best dog food for 3 year old pitbull

1 Year Old Pitbull

This complete guide to your 1 year old Pitbull will explore the healthiest size, weight and food for Pitbull breeds, helping you keep track of your Pitties development!

A 1 year old Pitbull will not yet be at their adult size or maturity. So, you can expect them to be playful, eager to learn, and full of energy! An American Pitbull Terrier will reach their adult size at around 18 months, so they still have some growing to do at 12 months. But, they will be very close to their adult height at this age!

1 Year Old Pitbull

The term Pitbull can actually refer to a number of breeds. Most often, it is any of the following five:

• American Pitbull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Miniature Bull Terrier

And, since these breeds can be quite different sizes, they will look very different at 12 months. The smaller a dog is, the faster it reaches its adult size. So, a Miniature Bull Terrier and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier will be at their adult size, or much closer to it than the other 3 Pitbull breeds at 1 year old. As the other 3 are slightly larger, they will usually take around 18 months to reach their full height and weight.

To keep things simple, we will take a closer look at the American Pitbull Terrier for the rest of this article, since this is the breed that most people mean when they say pitbull.

1 Year Old Pitbull Size

A fully grown Pitbull (American Pitbull Terrier) will be somewhere between 17 and 21 inches tall. Males are often taller than females. Males will be at the larger end of this spectrum, often between 18 and 21 inches, whilst females are usually between 17 and 20 inches. In terms of weight, an adult Pitbull can be anywhere between 30 and 60 lbs, again with males more often weighing more than females.

However, at 1 year old, its unlikely your APBT will be at their adult size. These dogs usually take 8 months to reach their adult height and weight, so they will have a little more growing to do. Its likely that your dog will be close to their adult height. But, over the next 6 months, youll see them pack on more muscle and mass.

How Much Should a 1 Year Old Pitbull Weigh?

Though a Pitbulls adult size can range quite a lot, from a minimum of 30 lbs to a maximum of 60 lbs on average, they wont be at their adult size by 1 year. In fact, the larger your dogs adult size, the longer it will take them to reach it. So, as a general rule, male Pitbulls take longer to grow than females.

Your Pitbulls weight at 1 year old will also depend on how much youre feeding them. If you are overfeeding them, they may weigh more than you might expect. Since all Pitbulls are different, your veterinarian is the best person to guide you here. But, if you are struggling to feel your Pitties ribs, they may be overweight.

Weight will be a very individual thing for all dogs, so its best to speak to your vet rather than using general weight charts online. An adult Pittie at the smaller end of the size spectrum is naturally going to weigh much less at one year than one at the other end of the scale.

How Much Food Should a 1 Year Old Pitbull Eat?

Most commercial dog foods will have a feeding guide on their packaging. This will have the amount of food required depending on your dogs weight. Its a good idea to start with these guidelines, but bear in mind that they may need some adjusting. Often, these measurements are slightly more than your dog actually needs. So, you must keep a close watch on your dogs weight and adjust their meal size accordingly.

If you can feel but not see your Pitbulls ribs, they are likely in a healthy weight range. If their ribs are very prominent, and easy to see through their fur, they may not be eating enough. But, if you cannot see or feel them at all, they are overweight. Both underfeeding and overfeeding your Pitbull can be detrimental to their health and development.

So, use these observations to adjust their meal sizes if necessary. And, check in with your veterinarian if you are unsure. They will be able to help you plan your dogs meals if you arent feeling confident about it.

Best Dog Food for a One Year Old Pitbull

At 12 months, some Pitbulls will be ready to transition to adult dog food. This should be a gradual process, not an immediate change. So, replace a small amount of their puppy food with your chosen adult food in each meal. Over the course of a week, change the quantities of each until you are only giving them the adult food. You may wish to speak to your veterinarian first, to ensure you are making the transition at the correct time for your individual dog.

The best dog food for your 1 year old Pitbull will be a balanced and nutritious recipe. Many dog foods are designed for specific breeds and breed types. So, you can choose a Pitbull specific food, or one designed for medium to large breeds. If you arent sure where to start, see if your current puppy food brand has an adult dog variety.

