American Pitbull Terriers (aka Pit bull) are strong, active dogs. They need a dog food that contains the right combination of nutrients to provide them with the energy they need and keep them healthy.
We also need to take into consideration a few health concerns that Pitbulls are prone to choose the best dog food for them.
First, here’s a little look at my top 4 choices of the best dog food for Pitbulls.
My 5 recommendations of the best dog food for Pitbulls in 2024:
How many calories does my Pitbull need?
Pit bulls are medium-sized, active dogs with a lot of muscle mass, so they need quite a lot of calories to sustain them. Your dog’s intake will, of course, depend on her individual level of activity.
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An average Pit bull weighs 50 lb, so I have calculated the following calorie intakes* based on this weight.
Of course, males tend to be more muscular, so they often weigh more. If your Pitbull is of the female persuasion, the calorie intake is likely to be lower.
950CalSenior/Neutered/Inactive1150CalTypical Adults1600CalActive/Working Adults
*Calculated using Dog Food Advisor’s calorie calculator. Please consult with your veterinarian to get an exact amount for your dog.
Common health concerns in Pitbulls and how choosing the right food can help
Skin allergies
Pitbulls can suffer from skin irritation, which can be triggered by flea allergies, seasonal allergies, and food allergies. It tends to affect their feet, belly, ears, and in the folds of their skin, and shows up in the form of dry, itchy skin.
If your Pitbull is prone to food allergies, you should avoid grains, and other common allergens, which are:
Beef
Chicken
Dairy
Eggs
As I suggested in the article on the best dog food for Rottweilers, you can try your Pitbull on a “limited ingredient” dog food, which usually just has one meat and one carb source (which tends to be a non-grain). This can help to narrow down what she is allergic to.
You can also look for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids from fish or flaxseed oil. The anti-inflammatory properties in omega-3s can help relieve itching in Pitbulls with skin allergies.
Bloat
Bloat is more common in large breed dogs, but it has been known to occur in Pitbulls. It happens when the stomach fills with gas and becomes distended, caused by a dog consuming a large amount of food too quickly, eating from a raised food bowl, or on exercising directly after eating. It is a very serious condition and can be fatal.
You can protect your Pitbull from this condition by feeding her 2 or 3 smaller meals throughout the day and letting her rest for at least an hour after eating.
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
Elbow and hip dysplasia is seen in many large dog breeds, and, unfortunately, the American Pitbull is prone to both conditions, too. Elbow and hip dysplasia involve abnormal growth or formation of the joint, causing arthritic pain, and even lameness.
The best thing you can do for her is to keep her at a healthy weight, as overweight dogs will put more strain on their joints.
You can also look out for dog foods that are specifically designed to help dogs with joint problems. These often contain high levels of omega-3s, as well as two nutrients called glucosamine and chondroitin, which help with bone, joint, and cartilage health.
Hypothyroidism
Like Boxers, Pitbulls are prone to this condition which affects the thyroid, causing low hormone levels. This can lead to lethargy, a dull coat, and weigh increase. According to the Michigan State University, out of 30 dogs most affected by the condition, she ranks 6th.
Diet can help your dog stay healthy if she suffers from this condition, as it has been shown to cause a depletion of basic nutrients. Avoid processed foods, and look for a dog food that contains a good range of fruits and vegetables, which are good whole food sources of vitamins and minerals.
You can also look out for sources of iodine, like fish, kelp, and seaweed, or food that has added iodine, as this mineral is beneficial for thyroid health. Those good old omega-3 fatty acids also help, which you can find in fish oils or flaxseed oil.
Obesity
Pitbulls do have a tendency to become overweight. Unlike Huskies, who stop eating when they’re full, Pitbulls usually have quite an appetite. Unless you give her measured amounts of food, she can keep going and going.
Make sure you consult with your veterinarian about the specific caloric amount your dog needs for her size and don’t go over that amount.
Remember, treats should be included in her daily allowance!
Macronutrient needs for Pitbulls
Protein
Pitbulls are very muscular dogs, who are usually active and very playful.
High protein is vital for muscle development and to provide her with energy, so your Pitbull needs at least 25 – 30% protein in her diet. If she is a very active dog or working dog (who gets more than one hour’s exercise a day), she will require 30 – 40%.
Remember, the quality of the protein is just as important as the quantity! Don’t choose dog foods that use by-products or unspecified sources like “meat meal.”
Fat
Since Pitbulls are energetic – and, let’s face it, they love to clown around – they also need fairly moderate to high levels of fat. This is because they need to use fat for energy, as it contains the most concentrated source of energy of all macronutrients.
15 – 20% is good for typical Pitbulls, and 20 – 25% for very active or working Pitbulls.
If she suffers from skin allergies, she will benefit from omega-3 fatty acids, as these reduce inflammation. As we have seen, these also support her joints and thyroid. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish oil and flaxseed oil.
As these omega oils can help your Pitbull in a few different ways, it’s a good idea to go for a dog food whose main source of protein is from fish.
Carbs
When it comes to carbs, dogs don’t need a great deal. I usually advise a dog food that has high protein and low in carbs, containing no more than 20% carbohydrates.
You can try your Pitbull on good-quality whole grains like barley and brown rice, but it may be better to avoid grains altogether if she suffers from allergies. There are many high-quality, grain-free dog foods out there that source their carbs from vegetables like sweet potato.
Now Let's See the 5 Best Dog Foods for Pitbulls
#1 Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canine Grain Free dry dog food
Taste of the Wild is a great brand that, in my opinion, puts quality first (and sells it at an affordable price). They actually steam dry their food with purified water to make sure there are no nasty chemicals, plus they use natural preservatives.
This recipe is a good choice for typical Pitbulls, as it has high protein content (25%) and fat content (15%) fall on the lowest boundary I suggested for this breed.
