top 5 best dog foods for pitbulls

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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Best Dog Food for Pitbulls

Chicken is one of 4 fresh recipes evaluated in our review of the Ollie product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver
- Type: Grain-inclusive (rice)
- Profile: All Life Stages
- Best for: All puppies including large breeds
This fresh-cooked recipe draws most of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 11% fat and 44% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 30%.
Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver
Texture Dry
Type Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage 37%
AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
Best For All puppies including large breeds
Sample buyer review...
"Bama loves his Ollie food, & won't eat anything else now! We've tried all 4 flavors, but beef & lamb are his faves. He LOVES the Jerky treats too! Which really surprised me because he usually won't eat dog treats!"
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com
Fresh Pork is one of 4 fresh recipes evaluated in our review of The Farmers Dog product line.
This Farmers Dog recipe acquires the majority of its animal protein from fresh pork. Dry matter label analysis confirms the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.
Read our review of the full The Farmers Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients USDA Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower
Texture Dry
Type Grain-free
Protein Percentage 36%
AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
Best For Puppies and adults (including large breeds)

Annamaet Ultra is one of 8 recipes included in our review of Annamaet dog food.

Annamaet Ultra derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal and dry eggs. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs with a fat-to-protein ratio of 63%.

Read our review of the full Annamaet Dog Food (Dry) range here

Main Ingredients	Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole dry eggs, herring meal
Texture	Dry
Type	Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage	36%
AAFCO Standards	All Life Stages
Best For	Adult Pitbulls and all puppies

Sample buyer review...

"I switched my 9 year old pittie to this food and she loves it. It was a little too dry for her so i add a tiny bit of chicken broth and it fixed the issue. Her allergies have gotten better on this food, her coat is so shiny and soft, and she has so much more energy. People cant believe shes 9 years old because of how active she is!"

Sample buyer review...

"Good quality food that my dogs love. I usually buy the large breed chicken and rice, also a great food (lower protein & fat)."

12 Best Dog Foods for Pitbulls in 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Owning a Pitbull and another bully-type dog comes with its own unique set of challenges. One of the things you shouldnt have holding you back from giving your dog the best life possible is choosing the right food. Pitbulls can be prone to obesity and are strong, muscular dogs that need to be fed a proper diet to maintain their muscular physique and avoid weight problems. To make it easier for you, weve found and reviewed the 10 best foods for Pitbulls. This will provide you with a solid starting point to choosing the best food for your dog, and maybe ruling out some diets you dont feel will work for them.

A Glance at Our Top Picks (2024 Update)

The 12 Best Dog Foods for Pitbulls

1. Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service Best Overall

Primary Protein:	Chicken
Protein Content:	8.5% min
Fat Content:	6% min
Fiber Content:	1% max

Several fresh food companies have recently entered the pet food industry, but Nom Nom has provided its customers with premium meals since 2015. Nom Nom offers four meals for dogs, but our 1st best overall choice is the Chicken Cuisine.It has large chunks of diced chicken, eggs, carrots, peas, and potatoes and does not contain preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors. Its balanced with essential minerals and vitamins and delivered to your home in the perfect portion size for your canine. Chicken Cuisine is a human-grade meal that drives dogs wild.

Pros

Produced in a human-grade facility
Chicken is the primary protein
Made without preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors
Balanced with essential minerals and vitamins

Cons

Slightly more fat than other recipes

2. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Budget Buy

Primary Protein:	Salmon
Protein Content:	26%
Fat Content:	16%
Fiber Content:	4%

The best dog food for Pitbulls for the money is the Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula, which supports the special needs of dogs with food sensitivities, which Pitbulls can be prone to. This food contains 26% protein, 16% fat, and 4% fiber, and it is free of poultry, although it does contain beef.

Its high in omega fatty acids to support joint, skin, and coat health, and vitamin A, which also supports skin and coat health. Probiotics and prebiotic fiber support gastrointestinal health and can help soothe stomach upset with meals. Its free of corn, wheat, and soy and contains nutrient-dense oatmeal to further support your dogs health without causing stomach upset.

Pros

Best value
26% protein, 16% fat, and 4% fiber
Poultry free
High in omega fatty acids and vitamin A
Probiotics and prebiotic fiber support gastrointestinal health
Free of corn, wheat, and soy

3. Nom Nom Beef Mash

Primary Protein:	Beef
Protein Content:	8% min
Fat Content:	4% min
Fiber Content:	1% max

Unlike corporate pet food producers, Nom Nom cooks their meals in small batches and does not use blazing ovens that cook out the nutrients. Their slow-cooked recipes are ideal for picky dogs, and the Beef Mash tops the list of Nom Noms premium meals.

