Don’t know what to feed your Pitbull? Here is a list of the best dog food for Pitbulls that might help you out.
Pitbulls are widely misunderstood. They are seen as this aggressive, dangerous, and angst breed when they are actually very friendly and absolutely adorable.
If you are a Pitbull parent, you might have had a firsthand experience of their warmth and affection. And, if you wish to reciprocate their love by giving them the best- be it life, food, or anything else, we are here for you.
So, here is a list of the top 10 foods for Pitbulls that is not plagued by biases of any sort. Read through, and we are sure you will find the answer to all your food-related questions.
Here Is What Your Pitbull Needs
Pitbulls usually have a big appetite. So, you need to be able to provide them ample food without getting them to overeat.
You can do this by measuring the quantity of its food intake and making it a point only to feed it at fixed mealtimes.
Note: Adult Pitbulls will usually eat two meals a day, while puppies will need three meals.
Here is a list of ingredients that are essential for your dog’s healthy development and overall health.
1. High-Quality Protein
Simply opting for a dog food that provides high protein content is not good enough, especially in the case of Pitbulls.
Proteins are essential for immune response. In addition, they facilitate muscle repair. That’s why your dog food should have a minimum of 30% protein content; however, if your dog is very active, a minimum of 50% protein content in its food is a must for muscle maintenance and growth.
Your Pitbull’s food should contain high-quality protein from sources such as fish, duck, chicken, and lamb. So, always ensure that the primary protein is listed among the first three ingredients in your dog food.
2. Carbohydrates
Regardless of popular belief, Carbohydrates are also an essential part of your dog’s diet.
Make sure that your dog food has a good amount of nutritious carbs; however, the overall percentage of carbohydrates in your dog’s food is still relatively low. The carbohydrates your dog consumes should be easily digestible.
3. Vitamins and Minerals
Nutrients are essential for your Pitbull to grow, and they ensure that your pup remains in good health. Some dog foods offer these vitamins and minerals in added supplements, while others may contain fruits or vegetables that take care of this requirement.
4. Fats
Fats are an essential requirement for your dog as they help maintain a healthy coat and skin. They are also important because some vitamins are only fat-soluble, and your dog will not be able to absorb and utilize them in the absence of the required fats.
You should always make sure that you look for identifiable or named fats. It is easy to identify good fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as sources such as fish oil or flaxseed are often mentioned among the ingredients. Fatty acids strengthen immunity and are a good source of concentrated energy. Healthy fats also improve cognitive functioning.
What To Avoid In Your Pitbull’s food
1. Additives
Added food coloring and flavors are used for the sole sake of making the food seem more alluring; however, these additives contribute nothing to the nutritional value of the food. Instead, sometimes these additives might even do more harm than good since they are likely to contain unnecessary chemicals that can be detrimental in the long run. For the same reason, you should avoid dog food with added artificial preservatives.
2. Fillers
Fillers are often used in dog food to add to the quantity of food or as a cheap and low-quality source of nutrients. Unfortunately, fillers such as corn, soy, and wheat offer no nutrients to your dog. In addition, some dogs that have sensitive stomachs or allergies might face problems due to the presence of fillers in their food.
Possible Health Issues in Pitbulls and What to Keep In Mind
Pitbulls are not the most vulnerable dogs out there when it comes to long-term health issues. However, they can still suffer from some complications, hip dysplasia, joint problems, skin allergies, and some occasional food allergies, being the most common among them.
Heart diseases are another major health issue that many Pitbulls suffer from. In addition, demodectic Mange and hypothyroidism are also common in this breed, so you need to ensure you provide them with the proper nutrients necessary to avoid these health risks.
Now that we have discussed your Pitbull’s needs and cleared what can cause them harm let’s move on to the list of the best dog food for Pitbulls, which we have curated just for you and your dog!
