best dog food for sensitive pit bulls

Best Dog Food For Pit Bulls: For Optimal Nutrition & Taste

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This is the ultimate guide to finding the best dog food for Pit Bulls.

In the bustling world of dog nutrition, where an overwhelming array of canine diets flood the market, discerning the perfect nourishment for our loyal Pit Bull companions can be daunting. For Pit Bull owners and enthusiasts, ensuring their powerful and affectionate four-legged friends receive the finest sustenance is a top priority.

The stakes are high, as a well-balanced diet is pivotal in enhancing their physical and emotional well-being. From protein content to essential nutrients, our research team analyzed the top brands that offer the best nutrition for Pit Bulls. Lets get started!

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Best Dog Food For Pit Bulls At A Glance

Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best dog food for Pit Bulls.

Click this link to go to the reviews(We encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision)

Why You Should Trust Us

163

hours of research went into this review. Hands-on tests, our dogs experience, competitive analysis and more.

21

dog food manufacturing companies were under consideration for the top ten.

8

expert opinions and research studies were used to provide accurate information and rankings.

Pit Bull Dog Food Health & Nutritional Needs

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What Is The Best Food For Pit Bulls?

Providing your Pit Bull with the appropriate food from weaning to maturity is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Before we recommend the top dog food options for your Pit Bull, its important to understand how food affects their well-being.

As a medium breed, Pit Bull has distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The ideal food for your Pit Bull should be of high quality and tailored to their unique dietary requirements, taking into account factors such as:

• Age
• Activity level
• Health
• Weight (size)

Food & Pit Bull Age

Pit Bulls have specific nutritional needs at different stages of their life. A diet that meets these life-stage needs is essential for proper development and health maintenance.

• Pit Bull puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and a high protein count of at least 22% to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for Pit Bull puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial developmental stage.
• Adult Pit Bulls. Require a diet that is moderate in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. You must slowly transition your dog to an adult recipe at one year old.Adult dog food should typically have a protein content of around 18-26%, depending on the specific needs and dog activity level.
• Senior Pit Bulls. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. At around 8 or 9, you should slowly transition your Pit Bull to senior food.Senior formulasconcentrate on the unique needs of a dogs aging body. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidantsare important to boost their weakening immune system.

Food & Pit Bull Activity Level

Pit Bulls are known for their boundless energy, agility, and playfulness, making them highly active dogs that require ample fuel to sustain their active lifestyles.

High-quality dog food that provides a well-balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is vital to ensuring that Pit Bulls have the necessary nutrients to support their vigorous physical activities. Proteins, in particular, are vital for muscle development and repair, which is crucial for a breed as muscular and powerful as the Pit Bull.

A well-fed Pit Bull is more likely to exhibit alertness, responsiveness, and a keen interest in their surroundings. Conversely, inadequate or poor-quality food may result in deficiencies and decreased energy levels, leading to sluggishness and a lack of enthusiasm in Pit Bulls. Insufficient nutrition may also lead to health issues hindering their activity levels, such as joint problems or obesity, which may further reduce their energy and mobility.

A balanced and appropriate nutrition is essential to support the high energy demands of this athletic and robust breed.

Food & Pit Bull Health

Generally, Pit Bulls are healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are susceptible to several health concerns. Although certain health issues that Pit Bulls may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet.

Some of the most common health issues faced by Pit Bulls include the following:

• Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Pit Bulls. Food allergies in Pit Bulls may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. Its important to note that food intolerances can also occur. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
• Hip dysplasia. This genetic condition affects the hip joint, leading to improper alignment and movement, causing pain and lameness in Pit Bulls.
• Ichthyosis. Pit Bulls are prone to various skin allergies, including ichthyosis, a dry, scaly skin condition caused by an overproduction of keratin.
• Hypothyroidism. Pit Bulls are susceptible to an underactive thyroid gland, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
• Heart disease. Certain heart conditions, like dilated cardiomyopathy, may affect Pit Bulls, leading to heart enlargement and potential heart failure.
• Cruciate ligament tears. Pit Bulls may experience tears in their cruciate ligaments, leading to lameness and limited mobility.
• Cataracts. This eye condition can cause clouding of the lens, leading to impaired vision or blindness in Pit Bulls.
• Luxating patella.Also known as the spinning kneecap, this is one of the most common knee problems.
• Obesity.A serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease.

Pit Bull-Specific Dog Food Qualities To Look For

To help maintain their health and prevent some health problems that may arise from poor nutrition, its essential to provide Pit Bulls with a well-balanced and nutritious diet and preventative supplementation when your veterinarian advises.