Dogs who are sensitive to chicken or turkey meat will love the USDA Grade A beef and fresh vegetables sourced from local farms. Nom Nom includes vital minerals and vitamins in its recipe, including vitamin E, vitamin B12, niacin, and manganese. It also adds sunflower oil and fish oil to keep your dogs coat shiny and healthy. After tasting Beef Mash, your pup will likely turn its head when presented with other brands.

Pros

Made with USDA grade A beef
Slow-cooked to retain nutrients
Fish oil and sunflower support healthy coats
Ideal for pups with poultry allergies or sensitivities

Cons

Not for dogs sensitive to potatoes

4. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Lamb & Rice Best for Puppies

Primary Protein:	Lamb
Protein Content:	28%
Fat Content:	18%
Fiber Content:	3%

The Purina Pro Plan Puppy Lamb & Rice is the top food pick for your Pitbull puppy. This food contains 28% protein, 18% fat, and 3% fiber, and it features lamb as the first ingredient. Its specifically formulated with the needs of growing puppies in mind.

This food is a good source of DHA, which is an omega fatty acid that supports the growth and development of the brain and eyes, among other things. Its free of artificial colors and flavors, and this formula contains bioavailable nutrients for maximum absorption. Its fortified with probiotics to support digestive health in your growing puppy. It is not formulated for dogs over a year old.

Pros

Best pick for puppies
28% protein, 18% fat, and 3% fiber
Good source of DHA for brain and eye development
Free of artificial colors and flavors
Contains bioavailable nutrients for maximum nutrient absorption
Fortified with probiotics for digestive health

Cons

Not appropriate for dogs older than a year

5. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support

Primary Protein:	Chicken
Protein Content:	28%
Fat Content:	511.5%
Fiber Content:	818.8%

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support food offers weight loss and management benefits without sacrificing satiety. This food is specially formulated for dogs who are obese or prone to obesity, so its not the best pick for all Pitbulls across the board. It features 28% protein, up to 11.5% fat, and up to 18.8% fiber.

This prescription-only diet is packed with a special fiber blend that improves feelings of satiety and fullness with fewer calories. It will help decrease your dogs urge to beg, and it contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. The protein content ensures lean muscle mass stays intact, even if your dog is losing weight.

Pros

Aids in weight loss and management
Maintains satiety and fullness with a special fiber blend
28% protein, up to 11.5% fat, and up to 18.8% fiber
May decrease begging between meals
Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health
Maintains muscle mass

Cons

Not formulated for dogs that are not overweight or prone to obesity
Prescription-only

6. Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free

Primary Protein:	Mackerel
Protein Content:	38%
Fat Content:	18%
Fiber Content:	4%

The Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free dog food is a great choice for food for your Pitbull. This food features six whole fishes, including mackerel and herring, and contains 38% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber. It is free of grains, so make sure to talk to your vet before switching to this food, as grain-free foods are not appropriate for all dogs.

Up to 85% of this food consists of fish ingredients and it is free of poultry, beef, and other non-fish animal proteins. Its nutrient-dense and has a freeze-dried raw coating on each kibble to enhance the palatability and nutrient density of the food. Its free of corn, soy, and wheat, and is a good source of omega fatty acids for joint, skin, and coat health.

Pros

Includes multiple whole fishes
38% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber
Up to 85% of this recipe is fish-based
Free of poultry, beef, lamb, pork, corn, soy, and wheat
Freeze-dried raw coating to enhance palatability and nutrition
Good source of omega fatty acids

7. Almo Nature HQS Natural Chicken & Tuna with Vegetables

Primary Protein:	Chicken and tuna
Protein Content:	82%
Fat Content:	6%
Fiber Content:	6%

The Almo Nature HQS Natural Chicken & Tuna with Vegetables is a wet food with a stew-like consistency. It contains 82% protein and 2.6% fiber but only 2.6% fat. This food only has six ingredients, and chicken and tuna both account for 31% of the recipe each.

Its made with meats that were originally intended for human consumption, so you know the quality is high. Its free of artificial colors and preservatives, by-products, and fillers. This food is a good source of omega fatty acids and lean, high-quality protein. It can be rotated with other foods from the HQS line, ensuring dietary variety without leading to stomach upset. This food retails for a premium price if you are feeding it as the primary diet.

Pros

82% protein, 2.6% fat, and 2.6% fiber
Limited ingredients with whole proteins making up over 60% of the recipe
Made with human food quality ingredients
Free of artificial colors and preservatives, byproducts, and fillers
Good source of omega fatty acids
Can be rotated with other foods from the HQS line

8. Inukshuk Professional Dry Dog Food 32/32

Primary Protein:	Chicken
Protein Content:	32%
Fat Content:	32%
Fiber Content:	3%

The Inukshuk Professional Dry Dog Food 32/32 is a great option for very active and working dogs. It contains 32% protein, 32% fat, and 3% fiber. This food is not a good option for dogs who are overweight, sedentary or have a history of medical conditions that may be exacerbated by a high-fat diet, like pancreatitis.

