Pitbull terriers or simply Pitbulls are one of the most intriguing canine breeds. They are largely depicted as very vicious animals, very aggressive against other dogs as well as to other humans. Pit bulls are also depicted in the media as having locking jaws that add to their viciousness. Unfortunately, many of these characterizations are considered myths by animal experts and can be easily disproven by those who have worked closely with these breeds. If any, pit bulls are well-known for their determination. If trained properly and given the correct nutrition and guidance, these ‘super vicious’ dogs can actually be considered one of the most valuable breeds. Since optimum health starts with good nutrition, it is important to take a closer look at what constitutes the best and most appropriate diet for a Pit Bull terrier.
A Quick Overview of Our Favorites
| Editor's Pick | Product Name | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Weight Gain | Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.7 |
| Best for Healthy Skin | Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free | Buy on Amazon | 4.7 |
| Best for Pitties with Allergies | Natural Balance L.I.D. Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato | Buy on Amazon | 4.7 |
| Best Grain-Free | Wellness CORE Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon Recipe | Buy on Amazon | 4.7 |
| Best Value | Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice | Buy on Amazon | 4.5 |
| Best to Build Muscle | Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.6 |
| Best for Puppies | ORIJEN Puppy Biollogically Appropriate Dog Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.6 |
| Best Canned Dog Food | Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Canned Dog Food | Buy on Chewy | 5.0 |
| Best for Senior Dogs | Annamaet Original Senior Dry Dog Food | Buy on Amazon | 4.3 |
| Best Fresh Food | The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog FoodThe Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog Food | Check Latest Price | N/A |
The 10 Top Rated Dog Food for Pitbulls
1 Best for Weight Gain: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Brand: Taste of the Wild
- First 5 ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
- Primary Protein Source: Lamb & Beef
- Calories: 370 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Beef, Venison, Lamb
- Life Stage: Adult
What makes the Taste of the Wild’s Canine Formula so uniquely interesting for pit bull terriers is that it comes in amazingly unique and novel proteins. Instead of relying solely on the usual chicken or beef, Taste of the Wild really brings to each pack of the Canine Formula one of the best pitbull protein diets you could ever give to your pooch.
For starters, the TOTW Canine Formula contains not less than 32 percent of proteins which is more than the minimum recommended protein intake of pit bull terriers at 25 percent, peaking at 50 percent for the very active ones. The novel protein source is another plus as it gives the TOTW a very safe hypoallergenic profile since many of these proteins are not yet fully recognized by the immune system of pit bulls as necessarily allergenic. Moreover, the choice of meat proteins is simply superb as venison, boar, salmon, lamb, wildfowl, and a blend of venison and bison can truly make for very interesting food for pit bulls. The flavors of each of these meats are locked into each kibble.
The fat content of the TOTW is also well within the recommended daily intake of 15 to 25 percent. The TOTW contains at least 18 percent fat. Compared to the other 4 in our list, the TOTW has the right to call itself the best dog food for Pitbulls to gain weight because of its higher fat content. Additionally, choosing its salmon variety should give your pitbull terrier more health benefits because of the higher levels of DHA and EPA which are very important in brain and eye health and against inflammation, respectively. The DHA content of the TOTW Canine Formula should be especially beneficial to your pitbull pup.
As for its carbohydrate content, the TOTW Canine Formula is blended with a variety of fruits and vegetables that provide for its exceptional nutrient profile including zinc, selenium, and vitamin E. The antioxidant mix in this Taste of the Wild pitbull dog food should help ensure healthier coats and skin while reducing the incidence of inflammation in your pooch. It is also grain-free so folks who are worried about having their pit bulls getting upset stomachs can rest assured that the hypoallergenic nature of its novel protein formulation is safeguarded by the exclusion of allergenic grains like wheat, soy, and corn. Instead, the TOTW comes with healthier wholesome carbs like peas and sweet potatoes.
The TOTW Canine Formula promises to provide exceptional nutrition to your pit bull terrier. And thousands of happy customers agree.
Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Egg Product, Roasted Bison, Roasted Venison, Beef, Natural Flavor, Tomato Pomace, Potato Protein, Pea Protein, Ocean Fish Meal, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid. Contains A Source Of Live (Viable), Naturally Occurring Microorganisms.
