8 Best Affordable Dog Foods For Pitbulls

Pitbulls are generally very active dog breeds with a lot of energy to spare. The best dog food for pitbulls should be high in protein to help them build muscle, maintain their energy levels, and keep their immune defense strong.

These dogs are prone to allergies because they tend to eat a lot, making it important to understand their needs and feeding habits.

Best Dog Foods For Pitbulls: Our Top 3 Picks

Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Is A Pitbull?

A Pitbull is a type of dog descended from a bulldog. The term was first used in 1927 and since has become an abbreviation. The name has also gone through a variety of definitions over time. They are mixed breeds.

Today, there are five types of breeds mistaken for the Pitbull as the term is commonly used to distinguish physical and muscular traits.

Pitbulls are strong and athletic dogs. Weighing around 35 to 65 pounds, they vary in muscular size. Trained as attack dogs for their muscular body and tenacity, they have strong jaws.

Unfortunately, these dogs have a bad reputation in the world due to their vicious nature, causing a negative influence on the media. Despite that, Pitbulls love attention from people. If you are going to own one, make sure they are well-trained and socialized. 

Related Article: Can Dogs Eat Pistachios? Find out the dangers of pistachio poisoning in dogs, and what to do if your dog ate pistachios.

Best Food Ingredients For Pitbulls To Increase Muscle Mass

Pitbulls are known for being energetic and active. Hence, it is important to give them food that helps maintain their muscle mass and strength. 

For their muscle mass, their primary source of protein should include chicken, deboned duck, and turkey meat. You can also give them beef and beef broth. To ensure that Pitbulls get their nutrients, give them a healthy mix of fruits and vegetables. 

They should not be eating dog foods that contain artificial flavors and preservatives. Treat them to a fine meal on their ergonomic dog bowl that has high-moisture content that helps the immune system.  

Diamond Natural Skin & Coat Real Salmon 

Rich in taste, your Pitbull will be scrambling into the kitchen and eat every bite. This food is designed for dogs of all life stages. Ingredients included vitamins & minerals and essential hypoallergenic ingredients. 

One of the best features of Diamond Natural Skin & Coat Real Salmon is that it does not include corn, wheat, or artificial flavors. It is safe to eat. Real salmon is the primary ingredient in this delicious meal for dogs. This dog food is enhanced with probiotics and superfoods. 

Pros 

• High-Quality Protein
• Designed for all life stages
• Gives Strong Muscles
• Contains vitamins and minerals
• Great for the digestive system
• No corn or artificial flavors added
• Ingredients are chosen from sustainable sources

Cons 

• Grain foods may cause heart enlargement
• May cause diarrhea and vomiting
• Bad smell

Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food 

Want to know what else CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Adult Dog Food contains? Real lamb. This taste satisfies your dog’s tastebuds, leaving them content for the rest of the day. 

This dog food is formulated to meet Pitbull’s nutrition needs for dogs of small or large standards. No corn, wheat, or soy is added to the ingredients.

Pros

• Made with real high-quality ingredients
• Supports a strong and lean body
• Has no corn or wheat products
• Grain-gree carbohydrate sources
• Nutritional needs for dogs of all sizes
• Real meat is the 1st ingredient
• 34% high protein
• Adequate calorie level

Cons

•  May cause heart disease
• Expensive
• Diarrhea/vomiting issues
• Bad smell

Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food With Roasted Bison And Roasted Venison 

When we say that your dog is going to have a taste of the wild, we mean it. After they eat this, your Pitbull will have energy like no other, running through the backyard. It provides a healthy immune system essential for every Pitbull’s health. 

Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food is specifically meant for adult dogs. Each ingredient provides them with nutrition to help maintain a healthy streak pattern. Your dog will be happy to know that this dog food also has vegetables, legumes, and fruits in the mix.

Pros 

• High-Protein
• Contains real meat
• Gives dogs strong muscles
• Includes vitamins and minerals
• Healthy skin and coat
• Does not include grain, wheat, or corn
• All ingredients are made in the USA
• Healthy immune system

Cons

•  Chronic heart illness may cause heart disorders
• Heavy use of peas
• An increase in dogs defecating
• Breathing issues
• Vomiting
• Bad Smell

Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

CANIDAE All Life Stages, Premium Dry Dog Food 

CANIDAE has quality ingredients. It is the best dog food. If you don’t believe us, then watch how your Pitbull gobbles down the food. By using real meat and fish products, it is the best formula for small or big dogs.

It also features premium recipes made with sourced proteins like humanely raised chicken and vegetables planted by farmers.

We understand that not all Pitbulls eat meat. CANIDAE offers a plant-based option formulated with antioxidants to keep their immune system healthy. This food also is excellent for their skin and coat. Every dog needs a coat that shines in the sun.

