The Best Dog Food For Pitbulls

Written by Estrella Bolton

Pit bulls can be amazing pets. With the right care, they’re gentle and kind dogs who certainly don’t deserve their reputation. As a pet owners, it’s up to you to take care of them as best you can. one of the most important things you can do for your pit bull is to make sure that he or she is properly fed. Doing so not only keeps him or her happy, but it will help to keep him or her healthy. While a fresh dog food service is a great option for your pet’s food, sometimes kibble just makes more sense.

If you’ve got a pit bull, it makes sense to be on the lookout for the best high quality dog food for pit bull breeds. We’ve gathered a list of some of the best dog food mixes out there for dogs just like yours, taking a look at not only where you can buy them but what makes these the right food choices. If you’re looking to keep your pet healthy, you’ll definitely want to keep reading below.

While our list mostly contains dry food, don’t be discouraged from finding high-quality wet food or canned food for your pitty. We also didn’t focus on a specific type of diet, such as a grain free diet. The foods and tips we give in this guide are not only suitable for an American pit bull terrier, but for most closely related pit bull dog breeds as well, such as a Staffordshire bull terrier.

Best Dog Food For Pitbulls in 2022

Every dog food is a little different, but so too is every dog. If you’re looking for the best dog food for your furry friend, you need to make sure that it has all the features that are important to you. Below are a handful of the best dog foods for pitbulls out there, each of which stands out for very specific reasons. 

CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food

Pit bulls are, by most estimations, large breed dogs. They may not be up there with Saint Bernards, but they are still big animals that can work up to big appetites. If you’re looking to feed your pit a wild dry dog food, one of the first things you need to do is to make sure that you’re looking for a grain free dry dog food that’s going to keep him or her both full and happy. One of the best ways to do this is by choosing a food that has a high protein content. Not only will it promote healthy lean muscle, but it will also support healthy joints. Fortunately, CRAVE makes doing that easy by providing a high-protein dog food that really feels like it was made specifically for dogs like pit bulls. 

The first thing that you’re going to love about this dog food mix is that it’s clearly designed for dogs who need a lot of animal protein in their diets. Protein is great for pits because it not only helps to keep them full, but lean protein is also vital for ensuring that they maintain the muscle mass they need to stay mobile. CRAVE accomplishes this by using dog food formulas that both have plenty of lean protein and that excludes those ingredients that often take up space in dog food mixtures. The end product is something that’s absolutely going to keep your dog happy and healthy at the same time. 

The other great thing about this grain free formula is that it is based not on what it has, but on what it does not have. This grain free dog food is also free of preservatives, both helping you to ensure that your dog isn’t going to get anything that could cause GI problems as well as ensuring you that the ingredients in the food are actually meant to help keep your dog healthy rather than to keep him or her feeling artificially full. With a dedication to wholesome ingredients that even extends to carbohydrate sources, this food is a great choice for any pit bull owner. 

Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat Real Salmon and Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

While pit bulls might have a reputation for being tough dogs, the truth is that they can be just as fragile as any other breed. Problems like digestive issues and allergies are just as prevalent in these dogs like any other, and as a pet owner, it’s your job to make sure that you’re able to provide good food for your pet that won’t make him or her sick. If you’re looking for something that is still formulated for pit bulls while prioritizing things like gut health, you’ll definitely want to take a look at this dog food blend from Diamond Naturals. 

An awful lot of work has clearly gone into making sure that this food is a good fit for those dogs who might have problems with other foods. To some degree, at least, this is something that’s easy to see from the basic ingredients list – listing fish as a first ingredient is always a good clue that the food is meant to be soft on a dog’s stomach. This is helped along by the fact that the food also includes some kind of proprietary ingredient that helps with digestion, something that will definitely be a relief for all of those pit owners who have ever had to deal with a constipated dog.

Thanks to the real salmon, not just salmon meal, this food is also rich in omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and healthy coat. No need for added omega fatty acids in your dog’s diet, like salmon oil.

The food is also hypoallergenic, which can be very helpful if you’re looking to deal with a known food allergy or if you are looking to rule one out. It not only has a number of ingredients that have been shown to help out dogs who have allergies, but it also leaves out many of the fillers are colors that tend to cause allergy flair-ups. This is a very wholesome dog food that is a good fit for any pit who needs a little bit of extra nutritional help to get through his or her meals without getting sick. 