2 Best for Healthy Skin: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch
- Primary Protein Source: Chicken
- Calories: 409 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
Featuring its proprietary blend of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, vitamins, and minerals in every kibble, the BLUE Wilderness Adult Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food makes its way into our list of the best dog foods for pit bulls. BLUE Wilderness prides itself of being able to promote healthier muscle development and greater energy for your active pitbull. It also provides for healthier joints and stronger bones and teeth while improving the coat and skin of your pit bull terrier. Additionally, its mix of vitamins and minerals, together with its antioxidants, helps boost your terrier’s ability to ward off infections.
A closer look at its protein content suggests that BLUE Wilderness has slightly more proteins than the TOTW at 34 percent, making it a great pitbull protein source. However, it is quite mind-boggling since its formulation is supposed to be grain-free, implying that it wants to get rid of the allergenic potential of these food items. Sadly, it would seem it misses the point about allergies since it still uses chicken as its principal source of protein; although it also lists fish meal as one of its sources. Chicken, as we all know, is an allergen. BLUE Wilderness may have removed allergenic grains but it surely didn’t make any effort to remove the allergenicity of chicken.
It makes up for it in including glucosamine in its formulation, however. This substance is important in ensuring the optimum health of the joints. So, if your pitbull is suffering from joint problems such as arthritis, then glucosamine inclusion should be helpful.
BLUE Wilderness has lower fat content than TOTW at 15 percent. Nevertheless, this is still within the minimum recommended fat content for pit bull terriers. It also has omega-3 fatty acids for added benefits.
Like TOTW, BLUE Wilderness sources its carbs from wholesome veggies and fruits so your pitbull can derive many of its vitamins and minerals from.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine), Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Menhaden Fish Meal (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Dried Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Pea Starch, Natural Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, DL-Methionine, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), L-Carnitine, Copper Sulfate, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
3 Best for Pitties with Allergies: Natural Balance L.I.D. Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato
- Brand: Natural Balance
- First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Cassava Flour, Potatoes
- Primary Protein Source: Salmon
- Calories: 373 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Salmon & Sweet Potato
- Life Stage: Adult
The principle espoused by Natural Balance in its Sweet Potato & Fish Formula is the limitation of ingredients to help minimize the allergenic potential of the dog food. Like TOTW, Natural Balance did not include chicken in its formulation. Neither did it include allergenic grains. Instead, it focused its formulation on 2 very simple ingredients: fish and sweet potatoes.
It is also perhaps because of this limited ingredient approach that Natural Balance has a much lower protein and fat content at 21 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Pitbull protein diets require at least 25 percent, making Natural Balance not quite up to the standards for a pit bull terrier. However, if your dog happens to suffer from a kidney problem, then this lower protein content should help remove the stress of its kidneys.
Natural Balance also comes with exceptional DHA levels, vitamins, and minerals to help promote better health for your pooch.
Find out more about Natural Balance Dog Food.
Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Cassava Flour, Potatoes, Sunflower Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Brewers Dried Yeast, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Potato Protein, Salt, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Dl-methionine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, D-calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Choline Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid (Used As A Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
4 Best Grain-Free: Wellness CORE Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon Recipe
- Brand: Wellness
- First 5 ingredients: Whitefish, Herring Meal, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Salmon, Herring, Peas
- Calories: 414 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Whitefish, Herring Meal, Salmon Meal
- Life Stage: Adult
This pitbull dog food from Wellness CORE is a contender in our list of the top-rated dog foods for pitbulls in that it comes with more variety in its protein sources than BLUE Wilderness but still runs short of the accomplishment of TOTW. Its protein profile is similar to the BLUE Wilderness at 34 percent. However, its fat content is a lot more similar to Natural Balance at 12 percent. It still packs the same nutrient content as the BLUE Wilderness, though, including the addition of chondroitin and glucosamine. These 2 substances are important for promoting and maintaining optimum joint health.
Wellness CORE is available in various blends of oceanic fishes, wild game, and poultry that include chicken and turkey. If you want to take full advantage of its grain-free formulation, you’re better off picking any but the chicken and turkey variant.
You may also like our review of Wellness Core Dog Food.
Whitefish, Herring Meal (source of Glucosamine), Salmon Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Lentils, Dried Ground Potatoes, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Pea Fiber, Tomato Pomace, Natural Fish Flavor, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
5 Best Value: Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice
- Brand: Diamond
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Barley
- Calories: 327 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Rice
- Life Stage: Adult
If you’re looking for the best dog food for pitbulls to gain weight, you’re better off with the TOTW than the natural Large Breed 60+ Formula from Diamond Pet Foods. Its fat content is significantly lower at 13 percent, although slightly higher than Wellness CORE. Its protein content is higher than Natural Balance at 23% and features the same chondroitin and glucosamine formulations in the Wellness CORE. Our only lament is that it is only available in lamb & rice and chicken preparations. While it doesn’t explicitly say that it is gluten-free, the absence of wheat, soy, and corn should lead you to believe that it is free from allergenic grains. However, it includes more wholesome, healthier grains like brown rice and barley.
