Contents
- Our Top 5 Food Choices For Adult Pitbulls
- Spend Time Getting to Know Your Pitbull’s Needs
- Know the Difference Between Hypoallergenic and Grain-Free
- Pitbulls Thrive on the Benefits of a Healthy Diet
- Optimal Nutritional Requirements for Pitbulls
- Keep Your Eyes Open When Assessing Dog Food Choices
- What About Puppies?
- Best Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies – Time for Reviews
- Best Dog Food for Adult Pit Bulls – Time for More Reviews
- Best Dog Food and Supplements to Help Pitbulls to Gain Weight/Muscle
Our Top 5 Food Choices For Adult Pitbulls
- Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food
- Nature’s Variety Prairie Dry Dog Food
- I and Love and You, Natural Grain Free Dog Food
- Natural Ultramix Adult Dog Food
Spend Time Getting to Know Your Pitbull’s Needs
Ensure your pitbull lives a high quality life by spending time learning about his dietary needs.
Choosing the best dog food for pitbull can seem daunting. Pitbulls are muscle-bound, high-energy dogs.
Look for foods with high quality proteins and carbohydrates. Your pitbull requires a long-term source of energy.
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Low quality carbs and proteins basically leave your dog zapped sooner. Luckily, many foods that have high quality proteins and carbs also help your pitbulls in other ways.
Pay careful attention to the amount of scratching and licking your dog does. Is there a visible rash?
So, what’s the scoop on pitties and food?
Every dog is different. My pitbull may not tolerate the same food as yours. Sensitivities can manifest as minor skin irritations or mild to moderate digestive issues. Food allergies are full scale events. No one wants their furry companion to suffer, so at the first sign of discomfort, talk to your vet about options.
Depending on the severity of the problem, hypoallergenic or grain-free food could be your answer. Be ready to consult your veterinarian and try new dog foods as needed until you find the right match for your dogs and puppies.
Know the Difference Between Hypoallergenic and Grain-Free
Grain-free literally has no grains. That is its primary benefit. If your dog only appears to have sensitivities to food, grain-free may work for you. Keep in mind, a grain-free food often contains allergens like soy and egg.
Hypoallergenic = No grain, no soy, no gluten, no corn, and no eggs. For pitties with more severe allergies, you may want to begin your quest with hypoallergenic foods. Even within this category, slight changes on the ingredients list can impact dogs. Be willing to try different formulas or brands until you find a match.
It may take a few days to see the symptoms begin to clear. If you do not notice raw spots healing due to less scratching and chewing, make note of the food’s top 10 ingredients for future comparisons. If poop is not firming up, gas is not decreasing, or their appetite is not returning, time to transition to a new food.
Pitbulls Thrive on the Benefits of a Healthy Diet
Exercise is one key to keeping your dog healthy, but without a good dog food for pitbulls, they may not have the energy to do much running around.
Like human athletes, pitbulls need more protein, fat, and carbs in their diet than many other breeds. The size and age of your dog helps determine which vitamins and minerals are essential.
Stage of life and activity level provide clues to figure out calorie requirements. A healthy diet designed with pitbulls in mind can increase quality of living and lifespan. When your pitbull’s body systems are in-check, you may even notice vet visits decrease.
Optimal Nutritional Requirements for Pitbulls
Adult pitbulls do best when they are fed twice a day. Puppies and young dogs thrive on 3 meals a day. Growing and playing burn a lot of extra energy. A third meal and healthy treats are in order until puppies are ready to transition to twice a day as adults.
What is the best dog food for pitbulls?
One that has the proper balance of:
Muscle Building Proteins
The minimum protein recommended for most dogs by AAFCO for puppies is 22%. Accordingly, adult dogs require a minimum of 18%.
Protein is a muscle-builder that can help reduce common injuries in pitbulls. Tissue repair and bone growth are directed by proteins too.
The source of the protein is important, too. Beef, fish, turkey and chicken are lean meats often included in any good dog food for pitbulls. Just beware that chicken is a common allergen.
