Are you a proud new parent of a pitbull puppy? If so, you’re likely looking for the best food to keep your pup healthy and growing. In this blog post, we’ll recommend some of the top dog foods for pitbull puppies and give you some tips on how to choose the right food for your pup. Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
What should Pitbull puppies eat?
Pitbull puppies need a well-balanced diet that has the right balance of essential nutrients to support their growth and development. Common ingredients to look for in a good dog food for pitbull puppies include protein, fat, fiber, water, and ash.
Since all dogs have similar dietary needs there are lots of great foods out there designed just for pitbull puppies. If you’re wondering what the best food is for your pup, we’ve got a few suggestions!
How to pick the best dog food for pitbull puppies:
- 1. Protein: Just like the rest of us, pitbulls need to eat foods that are higher in protein. Look for a food that has at least 25% protein with the first ingredient being real meat (chicken, beef, lamb etc.). If your dog is fussy you can also look for something with grain free chicken or fish.
- 2. Fat: The second most important ingredient in a dog food is fat, simply because their bodies need it to absorb the nutrients from other ingredients in the foods. Look for something with at least 20% protein and avoid foods that have corn or soybean meal as the main source of fat, since these are lower quality fats compared to meats or fish.
- 3. Fiber: The best dog foods should include a source of fiber from either vegetables, fruit, or other high fiber ingredients like whole grains and flax seed meal. High fiber is important to give your pup’s digestive system a bit of help in the process.
- 4. Water: Some foods will have up to 80% water content in them, which can help your pet stay hydrated and avoid constipation. If you’re feeding dry food I recommend adding at least one cup of water for every 1/4 cup of dog food.
- 5. Ash: Ash stands for ‘mineral’ and it’s the amount of minerals (like calcium or phosphorus) that are left over after the food has been burned. The standard amount of ash should be between 6-8% and remember that foods with higher protein content will have a lower percentage of ash since there is less room in your dog’s body to store excess nutrients.
How much should pitbull puppies eat?
Pitbulls are very active dogs that require a lot of energy to keep them going. Since they are considered ‘working dogs’, their dietary needs are greater than your average lapdog who spends most of the day sleeping on the couch.
Recommended daily allowance for pitbulls:
- 35-50 lbs = 3/4-1 1/2 cups per day
- 50-70 lbs = 1 1/2 – 2 1/4 cups per day
- 70-90 lbs = 2 3/8 – 3 cups per day
- 90 lbs+ = 3 1/8 cups per day
Keep in mind that you should always be monitoring your dog to make sure they are maintaining a healthy weight. If your pooch is looking a little chubby, try reducing the amount of food they eat or increasing their exercise. No one likes an overweight pup!
How often should pitbull puppies eat?
New parents might be concerned about how often to feed their new pups. Lucky for you, there’s no short answer to this question! Some people recommend feeding your dog 3 times a day while others say twice a day is fine. Instead of following any strict rules, I recommend monitoring your dog and adjusting their food schedule as needed.
Substances to avoid in a pitbulls Puppies’ diet:
1. Ethoxyquin is an antioxidant preservative that’s used to keep food fresh for longer. While it’s not horrible for your pup, long term exposure has been linked to thyroid problems and skin conditions so I recommend limiting the amount of food you buy with this ingredient.
2. Artificial flavors and colors should always be avoided as these are used to make your dog want to eat the food. Most quality foods will not contain these ingredients and you should spend a little extra money for something that is good for your best friend. Dog’s don’t care about what colors their food has, they just want it to taste good.
3. By-products are not necessarily bad for your dog, but I would recommend avoiding them simply because they’re hard to digest and can lead to digestive issues like gas or bloating. Save these ingredients for the humans so you don’t waste it!
4. Flax seed meal is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, but it should only account for less than 10% of the total fat content in your dog’s food. Too much flax can have a couple detrimental effects, including diarrhea, lack of appetite, and vitamin E deficiency.
The Best Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies
1. Orijen 6 Fish
Origen 6 Fish Recipe is the overall best dog food I recommend for Pitbull puppies. It is the ideal source of protein, calories, and fat (all good things for puppies). The protein is also easily digestible so your pup will be well nourished. The drawback to this food is that it’s expensive – but worth it if you can afford it!
2. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Wellness Core is another decent option for puppies. While Orijen is the best food out there, it’s pricey and not all owners can afford to buy top grade dog food for their pooch. This blend contains an impressive 38% crude protein which helps pitbulls maintain their lean bodies while also packing in lots of energy. You will also find 3 kinds of fish meal in this blend, along with plenty of fruits and veggies to keep your pup healthy.
3. Solid Gold – Barking at the Moon
This is a more affordable option for those looking for good food without breaking the bank. This variety pack contains 8 different flavors so you can switch it up every day if you or your pup get tired of the same old food. This is another slightly cheaper option since it doesn’t have as much meat as Orijen, so keep that in mind if you’re looking to save a little dough.
4. Blue Buffalo – Life Protection Formula Adult Dog Food
For those who want their dog to eat less but still maintain a healthy weight, the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a solid choice. This food has low calories but it doesn’t lack in any essential nutrients – so you won’t have to worry about your pup missing out on anything they need. The brand also contains no artificial flavors or preservatives so you can feel good about what your dog eats!
5. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food
This is definitely one of the best dog food for pitbull puppies. This variety pack includes 6 different flavors so you can switch up your pup’s diet every day to keep them interested or mix it in with other foods listed above which they might enjoy more. While Orijen contains no grains, this blend does contain some (although it’s not a lot). If your pup is allergic to many of the ingredients listed above, you may want to give this blend a try.
The Conclusion
Finding the best food for pitbulls can make all the difference in their health and energy levels. While they can survive on regular dog food (albeit barely), your pitbull will be much happier and healthier if you go out of your way to find a food that is especially made for them. The best foods contain the perfect combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates so they have energy to burn all day long!
Check out our reviews of the best dog food for Pitbull adults here.
In my opinion Orijen 6 Fish is the best dog food for pitbull puppies due to it’s high quality ingredients and balanced nutrition. If you can afford the price tag, it will be well worth it due to Orijen’s ingredients which provide a superior quality of life for your dog!
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Hi there! My name is Alex Landy, one of the co-founders here at Our Pets HQ and a parent to a small-breed Yorkie. I am a published author of two books on dog breeding and currently write on various pet-related blogs about caring for dogs. I am a parent of two daughters and live outside Boston where I spend a lot of time with family and serve in different breeding clubs. You can reach me at alex@ourpetshq.com
