The Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls: 13 Foods for Every Kind of Pittie!

Calling all pit bull parents!

You likely already know that pibbles are some of the sweetest, most adorable doggos in the world, but did you know that pit bulls have a handful of somewhat unique nutritional needs?

And to keep your canine’s body healthy and tail wagging, you’ll need to keep these needs in mind when picking your pit bull’s dog food.

Don’t worry! We’ll make it as painless as possible. We’ll explain some of the things you need to know about pit bull health and nutrition, discuss the dog-food-picking process in general, and share a few of our favorite foods for pitties!

The Particulars of Pit Bull Nutrition

Generally speaking, pit bulls have similar nutritional requirements to other active, working breeds. However, the pit bull dog breed does exhibit a few peculiarities which warrant attention.

Pit Bulls Are Stocky, But Not Necessarily “Large”

Pit bulls are stocky dogs with broad chests and blocky heads, but they rarely weigh as much as you would think by looking at them.

In fact, pit bulls rarely weigh more than about 60 pounds (although there are exceptions). While this is quite a handful of dog (particularly when it comes in such a high-energy package), they are best described as mid-sized.

So, given that they’re medium sized dogs, it’s wise to avoid feeding your pittie a dog food designed for large or giant breeds, as these foods often have reduced calcium and protein, relative to foods crafted for non-giants.

Because they only reach moderate sizes, pits rarely run into the same problems large breeds do when fed normally formulated foods.

Avoid Overfeeding, As Pitties Are Susceptible To Joint Issues

Look, we get it — your pit bull is simply precious, and she deserves to nom all of the delicious things.

But while the occasional treato is no problemo, you must avoid overfeeding your dog or allowing her to pack on the pounds. This is especially important for pit bulls as they are susceptible to several weight-related health problems.

For example, many pit bulls develop dysplasia of the hips or elbows, and this is most common among dogs who are overweight. Overweight pits may also develop things like pancreatitis or arthritis, so be sure to keep your pibble’s weight in the proper range.

Pit bulls also tend to have ravenous appetites, so you’ll want to measure your dog’s food carefully. Most adult pit bulls require somewhere between 800 and 1800 calories each day, but consult your veterinarian to determine your dog’s exact needs.

Watch Out For Food Gobbling!

The gusto with which pit bulls feed can cause them to swallow significant quantities of air with their food.

In a best-case scenario, your dog will release this gas (cross your fingers the gas comes out the way it went in and not the alternative route), but in a worst-case scenario, your dog could develop bloat – a potentially deadly problem, in which air becomes trapped in your pet’s stomach.

To avoid these problems, try to offer your pit small meals (you may have to offer him one-half of her dog food at a time for each feeding) or opt for a food-dispensing feeding toy that makes your dog work for her kibble! You can also find slow-feeder dog bowls that should slow down your dog’s food scarfing.

Additionally, encourage your pup to lie down and relax for 15 to 20 minutes after eating, and discourage her from running around or playing immediately after eating.

Signs of a Superior Dog Food: Separating the Good from the Bad

Most of the criteria that distinguish high-quality, healthy dog foods from low-quality products are easy to spot. Consider the following factors when selecting any dog food, and keep your pit bull’s needs in mind.

Pick a dog food that meets or exceeds the AAFCO guidelines for your pet’s life stage. For example, if your pittie is still a puppy, you’ll want a food designed for “growth and reproduction,” while your adult doggo will need a food designed for “maintenance.”

Make sure your dog’s food addresses any specific health issues she suffers from. For example, if your pooch has a sensitive stomach, you’ll want to pick a food that’s designed to be easy to digest.

Look for dog foods with a whole protein as the first ingredient. While there’s nothing wrong with properly labelled meat meals, the use of a whole protein at the top of the ingredient list is a pretty good proxy for overall quality.

Avoid products that contain unidentified meat meals. There is nothing wrong with dog food that contains “chicken meal,” but foods that include ingredients like “animal meal” or “meat meal” are not acceptable. The same principle holds true for other animal byproducts — select dog foods that identify the source.

Pick a food containing probiotics. These belly-boosting microorganisms aid in healthy digestion and can restore balance to your dog’s gut flora. This delicate ecosystem is susceptible to illness and stress, so adding probiotics to your pup’s diet is a way to keep things moving in the right direction and ward off problems.