Hard-Working Fats and Carbohydrates
Fat provides your dog with much needed energy and helps the body regulate temperature. It works from the inside to create healthy skin and shiny coats.
Carbohydrates are also energy providers with the added benefit of aiding digestion. Insufficient carbs turn the body against its own muscle to find an alternate energy source. Carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and oatmeal are high quality. Brown rice and barley are options for some dogs.
Assorted Vitamins and Minerals
The immune system is fortified by high quality dog foods that are chocked full of needed vitamins and minerals. A majority of which are delivered by consuming fruits and veggies. Improved immunity leads to better overall health. Like in a human’s diet, a wider assortment of fruits and vegetables covers more needs.
Calories
An average sized pitbull (around 45 pounds) will require a different number of calories during different life stages. Weight, age, and activity level must be factored in to figure out your dog’s caloric requirements. For example, an older dog needs about half the number of calories as an active adult who is the same weight.
Generally speaking, 875 calories will suffice for older pitties. Puppies and young dogs, along with lactating mothers should receive about 1100 calories per day. For super active adults, you will want to increase calories in the diet to around 1750 calories.
Even with higher caloric needs, pitbulls who eat too much will gain weight. Obesity is not good for dogs and can cause a multitude of problems. Perhaps the biggest of which is quality of life.
Hydration (Water)
Water is a major life force for your pitbull. Because of muscle mass and energy levels, they need frequent water breaks. Water aids digestion, gets rid of toxins, and keeps the body systems running smoothly.
Count one ounce water per pound to get an estimate of how many total ounces your pitbull needs in one day.
Hard-core athletes like pitbulls use more water during activity times, so they need more than other breeds.
Keep Your Eyes Open When Assessing Dog Food Choices
All dog breeds are plagued by some conditions more often than others. Pitbulls are no exception. Food allergies are prominent and can spring up unexpectedly. Reactions tend to worsen if low-quality grains are on food ingredient lists.
Here’s the scary part.
Bloat is a potentially life-threatening issue. Pitbulls tend to eat super fast and the stomach cannot get rid of gases fast enough to keep up. The gases can cause the stomach to swell or flip.
Low-quality grains are a major contributor to gas build-up. Take it easy and have your dog rest for about an hour before rigorous exercise to lessen chances of bloat.
Some dogs benefit from breaking feedings up into four or five smaller meals. The amount of food eaten is the same. For dogs that eat too fast, the body is better able to deal with gases associated with smaller portions of food.
Look for these key ingredients:
- Whole meat (protein source)
- (Lamb) meal— be sure name of meat precedes “meal” (protein source)
- Fruits and vegetables (source of vitamins and minerals)
- Oils and fats (especially omega-3 and omega-6)
- Vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, biotin, etc.)
- Natural preservatives, if any
For the love of your dog, avoid these ingredients:
- Wheat, corn, and soy (cheap fillers, no nutrients)
- Meat by-products (unhygienic, low-quality protein)
- Artificial preservatives (induce allergic reactions in many dogs)
- Salt and sugar (all-around unhealthy for dogs)
What About Puppies?
It is hard work growing so much lean muscle. Pitbull puppies have unique dietary needs that must be met to prevent many common health problems. For example, if you overfeed, puppies will pack on too much weight. Obesity will impact activity levels and will cause joint and digestive problems later. Prevention is key.
Puppies need time to be active. Split the amount of daily food requirement into three smaller portions. Multiple meals help growing puppies maintain balance throughout the day. If the nutrients are not available, the body will draw nutrients out of muscle tissue. Pitbull puppies need extra fuel to ensure continued muscle growth.
Best Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies – Time for Reviews
Earthborn Holistic, Puppy Vantage
Our Rating 4.5/5 Stars
Wells Pet Food has the right idea selecting high quality proteins like chicken and whitefish meal. Pitbull puppies tend to have sensitive tummies. Sweet potatoes and oatmeal are easy for them to digest. Some puppies can even handle brown rice or barley. Brains and eyes are protected with DHA.
