Is your pitbull food-selective? Or perhaps you need to change your dog’s diet for one reason or the other? We understand the issues related to choosing the perfect pet food brand with the most nutritious ingredients. The quality of the food you provide can directly affect the lifespan of your beloved pitbull.
With this in mind, we’ve taken the liberty of picking out the best dog food for pitbulls – just for you!
In A Hurry? Here Are Our Top Picks…
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Pitbull Food on the Market
This guide provides you with five of the absolute best dog food options for pitbulls. No need to continue with unhealthy trials and errors to figure out exactly what your dog needs. We’ve done the hard work and found the best of the best.
Let’s take a look!
1. Hill’s Science Diet, Perfect Weight for Adult Dogs, Chicken
- Breakthrough adult dry dog food clinically proven for weight management
- Over 70 % of adult dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this safe & effective weight management dog food
- Help your grown dog maintain a healthy weight with this dog food
Last update on 2024-03-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hill’s Science is a brand you can trust when it comes to dog food. The brand is well-known to pet owners, vets, and anybody who knows quality dog food. Some dog food comes with excess fillers and artificial colors or flavors to improve the feeding experience, but this brand is a class above all others.
Why?
It boasts of all-natural, great-tasting ingredients that are recommended by veterinarians.
The chicken flavor is an absolute delight for dogs and will have your picky pitbull looking forward to every meal. And the fact that this is a dry food recipe automatically reduces the inclusion of artificial ingredients, which is mostly found in wet dog food.
One thing we love about this dry dog food is that it’s been clinically tested and proven to support weight management and muscle maintenance, which is very important for pitbulls. About 70% of overweight adult dogs lost weight in just 10 weeks with this brand.
If your pitty is overweight and you’ve been looking for the best diet to help him shed the excess pounds, Hill’s Science Diet Perfect Weight dry recipe is the best option for you.
Specifications
- Brand – Hill’s Science Diet
- Flavor – Chicken
- Form – Dry food
- Size: 28.5 pounds
- Age range – Adult
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Approved by vets
- Natural ingredients and antioxidants
- Safe source of carbs and proteins
- Great diet for weight management
- An Amazon’s Choice product
Cons
- Expensive compared to other brands
- Not the best choice if your dog doesn’t need to lose weight
2. Rachael Ray Nutrish, Super Premium Dog Food, Beef, Pea & Brown Rice
- Contains one (1) 40-pound bag of Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea & Brown Rice Recipe
- Now more nutritious and delicious compared to previous recipe
- Natural dry dog food for adult dogs with added vitamins, minerals and taurine
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The digestibility of dog food is one of the most important things to look out for when purchasing from a brand. If your dog has problems digesting their food due to the ingredients present, it can lead to various health complications and consequent trips to the vet. This US-farmed premium dry dog food is made with natural prebiotics that are essential for digestion.
Your pet is sure to love the rich taste of the high-quality proteins. With no artificial flavors or preservatives, this premium dry dog food has a natural taste that is loved by all dog breeds – no exceptions.
This Nutrish recipe features ingredients such as real beef, rice, peas, and more. By-products and allergens such as wheat, fillers, and gluten are not included. Give your dog the most nutritious meal with the added vitamins and support for healthy digestion that this dog food provides.
Specifications
- Brand – Racheal Ray Nutrish
- Flavor – Beef, Pea, & Brown Rice
- Form – Dry food
- Size – 40 pounds
- Age range – Adult
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No artificial preservatives
- No by-products or fillers
- Natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals
- Contains prebiotics to support digestion
- An Amazon’s Choice product
Cons
- Recipe includes chicken fat, which some dogs may be allergic to
- Food is on the oily side
3. Blue Buffalo, Wilderness High Protein, Chicken
- MORE CHICKEN IS COMING: An evolution of your dog’s formula with more chicken than ever, plus wholesome grains
- PACKED WITH REAL CHICKEN: A recipe made to satisfy your dog’s natural love for meat, this high protein dog food features real chicken to help build and maintain lean muscle mass
- HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: BLUE Wilderness grain free dog food, made with healthy carbohydrates including sweet potatoes and peas, helps fuel your adult dog’s active lifestyle; It also contains omega 3 &...