Pay attention to omega fatty acids. Fatty acids nourish your four-footer’s skin and coat. Pit bulls often suffer from skin issues, making these nutrients absolute musts in their food. Fish oils are a great source of omega fatty acids and are frequently used in the best dry dog foods today.

Opt for foods that have antioxidant-rich ingredients (such as most brightly colored fruits and veggies). Antioxidants will help ensure proper immune function to help your pittie stay healthy.

Look for dog foods that are manufactured in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, New Zealand, or Australia, rather than countries without strict food-safety controls in place.

Try to avoid dog foods with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. “All natural” dog foods are not necessarily better than others (after all, cyanide, spider venom, and plutonium are all perfectly natural, yet dangerous to people and pups), but it is wise to avoid unnecessary artificial flavors or other additives. Pitties are prone to allergies and food insensitivities, so it’s best to skip the ick altogether to avoid issues.

Best Dog Food For Pit Bulls: Our Top Picks

We’ve put together a list of some of the best dog food for pit bulls. Any of the following dog food products should keep your pit bull healthy and happy. Just be sure to check the ingredients listed and select the best product for your pup.

1. Nom Nom

Best Overall Dog Food for Pit Bulls

Ollie Fresh Dog Food

Custom canine cuisine that's made with US-sourced ingredients, including tasty proteins and nutritious vegetables.

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About: Nom Nom is a fresh food option customized to your dog, ensuring she won’t go hungry or pack on extra pounds. Real meat is always the first ingredient, and its meaty ground texture is a hit, even with the pickiest pittie palates.

Features:

All recipes formulated by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist

Gentle cooking process preserves nutrients and flavor

Exceeds AAFCO standards for all life stages

Made in the USA with only US-sourced ingredients

Options: Offered in Beef Mash, Chicken Cuisine, Pork Potluck, and Turkey Fare.

Ingredients (Turkey Fare Recipe):

Ingredients List

Ground turkey, Brown rice, Eggs, Carrots, Spinach...

Pros

Most dogs love the taste and texture of this fresh, meaty mash

Customization ensures the right portion for your pooch (avoiding extra pibble pounds!)

Sample option lets you try Nom Nom before committing to a subscription

Cons

Requires refrigeration, so you’ll need to sacrifice some fridge and freezer space

Unfortunately, premium ingredients come at a premium price

Nom Nom and other custom dog foods are almost always the best choice, as they’re fine-tuned to suit your dog’s specific needs, including her activity levels. They’re absolute game-changers for pups with sensitive systems too.

2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

Best Mainstream Kibble for Pit Bulls

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

A well-rounded kibble made of quality protein, hearty grains, and nutrient-rich produce like carrots and blueberries.

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About: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a great all-around choice for most pit bulls, as it always features meat as the first ingredient and contains a mix of grains, fruits, and vegetables for snout-to-tail health. Its whole, lean proteins nourish your pittie’s mighty muscles while added healthy fats keep her coat and skin looking and feeling their best.

Features:

Made without common sensitivity triggers like corn, soy, or wheat

Probiotic mix keeps doggy digestive systems moving in the right direction

LifeSource Bits pack a punch of antioxidants for immune health

Made in the USA

Options: Available in six recipes, including Chicken & Brown Rice, Beef & Brown Rice, Healthy Weight Chicken & Brown Rice, Lamb & Brown Rice, Fish & Brown Rice, and Small Bite Chicken & Brown Rice.

Ingredients (Chicken & Brown Rice):

Ingredients List

Deboned chicken, Chicken meal, Brown rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Pea starch...

Pros

Pup-pleasing taste to most canines

Fair amount of recipes to choose from, giving your pittie options

Probiotics are a win for sensitive tummies

Cons

Peas aren’t an ideal ingredient in the eyes of some pet parents

LifeSource Bits aren’t a hit with pickier pups

3. Canidae All Life Stages

Best Canned Food for Pit Bulls

CANIDAE All Life Stages Lamb & Rice

A grain-inclusive canned option that's suitable for all-life-stages and made with sustainably-sourced proteins.

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About: CANIDAE All Life Stages is an excellent canned food for pit bull families, particularly those with multiple dogs, as this veterinarian-designed, all-life-stages formula suits puppies to seniors. Serve on its own or add to your pibble’s kibble for a delicious dose of extra flavor and calories.