Top 10 Dog Food For Pitbulls
1. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Turkey and Potato
This dog food contains deboned turkey and turkey meals. And since it has limited ingredients, it provides your dog with all the right and required nutrients.
Blue Buffalo Basics Limited is gluten-free and does not contain soy, wheat, eggs, dairy, or corn, making it an ideal choice for dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs. In addition, it contains high-quality protein and digestible carbohydrates such as peas and potatoes.
It contains vitamins A and C suitable for the immune system and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and coat. In addition, chondroitin and glucosamine facilitate bone and joint health.
What we like:
- Contains a special blend of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals
- Natural ingredients
- High quality animal protein
- Grain and filler free
- limited ingredients
What we dislike:
- Your dog may have trouble digesting the peas
2. Taste of the Wild High Protein Real Meat
This dog food variety contains roasted bison and real venison meat and provides ample proteins to maintain healthy and strong muscles.
The fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat, while fruits and vegetables are a natural source of vitamins and minerals. In addition, it contains probiotics from dried chicory root, which promotes healthy digestion, and antioxidants that boost immunity and overall health.
It is free of any added preservatives, colors, or flavors. In addition, each ingredient in this meal goes through 151 quality checks, so you can be confident that you are feeding your beloved dog the best quality food.
What we like:
- High quality proteins; the real meat
- Contains probiotics and antioxidants
- No additives
- Provides ample vitamins and minerals
What we dislike:
- Might contain trace amounts of grain though it claims to be grain free
3. Bully Max High Performance
This dog food is ideal for puppies and adult dogs of the Pitbull breed as it contains 30% crude protein and 20% crude fat.
It uses real chicken meat as the primary ingredient and contains chicken fat, brown rice, flaxseed, and fish meal.
It has a high-calorie count of 535 calories per cup and is a trusted option as it is tested thrice before it is sent out for sale.
The vitamins, minerals, and biotin in it help meet your dog’s nutritional needs, and the beef pulp fiber ensures smooth digestion.
This dog food also offers omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which facilitate the maintenance of a healthy coat and skin.
What we like:
- High calorie count
- Good quality protein
- Contains fatty acids
- Can be used for both puppies and adults
What we dislike:
- Does contain grain, which might cause problems with sensitive dogs
- Not a great option for elderly Pitbulls
4. Dr. Tim’s Kinesis Formula Dog Food
This dog food contains chicken meal, chicken fat, whole oat groats, pearled barley, and brown rice and is a nutritious option for your Pitbull.
This food is appropriate for all stages of life and contains a highly beneficial blend of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fibers.
In addition, it contains omega fatty acids such as DHA, which strengthens eyesight and facilitates the functioning of the nervous system, and EPA, which helps reduce inflammation and promotes heart health.
The fatty acids also help keep your dog’s coat and skin in pristine condition. This option also contains probiotics that improve digestion and prebiotics and antioxidants, which contribute to the overall health and prevent cell damage.
What we like:
- Contains DHA and EPA
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics which improve digestion
- Provides your dog with 26% protein
- No soy, wheat or corn fillers
- Provides necessary vitamins and minerals
What we dislike:
- It contains grains which can be good for health, but some dogs might not react well to it.
- Though it is meant for all life stages, it is best for puppies and adults, and might not meet an elderly dog’s needs completely
5. Wellness Core Grain-Free
This salmon, herring, and ocean whitefish recipe is a great choice, as it facilitates the development of lean and healthy muscles.
Ingredients such as salmon oil and flaxseed are good sources of fatty acids, which keep your dog’s fur in great condition.
It contains glucosamine, which is good for bones and joints, as well as taurine which strengthens muscles and maintains brain health by generating new cells.
The probiotics and probiotics in this recipe aid digestion, while the vitamins such as A, B, C, and D improve your pup’s overall health. Additionally, it is free of added preservatives, flavors, and colors.