Here are the key qualities to look for in dog food for Pit Bulls.

• Avoid common allergies.Because Pit Bulls can develop allergies or food intolerances, we highly recommend conducting an at-homedog allergy testlike the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens.
• Probiotics. Pit Bulls can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Probiotics also help to reduce your Pit Bulls inflammatory responses to allergens and immunological attacks.
• Digestibility. Pit Bulls can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Pit Bulls. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs.
• Joint support. Opt for dog food formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health and support Pit Bulls with hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament tears.
• Skin nourishment. Choose dog food that contains omega-3 fatty acids and other skin-nourishing ingredients to help manage skin allergies like ichthyosis and improve skin health.
• Weight management. Look for dog food with controlled calorie content and proper portion sizes to prevent obesity and manage weight gain associated with hypothyroidism and other conditions.
• Heart health. Consider dog food with taurine and other heart-healthy nutrients to support Pit Bulls with heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy.
• Eye health. Opt for dog food enriched with antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E to support eye health and reduce the risk of cataracts.
• Joint mobility. Choose dog food with balanced nutrition to help prevent luxating patella and support overall joint mobility.

Other General Tips To Pick The Best Food For Pit Bulls

Other factors to consider when picking food for this Breed.

• AAFCO approved
• High-quality protein as the first ingredient
• Avoid meat meals or meat-byproducts
• Made in the USA
• Avoid food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
• Your dogs preferences

Its important to note that each Pit Bull has unique dietary needs. Seek guidance from a veterinarian who can help you choose the most suitable food that fulfills your Pit Bulls nutritional requirements.

The Best Dog Food For Pit Bulls Reviewed

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Best Pit Bull Dog Food

Here are Canine Bibles top picks for the best dog food for Pit Bulls.

Our research team chose all dog foods listed below based on AAFCOs nutrient guidelines, Pit Bulls exclusive nutrition needs, customer reviews, price, and more. This Pit Bull food list also includes food for specific needs such as weight loss, allergies, and more.

Best Overall Dog Food For Pit Bulls The Farmers Dog

Why We Picked & Recommended It

The Farmers Dog fresh dog food recipes win the spot for the best dog food for Pit Bulls. This brand stands out because they use fresh, human-grade ingredients to craft pre-portion recipes delivered directly to your doorstep. Feeding your dog The Farmers Dog comes with numerous scientifically-supported health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. Fresh recipes are also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, The Farmers Dog is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained this means that your Pit Bull will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

The Farmers Dog stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but The Farmers Dog takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, weight, and activity level to ensure your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs. You can tell The Farmers Dog any concerns about your dogs health, such as food allergies, tear staining, bad breath, joint issues, or any other problem your pet may be experiencing. They will tailor your dogs meals to accommodate your pets needs.

Key Features

• Vet-designed. All recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
• Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
• Excellent ingredient sourcing. They only source from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.

Our Video Review

Best Dry Dog Food For Pit Bulls The Honest Kitchen

Why We Picked & Recommended It

The Honest KitchenChicken Clusters formula is our top pick for the best all-around dry dog food for Pit Bulls. Unlike traditional dry dog food, this recipe is minimally processed. The Honest Kitchen recipes are roasted and dehydrated to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

The Honest Kitchen is a superfood-powered kibble with functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin and coat, immunity, heart, weight management and more.

Key Features

• 100% human-grade. Made with USDA meat proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
• Nutritionist formulated. Designed by veterinarians and backed by science to provide balanced nutrition
• Digestive health. It contains naturally occurring pre and probiotics tohelp to regulate the dog microbiome

What We Like & Dont Like

Best Food For Pit Bull Puppy Open Farm

Why We Picked & Recommended It

The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Pit Bulls. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Pit Bull puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

This formula is designed specifically for Pit Bull puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.

Key Features

• Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
• Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.

What We Like & Dont Like

Our Video Review

Affordable Dog Food For Pit Bulls Blue Buffalo

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is great if you are looking for the most affordable dog food for Pit Bulls. For a slightly lower price than other brands, this dry food is formulated to provide your Pit Bull pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with real meat, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Blue Buffalos exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dogs immune system and overall health. It is made with real meat as the first ingredient, rare in most affordable dog food brands.

Key Features

• Omegas.This dog food is also packed with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.
• Muscle support.L-Carnitine to help burn fat while preserving lean muscles
• Bone and joint health.It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development.