Features:

Real meat is always the first ingredient

One of the relatively few grain-inclusive canned options

Doesn’t include any corn, soy, wheat, or by-products

Made in the USA

Options: Offered in 4 recipes, including Chicken & Rice, Less Active Formula, Multi-Protein Formula, and Lamb & Rice.

Ingredients (Lamb & Rice Recipe):

Ingredients List

Lamb, Lamb broth, Vegetable broth, Lamb liver, Ocean fish...

Pros

Pate texture is a pup palate-pleaser (also mixes fabulously into kibble!)

Veterinarian-designed recipe includes nutrient-rich organ meat

One of the relatively few grain-inclusive canned options

Great option for multi-dog families

Cons

Some dogs prefer gravy-based, stew-style canned foods

Mixed-protein recipes can be an issue for pit bulls with sensitivities

4. Diamond Naturals

Best Budget-Friendly Dog Food for Pit Bulls

Diamond Naturals

A powerhouse blend of premium proteins, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich produce that won’t wreck your budget.

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About: Diamond Naturals lets you save your pet-care pennies for other things your pibble needs while still containing the quality ingredients your pit needs. Available in an assortment of recipes, including one made specifically for skin health, there’s a Diamond Naturals for almost every pit bull’s needs.

Features:

Fruits and vegetables provide a boost of natural fiber and antioxidants

Added probiotics support canine digestion and regularity

Fatty acids nourish skin and coat (an area of concern for many pitties)

Made in the USA

Options: Available in 16 recipes, including Chicken & Rice, Lamb Meal & Rice, Skin & Coat, Light, and more. Grain-free recipes are also offered.

Ingredients (Lamb Meal & Rice Recipe):

Ingredients List

Lamb meal, Ground white rice, Cracked pearled barley, Grain sorghum...

Pros

Won’t break your budget despite featuring probiotics and other bonuses

Excellent selection of recipes, including various proteins

Large bag options offer additional savings (and less store runs!)

Cons

Picky eaters may need a tastier food (or a delicious topper)

A few exotic protein options would be nice

5. Taste of the Wild

Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Pit Bulls

Taste of the Wild High Prairie

A protein-heavy, grain-free kibble containing a litany of meats, omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics.

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About: Taste of the Wild offers a number of grain-free recipes centered around quality proteins. Added prebiotics and probiotics support healthy digestion, while fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants and fiber for immune health and satiation.

Features:

Real meat is always the top ingredient

Fatty acid blend nurtures your pup’s skin and coat from the inside out

Doesn’t contain grain, corn, or wheat

Made in the USA

Options: Available in 9 recipes, including High Prairie (mixed protein,) Sierra Mountain (lamb-based,) and Southwest Canyon (boar-based.) Also offered in limited-ingredient and grain-inclusive recipes.

Ingredients (High Prairie Recipe):

Ingredients List

Water buffalo, Lamb meal, Chicken meal, Sweet potatoes, Peas...

Pros

Most dogs love the meaty taste

Available in a wide mix of proteins, including exotic offerings like wild boar

Added probiotics provide a belly boost

Cons

Can be too rich for some pup’s tummies to handle

Mixed-protein recipes aren’t ideal for pit bulls with food sensitivities

To Grain or Not to Grain?

Grain-free recipes were all the craze for a while thanks to clever marketing, but the truth is, he vast majority of dogs digest cooked grains perfectly well. Obviously, this isn’t the case for canines with grain sensitivities, but it’s something to be aware of.

Point being, most dogs do not need a grain-free diet. In fact, there is some evidence that grain-free diets may even be harmful.

Researchers have discovered a correlation between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. DCM is a serious heart condition that can lead to death in some four-footers.

Now, more research is needed — we don’t yet know that grain-free diets cause DCM. But in the meantime, it is important to discuss your food choice with your vet — especially if your pooch is a breed prone to heart issues like DCM.

6. Nutro Ultra Puppy

Best Dog Food for Pit Bull Puppies

Nutro Ultra Puppy

A made-in-America dry kibble crafted with lean proteins and fresh produce for proper puppy growth.

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About: Nutro Ultra Puppy features calcium for bone health and a trio of protein sources for muscle development, making it a top-notch puppy food for pit bulls. Also containing a superfood medley of real fruits and vegetables, this food is also rich in antioxidants and fiber.