How to Train a 1 Year Old Pitbull

Its highly likely that you will have already started training your Pittie. But, since they are nearing their adult size and strength, good obedience training and socialization is all the more important. Most socialization should happen before 12 weeks of age, but you should continue giving your Pittie positive new experiences to things throughout their life. So, keep introducing them to new people, animals, environment, and things. But, do this at your dogs pace, especially if they are anxious or fearful.

Positive reward training is the best method for Pitties. Since they form strong bonds with their owners, they will be eager to please. Studies have linked aversive methods (such as positive punishment and negative reinforcement) to increased stress and anxiety levels in dogs. So, stick to positive methods for a more attentive and confident Pittie. Just make sure to subtract the calorie allowance of any training treats from your dogs meals to avoid overfeeding them.

1 Year Old Pitbull A Summary

A one year old Pitbull dog wont yet be fully grown, but they will be most of the way there. You may be able to transition them to adult food at this age, but your veterinarian may recommend waiting a little longer. Keep track of your dogs weight to ensure they are eating the right amounts, and keep working on their obedience training!

Do you have a one year old Pitbull at home? We would love to hear about them in the comments!

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References and Resources

• Tal, M. (et al), Dietary Imbalances in a Large Breed Puppy, Leading to Compression Fractures, Vitamin D Deficiency, and Suspected Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism, The Canadian Veterinary Journal (2018)
• Jeusette, I. Puppy Nutrition, Advanced Veterinary Research Reports
• Bland, I. (et al), Dog Obesity: Owner Attitudes and Behavior, Preventive Veterinary Medicine (2009)
• Bland, I. (et al), Dog Obesity: Veterinary Practices and Owners Opinions on Cause and Management, Preventive Veterinary Medicine (2010)
• Howell, T. (et al), Puppy Parties and Beyond: The Role of Early Age Socialization Practices on Adult Dog Behavior, Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports (2015)
• Hiby, E. (et al), Dog Training Methods: Their Use, Effectiveness and Interaction with Behavior and Welfare, Animal Welfare (2004)
• Deldalle, S. & Gauntlet, F. Effects of 2 Training Methods on Stress-Related Behaviors of the Dog (Canis Familiaris) and on the Dog-Owner Relationship, Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2014)
• Todd, Z. Barriers to the Adoption of Humane Dog Training Methods, Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2018)
• Vieira de Castro, A. (et al), Improving Dog Training Methods: Efficacy and Efficiency of Reward and Mixed Training Methods, Plos One (2021)

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The Best Dog Food for Pitbulls in 2022

Best Dog Food for Pitbulls Buying Guide

If youre still not sure which food is the best choice for your beloved Pitbull pup, read on for our full buying guide and FAQ to help you make the call.

Benefits of Feeding Your Pitbull a Healthy Diet

Feeding your Pitbull a diet with lots of protein, vitamins and minerals will ensure they have lots of energy to lead an active and healthy lifestyle enough for all the long walks and games of tug-of-war you have the energy for!

• Prevent or control health conditions

Just as in humans, a healthy diet can help prevent and manage a variety of health issues. For example, bone diseases such as hip dysplasia are common in Pitbulls, but a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce joint pain and swelling, whilst a calorie-controlled diet can help manage weight, relieving pain and other symptoms.

If your Pitbull suffers from food allergies, cutting the ingredients they are intolerant to out of their diet can make a huge difference to their health. Common allergens include beef, poultry, dairy and grains.

Pitbulls are prone to obesity, especially when fed a poor diet or given too many treats. Help to keep your pup a healthy weight by giving him a carefully controlled, nutritious diet that fills him up. Check out our guide on dog food for weight loss for more info.

A diet high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids will help maintain your pups skin and fur, alleviating skin conditions and and contributing to a glossy, healthy-looking coat.

A healthier Pitbull means fewer trips to the vet! This will save you time, money and a whole lot of worry, and most importantly means less stress and trauma for your precious pooch.

