The American Pit Bull Terrier is an amazing and strong breed. They can vary in size, but their feeding process is very important. An improper feeding schedule, and the amount of food you give your dog, can cause some potential health problems in the future.
Pitbulls like to be challenged when it comes to exercise, so the right amount of food, especially when they are in the developing stage, is crucial.
Don’t worry – we prepared a Pitbull feeding chart that will help you understand your Pitbull’s feeding needs.
Pitbull Feeding Chart by Age: How Much to Feed Your Pitbull?
The amount of food your Pitbull will eat will depend primarily on its age. A Pitbull puppy diet will look quite different from that of an adult dog. As a general rule, large adult Pitbulls require three cups of food daily.
However, as a pet parent, you need to know how much you need to feed your Pitbull at different life stages. To properly plan your dog’s diet, you can follow the feeding chart included in this section.
Nonetheless, this shouldn’t be an exclusive reference for the quantity of puppy food or adult food you feed your Pitbull. It should still be adjusted based on your dog’s needs and your vet’s recommendations, among other factors.
Pitbull Puppy Feeding Chart At A Glance
| Age | Type of Food | Cups a Day | Meals a Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 30 days | Mothers Milk | n/a | Unlimited |
| 4 – 6 weeks | Mothers Milk & Softened Kibble | n/a | Unlimited |
| 7 – 12 weeks | Puppy Food | 2 – 3 | 4 |
| 13 weeks – 6 months | Puppy Food | 3 – 4 | 3 – 4 |
| 7 – 15 months | Puppy Food | 4 – 5 | 2 – 3 |
| Adult | Adult Dog Food | 4 – 5 | 2 – 3 |
| Senior | Adult or Senior Dog Food | 2 | 2 |
Puppy vs. Adult Dog Formula
Puppies need more calories, fat, protein, and minerals than adult dogs. Large breed dogs are at higher risk for developmental orthopedic issues like hip and elbow dysplasia. Large breed puppy foods will be specially formulated to include a little less fat and a very specifically balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio. The rapid growth of larger breeds is considered when developing large breed puppy food. Puppies fed adult dog chow too soon are at risk for nutritional and developmental deficiencies.
Adult dogs need fewer calories than puppies and less protein. Adult dog food has more filler ingredients as well. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides regulations and guidelines for dog food. Their standards are as follows:
It is important to feed dogs the correct puppy or adult formulated food. Puppies who eat adult dog chow will lack calories, protein, and fats and can suffer from stunted growth and development as a result. Larger puppies should eat puppy food for a little longer, as they may not fully develop, like Pitbulls, until 13 or 14 months. (Some Bully breeds may even stay on puppy formula food until 16 months). Adult dogs fed puppy food will have too many calories, putting them at risk for obesity.
The poorer quality brands use filler ingredients, preservatives, artificial colors, and other ingredients that have no nutritional value. They are also often low in omega fatty acids and protein. These foods are the equivalent of human junk food and have zero nutritional value for dogs of any age. Spending the extra dollars for high-quality food is an investment in your Pitbull’s lifelong health. That is worth any expense, and food is not the place to try and save a few bucks.
The best food for your Pitbull will depend on her specific breed, size, age, and health. Adult dogs will need fewer calories than puppies. The average adult Pitbull will need about 1100 calories a day. Working dogs and large-sized dogs will need more. Senior Pitbulls need fewer. Those dogs aged seven or older will need about 900 calories a day. Keep in mind this fluctuates depending on size and activity level. Be careful not to overfeed your Pitbull. Overweight Bullies are at risk of joint issues, cardiovascular disease,
Pitbull puppies need dog chow that is 22% to 32% protein. Pitbull food should have high-quality animal proteins. Eggs, fish, poultry, turkey, duck, or rabbit are good choices. Limit lamb and beef, as these animal proteins have a higher rate of causing cancer in canines. Avoid pork and pork products for your Pitbull pup.
Pitbull pups need food that has 35 to 45% carbohydrates. Protein and fat are not enough to sustain your Bully throughout her day. Healthy carbohydrates can be found in grains (rice, oatmeal, barley, etc.). They are also found in vegetables. Peas, lentils, and sweet potatoes are common sources.
Your Bully’s diet should have 2.4% to 5.6% fiber for puppies and younger dogs. Fiber helps dogs regulate their digestive systems and keeps their stools healthy. Fiber is low-calorie and can be found in many fruits and vegetables. Sweet potatoes, beet pulp, spinach, green beans, apples, ground flaxseed, carrots, strawberries, and even lettuce are great healthy fiber sources.
Omega fatty acids are necessary components needed for healthy puppy development. It is vital to watch fat intake, but some healthy fats are needed for skin and coat health. They also play a role in brain development, eye health, and overall health. Fish, fish oils, meat, and certain oils are ingredients to look for. Fat should make up 11 to 15% of dog food. The amino acid DHA is essential for brain development. Look for foods that have at least 0.20% DHA.
Puppy chow for Bullies should have between 0.8% and 1.4% calcium and between 7% and 1.2% phosphorus. Puppy chow also needs to include vitamin D and magnesium. Calcium is essential for bone health, but too much can cause issues with joint formation. Too little leads to weak bones. Adult Pitbulls need dog chow that has about 25% protein.
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FAQ
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