best dog food for 7 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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10 Best Dog Food for Pitbulls: Top Brands for 2024

Many people, when they hear about the Pit bull breed (also pitbull), have one of two reactions: They either break into stories sharing their love for this misunderstood type of dog, or they express their fear, which is really just an expression of ignorance surrounding pit bulls and other like breeds.

The Pit bull dog breed is known for having an extremely active nature. Pitbulls are naturally muscular with short coats, and they stand strong and solid, as the natural athlete of dogs.

You can recognize a Pitbulls personality easilythese dogs are very confident and high-spirited. They have, for years, made great companions for responsible pet parents.

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Pitbulls at times exhibit some naturally aggressive tendencies, which is why they do best with owners who have the time to commit to careful socialization and obedience training.

They are highly intelligent and friendly, even with strangers, and they often display an eagerness to work and contributepitbulls are powerful and agile and require consistent attention and support to ensure their overall well-being.

Such a muscular dog requires a well-balanced diet that includes proper nutrition. Although naturally muscular, the Pit bull breed has special dietary and nutritional requirements to ensure optimal use of its incredible genes. And its up to you, as the dog owner, to make sure your pup gets everything he needs.

Read on to inform yourself about the nutritional needs of your Pit bull pup and to check out our top dog food recommendationswe have listed some of the best dog food for Pitbulls all in one place so you have a guide to turn to and help orient you along the path of being an excellent Pitbull caretaker.

Overall Best dog food for pitbulls

What is the Best Dog Food for a Pitbull?

1. Dr. Tim's Highly Athletic Momentum Formula
2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Formula
3. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
4. Adirondack 30% High-Fat Puppy & Performance Recipe
5. Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy
6. Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Venison
7. VICTOR Performance Formula
8. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe
9. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
10. Crave with Protein from Salmon & Ocean Fish

1. Dr. Tim's Highly Athletic Momentum Formula

First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Ocean Herring Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp (Sugar Removed)

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Created for athletic dogs in their adult stage of life. The formula contains a high amount of protein and omits fillers like soy, peas, corn, and wheat. The ingredients are cooked slowly to preserve nutrients and satisfy the voracious appetite of your beloved Pitbull.

Dr. Tims dog food recipe was created for athletic adult dogs who need lots of protein to fuel their energy requirements. Its ideal for all dog breeds, from large breed dogs to small pooches.

Its a high protein diet that omits fillers like soy, peas, corn, and wheat so that canines with food allergies and sensitive stomachs can savor every bite.

It blends carbs (brown rice), fat, and fiber along with protein to deliver the balanced nutrition your highly active Pitbull requires.

The chicken meal is the primary source of animal protein, and its a dense kind of protein because most of the moisture has been removed. This makes it possible for the food to reach a high 92% protein composition.

The recipe has natural ingredients (no artificial flavors or colors) and is cooked slowly to preserve nutrients and satisfy the voracious appetite of your beloved Pitbull.

Added probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants in this dog food work together to promote healthy digestion and a strong immune system.

Having balanced nutrition aids with recovery, especially for dogs who engage in competitive activities.

Pros

• Available in two different sizes: 18-lb bag and 40-lb bag
• High protein formula
• No fillers

Cons

• More expensive than other dry dog food options

2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Formula

First 5 ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Includes a balanced set of ingredients that include real buffalo, lamb and chicken to deliver protein and encourage muscle development. Obtained from both sustainable and trusted sources and they don't include cheap fillers and preservatives, flavors and artificial colors.

If you happen to own a pup that has food allergies, then this is our choice for the best grain free diet. It includes a balanced set of ingredients that include plenty of high quality protein sources like real buffalo, lamb meal and chicken meal to deliver essential nutrients for the overall health and lean muscle mass development of adult dogs.

Added minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants are included in the recipe to promote healthy skin and a good-looking coat, along with providing support for a healthy immune system.

The ingredients in this Taste of the Wild dog food option are obtained from both trusted and sustainable sources and they omit cheap fillers and artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors.