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

While it’s always a good idea to look for a dog food that has a specific purpose, sometimes you’re going to want something that takes more of a holistic approach to your pit bull’s health. Your dog might not just need to build up muscle mass; he or she might also need help with issues as varied as coat health and immune system viability. If your goal is to find a great dog food that’s going to help with your dog’s overall level of health, you’ll definitely want to take some time to look at this dog food from Blue Buffalo.

Blue Buffalo is already one of the leading names in the world of high-end dog foods. One of the first companies to make a big push of getting grain-free foods out into regular pet stores, it’s synonymous with balanced nutrition for virtually any breed. This particular blend, which is meant for adult dogs, is a good example of what the company makes. This feed provides a healthy chicken meal that is totally free of things like dyes and preservatives, of course, but what makes it really stand out is the ingredients that are there in the place of those fillers. Simply put, this is a dog food that is full of the thing that your pit needs. 

The first ingredient here is chicken, which is well-known for helping your dog build up muscle mass. This is always a concern with Pit Bulls, but luckily it isn’t the only thing that the food addresses. It also has several ingredients that can help you to boost your dog’s immune system, which can go a long way to help ensure that your dog doesn’t pick up some common illnesses. It even has ingredients that help out the GI tract, which means both easier digestion for your dog and an increased ability to absorb nutrients in the food. This is an all-around winner for most dog owners. 

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Grain-Free Recipe with Roasted Bison and Venison Adult Dry Dog Food

The protein source in your dog’s food matters more than you might think. Most cheaper dog foods use cheaper proteins, which do a good job of keeping your dog full but that might not do such a great job of keeping your dog healthy. If you are looking at your pit bull’s long-term health, you may want to take a moment to think about getting a dog food that has a more wholesome type of protein as its primary ingredient. One great choice for those who are a little more discerning about the protein sources in their dogs’ food is this blend from Taste of the Wild. 

This dog food is made with both bison and venison, two ingredients that aren’t usually seen in most dog foods on store shelves. What this means for your dog is that he or she is going to get good, lean proteins that are less likely to have gone through an intensive farming process and thus tend to bring with them more natural benefits. This is a great choice for growing dogs, but it’s even better for those dogs who are getting a little older and need some extra help to avoid losing muscle mass as they start to reach their twilight years.

This food isn’t just about the protein, though. It also checks a number of boxes when it comes to ensuring that your dog is able to stay healthy on several different fronts. It is easy to digest and easy to absorb, so your dog will have fewer stomach problems and still get all the benefits of the vitamins and nutrients in the food. The food also helps with common skin and coat problems, which can be great for dogs who are starting to itch a little too much. This is one of those dog foods that manages to not only create a good all-around experience for your dog, but that can help him or she stay a little more comfortable as he or she starts to get older.

Victor Classic – Hi-Pro Plus, Dry Dog Food

The stage of life in which your dog finds himself or herself should be something that you consider when you’re buying dog food. While pit bulls are generally thought of as pretty hardy dogs, there are definitely times in which they need a little bit of nutritional help. If you are looking at a stage when your dog needs extra protein – usually when he or she is a puppy or when she is pregnant – you’re going to want to find something that’s fairly protein-dense. One such choice is this excellent dog food from Victor. 

While it might seem a little odd that growing puppies and pregnant dogs would be directed to the same dog food, the truth is that they’re both going through life stages where their bodies are asking much more of them than they would at other times. Both stages require a lot of extra protein not just to preserve mass, but to be converted to energy so that your dog can keep moving as his or her body is changing. If your dog is going through such a phase, the fact that this food is full of good proteins is definitely something about which you should be happy. So, while pit bulls aren’t usually considered dogs with sensitive stomachs, it’s a solid choice if your pup does suffer from some gut issues.

At the same time, this puppy food manages to be a good fit even for those dogs who are not in those life stages. It is great for any dog who needs some help with his or her immune system, for example, as it has plenty of vitamins and minerals that work to keep your dog healthy. The food is also a good fit for those dogs who need something that is going to be gentle on their stomach, with ingredients that have proven to be easily digestible. This is a fantastic food for your dog, whether it’s because he or she is going through an important life stage or simply because it provides the extra support that all pit bulls really need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of dog food is best for pit bulls?

