10 Best Dog Food For Pitbulls

Updated: October 14th, 2022

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So, you’re wondering what the best dog food for pitbulls is. You know that if you feed her without considering her dietary needs, health concerns, or ingredients she might react badly to, you might make her life miserable. 

Typical of most dog breeds, pitbulls are unique. Energetic and active are their most common attributes, but they are also lovable and determined. Then there are the controversial ones as well, like the belief that they are super vicious. 

For your pitbull to function at her best, her food should be the kind that takes into consideration her attributes and special needs: dietary, physical, and emotional.

I set out to find the best foods for pitbulls, based on all those factors I just mentioned, and what I found to be the best food for a pitbull might surprise you. 

Check them out. 

An Overview of the Best Dog Food For Pitbulls

The Best Food For Pitbulls (+Reviews)

1. Taste Of The Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Best Overall

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From the Taste of the Wild Wetlands line of dog foods, you have up to nine different dry foods to choose from. For strong muscular dogs, like pitbulls, the Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, which mimics the ancestral diet of canines in the wild, is the ideal option. 

Key Features

• Large range of poultry ingredients
• Grain-free
• Includes probiotics 
• No artificial additives 

Expect rich protein content in the formula, thanks to the presence of meats and meat meals, ranging from duck, smoked turkey, and quail (meats) to chicken, duck, and ocean fish meals. Other nutritious ingredients like peas and garbanzo bean have also been included.

Because of the high protein content and a smaller portion of carbohydrates, this meal meets the nutritional needs of most dogs, your pitbull included. 

As for the fat content, it’s relatively high thanks to the use of poultry like chicken and duck. But that shouldn’t worry you. As long as your pup is active enough, she will burn it off  in no time.

In reviews of this food, pet owners seem happy with the shiny coat and general health of their pooch that comes with using this formula regularly. 

Pros:

• Contains plenty of high-quality animal protein for building muscles
• Contains probiotics to promote good gut health in your dog
• Has chelated minerals to ensure better absorption during digestion

Cons:

• Contains ingredients that may trigger allergies like eggs

Overall, the Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is not only delicious but also developed to ensure it meets the instinctive appetite and cravings of your pitbull which is what makes it the best overall recipe on this list.

2. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula – Turkey & Potato Recipe – Best For Dogs With Allergies

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Whenever your pittie has an allergic reaction to food, your first instinct will be to find the best grain-free dog food for pitbulls, right? But not all of them are as ideal for pitbulls as the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula – Turkey & Potato Recipe is. The selection of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants in this recipe is carefully done by vets and animal nutrition experts.

Key Features

• Grain-free
• Contains omega-3 and -6 fatty acids
• Contains calcium, phosphorous, and glucosamine
• No potential allergy triggers including poultry by-product meals, chicken, soy, wheat, dairy, or eggs

The use of a limited amount of ingredients ensures your pooch doesn’t fall victim to food sensitivities. Also, the company uses real meat only and one identifiable source of animal protein—turkey in this case. Apart from turkey, you will find vitamins and minerals as well as carbohydrates, all of which make the formula balanced.

Pros:

• Formulated to  boost your dog’s immune system
• Simple formula with limited ingredients to eliminate stomach sensitivity
• The minerals help with strengthening her bones and teeth (kibble helps to remove tartar)

Cons:

• Variety of pea-based ingredients give it an overall pea taste

Although it is low in protein, the formula still fulfills the nutritional requirements of a growing pitbull. It provides adequate lean protein which is essential for growing healthy muscle and weight control.

3. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula – Best Budget Food

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Although this dog food doesn’t make it to the premium foods section, it is an above average range of dog feed at a great price. One of the best qualities of this food is the absence of corn, soy, and wheat, which are major culprits of doggie allergic reactions.

Key Features

• Contains probiotics
• Natural recipe
• No corn, wheat, filler, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Formulated for large breed adult dogs

The Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula uses both chicken and chicken meal to ensure your pooch gets enough protein content in their diet for muscle development. Using probiotics guarantees that the nutrients in the food will be absorbed in high quantities, so your dog benefits from them.

Reviewers also like the inclusion of whole grain ingredients, like whole brown rice, which aid with digestion and fiber intake. 

Pros:

• Has a variety of non-meat ingredients to supplement the animal protein
• Doesn’t contain fillers 
• Packed with superfoods and antioxidants for overall good health
• Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids support healthier skin and shiny coat
• Promotes better joint and bone health thanks to glucosamine and chondroitin

Cons:

• Comes in a single size bag, 40 pounds only
• Contains controversial ingredients like natural flavor 

Not many meals will give your large breed adult dog the much-needed nutrients to build her body and manage the ideal weight as affordably as the Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula does.

4. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Recipe – Best For Weight Management

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This Wellness formula is made to not only help you manage the weight of your dog but also to meet the activity levels and energy needs of your pooch which may be lower at the beginning but will change  as she loses weight. 

Key Features

• Plenty of animal protein
• Grain-free
• Nutritional supplements
• Reduced fat

The meat in this formula contains taurine, an essential amino acid naturally produced by dogs and  present in their brain, heart, and blood cells. Thus, it’s ideal for canines that suffer from taurine deficiency. The usual culprit that affects your dog’s ability to create taurine naturally is cystinuria.

Also, the formula contains plenty of nutritious ingredients from blueberries, apples, broccoli, and salmon to turkey, chicken, and peas. Having lower levels of fat hasn’t compromised the overall taste of the food, and your dog will thrive on the natural, all-meat diet.

Pros:

• The presence of taurine encourages excellent heart health
• Reduced fat levels in the formula help your pooch lose weight
• No added artificial preservatives
• The protein rich food features high-quality lean turkey and chicken

Cons:

• Not created for large breed dogs

Being low fat yet as nutritious as its close competitors makes this formula a great option for the pet owner looking to keep their furry friend fit and healthy. 

5. Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix Salmon Grain-Free & Poultry-Free Recipe – Best For All Life Stages

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It is challenging to find a dog food recipe that caters to dogs at all stages of their lives so that your pup and senior dogs can eat the same diet and both love it. However, Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix Salmon Grain-Free & Poultry-Free does that and leaves all your doggies with full stomachs and happy wagging tails.

Key Features

• Grain-free
• Natural protein
• No artificial additives 
• No fillers

Your dog will eat real pieces of quality ingredients like carrots, peas, and fruit bits that also give the food a natural texture and incredible taste. The ingredients packed into this recipe can also help your pooch have a luxurious coat, excellent eye development, as well as better bone and joint health.

Salmon is the primary animal protein, making the meal ideal for dogs that suffer allergic reactions to common poultry, beef, and/or their byproducts.

Pros:

• Highly nutritious mix of ingredients
• Contains minimally processed ingredients to give texture to the food
• Has probiotics to promote excellent gut health, better digestion, and absorption of nutrients

Cons:

• Relatively expensive

If you have numerous pitbulls at different stages of life in your household that you want to keep healthy and happy, look no further than Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix Salmon Grain-Free & Poultry-Free Recipe. 

6. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Real Lamb & Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food – Best Hypoallergenic Food

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CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Real Lamb & Pea Recipe is a very simple dog food formula created to address the needs of dogs with food sensitivities. It’s made with only 10 ingredients that you will easily recognize. 

Key Features

• Grain-free formula
• High-quality animal protein
• Limited ingredients
• Gluten-free 
• Contains probiotics 

Top health benefits associated with this meal include better gut health and allergy management. This can be attributed to the quality ingredients. 

Most users of this recipe also report great improvements in the dog’s wellbeing, especially a shiny coat. They say the fur becomes soft and supple as opposed to brittle and dry.

Pros:

• The use of simple ingredients boosts consumer confidence
• Excellent formula for doggies with food sensitivities
• Has lamb as the primary source of protein which is very nutritious and tasty
• The inclusion of probiotics ensures the food is always properly digested, and your dog absorbs the maximum number of nutrients

Cons:

• Contains dried egg which may trigger an allergic reaction in some dogs

This is generally a great formula for dogs with allergies, and you can keep track of the ingredients your pooch is ingesting easily by reading the food label. Expect no hard-to-pronounce ingredients that you don’t recognize here.

7. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food – Best Natural Food

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The novelty meat in this dog food gives it a unique taste and reduces the chances of allergic reactions since your pooch is not used to the meat. This is the best food for blue-nose pitbulls, especially those that have an allergic reaction to beef and chicken.

Key Features

• Grain-free formula
• Contains bison meat meal
• Dried fermentation products
• Has chelated minerals

The dried fermentation products provide essential healthy enzymes that keep your dog’s overall health intact. As for the taste, it is aimed at recreating the natural ancestral canine diet.

Bison meat is lean and packed with high-quality protein for excellent muscle building. Additional ingredients like blueberries, apples, and spinach provide the minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that result in a lustrous, healthy coat and better immune system.

Pros:

• Uses lean bison meat which is tasty and less likely to cause allergic reactions
• Formula is gluten-free because it contains no grains
• Has guaranteed antioxidants, vitamins, and chelated minerals from the ingredients, making it well-balanced and nutritious

Cons:

• The formula contains elements of dried fermented products which some dogs have an allergic reaction to

This dog food provides your dog with a nutritious and healthy munch and most importantly, it caters to dogs with allergic reactions to common meat products.

8. Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food – Best Human Grade 

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Merrick is a name synonymous with high-quality dog food. They are known for using human-grade ingredients in their dog food recipes, so you can be sure the food you are feeding your pitbull is high quality and nutritious. Their grain-free Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe doesn’t disappoint either. 

Key Features

• Grain free
• No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Poultry-free formula
• Deboned beef is the first ingredient

Although the company offers a variety of grain-based foods, which most dogs thrive on, this particular recipe is made to be grain-free to cater to dogs that have allergic reactions to wheat, corn, soy, and other grains. 

Pros:

• Uses real fruits and vegetables for a nutritious and well-balanced meal
• Because it’s grain free it is ideal for gluten-sensitive dogs
• No poultry meal or byproducts are used, thus minimizing the risk of allergies
• Supports healthy skin, coat, and joints thanks to the presence of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin

Cons:

• A relatively expensive option

The use of human-grade ingredients alone gives me confidence that your pooch is getting the best fresh nutrients contributing to her optimal health.

9. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grillers Adult Grain-free Hearty Wet Dog Food – Best Wet Food

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Eating dry kibble sometimes doesn’t work for a pitbull, and you may need to opt for a wet food. I highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Freedom Grillers Adult Grain-free Hearty Wet Dog Food. Not only is it delicious, but it is also grain free, eliminating issues like allergic reactions to gluten.

Key Features

• Wet food 
• Grain free
• Contains chelated minerals

Now, if your pitbull still loves her dry kibble, but you feel like you want to supplement her diet with something more raw, this is a great option as well. In addition to being fully raw, it also has a natural, raw taste. Plus, the chunks of real beef, peas, carrots, and potatoes in savory gravy are tasty, and the food has no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

Pros:

• Contains L-Carnitine which boost lean muscle growth
• Great for the immune system because of chelated minerals
• Gives your pooch a beautiful shiny coat because it contains biotin
• Contains glucosamine for great joint and bone health

Cons:

• Like most wet dog foods, it doesn’t have a long shelf life like dry kibble

Overall, this is a nutritious and tasty food that you can use occasionally as a treat for your pup without compromising her health.

10. Natural Balance LID Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Venison Formula Grain Free – Best LID Diet 

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I’ve seen lots of doggie parents get frustrated by the many ingredients listed on the labels of dog foods, most of which are hard to recognize, let alone pronounce. But the Natural Balance LID Sweet Potato & Venison Formula Grain-Free formula is an exception. Because of the limited ingredients, you know exactly what your pitbull is eating.

Key Features

• Grain free
• Uses novelty meat
• Limited ingredients
• No artificial additives

Because it features one specific, novel protein source, the chances of allergic reactions and stomach sensitivities are drastically reduced. That aside, using venison gives the food a unique taste, and venison is a great lean protein.

Apart from combating allergies with a limited range of ingredients, this food also contributes to a shiny coat for your pooch and better digestive health. Additional ingredients like brewer’s yeast and taurine make it even more nutritious and healthy overall.

Pros:

• Excellent dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies
• Contain helpful minerals and vitamins to promote overall health
• Has a specific novelty meat as the primary protein source
• Contains recognizable food ingredients and minerals 

Cons:

• The food has an odor that may be off-putting for some people

Eating an interesting food is just as fun for dogs as it is for us. With the Natural Balance LID Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Venison Formula Grain Free, your dog will have a taste of deer and expand her palate.

Why Are Dietary Needs Of Pitbulls Important? 

Pitbulls look and feel super strong because of their build. However, to ensure that their compact bodies are made of lean muscle instead of fat and that they receive the right amount of nutrients, you must always make sure their dietary needs are met with each meal. 