This is a great high quality dog food option for pit bulls with sensitive stomachs because it is made conscientiously to prevent stomach upset or any allergic reactions.

The Taste of the Wild is owned and run by a family that adheres to the most cutting-edge food safety procedures, inspiring trust in pet parents everywhere.

Pros

• Highly digestible recipe
• Includes proprietary ingredients
• Protein-rich formula

Cons

• Product bag is not resealable

3. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Made with deboned salmon your Pitbull will enjoy the flavor of and also incorporates vegetables and fruits for immune system health. It provides the Omegas, plus long-chain DHA, to ensure strong eye and brain development and promotes healthy skin & coat.

This high-quality dog food option for adult dogs by American Journey is made primarily with deboned salmon your American Pit Bull Terrier will enjoy immensely, especially if he has food allergies. Chicken meal and turkey meal offer further protein support.

This dog food also incorporates vegetables and fruits like sweet potato, dried kelp, and blueberries to deliver the vitamins and minerals your pup needs for immune system health.

Salmon oil and flaxseed provide the Omegas, along with long-chain DHA, to ensure strong brain and eye development and good skin and a healthy coat.

The sweet potatoes, along with chickpeas, deliver fiber to ensure your Pitbull has lasting energy to keep up with his naturally athletic tendencies.

If your Pitbull has food allergies, especially with grains, this grain-free dog food formula might be the ideal choice for him as it omits the unnecessary fillers, like soy, wheat, corn, and of course, grains.

Pros

• Gluten-free and grain-free
• Protein-rich recipe
• Available in three different sizes: 4-lb, 12-lb, and 24-lb bag

Cons

• Not suitable for pups with animal protein food allergies (many different animal proteins were used)

4. Adirondack 30% High-Fat Puppy & Performance Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Ground Grain Sorghum

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Made with ultimate growth development in mind this recipe is crammed with serious quality ingredients that supports puppies' development. It contains necessary minerals and vitamins required for optimal health plus probiotics.

This Adirondack high-fat puppy food was created with ultimate growth development in mindthis recipe is packed with serious quality ingredients that support young puppies as they grow into their full potential.

Although mostly focused on puppies, this dog food recipe is crafted with different life stages in mind. Not only is it fit for little dogs but performance dogs, who need plenty of protein fuel for their strenuous activities, can benefit from the food too.

The recipe contains the vitamins and minerals required for optimal health along with probiotics that help ensure the most nutrient absorption possible and promote healthy digestion.

High-quality protein in the form of chicken meal and menhaden fish meal as well as whole grain brown rice ensure that Pit Bulls will get plenty of energy for whatever activity they do.

This dog food also omits corn, wheat, soy, and artificial ingredients and instead incorporates Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids derived from menhaden fish to encourage a gorgeous coat and skin free from dryness.

This product is available in several different sizes, including a 5-lb bag, a 15-lb bag, and a 30-lb bag.

Pros

• No fillers
• Made for growing puppies
• Meets the AAFCO dog food nutrient profiles for all life stages
• All ingredients are sourced in the USA

Cons

• Not suitable for large breed dogs

5. Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Egg Product, Tapioca

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Specifically created for large breed puppies, this recipe has zero fillers like wheat, soy, potatoes, and grains. Your puppy gets raw nutrition delivered via bite-size freeze-dried pieces of raw meat throughout his meal.

This Instinct by Natures dry dog food is made for puppies that will grow into a large breed size. Big pups need the right food made just for them, one with a specific kind of nutrition that will allow them to develop properly without the health problems that usually afflict pups their size who are not given specific care through a special diet.

It contains cage-free chicken as its main animal protein source to encourage muscle development and provide the energy a puppy needs to explore and play.

Menhaden fish meal, chicken meal, lamb meal, and chicken eggs are also included in this recipe to support proper brain and eye development.