What We Like & Dont Like

Best Food For Senior Pit Bulls JustFoodForDogs

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Pit Bull is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If youre concerned about keeping your Pit Bull healthy during his older years, JustFoodForDogs Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. Its crafted specifically for your senior Pit Bull to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

JustFoodForDogs is made with only the highest quality fresh ingredients and is free from preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors.

Key Features

• Bones and joint support. It is enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
• Human-grade meats. No rendered poultry or meat meals.
• Bones and joint support. It incorporates type II collagen to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.

What We Like & Dont Like

Raw Food For Pit Bulls Instinct

Why We Picked & Recommended It

As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, its essential to understand the ins and out of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Pit Bulls, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Pit Bull a complete BARF diet. Its minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.

What We Like & Dont Like

Best Food For Pit Bulls With Sensitive Stomach Hills

Why We Picked & Recommended It

If you are looking for the best food for Pit Bulls with sensitive stomachs, Hills Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a top choice. This kibble is formulated to protect sensitive tummies and skin. Its made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice, and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Pit Bull.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs, and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.

Key Features

• Omega-6.Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dogs skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
• Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach

What We Like & Dont Like

Best Food For Pit Bulls With Allergies Royal Canin

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Whether your Pit Bull suffers from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance to certain ingredients, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Pit Bull. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies, and digestive upset. Its also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.

Key Features

• Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
• Supports GI health. Contains a unique blend of fibers and prebiotics.

What We Like & Dont Like

Best Grain-Free Food For Pit Bulls Open Farm

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Does your Pit Bull dog suffer from grain allergies or intolerances? If so, Open Farms grain-free dry dog food is your best bet. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Pit Bull nutritional needs. Open Farm grain-free recipes are specifically designed for dogs with grain sensitivities.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Its made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.

Key Features

• 100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient in their bag of Open Farm pet food
• Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies
• Ethically sourced protein. Only uses ethically sourced and humanely raised meats

What We Like & Dont Like

Best Wet Dog Food For Pit Bulls The Honest Kitchen

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Are you looking for the best-wet food for Pit Bulls? The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stew is our favorite choice. Pit Bull is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stew uses only ingredient fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make One Pot Stews preserve the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

The Honest Kitchens wet dog food is made with the same human quality and safety standards as peoples food. They adhere to over 100 safety standards and only use verified human-edible ingredients.

Key Features

• Vet and chef-formulated. A team of veterinarians and a chef formulates every recipe.
• Whole grain and grain-free options. Perfect for dogs who like or cant tolerate grains.
• Travel friendly. Two-year unopened shelf life and transportable tetra pak packaging make it easy to store and travel.

What We Like & Dont Like

Other Best Dog Food For Pit Bulls

• Best dehydrated dog food for Pit Bulls. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Pit Bulls to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated food can be easier for dogs to eat than traditional kibble.
• Best food topper for Pit Bulls. Portland Pet Food Company offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dogs kibble meals.
• Best health-specific custom diet food for Pit Bulls. JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Pit Bull has a medical need for a restricted diet.
• Best dog food for Pit Bulls to lose weight. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is great if your Pit Bull needs to lose weight.
• Best dog food for Pit Bulls to gain weight. With 600caloriesper cup, Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gain Dog Food is ideal for helping your Mastiff gain lean muscle mass.

Calories, Transition & Other Food Tips.

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Pit Bull Food Calorie Requirements

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Pit Bull usually weighs between 40 and 70 pounds, meaning most Pit Bulls need between 985 and 1,498 calories daily. You can use our dog caloriecalculatorto find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.

How to Switch Pit Bull Dog Food

If you decide to switch your Pit Bulls dog food to a new dog formula, its advised to adhere to the following recommendations by vets:

• Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
• Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 4: 100% new food

Pro tip: Never change your dogs food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Only increase the weekly food percentage if your Pit Bull seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor closely, and if you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, stop feeding it to your dog.

Health Dietary Changes In Pit Bulls

If your Pit Bull is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can be beneficial to get these dog-related issues under control.

Best Dog Food For Pit Bulls Conclusion

In conclusion, the nutritional needs of Pit Bulls are unique and should be met with high-quality dog food that caters to their specific requirements. The best dog food for Pit Bulls should be protein-rich, have a balanced amount of carbohydrates, and contain essential vitamins and minerals for optimal health. It should also be free from artificial additives and harmful fillers. While the specific brand or type of food may vary based on individual preferences, health conditions, and lifestyle factors, its crucial to prioritize the quality of ingredients and nutritional value. Remember, a well-fed Pit Bull is a happy and healthy Pit Bull. Always consult your vet to make the best dietary choices for your pet.

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