Many people, when they hear about the Pit bull breed (also pitbull), have one of two reactions: They either break into stories sharing their love for this misunderstood type of dog, or they express their fear, which is really just an expression of ignorance surrounding pit bulls and other like breeds.
The Pit bull dog breed is known for having an extremely active nature. Pitbulls are naturally muscular with short coats, and they stand strong and solid, as the natural athlete of dogs.
You can recognize a Pitbull’s personality easily—these dogs are very confident and high-spirited. They have, for years, made great companions for responsible pet parents.
Pitbulls at times exhibit some naturally aggressive tendencies, which is why they do best with owners who have the time to commit to careful socialization and obedience training.
They are highly intelligent and friendly, even with strangers, and they often display an eagerness to work and contribute—pitbulls are powerful and agile and require consistent attention and support to ensure their overall well-being.
Such a muscular dog requires a well-balanced diet that includes proper nutrition. Although naturally muscular, the Pit bull breed has special dietary and nutritional requirements to ensure optimal use of its incredible genes. And it’s up to you, as the dog owner, to make sure your pup gets everything he needs.
Read on to inform yourself about the nutritional needs of your Pit bull pup and to check out our top dog food recommendations—we have listed some of the best dog food for Pitbulls all in one place so you have a guide to turn to and help orient you along the path of being an excellent Pitbull caretaker.
Dr. Tim’s dog food recipe was created for athletic adult dogs who need lots of protein to fuel their energy requirements. It’s ideal for all dog breeds, from large breed dogs to small pooches.
It’s a high protein diet that omits fillers like soy, peas, corn, and wheat so that canines with food allergies and sensitive stomachs can savor every bite.
It blends carbs (brown rice), fat, and fiber along with protein to deliver the balanced nutrition your highly active Pitbull requires.
The chicken meal is the primary source of animal protein, and it’s a dense kind of protein because most of the moisture has been removed. This makes it possible for the food to reach a high 92% protein composition.
The recipe has natural ingredients (no artificial flavors or colors) and is cooked slowly to preserve nutrients and satisfy the voracious appetite of your beloved Pitbull.
Added probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants in this dog food work together to promote healthy digestion and a strong immune system.
Having balanced nutrition aids with recovery, especially for dogs who engage in competitive activities.
This is a protein-packed formula designed to nourish dogs at every stage of life, from playful puppies to active adults.
This carefully crafted recipe features farm-raised guinea fowl, tender turkey and rich duck as the primary ingredients, delivering a blend of high-quality animal proteins to support muscle development and overall vitality.
Enhanced with wholesome ancient grains like oats, millet and barley, this nutrient-dense formula provides sustained energy while supporting digestive health.
With its focus on natural, whole-food nutrition, this recipe is free from corn, wheat, soy and artificial additives, making it a clean and balanced option for your furry friend.
Whether you're fuelling adventures or nourishing a growing puppy, this poultry meal is the ultimate choice for a healthy and happy canine companion.
Here we have a complete and balanced raw dog food designed to support the health and vitality of dogs at all life stages.
This novel formula features venison sourced from the pristine green pastures of New Zealand, ensuring a lean, nutrient-rich protein that is both high-quality and responsibly harvested.
Paired with beef organs, this recipe provides a powerhouse of essential vitamins and minerals to promote optimal wellness.
Expertly formulated by a PhD nutritionist, every ingredient is carefully chosen to meet your dog's nutritional needs while supporting strong muscles, a shiny coat and overall well-being.
Ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or protein sensitivities, this recipe offers a unique protein source that makes mealtime as delicious as it is nutritious.
This dry dog food is made for puppies that will grow into a large breed size. Big pups need the right food made just for them, one with a specific kind of nutrition that will allow them to develop properly without the health problems that usually afflict pups their size who are not given specific care through a special diet.
It contains cage-free chicken as its main animal protein source to encourage muscle development and provide the energy a puppy needs to explore and play.
Menhaden fish meal, chicken meal, lamb meal, and chicken eggs are also included in this recipe to support proper brain and eye development.
The freeze-dried chicken, chicken heart, and chicken liver in this dog food make it more enticing to picky eaters, while the grain-free formula makes it ideal for puppies who may have a problem with recipes that contain grain ingredients.
This dog food formula omits unnecessary fillers like wheat, soy, potatoes, and grains and is also free from artificial preservatives and colors.
Your puppy also gets a healthy heaping of omegas through the fish oil (salmon oil) and chicken fat that are present in the food.
5. Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Venison Formula
First 5 ingredients:
Sweet Potatoes, Venison, Potatoes, Pea Protein, Potato Protein
This kibble was created for adult dogs and includes venison and sweet potato to satisfy your dog’s hunger while keeping his sensitive stomach comfortable and allergies from flaring.