What we like:
- Good quality protein
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics
- Facilitates joint and brain health
- No fillers or meat by-products
- No additives
What we dislike:
- None
6. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula
This recipe contains smoked salmon as the first ingredient and offers crude protein content of a minimum of 27% and fat content of 15%. It also contains ocean fish meal, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas.
This grain-free food is meant specifically for puppies and contains probiotics that improve immunity and digestive health as well as DHA which helps with the nervous system and eyesight development for puppies.
The vegetables, fruits, and legumes in this recipe boost your dog’s overall health, while the taurine strengthens the heart and brain development.
This recipe is completely free of additional chemical preservatives, flavors, or colors.
What we like:
- Contains 27% protein
- Provides your dog with DHA and taurine
- No additives
- Contains fruits and vegetables
What we dislike:
- Some Pitbulls might face slight issues with digesting legumes, though it is unlikely
7. Orijen Puppy Grain-Free
This Orijen puppy food contains 85% quality animal ingredients such as deboned chicken, deboned turkey, whole Atlantic mackerel, whole eggs, and whole Atlantic herring.
The grain-free recipe nourishes dogs by fulfilling their natural biological needs. It contains fruits and vegetables as well and provides your dog with essential fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin. This food also contains DHA and EPA which improve and strengthen your pup’s heart health and develop his eyesight and nervous system.
The glucosamine and chondroitin in this food improve your puppy’s joint and bone health, and the calcium and phosphorous content ensures healthy and stable growth.
What we like:
- Quality animal ingredients
- Provides DHA and EPA
- Facilitates joint and bone development
- Contains fruits and vegetables
What we dislike:
- None
8. Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food
This food is meant for senior dogs and meets their precise nutritional needs. It contains lamb, salmon and chicken, brown rice, brewer’s rice, and a unique blend of superfoods such as kale, chia seeds, and blueberries.
This dog food also provides your dog with glucosamine and chondroitin which are beneficial for joint health, and help avoid bone health issues in old age.
The niacin, biotin, and vitamin supplements are beneficial for your dog’s overall wellbeing, while the omega fatty acids help maintain his coat and skin health.
This product is absolutely free of chicken by-products, or fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy. It is free of any added preservatives, colors, and flavors as well, and helps maintain healthy and lean muscles. This food is also devoid of any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
What we like:
- Contains numerous superfoods
- Facilitates muscle and digestive health
- No additives or fillers
- Contains glucosamine, chondroitin and biotin
What we dislike:
- Though this product is supposed to be free of GMOs, it may contain trace amounts of the same
- It is not grain free, which might create an issue in dogs with sensitive stomachs
9. Merrick Grain Free Dog Food For Pitbull
This limited ingredient salmon and sweet potato recipe made with quality real ingredients and high protein content of 34% will give your dog ample energy and help him build muscle mass.
Salmon is a great source of fatty acids, which are great for your dog’s coat and skin health and it also contains potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas.
It contains glucosamine and chondroitin which are good for joint and hip health, as well as antioxidants that boost your pup’s metabolism.
This dog food is free of any preservatives, fillers or grains, and contains ample vitamins and minerals which improve overall health.
What we like:
- High protein content
- Provides fatty acids, vitamins and minerals
- Facilitates joint health and a healthy metabolism
- No preservatives or fillers
- Grain free
What we dislike:
- None
10. Canidae Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This dry dog food contains fresh bison and lamb meal as primary ingredients, as well as potatoes, peas, and canola oil. The whole food ingredients provide for easy digestion, and the added probiotics offer further aid with the same.
It also contains biotin and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which provide your dog with shiny and healthy fur.
The vitamins A, B, D, and E in it improve overall health. Since this is a limited ingredient recipe, the ingredients are easily identifiable, and you can be assured that it is free of possible allergens.
What we like:
- Limited ingredients
- Contains omega fatty acids
- Contains probiotics which aid digestion
- Fresh bison meat is the first ingredient
What we dislike:
- It contains peas which might not be easily digested by some dogs
FAQ
Are Carbs God for My Pitbull?