Check out our guide on the Best Large Breed Dog Food.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice, Rice Bran, Grain Sorghum, Dried Yeast, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Egg Product, Dried Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Dl-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Dried Chicory Root, L-Carnitine, Kale, Chia Seed, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Oranges, Quinoa, Dried Kelp, Coconut, Spinach, Carrots, Papaya, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Beta Carotene, Chondroitin Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid. Contains A Source Of Live (Viable), Naturally Occurring Microorganisms. The Facility In Which This Food Is Made Also Makes Food That May Contain Other Ingredients.
6 Best to Build Muscle: Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food
- Brand: Bully Max
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken MeaI, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Dried PIain Beet Pulp, Ground Grain Sorghum
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 535 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: All
Bully Max dog food is absolutely perfect for maintaining a dog’s lean muscle mass and active lifestyle. It may be designed for bulldogs, however, this food is suitable for all working dog breeds, or any dog expected to keep up with high-performance tasks such as agility competitions.
This is a carefully formulated dog food with the perfect balance of protein to fat. Additionally, the high caloric density of this food means that on average an owner only needs to feed a third of what they would have to feed with standard dog foods. Bully Max is the best dog food for high-performance work by far. It uses chicken meal as the first ingredient to provide an ultra-dense source of protein and a variety of vitamins and minerals to support all areas of development.
Chicken MeaI, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed TocopheroIs), Dried PIain Beet Pulp, Ground Grain Sorghum, PearIed Barley, Brewers Dried Yeast, WhoIe Ground FIaxseed, Menhaden Fish MeaI, Egg Product, Natural FIavor, Menhaden Fish OiI, Potassium Chloride, Salt, L-Lysine, DL-Methionine, Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Propionic Acid, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin Supplement, Organic Dried Kelp, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin SuppIement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Acetate, Pyridoxine HydrochIoride, Citric Acid, Vitamin D3 SuppIement, Folic Acid, Iron Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese SuIfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Sodium Selenite, CaIcium Iodate
7 Best Puppy Food: ORIJEN Puppy Grain-Free Dry Food
- Brand: ORIJEN
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Turkey Giblets, Flounder, Whole Mackerel
- Primary Proteins: Turkey, Chicken
- Calories: 475 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Turkey, Chicken, Poultry, Seafood & Fish
- Life Stage: Puppy
When looking to buy puppy food you need to ensure they have the correct, nutrient-rich diet to encourage good development. The Orijen puppy formula is designed to be gentle on your dog’s stomach whilst they are still adjusting to a weaned diet, as well as being ideal to promote healthy weight gain in the early months.
This formula contains a high percentage of protein, with 85% of ingredients sourced from poultry or fish. This is ideal to support their rapid growth period as protein and omega fatty acids assist both muscle growth and recovery as well as skin and coat health. Most dog breeds need to be supported during their early growth spurts, especially large breeds, as without the proper care they can become malformed. Puppies are highly active dogs, and fortunately, this puppy diet is perfect for keeping up with them whilst they explore the world.
See our round-up of Orijen Dog Food.
Chicken, Turkey, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Eggs, Chicken Liver, Whole Herring, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Mackerel, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Peas, Chicken Fat, Lentil Fiber, Pollock Oil, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Navy Beans, Natural Chicken Flavor, Whole Chickpeas, Pea Starch, Chicken Heart, Salt, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Collard Greens, Whole Pears, Whole Apples, Whole Cranberries, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Freeze-Dried Chicken, Freeze-Dried Turkey, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.
8 Best Canned Dog Food: Farmina N&D Prime Chicken & Pomegranate Canned Dog Food
- Brand: Farmina
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Herring, Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Herring Oil
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 156.25 kcal/can
- Flavor: Chicken & Pomegranate
- Life Stage: Adult
Farmina’s N&D Prime wet food is a perfectly, and proudly, balanced combination of fruit and protein. Unlike other dog food brands that may feel the need to hide fruit in with other ingredients owing to the unusual flavor combination, Farmina pushed it to the forefront to show the importance of fruit in a dog’s diet.
