This updated guide lists the best dog foods for Pitbulls.
When it comes to feeding a Pitbull, it is important to stick to a diet that consists of essential nutrients. Food deficient in nutrients causes a lack of nourishment that your dog needs to stay agile and strong. And even though high-quality food comes with a price tag, the cost of feeding cheap food to your dog can be higher in the long run.
Dog foods with low-quality ingredients are unsuitable for Pitbulls or any other breed of dog. Since Pitbulls are athletic dogs, they require more protein, fat, and carbs in their diet, just like human athletes. We have created this guide to help you make an informed decision about your Pitbull’s diet.
Using our 40-point inspection criteria, we factor in nutritional analysis, consumer ratings, brand reputation, and more.
Keep reading to learn which dog food might be best for your pittie.
The Best Dog Foods for Pitbulls Reviewed
| Top Picks | Rating | Top Ingredients |
| #1. Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula Dog Food (Editor’s Choice) | 4.9 | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Peas, Cracked Barley |
| #2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Dog Food | 4.9 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Pea Starch |
| #3. Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Senior Dog Food | 4.8 | Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, Chicken, Turkey |
| #4. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grillers Hearty Chicken Canned Dog Food | 4.8 | Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product |
| #5. Annamaet Ultra 32% Dry Dog Food | 4.8 | Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Chicken Fat, Whole Dry Eggs, Herring Meal |
| #6. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food | 4.7 | Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas |
| #7. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Dog Food | 4.7 | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Potatoes |
| #8. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Dog Food | 4.7 | Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas |
#1. Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula Dog Food
Ratings: 
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Whole Grain Brown Rice, 4. Peas, 5. Cracked Pearled Barley
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,708 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 16% | Fiber (max.) 2.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
If your pibble is fond of chicken, it will fall in love with this blend by Diamond Naturals. This chicken and rice formula promotes the health and well-being of your Pitbull with a power-packed diet in kibble form.
The recipe is suitable for different life stages and uses cage-free chicken to provide protein and other healthy ingredients to give your Pitbull a balanced and holistic diet.
#2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Tapioca Starch, 5. Pea Starch
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Large, Giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,555 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 35% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Dog Food is a perfect match for the nutritional requirements of a growing Pitbull puppy. It’s packed with protein that is compulsory for this muscular breed to gain lean mass. The recipe contains essential ‘puppy’ micros like DHA and ARA that help with cognitive and vision development.
These nutrients come from premium-quality ingredients like deboned chicken, flaxseed, fish oil, and more. This formula is highly digestible for breeds with a sensitive stomach like the Pitbull. It won’t cause excessive gas or stool problems. It’s a good choice for picky eaters also.
#3. Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Senior Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Salmon Meal, 4. De-Boned Chicken, 5. De-Boned Turkey
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,756 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 4.5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
As Pitbulls age, their digestive and joint health begins to deteriorate. Go Solutions Carnivore Senior Dog Food formulation specifically counters these ailments while sustaining your dog’s energy requirements. Its 32% protein content builds lean muscle mass and is derived chiefly from whole meat.
Moreover, the formula includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which reduce cartilage wear and keep your Pitbull’s joints in optimal condition. Probiotics/prebiotics and the range of natural ingredients are easy on sensitive stomachs and are highly adsorbable. Lastly, the food contains taurine, which improves heart health and is compulsory for this breed.
#4. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grillers Hearty Chicken Canned Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Water, 4. Chicken Liver, 5. Dried Egg Product
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 910 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 7.5% | Fat (min.) 3.5% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 82%
- Form: Wet Food
Make your fussy Pitbull excited for their meals with Blue Buffalo’s Freedom Griller Canned Food. Each can contain juicy chunks of chicken that can kickstart your dog’s appetite and give them a protein boost. The recipe also includes easily digestible carbs that offer a steady energy supply throughout the day.
We also recommend this canned food for Pits with digestive issues because it’s free of wheat, grains, and artificial preservatives. This multi-purpose food can be used as a topper over their standard kibbles, served as an appetizer, or fed all by itself when your dog refuses to eat.