Pros 

• Nutrition for all breeds of any age and size
• Formulated by the vet
• Nourishment in every bite
• Does not contain wheat, corn, or soy
• Gives dog beautiful skin and coat
• The dog has a healthy immune system
• Supported by antioxidants

Cons

• Causes vomiting
• Loose stool
• Causes constipation
• Aversion to food
• Bad coloring
• Dogs have refused to eat it

Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Nutrient Dense Dry Dog Food 

The best part about Rachael Ray Nutrish Dense Dry Food is that it does not include grains, gluten, or filler ingredients. The ingredients are safely cooked. Farm-raised beef is the primary ingredient used. No artificial preservatives are used either. 

The nutrients satisfy your dog’s cravings. It’s the dog food they need to keep them active throughout the day.

Pros 

• Farm-raised beef
• Has a nutrient-dense recipe
• Satisfies dog’s cravings
• Does not contain grain, gluten, or filler ingredients
• Added vitamins and minerals
• Helps with allergies
• A good amount of protein
• Shiny coat

Cons

• Expensive
• Less dense
• Vomiting issues
• Diarrhea
• Kibble is too large

Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formula

Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formula is the best dog food for brain and eye development. It contains balanced omega and fatty acids for the skin and coat. Give your dog a nice and comfortable coat.

Enhanced with superfoods and probiotics, this food is nutritious for a dog’s health, keeping them active and healthy. 

This good-quality food is nutritious to fuel larger bodies. Calcium helps with bone and joint development

Pros

• Contains high-quality protein
• Gives dogs strong muscles
• Added vitamins and minerals
• Highly digestible
• Sustainable sources
• Does not have corn, wheat, or artificial flavors
• Appropriate nutrient levels
• Proper brain and eye development
• Converts fat to energy

Cons

• Diarrhea issues
• Loss of interest in eating
• Vomiting
• Bad Smell
• Too dry
• Gritty

Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Blue Buffalo 

Did you know that Blue Buffalo includes 23 dry dog food listings? It is a popular food for Pitbulls after all. Dogs mow down the deboned chicken, brown rice, and pea protein. It contains enough fiber for them to keep running and jumping around all day.  

Near-average protein, and above-average carbs, it is unlike any other dry dog food. It is a boost of protein. It contains a moderate amount of meat which is good for dogs. 

Pros 

• Contains real meat first
• High-Quality protein
• Maintain healthy muscles
• Gives dogs a shiny coat
• Supports immune system
• Made with Natural ingredients
• Does not contain wheat, corn, or by-product meals

Cons 

• Have made dogs sick
• Strong smell
• Difference in coloring
• Progressive panting
• Decrease in energy

Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Hill’s Science Diet 

Hill’s Science Diet has easily digestible ingredients. However, don’t let your dogs eat too fast. Eating fast is not good for their overall health, causing choking hazards. This dog food contains omega fatty acids, which help your dog’s coat shine.

Highly recommended by veterinarians, Hill’s Science Diet is made with natural ingredients in the USA.  

Pros

• Easy-to-digest products
• Gives dog energy
• Balanced set of minerals
• Gives the dog a strong heart
• Provides a healthy coat
• High-quality protein
• Recommended by veterinarians
• Tastes delicious
• Suitable for all breeds and sizes

Cons 

• Can cause intestinal irritation 
• Bad smell
• Decrease in appetite
• Expensive
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea issues
  

Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Diet For Pitbulls With Skin Allergies 

Because Pitbulls are short-haired dogs, they are more prone to allergies than other dogs. Most of these allergies are related to the environment, like pollen, sunlight, grass, and skin parasites.

Instead of letting your dog live with these awful irritations, change its diet. Their diet intake also has a lot to do with skin allergies. 

Avoid grains like wheat, corn, and soy as they often upset the stomach of Pitbulls. If you want to know whether your pet is allergic, try putting them on the food for a few weeks and observe their body’s reaction. 

For a healthy balanced diet, Pitbulls need calories, fat, along with vitamins and minerals. As recommended by veterinarians, dogs with skin allergies are advised to eat Purina.

It is nutritious and aids in the development of a dog’s fur. Give them dog food that is easy to digest. If you’re not sure what to feed your Pitbull with skin allergies, get in touch with the vet. 

As they get older, dogs will have a change in their diet. To keep that shiny coat, feed them Royal Canin. It is an easy-to-digest recipe full of fiber and proteins. Another product you can try is the Wild Earth Dog Food which has all the vitamins and minerals a dog needs to keep their coat shiny.

Aside from the products mentioned above, here are our top pick diets for Pitbulls with skin allergies.

Blue Wilderness Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food

This dietary meal contains minimal dairy ingredients and is mainly composed of deboned fish and chicken. In addition, no poultry by-products, wheat, corn, or soy, are included in the food.

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It contains potatoes and peas for carbohydrates and is blended with essential fruits and vegetables to boost immune function.

Hill’s Science Dog Food for Sensitive Skin and Stomach

If your Pitbull has the nastiest stomach that reacts to most foods, here is your solution. The formula is a combination of barley and chicken to provide proteins and carbs.

It is also rich in Vitamin E and C plus antioxidants that restore the shine on your dog’s coat. With all-natural ingredients and safe carbs, your dog’s allergies will be eliminated.

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Best Diet For Chunky Pitbulls To Reduce Weight

As a pet owner, it’s your duty to look after your pet’s health. If you notice them getting chunky, don’t let that continue. Try Ketona, risk-free dog food that carries all the protein your Pitbull needs. It also contains 90% fewer carbs than the average dog food. 

Keep in mind that when you switch to new dog food, make the change slowly. It’s up to them if they like the food, not you. Pitbulls should avoid carbs as much as possible.

Get dog food that maintains blood sugar levels, burns fat instead of storing it, builds strong lean muscles, and reduces itching.

Hill’s Science Diet Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food 

This incredible weight loss dog food is packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It combines all-natural ingredients that will help boost your dog’s health and immune function.

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70% of Pitbulls that have used this dog food have successfully lost weight in 10 weeks after starting the meal.

Wellness Complete Health – Weight

This is a chicken-based meal for dogs containing lean proteins and healthy grains such as brown rice and oatmeal. The product has no artificial additives, poultry by-products, or fillers, but it has a less fat content.

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Best Diet For Senior Pitbull

It’s not easy when dogs get old. Dogs nutritionist needs change as they grow older. There’s a possibility that you will have to change the food you have been giving them.

Senior Pitbulls still need all the protein that they can get. They also need carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. They need the right formula as they get older. By giving them a high-quality diet, you are using food to keep your senior dog at ideal body weight.

Aside from a nutritious diet, they should be getting the right amount of exercise every day. Make sure that you schedule regular vet appointments and ask for a condition evaluation.

You can also ask what kind of diet your senior Pitbull should have. If your Pitbull has a heart condition or kidney disease, put them on a diet that lowers sodium intake and controls calcium. 

Control their calorie intake per meal and provide an ideal amount of protein. The amounts of food found in dogs vary greatly. Get in touch with your veterinarian and talk about the best diet for your senior Pitbull. 

Here are some of the best senior dog foods you should consider:

Wellness Complete Health Seniors

This is wonderful for seniors because it has low caloric content. It is a mix of boned chicken, healthy peas, blueberries, and spinach — the perfect combination.

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Merrick Senior Formula

The grain-free old recipe is rich in protein to maintain muscles and glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joints. It also contains antioxidants and healthy fats.

Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Dog Food For Pitbull Puppies

The best food for Pitbull puppies is one with essential nutrients and not the most delicious. Puppies have unique dietary requirements, making it essential to consider all the nutrients. You should consult your vet on the best food for your puppy. If you are new to this, you should know some basic rules.

The best puppy food for Pitbull should contain not less than 22.5% high-quality protein. Nutrients like phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium should also be considered. Ensure the diet is balanced with fruits and vegetables as well, and avoid overfeeding them. Some of the best dog food for Pitbull puppies include:

Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food

This is best for puppies that want to gain weight, although it shouldn’t be given to very young puppies. It has a caloric content of 535 per cup, an amount that is much more than what you will find in other dog foods.

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Protein Grain-Free Puppy Food

This meal contains many proteins that support muscle development and fatty acids similar to those in a mother’s milk. Similarly, there is a lot of fiber in this dry dog food to facilitate gut health. It has no fillers like corn, wheat, soy, or preservatives.

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How Much Should I Feed A Pitbull Puppy? 

Once the puppy is 8 to 12 weeks old, he should eat two cups of food. However, there is a difference between females and males.

While the female Pitbull eats less than the male puppy, they should be getting around three cups of food per day. During the first three months, it’s important to expect their appetite to increase until they are six months old.

Until the puppy is six weeks old, they should rely on their mother to feed them. After that, it’s time to start giving them dog food. Watch their weight closely. Stick to the normal feeding regulations, and don’t give them extra meals.

Special Nutritional Needs Of Pitbulls

If you want to be a Pitbull owner, you should know that there are many breeds of different sizes (large vs. medium) and shapes. Some of these breeds include the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Sometimes, other breeds from Bull Terrier can be referred to as bulldogs, and a mixed breed of bull terrier and bulldogs is called Pitbulls. It can be challenging to identify the best foods with special nutritional needs for Pitbull puppies with all this confusion.

However, generally, choose a high protein diet. Puppies need 22% of protein. To add to their overall performance, they should have nutrients. Most Pitbull owners are not aware that they get hip dysplasia arthritis as they get older. 

