10 Best Dog Food For Pitbulls in 2024
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Selecting the right food for your dog is crucial. With a plethora of dog food options available, making this choice can be somewhat challenging. This is precisely why it’s important to invest some time and carefully consider your options.
What kind of food should you give to your Pitbull?
This is a question that not many dog owners can answer, but luckily, we’ve compiled a list for you.
We spent hours researching dog foods on the market to find the best dog food for Pitbulls – these 7 dog foods came up on top.
Our team has spent hours researching products to find the best dog food for Pit Bulls, read our in-depth reviews below.
Learn more about our 10 point inspection checklist.
Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls
1. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Pitbull Dog Food
This food for Pitbulls was made with the meat of the highest quality that has been roasted. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Pitbull Dog Food is one of the highest-rated dog foods out there.
This dog food contains natural antioxidants necessary for protecting your dog’s skin, leaving them with a lot nicer and healthier coats.
The meat in this product is lean bison and venison meat, and both of them have been roasted, which increases the flavor.
Pitbulls are muscular dogs; that’s why they need exactly the right food for optimal growth and strength. It is necessary to ensure that your dog starts getting the proper nutrition from the early days, allowing the dog to grow into a strong and healthy bulldog.
Taste of the Wild is one of the best dog foods on the market today and is one of the rare ones that offer the right nutrients for your dogs that comes at an affordable price.
Why We Like It – Taste of the wild is great dog food for pit bulls and contains many fruits and vegetables that promote excellent health. This is a product that does not have any grain and works great to support a healthy immune system.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,719 kcal/kg, 370 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 32.0 % min |
| Crude Fat | 18.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.3% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.8% min |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ #1 ingredient is real meat
+ 32% protein content
+ Contains real fruits and superfoods with vitamins and minerals
+ Promotes a healthy digestive and immune system with antioxidants and prebiotic
+ Grain-free recipe and no artificial flavors or artificial colors
+ With Omega fatty acids that provide skin and coat nutrition
Cons:
– A grain-free recipe is not suitable for every dog. Better to consult your vet first before feeding them grain-free dog food formulas.
2. Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Original Formula
The Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food contains only the best protein source from animals. It includes Turkey, Turkey Meal, and Chicken Meal, combined with vegetables, giving the right amount of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
This dog food has only natural ingredients and is formulated without corn, wheat, artificial colors, soy, flavors, meat by-products, or preservatives. Apart from that, Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Original Formula also contains antioxidants that should offer your dog the right kind of nutrition to become a healthy and muscular dog.
Why We Like It – This Wellness CORE dog food is focused on protein content, meaning that it’s highly nutritional and only has natural ingredients. It does not contain any soy, corn, wheat, artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,698 kcal/kg or 417 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 34.0% mi |
| Crude Fat | 16.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.5% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.25% min |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ Protein-rich recipe that promotes leaner body mass and muscle tone
+ Packed with antioxidants, taurine, glucosamine, and chondroitin for optimal health
+ Supports healthy skin and coat with essential fatty acids from Flaxseed and Salmon Oil
+ Offers a complete and balanced diet with guaranteed levels of nutrients
+ With probiotics and prebiotics for digestive health
+ No meat by-products, fillers, artificial preservatives, or flavors
Cons:
– Grain-free dry dog food is not suitable for every dog. Better to consult your vet first before feeding them a grain-free recipe.
3. Orijen Adult Dry Dog Food
Orijen Adult Dry Dog Food is one of the most popular dog foods for Pitbulls and is also considered one of the best food for Pitbulls. It contains fruits and vegetables, along with fresh meat ensuring your pooch a perfectly balanced meal enriched with protein and nutrients.
All in all, 85% of this dog food is made up of free-run Chicken and Turkey, Wild-caught Fish, and cage-free eggs, and the remaining 15% contains real vegetables and fruits.
There are several different kinds of meat in this product – chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and whole eggs. All the meat found here is delivered fresh to the company and contains no preservatives.
The meat has never been frozen and hasn’t been processed with the right amount of fats and proteins.
Why We Like It – We like Orijen because even though their food is a bit pricey, they still make sure that it is worth the money for its quality.
Even picky eaters are in love with this Orijen recipe! If you want a grain-free recipe that offers a balanced diet, this one is surely up for the competition.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,940 kcal/kg, 449 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 38% min |
| Crude Fat | 18% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4% max |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.8% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3% min |
| Moisture | 12% max |
Pros:
+ First five ingredients include fresh or raw animal meat
+ Made and formulated in the U.S.