#5. Annamaet Ultra 32% Dry Dog Food
Ratings: 
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Chicken Fat, 4. Whole Dry Eggs, 5. Herring Meal
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,228 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 20% | Fiber (max.) 3% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Annamaet Ultra 32% Dog Food is the closest you can get to buying a commercial dog food tailored specifically for Pitbulls. The formula features a protein-to-fat ratio of 32% and 20%, ideal for building muscle and fueling the body of active breeds like Pitbulls. It has Omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
L-carnitine helps with fat metabolization and keeps your Pitbull lean and muscular, and the prebiotics and probiotics are beneficial in maintaining a healthy gut.
#6. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Buffalo, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Peas
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,719 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 32% | Fat (min.) 18% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
This grain-free, all-natural formula from Taste of the Wild is an excellent option for your pibble. Pitbulls are naturally active and energetic dogs requiring balanced nutrition to maintain overall health. Serve them a savory recipe loaded with nutritionally rich, flavorful ingredients, including buffalo, lamb, and chicken meal.
The recipe also contains highly digestible ingredients such as sweet potatoes and peas, making it a great option even for the most sensitive and picky eaters. The formula contains no grain, wheat, corn, or artificial colors and flavors. If you wish to feed your tail-wagger the best available diet, Taste of the Wild recipes won’t disappoint you. This recipe is consistently among the best choices for dog foods, and this recipe deserves to be a top choice for pitbulls.
#7. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Turkey Meal, 4. Peas, 5. Potatoes
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Large, Giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,718 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 38% | Fat (min.) 17% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 11%
- Form: Dry/Freeze-Dried
With de-boned chicken as the first ingredient, this grain-free formula bursts with protein and other essential nutrients for growing and maintaining your pittie.
The lip-licking flavors combine high-quality handpicked ingredients, including vegetables and fruits containing minerals and probiotics. The Merrick Backcountry Raw-Infused recipe is also suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs because the formula is free from artificial flavors and additives.
#8. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Potatoes, 5. Peas
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,300 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 33% | Fat (min.) 10% | Fiber (max.) 12% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
The Wellness Core dry food formula is an excellent diet for Pitbulls with a sensitive gut. This blend uses the best ingredients and is free from all sources that could trigger food allergies.
This grain-free recipe features herring meal, whitefish, and salmon meal, offering your pup a protein-rich diet with healthy fats to provide the nutrition for optimal health. The fiber in the recipe guarantees healthy digestion without causing any digestive issues
#9. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck Recipe Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Duck, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Pea Protein, 5. Menhaden Fish Meal
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,596 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 34% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness brand is known for offering the most authentic, all-natural diet for your dogs. Their formula imitates the natural diet of wolves, providing their domestic descendants with the optimal food for their growth and sustenance. The recipe is full of meat utilizing the best quality de-boned duck, turkey meal, and chicken meal as the primary protein sources.
These carefully selected ingredients provide maximum energy and amino acids for muscle building. The addition of peas and potatoes maintains proper levels of carbohydrates. Finally, it includes a healthy blend of fresh fruits and vegetables, including cranberries, blueberries, and carrots, to give your dog a healthy dose of antioxidants.
#10. Nom Nom Turkey Fare
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Ground turkey, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Eggs, 4. Carrots, 5. Spinach
- Life Stage: All
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 1,479 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 5% | Fiber (max.) 1% | Moisture (max.) 72%
- Form: Frozen
Nom Nom’s Turkey Fare is a solid recommendation for those who want their Pitbull to eat like a true king. One of the reasons why we specifically recommend Turkey Fare is its high protein content. It’s unlikely to cause digestive problems and will help your dog put on lean muscle.
Some experts warn against grain-free diets for Pitbulls, so the recipe also contains brown rice among a range of wholesome veggies. Another advantage of choosing Nom Nom is the specific formulation for your Pitbull’s breed, age, weight, and activity level. Eliminating allergens ensures that your dog receives highly digestible and fresh meals daily.