A well-balanced diet is crucial to your dog’s wellbeing. That includes the use of fruit and veg alongside animal protein. fruit and veg help to massively improve digestibility whilst also bolstering your dog’s immune system and supporting proper development. Furthermore, Farmina’s canned dog food is ideal for a grain-free diet and a high-protein diet, as well as being gluten-free. Farmina’s wet dog food is also particularly helpful for feeding dogs that are picky eaters, as it can be added to dry dog’s food to provide some extra flavor and a change in texture.
Chicken, Herring, Sweet Potatoes, Eggs, Herring Oil, Pomegranate, Fructooligosaccharide, Chondroitin Sulfate, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Zinc Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Manganese Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Ferrous Glycine Complex, Copper Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Selenium Yeast, DL-Methionine, Taurine, L-Carnitine.
9 Best for Senior Dogs: Annamaet Original Senior Dry Dog Food
- Brand: Annamaet
- First 5 ingredients: Lamb Meal, Millet, Whitefish Meal, Brown Rice, Sorghum
- Primary Proteins: Lamb
- Calories: 366 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Lamb, Whitefish & Millet
- Life Stage: Senior
Annamaet have produced a carefully designed formula to cater to senior pups in their golden years. It is common knowledge that dogs need high protein in order to give their muscles the best opportunity for recovery after an active day. Where senior dogs may not be as active, they need the same amount of recovery support. That is where Annamaet’s Original Senior formula comes into play.
This delicious kibble is the best dog food for older dogs as it contains prebiotics in order to ensure the food can be digested easily. Healthy digestion is important in all life stages. However, it is especially important in old age, as senior dogs can be prone to constipation. Furthermore, they have included a generous amount of omega fatty acids to support coat and skin health. As well as chelated minerals to protect your four-legged friend’s immune system. For a wider selection of choices, check out our Senior Dog Food guide.
Lamb Meal, Millet, Whitefish Meal, Brown Rice, Sorghum, Dried Eggs, Coconut Oil, Menhaden Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Tomato, Dried Apples, Natural Flavor, Dried Pumpkin, Turmeric, Dried Chicory Root, Marine Microalgae, Lecithin, Potassium Chloride, DL Methionine, Dried Blueberries, Dried Cranberries, Taurine, L-Lysine, Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product Dehydrated, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Thiamine Mononitrate, L-Carnitine, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Betaine Anhydrous, Iron Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Yucca Schidigera Extract.
10 Best Fresh Food: The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
- Brand: The Farmer’s Dog
- Model: n/a
- Weight: depends on the selection
The Farmer’s Dog is a New York-based dog food company that prides itself on the completely fresh approach that they take to every meal they make. There are no unnecessary chemicals or preservatives in their food, as their entire ethos is based on making every meal as simple and delicious as possible so as to reduce the possibility of a reaction in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
There are four flavors available; beef, turkey, pork, and chicken. Each meal is carefully put together based on the results of your introductory questionnaire. This questionnaire allows The Farmer’s Dog to refine the recipe and cater more specifically to your dog’s dietary needs. They are a company that wholly empathizes with their customers owing to the personal experience of the company owner. The Farmer’s Dog are also completely transparent about their food, giving prospective customers the opportunity to break down each recipe for themselves in order to make an informed decision.
Best Food for Pitbulls: Buying Guide & FAQs
Feeding a Pit Bull terrier pretty much follows the same guideline as in any other breed of dog. The amount of food you give it depends typically on its size, age, metabolism, activity level, and even build. That being said, you really cannot expect your pitbull to have exactly the same amount of food and frequency of feeding as the pitbull of your neighbor or your friend. They are like us, too. Each dog is inherently different from another pooch of the same breed and from other breeds.
The activity level of dogs is, without a doubt, a very important determinant in how much foodstuff you have to give it. Also important is the quality of the feed that you’re providing it. You may be giving a lot of food every time but your pit bull simply isn’t getting the right amounts of nutrients, leading to more frequent feedings or significantly greater amounts of foodstuff per feeding. There are a variety of factors that we simply have to consider in our approach to giving our pit bull terriers the best food for them.
As such, we have prepared this comprehensive pitbull dog food buying guide to help you decide for your mutt the kind of food it needs to receive including how much and how frequent the feeding should be. Hopefully, towards the end of this article, you would have gained enough knowledge to provide your beloved pit bull the kind of nutrition it truly deserves.
What Kind of Diet is Best for a Pitbull?