- Holistic Nutrition, 28 Lb. Resealable Bag
- Optimal Grain Free, Gluten Free & Potato Free Nutrition For Puppies First Year Of Growth
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Customers report of puppies with horrible diarrhea who firmed up after a few days of eating Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage. Owners of sensitive pitbulls understand why high quality dog foods are essential. There have been no recalls and the ingredients are human-grade. Both are reassuring when considering your pitbull’s safety. Package is sturdy and has a reclosable top.
Pros:
Clears up digestive problems
Nutrient-rich carbs
Itchy ears and rashes clear up
Reduces gas and bloating
Worth the price
Cons:
Fishy smell
Diarrhea (mainly from breeds not requiring high levels of protein)
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Puppy
Our Rating 4.6/5 Stars
Growing puppies need energy in a form that is easily digestible. Taste of the Wild delivers in this grain-free puppy food. Fish protein is the one of the main high quality meat blends. Real roasted meat adds nutrients and flavor. The probiotics are a plus in terms of gut balance. A comfortable pitbull puppy makes everyone’s life a tad easier.
- A taste of the wild with ROASTED BISON & VENISON; REAL MEAT is #1 ingredient; optimal amino acid profile & protein rich for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- HIGH quality PROTEIN recipe with smaller kibble; tailored for growing puppy; SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS; DHA for BRAIN & VISION
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Customers report reduced skin problems and improvement in coat look and feel.
Pros:
Grain-free allergy prevention
Probiotics aid digestion
Sleek healthy coats
Healthy skin
Cons:
Costly
Probiotics could be more effective
Smells like fish
Common Thread in Puppy and Adult Dog Food Reviews
It appears that a number of the cons for all of the dog foods may be due to place of purchase. If storage conditions allow for tiny tears or slices, allowing for contamination to occur. The two most common complaints involved mushed clumps at the bottom of the bag or moldy clumps. Processing plant errors have also caused batches of dog food to have above average moisture content, which led to mold.
Many owners that ordered from online sources switched back to local stores. Some companies recall foods even if it is a suspected shipping or storage issue. Their goal is to keep dogs and puppies healthy through proper nutrition. Remember, some reviews were completed by the owners of breeds that need a different type of diet.
Best Dog Food for Adult Pit Bulls – Time for More Reviews
Earthborn Holistic Meadow Feast Dog Food, Natural Flavor
Our Rating 4.5/5 Stars
Holistic nutrition formulated for dogs. It is grain-free so is great for sensitive digestive tracts. Lamb meal provides high quality protein. Limited ingredients limit known allergens. Natural antioxidants are found in the fruits and veggies included in each formula. Added vitamins are easily absorbed in part with the help of the fish oils. Food is kept fresh in a sturdy resealable bag.
- Grain Free, Gluten Free, 28 Lb. Resealable Bag
- Lean Red Meat Lamb Meal Provides High Quality Protein Source
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Herring meal, salmon meal, and whitefish meal are in the top 5 ingredients. The top 5 are rounded out by potatoes and peas. Fruits may include apples and blueberries. Veggies could be carrots, spinach, peas depending on alternate formulas. Because it is so packed with nutrients, less is actually needed for feedings. This usually counteracts the higher price.
Pros:
No crushed dust at bottom of bag
Skin breakouts clear
Stomach discomfort and gas controlled
Smaller amount needed for proper nutrition
Cons:
Some vitamin parts manufactured in China
Uses canola oil
Runny poops for some dogs (reported mainly by different breed owners)
Price jumps occasionally
Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
Our Rating 4.6/5 Stars
This is the #1 Best Seller in Dry Dog Food on Amazon. Real roasted bison and lamb meal are the top two ingredients. Fruits and vegetables deliver needed vitamins and minerals. Antioxidants boost the immune system. Grain-free means less sensitivities. Keep in mind chicken meal is in the top 5 ingredients, so be careful if that is a trigger for your dog.
- A taste of the wild with ROASTED BISON; REAL MEAT is the #1 ingredient; optimal amino acid profile, protein rich for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- High protein ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; fruits and vegetables as SUPERFOODS for hard-working ANTIOXIDANTS; fatty acid blend for SKIN & COAT
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Customers liked soy and corn being absent. They rely on a long list of chelated minerals and omega fatty acid blends to improve overall health. Egg protein is great for pitties. Most of the ingredients work in unison so dogs receive the full benefits of the individual parts.
