Pitbulls are one of breeds of dogs that owners just love more than anything. This is a buyer’s guide to help you find the best dog food for Pitbulls.
Pitbulls are a high-energy dog breed. Lots of dog owners love their Pitbulls specifically because of this. But having such a high energy dog, usually means that it can have some very specific nutritional demands.
It can be confusing to choose the right dog food for your Pit bull. But don’t worry this buyer’s guide is here to help you choose the perfect food.
By giving you all the relevant information about what Pitbulls need in their diet, as well as a detailed account of many different types of food out there, I am sure you will find this guide very helpful!
Things to consider when buying best dog food for pitbulls
Every dog breed has its own unique set of nutritional requirements. Nutritional requirements are dependent on things like the dog’ size and its energy levels.
Pitbulls were originally bred for blood sports, like dogfighting. They are a very muscular and high energy dog breed.
Physically speaking, the Pitbulls are a medium-sized, lean breed with short-tails and a very broad head and strong jaws.
Like all other breeds of dogs, Pitbulls require food that has the correct balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, fatty acids and minerals that will match the specific nutritional requirements of the breed.
Here are some of the most important things to consider when choosing the right food for your Pitbull.
- Quantity:
Generally speaking, Pitbulls have a calorie intake of between 922 and 1740 calories per day. This amount, however, will depend a lot on how active your dog is. Other things that would determine the quantity of food would be the dog’s age and whether or not the dog is pregnant. Puppies need to eat more regularly than older dogs, and very active dogs might also need extra calories.
- Protein Requirements:
Pitbulls are lean, muscular dogs that need a lot of protein in their diet. An average Pitbull diet should be about 30% protein. Sport dogs, or especially active Pitbulls might need up to 50% protein in their diets. Keep this in mind if you have a very active dog, or if you frequently take it out for walks/play.
- Fat Requirements:
Fat is a very important energy reserve for Pitbulls. Since they are naturally lean dogs, they really need fat in their diet for backup energy. Fat is also important for them to maintain healthy coats. Growing Pitbulls need a fat percentage of around 25% in their diets where adult dogs can do with slightly less.
- Carbohydrate Requirements:
Dogs’ carbohydrate needs are much less than humans. A wild diet would consist almost entirely of protein and fat. Domesticated animals, however, can have a bit of carbohydrates in their food. Just make sure that the brand of food does not use excessive amounts of carbohydrates. There is a reason you cannot just feed your dog bread. It is not good for them!
- Mineral and Vitamin Requirements:
All animals need some vitamins and minerals. Wild animals get them from salts in rivers and from the flesh of other animals that consume them. When it comes to dry dogfood, however, vitamins and minerals have to be added. These additives are responsible for things like keeping your dog’s teeth and bones healthy.
- Allergies:
Some dogs, just like some people, are born with food allergies. Others might develop them over time. Allergies might be caused by low quality ingredients in the food, or it might just be an intolerance specific to your dog. Look out for symptoms of allergies, like digestion problems or breathing issues. If your dog is showing some of these symptoms it is best to have the dog checked out by a vet and to find an alternative food brand that does not contain the food causing the allergic reaction. Pitbulls are also prone to skin allergies. But those are easy to spot.
- Harmful food for Pitbulls:
Avoid all processed carbohydrates like bread and maze. These are not good to feed your dog directly or to put into its food. Pitbull diet should be mainly proteins and fats. Many low quality dog foods use processed carbohydrates to make up volume in their food. Stay away from dogfood with high quantities of processed carbohydrates.
- Personal taste:
When I say personal taste, I am referring to the dog…not to you. We all know what our dogs like. Make sure you find a brand and a flavour that your dog is crazy about. It is very important for your dog to enjoy his meals. There are many flavours out there. Make sure to choose the one that will make it easy for you to get your dog to consume the right nutrition.
- Health Problems:
Corn, soy and wheat can often lead to serious health problems for your Pitbull in the long run. They are often used as filler ingredients and might deprive the dog of very necessary calcium that helps prevent hip and elbow dysplasia, which is another thing that Pitbulls are prone to.
- Your Budget:
Of course you have to consider your budget. Just remember that cheap food is not always cheap in the long run. Cheap food often means that the dog will have to eat more to get the right amounts of nutrients. It might lead to expensive health issues further down the line. Buy something that is in your budget, but that will still meet all of your dog’s needs.
