One of the first questions asked by new Pitbull owners is, “How much am I supposed to feed my Pitbull?” While it may seem easy to answer, there are a lot of considerations when feeding any Pitbull breed.
Pitbulls can be one of several breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, and the American Bulldog.
Because of their large size and physique, you can assume that they have a big appetite for food. However, you should always prioritize a healthy diet for your pup.
Having a strict meal plan for your Pitbull puppy is the best way for them to grow healthy and stay active. This ultimate puppy feeding guide will help you choose the right dog food, set the proper feeding schedule, and more.
Our Recommended Dog Food For Pitbull Puppies
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Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula
Our choice for the best food for Pitbull puppies is the Taste of the Wild High Prairie. This is a grain-free puppy food.
In addition to being grain-free, this food does not have any common allergens, including corn, wheat, and soy. The first ingredient in this food is buffalo and it is made to be high in protein and nutrient-rich.
What To Feed a Pitbull Puppy
No matter how regularly you feed your Pitbull puppy, they won’t grow any healthier unless you put quality food in their bowl. And that’s where the decision of selecting puppy food comes in.
You can find several brands, flavors, and textures of puppy food in the market. Although it might take some taste-testing to see which one your Pitbull likes, knowing about the few basic types can make your decision easier.
With that in mind, here are a few broad categories of puppy food that you can select from:
Kibble doesn’t need any introduction. It’s the most common, convenient, and cost-effective type of dog food. You can find a variety of kibble formulas from different brands, but you should always pick one that both the AAFCO and the USDA have approved.
Another thing to look for in kibble food is the ingredients. Whole meat sources like beef, chicken, and fish are essential for muscular breeds like the Pitbull. The puppy food should contain fat derived from fish and vegetable oils along with fruits and vegetables for micronutrient support.
Look for a puppy food that contains a minimum of 30% protein and 8% fat on a dry matter basis. And try to avoid formulas that list ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy.
One of the benefits of kibble food is that it has the best shelf life among all other types. Its crunchy texture is also a natural plaque remover and ensures better dental health. And lastly, it costs the least compared to canned food or homemade diets.
Wet food, or canned food, is known best for its delightful taste and aroma that dogs find irresistible. It contains slices or chunks of meat dipped in broth or gravy. The meat comes from various sources, such as chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and more.
On average, a can of wet food contains 75% water. While this makes the food extremely delicious and hydrating, it also has a much shorter shelf life than kibble. Also, giving puppies wet food at every meal can cause loose stools.
But on the brighter side, an occasional wet food meal won’t hurt and might even increase your puppy’s appetite, especially if they’re a picky eater.
Homemade food is complex and difficult to prepare but also the most nourishing of all diets. It gives you complete control over what your puppy eats and will help you fine-tune their meals according to their preferences and potential health complications.
To prepare puppy food at home, you’ll want to consult a vet and discuss the list and quantity of ingredients required. The meals can be served fresh after cooking, blended and converted into paté, or frozen for later.
Just be careful when handling raw meat as it could contain salmonella and pose a risk of cross-contamination.
FAQ
How much should an 8 month old pit bull eat?
How much should I be feeding my pitbull?
What should a 10 week old pitbull puppy eat?
Growing puppies need food with at least 22.5 percent of high-quality protein (based on dry matter). The amino acid profile (how the proteins are put together) matters too, as do other nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus or magnesium.