The freeze-dried chicken, chicken heart, and chicken liver in this dog food make it more enticing to picky eaters, while the grain-free formula makes it ideal for puppies who may have a problem with recipes that contain grain ingredients.

This dog food formula omits unnecessary fillers like wheat, soy, potatoes, and grains and is also free from artificial preservatives and colors.

Your puppy also gets a healthy heaping of omegas through the fish oil (salmon oil) and chicken fat that are present in the food.

Pros

• Includes raw, freeze-dried meat
• High-protein formula
• Made for growing puppies
• Contains DHA and probiotics

Cons

• More expensive than other dry dog food options

6. Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Venison Formula

First 5 ingredients: Sweet Potato, Venison, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Canola Oil

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Created for the adult stage of life and includes venison and sweet potato to satiate your dogs hunger while keeping his allergies from flaring and sensitive stomach comfortable. Has Omega fatty acids to nourish his skin and good-looking coat.

This Natural Balance dry dog food was created for adult dogs and includes venison and sweet potato to satisfy your dogs hunger while keeping his sensitive stomach comfortable and allergies from flaring.

Added omega fatty acids derived from flaxseed, menhaden fish oil, and canola oil, nourish his skin and promote a healthy, good-looking coat. This product is offered in three different sizes: a 4.5 lb, a 13 lb bag, and a 26-lb bag.

And because the grain-free recipe only uses a novel protein as the single animal protein source, it is an ideal dog food option for canines with health problems caused by food allergies or sensitivities.

Pros

• Contains only a select few proteins and carbs
• Prevents stomach upset and allergy flare-ups
• Novel protein

Cons

• Starts with sweet potatoes instead of meat

More Top Rated Pitbulls Foods

7. VICTOR Performance Formula

First 5 ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Millet, Chicken Fat, Blood Meal Conventionally Dried

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This recipe has eighty-one percent of meat protein that includes chicken, beef, and pork meals. Perfect for the type of dog that has a lot of physical demands and is athletic by nature, like Pitbulls.

This dry dog food by Victor is composed of 81% meat protein that includes beef meal, pork meal, and chicken meal for sustained energy and stamina. It is perfect for the type of dog that has a lot of physical demands and is athletic by nature, like Pitbulls.

The recipe is nutrient-dense and also includes glucosamine and chondroitin to aid with the long-term joint health of adult canines and large breed pups. The dog food also contains a Unique VPRO Blend that promotes healthy digestion and immune system.

This product is available in two sizes: a 5-lb bag and a 40-lb bag.

8. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Made with freeze-dried raw red meat pieces to deliver a flavor your Pitbull will love. This formula delivers a taste of a natural wild environment conveniently packaged for you and your pooch.

Merricks Backcountry grain-free dry dog food is made with freeze-dried raw red meat pieces to deliver a flavor even picky eaters will love.

Deboned beef is the main ingredient, but there are plenty of other animal meat inclusions like lamb meal, salmon meal, pork meal, rabbit, and beef liver for a truly high-protein diet.

The meats are balanced by the presence of wholesome fruits and vegetables that include peas, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples.

This dog food formula delivers a taste of a natural wild environment conveniently packaged for you to provide to your dog. It is meant for the adult stage of life and omits fillers like soy, wheat, and corn.

The bag is available in three sizes: 4-lbs, 12-lbs, and 22-lbs.

9. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This recipe was created to match the diet of ancestral wolves, this formula is packed with protein, just enough carbs, and loads of fruit to deliver antioxidants. It contains the proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals called LifeSource Bits.

Blue Buffalos dog food chicken recipe was crafted to match the diet of ancestral wolves, meaning this formula is packed with protein, fat (chicken fat), just enough carbs, and loads of fruit to deliver antioxidants.

It contains the proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals called BLUE LifeSource Bits that are meant to support your dogs immune system health, joint health and assist with maintaining a healthy oxidative balance.

To achieve a high protein content, this dog food formulation mixes deboned chicken with chicken meal, fish meal, and dried egg product.

