Feeding a Pitbull puppy starts with finding a commercial or homemade diet that contains all the right nutrition for their life stages.
Changes need to be made gradually, and the number of meals each day needs to reflect their age.
The result is a Pitbull puppy diet that supports healthy growth, and avoids dreaded Pitbull allergies and sensitive tummy.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best puppy foods for Pitbulls, the ideal amount of daily feedings, how much to feed and more.
They might not get the best rap, but Pitbulls are loving and lovable family dogs, if raised right.
The term “Pitbull” can actually refer to one of several Pitbull breeds.How big will your puppy grow?
And make sure you take a look at this guide for more information on bathing your new puppy!
When you bring your Pitbull puppy home, make sure that you know exactly what the breeder (or shelter) was feeding her.
Keep on feeding your pup that very same thing for at least two weeks. This will give your puppy time to get settled into her new home.
Mix in 10 percent of the new food with 90 percent of the “old” food on day one.
Another good thing you can do for your Pitbull puppy’s digestion is adding probiotics to the food once daily.
Before we choose the perfect food for your Pitbull puppy, let’s have a look at the nutritional needs of a growing Pitbull.
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.
Even the ratios can play a role—for example, aim for a calcium to phosphorus ratio between 1:1 and 2:1.
Too much protein and too many “bone building blocks” can cause your puppy to grow too quickly and develop joint problems later in life.
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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How Much Should A Pitbull Puppy Eat?
Pitbull puppies need food with a higher calorie and fat content to help them grow. An ideal diet would include 22% to 32% protein. Protein is pivotal in muscle and bone growth. Ideally, Pitbull puppies should be on their mother’s milk for the first six weeks of their life. Pitbull puppy formulas can be used as a substitute if the mother cannot nurse puppies for this long. Males tend to be larger and will need more sustenance.
Newborn Pitbull puppies are blind and deaf at birth. Their eyes and ears will open in the next few weeks. At this time, puppies will spend most of their time asleep or eating. Despite seeming like they are not doing much, puppies are growing quite rapidly at this time. They will stick very close to their mothers and rely on their mother’s milk for their nutrition.
The mother’s milk has everything puppies need. It is high in colostrum, which gives pups antibodies. Colostrum is the first milk produced by a momma dog directly after birth. It is custom-created to fulfill the unique needs of puppies and is full of antibodies, hemoglobin, and other growth factors. Colostrum cannot be recreated artificially. If possible, mother dogs should breastfeed puppies right after birth to get this nutrient-rich health supplement that is important to their development.
Mother dogs should be encouraged to nurse their puppies as long as possible. However, unfortunately, some mother dogs will reject their pups or not be able to produce enough milk to sustain them. If this happens, contact your vet as soon as possible. They can help you choose the right supplements and substitutes to ensure your puppy gets everything she needs.
By two weeks old, puppies will start to look and feel a little sturdier. Their eyes and ears will open. You will see which puppies are the strongest and most active. Make sure all puppies are getting the opportunity to nurse from their mom. Smaller pups who may not be getting enough milk may need to be given formula as a supplement. It is a lot of work for puppy owners in these first few weeks to ensure that puppies are getting enough appropriate nutrition. This is a vital time in their development and sets the stage for a healthy life.
At three weeks old, Pitbull puppies will have found their feet. They will start taking exploratory steps around their mothers and will likely be off-balance and a little UN sturdy. They should still be entirely sustained on the mother dog’s milk. Do not attempt to wean a puppy just yet. If a puppy needs to be put on formula, try to stick to one kind. Ask your veterinarian for the best milk substitute. Do not try to introduce a three-week-old puppy to any type of solid food. A Pitbull puppy’s appetite will start to increase as they burn off extra energy learning how to use their legs.
At four weeks old, your Pitbull puppy will be reasonably sturdy on her feet. She should still be nursing if possible. If weaning needs to start at this point, there are a couple of ways to do it. The substituting of formula for breast milk, as we mentioned before, will provide a puppy with the same nutritional sustenance she will get from her mother. It is okay at this time to introduce a tiny amount of puppy food mixed with water. The mixture should be mostly water, with a ratio of about three times as much water as dog chow.
Puppies may or may not be interested in puppy chow at this time, and it is perfectly normal for them not to be. Her mom’s milk is still the best choice, and instinctively she may know this. When she is ready to move on to dog food, she will let you know. Do not stop trying to introduce it, but do not force the issue. They will likely have a set of puppy teeth at least partially grown in by now.
By five weeks of age, Pitbull puppies will be a little more curious. They will want to explore around them more and will have mastered their legs and feet. They should also be growing some teeth by this time, which may coincide with their interest in solid dog chow. Again, puppies at this age should be fed a mixture that is mainly water. They should still get most of their nutrition and food from their mother’s milk.
At six weeks (about one and a half months), old Pitbull puppies should be interested in a mixture of water and dog food. You can reduce the amount of water in the mix if your puppy is eating well. She will still be nursing and getting the bulk of her sustenance from her mother. However, if this is not possible, continue to supplement with puppy formula. Keep in close touch with your vet to make sure that your puppy is getting the right amount of nutrients and vitamins crucial to her development if she cannot nurse.
By seven weeks (about one and a half months) of age, Pitbull pups should start weaning from their mother. They will likely be eating puppy chow. You can cut out most of the added water at this time and work on getting your puppy to eat the dog food more rather than relying on their mom’s milk. By now, mother dogs will likely tire of nursing, and their bodies will need replenishing.
Pitbull puppies should be 100% reliant on puppy food by eight weeks of age. They should get offered meals about four times a day. It is best to get your puppy on a consistent feeding schedule. Even if your puppy whines a little bit between mealtimes, it is okay to let her get a little bit hungry rather than give in to the whining. By this stage, pups should not be getting formula and should not be bothering mom for milk anymore. They are also old enough to go to new homes. Before eight weeks of age, it is really best that they stay close to mom.
Nine-week-old pups will be 100% on solid puppy chow. There are plenty of options for both dry and wet kibble. About two cups of chow a day divided into three or four servings is what they need right now. Puppies will be highly active at this stage, and you may see some fluctuations in appetite. There may be some days when she wants to eat everything in sight and other days when she seems a little less hungry. If your dog refuses to eat, reach out to your veterinarian to figure out the problem.
Puppies that go off to new homes or come into your home at this age might be switched from the food the breeder was using to the food their new owners choose. Keep in mind that this switch may cause them a little bit of tummy trouble. If possible, try to wean them off the old food by introducing a mixture of old puppy chow and new puppy chow. You can gradually phase out the old food. Make sure not to do this too quickly, as it can cause a puppy digestive distress.
A ten-week-old Pitbull pup can only be described as a handful. She will be full of energy and curious as can be. She may try to investigate the great big new world she lives in by trying to eat everything in sight. This includes people’s food, puppy chow, and household items that might not be edible. Keep a very close eye on her, and make sure to keep your home as clean as possible. Your pup will have a bigger appetite now than you have ever seen. This is because she is burning a lot of energy playing, exploring, and learning new things. Your puppy should have been to the vet to talk about puppy shots and any nutritional or other health concerns by ten weeks.
At this age, puppies may start to develop an attitude and a little bit of a stubborn streak. This can sometimes affect mealtimes. If she refuses to eat at mealtime, it is recommended to leave the food out for 10 minutes and then put it away. There is nothing like a growling tummy to teach your puppy that mealtimes are when we eat. It is vital to establish these set mealtimes and limit your pup’s control of her food. She may be cute, but she does not know what is best for her well-being and long-term health.
At eleven weeks (about two and a half months), your Pitbull puppy should still be on a regular feeding schedule. Four times a day is ideal. Three times a day is okay if four is not possible. Limit mealtimes to about 10 to 20 minutes. Make sure to clean up any leftovers that she does not eat. Leaving chow out all day sends a message that she can eat whenever she wants to. It is essential to keep her on a regular feeding schedule to monitor how much she is eating, teach her to eat the food you offer, and see how well she reacts to it.
At twelve weeks (about three months) old, your Pitbull pup will be a bundle of energy. Periodic snacks and treats throughout the day are okay. Try not to overdo this. Stick to regular mealtimes. Three meals a day is perfect at this point. Keep your Bully pup on puppy chow, even though she might seem ready or interested in adult dog kibble. Puppy formulated dog food contains the perfect balance of nutrients to ensure your puppy’s health. She should stay on puppy chow for the first year of her life. Puppy kibble has a higher calorie count, and with a large amount of energy she is expending, she will need that specially formulated puppy diet.
A general guideline for Pitbull puppy eating schedules is as follows:
Remember, as your puppy gets older, she will need fewer calories. Younger puppies need more, so they will need to eat more periodically throughout the day. Very young puppies will need meals offered to them every few hours to ensure that their blood sugar stays at a healthy level.
Pitbull pups will reach an adult weight at about 13 or 14 months old. So, you can expect rapid growth for the first few months and then growth to taper off as they reach a year old.
Newborn Pitbull puppies weigh about 7 to 10 ounces. By two months of age, they will have reached about 7 pounds. At four months, Pitbulls can weigh in their range of 18 to 21 pounds. Around six months, they will reach 30 pounds. Between 6 and 8 months, Pitbulls will reach on average 35 pounds, and by a year or 14 months, they will reach 38 pounds.
Some Pitbulls will weigh much more than that. Many reach 60 or even 100 pounds. It all depends on their specific bloodlines, whether they are purebred, and the genetic makeup of their parents. The information we are presenting is a general guideline.
Regardless of the size, your Pitbull reaches as an adult, the most important thing to remember is that she is healthy and receives proper nutrition from newborn to adulthood.
Best Dog Food for Pitbulls September 2022
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog foods for bullies for September 2022.
Rating:
Annamaet Ultra is one of 8 recipes included in our review of Annamaet dog food.
Annamaet Ultra derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal and dry eggs. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 63%.
| Why We Like This Brand |
|---|
| High protein, low carb design for superior nutrient balance |
| Grain-inclusive recipe without corn, wheat or soy |
| Contains probiotics for healthy digestion |
| Includes DHA to strengthen blood vessel linings |
| Omega-3 fats to support flexible joints |
Rating:
Bully Max High Performance is featured in our review of Bully Max dog food.
Bully Max High Performance derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal and fat. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 22% fat and 36% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 67%.
| Why We Like This Brand |
|---|
| Flaxseed with omega-3 fats for healthy skin and coat |
| No BHA or other high-risk preservatives for lower cancer risk |
| Rich in meat-based protein |
| Grain-inclusive recipe. Contains no legume concentrates |
| Includes beet pulp fiber to support healthy digestion |
Rating:
Turkey Fare is one of 4 fresh human-grade recipes included in our review of Nom Nom dog food.
Nom Nom Turkey Fare derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh ground turkey. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 17% fat and 42% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
| Why We Like This Brand |
|---|
| Made with fresh human-grade meat or poultry |
| Fully balanced recipe for superior nutrition |
| Designed by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN) |
| As close as you can get to homemade without all the fuss |
| Other recipes: Chicken, Beef, Pork |
Rating:
Dr. Tim’s Kinesis formula is one of 8 recipes included in our review of Dr. Tim’s dog food.
Dr. Tim’s Kinesis formula derives most of its animal protein from chicken meal and fat. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 62%.
| Why We Like This Brand |
|---|
| Abundant meat content for ideal amino acid balance |
| Budget-friendly recipe to offer more affordable value |
| Iron proteinate and other chelated minerals for optimal absorption |
| Contains grain. No plant-based meat replacements |
| Spinach and other antioxidants to prevent cell damage |
Rating:
High-Protein Adult Chicken is one of 4 dry recipes included in our item-by-item review of Crave Dog Food.