Features:

Real meat is the first ingredient

Omega-3 fatty acids aid in coat health and eye development

Contains a healthy mix of grains

Made in the USA

Options: Available in Ultra Puppy and Ultra Large Breed Puppy.

Ingredients (Ultra Puppy Recipe):

Ingredients List

Chicken, Chicken meal (source of glucosamine and chondroitin), Whole grain barley...

Pros

Made with a fantastic mix of premium ingredients, including real meat and vegetables

Grain-inclusive recipe fuels puppies (and keeps them full!)

Kibble size is perfect for pupper mouths

Cons

Mixed-protein recipes aren’t the best foods for dogs with sensitive systems

More expensive than other kibble options

7. Nutro Natural Choice Senior

Best Dog Food for Senior Pit Bulls

Nutro Lamb & Brown Rice (Senior)

An American-made kibble designed for dogs aged 7 and older with joint-nourishing ingredients like glucosamine.

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About: Nutro Natural Choice Senior is formulated with mature dogs in mind, featuring glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support and calcium for bone health. Real meat is always the first ingredient, and added antioxidants boost your senior pibble’s immune system.

Features:

Made with non-GMO ingredients and no corn, soy, or wheat

Natural fiber keeps bellies satiated and digestive systems running in tip-top shape

Small kibble shape is easy for senior dogs to crunch and munch

Made in the USA

Options: Available in Lamb & Brown Rice, Chicken & Brown Rice, Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice, and Large Breed Chicken & Brown Rice.

Ingredients (Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe):

Ingredients List

Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate)...

Pros

Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health (a major concern for senior canines)

Made with a great mixture of protein, grains, and nutrient-rich produce

Pricing is reasonable for such a high-quality kibble

Cons

Some recipes feature mixed proteins, which can be a problem for pibbles with sensitive systems

More protein options would be ideal

8. Zignature Select Cuts

Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls with Food Allergies

Zignature Select Cuts

A limited-ingredient dry food that’s rich in protein and healthy fats while lacking common triggers.

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About: Zignature Select Cuts is a premium kibble that makes avoiding your pit bull’s sensitivity triggers easier with its short ingredient list. Protein-rich, it also contains healthy fats for coat health and grains for proper digestive function and plenty of energy.

Features:

Always features quality protein as the first ingredient

Grain-inclusive kibble with non-GMO millet and oats

Doesn’t contain any chicken, legumes, or potatoes

Made in the USA

Options: Select Cuts is offered in Turkey Formula, Lamb & Lamb Meal Formula, and Trout & Salmon Formula. Grain-free offerings are also available with exotic proteins like kangaroo and pork under the Zignature Grain-free line.

Ingredients (Lamb & Lamb Meal Recipe):

Ingredients List

Lamb, Lamb meal, Oats, Millet, Sunflower meal, Flaxseed...

Pros

Limit-ingredient recipe ideal for pitties with food restrictions

Excellent selection of proteins, including exotic meats

One of the few grain-inclusive limited-ingredient kibbles

Cons

On the expensive side

Picky pooches may not love the taste

9. Wellness Complete Healthy Weight

Best Dog Food for Overweight Pit Bulls

Wellness Complete Health Healthy Weight

A low-calorie kibble featuring lean proteins, whole grains, and vitamin-rich produce to keep your pibble feeling full.

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About: Made with fewer calories, Wellness Complete Healthy Weight is grain-inclusive dry food that keeps your pit bull satisfied without packing on pounds. Whole protein promotes lean muscle development, while a balanced blend of produce and grains offer sustained energy.

Features:

Real, deboned chicken is the first ingredient

Probiotic blend for digestive regularity

Balanced mix of fruits and vegetables for fiber and antioxidants

Made in the USA

Options: Available in 14 recipes, including Healthy Weight, Small Breed Healthy Weight, and Adult Chicken.

Ingredients (Healthy Weight Recipe):

Ingredients List

Deboned chicken, Chicken meal, Oatmeal, Ground brown rice, Ground barley...

Pros

Lower calorie recipe makes slimming your pibble down easier

Flavor gets a paw’s up from pups

Probiotic mix supports digestive health

Cons

More protein options would be ideal

It’s a pretty expensive kibble

10. Sundays Food for Dogs

Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls with Sensitive Stomachs

Sundays Food for Dogs

A tasty, easy-to-digest, nutrient-dense, air-dried food that's suitable for all ages and features a short ingredient list.