The recipe is made without grains and contains zero artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It is meant for the adult stage of life and comes in three bag sizes: 4.5 lbs, 11-lbs, and 24-lbs.

10. Crave with Protein from Salmon & Ocean Fish

First 5 ingredients: White Fish, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Split Peas, Chicken Fat

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

It contains real salmon as the primary ingredient, along with vegetables and other meat meals, making it a protein-rich option for your beloved pup. This formula is meant to encourage the optimal function of your Pitbulls immune system.

This is an appropriate and ideal choice for dogs who are suffering from food allergies. Craves grain-free dry dog food is available in three bag sizes: 5-lbs, 12-lbs, and 22-lbs and was created specifically for the adult phase.

It contains white fish as the primary ingredient, followed by vegetables and other meat meals, making it a protein-rich option for your pup, regardless of breed size.

The nutrients incorporated into this formula are meant to encourage the optimal function of your Pitbulls immune system while delivering the energy required for all of their physically demanding activities. There are no fillers or artificial ingredients in this product.

6 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations of Pitbulls

Avoid Allergens The best food for Pit Bulls is one thats crafted to support the usual health needs of this specific breed. When buying dog food for your pup, it is best to keep the following in mind:

Since Pit bulls have short coats that expose their skin to more elements, they are inherently more susceptible to skin allergies¹. However, not just environmental factors contribute to skin allergies, there can be food ingredients that trigger these uncomfortable skin patches.

In addition, Pitbulls can experience a myriad of other allergic reactions, including stomach issues (loose stools and excessive flatulence) and even inflammatory reactions.

Allergies are genetic and individual so you will have to keep a close eye on your Pitbull after introducing a new food to be sure he is taking to it well.

Some common allergens include dairy, wheat, pork, and rabbit, and some dogs are even allergic to common food ingredients like beef and chicken.

Get to know your Pitbull well to quickly spot any allergic reactions and adjust his dog food supply to keep him comfortable and thriving.

Include Variety It is common for pet owners to get into a groove when they find a specific type of dog food that is received well by their pet. However, just as with any living being with a palate, a change of flavors, textures and at times, nutritional value can be extremely beneficial.

Most brands that manufacture dog foods usually have more than one flavor available for your pups specific life stage or size. If youve found one recipe thats perfect for your pet, choose from the same range another flavor to feed your pup when he gets bored with his regular dog food. Most of the recipes in the same range will usually have almost the same formulation.

So long as you are continuing to deliver a balanced diet to your pup, you can make way for treats that include different textures and flavors and adjust the caloric intake of their regular meals to make room for the added snack.

The Life Stage is An Important Consideration Different life stages will also require subtle shifts in nutrition requirements, so try to be extra conscientious as your pup moves from puppyhood into adulthood and from adulthood into the senior stage of life.

For example, a puppy will need extra protein to fuel his growth and development and DHA to make sure his brain develops properly. Adult dogs will need less protein than small pups, while senior dogs may need dog food that contains supplements for joint health.

Do check the label thoroughly. Most dog foods will be crafted for a specific age or by dog breeds, but there are also some that will be nutritionally appropriate for all life stages. Dog foods that are crafted for different life stages are more convenient for households with multiple pets of varying ages.

Dont Forget Fiber and Carbs Youve got the protein covered. What about fiber and carbs? Check those dog food labels to be sure you are providing your Pitbull with a comprehensive set of nutrients that he needs to support his natural high-spiritedness and assist with maintaining healthy digestion.

Of course your Pitbull needs plenty of meat, just dont forget that his body has other requirements also to keep him healthy and strong.

Grain-free dog foods will usually feature sweet potatoes, lentils, or other alternatives. Grain-inclusive ones may use brown rice, rice, and other wholesome whole grain ingredients. One type is not better than the other. What matters is your pups reaction to these dog foods.

Vegetables Are a Must Vegetables are a fantastic method of naturally delivering the vitamins and minerals your Pitbull needs to keep up with his overall health. Vitamins support multiple organ functions and minerals help with the growth and repair of organs and tissues.

