What is the Best Dog Food for Pit bulls?
Pitbulls aren't a specific breed of dog. The term Pitbull simply refers to a broader type of dog that stem from mixed breeds, all of which have more or less the same characteristics and physical appearance - a short shiny coat, medium-sized slender body with a whip tail that ends in a point.
But most important of all, Pit bulls have a stocky build with lean muscle proportions. Moreover, they are also very active dogs, so it is essential to keep them well-nourished.
Let's have a closer look at the nutritional needs of these dogs and discuss a few of the options available to you.
Nutritional Requirements for Pit Bulls
Have you ever heard of the saying you are what you eat? That's true for Pit bulls too. While they're naturally athletic, they need to eat a proper diet to keep them functioning in tip-top condition.
Here's what AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials), has to say about the importance of proper nutrition:
"Pet food should provide nutrition. It should provide pets with necessary nutrients in the correct amounts and ratios for their age and condition. That information is on the label, which pet owners are responsible for reading." (1)
So, what exactly are you looking for when reading the nutrition label of your dog food packaging? Look out for these key ingredients:
Fish Oil
While there are many benefits to introducing fish oil to your pit bull's diet, here are three of the main pros.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a dog's health. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, support healthy brain function, and improve the overall health of a dog's skin and coat.
- Joint Health: Pit Bulls are known to be prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia, and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve joint health and reduce the risk of joint problems.
- Immune System: Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support a dog's immune system, helping them fight off infections and diseases.
When adding fish oil to a Pit Bull's diet, it's important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage based on the dog's age, weight, and overall health.
Choose a high-quality oil supplement that is specifically formulated for dogs, such as salmon oil, as human-grade fish oil may contain levels of mercury that are too high for dogs.
Vegetables
Feeding a variety of vegetables to a Pit Bull is important because vegetables contain many nutrients that are good for a dog's health.
Unsplash/Eilev Aceron
Vegetables are also low in calories, can help with digestion and weight management, and can support dental health. It's important to choose a variety of vegetables and avoid giving any that are harmful to dogs.
Vegetables suitable for consumption by adult pit bulls include, but are not limited to:
Carrots: Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which is important for eye health, as well as fiber and vitamin A.
Green beans: Green beans are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help support digestion and weight management in dogs.
Broccoli: Broccoli is rich in antioxidants and fiber, which can help support a dog's immune system and digestive health.
Spinach: Spinach is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, which can help support a dog's bone and eye health.
Unpslash/Louis Hansel
Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, as well as vitamins A and C. They are also low in fat, making them a good choice for dogs that need to lose weight.
Chopping or pureeing the vegetables can make them easier to digest. It's a good idea to ask a vet which vegetables are best for a Pit Bull's individual needs.
Artificial Flavors
Artificial flavors are sometimes added to dog food to enhance its taste and make it more appealing to dogs. However, the use of artificial flavors in dog food is controversial, as some people argue that they can be harmful to dogs.
Artificial flavors are typically made from chemicals and additives that mimic the taste of natural flavors, such as meat or vegetables. These chemicals can be added to dog food in varying amounts, depending on the manufacturer and the type of dog food.
While some dogs may enjoy the taste of artificial flavors, others may not.
Overall, it's best to avoid dog foods that contain artificial flavors and instead opt for high-quality dog foods that are made with natural ingredients and do not contain any artificial additives.
Chicken
Chicken is a good source of protein, which is important for maintaining a healthy muscle mass in Pit Bulls. However, it's important to choose high-quality chicken that is free from added hormones and antibiotics, as these can be harmful to dogs.
Fat
Fat is also an important component of a Pit Bull's diet, as it provides them with energy and helps support healthy skin and coat. However, it's important to choose healthy sources of fat, such as salmon oil, rather than feeding your Pit Bull foods that are high in saturated fat or unhealthy additives.
Pexels/Matthew Coulton
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for a Pit Bull's diet, as it plays several important roles in their overall health and well-being.
Protein is important for maintaining and repairing a Pit Bull's muscles, as well as supporting healthy skin, coats, and nails. Additionally, protein is essential for the growth and development of puppies and can help support their immune system.
Pit Bulls are active dogs with high energy levels, and protein is important for providing them with the energy they need to maintain an active lifestyle. Feeding a diet that is high in protein can help ensure that your Pit Bull is getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong.
What Should I Consider when Buying Food for My Pit bull?
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Firstly, look for food with high-quality animal proteins as the first ingredient. You can also give them some easy to digest carbs that usually found on veggies and fruits. And yes, you read that right, veggies and fruits are a perfect addition to their diet since these also add a great number of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Furthermore, it would be best if you also took note that Pit bulls tend to have sensitive tummies. With this, you should be avoiding giving them wheat, corn, and soy, which are dog food allergens. It’s also best to go for grain-free or gluten-free foods just like the Canidae PURE. Also, look for foods that have chelated minerals to help your dog’s digestion.
To strengthen your dog’s joints, consider giving them foods like the ORIJEN that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. To keep their skin nourished, look for foods that have good levels of Omega fatty acids.
