry.
One cannot point to any specific ingredient and term it an allergen unless their pity’s body reacts adversely to it. Therefore, one has to be keenly observant. Easy-to-spot signs of skin allergy see itching and intense scratching while those of stomach irritation range from nausea, vomiting to chronic diarrhea.
If you rule out environment-related triggers to this allergy, change the dog’s diet and if possible, work with a vet for a proper diagnosis. Most of the best dog foods are carefully put together to factor in these allergies and are usually characterized by limited, novel and vet-recommended ingredients.
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Breed Size
Choosing the best dog food for Pitbulls is not only a matter of taste but should also be based on breed size. Special care is important for all breeds. Small breed sizes have quick metabolic rates when compared to medium and large breed sizes, therefore nutritional demands are at high. For Medium breed sizes, nutritional needs are not as hard to meet but are still at a high.
Therefore, nutrient-dense meals should be provided. Large hands on the other hand are the most active and have extensive nutritional needs. High-quality dog food should be provided to sustain them. A proper supply of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are among the key nutrients required across all breed sizes.
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Best Dog Food for Pitbulls FAQs
Q: How Much Should a Pitbull Eat Daily?
It all depends on size and life stage mostly. For example, large Pitbulls require three cups of food each day, served at breakfast, lunch and dinner while the smaller ones require the same frequency of three cups but only two-thirds a cup at each serving.
Avoid sharing food from your table with your buddy as it may cause a digestive upset. Also, limit dog treats as incentives during training and special occasions. A feeding chart would assist with consistency in mealtimes and creating a suitable routine.
Q: Do Pitbulls Need Grain Free Food or Food Made with Grain?
The health effects of grains are a controversial topic. Some point to grains as an important ingredient for a healthy diet while others think they are a harmful addition to dog food. It is advisable to consult with your vet before choosing foods as it all trickles down to your dog’s digestive system, nutrition needs and any pre-existing conditions or allergies.
Q: Do Some Dog Foods cause Pitbulls to Shed?
Pitbulls normally shed a very small quantity of hair. If he is shedding too much hair, it could be a result of food sensitivity that is affecting his skin. Reach out to your vet in such cases for proper diagnosis and prescription of food.
Conclusion
Just as you pay close and special attention to your diet, so should you do for your Pitbull. In this guide, we have covered the details that will help you pick out the most beneficial diet that will promote your dog’s overall health. With this review, we hope you make an informed decision and pick the best dog food for Pitbulls for your canine friend.