While every pit bull is a little different, you definitely want to go with dog food that is as high in protein as possible. It’s also a good idea to look for any kind of food that supports good lean muscle growth and that will help with your dog’s immune system, as pits do tend to have issues with both as they get older. As a rule, though, any food that’s healthy for big breeds will be good for a pit bull. Check out some more great food options for Pitbulls here.

Pitbulls have some unique requirements. As very physical and active dogs you need to provide food that promotes joint health, for example. Luckily, pit bulls are a pretty hardy breed not known for suffering from sensitive stomachs, grain allergies, etc. However, you should still put in the effort to choose your dog’s food carefully in order to feed them a well balanced diet for optimal health.

Also, don’t worry if you want to try a dog food delivery service as they will cater meals according to your dog’s requirements.

Do pit bulls need grain-free food?

No, pit bulls don’t explicitly need grain-free food. The actual number of dogs that have a grain allergy has been over-reported, and these foods don’t necessarily always trigger food allergies or indigestion. However, since most grain-free diets do tend to have a higher level of protein and tend to have more wholesome ingredients, many of these foods are recommended for pits. Just be sure that you’re paying more attention to what is in the food rather than what is not included in the food to make the best choice. Food allergies as well tend to be based more on your specific dog than its breed. Some grains, like whole grain brown rice, should be completely fine in moderation.

How much food do I feed my pit bull?

This really depends on the age of the pit bull. If your pit bull is already full-grown, he or she should eat about three full cups of meat-based dog food per day. Growing pit bulls might do better with about three three-quarter cup servings, while puppies will be somewhere closer to about a cup and a half a day. As always, it’s really going to depend on a number of factors that include your dog’s health and the exact ingredients in your dog food to figure out how much your dog needs to eat every day. 

If you’re unsure exactly how much to feed dog based on their age, size, breed, and weight, ask for veterinary guidance.

What kind of diet is best for a pit bull?

The one hard-and-fast rule of feeding a pit bull is that he or she needs to be on a dog’s diet that is high in protein. Not only is this good for helping your dog generate energy in a healthy way, but it also helps with maintaining muscle as your dog gets older. Grain-free is popular but largely unnecessary for pit bulls, as grains themselves are really not a problem. You do, however, definitely want to make sure that the primary ingredient in any dog food that you buy for your pit bull is some kind of meat.

Fresh dog food is a great option for pit bulls. However, try to stick with real meat instead of something like lamb meal, beef meal, excess chicken fat, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, etc. Stick with deboned chicken (cage free chicken, if possible) and other high-protein animal proteins as the base for meals. This will also appeal to picky eaters, even in wet dog food form.

Pitbull Food Buying Guide

If you’re looking for the best dog food for pit bulls, you’ll need to be a little more specific than you might think. There are certain ingredients that do a great job of promoting general health, but many dog owners are looking to solve specific issues with their dog food choices. Below are just a few of the specifics to which you should pay attention when you’re shopping for dog food. 

Protein and Muscle Growth

One of the big factors to look at in any dog food for pit bulls is whether or not it promotes muscle growth. It’s important to remember that for a dog like a pit bull, extra protein isn’t all about making the dog big and bulky. Instead, muscle growth helps your dog to maintain his or her mobility over time. As such, you definitely should look for a food that has a natural meat protein as the primary ingredient. 

Digestibility

Digestibility is also very important for many dog owners. If your dog has a tough time keeping food down or has problems with his or her stool, then you should look for good dog food products that are easy to digest. Try to find a dog food that has probiotics in it, as these ingredients not only help your dog to digest the food at the moment but they tend to stick around the GI tract in order to promote better overall gut health. 

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Generally, starchy vegetables, like sweet potatoes, should be easier to digest than grains if you want your dog to get some healthy carbs. In fact, sweet potato is one of the go-to carbs for dogs that they can eat more regularly.

Immune Support

Finally, make sure that you look for something that will support your pit bull’s immune system. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are all on this list, as are so-called “superfoods”. Any food that can help your dog to stay healthier for a longer period of time is going to be worth your money, as it will do a better job of helping you to put off those expensive vet bills. Those no food is going to cure your dog of an ability to get sick, anything that promotes immune health is a good idea.