While they do require a bit of specialized care, they’re just a particularly large terrier after all, we feel the bad rap they get from bad owners isn’t quite deserved. If you’re willing to put in the time to wear them out then you’ll be in good paws with a pitbull of any size.
While Pitbulls generally do fine on a “normal” diet, it’s important to take into consideration that their nutrient distribution is actually closer to that of a terrier than of a larger dog.
That means that they need a higher percentage of protein than most breeds of the same size, especially since they tend to be extremely active.
They also have the potential for pretty impressive muscular mass, which means an even higher percentage of their food than ordinary should be utilized while they’re puppies.
In addition, Pitbulls commonly suffer from food allergies, which can cause a wide variety of different problems which generally form as issues with the skin and coat, but can lead to more serious complications.
Basically, you should keep two things in mind when choosing food for your pitbull: you need to make sure the primary ingredient is a meat product and that the food has a higher percentage of protein than average.
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We’ve done the footwork for you and found foods which meet the required nutrient variety for any age or class of pitbull. Let’s dive right in and you’ll see which are the best doggone food for your beloved pet.
CRAVE has a range of high protein dog foods which are just about perfect for an adult pitbull. Coming in with an almost optimal 34% protein and 3.5% fiber, it’s a great food to ensure a healthy weight in an adult dog.
This was our favorite, and even better the primary protein source can vary without a real change in the nutrients overall. All of this is bundled together in an “all-natural” package, forgoing things like artificial flavors and ingredients in favor of delivering real health to your pitbull.
CRAVE’s line of grain free, high-protein foods is probably the best around for the average adult pitbull. Just keep in mind the expense when you’re figuring it out since most pitbulls will be going through at least a bag a month.
When it comes to puppies, you’ve got a couple of things to keep in mind: for larger breeds, it’s important to make sure that the calcium content is 1.5% or lower and you want a lot of protein and fat to keep up with their high energy levels.
This food comes in at 30% protein, putting it at the top end of what’s available for most commercial foods and also has the extra nutrients and Omega fatty acids which are required for the optimal growth of your pup. It also has a pretty awesome micronutrient profile.
If your young pitbull needs optimal nutrition, then you’ll be stoked on this puppy chow from Victor Dog Food. It’s simply the best around for your active puppies.
Senior dog foods are differentially formulated, having lower sodium and higher protein than those which are formulated for adult dogs. This was undoubtedly our favorite of the senior dog formulations, at least when it comes time to feed an aging pitbull.
It also has higher fiber content, hitting in at 7% in order to ensure easier bowel movements for those dogs who are getting a bit long in the tooth. It also has an increased glucosamine level in order to help with bones and joints as your dog ages although most people will still want to supplement.
If you’ve got an aging pitbull, then this food from BLUE Wilderness might be just the thing to keep them healthier for longer.
There’s a slightly different balance required for those dogs who are seriously working, and pitbulls are some of the most famous catch dogs around. If your pitbull is more than just a lovable family companion and instead finds itself in the field with you, then you should definitely take a look into specialized food.
This food is primarily formulated for working dogs, which would be a trained adult who’s in the field alongside their human or participating in sports regularly. It’s probably a bit too calorie dense for the average household pet, but the nutrient profile is perfect if you’re using your pitbull as a hunting companion.
For active, working dogs EUKANUBA presents this excellently formulated food. Just be aware it’s a bit too calorie dense and the nutrient balance is off for the average pitbull who’s likely just getting walks and romping around the backyard.
Purina definitely wasn’t at the top of our minds when we were picking out high-quality dog foods, but the price is right and the nutrients spot-on with the SmartBled True Instinct series of foods. With a great 30% protein and real turkey as the primary ingredient.
Now, the profile isn’t going to compare to the others on our list but it costs around half as much while still providing a great diet for an adult pitbull, which we’d say is a proper bonus. For the money, you won’t be able to beat the nutritional value.
For those on a tight budget with their dog, Purina makes this excellent, low-cost dog food which is sure to keep your pitbull happy and healthy.
Pitbulls don’t have a ton of health issues that require separate supplementation, but a few of the common dog health issues can be mitigated through the wise usage of supplements.
We’ve picked out the best of the best for you, in order to help you make sure that your beloved pit stays in the best shape possible throughout its lifespan.
VetPro Complete Maximum Strength Hip and Joint Supplements For Dogs
Product Information
Of all the supplements we looked at for joints and bones, this one stood out head and shoulders above the rest. It contains glucosamine, chondroitin, turmeric, vitamin C, and Omega-3 fatty acids.
The Omega-3 fatty acids can help with heart health as well. It’s a good way to go for the majority of dogs, and the doses are of just the right size for a pitbull adult.
This vet-formulated and approved supplement is a great way to approach keeping your dog’s joints in good health as they approach old age and it can also provide pain relief for those dogs who already have damaged joints.
Pet Wellbeing Thyroid Support Gold
Product Information
If your pitbull is having thyroid problems, then you’ll be well served with this supplement. Despite the misleading label it’s for both dogs and cats and supports normal thyroid function. The two biggest indicators of compromised function are weight gain with no change in diet and lethargy.
This is an herbal medicine, with a proprietary blend of thyroid supporting herbs but the reviews are great and many people swear up and down that it’s restored their dog to liveliness and a healthy weight after a troubling period.
If you suspect that your pitbull has thyroid problems, then you’ll be quite pleased with this herbal medication. Lacking harsh chemicals but with tested effectiveness, it’s one of the best ways to go.
Vita Bully Vitamins for Bully Breeds
Product Information
Formulated specifically for bully dogs, Vita Bully produces this excellent multivitamin which can help to cover any gaps in diet and maintain optimal health. It’s perfect for that, as well as any of the skin and coat issues which can occur in a pitbull.
This multivitamin was veterinarian formulated specifically to face the issues which can occur in pitbulls, bulldogs, and other breeds of bully dog which puts it head and shoulders above the rest of the dog multivitamins on the market.
While a bit pricey, adding this multivitamin to your dog’s feeding time once per day can help them to maintain optimal health with no side effects. Keep your pitbull not just healthy, but in superb health, with this simple to use, specially formulated vitamin.
In addition to the above breeds, there are a few others and mixed breed dogs which resemble them are quite often labeled as “pit bulls” by the general populace.
The one thing all of these dogs have in common is that they’re descendants of a mix of terrier and bulldog breeds. Many of these dogs were originally bred for activities such as bull or bear baiting, primitive bloodsports in which the dogs were set upon animals.
The original idea behind breeding them this way was that they would have the strength of a bulldog and the agility of a terrier. Their larger size often leads to people treating them not quite the same way as they would a high-energy terrier, which also causes problems.
They’re a versatile, high-energy breed, that’s for certain.
Pitbulls are one of the most lovable and common breeds of dog, and keeping them in perfect health instead of just great health is as simple as making sure that you have the right food for them and possibly the right supplements to address their health issues.
Whether your dog is a puppy, an adult, or a senior, they deserve the right food and supplements to keep them going even if things get a bit rough. Use our guide wisely and your dog is well on their way to a level of health neither of you has dreamed of.
Images credits: Amazon.com & photo stocks