#11. Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Sweet Potatoes, 2. Salmon, 3. Menhaden Fish Meal, 4. Potato Protein, 5. Canola Oil
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,450 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 24% | Fat (min.) 10% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Pitbulls with sensitive stomachs will love this limited-ingredient formula from Natural Balance. Sweet potatoes, salmon, and menhaden fish meal provide a balanced meal from common allergens and stomach irritants.
Despite the limited ingredients, the protein and fat content are maintained at optimal levels to ensure your Pitbull gets the nourishment and diet he needs to wag his tail around all day.
#12. American Journey Large Breed Salmon & Sweet Potato Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Salmon, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Chickpeas, 5. Sweet Potatoes
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Large, Giant breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,540 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 30% | Fat (min.) 12% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Don’t compromise on a high-quality diet for your Pitbull, and pick this excellent choice that’s easy on your pocket. This grain-free diet by American Journey contains quality proteins and other nutrients to support your dog’s optimum health and wellbeing.
The added omega fatty acids, including DHA, support the cognitive development of your Pitbull.
#13. Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken MeaI, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Chicken Fat, 4. Dried PIain Beet Pulp, 5. Ground Grain Sorghum
- Life Stage: All
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,930 kcal
- Analysis: Protein (min.) 30% | Fat (min.) 20% | Fiber (max.) 3.8% | Moisture (max.) 10%
- Form: Dry
Making the top 5 for best Pitbull foods, this offering from Bully Max lives up to its name by offering your Pitbull a super-premium diet that supports maximum performance. The recipe is suitable for Pitbulls at all life stages, so if you want to give your growing pittie the best diet from the beginning, look no further! This dog food is complete and nutritionally rich to support your dog’s growth and nourishment.
Loaded with chicken meal for building muscle and chicken fat for energy, this is one of the most recommended dog foods by Pitbull parents. The high-calorie recipe is ideal for the Pitbull breed. It gives them the energy they need for their high-drive lives.
How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick
Related:
Best Dog Food for Pitbulls – A Buyer’s Guide
Selecting the right dog food for your Pitbull is a crucial decision that can significantly impact their health, energy levels, and overall well-being. Pitbulls, known for their strong muscles and active lifestyles, require a balanced and nutritious diet to thrive.
With a variety of dog food options available on the market, choosing the best one can be a daunting task. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential factors to consider when selecting the best dog food for Pitbulls, ensuring that your loyal companion receives the nutrients they need for a healthy and happy life.
The Benefits of a Well-Balanced Diet for Your Pitbull
Feeding your Pitbull a well-balanced diet offers numerous benefits that contribute to their overall health and vitality. Here are some key advantages:
- Muscle Development: Pitbulls are a muscular breed, and a balanced diet with adequate protein supports healthy muscle development, ensuring they maintain their strength and endurance.
- Joint Health: Proper nutrition helps maintain joint health, reducing the risk of hip dysplasia and arthritis, common issues in Pitbulls.
- Energy Levels: A balanced diet provides the necessary energy for their active lifestyle, ensuring they have the vigor to engage in play and exercise.
- Weight Management: Controlling calorie intake and ensuring the right balance of nutrients can help prevent obesity, a common concern in Pitbulls.
- Healthy Skin and Coat: A well-balanced diet with essential fatty acids promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat, reducing the risk of skin issues.
Pitbull Health Problems
Pitbulls are prone to several health problems too. The key is to watch out for the signs and symptoms to get control of the situation in time. Here are the most common health problems associated with this breed to help increase your awareness.
Common Allergies
Allergies are quite common in Pitbulls. As a Pitbull owner, you should be familiar with the symptoms to be able to treat them. The most common symptoms include sneezing, itchy skin, red skin, vomiting, constant licking, and snoring.