When you keep your Pitbulls diet well-rounded, you are tackling his health from multiple angles, thereby ensuring his optimized function so he can go off and worry about more important things, like strutting along, looking muscular and handsome like he is meant to.

Feed According to Size We cant stress this enough: heed feeding instructions.

Pit bulls have some general identifiable markers that cause them to all fall under this breed type, but they are certainly not all the same. Some Pitbulls will weigh less than others and some will have more muscle definitionthis is dependent on the level of exercise each dog is getting and how rigorous it gets.

Therefore, paying mind to feeding instructions and ensuring you meet your dogs daily caloric needs is of utmost importance. A smaller, less active Pitbull should not share the same dog food diet as a larger, more athletic Pitbull, just as a Pitbull puppy will not be eating the same amount or type of food as a senior dog.

To Snack or Not to Snack? If your Pitbull were able to answer this question, you would hear an enthusiastic Yes! to snacks. Treats are an excellent tool to use when training your Pitbull and can also be a way to provide something delicious that differs from his regular meals.

However, be sure not to overdo it. Treats should only make up about ten percent of your dogs overall diet. Always be sure to adjust the rest of his food to make room for the incorporation of a timely snack as well.

5 Key Nutritional Needs of a Pitbull Puppy

Protein Proteins are comprised of essential amino acids³ that Pitbulls do not create on their own but must receive via their food sources. Protein is extremely vital to the overall wellbeing of your Pitbull, from puppyhood into his senior years.

The amino acids serve several functions, including hormone regulation, immune support, and muscle repair to name a few. The amount of protein your Pitbull requires is highly dependent on his levels of activity. The more active your pup, the more protein he will require to support all of his physical activities.

The key is to look for dog food formulas with a high-quality protein source, and the best dog foods are the ones that utilize premium proteins.

Chicken meals and other meat meals are fine as long as they are named. Fresh meats are also excellent but they do contain less protein because theyre not as dense as meat meals. And of course, raw protein is always good.

Fat Healthy fats are an important staple in your Pitbulls diet⁴ because they are used as a main source of energy production. In addition, fatty acids assist your dog with maintaining healthy skin, a shiny coat, and proper cerebral function.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are the most highly recommended sources of healthy fats to incorporate into a dog food and prepackaged formulas will ensure the correct ratios are delivered to your dogs system.

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates should be incorporated in your dogs diet, but only minimally. The protein and fat will keep his muscles lean and his body fat from spiking, while carbs (such as brown rice) will provide easily digestible energy that is available immediately following consumption. You can incorporate complex carbs like sweet potatoes, simple carbs like those found in fruits, and fibers found in vegetables.

Calcium Calcium is very important for your Pitbull because it strengthens your dogs skeletal structure, which is the foundation for muscle development and the house for all of his organs. Making sure your Pitbulls structure is strong optimizes the rest of his bodys functions.

Water Water performs a vital function: it not only quenches your dogs thirst; it mobilizes the nutrients he consumes to deliver them to the rest of his body. It acts as a lubricant, ensuring food is digested properly and it also aids with body temperature regulation. Joints movement is facilitated with adequate water consumption and waste excretion is supported to ensure comfortable expulsion.

Pitbull Puppy Feeding Chart

6-Week Old Pitbull At six weeks, your Pitbull puppy can be provided with moistened dry kibble to make it easier to eat. You can try moistening with water but if your puppy refuses, try using some warm milk replacement formula that is created with a puppys digestive system in mind.

Dont use cows milk to moisten dry kibbles because dogs digestive systems cant handle the lactose and youll be dealing with an upset pup and loose stools. If your puppy doesnt take water as a moistener, you can try using goats milk.

10-Week Old Pitbull During this stage, your Pitbull should be weaned onto solid foods. Use puppy-specific recipes to be sure they have the nutrition required during this growth stage.