Its a good source of omega fatty acids to promote skin, coat, and joint health in your active dog. It contains probiotics to support digestive health, and this food is a concentrated formula, which requires less feeding and less poop cleanup. Its highly digestible and nutrient-dense, making it ideal for the active dog in your life. This food sells for a premium price, although this is somewhat canceled out by it being concentrated.

Pros

Great option for highly active dogs
32% protein and 3% fiber
Good source of omega fatty acids
Probiotics support digestive health
Concentrated formula reduces feeding amount and waste output

Cons

Very high in fat
Premium price

9. Instinct Be Natural Real Salmon & Brown Rice Freeze-Dried Raw-Coated Food

Primary Protein:	Salmon
Protein Content:	25%
Fat Content:	14%
Fiber Content:	5%

The Instinct Be Natural Real Salmon & Brown Rice Freeze-Dried Raw-Coated Food is a great pick if youre interested in a partially raw diet without eliminating grains. It contains 25% protein, 14% fat, and 4.5% fiber, as well as salmon as the first ingredient.

This food supports lean muscle mass, and its free of fillers, corn, soy, wheat, by-product meals, and artificial colors and preservatives. Each piece of kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw food to enhance palatability and nutrient density. Its free of poultry and is made with bioavailable nutrients for maximum nutrient absorption. It sells for a premium price, and some people report their picky dogs not finding this food as appealing as some other options.

Pros

25% protein, 14% fat, and 4.5% fiber
Supports lean muscle mass
Free of fillers, corn, soy, poultry, wheat, by-product meals, and artificial colors and preservatives
Coated with freeze-dried raw food to enhance palatability and nutrient density
Bioavailable nutrients maximum nutrient absorption

Cons

Premium price
May not be a good option for picky eaters

10. Farmina N&D Ocean Salmon & Cod

Primary Protein:	Salmon
Protein Content:	3%
Fat Content:	7%
Fiber Content:	2%

Farmina N&D Ocean Salmon & Cod is a canned food with salmon, cod, and herring as the first three ingredients. It contains 55.3% protein, 23.7% fat, and 3.2% fiber on a dry matter basis. This is not a good food option for Pitbulls who need low to moderate fat diets.

Its free of legumes, thickeners, and added water or broth, and the food is steamed right in the can for maximum freshness. Its a good source of omega fatty acids for skin, coat, and joint health, and its made to be dense in bioavailable nutrients for maximum absorption. If feeding this food as the primary diet source, it is a premium-priced option. This is a grain-free dog food.

Pros

Salmon, cod, and herring are the first ingredients
3% protein and 3.2% fiber
Free of legumes, thickeners, added water, and broth
Steamed in the can
Good source of omega fatty acids and bioavailable nutrients

Cons

High in fat
Premium price
Grain-free

11. Merrick Back Country Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe

Primary Protein:	Beef
Protein Content:	38%
Fat Content:	17%
Fiber Content:	5%

The Merrick Back Country Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe is a nice pick for dogs with food sensitivities because it is free of poultry. It contains 38% protein, 17% fat, and 3.5% fiber. This food is designed to be highly digestible and nutrient-dense.

These kibbles are coated in freeze-dried raw food to enhance nutrient density and palatability. Its free of corn, wheat, and soy. This is a grain-free food that sells for a premium price. Its intended to help your dog maintain energy levels throughout the day and supports lean muscle mass. There are chunks of freeze-dried meats mixed in with the kibble, and some people report their dogs picking out the freeze-dried pieces to eat them instead of the kibble itself.

Pros

Good option for dogs with food sensitivities
38% protein, 17% fat, and 3.5% fiber
Designed to be highly digestible, nutrient-dense, and palatable
Free of poultry, corn, wheat, and soy
Maintains healthy energy levels and lean muscle mass

Cons

Grain-free food
Premium price
Some dogs prefer the freeze-dried meat pieces over the kibble

12. Essence Limited Ingredient Ranch Recipe

Primary Protein:	Lamb
Protein Content:	50%
Fat Content:	34%
Fiber Content:	8%

The Essence Limited Ingredient Ranch Recipe is a wet food pick that is suitable for Pitbulls with sensitivities to poultry and fish. This food contains 50% protein, 34% fat, and 6.8% fiber on a dry matter basis. This is not a good option for dogs that cannot tolerate a high-fat diet.

Its free of legumes, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy but contains fiber-rich ingredients like pumpkin and quinoa. The fiber content can aid in satiety and prevent hunger between meals when fed as directed. This food has dogs with sensitive stomachs in mind and is highly digestible and gentle on the stomach. When fed as the primary diet source, this food can get expensive.

