The 11 Best Foods For Pit Bull Puppies
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
If you've just taken home a gorgeous pit bull, you may be debating whether to purchase breed-specific food. Even though all dog foods must meet the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), some dog breeds do better with food that is made just for them.
These special formulas are made to help with some of the breed's problems, like urolithiasis, obesity, and joint health.
All commercially available dog meals that have been approved by the AAFCO meet the minimal nutritional needs of dogs at the relevant life stages. More important than choosing a breed-specific diet is making sure the dog is healthy and getting enough energy.
Although the pit bull is not an actual breed, the word refers to a breed or group of canines that may include American Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, and American Staffordshire Terriers.
But these breeds are called pit bulls because they share traits, like being very active like terriers and having a strong body like bulldogs.
Therefore, puppies should be fed a diet rich in protein and calories to increase energy levels and the development of muscles, joints, and bones. Based on the opinions of real pet owners, BestForPets (bestforpets.org) recommends the best foods for pit bull puppies.
Reviews
Purina Pro Plan Development Beef and Rice Dog Food – Overall Winner
- Breed Size: Large
- Form of food: dry
- Special Diet: Protein-Rich
Purina Pro Plan Development The best overall puppy diet for pit bulls is Beef & Rice Formula Dry Puppy Food. The high-protein, large-breed mix is appropriate for pit bull breeds, which frequently reach 50 pounds, and its primary component is high-quality beef.
In addition to animal protein, the mix contains omega fatty acids and vitamin A for skin and coat health, glucosamine for joint health, and several vitamins and minerals. Live probiotics are beneficial for digestive and immunological health.
The absence of additives, preservatives, maize, wheat, and soy in the meal ensures that your dog receives optimum nutrients with every bite. While many reviewers claimed positive outcomes, some reported diarrhea and stomach distress with their dogs.
Pros
- The principal component is beef
- Not permitted are soy, wheat, or corn
- High protein content
Cons
- Possible to induce stomach distress/loose stools
The Hill’s Scientific Diet Chicken & Oat Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best Price
- Breed Size: Large
- Form of food: dry
- Special Diet: Protein-Rich
The Hill’s Scientific Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food is the most cost-effective puppy food for pit bulls. The food’s high protein content, derived from chicken meal and whole oats, supports energy requirements and muscle and bone growth.
In addition, the diet contains regulated quantities of calcium for proper bone formation, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy muscles and joints. Fish oil also contains DHA for skin, coat, and immunological health.
This food is produced in the United States and is devoid of artificial colors, flavoring, and preservatives. Some reviewers claimed that the meal gave their dogs diarrhea and fishy-smelling breath.
Pros
- Chicken and Porridge
- Calcium for bone formation
- Made in America
Cons
- Possible causes of foul breath and gas
Large Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food by ORIJEN
- Breed Size: Large
- Form of food: dry
- Special Diet: Protein-rich, natural, and raw
Designed to be physiologically appropriate, ORIJEN Puppy Large Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food includes high quantities of protein and fat from animal sources such as free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs.
Animal supplies of muscle, joint, and bone health include organs and bone in addition to muscle meat. A freeze-dry coating imparts kibble with a robust taste that dogs adore.
The food is produced in the United States using only high-quality, known-source ingredients, with no maize, wheat, or soy. Some reviewers mentioned that their canine companions refused to consume it and voiced worries about recalls.
Pros
- Initially used animal ingredients
- High protein content
- Raw
Cons
- Some dogs don’t enjoy it
- Concern regarding recalls
Wellness CORE Chicken & Turkey Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food
- Breed Size: All
- Form of food: dry
- Dietary Restrictions: High-protein, grain-free
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dog Recipe with Chicken and Turkey Complete nutrition is provided with a grain-free formula containing chicken, turkey, fish oil, and fruits and vegetables.
The diet also contains antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, taurine, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids to promote healthy growth.
Even though the food is grain-free and devoid of animal by-products, fillers, corn, soy, preservatives, gluten, and artificial colors and flavors, it is produced at a facility that processes grains.
Positive effects, such as healthier coats and more vitality, were reported by pet owners in evaluations. However, several reviewers stated that their canines would not touch it.
Pros
- Animal protein
- Grain-free
- Made in America
Cons
- Some dogs don’t enjoy it
- Produced in an establishment that processes grains
Perfectly Puppy Beef and Salmon Raw from Stella & Chewy’s
- Breed Size: All
- Food Form: Freeze-dried
- Special Diet: Raw, high-protein
Stella & Chewy’s Perfectly Puppy Beef & Salmon Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food contains grass-fed beef and wild-caught salmon in its dinner patties. High-digestibility ground beef, organs, and bone comprise 95% of the recipe.
The formula contains probiotics, antioxidants, and DHA to promote healthy growth. Green mussels from New Zealand are used to enhance joint health.
The cuisine is natural, lightly processed, and free of hormones, grains, antibiotics, and additives. Each tiny batch is handcrafted in the United States with ingredients acquired sustainably.
Feeding patties may be awkward, and critics commented that the dish is pricey.