+ With high-quality protein source
+ Loved by picky eaters!
+ No meat meal by-products and no high-glycemic fillers
Cons:
– Expensive but a premium quality food for your Pitbull
– Grain-free dry dog food is not suitable for every dog. Better to consult your vet first before feeding them a grain-free formula.
4. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast
This Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast is made of high-quality protein from red bison meat enriched with amino acids. The bison meal supports the healthy development of muscles and keeps your dog’s energy levels high.
Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast is a dog food full of protein, which allows for the development of the lean body mass of your dog.
This dog food contains L-Carnitine, which is good for converting body fat into energy, and more importantly, in Pitbulls, in muscles.
Made without artificial preservatives or flavors, this Earthborn Holistic formula is undoubtedly one of the best dog food for Pitbulls, especially recommended for athletic Pitbulls.
Why We Like It – Earthborn Holistic Great Plains is the perfect dog food for pit bulls because it contains L-Carnitine that helps convert the body fat into energy and muscles.
This product is high in antioxidant nutrients that support the immune system and protein for sustaining your pooch’s energy.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,780 kcal/kg, 400 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 32.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 18.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.0% max |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 1.9% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.0% min |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
Pros:
+ First ingredient is Bison Meal that is rich in amino acids
+ Contains L-Carnitine that promotes healthy metabolism and maintain lean muscle mass
+ Grain and gluten-free
+ Balanced levels of Omega-6s and Omega-3s for optimal skin and coat
+ Nourishes the immune system through antioxidants, and vitamins C & E
+ Promotes easy digestion with natural fibers from fruits and vegetables
Cons:
– Big kibble size is not ideal for small breeds
– Has high-fat content
5. Natural Ultramix Grain-Free Duck, Sweet Potatoes and Whole Peas Entrée
Another popular pet food is the Natural Ultramix Grain-Free Dry Dog Food made by Castor & Pollux. The first ingredient, the real duck, makes up 38% of the protein in the food. [
amazon link=”B00CGICZ7K” title=”Natural Ultramix Grain-Free Duck, Sweet Potatoes and Whole Peas Entrée” link_id=”323273″/] is packed with a high-protein kibble and mixed together with real vegetables and fruits for a complete and well-balanced meal, leading to good health.
Also, it should be said that this dog food does not contain any soy, corn, or wheat, which means that your dog will only get the ingredients that offer benefits.
Your dog needs to get exactly the right amount of nutrients, and this product makes it possible for your pit bull. It has just the perfect amount of nutrients and proteins to allow your dog to grow and eventually become a healthy pit bull with strong lean muscles.
Why We Like It – Castor & Pollux is known as the “leader in natural and organic pet food” because they’re the only pet food company that uses fresh natural and organic ingredients in their products.
Hence, this Natural Ultramix Grain-free was widely known because of its natural ingredients that promote optimal health.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,740 kcal/kg, 460 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 38.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 17.00% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.5% max |
| Vitamin E | 50.00 IU/kg min |
| Moisture | 11.00% max |
Pros:
+ With Real Duck as the #1 ingredient
+ Supports healthy digestion with natural fiber and prebiotics
+ Made of wholesome natural ingredients
+ Rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and Omega fatty acids
+ Works for dogs with sensitive stomachs
+ No corn, soy, or wheat
Cons:
– The Natural Ultramix line has been discontinued at the moment
6. Canidae Grain-Free PURE Dry Dog Food With Salmon and Sweet Potato
One of the most important features of every dog food is its taste. This is exactly why the makers of this dog food have decided to include fresh salmon as the main ingredient.
This Canidae PURE Grain-Free Limited Ingredient is one of the best dog foods for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Balanced levels of probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are included to support optimal health for your lovely Pitbull.
The formula is designed to maintain your dog’s healthy skin and coat with a healthy dose of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Canidae Grain-Free PURE Dry Dog Food With Salmon and Sweet Potato also tastes delicious, and your dog will have no problem feasting over this grain-free formula that also satisfies their nutritional needs.