Pros

Suitable for dogs with food sensitivities
50% protein and 6.8% fiber
Free of legumes, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy
Fiber-rich ingredients support satiety

Cons

Very high in fat
Premium price

Buyers Guide: Choosing the Best Food for Pitbulls

Should I Choose a Grain-Free Diet for My Pitbull?

Currently, veterinary and scientific communities havent come to a consensus on this one. However, some studies have indicated that grain-free diets may be linked to the development of serious cardiac problems in dogs. Pitbulls are not at particularly high risk for these disorders, but since it is unknown if the grain-free diets are the cause, most vets will recommend you avoid a grain-free diet for now. Always talk to your vet before starting your dog on a grain-free diet so you can talk through the pros and cons with them.

Another theory related to grain-free diets and the development of cardiac diseases is that it isnt the lack of grains in the food that is the problem. Rather, the ingredients that are added to the food to replace the grains may be the issue. These are usually legumes, like lentils and peas, and potatoes. The diets that have been linked to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy are often called BEG diets, which stands for boutique companies, exotic ingredients, and grain-free diets. Other diets that have shown potential links include vegetarian, vegan, and homemade diets.

Final Thoughts

After reading these reviews, we hope youve found a great starting point to finding the best diet for your Pitbull. The best overall pick is Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine which is a fresh dog food that supports fullness and can aid in weight loss. For tighter budgets, a big bag of Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula wont break the bank and will meet the nutritional needs of your Pitbull. If you are feeding a Pitbull puppy, the top pick is the Nom Nom beef mash, which is formulated with the nutritional needs of dogs.

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Featured Image Credit: Roberto Cabrera Castro, Shutterstock

Main Ingredients	Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver
Texture	Dry
Type	Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage	37%
AAFCO Standards	All Life Stages
Best For	All puppies including large breeds

Main Ingredients	USDA Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower
Texture	Dry
Type	Grain-free
Protein Percentage	36%
AAFCO Standards	All Life Stages
Best For	Puppies and adults (including large breeds)

Main Ingredients	Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, dried plain beet pulp, ground grain sorghum
Texture	Dry
Type	Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage	33%
AAFCO Standards	All Life Stages
Best For	Adult Pitbulls and all puppies

Main Ingredients	Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach
Texture	Dry
Type	Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage	36%
AAFCO Standards	All Life Stages
Best For	Adult Pitbulls and all puppies

Main Ingredients	Chicken meal, brown rice, pearled barley, whole oat groats, chicken fat
Texture	Dry
Type	Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage	29%
AAFCO Standards	All Life Stages
Best For	Adult Pitbulls and all puppies

Main Ingredients	Chicken, chicken meal, split peas, lentils, pork meal
Texture	Dry
Type	Grain-free
Protein Percentage	38%
AAFCO Standards	Maintenance
Best For	Adult Pitbulls only (not for puppies)

Main Ingredients	Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas
Texture	Dry
Type	Grain-free
Protein Percentage	36%
AAFCO Standards	All Life Stages
Best For	Adult Pitbulls and all puppies

Main Ingredients	Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat
Texture	Dry
Type	Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage	29%
AAFCO Standards	All Life Stages
Best For	Adult Pitbulls and all puppies

Main Ingredients	Deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, ground barley, peas
Texture	Dry
Type	Grain-inclusive
Protein Percentage	27%
AAFCO Standards	Maintenance
Best For	Adult Pitbulls only (not for puppies)

Main Ingredients	Deboned turkey, turkey meal, salmon meal, chickpeas, chicken fat
Texture	Dry
Type	Grain-free
Protein Percentage	37%
AAFCO Standards	Maintenance
Best For	Adult Pitbulls only (not for puppies)

top 5 best dog foods for pitbulls

Best Dog Food for Pitbulls

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12 Best Dog Foods for Pitbulls in 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

A Glance at Our Top Picks (2024 Update)

The 12 Best Dog Foods for Pitbulls

1. Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service Best Overall

2. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Budget Buy

3. Nom Nom Beef Mash

4. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Lamb & Rice Best for Puppies

5. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support

6. Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free

7. Almo Nature HQS Natural Chicken & Tuna with Vegetables

8. Inukshuk Professional Dry Dog Food 32/32

9. Instinct Be Natural Real Salmon & Brown Rice Freeze-Dried Raw-Coated Food

10. Farmina N&D Ocean Salmon & Cod

11. Merrick Back Country Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe

12. Essence Limited Ingredient Ranch Recipe

Buyers Guide: Choosing the Best Food for Pitbulls

Should I Choose a Grain-Free Diet for My Pitbull?

Final Thoughts

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