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Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls
- Authors
- Name
- ChewyChoice team
Introduction
The Pitbull, also referred to as the American Pit Bull Terrier is a type of dog known for its muscular build and often misunderstood reputation. Despite facing portrayals at times, Pitbulls have a diverse history of being loyal companions, wartime heroes and even pets of former Presidents. Both President Teddy Roosevelt and President Woodrow Wilson had Pit Bull terriers as pets. These clever and industrious dogs have been featured in culture as the Buster Brown shoe mascot, the RCA dog Nipper and Petey from The Little Rascals. At one time, Pit Bulls were trusted enough with children to be nicknamed "nanny dogs." Although their athletic agility allows many Pit Bulls to scale fences easily, temperament assessments have found them to be the most affectionate and least aggressive breed out of 122 tested. Maintaining nutrition is crucial for the well being of Pitbulls. Given their energy levels and robust physique these dogs require a well balanced diet tailored to meet their specific nutritional requirements. Opting for the dog food can help ensure that your Pitbull remains active, maintains an ideal weight and enjoys a fulfilling life. In this article we will delve into the dog food choices for Pitbulls considering their unique dietary needs, stage of life energy levels and possible sensitivities or allergies. By grasping the elements of a balanced diet, Pitbulls pet parents can confidently choose the right nourishment to support their beloved pets well being.
Nutritional Needs of Pit Bulls
Considerations for Selecting the Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls
Pit bulls, known for their strength and vitality need a rounded diet filled with top notch nutrients to support their active nature and robust physique. The foundation of their food should be protein from sources like meat, eggs and fish to help build and maintain muscle mass by providing essential amino acids. In addition to protein, including fats such as fish oil, flaxseed and animal fats in their diet can boost energy levels promote healthy skin and coat and maintain joint health.
Choosing the food for Pit Bulls can be hard because each of them is unique. It's important to consider various factors when picking their dog food. One key factor is the age of the dog. Pups have different dietary requirements than adult dogs. So choosing a meal that suits their age is essential.
Understanding AAFCO Guidelines for Pit Bulls Nutrition
AAFCO guideline specifies the minimum nutritional needs of both puppies and adults. For instance, adult dogs need at least 18% protein while puppies need around 22.5% protein on a dry matter basis.
Keeping breed needs and AAFCO guidelines in mind. Convert the nutritional analysis to a dried-matter basis for easier comparison. More importantly, consulting with a veterinarian. This ensures that the chosen food meets the needs of your pup based on their life stage and specific needs.
Meeting High Energy Demands of Pit Bulls
Despite being carnivorous eaters, pit bulls can benefit from carbohydrates sourced from whole grains, vegetables and fruits that offer a range of vitamins like A for vision and immunity support D for calcium absorption aid and B vitamins for energy metabolism. Essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus for bones,zinc for immune system strength and iron for oxygen circulation are also crucial components of a balanced pitbull diet.
Minimizing Respiratory Risks in Pit Bulls
Additionally, Pit bulls are prone to respiratory issues, so choosing foods with high-quality and easily digestible ingredients(chicken, lamb, etc) can help minimize potential digestive distress and flatulence.
Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls July 2024
1. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Oatmeal
- Ground Barley
- Peas
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good sources of protein: This food has deboned chicken and chicken meal as the ingredients offering a healthy protein option for active pit bulls.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown rice, barley, oatmeal and other whole grains ensure a steady energy and fiber supply to keep these lively dogs going.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken fat and flaxseed are present in the food benefiting the skin and coat health of pit bulls with both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Joint support: From the guaranteed analysis table, we can see glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for breeds like pit bulls.
- Probiotics for gut health: Various probiotic strains in the food help support digestion and immunity in pit bulls.
Cons
- Potential allergens awareness: chicken could be allergens to your furry friends
Sample Review from buyers
I switched to this product after a terrible go with Blue Buffalo which gave my dog nothing but potty issues and dehydration issues. So I went to this as I have used Wellness brand before with no issues. My dog loves it and has no issues with potty issues or dehydration. Highly recommend this brand!!!!!!! My dog is a 80lb old english bulldogge.
2. Crave High Protein Beef Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Beef
- Chicken Meal
- Split Peas
- Lentils
- Pork Meal
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good sources of protein: This food has beef, chicken meal, pork meal as the ingredients offering a healthy protein option for active pit bulls.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Split peas, lentils, pea starch ensure a steady energy and fiber supply to keep these lively dogs going.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken fat are present in the food benefiting the skin and coat health of pit bulls with omega-6 fatty acids.
- Grain free formula : This food is free from grains which can be beneficial for dogs with grain allergies.
Cons
- High fat content: Not suitable for for less active or older pit bulls.
Sample Review from buyers
Ive given this food to my dog for almost 5 years and hes always had a great coat. great muscle structure and happy. i give him the the serving size they say to give for his weight and hes always been at a health weigh never over weight. highly recommend this for all dogs
3. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Salmon
- Whole Herring
- Chicken Liver
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, turkey, salmon, and others as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active pit bulls.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Whole red lentils, whole pinto beans, whole navy beans provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken fat, pollock oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the large German Shepherd breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, lentils, peas could be potential allergens for some pit bulls.
- pricey dog food: This dog food is on the expensive side.
Sample Review from buyers
Orijen Original has been my primary choice of dog food for many years. Occasionally if it's not available I'll purchase other Orijen formulations, but overall I trust that Orijen dog food is high-quality and nutritious.
4. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Smoke-Flavored Salmon Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Salmon
- Ocean Fish Meal
- Sweet Potatoes
- Peas
- Pea Flour
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good sources of protein: This food has salmon, ocean fish meal, and salmon meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active pit bulls.
- Carbohydrates for energy: sweet potatoes, peas and others provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as canola oil and salmon oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus fermentation products provide probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Salmon, peas, lentils, canola oil could be potential allergens for some pit bulls.
Sample Review from buyers
I fed my last dogs grain free food for many years and they lived long and healthy lives. I now have 2 new puppies and have continued the grain free diets. They love the food and have no issues with it at all. Great brand and glad I was able to find a grain free puppy food!!
5. ACANA Wholesome Grains Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Oat Groats
- Whole Sorghum
- Whole Millet
Pros
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, chicken Meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active pit bulls.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Oats, whole millet, and others provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken fat, fish oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, lentils and peas could be potential allergens for some pit bulls.
Sample Review from buyers
I changed to this food for our four month old corgi, and he took to it very well. Since corgis have a delicate digestive system, I was concerned how the transition would be. He is thriving and loves this food.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I safely switch my Pit Bull puppy to adult food?
Between 9 and 14 months, take into account your puppy's breed size and switch to the appropriate adult formula to fulfill their evoling nutritional needs. The timing for switching to adult food depends on how fast your dog grows, with smaller breeds typically maturing faster than larger breeds.
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