Is a Raw Diet a Good Option For a Pit bull?
Yes. Raw diets usually provide a good amount of protein, which benefits highly active dogs. However, to make sure that you are doing it right, always refer to the guidelines when it comes to raw feeding.
A raw food diet, also known as a raw meat-based diet (RMBD), can be good for some Pit Bulls, but it's important to carefully consider the potential benefits and risks before starting your dog on this type of diet.
Proponents of raw food diets for dogs argue that it's a more natural diet that mimics what dogs would eat in the wild. Raw food diets typically consist of uncooked meat, bones, and organs, as well as some vegetables and fruits.
Advocates of raw food diets claim that they can provide several benefits for Pit Bulls, including an improved coat and skin health, better digestion, increased energy, and a stronger immune system.
However, there are also potential risks associated with raw food diets, including the risk of bacterial infections from raw meat, imbalanced nutrition, and potential choking hazards from bones.
Here's a Selection of Different Dog Foods On The Market
With so many different brands of dog foods available to dog owners, we wanted to narrow it down to our top picks in each of the following categories.
- Wet Dog Food - Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Wet Dog Food
- Dry Dog Food - Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains
- Budget Option - Natural Balance Limited Ingredient
- Best Choice for Puppies - Diamond Premium Recipe
- Best Choice for Older Dogs - Royal Canin Large Aging 8+ Senior Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Wet Dog Food
bluebuffalo.com
This high-protein wet dog food is crafted with high-quality turkey and chicken, along with wholesome grains that contain complex carbohydrates, to fulfill your furry friend's meat cravings and provide them with the necessary energy for an active lifestyle.
Why do we recommend this wet dog food option?
Because Blue Wilderness canned dog foods are created using only the highest quality natural ingredients, enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.
Additionally, Blue Wilderness wet dog food excludes any by-product meals, corn, wheat (a thickening agent commonly found in other brands), soy, and artificial flavors or preservatives to ensure that your dog's diet is packed with wholesome ingredients, making it some of the best food for pit bulls on the market
Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains
The Taste of the Wild with Ancient Grains Ancient Prairie with Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison dry dog food is a great option for Pit Bulls as it prioritizes real meat as its primary ingredient, boasting a high protein content (32%) to promote strong bones, joints, and lean muscle development.
Why do we recommend this dry dog food option?
Because this nutrient-dense formula provides optimal energy levels, enriched with essential vitamins and minerals sourced from superfoods and ancient grains, as well as omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
Additionally, every serving of this dry dog food features ample amounts of species-specific K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants, working together to bolster the digestive health, immune system function, and overall well-being of your Pit Bull.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient
The first ingredient of this product is lamb, which provides the crucial protein and amino acids necessary to maintain strong and healthy muscles.
Brown rice is also incorporated into the formula as a nutritious source of fiber, promoting optimal digestive health. This product is packaged in a 24-pound bag.
Why do we recommend this dry dog food option?
Firstly, this product is made with your dog's health in mind.
The producers follow a limited-ingredient diet philosophy. This formula is expertly crafted with a carefully selected list of premium ingredients, including a single animal protein source, healthy grains, and no soy, gluten, artificial colors, or flavors.
By utilizing fewer ingredients, pets and pet parents can enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
And secondly, this is a great budget-friendly option for dog owners. With the price of dog food ever increasing, this option will give you peace of mind knowing your dog is getting the nutrients it needs, without breaking the bank.
Diamond Premium Recipe
The Diamond Puppy Formula is meticulously designed to cater to the unique nutritional requirements of rapidly developing puppies. The formula is enriched with DHA, which is essential for proper brain and vision development.
Why do we recommend this puppy food option?
This specially formulated puppy food is infused with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and appropriate levels of protein and fat, to aid in fostering the optimal growth and strength of your puppy.
Furthermore, this formula is also ideal for pregnant or nursing adult dogs.
Royal Canine Large Aging 8+ Senior Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin's Large Aging 8+ Dry Dog Food is a precisely crafted nutrition formula designed for large breed dogs weighing between 56-100 pounds, and over 8 years of age.
This specialized dog food includes an exclusive blend of antioxidants, aimed at promoting vitality and supporting longevity. Additionally, the formula aids in maintaining optimal bone and joint health, which is crucial for senior dogs of larger breeds.
Why do we recommend this dry dog food option?
Promoting optimal digestive health in dogs, this formula incorporates easy-to-digest proteins and a balanced supply of fiber, making it our dry food choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
The specialized kibble, which is ideal for senior dogs' jaws, is designed to be easy to chew and can also be rehydrated for added convenience.
Conclusion
Meeting the nutritional needs of your Pit Bull is essential for maintaining its overall health and well-being.
Feeding your Pit Bull high-quality dog food that is formulated to meet their individual nutritional needs is the best way to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and strong.
Additionally, it's important to consider the individual needs of your Pit Bull, such as its age, weight, and activity level, when selecting dog food.
Consulting with a veterinarian can help ensure that you are feeding your Pit Bull the best dog food for its individual needs and can help address any nutritional concerns you may have.
Article Sources:
1 - AAFCO