Carbohydrates are important for dogs and form a part of a wholesome meal. However, many brands have high carb content simply for the sake of it, and they include low-quality carbs, usually fillers, in high quantities, which is not beneficial for your dog.
For most dogs, the food should contain around 20% of carbohydrate content or more than that only if your dog is extremely active. You can calculate this percentage by subtracting the dietary fiber content from the total carb content given on the dog food package.
Are Grains Good for My Pitbull?
Grains are not necessarily harmful to Pit breeds; at least there is no evidence to prove it. However, the excess grain will be harmful in the long run, especially if the food contains unnecessary fillers such as soy and wheat.
You should also keep in mind that food is not instantly healthier because it lacks grains; it is just that these options are better if your dog is allergic, or has a sensitive stomach.
How Can I Tell if My Pitbull Has Skin Allergies?
Your Pitbull can suffer from allergies for a number of reasons. The allergies may be caused by the weather, the food he is eating, or some other factor.
If you notice allergy symptoms in your dog, you should visit a veterinarian to confirm it, and take action accordingly. Some symptoms of skin allergies in dogs are obvious. He might roll around on the floor in an attempt to fix an itch, or even scratch his ears constantly. Your dog might also suffer from diarrhea due to skin allergies.
If your vet confirms that your dog does, in fact, have allergies, you should buy foods that are hypoallergenic or limited ingredient recipes, to ensure that you are not unknowingly feeding your dog allergens. Your dog might also face irritation or get rashes as a result of unaddressed skin allergies.
Can I Make My Pitbull Gain Weight?
Even if you want your dog to gain weight, you should always make sure they remain within a healthy weight range. If you make them gain more weight than is healthy for them, it may put extreme pressure on their joints and become dangerous for their health. Make sure they are healthy and get daily exercise, but do not push it to an extreme.
What Should I Feed My Pitbull?
Ideally, raw meat is great for Pitbulls, but that can become hard to provide for them, especially since raw meat can be very expensive. So, you should at least try to provide them with dry foods that contain whole meats and high protein content.
Is Meat Meal Good for My Pitbull?
The important thing to keep in mind while looking for dog food is that ideally, you should be able to easily identify the ingredients. It is best to know exactly what is in your dog’s food, which is why you should avoid vague ingredients.
Dog food that mentions ‘meat meal’ as an ingredient is not nearly as good as one that mentions the meat source specifically, such as ‘chicken meal’ or ‘salmon meal’. Meat meal can be good for your dog and is one of the more common ingredients in dog food
How Do I Tell if It’s Time to Start Feeding My Puppy Adult Dog Food?
Usually, your puppy should consume puppy food for around 12 months before you switch to an adult variety. However, in large breed dogs such as this one, an overgrowth can result in health problems such as musculoskeletal issues.
So, if you realize that there is a possibility that your dog might weigh more than 50 pounds as an adult, you can switch to adult food sooner, to slow down his growth a little. This will reduce the possibility of overgrowth and the resulting health issues.
Is Human Grade Food Good for Pitbulls?
‘Human grade’ basically means that dog food should be made in a way that it is fit for human consumption. This means that the ingredients, the chemicals, and everything present in the food makes it appropriate for humans to eat, and therefore is good for your dog as well.
It also means that rather than just the ingredients being human grade, the manufacturing process and locations should also pass the same standards.
In short, it is a great option for your dog, and you can be certain that if you are buying human-grade dog food, you are indeed providing your dog with good food.
CONCLUSION
We hope this list and the answers to common questions have been informative and have helped you decide on a dog food option for your Pitbull. It can be intimidating to do so, especially when there are so many options available in the market, all claiming to be the ‘best for your pup. Now that you are well aware of your dog’s nutritional requirements and you know what he really does need, you can confidently go out and buy the food you know is good for your furry best friend.
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