As we shall see later on, the best kind of diet for a pitbull or for any dog for that matter is one that has a good mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Proteins are especially important for pit bull terriers as these macronutrients are necessary for building and maintaining the integrity of their muscles as well as other organs. We all know that pit bulls are highly regarded for their muscular build. That is why a diet that is high in high-quality proteins is a must.
Not to be outdone is the fat content of their diet. Pit bulls can benefit from healthy fats as these are important constituents of the structures of the nervous system as well as the skin and hair. These are also essential in ensuring the more efficient absorption of certain vitamins that are largely dependent on the presence of fat molecules for transportation. Without fat, your pitbull will not be able to digest and absorb these vitamins and thus, will not be used by the body.
Carbohydrates are needed as the principal source of energy, although it is not uncommon for fat molecules to be used up as well. Since pit bull terriers lead a generally active lifestyle, they need the energy to sustain their physical activities. If they cannot get this from carbs and fats, then they will have to derive the energy from proteins. If this happens, they lose their muscles. Have you seen a skinny pit bull terrier? Does it look good? Here’s a useful article on How to Make Your Pitbull Muscular.
Most experts recommend the following composition of nutrients for a pit bull terrier.
- 45% protein
- 25% fats
- 30% carbohydrates
Keep in mind that this nutritional composition is just the recommendation for a generally healthy adult pit bull terrier.
How Much Food Should I Feed My Pitbull?
As we shall be presenting to you in the succeeding sections, the amount of food that you are going to feed your pitbull actually depends on a variety of factors. As much as we would like to be overly simplistic about it, there really is no dog food that is custom-made for a specific breed for the simple reason that members of the same breed can still have substantially different caloric and nutrient requirements.
For example, a pregnant bitch will typically require more nutrients than a healthy adult male pitbull owing to the fact that it has several puppies that are depending on the mom to provide them with the necessary nutrients for fetal development. The same is true with pit bull terrier puppies. Because they are growing at a very rapid pace, their nutrient requirements are substantially greater than those required by adults and senior dogs.
The point we would like to make is that we cannot really tell you a very definitive answer as to how much you should feed your pitbull. This is because, first, we don’t know what kind of pit bull terrier you have. How old is it? Is it already neutered? Is it pregnant? Does it have metabolic problems like obesity and diabetes? Does it have other health problems that may require an adjustment in the amount of food that it needs? Also, where does your pooch live? Does it live in a relatively cold place like somewhere in Minnesota or a warm and humid place in Florida? How about its activity level? Does it go on exercise every day? If so, what are the activities that it usually engages in, and how long does it usually perform these?
As you can see, it is quite difficult to come up with a definitive figure. How much food do you need to feed your pitbull? It actually depends on a lot of things. Let us just put an average then which is usually around 1,100 kCal per day. Again, this is just the average. It doesn’t mean that this is also what your pitbull should be getting.
Pitbulls and Food Allergies
Regardless of how tough pit bull terriers are the risk of developing food allergies is ever-present. This is especially true for these breeds of dogs as they require high protein diets. Most allergens are proteins in nature. That is why it is often critical to identify the triggering allergen in their food. This is usually accomplished by introducing single-ingredient recipes into their diet over a course of several weeks to help determine if an allergic reaction takes place or not. If nothing happens, then the food item is considered safe. If there’s an allergic reaction, then this food item can be ticked off in the list of safe pitbull dog food items to eat.
Many folks are worried about allergenic grains like wheat, soy, and corn. Yet they seem to forget that chicken and beef are equally allergenic. The reason is quite simple. Both types of food – grains and meats – are excellent sources of protein. We already know that protein-rich foods have almost the same allergenic potential. As a matter of fact, wheat is right in the top 5 food allergens alongside beef and chicken. That said, you may have a grain-free dog food but if it still contains chicken or any other allergenic food item, then the risk for developing allergies is still present.
Take a look at our guides on the Best Dog Food for Allergies and Legume Free Dog Food.
Is Wet or Dry Food Better for Pitbulls?
It’s difficult to pinpoint which type of food is the best dog food for Pitbulls. As each has its own merits. Dry dog food can be easier to control when it comes to texture as you have the option to add toppers for a tasty treat. Additionally, dry dog food provides a coarse texture which can help to maintain your pup’s dental health. And as many people would agree, dry dog food does tend to be the more affordable dog food. Though cheaper does not mean less, as many dry dog food often provides a denser source of protein owning to the use of added protein meal.
