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.
Things to consider when planning your Pitbull’s diet
Whether you are buying commercial dog food or formulating a homemade diet for your puppy Pitbull, these are the rules you should always follow.
Animal protein is the best source of protein for pit bulls. It packs the full amino acids required by your puppy pit bull to build healthy muscle mass.
Plant-based proteins are still an option but they do not carry the full amino acids required. Fortunately, there are ways to supplement the missing proteins and ensure your pitbull puppy enjoys full health.
The best meat for a pit bull dog should have high amounts of amino acids which is its biological value. Here is a pitbull feeding chart on various meats and their biological value.
| Meat | Biological Value |
| Beef | 75 |
| Fish | 76 |
| Chicken | 79 |
| Eggs | 100 |
The higher the biological value, the more nutritious the meat is to your dog. We look at these sources of meat further.
This is one of the most affordable sources of meat for your puppy pit bull. Beef is rich in protein, B vitamins (B3, B6, and B12), iron, selenium, and zinc. The only downside of beef is that it can be really fatty.
Always opt for leaner options of beef to prevent unnecessary weight gain in your pit bull terrier. Moreover, this is not a globally available meet. Some countries don’t allow sales of products that have beef in them.
Fresh fish like salmon, trout, and tuna not only contain high amounts of amino acids but are also rich in vitamins and minerals.
Also, fish contains copious amounts of essential fatty oils, which are Omega 3 and Omega 6. All these nutrients combined facilitate the growth of muscle and bones as well as promote healthy skin and coats in your pitbull.
While considering a fish for dogs, try and avoid large fish like marlin and swordfish. Such fish contain high amounts of mercury which can harm your pup.
Chicken is as affordable as beef and globally available. It packs plenty of vitamins B3 and B6. Also, chicken is rich in minerals such as phosphorus and selenium. But, chicken carries a lot of fat, especially on the skin. If possible, take the skin off before feeding your puppy pit bull.
Lamb is another great source of high protein for your bluenose or red nose XL pit bull. This meat option packs plenty of vitamins B3 and B12. Also, lamb meat is a rich source of essential fatty oils; Omega 3 and Omega 6.
Pork meat contains plenty of quality proteins and vitamin B. Your pitbull terrier also benefits from the minerals phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and iron packed in pork.
But pork has plenty of saturated fats too. Try and feed small portions of this meat to avoid obesity in your puppy pit bull.
Organ meat, or offals, comprises of liver, spleen, or kidneys. Organ meat packs lots of natural nutrients that can help with muscle growth and healthy weight gain.
Ensure organ meat is screened for parasites before buying it. Also, buy organ meat from animals that your dog loves to eat, for example, beef or lamb. This helps prevent any digestive problems or pet diarrhea.
How to Properly Feed The Pit Bull?
Pitbulls are large muscular dog breeds with high energy levels. Their diet will be a lot different from that of toy breeds or low-energy breeds. You must map out your bully’s diet right from when they are puppies.
A healthy diet that is filled with nutrients not only makes your puppy Pitbull stronger but also protects them from common health issues that face dogs on poor diets.
Without further ado, here is what you need to know before planning your red nose or blue nose pit bull’s diet.
Different Types Of Puppy Food
There are five main types of dog food that pet parents can choose from. These five categories are:
Kibble is also called dry food. Many owners choose kibble for their dogs because it is the most economical and affordable option. Kibble often comes in generous-sized bags and stays fresh, when appropriately stored, for a long time. Kibble also works as a dental cleaner because it rubs along a dog’s teeth.
Stay away from the semi-moist varieties, especially those shaped like human foods. These tend to be exceptionally low in nutritional value and should not be relied on for proper nutrition. They can be used as an occasional treat, but long term will not provide your Pitbull, pup, or adult with the nutritional balance they need. Learn more about our favorite Pitbull foods.
Wet dog food comes in a can or pouch. This food also stays good for a long time and is sold in almost every grocery store one visits. Canned food tends to be more expensive, but not every canned food formula will provide the appropriate nutritional balance for a Pitbull puppy. Canned food also tends to have a high-water content, up to 75%. The more water, the less nutritional value to your puppy. This may mean she needs to eat more.
Pay very close attention to the ingredients when selecting wet dog food. She will also experience looser stools than dogs that eat mainly kibble. Try to look for those that specifically say that they meet 100% of a puppy’s nutritional needs. Often the label will mention this. Be incredibly careful with canned dog food, as it tends to be low in digestible proteins and high in bad fats.
Fresh dog foods are designed by vets and made from high-quality, fresh ingredients. There are even programs, including The Farmer’s Dog, where you can get freshly made canine chow delivered specifically formulated to your dog’s age, weight, and breed. These are on the more expensive side but are incredibly good for your dog. Even if you cannot afford to feed your Pitbull puppy fresh, human-grade dog food every day, it is something to consider occasionally and for a special treat.
Some pet owners may think that they can cook food for their pet that will be better than the commercial dog chow options. The likelihood is that unless you are working in close communication with your vet and following precise instructions, you should not feed your puppy home-cooked meals. There is no way to test it for nutritional value. Humans also use many spices and ingredients that can be harmful to dogs and hard on their digestive systems. While sneaking a treat here or there is not going to be a big deal, do not make a habit of cooking your dog meals every day.
BARF Stands for biologically appropriate raw food, or bones and raw food. Pet owners need to be incredibly careful when choosing this diet for their dogs. Raw diets are often far too rich for a puppy’s stomach. They are also not necessarily always nutritionally balanced for what your puppy needs.
If you are interested in the BARF diet for your Pitbull, make sure to consult with your veterinarian and a pet nutritionist first. Raw diets must include raw edible bones, raw muscle meats, raw organs, vegetables, fruit, seeds, nuts, and grains. Never switch to a raw diet for your Pitbull without explicitly discussing it with your veterinarian first.
FAQ
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