The 7 Best Dog Foods for Pit Bulls

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

As anyone who loves one will tell you, the Pit Bull is an affectionate, lovable, and goofy breed. Unfortunately, these dogs have been saddled with a bad reputation. Like any other dog, Pit Bulls thrive in loving, stable homes with good training and a well-balanced diet. We’ll explore the nutritional requirements of this specific breed and suggest some of the best dog food for Pit Bulls to keep your Pitty happy and healthy.

Canine Nutrition Basics

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has determined the minimum requirements for key nutrients in dogs. AAFCO recommends a minimum of 22% protein for canine growth and reproduction (puppies and lactating females) and an 18% minimum for adult dogs. For fat, these numbers are 8% and 5%, respectively.

To meet these requirements, you’ll need to feed your Pit Bull high-quality dog food made with real, whole-food sources of these nutrients. Animal protein like meat or poultry should be the focus, with higher than average fat and limited carbohydrate content.

Remember that AAFCO standards exist to encourage commercial pet food manufacturers to adhere to minimum nutritional requirements. You’ll probably agree, however, that your Pit Bull deserves more than the bare minimum. Checking for an AAFCO statement of nutritional adequacy on the label is a good way to weed out the really bad dog foods. That being said, the statement itself isn’t a guarantee of quality.

It’s worth taking some time to understand the truth about dog food and read the label on prospective food to make sure quality proteins are the first ingredients.

Dog Food for Pit Bulls: Specific Nutritional Needs

The “Pit Bull” breed is actually a type that encompasses several breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Though Pitties vary in size, they’re generally stocky but muscular and have square heads and short hair. Pit Bulls are active with a high prey drive, so foods high in protein from quality sources are a good match for their energy.

Some Pit Bulls can be susceptible to allergies, so it’s worth discussing with your vet whether grain-free food (more on that below) or other ingredient-specific types of dog food might be best for your Pit Bull. Fatty acids in your Pit Bull’s diet can also be helpful for addressing any skin issues.

In rare cases, Pit Bulls can develop a type of heart disease called aortic stenosis. Along with proper monitoring and/or vet-prescribed medications, a well-balanced diet is key. Low sodium meals or supplemental fish oil may also be considerations for your Pitty’s heart health.

Hip dysplasia is another health condition that can affect Pit Bulls. Too much calcium and vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium, can hinder bone and cartilage development. So it’s a good idea to examine the vitamin content of your dog’s food carefully. This is especially important for puppies. Developing strong bones is critical during this stage, and it’s recommended to stick to a calcium level between 1.1% and 1.5%.

For Pitties experiencing joint problems or senior Pit Bulls, glucosamine is also a common supplement to add to your dog’s diet.

Dog Food for Pit Bulls: Wet vs. Dry

According to the Clinical Nutrition Service (part of Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University), wet food can be easier for dogs to chew and swallow. It’s also a good option for picky eaters. Canned food has higher water content, which can be beneficial for dogs with certain health considerations. Fat and protein are also more prevalent in wet food. So it might be a good option if your Pit Bull requires a higher protein diet, but it’s not a good choice for Pitties who need to watch their fat consumption.

Dry food is often the more popular choice, as kibble has a longer shelf life than wet food. It can also be less messy at mealtimes, though you should always check the label’s date for freshness. Dry food has also been found in some cases to help maintain dental health in dogs. That is, of course, as part of a regimen with regular teeth cleanings and dental chews.

Dog Food for Pit Bulls: To Grain or Not to Grain

Grain-free is another potential factor to consider. Some owners prefer grain-free as it is closer to the traditionally carnivorous Canis genus diet. It may also be easier on a dog’s digestive system, especially if your dog has grain allergies or sensitivities.

However, grain-free diets have been potentially linked to heart issues in canines by the FDA. As always, it’s best to check with your veterinarian before switching your dog’s diet. Single, whole-grain dog food is another potential option and it’s exactly what it sounds like—dog food made with a single whole grain (as opposed to a compound of different grains). That can be especially useful for dogs with particular grain allergies.

Read on to see our top picks for the best dog food for Pit Bulls.

Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls

Now that you know a little more about what ingredients are best for your Pit Bull, here are some great food options.

Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Chicken and Rice Formula

Cage-free chicken is the leading ingredient in this Diamond Naturals formula, which also includes whole grains, fruits, and veggies. You’ll also find omega fatty acids in this recipe, as well as probiotics. There’s zero wheat, corn, or soy, and this blend is free of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Wellness Natural Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe

Wellness is known for its quality ingredients and lack of byproducts, fillers, and artificial flavors in its pet food formulas. This recipe has a well-balanced blend of protein, fat, and carbs with deboned chicken, chicken meal, oatmeal, and ground barley among its top ingredients. 

Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food for Pit Bulls

A hearty choice for your adult large-breed Pitty, this formula is high in protein and free of corn, wheat, and artificial flavors or colors. Taste of the Wild’s grain-free recipe leads with beef and peas and contains other nutritious ingredients such as wild boar, flaxseed, and salmon oil.

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grillers Grain-Free Natural Adult Wet Dog Food

For Pit Bulls that prefer or require wet food, Blue Buffalo’s Grain-Free Freedom Grillers is a solid choice, leading its ingredient list with chicken and chicken broth. This formula also contains wholesome vegetables, vitamins, and minerals—no byproducts, artificial flavors, or preservatives are in this can!

Orijen Original Dry Dog Food for Pit Bulls

Though on the pricier side, Orijen’s dog food is made from high-quality, regional foods. Formulated with 85% animal ingredients (including bone, organs, and cartilage) this dry food is protein-rich and leads with deboned chicken and turkey. You’ll also see nutrient-dense foods like Atlantic mackerel, cage-free eggs, and whole red lentils. Made in the U.S., this recipe is grain-free. 

Taste of the Wild Grain-Free High Prairie Puppy Recipe

This one’s for you, Pitty puppies! Family-owned Taste of the Wild uses sustainably sourced ingredients. This recipe leads with buffalo and lamb meal and includes other high-protein ingredients such as bison and venison. Free of fillers like corn and wheat, it contains probiotics to help keep your puppy’s digestive system healthy.

Dogswell Happy Hips Grain-Free Chicken and Sweet Potato Dog Food for Pit Bulls

A good wet option for Pit Bulls, this recipe has chicken, egg, and salmon as its primary proteins. Made with fruits and veggies—but without corn, grains, wheat, or soy—this formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help ensure the health of your Pitty’s hips and joints.

Talk to Your Vet Before Choosing New Food for Your Dog

We’ve selected some great dog food options for your Pit Bull. But before introducing any new foods into your dog’s diet, we suggest consulting with your veterinarian. They can help you understand any health issues your Pit Bull may be experiencing and recommend a dog food that best supports their specific health needs.

Further Reading

• Breed Profile: An Essential Guide to Pit Bulls
• Pit Bull Puppies: Everything You Need to Know
• 8 Pit Bull Facts Every Dog Lover Should Know