Best Dog Food Options for Pitbull in 2022

The name ‘Pit Bull’ is not ascribed to a distinct dog breed. Instead, he refers to several canine breeds, including the American Bulldog, Staffordshire bull terrier, and American pit bull terrier. However, the nickname notwithstanding, Pit bulls’ infamous reputation precedes them, and misconceptions abound. Pitbulls are, by and large, portrayed as highly ferocious and unruly dogs that pounce on and attack humans and animals at the drop of a hat.

Misapprehensions and misinterpretations about Pit bulls stem from the fact that this canine breed has been aggressive throughout its history. Nevertheless, if you try to become familiar with a Pitbull, you’ll discover that this canine breed is remarkably lovable, generous, and gregarious. This piece will walk you through the Pit Bull’s nutritional needs and recommend some of the best dog food options for this dog breed.

Like all other breeds of dogs, Pit bulls need quality foodstuff to keep themselves healthy and live a disease-free life. AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials) stipulates at least 18% protein for adult Pit bulls and a minimal 22% (protein) for lactating bitches and puppies. Therefore it does not bear emphasis that you’ll need to give your puppy or adult Pitbull premium dog food to meet AAFCO’s standards.        

Buying Guide 

When it comes to providing nourishment to a Pit Bull terrier, the rules you’ve to follow are nearly the same as you adopt for other dog breeds. The dog’s physique, activity level, age, metabolism, and size are important factors that determine the amount or quantity of food the canine needs. The appropriate amount of food for Pit Bulls would vary from one dog to another. 

Every dog, very much like a human being, is intrinsically distinct and has attributes distinguishable from other dogs. Do not automatically assume that your Pit Bull’s size, metabolism, and build or form will be similar to all other Pit Bulls. Remember that the serving size appropriate for your dog will largely depend upon their activity level.

At the same time, the feed quality will go a long way in helping you to decide on the best dog food for your Pit Bull. You’ll often observe that your puppy is not receiving the essential nutrients in proper proportion. So you might be tempted to increase the serving size or feed the dog more often.

You’ve to consider several factors before you make up your mind about the best food brand for your Pit Bull. This buying guide on top-notch dog food brands enlightens you on your dog's food type and the proper serving size and feeding frequency.

1. The sort of diet apt for a Pit Bull

Canine experts and dog trainers strongly believe that the optimal diet for all dog breeds, including Pit Bull, is the kind which harmoniously balances carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. A Pitbull is a vibrant and active dog breed and therefore has to source the energy from the carbohydrates in the daily meals. The carbohydrates in dog food supply the bulk of the dog’s energy needs.

The accumulated fat serves as a backup supply and is used up when the dog runs low on energy. Proteins serve as the lender of the last resort and therefore pressed into service only when fats and carbohydrates don’t provide the required energy level. Nevertheless, there’s a tradeoff when the dog has to source a proportion of his everyday energy requirements from fats and proteins.

If your Pitbull looks skinny and malnourished, it’s a telltale sign that he’s not getting the proper nutrients from his food, thus causing muscle atrophy. The nutritional make-up or composition recommended by experts and specialists that is apt for an adult Pit Bull in perfect shape is:-

• 30% carbohydrates

• 45% proteins

• 25% fat

2. The quantity of food that will be ideal for my dog

While you start shopping for the best dog food brands for your pet puppy, you must keep one aspect in mind. And that is, the different dog food options that you come across are not created equal. So, without oversimplifying, it can be expressed straightaway that there’s no custom-built dog food for any particular breed.

This is so because dogs' nutritional and calorific needs under a specific breed could vary significantly. A host of factors would determine the exact amount of foodstuff your Pitbull will require daily. For example, a pregnant or lactating female’s nutritional requirements will generally be more significant than an adult male's.

The lactating or pregnant bitch will need the nutrients for the unborn pups and herself. In short, you’ll struggle to find standardized figures mentioning the exact amount of carbs, proteins, and fats your dog requires.    

3. A Pit Bull’s nutritional needs

Your pet Pitbull’s nutritional needs will, for the most part, depend on the canine’s body size and activity level. Nevertheless, the following aspects will influence the dog’s day-to-day calorific requirements:-

• Climatic conditions of the area where you stay

• Spaying and neutering 

• The dog’s age

• Prevalence of any illness or an underlying medical abnormality

• Physiological aspects like lactation, growth, gestation, metabolism, and so on   

1. Carbohydrate requirements

Nowadays, most dog foods contain an abnormally high proportion of carbohydrates than proteins and fats. The vegetable, fruit, and nourishing grains extracts in dog foods are the primary sources of carbohydrates. Go for a dog food brand containing soluble carbs and a low quantity of fibres if your dog tends to stay active.

But if the pooch is used to staying idle for the better part of the day, then choose a brand having a good proportion of fibres. Most canine experts suggest that the percentage of carbs in the diet of your Pitbull must range from 25%-30%.    

2.  Dietary fats

As per AAFCO’s stipulations, Pitbull puppies need nothing less than 8% fats and adults at least 5% fat every day. 

3.  Protein needs    

Proteins contain amino acids that help promote the secretion of hormones, enzymes, and other bodily secretions. Additionally, proteins contribute growth and development of protective and structural tissues. 1gm of protein furnishes the Pitbull with approximately 3.5 calories of energy. As mentioned above, AAFCO has specified that pups and adults require a minimum of 22% and 18% protein daily.

Product Comparison Chart

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe with Roasted Bison

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Roasted venison and roasted bison blend judiciously in this dog food free of grains, furnishing the much-needed energy for your young puppy. Both Pit bullpups and adults do well on a calorie-rich diet, thereby keeping them hale and hearty as they develop. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe’s primary ingredient is buffalo meat supplemented by other protein sources such as beef and venison (deer meat).

