Best Dog Food for Pitbulls - Comparison and Reviews
Author: Becky Roberts
Last Updated: October 2024
Category: Best Dog Food
American Pitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bulldogs, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are all often considered under the Pitbull umbrella.
Many of these breeds were originally developed as fighting dogs, and from here a great deal of the stigma against pits sprang up.
So, what is the best dog food for Pitbulls? We’re here to help you every step of the way with that today 🐕.
A typical healthy adult pitbull will need upwards of 1,000 calories a day, although particularly active dogs could need as many as 1,700 calories. You should split this over at least two meals.
Pitbull owners mainly focus on protein-rich foods to help build their dog’s muscles along with high-quality carbs and plenty of healthy fats.
We’ll get straight down to business now with a curated selection of the best Pitbull foods for adults, seniors, and puppy. After that, we’ll round out with all you need to know about buying this food the easy way 🐾.
Best Dog Food for Pitbulls 2024 - Reviews
1. Taste of the Wild High Protein for Pitbulls to Gain Muscle
The philosophy underpinning Taste of the Wild (TOTW) dry dog food is simple yet effective. The range of dog food is developed to replicate what dogs would eat if left to roam wild. The Prairie formula is a neat match for an active adult pitbull with no health issues. The flavors of bison and roasted venison deliver your dog a real treat without any overpowering or unpleasant smell.
This dog food contains 32% protein derived from high-quality sources and the chelated minerals present allow these proteins to be readily absorbed. Your pitbull will benefit in terms of muscle growth as well as skin and coat health.
TOTW dog food has a grain-free formula so your beloved pitbull will grab his carbs from sweet potato and peas instead of allergenic grains. Real meat along with fruits and vegetables in the ingredients provides plenty of protein and fiber. Your pit will also get a great dose of healthy fats and Omega-3 fatty acids for a well-rounded nutritional package.
Watch out if your dog has kidney or liver issues due to the extremely high protein content of TOTW. For healthy Pitbulls, though, this is one of the best dog food in a glutted market.
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Pros
- Best High Protein Dog Food for Pitbulls to Gain Muscle
- Unusual and high-quality protein sources including venison, wildfowl, and bison
- Real meat as the primary ingredient to help your bully develop healthy muscle
- Grain-free with vegetables used as a source of carbs
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than other brands
2. Purina PRO PLAN Focus Sensitive Skin and Stomach
Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach is another good option for Pitbulls with skin allergy. Purina is cheaper than Natural Balance and the most affordable dog food to help against allergies. It features Salmon or Lamb as the #1 ingredient in the list.
As discussed above Pitbulls are prone to skin and food allergies. Their skin can turn itchy and show the signs of inflammation with red spots. A good dog food to help with allergies should be highly digestible and contains nutrients that improve the health of a dog’s skin and coat.
Purina Pro Plan contains prebiotic fiber to improve Pitbull’s digestive health. The ingredients also contain carbohydrates like Rice that are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. While Linoleic acid and zinc nourish Pitbull’s skin and coat.
You will observe your Pitbull skin is shiny and healthy just after a few weeks on Purina Pro Plan dog food.
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Pros
- Best dog food for Pitbulls with skin allergies
- A winning formula if your pitbull has any type of skin sensitivity
- Contains real salmon or lamb as the first ingredient, guaranteeing prime protein for your pit
- Prebiotic fiber encourages digestive health and overall wellbeing
Cons
- Bit of a pronounced smell
3. Taste of the Wild Wet Dog Food
Rounding things up with another Taste of the Wild offering, this wet dog food is an acquired taste. Pet owners are delighted to find their pits wolfing down these cans of wet food. Taste of the Wild is rated by us as the top wet food for Pitbulls.
This Pacific Stream formula takes protein from real salmon. Quality, not just quantity, counts with this macro profile, and your Pit will be thanking you as he slurps this down. You’ll be rewarded as you see his muscles increase in size. It’s extremely good dog food for weight management. Skin and coat health also get a nice jolt with the fatty acids in the ingredients working to achieve this.
If your Pit isn’t too keen on fish, there’s a wide array of meat-based recipes including wild boar, lamb, roasted duck, bison, and venison. Whatever tickles your pitbull’s taste buds, you’re in safe hands with this formula.
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Pros
- Formula packed with protein from real salmon as the primary ingredient to make it easy for your Pit to pack on lean muscle
- Highly beneficial fatty acids ensure your pet has a resplendent coat
- Supremely digestible formula to give your dog’s stomach a helping hand as well as piling on those muscles
Cons
- Watch for dented cans as this will compromise the seal
4. Bully Max Premium for Pitbulls to Gain Weight
Bully Max dry dog food works well for any active and healthy athletic dog, making it a great fit for your pitbull.
Bully Max dog food contains 30% protein from real meat sources that is ideal for Pitbulls to gain weight and build strong muscles without getting obese in the process. The 20% fat content in this dog food is also healthy for growing pitbull. The high-protein, high-calorie food keep working dogs energetic. That’s why we have rated Bully Max as the #1 dog food for Pitbulls because other regular dog food brands could be high-protein but, at the same time, don’t have high-calories like Bully Max.
On top of it, there are no artificial additives, grains, corn, wheat or soy in the ingredients.
While you might shy away from some brands of dog food purely based on how many products recalls they’ve experienced, Bully Max has never suffered this fate. Their rigorous triple layer of monitoring keeps their standards beyond reproach.
This high-performance mix works with all life stages from pitbull puppies to seniors but is ideally suited to adults.
If you shy away at the price of this food, consider the fact you might actually end up using less food due to the high calorific content. So, why not give some a try and see if you notice any added muscle on your beloved Pit.
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Pros
- Best Dog Food for Pitbulls to Gain Weight
- More calories per cup than any other food in its class
- 30% protein from all-natural sources to give your pit all the power he needs
- This food has never been subject to recall thanks to a triple-check quality control system
Cons
- Expensive
5. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet for Allergies
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food is best for Pitbulls with skin or food allergies. Limited Ingredient Diets use a simple recipe that limits ingredients in a dog’s diet to minimize the chance of food sensitivities.
Natural Balance L.I.D. provides a single source of animal protein from either Chicken or Salmon. While sweet potatoes are used for an easily-digestible and premium source of carbohydrates. This combines to give your pitbull all the essential amino acids he needs along with a healthy dose of potassium.
The benefit of Natural Balance grain-free dog food is that it maintains the digestive health of your dog. A good digestive system would support healthy skin and shiny luxurious coat. This is the perfect diet if your Pitbull shows signs of food allergy and his skin starts turning red or itchy.
And, with over three decades of experience producing dog food based on sound nutritional science, Natural Balance is a brand you can trust.
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Pros
- Best for Pitbulls with Allergies
- Huge array of flavors to choose from— something for all palates
- Perfect for puppies and adults while also suitable for seniors
- Premium sources of both protein and carbs
Cons
- Some dogs might find this formula awkward to eat in the begining
6. Purina ONE SmartBlend Dog Food – Best Cheap
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct is the best cheap dog food for Pitbulls. Although it is very economically priced, it still features high quality animal based protein. Real Turkey is the #1 ingredient along with Real Venison. This dog food contains 30% Protein along with vitamins and minerals to provide a nutrient rich diet for Pitbulls. These high quality ingredients would promote healthy weight gain and provide enough energy to support Pitbulls active lifestyle.
Naturally occurring Glucosamine from Turkey is also found in Purina One. Glucosamine supports the powerful physique of Pitbulls and also promote good joint health and helps against arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Purina One has a healthy digestible formula with 17% Fat, 3% Fiber and 12% Moisture. Many Pitbull owners have commented that their dog’s upset stomach and gas issues resolved after shifting to this dog food.
Dogs love the crunchy kibbles and meaty morsels of Purina One. Give this dog food a try if you are looking for an affordable Pitbull food but don’t want to compromise on quality!
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Pros
- Made from real salmon and tuna to give your pit bull 30% premium protein for packing on more muscle
- No unhealthy filler just prime ingredients for the whole health of your beloved dog
- Antioxidants and healthy Omega-3 fatty acids along with glucosamine for joints, serving up a complete nutritional package
Cons
- Not Grain-Free
7. AvoDerm Advanced Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for Senior Pitbulls
AvoDerm advanced health senior dog food features lamb meal and chicken meal as its primary ingredients. AvoDerm is best for senior Pitbulls as it’s packed with high quality meat proteins, wholesome grains, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support the health of senior dogs.
AvoDerm food formula contains natural source of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine to help maintain the joints health of Senior Pitbulls. It also has DHA from natural fish sources for healthy brain function. DHA plays a vital role in the healthy brain and eye function of Pitbulls.
What makes AvoDerm unique from other dog food brands is the Omega rich Avocados in the ingredients list. Avocado is particularly good for healthy skin and a shiny coat of Pitbulls. As many Pitbulls suffer from skin problems as they age, this dog food is best to overcome any skin allergies in senior dogs.
AvoDerm has made sure that senior dogs also love the taste of this food. If your Pitbull is a picky eater, try this dog food because he would love these crunchy savory kibbles.
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Pros
- Best for Senior Pitbull Dog
- Avocados work to improve your aging dog’s coat and skin
- Protein from lamb and chicken to give your pitbull all the power he needs
- Free of wheat, corn, and soy while packed with vitamins and minerals to boost your dog’s immune system
Cons
- Expensive
8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a high protein grain-free dry puppy food with real chicken as the #1 ingredient. Puppies love the high quantity of meat in this dry dog food. The high protein food is also good for Pitbull puppies strong muscle growth.
Blue Wilderness puppy food consists of ingredients to support the healthy development of Pitbull puppies. It contains DHA and ARA, important fatty acid found in mother’s milk, to supports cognitive development and retinal health in the puppy.
Puppy food formula has 36% crude protein and 16% crude fat. This is an optimal protein-to-fat ratio that would help Pitbull puppies gain healthy weight.
Furthermore, Blue Wilderness is free of artificial flavors and preservatives so puppies can enjoy a wholesome meal the way nature intended.
Blue Wilderness is our top rated puppy food that will help your Pitbull to stay active, healthy and grow into a strong adult dog.
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Pros
- Best for weight gain in puppies
- High Protein
- Emphasis on natural ingredients
- Grain-Free
Cons
- Slightly Expensive
What Features to Look For in the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls
When buying dog food for your pitbull, you need to take into account the amount of energy this muscular breed needs. You’ll need to provide a protein-dense diet packed with nutrients. Pitbulls fall in the medium to large breed dogs category. Pitbulls nutritional requirements are almost similar to large breed dogs like German Shepherd so buy dog food that is suited to large breeds.
Related: Best Large Breed Dog Food
To replicate a natural canine diet, you should ensure protein and healthy fats are the core ingredients in the dog food. For adult dogs, AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) recommends a minimum of 18% protein for adult Pitbulls and 5% fat. These are minimums and can be increased substantially.
Pitbulls have monstrous appetites so you shouldn’t struggle getting your pet to consume 922 to 1,740 calories a day. We appreciate this is a very wide band, but, as we said earlier, there are many variables at play.
Rather than free feeding, you should limit your Pitbulls to two meals a day after eliminating the third meal puppies enjoy.
With those basics in place, what should be in the food to hit those macros and overall goals?
Most Suitable Diet for Pitbulls
Rather than specific ingredients, think about the main nutritional requirements of Pitbulls in terms of:
- High Protein
- Healthy Fats and Fatty Acids
- Quality Carbs
- Vitamins and Minerals
High Protein
Not all protein is created equal. To give your pitbull all the amino acids he needs to build lean muscle, you’ll need to ensure high-quality protein from a number of sources. Protein from real meat and fish in dog food is generally recognized as the best option for pitbulls—and all dogs actually.
While protein in dog food is critical throughout a pitbull’s life, with puppies, you should really ramp up the protein intake even further. The minimum suggested protein for a pitbull is 18%, but this can easily be jacked up to 25% or 30% if your dog is highly active and always primed for action.