In Short Conclusion
So keep these points in mind when you are shopping for the best food for your Pitbull. Every dog has a different personality and taste, so every dog will have a food that would be best for it. So keep these points in mind when shopping and when reading through our detailed list of top 10 best dog foods for Pitbulls.
- The quantity of the food and how much your dog will eat per day.
- The nutritional requirements that would include the Protein, Fat, Carb and Mineral content.
- Allergies and health issues that your dog might have.
- Your dog’s taste.
- Your budget.
Best Dog Food for Pitbulls 2017 – Top 10
| Name | Grain Free | Flavour | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food | Yes | Turkey and Chicken | Dry | |
| CANIDAE Grain Free PURE | Yes | Salmon | Dry | |
| Wellness Complete Health | Yes | Chicken and Barley | Dry | |
| Taste of the Wild (Ed’s Choice) | Yes | Bison and Venison | Dry | |
| Orijen Adult | No | Chicken | Dry | |
| Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy | Yes | Chicken | Dry | |
| Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch | Yes | Fish | Dry | |
| Merrick | Yes | Duck and Sweet Potato | Dry | |
| Taste of the Wild - Puppy | Yes | Roasted Venison and Bison | Dry | |
| Wellness Simple Natural Limited Ingredients | Yes | Salmon and Potato | Dry |
What did not make our list:
Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast
While it is still an excellent dog food for Pitbulls, we had to ultimately make a choice between the Earthborn Great Plains Feast and the Earthborn Coastal Catch.
The reason we chose the Coastal Catch, basically came down to the flavour. Since the two foods are very similar, it had to be the popularity and flavour that decided which makes the list.
The fish flavour of the coastal catch seems to be very popular. Most Pitbull owners report their dogs loving it, where the Great Plains Feast does not get that much excitement around its flavours. Some owners actually report struggling to get their dogs to eat it.
Halo Vegan Garden Medley Stew for Dogs
This is actually an excellent dog food. We also really wanted to include a vegan option on our list. But unfortunately the protein levels of this and other vegan food products is just too low to sustain a healthy Pitbull.
The food might work for older dogs that don’t need that much protein anymore. It is also a great choice for dogs with serious allergies to animal meat products. Unfortunately, young, growing and active Pitbulls are going to need much more protein in their diets than what this brand can offer.
Our pick for best dog food for Pitbulls 2017
Our editor’s choice for the number one best dog food for Pitbulls is Taste of the Wild Dry Dogfood.
The reason we chose this food as our number one pick is simply because it ticks so many of our boxes of what is important in a good Pitbull dogfood. There are more details in the actual review below, but Taste of the Wild basically offers a high protein diet that is very close to a natural canine diet.
It works perfectly for Pitbulls since it caters to their high protein needs while still making sure that it is balanced and nutritious.
Excellent food choice for Pitbulls at a reasonable price.
Top 10 Best dog food for Pitbulls – The In-depth Reviews
Here follow our 10 in depth interviews of the best dog foods for Pitbulls. We compiled a list of ten dog foods that are especially good dog food choices if you happen to have a Pitbull. We took into account everything from the nutritional requirements of Pitbulls to the amounts they have to eat on a daily basis.
We hope that the list, and our research helps you to find the right dog food for your Pitbull.
Best Dog Food For Pitbulls #1: Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food is made from quality animal products and does not contain grains or any other kind of carbohydrate based filler. This means that most of the weight in this food is made up of nutritional materials.
The protein source, which is very important for Pitbulls is from a combination of turkey and chicken sources. This will help maintain the lean muscular build of the dog.
The Wellness dogfood brand also contains real vegetables which provides your Pitbull with the highest quality vitamins and minerals to boost their growth.
Wellness Core Grain Free dog food is completely free of any artificial or potentially harmful additives.
It contains decent amounts of dietary fiber that helps to promote the dog’s digestive health.
Conclusion:
This is a very balanced, high protein dog food that is perfectly suited for the Pitbull breed. With little to no fillers and a focus on natural ingredients and flavors, this brand is sure to be gentle on the health issues of Pitbulls while still catering to their high energy dietary needs.
- Lower fat content for dogs with heart issues
- No carbohydrate-rich fillers like grain or soy.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Good food choice for weight loss
- Good taste, even for dogs who are picky eaters.
- Might be harsh on the stomach if the dog is not use to this food due to the pro biotic qualities.
- Unpleasant smell If the food is not stored properly.