Crave Adult Chicken derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 19% fat and 35% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
| Why We Like This Brand |
|---|
| All ingredients clearly identified to help identify food allergies |
| Chelated minerals for superior absorption |
| Contains no BHA or other high-risk preservatives for lower cancer risk |
| 100% grain-free recipe. No corn, wheat, rice or barley |
| Balanced nutrient formula ideal for adult dogs |
Rating:
Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe is one of 9 recipes included in our review of Taste of the Wild dog food.
Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe derives most of its animal protein from duck, as well as duck and chicken meals. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.
| Why We Like This Brand |
|---|
| Contains probiotics and prebiotics for healthy digestion |
| Includes blueberries and other natural antioxidants for superior nutrition |
| Offers multiple flavor options ideal for picky eaters |
| Balanced grain-free design. No corn or wheat |
| No anonymous organ meats helps identify stubborn food allergies |
Rating:
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages is one of 13 recipes included in our review of Diamond Naturals dog food.
Diamond Naturals All Life Stages derives most of its animal protein from chicken and chicken meal. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 62%.
| Why We Like This Brand |
|---|
| Contains kale, oranges and other antioxidants for healthy arteries |
| Affordable, budget-friendly recipe for exceptional value |
| Nutritionally complete grain-inclusive recipe |
| Low fat-to-protein ratio for better nutritional balance |
| Offers multiple flavor options perfect for diet rotation |
Rating:
Wellness Complete Health Adult recipe is one of 13 recipes included in our review of Wellness Complete Health dog food.
Wellness Complete Health Adult recipe derives most of its animal protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 27% protein, 13% fat and 52% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
| Why We Like This Brand |
|---|
| Contains lignan-rich flaxseed to help lower cancer risk |
| Ideal blend of quality protein, fat and carbs |
| No toxic chemical preservatives for reduced risk of cancer |
| Contains no soy protein boosters for superior amino acid balance |
| Meat ingredients clearly named to help identify food allergies |
Rating:
Nulo Freestyle Turkey and Sweet Potato is one of 9 recipes included in our review of Nulo Freestyle dog food.
Nulo Freestyle Turkey and Sweet Potato derives most of its animal protein from deboned turkey and both turkey and salmon meals. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 20% fat and 35% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 55%.
| Why We Like This Brand |
|---|
| No plant protein concentrates for superior amino acid profile |
| High-protein salmon and turkey meals for lean muscle development |
| Manganese proteinate and other chelated minerals for faster absorption |
| Antioxidant-rich, grain-free design for ideal nutrient balance |
| No high-risk coloring agents for lower cancer risk |
Rating:
Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Open Range is one of 3 recipes included in our review of Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak dog food.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Open Range derives most of its animal protein from beef and chicken meal. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 17% fat and 42% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.
| Why We Like This Brand |
|---|
| Abundant meat content for ideal amino acid balance |
| Safe, antioxidant based preservatives for lower cancer risk |
| Uniform blend of protein, fat and carbs |
| Healthy grain-free design. No corn, wheat or soy |
| 100% balanced formula suitable for both puppies or adults |
Rating:
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed is one of 7 recipes included in our review of Merrick Backcountry.
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large Breed derives most of its animal protein from deboned chicken, as well as turkey and chicken meals. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 19% fat and 30% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 45%.
| Why We Like This Brand |
|---|
| Includes chelated minerals for faster absorption |
| 100% grain-free recipe for superior nutrition |
| Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health |
| All ingredients clearly identified. No anonymous meat |
| High protein, low carb recipe for optimal nutrient balance |
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FAQ
What kind of food should I feed my pitbull puppy?
What should I feed my 8 week old pitbull puppy?
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.