Added omega fatty acids derived from flaxseed, menhaden fish oil, and canola oil, nourish his skin and promote a healthy, good-looking coat. This product is offered in three different sizes: a 4.5 lb, a 13 lb bag, and a 26-lb bag.
And because the grain-free recipe only uses a novel protein as the single animal protein source, it is an ideal dog food option for canines with health problems caused by food allergies or sensitivities.
This dry dog food by Victor is composed of 81% meat protein that includes beef meal, pork meal, and chicken meal for sustained energy and stamina. It is perfect for the type of dog that has a lot of physical demands and is athletic by nature, like Pitbulls.
The recipe is nutrient-dense and also includes glucosamine and chondroitin to aid with the long-term joint health of adult canines and large breed pups. The dog food also contains a Unique VPRO Blend that promotes healthy digestion and immune system.
This product is available in two sizes: a 5-lb bag and a 40-lb bag.
7. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe
First 5 ingredients:
Deboned Beef, Pork and Bone Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
Merrick’s Backcountry grain-free dry dog food is made with freeze-dried raw red meat pieces to deliver a flavor even picky eaters will love.
Deboned beef is the main ingredient, but there are plenty of other animal meat inclusions like lamb meal, salmon meal, pork meal, rabbit, and beef liver for a truly high-protein diet.
The meats are balanced by the presence of wholesome fruits and vegetables that include peas, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples.
This dog food formula delivers a taste of a natural wild environment conveniently packaged for you to provide to your dog. It is meant for the adult stage of life and omits fillers like soy, wheat, and corn.
The bag is available in three sizes: 4-lbs, 12-lbs, and 22-lbs.
Blue Buffalo’s dog food chicken recipe was crafted to match the diet of ancestral wolves, meaning this formula is packed with protein, fat (chicken fat), just enough carbs, and loads of fruit to deliver antioxidants.
It contains the proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals called BLUE LifeSource Bits that are meant to support your dog’s immune system health, joint health and assist with maintaining a healthy oxidative balance.
To achieve a high protein content, this dog food formulation mixes deboned chicken with chicken meal, fish meal, and dried egg product.
The recipe is made without grains and contains zero artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. It is meant for the adult stage of life and comes in three bag sizes: 4.5 lbs, 11-lbs, and 24-lbs.
9. Crave with Protein from Salmon & Ocean Fish
First 5 ingredients:
White Fish, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Split Peas, Chicken Fat
This is an appropriate and ideal choice for dogs who are suffering from food allergies. Crave’s grain-free dry dog food is available in three bag sizes: 5-lbs, 12-lbs, and 22-lbs and was created specifically for the adult phase.
It contains white fish as the primary ingredient, followed by vegetables and other meat meals, making it a protein-rich option for your pup, regardless of breed size.
The nutrients incorporated into this formula are meant to encourage the optimal function of your Pitbull’s immune system while delivering the energy required for all of their physically demanding activities. There are no fillers or artificial ingredients in this product.
This is a thoughtfully crafted kibble designed to provide balanced, high-quality nutrition for dogs at every life stage.
This nutrient-dense recipe features real salmon as the first ingredient, delivering a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy skin and a glossy coat.
Wholesome sweet potatoes and carrots are included as natural sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber, promoting optimal digestion and sustained energy. Free from corn, soy, and artificial additives, Jinx ensures that every bite is as clean and nourishing as it is delicious.
With a focus on premium ingredients and science-backed nutrition, this kibble offers a complete diet to help your dog thrive—whether they’re a growing puppy, an active adult or a senior with refined tastes.
6 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations
Avoid Allergens – The best food for Pit Bulls is one that’s crafted to support the usual health needs of this specific breed. When buying dog food for your pup, it is best to keep the following in mind:
Since Pit bulls have short coats that expose their skin to more elements, they are inherently more susceptible to skin allergies1. However, not just environmental factors contribute to skin allergies, there can be food ingredients that trigger these uncomfortable skin patches.
In addition, Pitbulls can experience a myriad of other allergic reactions, including stomach issues (loose stools and excessive flatulence) and even inflammatory reactions.
Allergies are genetic and individual so you will have to keep a close eye on your Pitbull after introducing a new food to be sure he is taking to it well.
Some common allergens include dairy, wheat, pork, and rabbit, and some dogs are even allergic to common food ingredients like beef and chicken.
Get to know your Pitbull well to quickly spot any allergic reactions and adjust his dog food supply to keep him comfortable and thriving.
Include Variety – It is common for pet owners to get into a groove when they find a specific type of dog food that is received well by their pet. However, just as with any living being with a palate, a change of flavors, textures and at times, nutritional value can be extremely beneficial.