Heavy snoring is often associated with throat inflammation. The causes of allergies, however, can be numerous, and you must see a vet for a proper diagnosis.
Joint Problems
Joint problems are also quite common in these athletic dogs. These are more prominent in older age, which could affect their mobility and cause discomfort. This is definitely bad news for a breed like Pitbull that’s so active.
Some dogs may develop joint problems earlier because of the type of physical activity they do. Thankfully, you can always consult a vet and consider supplements that support joint health along with the right medication to fight this problem.
Just keep an eye out for the symptoms because such problems can stay unnoticed for quite a long time. If you find your dog resisting playing or running around, he might have joint problems.
Bloating
Bloating – medically known as gastric dilation-volvulus – is quite a common health problem in dogs. With bloating comes gas, which does not only cause your dog’s stomach to expand but also risks a tear on the stomach wall, causing severe damage to your pitties health.
Taking bloat lightly is not an option for a dog owner. Identify the most common symptoms, including pale gums, anxiousness, shortness of breath, restlessness, and rapid heartbeat, and seek assistance from the vet right away.
Ingredients to Promote Muscle Growth in Pitbulls
It’s crucial to include certain ingredients in your Pitbull’s diet to promote healthy muscle growth. Whatever food you pick for your furry friend, make sure it includes at least a few of these ingredients to ensure you are feeding your dog a healthy option.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the most known powerful antioxidant that helps promote energy, metabolism, and tissue repair, and boosts overall cellular activity. The deficiency of this fat-soluble vitamin can lead to weakness in tendons or ligaments or end up with muscle degeneration. It’s crucial for your dog to have adequate levels of vitamin E in his diet. The best sources include kale, spinach, nuts, and broccoli.
Vitamin B Complex
While vitamin B1 is great for maintaining a healthy metabolism, vitamin B6 is essential for supporting healthy muscle tone. Similarly, vitamin B8 aids with muscle function. The best sources of vitamin B complex include sweet potato, poultry, nuts, leafy vegetables, beef, fish, and organ meat like liver.
Calcium
When it comes to taking care of your dog’s bone health and muscles, you can’t ignore calcium. It’s a necessary ingredient to support proper nerve transmission as well as appropriate muscle contraction. This is particularly very important for Pitbulls since they’re highly active and athletic dogs.
A diet that’s deficient in calcium can end up with ropy muscles and weak bones that are at risk of a degraded nervous system. Food options that include ingredients like nuts, leafy vegetables, fish, and seeds are great sources of calcium.
Choline
Choline plays an important role in promoting healthy muscle function as well as gaining overall muscle. The ingredient helps improve the nervous system communication and allows proper muscle contraction. Choline is also helpful in breaking down fat for energy. The best sources of choline include organ meats, cauliflower, nuts, and spinach.
Ingredients that Promote Healthy Weight Gain in Pitbulls
Healthy weight gain is essential in Pitbulls as they grow up and the best part is that you can rely on a few key ingredients to deliver results. It is, however, important to make sure your dog eats as per their required calorie consumption because too much of it can cause unhealthy weight gain and obesity.
Protein
Pitbulls require more protein than many other dog breeds – thanks to their athletic build-up. But just choosing a food that’s rich in protein is not enough. It is equally important to ensure that the protein is derived from the best resources to promote healthy weight gain. Look for a food option that derives its protein from whole meat sources, including beef, chicken, salmon, venison, turkey, bison, and more. A minimum of 30% protein is great for a pibble’s diet.
Fats
The next key ingredient for a Pitbull’s diet is fat content. To achieve and maintain healthy weight gain, your Pitbull requires at least 17% fat in his diet that’s derived from the best sources. Sources like pork fat, chicken fat, soybean oil, fish oil, and vegetable oil are good sources of fat content.
Carbohydrates
Your energetic pebble can thrive on good-quality carbs in their dietary formulation. A blend that includes sweet potatoes or potatoes is great, as long as your dog is not allergic or sensitive to any of these ingredients. It’s best to serve a small amount to know if your dog has any allergies before you introduce a new diet. Keep the carb content low to moderate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pitbulls have any special dietary requirements?