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About: Sundays is a dream dog food for sensitive tummies thanks to its short list of ingredients. Vet formulated, this all-life-stages food is made with human-grade ingredients using a gentle air-drying process to preserve the food’s top-notch taste.

Features:

Made with real meat, including organ and ground bone

Fiber-rich vegetables aid in digestion

Air-dried formula doesn’t require refrigeration

Made in the USA at a human-grade facility

Options: Offered in Beef and Chicken recipes.

Ingredients (Chicken Recipe):

Ingredients List

Chicken, Chicken liver, Eggs, Millet, Oat, Pumpkin, Kale, Ground bone...

Pros

Limited-ingredient nature makes avoiding trigger foods easy

Most dogs love the taste and treat-like texture

Doesn’t require refrigeration

Cons

Pricier than off-the-shelf kibble

More protein options would be ideal (particularly exotic offerings)

11. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints

Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls with Joint Issues

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints

Glucosamine and chondroitin team up with healthy fats to keep your pibble's joints moving and grooving with this kibble.

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About: Blue Buffalo True Solutions Jolly Joints is a joint-supportive food made with 700 milligrams of glucosamine and 350 milligrams of chondroitin per kilogram to support your pittie’s frame. A probiotic blend helps with canine digestion, while vitamins E and C offer an immunity boost.

Features:

Real deboned chicken is the top ingredient

Grain-inclusive recipe uses oatmeal, brown rice, and barley as primary carbohydrate sources

Fish oil aid in skin and coat health

Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients

Options: Available in a single chicken-based recipe.

Ingredients:

Ingredients List

Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Barley,...

Pros

Great source of joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin

Probiotics give your pittie’s digestive system a boost

Contains a fair mix of fruits and vegetables

Cons

Some dogs dislike the LifeSource Bits

More protein options are needed for dogs who need chicken-free food

12. A Pup Above

Best Dog Food for Picky Pit Bulls

A Pup Above Fresh Food

A meat-forward fresh recipe that tempts even the pickiest pits with chunked proteins and fresh vegetables.

Special Discount: Get $50 off with code K950 at checkout!

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Take $50 off your order with code K950 at checkout!

About: A Pup Above is a tasty meat mixture made with human-grade ingredients in a scrumptious gravy featuring bone broth, which may benefit bone and GI health. Best of all, the single-protein recipes aren’t a mile long, making it easy to avoid food triggers.

Features:

Can be fed on its own or used as a tasty topper to entice picky pit bulls

Gentle cooking methods protect nutrients and flavor

Grain-free and grain-inclusive recipes are available

Made in the USA in a USDA-inspected facility

Options: Available in 4 recipes, including Chicka Chicka Bow Wow, Porky Luau, Texas Beef Stew, and Turkey Pawella. Sampler is also available.

Ingredients (Texas Beef Stew Recipe):

Ingredients List

Beef, Beef liver, Russet potatoes, Tomatoes, Beef bone broth,...

Pros

Most dogs go crazy for the taste

Single-protein recipes are great for dogs with sensitivities

Eco-friendly company practices green concepts like 100-percent recycled packaging

Cons

Requires refrigeration

As with any fresh option, it’s pricey

13. Bully Max

Best Dog Food for Bulking Up Your Pit Bull

Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food

A high-protein recipe made specifically to help pitties and other athletic canines to bulk up and gain weight.

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About: Maintain your pittie Olympian’s physique with Bully Max, a protein-rich kibble with 535 calories per cup. This chicken-based recipe is suitable for all life stages, including pit puppies.

Features:

Contain a respectable 30% protein

Made without corn, soy, or wheat

Grain-inclusive recipe provides fiber and energy

Made in the USA

Options: Offered in Bully Max 30/20 Recipe and Bully Max Pro 31/25 Recipe.

Ingredients (Bully Max 30/20 Recipe):

Ingredients List

Chicken meaI, Brown rice, Chicken fat (Preserved with mixed tocopherols)...

Pros

Excellent choice for super-athletic pits needing to gain or maintain weight

Dogs give the taste a tail wag of approval

High-calorie recipe offers more bang for your buck per cup

Cons

Lack of protein options is a bummer (not every pit can handle chicken, sadly!)

Pretty expensive compared to other kibbles

Choosing Between Grain-Free and Grain-Inclusive Food

Unfortunately, the dog world isn’t immune to trends, and the grain-free train is one that rocked the dog food aisle and brought countless new products with it. Despite clever marketing, the fact is, most dogs digest cooked grains just fine. Grains are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals and are rich in fiber, aiding in digestion.

That said, dogs with grain allergies require grain-free food. A vet diagnoses these allergies and addresses them accordingly, whether it’s by recommending a limited-ingredient diet or hypoallergenic food. Never try to self-diagnose or self-treat a food allergy. It’s important to rule out other potential causes.

Signs of a grain allergy in your dog include:

Itchy skin, particularly around the ears and paws

Excessive paw or tail licking and chewing

Hair loss

Chronic ear infections

Unexplained skin issues

Wheezing

Coughing

More commonly, pet owners confuse a food intolerance for a food allergy. While they sound similar, they’re quite different. A food allergy involves an immune response and is generally seen as a skin reaction, while a food intolerance typically involves digestive upset, such as noxious gas or diarrhea. Some allergies do cause stomach problems, but skin issues are most common.

With pit bulls frequently suffering from both skin issues and notoriously foul flatulence, this makes investigating potential causes with your vet all the more important.

Another major factor to consider is the link between grain-free dog foods and a serious heart condition called canine dilated cardiomyopathy, detailed in a 2019 FDA investigation. Pit bulls aren’t as prone to DCM as some other breeds, but they are susceptible to heart issues. For this reason alone, always consult your vet before switching your pit bull to grain-free food.

Dog Food Type: Dry, Wet, Fresh, and Beyond

Dog food comes in all sorts of forms today, which can make selecting the right one for your pit bull even trickier. Each has its own pros and cons to consider.

Dry Dog Food

The most common type of dog food is dry kibble. This crunchy product has a decent shelf life and is packaged in bags that may or may not be resealable, making storage relatively easy. It’s also the most affordable dog food option and comes in countless formulas and recipes. The texture helps clean your pit’s teeth as she chews, too. Unfortunately, kibble is also the least tasty dog food option, and it can be hard to get picky pitties to give it a try.

Wet Dog Food

Wet dog food is generally packaged in cans or tubs and may be a pate or stew texture. Like dry dog food, wet food is generally packaged in cans or tubs and comes in a pate or stew texture. It has a relatively long shelf life like dry dog food but requires refrigeration after opening. It’s pricey to feed an exclusively wet diet, however. It’s also rather messy and can be too rich for some dogs’ systems, leading to gas and diarrhea. While delicious, wet food doesn’t have much texture either, so it won’t help clean your canine’s chompers. Many pup parents opt to use wet dog food as a topper to kibble.

Fresh Dog Food

The newest form of dog food on the market is fresh dog food, and it’s incredible. Not only are the meat-forward recipes delicious, but they’re also made with top-notch ingredients that are often human-grade, including premium meats and fresh vegetables. Many are also customized to your dog, aiding in weight maintenance and addressing health concerns. Unfortunately, fresh dog food is expensive and requires refrigeration. A great way to get the benefits of fresh dog food for less is to use it as a meal topper or occasional treat.

Always Consult Your Vet about Your Dog’s Food

In addition to the criteria listed above, you’ll always want to make sure to check in with your vet regarding your dog’s food.

Veterinarians are not only educated in the subject of canine nutrition, but they also know the ins and outs of your dog’s health. This makes them your most valuable resource in the quest for a perfect pit bull food!

Common Pit Bull Health Issues

Pit bulls are a hardy breed known for toughing out aches and pains, but they have some health issues to watch for. Many of these can be affected by diet, making selecting the right food for your pit bull all the more important for lifelong wellness.

The most common health concerns for pit bulls are:

Allergies

Cataracts

Skin issues

Congenital heart defects

Hip dysplasia

Luxating patella

Some are more avoidable than others, obviously, but feeding your pit a high-quality diet and helping her maintain a healthy weight go a long way in preventing unnecessary wear and tear on her body.

Keep An Eye Out For Dog Food Allergies: A Common Pibble Problem

Food allergies are also a common problem among pit bulls, so many owners like to use dog foods that avoid many of the most common allergens, including beef, chicken, soy, dairy products and eggs. Instead, many owners look for unusual (often called “novel”) proteins, such as venison or salmon.

However, there is nothing wrong with offering chicken or other common triggers if your dog has never been diagnosed with food allergies.