Why We Like It – Your food-sensitive Pitbull will absolutely love this limited ingredient recipe with 8 key ingredients, including Salmon, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, etc. Say goodbye to diarrhea and food allergies because the CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Limited Ingredient Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is very gentle on your pooch’s tummy. Learn more about the Canidae Dog Food.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,880 kcal/kg, 496 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 32.00% min |
| Crude Fat | 18.00% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.00% max |
| Vitamin E | 50.00 IU/kg min |
| Moisture | 10.00% max |
Pros:
+ Limited ingredient recipe great for Pitbulls with food-sensitivities
+ High in meat protein
+ Salmon as the #1 ingredient
+ With Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids for beautiful skin and coat
+ Supports digestive and immune health with probiotics and antioxidants
+ Includes glucosamine and chondroitin that promotes healthy joints
Cons:
– Kibble size may be too small
7. Acana Wild Prairie Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food
Suitable for all dog breeds in all life stages, for adult Pitbulls, senior Pitbulls, or a Pitbull puppy, the Acana Regionals Wild Prairie Grain-Free Recipe is all-around dog food!
60% of this food is chicken, fish, and eggs, which is everything your dog needs to satisfy all nutritional requirements.
Other 40% of the product is made up of vegetables and fruits, which allows for a well-balanced diet, and a functional body.
The vegetables and fruits you can find in this product are fresh and are delivered every day from local farms, meaning that the level of nutrients here is through the roof.
The organic ingredients found in this product boost your Pitbull’s metabolism and helps out with digestion. And the best part about this product is that it contains no grain and it’s made without GMO ingredients.
Why We Like It – This is a dog food recommended to all dogs, no matter their breed and age. Acana Wild Prairie Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food is full of protein and has a completely grain-free formula.
It consists of 60% chicken, eggs, and fish, and the remaining 40% is made up of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3850 kcal/kg |
| Crude Protein | 35% min |
| Crude Fat | 17% min |
| Crude Fiber | 6% max |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.9% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.6% min |
| Moisture | 12% max |
Pros:
+ 70% of the ingredients are made out of quality animal
+ 30% superfoods, fruits, and vegetables
+ Protein-rich recipe
+ Perfect for all dog breeds of all life stages
+ Supports healthy skin and coat with Omega-3s
+ Has low carbs that promote healthy weight and improve blood sugar levels
Cons:
– Kibble size may be too large for dogs with small mouths
Our Pick for the Best Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies
Pitbull puppies need to eat different food compared to full-grown adult dogs. We have compiled and reviewed the top brands and products for your new baby pup.
8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness for Pitbull Puppies
Blue Buffalo Wilderness for Puppies is a fantastic puppy food for young Pitbulls. Blue Buffalo Wilderness for Pitbull Puppies should definitely be on your list of what to give to your small Pitbull puppy.
It’s a food made up of quality protein, which is essential for maintaining your dog’s health. Also, it has a perfect blend of calcium, essential vitamins, and phosphorus, promoting healthy bone growth, which is important for developing puppies.
Our Pick for the Best Dog Food for Senior Pitbulls
9. Canidae Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Seniors
If you are a proud owner of an older pit bull, then the Candiae Life Stages Dry Dog Food option for Senior pooches is something you should definitely consider giving to him. Canidae Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Seniors has a healthy and balanced formula and manages to promote healthy digestion, which is something that should be thought of more frequently.
Also, the taste of it is amazing, and the dog will just love it and eat it every day with joy. The fact that it has a reduced level of protein and fats is perfect for older dogs, Pitbulls included. Another great option is Orijen food for senior dogs.
Best Dog Food for Overweight Pitbulls
10. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food
Some dog owners want their Pitbulls to lose some weight, and if you are one of those, then look into this dog food, because it can help out. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Reduced Fat Dry Dog Food can make the dog a lot healthier mostly due to the fact that it contains no grains and is completely natural.
Also, it should be said that this product has a reduced fat formula, meaning that it is a perfect choice for all dog owners who wish to help their Pitbulls lose some weight.
A Buyer’s Guide to Dog Foods for Pitbulls
Pitbulls are highly athletic and active dogs known for their muscular build. It takes proper maintenance and the right balanced diet to achieve the strong physical structure Pit bulls have.
Taking care of pit bulls is more than just keeping them happy and satisfied. It’s all about having a healthy lifestyle, and a big factor of that will come from the food they’re eating.
How Did We Grade Our Top 7 List of Best Dog Food for Pitbulls?
Protein, Protein, Protein!
You need a dog food that has a lot of protein, and if you’re looking for the best dog food for Pitbulls, look for the one that has an animal-based protein as the main ingredient. Of course, you want your Pitbull to maintain their lean muscles, and the way to do that is by feeding them food with high-quality protein. Our #1 on the list, Taste of the Wild High Praire Canine Recipe Dry Dog Food, has everything to support your Pitbull’s nutritional needs.
Grain-Free
Most dog foods listed here are grain-free formula, which is highly recommended for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies. You don’t have to worry about feeding your upper low-quality ingredients with grain-free dog food because this type of food contains no fillers, like corn, wheat, or soy. If you’re also looking forward to your Pitbull losing a few pounds after an unwanted weight gain, a grain-free formula partnered with low-fat dog food is your best bet.
Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamins, and Minerals
Dedicated to serving you and your fur baby the best dog food for Pitbulls that will help their overall growth and development. We made sure to offer you food packed with Omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Just like the Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast enriched with amino acids and balanced levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 with DHA. This dog food also comes with antioxidants and Vitamins C and E to boost your pup’s immune health.
Nutritional Needs of a Pit Bull
Aside from giving your pit bull terrier high-quality food, specific nutritional requirements need to be met to make sure your pooch is in optimal health. Their food will vary depending on the life stage, as a pitbull puppy’s needs will differ from an adult pitbull’s needs. As their pet owner, it’s your responsibility to satisfy their nutritional needs throughout their life stages. Although it’s important to note that consult a vet first before you make any changes in their diet.
Animal Protein
When you’re on the lookout for finding the best dog foods for your beloved Pitbull, the greatest aspect to consider is the protein content, specifically animal protein. Protein has essential amino acids responsible for building your Pitbull’s muscle tissues allowing them to maintain their muscular structure. Your Pitbull may benefit from 25-30% protein content, but they’re also viable for up to 30-35% protein.
Look for a high-quality protein source in your pooch’s dog food, such as lean protein like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish. Meat meals such as chicken meal, turkey meal, salmon meal, or lamb meal are good sources of protein too.
Vitamins and Minerals
Most high-quality dog foods include a good amount of minerals and vitamins in their food. Fruits and vegetables are good sources of natural vitamins and minerals that you could add to your dogs’ diet. Fruits and vegetables are also an excellent source of antioxidants that boosts your Pitbull’s immune system. Needless to say, fruits and vegetables are all-around ingredients to include in your dog’s diet that can prevent future health problems.
More than that, it would greatly benefit those who are suffering from weight gain. Once in a while, you can substitute fruits and veggies instead of giving your Pitbull dog treats with higher calories.
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega fatty acids are considered essential in every dog’s diet, and the two types of essential fatty acids are Omega-3 and Omega-6. DHA and EPA are Omega-3s that promote brain and eye development, while Omega-6s are responsible for giving your dog healthier skin and a shinier coat. Fish oil and grains are only a few of the best supplements for Omega-3 and 6 that you can feed your Pitbull.
Carbs
Carbs aren’t a necessary part of a dog’s diet, but it does a great job in replenishing your Pitbull’s energy levels. Although an adequate amount of carbs will not hurt anyone. You can get good sources of complex carbs from brown rice, sweet potatoes, oats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. As mentioned by PitBulls.org, the appropriate amount of carbs that should be included in a Pitbull’s diet is about 25-30% carbohydrate content.
Main Health Problems for Pitbulls
Taking care of a Pit Bull Terrier means being a responsible fur parent and familiarizing yourself with the common health problems that Pitbulls may suffer from. And as always, ‘prevention is better than cure,’ so here are the top 3 main concerns you should be on the lookout for when nursing a Pitbull.
Hypothyroidism
Based on the American Kennel Club, Hypothyroidism, also known as Thyroid Disease, is a condition that happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormones that help in your pooch’s metabolism. The thyroid gland is located on the neck, and it creates an important hormone called thyroxine (T4).
Without or the lack thereof of this hormone, your Pitbull’s metabolism will slow down, possibly causing gastrointestinal issues to arrive in the future. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include obesity, hair loss or thinning, tiredness or lethargy, sudden weight gain, thickening of the skin, cold intolerance, and lack of mental awareness.
Joint Problems
Adult Pitbulls can develop joint issues over time which limit their mobility and causes a lot of discomforts, which can be terrible for a dog that likes to move around a lot. Many dogs develop joint problems because they are really physically active. Still, you shouldn’t worry about this because there are a lot of joint supplements and other medications that can help with this issue
Better to opt for supplements with Glucosamine and Chondroitin as it helps in supporting joint and hip health. The second you notice that your dog has stopped running around or playing, or if he’s really uncomfortable while doing it, there is a good reason that the dog’s having issues with joints.