Pitbulls are naturally muscular and active dogs. They need a high level of animal protein and moderate to high-fat content to maintain lean muscle mass. For this breed, animal-based proteins are preferred to make food more digestible.
What are the nutritional requirements of Pitbull puppies?
Like other large breed dogs, Pitbull pups require a diet comprised of high-quality protein. A growing puppy’s diet should contain at least 22% protein.
What are the dietary requirements of older Pitbulls?
As with other senior dogs, your older pibble may need some extra fiber in their diet to aid in digestion. Additionally, you need to keep an eye on their caloric intake as their activity levels begin to wane.
How much food should I feed my adult Pitbull?
Feed your adult Pitbull high-quality food formulated for large breed dogs. Two appropriately sized meals during the day are enough for adult dogs.
How much should I feed my Pitbull puppy?
Pitbull puppies need more nutrients and calories for growth and development. Feed your puppies three small meals during the day formulated for large-breed puppies.
What vegetables can I feed my Pitbull?
Pitbulls love vegetables. Don’t hesitate to feed them pumpkin, asparagus, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Avoid onions, garlic, and wild mushrooms.
Can I give all kinds of fruits to my Pitbull?
Your pitbull can enjoy a long list of fruits that are totally safe to feed him. Feel free to give them blackberries, bananas, apples, cantaloupe, blueberries, pears, mangoes, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelon. Avoid grapes.
Is grain-free dog food a good option for my Pitbull?
Pitbulls are commonly affected by food allergies and sensitivities. If your dog is one of them, grain-free food is an excellent diet option.
How many calories should I feed my Pitbull?
Younger Pitbulls should do well with around 1100 calories per day, while your mature pibble my need between 1100 and 1700 calories per day, depending on their activity level. Older, less active dogs may only require 825 to 950 calories daily.
When’s the right age to switch my Pitbull puppy to adult food?
Stick to puppy food for at least 12 months before switching your pittie to adult dog food.
How do I stop my pitbull from gulping his food too quickly?
Pitbulls are particularly very hasty when it comes to gulping down their food. Also, they tend to intake a lot of air while eating food in larger quantities. This can upset their stomach and digestive system. You can avoid this by placing a large ball toy in their bowl to discourage gulping food. You can even use a dispenser toy to release food slowly.
How should I introduce a different food to my dog’s diet?
You need to take a very gradual approach to introducing new food to your dog. This will prevent messing up with the digestibility of new food. Some dogs, especially pitties, can be sensitive to changes in their diet, therefore it is crucial that you smoothly make this transition. Stop or reduce the quantity of new food if your dog shows any sign of stomach problems, has a soft stool, starts vomiting, or appears constipated.
Can I give table scraps to my dog?
The simple answer to this question is ‘no’! Do not use table scraps even as treat, unless the leftovers are healthy like uncooked vegetables such as peas, carrots, broccoli, and green beans or nutritious fruits.
How can I tell if I am feeding the right food to my Pitbull?
Keep a check on your dog’s health and coat. If your dog seems to be thriving on the nutrition you’re providing him, maintains a high-quality glossy coat, has a fit appearance, and displays lots of energy, the food is definitely agreeing with your pitbull.
Conclusion
You must pay special attention to the protein and fat content when looking for a diet that’s specifically suitable for Pitbulls. Ideally, a 30/20 protein-to-fat ratio is good, but you can pick any blend that fulfills the minimum requirement of the desired nutrients.
This guide covers all the details that will help you make an informed decision about the right diet, which will not only help promote your dog’s healthy weight gain and muscle building but also promote the overall health of your beloved four-legged friend. Use the information shared here in your best interest and pick the best dog food for your Pitbull.
So, we’ve covered the list of the best dog foods for Pitbulls. In case you’re still unsure, we’ve got you covered. Check out our other related guides:
Further Reading:
