While almost all pure dog breeds can eat the same food, pit bulls, and other mixed-breed dogs have a few unique dietary requirements. Even if you choose a highly-rated dog food, a particular brand might not be a healthy choice for your pit bull. For this reason, pit bull owners should pay closer attention to the nutritional content of the foods they choose for their pets.
Know Why Any Diet for Pitbulls Must Be Selective
Your vet might recommend daily vitamins for dogs since your pitbull might not get all of the nutrients they need from their dog food. Just as people need a full range of vitamins and nutrients, the best dog food for pitbulls will have a wide range of vitamins.
Even when you pick a food with a high nutritional value, your dog food brand might contain protein that your dog can’t digest. This is due to the sensitive digestive systems in mixed-breed dogs. Your veterinarian might recommend switching to a hydrolyzed-protein dog food. Manufacturers of this type of dog food break down the proteins into basic amino acids for easier digestion.
Signs your dog might be allergic to an ingredient in their food include:
- Frequent diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Excessive itching
- Irritability
- Hyperactivity
- Weight loss
Your pit bull might start to develop red spots or balding as a result of a food allergy. In addition to switching food, your vet might recommend skin supplements for dogs to clear up the skin irritation.
Human-Grade Foods to Avoid
There are many foods you should never feed to your dog. Some foods are toxic and cause a variety of health problems, while other foods present choking hazards. Avoid giving your dog foods containing toxic ingredients, such as sugar, xylitol, caffeine, or chocolate. Corn on the cob, meat on the bone, and hot dogs all pose choking hazards. Debone meat before sharing it with your pitbull.
In addition to knowing which foods you should avoid, be cautious about feeding foods to your dog that contain several different ingredients. For example, feeding pizza to your dog isn’t advisable because it contains gluten, dairy products, and pepperoni.
So what do pitbulls eat? It’s better to stick to natural foods proven safe for dogs to eat, such as apples, bananas, or blueberries. Otherwise, abide by the pitbull diet recommended by your trusted veterinarian.
Choosing the Best Food for Pitbulls
What type of dog food is best for pitbulls? There are several brands on the market that meet the special dietary requirements of pit bulls and similar mixed-breed dogs. You may need to experiment with a couple of brands to find one that meets your pet’s needs and appeals to their tastes.
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat
This could be the best dog food for pitbulls with skin allergies since it’s designed to promote a healthier coat. Although it only comes in salmon flavor, it contains a broad range of nutrients that aid in skin and coat health.
The food contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for building lean muscle mass. The food is also infused with probiotics to support better digestion. Overall, Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat is a good choice for pit bulls of all ages.
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food
You may be wondering, “What foods are pitbulls sensitive to?” In most cases, you’ll find that animal-based foods irritate this breed’s digestive system. In particular, pit bulls are sensitive to beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, and pork. Nom Nom Fresh took these dietary issues into account when they made their food.
This brand includes ground turkey along with brown rice, eggs, carrots, and spinach. While the eggs might be an issue, the majority of the protein comes from freshly ground turkey. The food is ideal for pit bulls of all ages.
Ollie Fresh Chicken
Ollie is a popular choice when looking specifically for the best puppy food for pitbulls. In fact, Ollie is a suburb choice for all large-breed puppies. Even as your pit bull ages into adulthood, your pet can still benefit from the nutritional content of this food. It does include white rice, so this isn’t the best choice when looking for a grain-free option.
Wellness Core Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Dog Food
As your pit bull reaches their senior years, their dietary needs will change. Food allergies might become more common, and your dog’s digestive issues may worsen. Wellness Core provides a good alternative for senior dogs with special needs. Since the food is grain-free, it helps provide nutrients without gluten.
This dog food comes in chicken or turkey flavors. It provides a wide range of nutrients that are essential for senior dog health. Many vets recommend this food for large-breed dogs for long-term wellness and health. Wellness Core promotes good digestion, immune system support, stronger joints, and healthier cartilage.
The Farmers Dog Fresh
If you’re looking for dog food that your pit bull can enjoy through every stage in their life, The Farmers Dog Fresh food is a great choice. The primary ingredients of this dog food include USDA pork, cauliflower, green beans, sweet potatoes, and white potatoes. Since the food contains 36% protein and 28% carbs, it’s ideal for an active pit bull of any age.
Pet owners will find that The Farmers Dog is also ideal for pit bulls with gluten allergies. This is a grain-free food, so it might be more easily digested than other foods that contain rice. Some benefits of making this food a dietary staple include healthier coats, fewer gastrointestinal problems, and stronger muscles and bones.
Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Tastes
When a dog is reluctant to eat a particular brand of food, it’s easy to assume it’s the flavor. However, the taste of the food might not be the only reason your dog seems reluctant to eat. If a food brand leaves your pet suffering digestive issues, they will eventually learn to avoid that food. Ask your vet about different brands that provide better nutrition for your pit bull.