What Do You Do If You Suspect Your Pit Bull Has Food Allergies?

If your pittie is suffering from red, irritated skin, or incessant paw licking, you should probably make an appointment with your vet and explore the possibility that your pibble has some food allergies.

But in the meantime, you may want to consider experimenting with limited ingredient dog foods or hypoallergenic dog foods. These foods contain fewer ingredients than usual and often only have a single protein source, allowing you to narrow down the potential food ingredients that could be causing your pup’s problems.

Pit Bull Puppies vs Adults: How to Feed Them

Pit bull puppies should be fed three times a day, but adults can be fed twice daily – once in the morning and once at night. Additionally, because puppies have unique dietary needs that differ from those of adults, you should select a suitable puppy food for young dogs.

You can switch your puppy to adult dog food once he is about 80% to 90% of his final size. Just make sure that you do so gradually, by mixing in an increasing amount of the adult dog food with the puppy food over the course of a week or two.

What Is a “Pit Bull,” and Is It “Pit Bull” or “Pitbull?”

There is a ton of confusion and conflicting information about the term “pit bull,” so we’ll try to shed some light on the issue here.

Technically speaking, neither the term “pit bull” nor “pitbull” refer to a specific breed; instead, they are used (somewhat incorrectly) to refer to a handful of different bully breeds.

These blocky-headed doggos tend to share the same overall build, with a large head, wider muzzle, and muscular frame. Since they look similar, people tend to lump them together, though they’re distinct breeds with differing needs.

Pit Bull or Pitbull: Is It One Word or Two?

You’ll often see pit bull written as one word — pitbull. And while neither version refers to a specific breed, the term is best written in split fashion, as two different words.

American Pit Bull Terrier

These natural-born athletes stand between 17 and 21 inches at the withers and weigh between 35 and 60 pounds. This true “pit bull” is fairly active, though she won’t refuse a nap on your couch. Nutritionally, APBTs may struggle to maintain weight, with high-energy dogs burning through calories rapidly while couch potatoes may pile on pounds. They’re also prone to allergies, which can be linked to food.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

This “smiling” sweetheart has a wider head than the APBT and a stockier build, standing between 14 and 16 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 38 pounds. Like APBTs, this breed is prone to joint issues and skin allergies that can be impacted by their diet. Compared to APBTs, Staffordshires tend to gain unnecessary weight, as they aren’t as active.

American Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Also known as the AmStaff, this breed stands up to 19 inches at the shoulder and weighs up to 70 pounds. AmStaffs have a slightly wider head than APBTs and may outweigh them. Like APBTs, they’re an athletic breed, and their major health concerns include skin issues, heart disease, and hip dysplasia, all of which can be affected by their diet. Those weighing 70 pounds or more may require large-breed food as a puppy and as an adult.

American Bulldog

Unlike APBTs, American bulldogs are a large breed, as adults are up to 25 inches at the shoulder and may weigh up to 100 pounds. Therefore, they require a large-breed puppy food as youngsters and a large-breed food as adults to ensure proper nutrients. Most major health concerns for the breed are joint-related, including hip dysplasia.

American Bully

This is a relatively new breed on the scene that the AKC doesn’t recognize, but it’s common enough in the bully breed world to note here. American bullies are the result of breeding APBTs with various bulldogs, including English, American, and Olde English Bulldogges. Unfortunately, this has resulted in extreme body shapes, with broad shoulders and long, low builds leading to premature joint and back issues. American bullies aren’t as athletic as their APBT relatives and may gain weight rapidly.

The bottom line is that bully breed nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all. Feed your bully breed according to her actual breed, not the overall “pit bull” label. If she’s a true “pit bull” or APBT, her nutritional needs and health concerns will differ from others. Remember, just because dogs look alike on the outside that doesn’t mean they’re the same genetically.

Any of these best dog foods for pit bulls should fill your pittie’s belly and keep her healthy.

Just be sure that you offer an appropriate quantity of dog food, to ensure her body weight remains within the range recommended by your vet.

We’d love to hear your experiences with these (or any other) pit bull dog foods – let us know what you feed your pit in the comments below.

Are you a proud pittie owner? Make sure to also check out our article on the best dog toys for pit bulls (aka, the toughest toys we know of) as well as our guide to the best dog beds for pit bulls (again, we’ve dug up the most durable dog beds on the market).