- Reported cases of allergic reactions.
Best Dog Food For Pitbulls #2: CANIDAE Grain Free PURE Dry Dog Food
One of the things that sets this dog food apart from the rest, is that it contains fresh Salmon. Firstly, that is good for the taste which is obviously an important factor when it comes to making good dog food. Secondly, salmon has a uniquely balanced combination of protein and fat that is perfect for Pitbulls. Salmon naturally contains Omega 3 and 6 oils, which does wonders for your Pitbull’s coat. Good fats are a key ingredient to healthy-looking pelts.
Salmon is also a very gentle protein that is easily digestible for more sensitive or even older dogs. With a combination of vegetables and probiotic properties, this dogfood is remarkably easy to digest.
This is another well balanced dogfood. It is very high in protein, but also contains plenty of natural fats that will ensure a good coat and plenty of energy reserves. Canidae is also a particularly good choice for any Pitbull with digestive problems.
- Ideal for dogs transitioning from Puppyhood to Adulthood.
- Due to its sensitive nature, it is great for dogs prone to food allergies.
- Balanced high protein diet suited for a Pitbull
- All ingredients are sourced from within the U.S.
- High natural fat percentage helps maintain beautiful coats.
- Vegetable ingredients may lead to problems with gas in certain dogs.
- Some dogs do not like the smell or taste of fish based foods.
- More expensive than some other similar brands.
Best Dog Food For Pitbulls #3: Wellness Complete Health
Wellness Complete is one of those brands that dog owners are immediate drawn to because of brand reputation. People know about it, and they know about it for good reason.
Wellness Complete provides a balanced formula for complete health and is promoted as a natural dry food with premium ingredients. The extensive ingredient list shows the range of natural extracts, vitamins and minerals, as well as the real chicken and vegetable sources for “whole body nutritional support”.
There is also the fact that this product is free from many problematic sources, such as grains, wheat, soy and artificial ingredients.
It has a great taste, great effects and offers noticeable chances on malnourished dogs. It is a bit costly, but that is because of the ingredients.
Like most foods on this list, this is a high protein dog food. This brand however tries to focus on creating a product that is especially well rounded. A little bit of everything. Protein, fat, carbs and lots of vitamins. This is an excellent food choice for your Pitbull.
- Wellness Complete is an excellent choice for ageing Pitbulls. It is gentle on their systems while still high in nutritional value.
- Contains no grain or fillers.
- Popular choice and very good brand reputation.
- Since it is aimed for older dogs, it might not have the protein boost you are looking for if you are looking for your Pitbull to gain muscle.
- Some dogs dislike the bland flavor.
- Not a cheap brand.
Best Dog Food For Pitbulls #4: Taste of the Wild (Ed’s Choice)
Taste of the Wild is our editor’s choice and top pick for good reason. The whole idea behind this brand is to create dry pet food that is as close to nature as possible.
All the ingredients are natural, so all the protein, fat and minerals come from natural sources. This means that the food is generally easy to digest and easy on dogs with sensitive stomachs.
This dog food comes packed with lean bison and venison meat, both roasted for flavor. Dogs generally really enjoy these naturally meaty flavors.
Pitbulls need the right food to help them grow effectively into their lean muscular bodies. It can sometimes be very expensive to meet all of the nutritional needs of such a high energy, muscular dog. Taste of the Wild is one of the most affordable ways to meet these needs without breaking the bank
Balanced natural ingredient, grain free dog food that is available at an affordable price. One of the most popular brands out there due to its high quality and affordability.
- Natural ingredient list
- Grain free
- Affordable for the high quality food.
- Popular flavor
- High in protein and minerals.
- Some dogs do not like the flavor
- Inconsistencies in the company’s formula
- Some dogs have trouble digesting the product if they are not use to it.
Best Dog Food For Pitbulls #5: Orijen Adult
This is the dog food that is recommended for those dog owners out there who wished they could just feed their dogs raw, natural products.
Orijen Adult is the closest you are going to get to feeding your dog raw steaks. This is an incredibly high protein dog food. If you have a young, strong Pitbull and want it to get maximum protein intake, this is the food for you.
While their competition is trying to decide whether they should use organic meat or regular meat. Orijen raises their own free-range chickens, sends out fisherman for their own, fresh salmon literally packs the freshest, most wholesome meats they can into their dog food.