This dog food formula for growing Pitbull puppies also contains dried chicory root, vegetables, and fruits that promote digestion. On the other hand, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids help keep the pup’s coat hypoallergenic, glossy, and velvety. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine dog food recipe comprises 10% moisture, 5% fibre, 17% fat, and 28% proteins providing the dog with his daily nutritional dosage.

The fibre content and the prebiotics aid the beneficial microorganisms to flourish in the canine’s gastrointestinal tract. 

Features:

• Premium protein recipe comprising of smaller kibbles 

• Reinforced with 28% protein: roasted venison, beef, and buffalo meat

• All ingredients from sustainable and reliable sources

• Completely grain-free

• It does not contain artificial preservatives, colours or flavors

• Produced in the US: family operated and owned 

Pros

1. Produced with strict adherence to food safety practices; thoroughly safe for your dog

2. It contains minerals, vitamins, and protein-rich ingredients for promoting effective growth and development.

3. Includes proprietary probiotics that facilitate digestion

4. Ideal for growing puppies

Cons

1. Many customers have reported that the FDA has warned against using this brand as the contents could damage dogs.

Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food for all ages (puppies and adult dogs)

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Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food, with its high-calorie meat-based formula, is one of the best dog food options for owners of Pit bulls. The Bully Max 30/20 has been produced using the top-quality human-grade components available. This High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food by Bully Max is steeped in proteins and calories guaranteed to boost your dog’s energy and activity level.

This dog food contains 20% more fats and 30% more protein than other conventional dog food brands. Bully Max dog food is also free of preservatives, colours or artificial flavours. The chief ingredient of this dog food brand is amino acid-rich meat that promotes overall development.  

Features:

• One-of-a-kind meat-based dog food formulation

• The only dog food brand to have received a 5-star rating.

• Suitable for both pups and adult dogs

Pros

1. It does not contain any soy, wheat or corn extracts

2. Rich in animal protein for enabling dogs to thrive

3. Every cup/serving of Bully Max contains 535 calories, thereby offering the requisite energy your dog needs daily

4. Suitable for all dog breeds and dogs aged four weeks and above

Cons

1. This dog food has not been certified by AAFCO (at least the label does not indicate the same)

2. The official site is silent on where the ingredients have been sourced from

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Wet Dog Food

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Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain Free Natural Adult Wet Dog Food (12 cans of 12.5oz each) has been formulated with meticulous care to help satisfy the nutritional requirements of dogs. This wet dog food by Blue Freedom contains chicken as the primary ingredient and is thoroughly free of grains.

The vegetables and fruits replenish the dogs with the supplementary antioxidants and nutrients they need every day. Comprising 78% moisture, 1.5% fibre, and 6% fat, this wet dog food best serves as a top-up food and the usual dry food.

Features:

• Every order includes 1 x 12 12.5 ounce cans of wet dog food

• It does not contain grains, poultry byproducts, artificial preservatives or flavours 

• Made from premium natural ingredients reinforced with minerals and vitamins

• It can be used as a treat or topper food together with your dog’s preferred dry food 

Pros

1. High-quality natural dog food supplemented with vitamins and minerals

2. It serves as a complete balanced meal

3. It can be mixed with the dry kibble to boost appetite

4. It works as a delectable treat in between meals

Cons

• It contains “Carrageenan,” which could cause a belly bloat

Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food for Adult Dogs, Chicken and Rice Formula, 40lbs Bag

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The Diamond Natural Dry Dog Food “All Life Stages Dog Chicken & Rice Formula” comprises 16% fat, 26% protein, and superfoods. Containing a judicious blend of natural foods for dogs, the Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food provides the amino acids for muscle building and calories for energy. This dog food, specially formulated for puppies of large breeds and maturing dogs, contains Vitamin E and appropriate Selenium levels for adequate antioxidant nutrition.

The DHA in the food helps in the gradual, healthy development of vision and brain.     

Features:

• Loaded with proprietary probiotics for aiding in digestion

• Formulated using rice and cage-free chicken 

• Designed for growing pups and adult dogs

• It comes with vitamins, minerals, vegetables, fruits, and grains

Pros

1. A harmonious blend of fatty acids and proteins for supporting growth at all stages

2. It contains L-Carnitine that transforms fats and protein into energy for keeping dogs healthy

3. Crunchy crispy kibble checks plaque and cleans teeth

Cons

1. Some ingredients in the food could cause allergy

Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Natural Turkey & Venison

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Most high-end dog foods available nowadays can burn a hole in your pocket yet may not provide sufficient nutrients to your dog. However, if you make a little effort, you’ll find plenty of affordable brands that accord due importance to the nutritional and calorific requirements of the Pitbull. Purina ONE SmartBlend is not only priced competitively for a sizeable 27.5 lbs bag but also contains a whopping 30 percent protein formula for furnishing the muscle support your Pitbull requires.

The chief ingredient of this dog food brand is turkey meat which offers your adult dog much-needed proteins. Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct neither contains any poultry byproducts nor has any artificial preservatives and flavours. The glucosamine in turkey meat supports the dog’s energetic lifestyle and strengthens bones.

Purina ONE SmartBlend comprises 12% moisture, 3% fibre, 17% fat, and high protein content. This dog food brand prioritizes animal protein, its moderate grain content notwithstanding.

Features:

• A blend of venison and turkey makes it nutrient-rich

• Free of artificial preservatives or flavours and poultry byproducts

• Adult dog food with extra minerals, vitamins, and nutrients

• 30% protein content for muscle development

Pros

1. Premium food for adults of all dog breeds

2. Available in a range of textures and flavours

3. Superior to Purina ONE Lamb & Rice Formula

Cons

1. Many customers have reported finding worms, mould, and even metal pieces inside.