Most brands that manufacture dog foods usually have more than one flavor available for your pup’s specific life stage or size. If you’ve found one recipe that’s perfect for your pet, choose from the same range another flavor to feed your pup when he gets bored with his regular dog food. Most of the recipes in the same range will usually have almost the same formulation.
So long as you are continuing to deliver a balanced diet to your pup, you can make way for treats that include different textures and flavors and adjust the caloric intake of their regular meals to make room for the added snack.
The Life Stage is An Important Consideration – Different life stages will also require subtle shifts in nutrition requirements, so try to be extra conscientious as your pup moves from puppyhood into adulthood and from adulthood into the senior stage of life.
For example, a puppy will need extra protein to fuel his growth and development and DHA to make sure his brain develops properly. Adult dogs will need less protein than small pups, while senior dogs may need dog food that contains supplements for joint health.
Do check the label thoroughly. Most dog foods will be crafted for a specific age or by dog breeds, but there are also some that will be nutritionally appropriate for all life stages. Dog foods that are crafted for different life stages are more convenient for households with multiple pets of varying ages.
Don’t Forget Fiber and Carbs – You’ve got the protein covered. What about fiber and carbs? Check those dog food labels to be sure you are providing your Pitbull with a comprehensive set of nutrients that he needs to support his natural high-spiritedness and assist with maintaining healthy digestion.
Of course your Pitbull needs plenty of meat, just don’t forget that his body has other requirements also to keep him healthy and strong.
Grain-free dog foods will usually feature sweet potatoes, lentils, or other alternatives. Grain-inclusive ones may use brown rice, rice, and other wholesome whole grain ingredients. One type is not better than the other. What matters is your pup’s reaction to these dog foods.
Vegetables Are a Must – Vegetables are a fantastic method of naturally delivering the vitamins and minerals your Pitbull needs to keep up with his overall health. Vitamins support multiple organ functions and minerals help with the growth and repair of organs and tissues.
When you keep your Pitbull’s diet well-rounded, you are tackling his health from multiple angles, thereby ensuring his optimized function so he can go off and worry about more important things, like strutting along, looking muscular and handsome like he is meant to.
Feed According to Size – We can’t stress this enough: heed feeding instructions.
Pit bulls have some general identifiable markers that cause them to all fall under this breed type, but they are certainly not all the same. Some Pitbulls will weigh less than others and some will have more muscle definition—this is dependent on the level of exercise each dog is getting and how rigorous it gets.
Therefore, paying mind to feeding instructions and ensuring you meet your dog’s daily caloric needs is of utmost importance. A smaller, less active Pitbull should not share the same dog food diet as a larger, more athletic Pitbull, just as a Pitbull puppy will not be eating the same amount or type of food as a senior dog.
To Snack or Not to Snack? – If your Pitbull were able to answer this question, you would hear an enthusiastic “Yes!” to snacks. Treats are an excellent tool to use when training your Pitbull and can also be a way to provide something delicious that differs from his regular meals.
However, be sure not to overdo it. Treats should only make up about ten percent of your dog’s overall diet. Always be sure to adjust the rest of his food to make room for the incorporation of a timely snack as well.
Protein – Proteins are comprised of essential amino acids3 that Pitbulls do not create on their own but must receive via their food sources. Protein is extremely vital to the overall wellbeing of your Pitbull, from puppyhood into his senior years.
The amino acids serve several functions, including hormone regulation, immune support, and muscle repair to name a few. The amount of protein your Pitbull requires is highly dependent on his levels of activity. The more active your pup, the more protein he will require to support all of his physical activities.
The key is to look for dog food formulas with a high-quality protein source, and the best dog foods are the ones that utilize premium proteins.
Chicken meals and other meat meals are fine as long as they are named. Fresh meats are also excellent but they do contain less protein because they’re not as dense as meat meals. And of course, raw protein is always good.
Fat – Healthy fats are an important staple in your Pitbull’s diet4 because they are used as a main source of energy production. In addition, fatty acids assist your dog with maintaining healthy skin, a shiny coat, and proper cerebral function.
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are the most highly recommended sources of healthy fats to incorporate into a dog food and prepackaged formulas will ensure the correct ratios are delivered to your dog’s system.
Carbohydrates – Carbohydrates should be incorporated in your dog’s diet, but only minimally. The protein and fat will keep his muscles lean and his body fat from spiking, while carbs (such as brown rice) will provide easily digestible energy that is available immediately following consumption. You can incorporate complex carbs like sweet potatoes, simple carbs like those found in fruits, and fibers found in vegetables.
Calcium – Calcium is very important for your Pitbull because it strengthens your dog’s skeletal structure, which is the foundation for muscle development and the house for all of his organs. Making sure your Pitbull’s structure is strong optimizes the rest of his body’s functions.