The protein mainly comes from salmon, providing those omega-3s which support your Pitbull’s joints, thyroid and skin health. There are not as many as in Orijen’s recipe, however.
For carbohydrates, this recipe includes sweet potatoes and potatoes as an alternative to grains. In fact, Tate of the Wild only makes grain-free dog food to prevent allergic reactions.
They also include a fair few fruit and vegetables to provide your dog with important vitamins and minerals for her immune system; however, not quite an impressive amount as Orijen.
I highly recommend Taste of the Wild as an alternative to Orijen, as its quality is very nearly as good. Although, I would not recommend it for dogs with joint problems, as it contains no additional ingredients to help with this.
PROS
High-quality ingredients
Very popular among dog owners
Grain-free
Good for typical Pitbulls
Includes fruit and vegetables for immune system health
- Includes some omega-3s to support joints, thyroid and skin health
CONS
Not suitable for more active Pitbulls
- No additional ingredients for joint health
#2 Wellness CORE Grain Free Ocean Whitefish, Herring & Salmon Recipe Dry Dog Food
What’s great about Wellness CORE is that the brand considers your pet’s overall nutritional requirements, using fresh ingredients to make recipes that will fill your pet’s special dietary needs. This recipe is packed with protein, containing at least 34%, with most of the nutrient coming from real whitefish. Fish is particularly helpful for Pitbulls, who are prone to skin allergies that could be triggered by poultry and beef. Aside from whitefish, this dog food includes herring, salmon, and menhaden fish meal. All that fish is a great source of iodine and will help your Pitbull avoid thyroid problems. The recipe also contains 15% fat, so it can provide Pitties the energy they need daily. Fat from flaxseed and salmon oil help keep the coat healthy and strengthen the joints. I recommend this brand for active Pitbulls who also need additional support for thyroid issues.
PROS
- High-quality protein from fish
- Grain-free
- High protein recipe for very active Pitbulls
- Rich in iodine for thyroid issues
- Flaxseed and salmon oil for skin health and joint strength
CONS
- More expensive compared to other brands
#3 Merrick Grain-Free Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe dry dog food
Merrick is another company I admire for using lots of fresh, local ingredients, high-quality protein, and keeping fillers out of their recipes.
This particular recipe is grain free to prevent allergic reactions and uses salmon as the main protein source, providing those essential omega-3 fatty acids to keep your Pitbull’s joints oiled, her skin healthy and coat shiny, and also to help out her thyroid.
It is fairly high in protein, at 34%, while its fat content is quite low, at 14%. I think this makes the recipe suitable for typical or active Pitbulls, but not for working Pitbulls.
There are a few fruits and vegetables included, as well as a range of vitamins and minerals for her immune system health.
Merrick also provides large amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin for her bone and joint health.
I, therefore, highly recommend this brand as an alternative to Orijen for Pitbulls who suffer from joint problems.
PROS
High-quality ingredients
Very popular
Grain-free
Contains a good amount of omega-3s for her joints, skin, and thyroid
Good for typical and active Pitbulls
Some fruit and veg
- Additional ingredients to support her bone and joint health (good affordable alternative to Orijen)
CONS
- Some customers have complained about stomach upset, but it seems very rare
#4 Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Salmon & Potato Canine Formula
This is a limited ingredient dog food, containing only one source of protein (salmon), and no grains, wheat, or gluten. Plus there are no preservatives or artificial additives. This is, therefore, a great food to try your dog on if she has allergies.
In fact, many customers have claimed it has improved their dog’s allergies and skin irritation.
The protein content is just right for a typical Pitbull, at 25%. The fat content is quite low, however, at 12%, making it an ideal food for overweight Pitbulls who need to shed a few pounds, but more active Pitbulls will need more.
This recipe has good amounts of omega-3s to support your Pitbull’s skin health, as well her thyroid and joint function.
While there are no fruit and veg ingredients, there is a multitude of vitamins and minerals included to support her immune system.
I highly recommend this food for Pitbulls with allergies or overweight Pitbulls.
PROS
Quality ingredients
Limited-ingredient food for Pitbulls with allergies
Good for overweight Pitbulls
Omega-3s to support her skin, thyroid and joint health
- Many vitamins and minerals included
CONS
Low fat – not be suitable for more active Pitbulls
No fresh fruit and veg ingredients
- No added ingredients for bone and joint health
#5 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Fish & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo uses only the finest natural ingredients. The brand’s grain-free recipes include high-quality real meat and are enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals. This brand is one of the few that uses exotic proteins, too. This recipe, for instance, contains alligator meat. Alligator meat is rich in high-quality protein and so is this dog food, which offers 30% of the nutrient. This is an excellent recipe for the average, active Pitbull. Sweet potatoes and peas give your Pittie a sufficient amount of complex carbohydrates to fuel his energy throughout the day. The slightly higher fat content of 16% will help in maintaining the shine on your dog’s coat, too.The recipe is free from poultry and grains, so it’s unlikely to trigger allergies in your Pitbull. Overall, this dog food is a great option for active, non-working Pitbulls who need a grain-free food.
PROS
- Contains protein-rich alligator meat
- Healthy complex carbs from sweet potatoes and peas
- Grain-free
- Antioxidants included
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin health
CONS
- No added ingredients for thyroid issues
- No added ingredients for bone and joint health
Conclusion
The overall winner of our best dog foods for pitbulls is Taste of the Wild for its affordable, high-quality recipe and obvious popularity among dog owners. However, it doesn’t cut it if you’re looking for a food to support your dog’s joints.
I highly recommend Orijen for active Pitbulls with joint problems. If you can’t afford it, Merrick is a great alternative. Lastly, Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient is great for Pitbulls with allergies, as well as Pitbulls who need to lose a few pounds.
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