Pit bulls are not a breed; rather, the umbrella word refers to four breeds: American bully, American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, and American bulldog. Regardless of their distinctions, all of these breeds have a muscular, stocky physique and are active, determined, and strong.
These characteristics are vital to consider while choosing the correct food for your pitbull, since you'll need to ensure that they're getting enough nutrition. “Pit bulls tend to be larger and more lively than other dogs, so they may require more calories and benefit from a higher protein content,” explains Jamie Richardson, a USDA-accredited BVetMed at Small Door Vet in New York City.
When shopping for dog food, search for a declaration from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) confirming that it is nutritionally adequate for your dog's weight and life stage.
We studied the top pit bull feeds currently on the market to help you narrow down the various options. Continue reading for our top selections.
Dr. Richardson advocates a high protein diet with a combination of good-for-your-pup whole grains instead of a grain-free diet, which can lead to heart disease. This Wellness Complete recipe includes chicken and high fiber grains such as oats, barley, peas, and brown rice, as well as omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine. It is created in the United States with ingredients obtained from throughout the world and is devoid of GMOs, meat byproducts, fillers, and chemical preservatives. As a result, your dog's immune system, energy levels, skin and coat, and overall health benefit from this diet.
According to Dr. Richardson, pups require more calories, fat, and a different vitamin and mineral balance than adults, and our Purina ONE SmartBlend for puppies takes that into account. Chicken is the first ingredient in our high protein puppy meal, which contains 28% protein. It also contains DHA, a nutrient found in mothers' milk that aids in the development of your pet's vision and brain, as well as calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for overall health. It's also easy for your little one to digest because there are no fillers. Dr. Richardson recommends providing puppy food until your dog reaches adult size, which should be between 12 and 18 months old.
Senior dogs may benefit from dietary adjustments, especially if they have any age-related issues, such as arthritis.
This Royal Canin blend is designed for 8-year-old dogs weighing 57 pounds or more. The simple recipe offers the necessary high-quality proteins and fiber, as well as EPA, DHA, and antioxidants for healthy bones and joints. If your older dog has difficulty chewing, mix the kibble with warm water to rehydrate it.
“Owners may also wish to chat with their veterinarian about supplements that can aid with joint difficulties, like as omega fatty acids and glucosamine/chondroitin,” Dr. Richardson suggests.
Consider adding canned dog food to your pitbull's diet if he or she is having difficulty gaining weight. Some wet foods have more calories and fat than dry foods, according to Dr. Richardson, who adds that if your dog is struggling to gain weight, you should always consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying problems.
With a fat level of 6.5 percent, this lamb, herring, sweet potato, and blueberry blend is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It's made without any extra water or broth to give it a robust, meat-like texture. The food is produced in Italy and is packaged in a BPA-free can. Remember to keep any unused food refrigerated.
Pit bulls are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, which is aggravated by obesity.
This is just one of the many reasons you should keep your pit bull's weight under control.
Hill's Science dog food combines all-natural ingredients (chicken, cracked pearl barley, brown rice, and pea fiber) with added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to suit your pup's nutritional and health requirements. The kibble is large, crunchy, and full; according to the manufacturer, 70% of dogs lose weight in 10 weeks after starting on this diet. Of course, kibble is only one component of the problem; you should also double-check that you're giving your pooch the proper quantity size and not over-treating it, according to Dr. Richardson.
“If you feel your pit bull is sensitive to any substance, it is critical to conduct allergy testing to identify the cause and ensure it is removed from their diet,” Dr. Richardson advises. An elimination diet can also aid in the identification of the allergen, which is where this meal comes into play. Its protein is derived solely from lamb, and it has no beans, potatoes, or gluten. In their place, you'll find nourishing grains like oats and whole sorghum, as well as butternut squash and pumpkin, which are high in fiber, nutritious, and beneficial to gut health. It also has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
If feeding your pitbull a natural dog food is vital to you, Castor & Pollux is hard to beat. It is prepared with USDA organic certified and non-GMO certified ingredients and has no artificial preservatives, tastes, or colors. It contains nutrient-dense organic flaxseed, organic blueberries, and organic sweet potatoes, as well as fiber-rich organic oats and organic barley for healthy digestion, in addition to its initial ingredient, organic chicken. While it is more expensive than other solutions, owners who feed Castor & Pollux to their dogs say they get the benefits in the form of fewer allergies, less itchy skin, improved digestion, and overall better health.
Fresh food contains more protein than standard dry dog food, making it an excellent alternative for your energetic pit bull. PetPlate's alternatives are tailored to your pup's breed, size, age, and activity level, and include meat sources such as beef, turkey, lamb, and chicken. While it is not organic, all of the meat is derived from USDA-certified farms, and all of the components are of human-grade quality. The meals are supplied to you frozen in individually sized bags once you complete a questionnaire about your dog and sign up for a subscription.
Many veterinarians advise against feeding a grain-free diet to dogs since it may raise their risk of heart disease.
However, not all grains are made equal. Avoid corn and flour in favor of healthier whole grains like oats and barley.
When purchasing dog food, ensure that it is appropriate for both the size and age of your pet. Most pit bulls weigh 50 pounds or more, putting them in the large dog category. If your dog is little, seek for food formulated for medium-sized dogs.
If you feel your pit bull has a food allergy, consult with your veterinarian about having them tested. Food containing protein from a single source may be more pleasant on sensitive stomachs in general.
Regardless of your dog's breed, you should only purchase food that has been certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO collaborates closely with the FDA to establish quality pet nutrition standards, with particular needs stated in distinct nutrition profiles. The AAFCO seal indicates that the dog food is "complete and balanced" for the given breed and life stage.
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