Water – Water performs a vital function: it not only quenches your dog’s thirst; it mobilizes the nutrients he consumes to deliver them to the rest of his body. It acts as a lubricant, ensuring food is digested properly and it also aids with body temperature regulation. Joints movement is facilitated with adequate water consumption and waste excretion is supported to ensure comfortable expulsion.
Pitbull Puppy Feeding Chart
6-Week Old Pitbull – At six weeks, your Pitbull puppy can be provided with moistened dry kibble to make it easier to eat. You can try moistening with water but if your puppy refuses, try using some warm milk replacement formula that is created with a puppy’s digestive system in mind.
Don’t use cow’s milk to moisten dry kibbles because dog’s digestive systems can’t handle the lactose and you’ll be dealing with an upset pup and loose stools. If your puppy doesn’t take water as a moistener, you can try using goat’s milk.
10-Week Old Pitbull – During this stage, your Pitbull should be weaned onto solid foods. Use puppy-specific recipes to be sure they have the nutrition required during this growth stage.
You can continue moistening the food with water or replacement milk but start to reduce the ratio of liquid to solid food and allow your dog to get accustomed to the texture of his dry kibbles.
12-Week Old Pitbull – At twelve weeks, your pup should be fully used to his dry kibbles and should no longer be needing the assistance of moistened food to help him eat is meals. Feed him multiple times per day and stick to puppy formula.
Be mindful of feeding instructions and do not underfeed as this will affect his development. Overfeeding will cause him to develop too quickly and his small body will have trouble adjusting. This can lead to future health issues, including problems with his joints during his later years.
3-Month Old Pitbull – At three months, you should continue to provide your Pitbull with high-quality puppy dog food. Make sure to visit the vet to confirm he is developing appropriately, as his adult size may range between a smaller size to a larger size.
Feed your Pitbull multiple times a day according to your selected food’s feeding instructions and don’t leave his food out or free feed. Instilling good food habits at this stage will help you as he ages and will keep him obedient and eating well, without developing overeating habits.
5-Month Old Pitbull – At five months, your Pitbull will be a stalky pup and will continue to grow until he reaches the adult stage of his life at one year. Feeding will look similar to feeding at three months, just be sure to adjust how much you are feeding according to his weight as he keeps growing.
1-Year Old Pitbull – At one year, your Pit bull will have reached adulthood and depending on whether or not he will be a smaller dog or a larger dog, his weight can range between 35 or 40 lbs. up to 60 or 80 lbs. At this stage, you can transition away from puppy food and start him on his full-grown, big-boy adult diet!
Our Pitbull Feeding Guide
Dogs have several life stages and each one needs a unique kind of care5. The best dog food is the one that’s made specifically for each stage.
Puppy Life Stage – The puppy stage of a Pitbull’s life is an exciting time and your dog will let you know it. He will be full of energy and you will need to feed him enough quality foods to keep his energy production steady.
Make sure you are delivering enough protein and fat and serve only the recommended amounts as directed by your chosen product.
Keep an eye on your pup and remove his food after half an hour so he does not come back to eat just because the food is there. You can expect a three-month old Pitbull puppy to weigh somewhere between 15 and 35 lbs., therefore use the available feeding instructions to provide kibbles according to his size.
Adult Life Stage – In the adult stage of a Pitbull’s life, he will weigh anywhere between 35 – 80 lbs., which means he should be eating more to adjust for his increased size.
For example, if you have a large Pitbull, you will find that you are feeding up to three cups of food on a daily basis; however, if your Pitbull is on the smaller side, he will need significantly less than that.
Adults can be fed two to three times per day. Don’t feed less than twice per day, as a large meal can be disruptive to your Pitbull’s digestive system.
Senior Life Stage – During the senior phase of your Pitbull’s life, nutrient requirements remain but will be adjusted for their age. Choose a dog food that is specially designed for this older stage to ensure your dog is getting not only a steady supply of energy, but also protection from the development of joint issues.
Keep your senior’s pup’s carb levels low as he slows down in his elder years and be mindful of ensuring his weight is maintained by providing adequate food meant for his age and size.
Verdict
As you now know, feeding your Pitbull is just a matter of knowing what he needs, choosing the best dog foods that deliver those ingredients, and reading labels to provide just the right amount of food on a daily basis.
There are plenty of options out there for you to choose from to find the right balance between your budget and your Pitbull’s preferences. The best dog food for Pit Bull is actually subjective to each individual pup.
Whenever you switch out his dog food, do so gradually by mixing in some of the new with the old until only the new is being served.
Be sure to complement his high-quality nutrition with proper exercise, as this breed’s athleticism is built into their genes and they will need a lot of physical activity to look and feel their best!
Noreen possesses a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from Informatics International College. While this credential might not elucidate her passion for pets, it does demonstrate her technical expertise and diverse character.
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