Nutritional Requirements for Pitbulls

Pitbulls are muscular, active dogs, and one of their most important nutritional requirements is a high protein content, which will give them plenty of energy. Food with 20% to 30% protein is ideal for fully grown adults. For puppies and senior Pitbulls (age 8 upwards), you should look for a protein content of up to 40%, as dogs in these age ranges dont digest protein as effectively as adults. A good high protein dog food for Pitbulls will be based around a fresh, lean meat protein source, such as venison, turkey or duck, with little to no meat by-products. You may also like our article on high protein dog food for more info.

Fiber is essential for good digestion, allowing your Pitbull to make the most of the nutritious food hes eating and keeping him regular. It is particularly important for senior dogs, who might struggle to digest and metabolize food effectively. Look for a food with plenty of fruit and vegetable ingredients such as sweet potato, kale and carrots to help aid your pups digestion.

Grains such as wheat and corn are often used as fillers in lower-quality commercial dog food, as a cheap way to bulk out the formula. Although dogs can digest grain, its nutritional value is low, and many people believe that as it is not part of a dogs ancestral diet, it shouldnt form a major part of a modern day dogs diet. Grain can also be a food allergen in some Pitbulls, causing symptoms such as skin rashes, vomiting and diarrhea. Try to find a grain-free formula that instead relies on fresh meat, fruit and vegetables as the main ingredients. Take a look at our review of grain free dog food for more info.

• Lots of vitamins and minerals

In order to be healthy, Pitbulls need a diet high in essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which promotes growth and strong bones. Vitamins and minerals are mostly found in fruits and vegetables. Often the most nutritious veggies for Pitbulls are the same as those for humans look for superfoods such as sweet potato, blueberries, spinach and kale, which provide the highest nutrient content per quantity.

• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids

In order to support healthy bones, joints, skin and coat, your Pitbull needs a diet containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. These can be obtained from sources such as oily fish and flaxseeds. Head over to our review of the best fish oil for dogs for more alternatives.

Finally, your Pitbull needs a certain amount of fat in his diet (although not too much, as this can lead to obesity). Look for food that contains 15 20% fat, from sources such as chicken fat.

Common Pitbull Health Problems

Skin allergies are possibly the most common Pitbull health problem, attributed to their short coats. Allergic reactions can be triggered by environmental factors, such as pollen or grass, or by certain foods, including beef, dairy, grain and wheat. Symptoms can include sore, red or itchy patches on the skin, runny eyes, ear infections, sneezing, vomiting and diarrhea.

Pitbulls are prone to certain bone diseases, including hip dysplasia, kneecap dislocation and degenerative myelopathy. Hip dysplasia affects your Pitbulls ball and socket hip joint. Symptoms include pain, an uneven gait, difficulty climbing stairs, decreased mobility, and, in extreme cases, lameness.

Cataracts in Pitbulls are not limited to senior dogs they can be genetic, and thus occur at all ages, including in puppies. Symptoms include clumsiness, eye rubbing, a cloudy eye, and irritation, discharge or redness around the eye.

• Heart defects and disease

Pitbulls can also suffer from congenital heart disease, heart murmurs, and irregular heartbeats. Symptoms for such conditions can include breathing difficulties, weakness, fainting, and weight or behavioral changes.

Obesity is a problem among all dog breeds, with approximately 56% of dogs in the U.S. being overweight or obese. Pitbulls muscular frames are prone to obesity, especially if theyre fed a high calorie diet and dont get enough exercise. Get your pup weighed by your vet regularly to monitor for signs of weight gain.

Our Top Pick

There are some delicious and nutritious foods on this list, but if we had to pit them against each other, our favorite food for Pitbull puppies has to be the Taste of the Wild Grain Free High Protein High Prairie Dry Puppy Food. This high quality dog food provides well-balanced nutrition based on the ancestral diet your pup would have followed in the wild. The high protein content sourced from real buffalo and venison meat is perfect for Pitbull puppies, who find it harder to digest protein than adults, but need plenty of energy for all their antics! There are lots of fruits and veggies to provide essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and the grain-free formula limits the chances of your Pitbull pup having an upset stomach although you should always monitor your dog closely for any signs of an allergic reaction when introducing them to a new food for the first time.