You must focus on the first few ingredients on the label and their nutritive value to your dog. So what are those ingredients, you may ask. Let’s have a look: 

Protein

This is essential for your dog to attain lean muscle and healthy blood cells and hormones. It also helps your dog repair damaged muscles in case of trauma or when your pooch has a disease that results in damaged tissue cells.

Your vet should be able to help you calculate the exact amount of protein necessary for your pooch, depending on her activity level. Active pitbulls need at least 45%-50% protein in their diet to keep the muscles working at optimum condition while less active pits can make do with 30%.

For the best protein, animal organs are highly recommended because they contain a high concentration of protein as well as vitamins, healthy fats, minerals, and essential amino acids. 

Feed your pitbull foods that contain lean cuts of muscle meats like thigh, liver, unhatched eggs, and fish among others. Opt for manufacturers who put such specifications in their label, because these are recognizable ingredients.

Fat

Unless your pit is overweight, do not shun fats when looking for the best dog food to feed a pitbull. A pitbull is generally a very active dog, and she expends a lot of energy when playing and running around. Healthy fats help your dog with her cognitive functions and development, and they also give her a shiny coat and healthy skin. 

Trusted sources of healthy fat include poultry fat, vegetable oils, fish oils, canola oil, and flaxseed oils. Check the label for these sources. Make sure her diet includes at least 25-30% of healthy fats even when she is overweight.

Carbohydrates

Fillers that rack up the carbohydrate content in a dog food must be avoided at all costs. That is because, not only do they have little to no health benefits, most are low quality. 20-30% carbohydrates in a pitbull’s diet are sufficient for providing the amount of energy they need. This amount also contains the fiber they need for digestion.

The best sources of carbohydrates include complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and leafy, green veggies. Vegetables also provide fiber, and the fruits are a great source of simple carbs. 

When fighting to keep the weight off, a percentage of carbs can be sacrificed to help your dog attain her ideal weight.

Vitamins And Minerals

These two elements constitute the family of micronutrients needed in a dog’s body. They are just as important as the above ingredients, but they are required in smaller doses. They aid in everything from metabolism to tissue repair, and a deficiency in these nutrients can result in a weak dog.

Dog foods that contain healthy quantities of veggies, fruits, fish oil, and organ meat are likely to have an excellent amount of vitamins and minerals. Some manufacturers create an in-house micronutrient blend to ensure their food provides the correct amount of nutrients for their pooch.

Ingredients To Avoid When Choosing The Best Dog Food For Pitbulls

Ingredients in dog food are partly to blame for most of the food allergies and other health conditions that dogs suffer from. Admittedly, some unscrupulous companies do use fillers and low-quality meat from euthanized animals in their formula, and this compromises the quality of their dog food.

So what should you avoid in your pet’s dog food?

Fillers

Corn, soy, and wheat are famous controversial fillers used in dog foods. Even though some experts claim they are not bad for dogs, a good number of pet owners speak of horrible reactions whenever their dogs consume diets laden with these fillers. They have been strongly associated with allergies in dogs.

Allergens

This is a tricky path to navigate, because some of the common animal protein sources like beef, chicken, and pork can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs and yet be compatible with others. Or over time, your dog can develop an allergic reaction that wasn’t there before.

In this case, test the food for a couple of days to see if there is an allergic reaction. If there is, opt for foods containing novelty meats like bison or venison or perhaps try salmon. Avoidance of the more common protein sources  is on a case by case basis, as needed by your dog.

Unidentified Meals

When a food has a general term like “meat meal” or “natural flavors”, you should approach the food with caution. Mysterious animal meals could mean that it is poor quality meat or it has been sourced from an unregulated source.

Artificial Preservatives, Colors, Or Flavors

Stay away from dog food that has artificial flavors and color meant to entice your dog into eating. These artificial elements contribute to allergic reactions and are not safe for your pitbull in the long run. Instead, opt for naturally enhanced dog foods that have flavor from chicken fat or drippings. This also applies to the dog treats you give your pooch as well.

Dry Vs Wet Food 

One question I saw often when looking into this breed is, what is the best food to feed a pitbull when it comes to type? Well, there are a couple of things you will want to keep in mind in order to make the right decision. They include: 

Shelf Life

The moment you open wet dog foods, they no longer have a shelf life. You can repackage them for the next meal which you can do with dry kibble.

Affordability

Since wet food is a one-time use type of food, it will cost you more to keep replenishing your stock. Having dry kibble is more affordable and easier to budget for. 

