Pitbulls are known for their power, loyalty and vitality. Those muscular bodies and on-the-go lifestyle means their nutritional needs are different than other breeds. Best Dog Food for Pitbulls : What’s Good for Your Dog?What is the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls?If you are wondering which is the best dog food for your pitbull, then you are not alone – there are a lot of dog owners who are searching for the same. Here’s how to feed your pit bull to ensure good health and happiness from a thriving 4-legged friend.Marshal Catlett is not only a loving dog owner, pit bull advocate and dog-prodigy author, but is also the brain behind Caninejournal.com.
Knowing Pit Bull Nutrition & Diet Needs
Pitbulls do best with a high-protein, high quality diet to support muscle mass and energy. Ideally the majority of their meals should have a solid protein base, such as chicken, beef, lamb, or fish. Look for foods in which a named kind of meat is the primary ingredient, and don’t be afraid to include raw or partially cooked protein sources for additional palatability and nutrition.
The correct inclusion of healthy fats are essential as well because they give your dog highly concentrated energy and help with the healthy skin and coat. Good sources are fish oil, chicken fat, sunflower oil, etc. Carbohydrates, although controversial at times, can have benefits — especially when you get them from whole grains or vegetables like brown rice, sweet potatoes, or oats. Good source of energy and fiber, which aids in digestion, and helps control body weight.
Vitamins and minerals add to the diet, contributing to not only bone health (calcium and phosphorus) but also immune health (vitamin E) and heart health (omega-3 fatty acids).
Types of Dog Food to Consider
1. The Best Kibble: Choose a brand with a high-protein (20-38% is ideal) and low fat (10-22%) content. Keep away from foods that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and unnamed meat by-products. Some of the brands such as Annamaet Ultra, Crave and Dr. Tim’s Kinesis are generally good for pitbulls because of their high protein content and complete nutrition.
2. Fresh or Human-Grade Food: Fresh options such as Ollie, Nom Nom, or The Farmer’s Dog, are made with real meats, vegetables, and grains, and are typically pre-portioned to your dog’s specific needs. This can be particularly useful for pitbulls with allergies or a sensitive stomach.
3. Raw Diet: Some people believe in raw feeding, because why else would dogs not eat like their ancestors? These diets concentrate on raw meat, with bones, offal, and a little plant material. It can be excellent nutrition, but needs careful planning to balance and be safe. You can make this easier by using premade raw food from reliable sources.
4. Wet Food: Wet foods such as Weruva Bed & Breakfast may be a great option for a low-activity pitbull or a dog that needs more hydrating. Opt for recipes that at the list of ingredients have real meat and few fillers.
Ingredients to Look For?
- Real, organic meats (chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, fish)
- Fats high in Omega-3 (fish oil, flaxseed oil)
- Whole grain (brown rice and oats) or starch based foods (sweet potato and pumpkin)
- Fruits high in antioxidants (blueberries, blackberries)
- Vegetables that are high in fiber (carrots, spinach, peas)
- Artificial colors are added, no artificial flavors, no artificial preservatives and no artificial flavors Added vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition
What Are The Ingredients You Must Avoid?
- By-product meals and generic “meat meals”
- BHA, etc.), Other artificial preservatives
- Simple carbs like white flour
- Preserved fats and oils of inferior quality
How Often And How Much Should A Pitbull Eat?
1. Puppies: Feed dog three times a day the first couple of months and after that, twice a day as it matures.
Adults – With Adult Pitbulls one meal a day is enough.
2. Portion size: Vary depending on your dog’s age, weight and activity level, along with the calorie content of the food. Very active pitbulls may require more calories, elderly, or low activity dogs need fewer calories though.
These dogs are also susceptible to skin allergies, sensitive stomachs and weight gain. If dealing with allergies, selecting a food with limited ingredients or novel proteins (like fish or lamb) may be beneficial. Omega-3-rich foods are good for the skin and high-fiber foods for digestion. And, as always, stay away from overfeeding and treats that surpass the 10% calorie count.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is grain free bad for pitbulls?
Not necessarily. As long as your pitbull isn’t actively allergic to grains, other whole grains such as oats and brown rice can be a beneficial component of their diet. It’s the total quality of the ingredients that matters.
Is a raw diet for pitbulls safe?
While it’s possible to make a raw diet safe and healthy, it must be carefully constructed since it is easy to disrupt the natural balance and supporting a healthy gut system, and easy to inadvertently introduce harmful bacteria. The owner’s feeding raw made by suppliers high rep supplied pre made.
How can I tell if my pitbull is allergic to his food?
Other warning signs are itchy skin, licking oneself too much, ear infections and tummy issues. If you think there may be a food allergy at play, it’s worth talking to your vet and possibly trying an elimination diet, or switching to a limited-ingredient food.
Is it possible to feed a home made food to my pitbull?
Yes, but nutritionally complete meals are key. Discuss with a veterinary nutritionist to prevent deficiencies.
What are the best recommended brands for pitbulls?
A few of the well-known, high-quality brands include Honest Kitchen, Stella & Chewy, Acana, Orijen, Fromm, Wellness, Nulo, Natural Balance, Taste of the Wild, Annamaet, Ollie, Nom Nom, and The Farmer’s Dog.
Final Thoughts
One of the most effective ways to help your pitbull thrive with plenty of energy and great health is to provide them with a quality, balanced diet. Whether you’re feeding premium kibble, fresh food or a raw diet, aim for real ingredients, high protein and healthy fats. Always adjust portion sizes according to your dog’s individual needs and check with your vet for personalized guidance-especially if your pitbull has allergies or health issues. With proper nutrition, you’ll have a furry sidekick that can keep up with all of your adventures