Bloating
When it comes to Pitbulls, you’ll come to see that the dog bloats, or medically known as gastric dilation-volvulus, are something really common. This is a problem usually accompanied by gas which causes the dog’s body to expand, mostly because of the food or liquid that the dog’s been intaking.
This could cause a tear on the wall of the pitbull’s stomach and stop the blood flow to the heart and cause stomach lining. Some of the most common symptoms of bloating include anxiousness, pale gums, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, etc.
Common Allergies of PitBulls
Here are some common allergies to look out for if you have a Pit Bull Terrier.
Food Allergies
Certain types of ingredients can cause your dog to have an allergic reaction. If you’re not yet familiar with what triggers their allergy (if they have one), then it’s best to be on the lookout for the most common allergens in dog foods. For example, grains like corn, wheat, or soy are only a few of the ingredients you should avoid. These ingredients are known to trigger an allergic reaction and sometimes make your Pitbull bloat. If you want to recharge your dog’s energy levels with carbs, brown rice, oatmeal, or barley are an excellent source of carbohydrates.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies can happen if they’re in contact with an environmental allergen. Some of these environmental allergens are fleas, grass, pollen, or dust. So if you’re aware that your Pitbull is suffering from skin allergies, having a clean environment and limiting their exposure outside may help prevent an allergic reaction.
Aside from knowing the common allergies of Pitbulls, you also need to recognize the symptoms so that you can catch them early. The most common symptoms of an allergy include:
- Vomiting
- Sneezing
- Red skin
- Itchy skin
- Snoring
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Skin rashes
- Gassiness
- Biting their paws
- Skin shedding
- Constant licking
Snoring occurs because of throat inflammation. There are numerous causes of allergies, and they can develop at any point in a dog’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed my Pitbull?
Well, the pitbull puppies ought to eat at least two to three times a day, while the grown-up Pitbulls only need to eat once or twice a day.
What is the best dog food for Pit bulls?
Canidae dog food is an excellent choice for Pitbulls, mostly due to the fact that it pretty much has everything this dog needs in order to develop a healthy coat, sight, teeth, etc.
This brand of food includes a lot of vitamins as well as nutrients that every dog needs in order to stay healthy and live a happy life.
What foods are bad for Pitbulls?
Typically, some grains like corn, wheat, or soy are examples of bad ingredients you shouldn’t feed your Pitbull.
One of the many reasons is that they’re considered low-quality ingredients that provide low nutrients and are unnecessary for your pooch’s diet. Another is animal by-products which are also considered low-quality ingredients because they are meat leftovers.
You can’t ensure the safety of consuming these by-products because they are primarily sourced from slaughterhouses.
However, some pet feed companies still use them because they are cheaper than using real meat.
What is the recommended caloric content for Pit bulls?
The recommended calorie intake for Pitbulls will depend on their age, weight, activity level, and health condition. However, as a general guideline, you can follow this table chart we made.
| AGE | MEALS A DAY | CALORIES PER DAY | |
| Pitbull Puppies | less than 4 months old | 4 – 6 meals | 3 x RER |
| more than 4 months old | 3 | 2 x RER | |
| Adult Pitbulls | 18 months old | 3 meals | 1.6 x RER |
| Senior Pitbulls | 7 years or older | 2 meals | 1.4 x RER |
Conclusion
Pit Bull Terriers are one of the most popular and beloved dog breeds out there. They make one amazing furry best friend, and it’s guaranteed that they are loyal, especially when their paw parent shows unconditional love and care for them.
Taking care of your Pitbull and maintaining their health might require a lot from you as their owner, but in the long run, it’s very rewarding. That’s why giving them quality care and food is one of the best ways to keep them happy and healthy.
Expert Tip
Match the food you feed your Pitbull with their activity level. Since Pitbulls are known to be active dogs, they require a high-protein diet. Only give them the best of the best dog foods with premium ingredients. Hydrate them regularly and make sure they get a monthly visit to the vet.
Did You Know?
Pitbulls are amazing with children. Despite their intimidating size, they’re known to be great companions for little kids because of their loyal, caring, and loving nature. In fact, during the 1900s, they’re given the title of “Nanny Dog.”