Not only are there ingredients top notch, the proportions are incredible. You are looking at 80% protein in every bite — everything your growing pit needs for optimal muscle development.
This is an expensive option that will not be available to everybody. But the quality of this food is ridiculously good. This is the best high end, high protein dry dogfood out there. If you can afford it, go for it!
- Super fresh and well sourced ingredients
- Closest thing you will get to an actual natural raw diet
- Very, very high protein content.
- Might be the best Pitbull food on the market if you can afford it.
- Way more expensive than other dog foods.
- If the dog does not like the flavor, you will have wasted a lot of money.
- Some dogs might find the high protein content a bit intense and difficult to digest.
Best Dog Food For Pitbulls #6: Blue Buffalo Wilderness – Puppy
This entry we included in our list to make sure that all of you with new Pitbull puppies are also covered. It is so important to make sure that your puppy gets that absolute best nutrition it can get it.
Blue Wilderness Grain Free Puppy Food has absolutely everything you’re growing Pitbull needs. It has DHA — which is an important fatty acid that is found in their mother’s milk. The boned chicken, along with chicken and Turkey meal for high protein formula which helps them with their growth and general development.
This food is good for puppies in general, but I would say that it is extra good for Pitbull puppies due to its high protein and medium fat content.
One of the best dry foods available for giving your Pitbull puppy a solid health platform. It will give your Pitbull puppy all of the initial nutritional requirements for it to grow into a strong adult Pitbull.
- Puppy formulation is sensitive on puppy tummies.
- High protein content for solid development.
- Good taste, and popularity with young dogs.
- Provides vitamins and minerals for healthy bone growth
- Good customer service if the puppy can’t eat the food
- Some puppies struggle to move over to adult brands after getting used to this brand.
- Some puppies get sick from the food.
- Intense smell
Best Dog Food For Pitbulls #7: Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch
Made with lean fish meats, this dog food is a high quality source of protein for your dog. This high level of protein encourages the development lean muscle mass in your dog, and is especially good for Pitbulls.
With a good fat percentage at around 25% per serving, it has the right amount of fat to go well with very active Pitbulls.
The L-Carnitine assists with the conversion of body fat into muscle and energy. Egg protein is also a major ingredient which helps bring up the protein level of the food in a more natural way.
Good balanced diet for a high protein, and high energy needing dog. I would recommend this brand to anyone who has a dog that is still pretty young and full of youthful energy.
- High fat percentage that is particularly good for dogs with active lifestyles.
- High protein content
- Affordable
- Strong smell
- Some dogs don’t like the flavor
- Fruits and vegetables in the recipe can lead to difficulties with digestion and gas in some dogs.
Best Dog Food For Pitbulls #8: Merrick
This is one of the most interesting dog foods on our list today. The number one ingredient in the Merrick dog food, is deboned duck.
Think about is as high protein gourmet dogfood. The brand is made of 70 percent proteins, which is great for Pitbulls. And the other 30 percent, does not contain grain or other fillers, but rather, fresh produce. This gives your Pitbull all of the muscle fuel and healthy nutrients it could possibly need.
The recipe is also enriched with Omega 3 and 6 Oils which is good for your dog’s coat.
This is a very healthy dogfood that contains no unnatural ingredients. With a 70% protein content, which is higher than usual it is a good brand for growing or athletic/active dogs.
- Extra high protein content
- All natural ingredients
- Added Omega 3 and 6 oils for beautiful coat.
- Main ingredient is duck
- Some dogs find it hard to transition to this food.
- Natural products, like the fresh produce, may cause gas.
- Not good with picky eaters
Best Dog Food For Pitbulls #9: Taste of the Wild – Puppy
This is a food that is very similar to a previous entry on the list — the editor’s choice. The food is very similar with the only difference being that this is specifically for growing dogs.
With the focus on young dogs, the protein content is slightly lower, but still high. There are also extra ingredients that help with the healthy formation of bones and joints.
The grain-free formula provides digestible energy and excellent nutrition for growing puppies. Without the grain fillers, the product is gentle on puppies that may be sensitive to allergens like grain.
Fruits and vegetables deliver natural antioxidants to help support a healthy lifestyle
Everything that is good about Taste of the Wild Ed’s choice, is also applicable here, with the added benefit that this is especially formulated for growing pups.
- Grain Free
- Natural ingredients
- Minerals to stimulate growth and development of puppies
- Recent price raise
- Some puppies struggle to move on to the adult brand after getting used to this one.