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Blue Buffalo brand has been around for years and is many people’s go-to brand for all things pet food. They produce dog food of premium quality and are highly recommended by vets worldwide for their rich nutritional content.
You really can’t go wrong with a high protein diet for your pitbull, especially when the protein source is good for your pet’s health.
The Wilderness recipe is packed with dry chunks of real chicken, which is important for building muscle mass and satisfies your dog’s craving for meat. It’s filled with healthy ingredients such as sweet potatoes, peas, and healthy carbohydrates to help replenish your dog’s energy and boost his immune system.
The dry food also contains adequate proportions of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to improve the texture of your dog’s coat. Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are added to the formula and promote the general health and wellbeing of your pet. They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help support the immune system and maintain a healthy balance.
What do you get from Blue Buffalo?
All-natural ingredients, the finest blend of flavors, and absolutely no by-products, soy, wheat, artificial preservatives, and other unhealthy additives.
Specifications
- Brand – Blue Buffalo
- Flavor – Chicken
- Form – Dry food
- Size – 11 lbs
- Age range – Adult
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High in protein content
- LifeSource Bits for health
- Supports muscle, bone, and skin
- Healthy carbohydrates
- No artificial flavors and preservatives
Cons
- Expensive compared to other brands
- Some users report a strong smell
4. Blue Buffalo, Life Protection Formula, Chicken and Brown Rice
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient; High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles; Plus they contain...
- FOR ADULT DOGS: Blue Life Protection Formula adult dog food contains essential proteins and carbohydrates to help meet the energy needs of adult dogs, and features omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote a...
- ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life...
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A healthy pet is a happy one! Unfortunately, most dog foods provide only the basic nutritional needs of your pet, along with some satisfaction. Most dog owners, however, prefer to go for dog food that not only provides a tasty meal for your dog, but also takes care of his or her health.
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is one of the rarest of its kind, highly recommended, and was specially-formulated for the well-being of all dogs, especially in adulthood. The formula features real meat, fruits and garden veggies, whole grains, and Lifesource Bits, a blend of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants for vitality.
The dry dog food is rich in protein and aids in muscle development. It also provides energy-boosting carbs for your spirited pitbull’s day-to-day activities. The food is devoid of all artificial additives and unhealthy carbs such as soy, corn, and wheat.
Finding the best dog food for your pitbull is no longer a problem!
Specifications
- Brand – Blue Buffalo
- Flavor – Chicken and Brown Rice
- Form – Dry food
- Size – 6 pounds
- Age range – Adult
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Boosts immunity
- Instrumental for muscle development, as well as strong teeth and bones
- Delicious and satisfying for your pet
- For all breed sizes
- No artificial additives
- An Amazon’s Choice Product
Cons
- Expensive compared to other brands
- Some dogs may avoid the included LifeSource Bits
5. Royal Canin, Large Breed Adult, Chicken
- LARGE BREED DOG FOOD: Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is precise nutrition specifically made for large dogs 15 months to 5 years old weighing 56–100 lb
- BONE AND JOINT HEALTH: Mature dog food helps support bones and large breed joint health in older dogs
- HEALTHY DIGESTION: Easy-to-digest, high-quality proteins and a balanced supply of fiber promote dog digestive health
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If your pitty is on the larger end of the size spectrum, then you have to go for a meal that has a sufficient amount of fiber, proteins, and other essential ingredients for a proper diet. Royal Canin takes all this into consideration in their large breed adult formula.
This kibble supports healthy joints, bones, and muscles, and nourishes larger dogs’ bodies with the exact formula they need. You can expect healthy skin and a shiny fur coat with this high protein meal that comes with omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA for extra protection. Ingredients include chicken, rice, wheat, fish oil, natural flavors, and lots of healthy vitamins and minerals.