Appeal

Wet dog food is more appealing and delicious, because it contains gravy and real chunks of meat. Dry foods may have been coated with flavor, but they still do not measure up to the palatability of wet food.

Grain Ratios

Wet foods are less likely to have bloated grain ratios compared to dry food, because corn and other grains help to bind the dry formulas into pellets which is not necessary in wet food.

Generally, dry kibble is loved by pet owners, because it promotes supposedly good oral health in their babies…unlike wet food that contributes to issues like plaque. But dry food can also contribute to plaque buildup. Generally speaking, though,, dry pellets are better able to scrape off plaque than wet foods. 

Here’s a video that briefly sums up the differences between the two:

Why not get the best of both worlds by alternating the food you give your pooch? Try having a schedule where she eats dry kibble on some days and wet, canned food on others to give her variety and to train her palate. Plus wet foods mimic your dog’s ancestral diet better than dry kibble does.

How Much You Should Feed Your Dog

There is no simplistic answer to this question, because it is dependent on several factors. These include:

• Does she suffer from metabolism conditions like obesity? If so, this means that you must limit the number of calories she takes.
• What climate do you live in (hot or cold)? The colder the conditions, the more calories your pit needs to generate heat. 
• Is she pregnant or nursing? Because she is responsible for fetal development when pregnant and her pups rely on her for food when nursing, her calorie intake will be much higher at those times than a healthy adult male.
• Where do you live? Do you have a vast space where she can run around and roam or in an apartment building where her forays are limited, limited mostly to walks with you? In the first scenario, she needs a higher calorie intake to sustain her level of activity, while in the second, she needs just enough calories to sustain muscle building and development. 

In addition to that, a healthy adult pitbull should weigh about 45 pounds in average weight, and most of the weight should be muscle. Keep in mind that pitties are enthusiastic eaters who have high levels of energy and activity.

Typically, your pitbull will need to consume over 1000 calories a day across two meals. For really active dogs, you may have to go up to 1800 calories per day. But because they are such voracious feeders, they can tend to go overboard and eat much more than they should, leading to weight issues. 

It is important to limit her food intake depending on her level of activity. As she grows older and her activity level decreases, you must also decrease her calorie intake to around 900 calories per day spread out across her two meals. 

Pitbull Health Problems To Watch Out For 

Infections

Pitbull infections tend to occur in the ears, eyes, skin, and teeth when bacteria and other foreign bodies enter these areas. Look out for swelling and discoloration in these areas, as well as excessive moisture coming from them. With general hygiene, like brushing her skin, keeping her nails short, brushing her teeth, and giving her a bath regularly, you can keep such infections away.

Allergies

Pits are prone to several food allergies as well as flea allergies. Flea allergies in particular are very common with this breed, because they are active and love adventurous areas where they easily pick up fleas from wild animals or fellow dogs. Regular checkups with your vet can keep fleas at bay.

Food allergies are dependent on the dog in question. Every dog reacts differently to certain foods, and you can eliminate these allergies by changing her food or removing the culprits from her diet.

Diabetes

Pits get diabetes when they eat rich foods that have plenty of fat and sugar that their pancreas cannot process. To keep diabetes at bay, your dog should not eat food from your table. Instead, keep her on a strictly healthy dog food regimen.

Obesity

Pitbulls are well known for their ability to eat, and if this is not checked with a regular feeding schedule and healthy food instead of sugary, fatty treats, they will develop obesity. It is simple: feed your pittie a healthy diet, let her have plenty of exercise, and limit her treats. Obesity will be the last thing on your mind.

Hip Dysplasia

Joint health problems occur in pitbulls as they do in other breeds. Keeping her activity within safe confines is one thing you can do to prevent hip dysplasia from happening. Unfortunately, this condition is also genetic, and there is nothing a parent can do in this case, except give her joint supplements from a young age and schedule vet visits to keep tabs on her joint health. 

Conclusion 

Of the many things you could do to keep your pittie happy, healthy, and at her best, none is as easy as feeding her a diet made to fit her needs. From sustaining and boosting her wellbeing to having the nutritional content she requires to function optimally, the best food for a pitbull can do it all. 

Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, which is the best overall on this list, even goes the extra mile by mimicking your dog’s ancestral diet. It’s rich in the protein content your pitbull deserves and comes packed with a decent amount of healthy fats, carbs, and other useful nutritional content that’s crucial to her wellbeing. 

But if you want food for specific needs, say allergies, weight management, human-grade, or a wet variety, the other products in this review have you covered.