- Causes gas in some pups
Best Dog Food For Pitbulls #10: Wellness Simple Natural – Limited Ingredients
This is a product specifically for the owners of older Pitbulls that are still in need of all the high protein goodness, but that are also starting to calm down a bit.
Wellness Simple Natural does exactly what the name says. It is similar to the other Wellness products, but it tries to be extra sensitive.
This product is thus perfect for dogs with age or health issues. It does, however still contain all the things we have come to expect in good dog food for Pitbulls. High Protein, medium fat, low carb and high vitamin and mineral levels.
This is the brand for older Pitbulls, or ones with health issues. All the flavors and ingredients are basic and mild so they won’t upset any sensitive stomach. It does still contain all the protein the dog might still need.
- Good for aging dogs
- Good for dogs with health issues
- Won’t affect dogs prone to allergies or with sensitive digestion
- Might be bland for dogs with normal needs
- Not enough calories for younger, healthy dogs.
- Small pellets
How we chose the best dog food for your Pitbull:
We all know you love your pet – let’s face it – they become a part of the family! Like any member of the family, you want to feed them food that not only tastes good but is also good for them.
Pitbulls are friendly, beautiful animals that require love, care and a good diet. Their strong and agile bodies mean that they require high-protein diets which is low in grain.
It is important to watch out for obesity in dogs, especially Pitbulls as they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which is exacerbated by high weight. This list of criteria is what guided our food choices to ensure that your dog has a shiny coat, healthy weight and a big smile.
- High Protein
Protein Protein Protein! Pitbulls are high energy dogs. Protein is the building block for energy. These food products are high in protein and contain minimal fillers which could lead to obesity.
- That’s Delicious
No one likes to eat bad food, so why should your dog eat it? That is why we selected yummy flavors for your canine companion. Given the need for high protein, we looked at protein-dense flavors: Chicken, beef, lamb and fish. This will ensure that your Pitbull is well-fed and happy about it too.
- What we avoided?
Pitbull’s are known to be allergic to corn, wheat and potatoes. For this reason, our carefully selected dog food avoids these ingredients.
- Price
There is no reason your doggy can’t enjoy a five-star meal without putting a strain on your wallet. We carefully selected a range of food products to accommodate for different budgets. This will ensure that your Pitbull is healthy without you having to take out a second mortgage.
- Convenience
When you come home from work, the last thing you want to do is worry about making dinner. And not just your dinner, the dinner of your buddy too! With this in mind, we chose food products that are easy and on-the-go but do not compromise on the flavor. Just open the bag, measure the amount, and put in the bowl – he won’t taste the different.
- Easy to store
No one wants to have twenty different cans of food mixed in the pantry. A bag of food is the way to go! Either keep it in the bag or transfer to a bucket, no more sifting through cans to find a meal.
- Easy to clean up
When it comes to food, dry food is always easier than wet food. No need for soaking bowls to get the stickiness out. No more scrubbing with a sponge and detergent! Just rinse the bowl under the tap after a meal and you’re ready to go.
- Dry Products
Apart from the convenience, dry dog food is generally healthier for your dog. Dry dog food is generally lower in fat content and calorie content than other forms of dog food. This is especially important to keep in mind with Pitbulls as weight issues could result in secondary symptoms.
- What when how?
These products have easy to follow feeding instructions. This way, you don’t have to worry about how much to feed your pooch and when, just read the instructions and voila!
- Smell
Yes, we did choose food products that have a mild odor but that’s not all we mean. Let’s face it, we love our dogs but sometimes poor digestion can cause gas. Not only that, but it is uncomfortable for your canine friend. That is why we stayed clear of beans, peas, milk products, high fat foods and anything spicy. This will ensure that your dog can digest with ease and that you can sleep with ease!
Wrapping it up.
That’s it. We hope that our list helps you to make an informed choice when it comes to your Pitbull dogfood.
There are a lot of brands, flavors and types out there on the market today. Hopefully this list helped you to get some clarity on how to choose the right food for your doggie.
Pitbulls are special dogs. All Pitbull owners know that. That’s why all Pitbull owners have to take extra care to buy just the right food for their dogs.
Did you enjoy our list? Did you find it helpful? Did we leave out your favorite Pitbull food? If so, please let us know in the comments.
If you find this helpful, share it with all your Pitbull loving friends!
Until next time