Pros:
Major quality assurance checks
Most economical grain-free per pound
Less fillers mean less poop
High energy levels maintained
Meat is free of antibiotics and hormones
Cons:
Issues with unannounced formula changes
Too rich for senior dogs
Vomiting and diarrhea in dogs who no longer need, or never did need, protein rich formulas
Nature’s Variety Prairie Dry Dog Food
(Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe)
Our Rating 4.7/5 Stars
The first ingredient is chicken for lean energy. Simple ingredients are used, nothing artificial is used . Ground flaxseed is great for soft, shiny coats. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide easily absorbed nutrients. To make your dog even happier, plus add a boost of protein, a freeze-dried raw coating is applied.
- Prairie Has A New Look: Nature'S Variety Prairie Is Now Called Instinct Be Natural.
- Same Great Recipe: Prairie Recipes Are The Same As Instinct Be Natural.
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Customers drawn to Nature’s Variety Prairie love that the brand created formulas/flavors that are easily used in a food rotation plan. Pitties transitioned between flavors with little to no hesitation. Several people suspect a formula change for the cons. It’s also likely a truly hypo-allergenic food is required.
Pros:
Simple, natural ingredients
Whole foods included
Real chicken is #1 ingredient
100% Product Guarantee
Cons:
Uncertain of formula change because…
- scratching returned
- loose and/or bloody stools began
- vomiting also began
I and Love and You Nude Food, Natural Grain Free Dog Food
Our Rating 4.7/5 Stars
This food is 100% grain free. Customers agree this is an allergy safe pet product. No fillers (common allergens like wheat, corn, and soy) are used so dogs receive more nutrients from less food. Prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes make pitbull bellies happy. This food is a decent choice for all life stages. Holistic veterinarian approved foods pass several quality tests. It is made in the USA.
- ALWAYS GRAIN FREE: Nutrient rich lentils, garbanzo beans and sweet potatoes instead of grains
- NO FILLERS, ALL LOVE: No by-product meals, wheat, corn, soy, rice, artificial preservatives, flavors or colors
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The red meat blend has no poultry for pups with poultry allergies. Customers report kibbles work well for large and small dogs alike. Poops are said to be consistently firm. Energy levels increase when the body can process nutrients effectively.
Pros:
No poultry
Pre- and Probiotics
Balanced nutrition
Deboned meat
Real fruits and vegetables
Cons:
Hard to find
Love-Hate seafood flavor
That is it…no negative reviews for Red Meat Blend
Natural Ultramix Adult Dog Food
Our Rating 4.4/5 Stars
This food will carry adult dogs through life. No artificial preservatives or colors are used. Chicken, salmon, beef, or duck are #1 on the ingredient list. Fruits and veggies add vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Products go through rigorous testing to assure owners food is safe for their furry family member.
- Ideal For Active Adult Dogs Through Their Golden Years
- Chicken With Other Protein Sources And Pieces Of Fruits And Vegetables For Antioxidants, Vitamins, And Fiber
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fruit is minimally processed. As such it provides valuable anti-oxidants and fiber. Veggies are also left as whole as possible to provide needed vitamins and minerals. Omega fatty acids leave a luxurious coat. Healthy skin is an added benefit. Besides wheat, soy, and corn, no ingredients used come from China.
Pros:
Specific to adult dogs
Quality protein is #1 ingredient
Tested through phases of production
Real pieces of dried fruits and veggies
Cons:
Company purchased by Purina
Avoid the chicken if it is a trigger
Price hikes occasionally
Best Dog Food and Supplements to Help Pitbulls to Gain Weight/Muscle
We know young adult pitbulls are not much different than growing puppies. Additional nutrients are often required by pitbulls to grow into top shape. In order to grow most efficiently, muscle needs protein, fat, and calories that are in usable forms. There are foods made for specific breeds. Take heed, while grains are missing, you still need to carefully check the ingredients if you have an extremely sensitive dog.
