Best Dog Food for Pitbulls

If you’re lucky enough to have loved a pitbull, you know that they are incredibly loving, loyal, and full of personality! We don’t have time for any pitbull haters here. There is almost no end to this breed’s curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm – but all that spunk doesn’t come without plenty of energy. 

When it comes to food, all good pet parents want the best for their dogs. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve rounded up this list of the best dog food for pitbulls. From special dietary options and hypoallergenic formulas to protein-dense kibble to fuel their active lifestyle, we’ve got the best bully breed bites for you.

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Why Pitbulls Need Good Nutrition

Pitbulls are active, athletic dogs with a naturally bulky build. While they get a bad rap due to myths about their bite strength and aggression, pitbull owners know they are uniquely renowned for their affectionate, eager-to-please, go-getter attitudes. They are strong, muscular dogs that thrive on a protein-rich diet, but they need more than meat to thrive. 

Unfortunately, like many medium and large dog breeds, they are prone to joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. For this reason, high-quality, nutrient-rich foods are essential for supporting their joints, heart, skin, and overall health.

Pitbulls are more likely to suffer from allergies than other dog breeds. Some of the most common food sensitivities include chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat. While not all dogs experience these allergies, it’s important to watch for symptoms like rashes, hives, excessive itching, and diarrhea when introducing new food. 

Because many pitbulls have sensitive skin, irritated by allergies and environmental conditions, they may need extra nutritional support to maintain a healthy coat and complexion. By feeding your pitbull a balanced diet, complete with the vitamins and minerals they need, you can help them feel and look their best inside and out. 

What to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls

To choose the very best food for your pitbull, keep the following in mind: 

• High-Quality Animal Protein: This is a crucial building block of a balanced diet. It’s important for muscle development, healthy energy levels, and overall well-being.
• Omega Fatty Acids: These help maintain a shiny coat while supporting skin, brain, joint, and immune system health. Omega 3 and 6 are the most important, often found in fish oils, but plant-based ingredients such as flaxseed and chia seeds also contain omega 3. 
• Joint Support: Look for foods that include glucosamine and chondroitin. These compounds help build, repair, and maintain healthy cartilage in the joints. 
• Digestible Carbohydrates: Carbs are an important source of energy and can provide essential micronutrients as well. But not all carbohydrates are created equal. Sweet potatoes, quinoa, chickpeas, apples, barley, and carrots are all vitamin-rich sources of carbs for most dogs.
• Limited-Ingredient Diets: Look for foods made without fillers and preservatives. Limiting the number of ingredients your dog eats reduces the likelihood of exposure to allergens and irritants. Since Pitbulls are prone to allergies, your pup may need a diet with a single protein source. 
• Food Formulas for Weight Management: For lower-calorie diets, opt for formulas that are higher in protein without sacrificing vitamins and minerals. Quality protein helps support healthy weight and muscle, especially for less active dogs.

The Best Dog Foods for Pitbulls

We searched high and low for the best dog food options on the market. Here are some fresh, freeze-dried, and raw selections that are sure to be your pit’s new mealtime must-have.

Our Picks

1. We Feed Raw Duck Recipe

This raw diet option doesn’t contain wheat, dairy, or eggs, making it one of the best foods for pit bulls with allergies. The nutritionist-formulated food is packed with beneficial ingredients, including a mineral mix for extra nutritional support. It also includes vitamin E and manganese for bone and joint health, as well as ground flaxseed—a great source of omega fatty acids.

Highlights

This dog food is made with cage-free, humanely harvested duck meat. It has no added hormones or antibiotics and is formulated to be highly digestible.

Things to Consider

While ten days is the recommended time frame for switching your dog’s food, some may need longer when transitioning to a raw food diet. Please also keep safety measures in mind when feeding raw food. If it is not right for your lifestyle, there are a lot of other great options! 

2. Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef

This high-protein dog food for active pitbulls has the quality ingredients they need to thrive in a convenient, nutrient-dense recipe. It’s made with beef raised without antibiotics or added hormones and is free from soy, wheat, corn, and legumes. 

Highlights

Enjoy some extra peace of mind with Open Farm’s nifty transparency tool. This tool allows pet parents to see exactly what’s in their dog’s bowl and where it came from. Open Farm also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Things to Consider

Some customers with picky eaters reported that their dogs didn’t take to the food.

3. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Sweet Potato & Venison

This limited-ingredient dog food is made with sensitive stomachs in mind. It’s formulated to encourage whole-body wellness with key vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s heart, joints, skin, immune system, and digestive health. The grain-free food comes in multiple bag sizes, so you can pick the option that’s right for you.

Highlights

With Chewy, you can pick the automatic shipment option to save money on your dog’s food and set your own delivery schedule.

Things to Consider

Natural Balance is a little more expensive than some other options. The subscription option can offset this, but it may be a little over budget for some dog owners.

4. Sundays For Dogs Beef Recipe

For attentive animal parents looking for the best dry dog food for pitbulls, Sundays For Dogs has you covered. This human-grade formula is made of 91% beef muscle and organs, so it’s packed with high-quality protein. It also includes nutrient-rich superfoods like zucchini, flaxseed, kale, and kelp for a healthy dose of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and essential vitamins.

Highlights

Sundays for Dogs is made without synthetic additives, meaning all vitamins and minerals come from natural food sources. Sundays For Dogs offers a two-week trial period and a money-back guarantee, plus free shipping.

Things to Consider

Nutrient-dense food means smaller meal sizes, as it’s more caloric than standard kibble.

5. The Pets Table Chicken Casserole With Green Beans

Treat your canine companion to the convenience and quality of Hello Fresh with this customizable dog food subscription. This recipe is made with USDA-certified human-grade chicken with ingredients that support your dog’s immune system and digestive health. 

Highlights

For extra variety, you can choose between fresh and air-dried foods or a combination of both. The Pets Table offers a two-week trial box with a money-back guarantee.

Things to Consider

Fresh food must be stored in the freezer and thawed 12-24 hours before mealtimes.

How We Chose the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls

Every dog is different. Many pitbulls have specific dietary needs that require extra care and consideration when prepping their meals. We searched for a variety of flavors, formulas, and food types so you can pick the one that’s best for your furry friend. We looked for:

• High-quality ingredients to support muscle, joint, skin, and digestive health.
• Various dietary needs like allergies, high-energy formulas, and raw diet options.
• Food formulated without irritating additives, harmful fillers, and hard-to-digest ingredients.
• Budget-friendly options, including subscribe-and-save programs and money-back guarantees, so you can buy with peace of mind. 

Our Take on Food for Pitbulls

Before switching your dog’s food, here are some important things to keep in mind:

• Transition to new food gradually. Spend 7-10 days mixing the new food into your dog’s current food to reduce digestive troubles. Start with a small amount and gradually increase the quantity until they’ve successfully switched fully. 
• Consult your veterinarian. Talk to your vet about personalized dietary needs, especially if you think your dog may have an allergy or food sensitivity.

Pitbulls are affectionate, energetic dogs who need high-quality protein and nutrients to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Give your loyal friend the nutritional support they need to enjoy an active life for years to come.

Featured image via Jason Pofahl on Unsplash