This formula is best for larger dogs within 15 months and 5 years of age who weigh at least 56 to 100 pounds. Give your big pitbull a taste and see if they like it!
Specifications
- Brand – Royal Canin
- Flavor – Chicken
- Form – Dry food
- Size – 35 pounds
- Age range – Adult
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great, nutritious meal for large adult dogs
- Made with natural ingredients
- Good source of protein
- Comes highly-recommended by vets
- An Amazon’s Choice product
Cons
- Age specific for adult dogs younger than 5 years
- Some pitbulls may not be large enough to benefit from this formula
Buyer’s Guide for Pitbull Food
Dogs will eat almost anything! However, if you’re trying to feed your dog the absolute best meals for muscle strength, healthy skin and fur, as well as improved health and immunity, then you’ll have to dig a little bit deeper.
Pitbulls are a breed of dog that require special nourishment due to their very muscular form and susceptibility to certain allergies. Pitties are prone to skin allergies by nature, and the right diet can help mitigate this health condition, while the wrong diet could leave your pitbull open to irritations.
Your best bet is to pick a food brand that takes this into consideration and is designed to improve your dog’s coat without irritating their skin.
Why are pitbulls prone to skin allergies?
Due to the shortness of their coat, burly dogs have less defenses against the various allergens that exist. Some sources of allergens include grass, sunlight, pollen, and skin parasites. Other sources of allergens can come from certain dog-bathing detergents.
It’s also imperative to understand that dogs can differ, and substances that may be allergens to one dog may not be to another. Many times, vulnerability to allergens can depend on grooming and diet.
If your pet starts to develop hotspots or begins to scratch itself all over, it’s definitely time to take him to see the veterinarian. It’s also important to note that your dog’s inability to digest a certain meal is not an allergy, but an intolerance. Allergies are immune system-related and occur when the body detects a hazard. Intolerance mostly occurs in the gut.
The Best Diet For Pitbulls with an Allergy
If your pitty has an allergy, then its nutritional needs have to be treated with the utmost care. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO) recommends that adult dogs should be fed at least 18% protein, while puppies, because they require more nutrients for growth, should be fed at least 22% protein.
There’s an unfortunate twist to this, however.
Some sources of protein can be allergens to your pitbull. As disheartening as it may be, some doggies may be allergic to pork, beef, lamb, dairy, chicken, or fish, and there’s no particular way to denote which food or ingredient is an allergen until your pitty reacts negatively to it.
In the case of an allergic reaction, discharge may come from the eyes, ears, or mouth. Simply collect samples and take them to your vet for further investigation. A patch test for confirmation will reveal which food ingredients are the possible allergens.
The best food recipes for your pitbull will usually have these three features:
- Novel ingredients
- Limited ingredients
- Vet-prescribed or formulated recipes
There is no specified list of harmful ingredients for dogs, as it’s usually a matter of individual reactions to the food. However, there are general ingredients that may induce irritation. This, of course, varies from one dog to the other. Rather than avoiding them completely, it would be best to moderate their use while observing for effects.
These include:
Grains
Grains such as soy, wheat, and corn are notoriously problematic when used as sources of carbs. They have been known to worsen or induce skin allergies in some dogs. Better alternatives to these carb sources include brown rice, oatmeal, and barley.
Dairy products
Over time, it’s become typical for dairy products to contribute to allergies. Cheese and eggs are super rich in protein, but they have to be used with caution and in regulated quantities to assess their effects on your dog.
Conclusion
Dog food comes in many varieties and can affect different dogs in different ways. The lack of tolerance that your pitbull may have for a particular meal doesn’t necessarily dispute the quality of the product, as it’s very much an individual experience. However, in order not to take risks, it’s always best to go for vetted food recipes that have been properly studied and widely recommended by professionals and dog food experts.
The above five options are our top choices for the best dog food for pitbulls. They are all nutritious and highly-recommended. Try them out and see how much your pitbull loves them!