Bully Max 30/20 High Performance Dog Food
This is the winner in calories available per cup of food. It is a meat-based formula made with all natural ingredients. Because pitbulls need more fuel to burn in order to grow to their potential, a high performance food like Bully Max is a great place to start.
- The ONLY 5 Star rated performance dog food
- The ONLY Meat Based formula in its class
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Remember:
Our food is free of wheat, corn, and soy— the main offenders.
Whether you are looking for a food to help your pitbull gain muscle mass and definition, or to gain weight after illness or injury, pay attention to the benefits you see in your dog. If progress is slow, vitamin supplements may be right for you. They are a bit pricey, but when you find the right blend, your pup will stand out from the crowd.
Concern over your pitbull’s vitality is another reason to ask your veterinarian about vitamin supplements. Your vet will make recommendations based on your dog’s age, weight, and activity level.
Check these out:
Bully Max Dog Muscle Supplement
Our Rating 4.5/5 Stars
Essentially, these are a kick-butt multi-vitamin. The difference being the proprietary formula made to build muscle mass and strength. Power and stamina are increased. Recovery times are faster.
- Convenient 2 Pack; 120 Pills
- Increase Strength, Muscle, Power & Speed
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Customers exclaimed about the improvement in their dog’s overall mood and vitality. Most people noticed a substantial difference in muscle definition. It was just the boost their active dog’s needed to push their fitness to the next level.
Vita Bully Vitamins for Bully Breeds
Our Rating 4.6/5 Stars
Vet-formulated to work efficiently without any side effects. With over 34 vitamins and nutrients, recovery from illnesses and injuries is faster. The immune system is given a boost to protect overall health. Muscle growth is primarily supported by inclusion of “kelp, magnesium oxide, chicken liver hydrolysates, cellulose, and calcium phosphate” in the formula (per Vita Bully).
- YOUR DOG'S FOOD IS MISSING KEY NUTRIENTS: According to a report done by the Animal Nutrition Group, Vitamin A, E, B-group vitamins and other of nutrients are...
- 100% "LOVE IT OR RETURN IT" MONEY BACK GUARANTEE - We want you and your dog 100% satisfied with our vitamins. We GUARANTEE your dog will love them ... if they...
Last update on 2019-01-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Dogs will just think it’s a treat. Customers report their dogs energy was level throughout the day. There were no more peaks during exercise and valleys when the dogs were depleted. The vitamin and mineral blend is known to put the zip back in your pit’s step.
Let’s Recap
Pitbulls are not like other breeds. Their muscle density is intense. Growing pitbull puppies and dogs require added proteins and fats to help build muscle. Food sensitivities and allergies plague the breed, along with some joint issues. Prevent obesity by regulating feeding times and amounts.
Pitbulls are super high energy breeds that love to play. Make sure you have space and time to give your pitbull a fair amount of exercise each day. Use treats and snack as a dog is growing and being trained. Wean down to regular food in adult years to maintain a healthy balance.
I have lived in big cities my entire life. Having grown up on the Upper East Side in Manhattan, my early life was an exciting one, filled to the brim with interesting encounters and opportunities popping up at every street corner. Like many city people, my passion for dogs first started when my parents decided to bring a puppy into the household. For them, it was a way of getting me to spend less time at his computer or wandering aimlessly around the city with my friends. Little did they know that bringing a Labrador Retriever into their apartment would determine not only the course of their son’s professional career but also my love life.
Having obtained a Computer Science Bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, I went on to pursue an IT career in the Big Apple. After a few years of doing basic cybersecurity and tech support work in various offices around Manhattan, I decided to leave New York and look for my calling in Boston, Massachusetts. There, I got a Master’s degree in Computer Science with a specialization in Web Development. As a means of supporting myself through college, he found a salesman job at a local paper company, where he met Mary, the love of my life and the person I’d end up creating My Sweet Puppy with.
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I agree that you should learn about your dog’s dietary needs. You also mention that pit bulls have a lot of energy. I think it’s a good idea to choose a pit bull so that the breed can live on.