Beyond that point, don’t go overloading as this can aggravate kidney problems in pitbulls.
What else apart from plenty of protein, then?
Healthy Fats and Fatty Acids
Forget the notion that fat is bad. It’s not all bad, but you certainly need to ensure it’s the right kind of fat. Dog food containing healthy fats and Omega-3 fatty acids ensures Pitbull skin is supple and well-nourished while it also got plenty of energy.
Feeding too much of fats can also make Pitbulls overweight and lazy. If you are buying dog food that is high in fat and Protein to make Pitbulls gain weight and muscles then you should also make your dog do ample exercise. Because only feeding food without any exercise would certainly make your Pitbull obese.
How else can you make certain Pitbulls got all the energy it needs?
Quality Carbs
As with all macros, you need to get carbohydrates from good sources. Cheap grain and filler are not good sources.
Increasingly, you’ll find dog food where carbs come from sweet potato and peas. Not only will your pitbull feel full and energized, but these dog foods are also packed with other nutrients, too. You shouldn’t overlook those other unsung heroes in pursuit of protein.
Vitamins and Minerals
While Pitbulls obviously don’t eat a vegetarian diet, you can find vitamins in minerals in proteins and fats in dog foods as well. Pitbulls need calcium, phosphorus, and iron on board. Vitamins A, B, C, and E are also vital for overall wellbeing.
Omega-3 and other minerals in dog food are particularly good for skin allergies that Pitbulls may get.
FAQs
What can I feed my pitbull to make it big and muscular?
The main thing to concentrate on is buying dog food that delivers a high-protein diet. Go with a 40% protein content in dog food if you’re looking to increase your pitbull’s size. Add 40% carbs and 20% healthy fats to the mix, and you’ve got all you need in terms of macros. Make sure you feed him at least 1,000 calories a day across two meals. With plenty of exercises and the above slant to his diet, you should watch your pitbull’s muscles continue to grow. Pitbulls can also do indoor exercise with large dog treadmill to keep them agile and burn fat to show off the muscles.
What happens if I try to increase my pitbull puppy’s muscle mass when he’s young?
This is not advisable. Stick to a balanced diet. If you attempt to load up your pitbull puppy too young, you can certainly accelerate growth, but it might come at the cost of the bone structure at a later stage. You should stick to standard puppy food in normal quantities to 8 months then switch to junior food until the age of 2.
What foods are pitbulls allergic to?
While pitbulls don’t top the list as far as breeds prone to allergies, they do often have skin issues with certain ingredients. When introducing a new dog food, watch closely for any signs of your pitbull vomiting or sneezing. Look out for any hair loss or skin problems, too.
If you notice any signs of an allergy, this could be an ingredient in the kibble your pitbull can’t tolerate. You should get your dog straight to the vet so you can have a test performed and hopefully isolate the sensitive ingredient. There’s no specific food notorious for bringing on allergies in Pitbulls, but it’s quite common for them to be sensitive to any number of ingredients. Pitbull health insurance could cover the food allergies and save you on the medical bills.
Is chicken bad for pitbulls?
No, it isn’t. Pitbull foods frequently use chicken as a protein source. It’s also no problem to feed your pitbull some unseasoned cooked chicken for a treat as a shot of extra protein.
What ingredients are bad for pitbulls?
Poor sources of protein – meat by-products, for example – can be damaging. Corn and grain are low-caliber fillers that should be avoided. Additives are normally bad news as well.
What’s the problem with cheap filler and grain in Pitbull food?
These are certainly not the type of foods your dog would eat if he were left to a wild, natural diet. These ingredients can lead to weight gain, upset stomach, and digestive issues. Beyond this, these ingredients in dog food are often used in place of quality sources of protein and carbs so your pit could also be left flagging with inadequate energy and even malnutrition.
My Pitbull eats too much too quickly?
Gastric dilation is a condition that can occur with potentially damaging consequences if your pitbull eats too much too quickly. Make absolutely certain your dog doesn’t wolf down his food. Space meals apart and keep a close eye out for vomiting or bloating.