You can continue moistening the food with water or replacement milk but start to reduce the ratio of liquid to solid food and allow your dog to get accustomed to the texture of his dry kibbles.

12-Week Old Pitbull At twelve weeks, your pup should be fully used to his dry kibbles and should no longer be needing the assistance of moistened food to help him eat is meals. Feed him multiple times per day and stick to puppy formula.

Be mindful of feeding instructions and do not underfeed as this will affect his development. Overfeeding will cause him to develop too quickly and his small body will have trouble adjusting. This can lead to future health issues, including problems with his joints during his later years.

3-Month Old Pitbull At three months, you should continue to provide your Pitbull with high-quality puppy dog food. Make sure to visit the vet to confirm he is developing appropriately, as his adult size may range between a smaller size to a larger size.

Feed your Pitbull multiple times a day according to your selected foods feeding instructions and dont leave his food out or free feed. Instilling good food habits at this stage will help you as he ages and will keep him obedient and eating well, without developing overeating habits.

5-Month Old Pitbull At five months, your Pitbull will be a stalky pup and will continue to grow until he reaches the adult stage of his life at one year. Feeding will look similar to feeding at three months, just be sure to adjust how much you are feeding according to his weight as he keeps growing.

1-Year Old Pitbull At one year, your Pit bull will have reached adulthood and depending on whether or not he will be a smaller dog or a larger dog, his weight can range between 35 or 40 lbs. up to 60 or 80 lbs. At this stage, you can transition away from puppy food and start him on his full-grown, big-boy adult diet!

Our Pitbull Feeding Guide

Dogs have several life stages and each one needs a unique kind of care⁵. The best dog food is the one thats made specifically for each stage.

Puppy Life Stage The puppy stage of a Pitbulls life is an exciting time and your dog will let you know it. He will be full of energy and you will need to feed him enough quality foods to keep his energy production steady.

Make sure you are delivering enough protein and fat and serve only the recommended amounts as directed by your chosen product.

Keep an eye on your pup and remove his food after half an hour so he does not come back to eat just because the food is there. You can expect a three-month old Pitbull puppy to weigh somewhere between 15 and 35 lbs., therefore use the available feeding instructions to provide kibbles according to his size.

Adult Life Stage In the adult stage of a Pitbulls life, he will weigh anywhere between 35 80 lbs., which means he should be eating more to adjust for his increased size.

For example, if you have a large Pitbull, you will find that you are feeding up to three cups of food on a daily basis; however, if your Pitbull is on the smaller side, he will need significantly less than that.

Adults can be fed two to three times per day. Dont feed less than twice per day, as a large meal can be disruptive to your Pitbulls digestive system.

Senior Life Stage During the senior phase of your Pitbulls life, nutrient requirements remain but will be adjusted for their age. Choose a dog food that is specially designed for this older stage to ensure your dog is getting not only a steady supply of energy, but also protection from the development of joint issues.

Keep your seniors pups carb levels low as he slows down in his elder years and be mindful of ensuring his weight is maintained by providing adequate food meant for his age and size.

Conclusion

As you now know, feeding your Pitbull is just a matter of knowing what he needs, choosing the best dog foods that deliver those ingredients, and reading labels to provide just the right amount of food on a daily basis.

There are plenty of options out there for you to choose from to find the right balance between your budget and your Pitbulls preferences. The best dog food for Pit Bull is actually subjective to each individual pup.

Whenever you switch out his dog food, do so gradually by mixing in some of the new with the old until only the new is being served.

Be sure to complement his high-quality nutrition with proper exercise, as this breeds athleticism is built into their genes and they will need a lot of physical activity to look and feel their best!

1. The Truth About Pitbull Terrier, Central Texas Veterinary Hospital
2. Myths About Pit Bulls, Animal Wised
3. Dog Nutrition Basics Essential Nutrients, Purina
4. Finding the Balance in Dog Food Ingredients, PetCareRx
5. How to Care for an American Pit Bull, WikiHow