Pros
- Animal ingredients
- Made in America
- Grain-free
Cons
- Expensive
- Patties are inconvenient
Purina Pro Plan Development Chicken & Rice for Puppies
- Breed Size: All
- Food Form: Dog
- Special Diet: Protein-Rich
If your dog loves moist food, Purina Pro Plan Development Chicken and Brown Rice Entrée Canned Puppy Food is a great option. Real chicken is the first component and a rich source of protein for the growth of lean muscle and maintenance of energy levels.
The meal offers an abundant amount of DHA for brain and eye development, in addition to 23 necessary vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet.
This meal is produced at a Purina-owned plant in the United States without artificial colors, flavoring, or preservatives. There are 12 cans every case, but several reviewers said their dogs did not enjoy it.
It is impossible to taste and analyze the food before purchasing a large quantity when purchasing by the case, resulting in waste.
Pros
- Chicken as the primary element
- DHA for brain and eyesight health
- Made in America
Cons
- Exclusively available in cases
- Some dogs don’t enjoy it
Nulo Leading Brand Ancient Grains Chicken, Oats, and Turkey
- Breed Size: All
- Form of food: dry
- Dietary Restrictions: High-Protein, Low-Glycemic
Featuring animal-based proteins, Nulo Frontrunner Ancient Grains Chicken, Oats & Turkey Puppy Dry Dog Meal is a high-quality, high-protein food option for your puppy.
The initial components are deboned chicken and turkey, followed by low-glycemic grains. The diet also includes omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat. The kibble incorporates probiotics for digestive and immunological health.
Over seventy-five percent of the protein is derived from animal sources, and no pea nor potato protein is added. The outcome is a high-quality, biologically-appropriate protein for muscle growth.
Some reviewers claimed their canine did not enjoy it, even when mixed with other meals or broths made from chicken or beef.
Pros
- Animal sources
- Probiotics for healthy digestion
- There is no bean or potato protein
Cons
- Some dogs don’t enjoy it
Large Breed Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy Chicken Dry
- Breed Size: Large
- Form of food: dry
- Dietary Restrictions: High-protein, grain-free
Recipe for a Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large-Breed Puppy Grainless Dry Dog Food Puppy food is a high-protein kibble to promote muscle and bone development.
The primary component is chicken, followed by DHA and ARA for brain development. The kibble contains proprietary LifeSource Bits, which include antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals designed by nutritionists and veterinarians to suit health and life-stage needs.
The food is specially formulated for large-breed pups and does not contain any by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors.
Some reviews complained about price hikes and stated that their dog refused to consume the product, even when blended with other meals like broth or meat parts.
Pros
- Animal protein sources
- ARA and DHA
- Patented LifeSource components
Cons
- Some dogs don’t enjoy it
- Expensive
GRAIN-FREE ACANA Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Breed Size: All
- Form of food: dry
- High-protein, grain-free, and all-natural
The protein and fat in ACANA Puppy Recipe Grain-Free Puppy Food come from animal sources, including free-range chicken and turkey and cage-free eggs.
Complete nourishment is provided by fruits, vegetables, and botanicals, such as apples, pears, greens, and pumpkin, plus vitamins, minerals, and probiotics.
All components are acquired from reputable farmers, ranchers, and fishers and processed in a state-of-the-art kitchen in the United States.
The kibble is covered with freeze-dried chicken and turkey, but according to several reviewers, their dogs refused to eat it.
Pros
- Animal protein sources
- Genuine fruits and veggies
- Made in America
Cons
- Some dogs don’t enjoy it
How to Select the Finest Pit Bull Puppy Food
Pit bull types have strong bodies and high energy requirements, therefore it is essential to provide them with a diet that promotes their growth and provides high nutrient density to maximize each calorie. Here are some things to look for in dog food.
Dog Food Components
Real foods, such as meat, organs, and bone from animals and wild-caught fish, should be included in your puppy’s meal. There is evidence that grain-free meals raise the risk of heart disease in dogs, therefore they may not be the greatest option.
Still, not all grains are equal. Whole grains such as oats and barley are preferable to maize, flour, soy, and wheat for your dog.
Dog Size and Life-stage
Puppies should consume puppy formula for at least the first year of their lives because it contains the protein, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients essential for maturity development.
Although it is not required, large-breed puppy chow is a suitable option for pit bull puppies, as breeds in this category typically weigh 50 pounds or more.
If you anticipate that your puppy will be smaller than that, or if it is a mix with a smaller breed, you may wish to examine formulas for medium breeds or a diet designed for all sizes and breeds.
AAFCO Standards
The majority of commercially available dog food meets or exceeds AAFCO requirements for species-appropriate nutrition.
AAFCO-approved dog food is regarded comprehensive and balanced for the dog’s life stage, breed size, or breed. Verify that the dog food you’re considering is AAFCO-certified.
Conclusion
From puppyhood to old age, nutrition is one of the most essential parts of your dog’s health. Pits may need more protein and calories, for example, to meet their own nutritional needs.
Purina Pro Plan Development Beef and rice recipe Due to its natural and high-protein formulation, dry puppy food is the finest overall puppy food for pit bulls.
Choose Hill’s Science Diet Puppy and Large Breed Dog Food for its high-quality beef and oat formula if you’re searching for value.
BestForPets (bestforpets.org) would like to thank our visitors for visiting our website to learn about and research the best foods for pit bull puppies. We hope that you have selected an appropriate diet for your pit bull puppy.
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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