Pitbulls who are deemed to be a larger breed from puppyhood should be getting a good proportion of calcium. Keep the calories low. Feeding them over the calorie limit increases their chances of arthritis. Stick to the directions of feeding proportions for your puppies so that they will reach 90% of their adult size. 

Other essential diets include carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. When they are a puppy, feed them high-quality dry kibble. Never feed a Pitbull puppy table scraps. While it teaches bad begging skills, table scraps are not good for their digestive system.

Choose a portion of food that contains 35-40% high-quality protein, 14-17% animal fat, 20-30% carbohydrates, and 1-1.5% calcium. Wet or canned dog food can be mixed with dry kibble.

However, giving them too much wet food can cause plaque build-up on their teeth. Commercial dog foods vary greatly based on the manufacturer’s protein needs.

Feeding Schedule For Pitbull Puppies And Full-Grown Dogs 

Pitbull puppies should be fed as much as possible. That means every few hours. Initially, they should get meals four times a day. After six months, it should have two to three.

Plan a schedule where you feed them in the morning and then again at night. Slowly, your puppy will get used to not eating four times a day and adjust to eating two meals. 

Never overfeed your puppy. Yes, it is okay to give your dog treats for good behavior. Going overboard only leads to health issues. Stick to their primary diet and feeding schedule as they get older.

Food Buying Guide For Pitbull Owners 

Sometimes, we might want to feed our Pitbulls homemade meals, while other times, we prefer store-bought food. Either way, you should consider the following factors when buying commercial dog food or making a homemade meal;

Proteins

The best source of proteins for Pitbulls is animal proteins. These are packed with amino acids necessary for building healthy muscle mass. You can also feed them plant-based proteins, although they won’t be as beneficial as animal protein.

Luckily, some supplements can help boost your Pitbull’s protein level high. The best animal proteins include fish, beef, chicken, pork, lamb, organ meat, and eggs.

Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are not only important to humans but also to Pitbulls. Both puppies and adults need fruits and vegetables in their diet for proper growth. These contain plenty of fiber that can help improve their digestion.

If you want your dog to get probiotics that promote gut health, rich vitamins to boost immunity, healthy skin and coat, and a balanced diet, you need to start feeding them fruits and vegetables. Some vegetables to feed your Pitbull include spinach, pumpkin, sweet potato, kale, parsley, green beans, mushroom, carrots, and broccoli.

If your dog doesn’t like fruits and vegetables, you can always make healthy dog treats for adults and puppies. You can feed them fruits such as apples, cantaloupe, kiwi fruit, oranges, pomegranates, and berries.

However, you should know that some fruits can be harmful to your Pitbull’s health and therefore should be avoided. These include cherries that can damage the respiratory system and raisins and grapes that can trigger kidney damage.

Age

Puppies need a higher-quality diet to help them grow and develop muscular bodies. Unlike adult Pitbulls that can stay longer without food, puppies need to be fed at least three times every day to boost their glucose levels. The larger the puppy, the more food you will need.

Meat Quality

If you want to fatten your puppy quickly, fatty meat portions are the best. Chicken and fish are also good if you want them to build muscle and probably the best option to take.

Allergies

You might realize that your Pitbull is allergic to some proteins, especially meat. Symptoms of protein allergy include vomiting, diarrhea, and itching. Examples of products that cause Pitbulls to have allergies include wheat, potatoes, and corn. Visit your vet for a bland diet that will help improve your Pitbull’s recovery process.

Healthy Oils

Like humans, dogs can get essential oils from fish like tuna and salmon. You can also go for omega three and omega six supplements, but this option can be expensive. Fatty oils provide insulation against your dog’s coat, which helps with cold during winter.

What Is the Worst Kind Of Food You Can Feed Your Pitbulls?

Whether a puppy or an adult, there are foods you should not feed your Pitbull because they can cause stomach problems and allergic reactions.

• Chocolate: Chocolates contain toxic theobromine substances that can make your Pitbull sick even in small amounts.
• Onions, garlic, chives, or leeks
• All foods in the Allium family are poisonous for Pitbulls in whichever form.
• Artificial Sweeteners: Xylitol is primarily found in gums, toothpaste, peanut butter, mouthwash, candy, fruit drinks, jellies, jams, cereals, baked food, jello, pudding, and over-the-counter vitamin supplements, and mints. These are the most toxic as they cause blood sugars to rise and can cause liver damage.
• Cooked Bones: Brittle bones like those that are cooked can perforate their internal organs.

Conclusion

As a Pitbull owner, it is good to understand your dog’s nutritional needs as well as their allergies. All the products mentioned in this guide are safe for use by Pitbulls, but be sure to check the specifications. 

Some of the issues that arise are generally due to ignorance. Hopefully, this expert guide can help you ensure your dog’s health.