Wet dog food is certainly easier when it comes to fussy pups, as the texture is often preferred. Wet food is also a great way to introduce more moisture into your dog’s diet, ensuring they stay hydrated and reducing the risk of itchy skin. Furthermore, wet dog food can be easily mixed into dry if you feel like adding a crunch texture. However, wet food is usually the more expensive option.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to selecting the best dog food for Pitbulls, it’s simply a case of knowing the pup. Pitbull puppies may benefit from more the wet diet owing to their still-developing teeth. However, once they reach adulthood they will have developed preferences in taste and texture which you can choose to cater to however you see fit. Though it is worth noting that if you have a performance pitbull, dry dog food can be easier to monitor and measure.
Our Top Pick
In our review of the 5 best dog foods for pitbulls, three products really stood out: the TOTW, the Wellness CORE, and the BLUE Wilderness. Unfortunately, only the Taste of the Wild Canine Formula really won our hearts for its clear understanding of the real nutrient requirements of pit bull terriers. It has an excellent balance of proteins and fats that are considerably high for the very active lifestyle of pitbulls as well as their inherent need for stronger muscles and a well-developed nervous system.
But what really sold us in is their understanding of allergies in dogs. They managed to get rid of allergenic grains as well as well-known allergenic meats like chicken and beef. Unfortunately, the other two products, while they did label themselves as grain free dog food, somehow still managed to include an allergenic meat protein in their respective formulations. Natural Balance had the same idea in mind as TOTW. Unfortunately, it was limited in its options.
For that, we give the plum of the best dog food for pitbulls to the Taste of the Wild Canine Formula. Be sure to find out more by reading our dog food buying guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most dogs generally eat twice a day – once in the morning and once in the afternoon. This is usually in order to accommodate an owner being out of the house for work during the day. However, if possible it would be better to feed the less more frequently. Three times a day would be the ideal amount of times to feed a pit bull. Just be sure to check the portion recommendations for the food you choose.
Raw feeding is generally supported for all dog breeds, as it is the closest a dog will get to its natural diet. However, there are things to consider. A raw-feed diet is extremely high in animal protein, so dogs with kidney or liver problems should avoid raw food. Furthermore, raw feed diets can be slightly troublesome for dogs with a high prey drive, as they can tend towards becoming overly protective of their meals. If you’re wanting to try raw feedings start small and watch how they respond to be sure it’s the right decision. And if all else fails, seek advice from your vet.
There are a variety of foods a dog owner should look to avoid when raising their pup. There is nothing specific to pit bulls that should be avoided, but certain human foods and fruits and vegetables that could cause illness or even death in most dogs when consumed.
It is worth remembering here that older dogs have a slower metabolism – just like humans. And so senior pit bulls cannot eat as much food as they did when they were younger. Dog food for Pitbulls is often particularly high in protein, which can be ideal for an active lifestyle. But if your pittie is becoming less mobile, excessive protein can cause constipation. When feeding your older dog try to stick with smaller portion sizes with health smacks in between to supplement the change (such as carrots).
Blue Buffalo wet and dry dog food are perfectly good for Pitbulls. It is high in protein and fiber, meaning they will be properly fueled which still digesting their food easily. Furthermore, they offer a grain-free recipe that is ideal for dogs that may experience grain allergies. It is a well-established, much-loved brand with a loyal customer base. Which proves its validity as a great source for balanced nutrition and supported development.
Making your pitbull muscular is a fine balance between exercise and diet. The appropriate diet will not be too fatty and should contain a good amount of protein to aid in recovery. You will also want to feed them little and often between training sessions to avoid having your dog gorge itself, potentially running the risk of sickness. Furthermore, you will need to involve them in a rigorous exercise regime such as agility training in order to gain the full benefit of their exercise and achieve the muscular look you are looking for.
Absolutely! Chicken is a favored animal protein for most dogs. Chicken meal provides a dense supply of protein in dry food. And fresh chicken is often recommended to help soothe an upset stomach or fuel a high-performance dog between exercise cycles. You can even find dried chicken breast treats and dogs absolutely adore. So yes, chicken is fantastic for dogs.
There are a plethora of vegetables that are perfectly suitable for a pitbull to enjoy and benefit from at all life stages, such as; sweet potatoes, carrots, green beans, celery, cucumber, bell pepper, broccoli, peas, spinach, cauliflower, and corn. In fact, cooking up some of this veg and adding it into your dog’s dinner can help to add a bit of extra texture and flavor that might entice them to eat with more excitement, as well as helping with digestion.
