Pit bull refers to several breeds, including the American Pit bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. These muscular powerhouse dogs are beloved family pets due to their affectionate yet protective natures.
Like all dogs, pit bulls require a balanced and nutritious diet to maintain their health and vitality. However, their highly energetic personality and muscular build require a different ratio of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals for optimal health. Discover what to look for when choosing the best food for your pittie.
High-Quality Protein
Pit bulls are high-energy dogs that require a lot of protein to maintain their muscle mass. When searching for pit bull food, check the protein amounts and look for lean protein ingredients such as chicken, turkey, beef or fish.
Pit bull puppies need 22% protein content, while adults need 18%. However, food with a higher protein content does not always mean better nutrition. Your dog’s protein should be sourced from humanely-raised animals, farmed using sustainable, eco-friendly practices. This ensures the food is free from harmful additives such as antibiotics and hormones that can disrupt your pup’s development.
An excellent option is Open Farm wild caught salmon dog food, made from sustainably sourced salmon, which is high in lean protein, giving your pittie all the essential amino acids it needs to build lean muscles.
Healthy Fatty Acids
Fats are also essential to your pit bull’s diet, providing energy and supporting healthy skin and coat. Good sources of fat include chicken fat, fish oil and flaxseed. Pit bulls do not require as much fat in their diet as other dogs, but they will still need roughly 11-15% fat.
A great way to get these essential ingredients for your pit bull is healthy wet dog food. Wet dog food has natural ingredients like beef or chicken that serve as the core of a dog’s diet.
Complex Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an essential energy source for dogs and will make up around 40% of their diet. Some of the common carbohydrates are sweet potatoes, brown rice and peas which can be found in many dry dog foods. However, avoid dog foods with high levels of refined grains like wheat or corn, as pit bulls can be sensitive to them.
Some grains can cause digestive issues and allergic skin reactions like redness and itching. If you notice any allergy symptoms in your pit bull, check the ingredients of your dog food and see what type of grains it contains and consider switching to a grain-free option.
Balanced Nutrients
In addition to macronutrients, pit bulls require vitamins and minerals that support a healthy immune system, strong bones and overall health.
Try Open Farm dog food, which contains a diverse range of vegetable and fruit ingredients like pumpkin, apples, carrots and cranberries. These ingredients provide vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, D, E, K and various B vitamins, for optimal health.
If you struggle to find a balanced food for your pit bull, consider the benefits of bone broth for dogs. Open Farm bone broth is full of collagen and amino acids, which helps to keep your pit bull’s coat shiny and maintain muscle mass. It is an excellent option for adding hydration and increasing the calorie density and nutritional profile of your dog’s dry food.
Avoid Fillers and Artificial Preservatives
Fillers are ingredients that are added to dog food to bulk up the product and reduce costs. They provide little nutritional value and can be difficult for pit bulls to digest. Common fillers in dog food include corn, wheat and soy.
Also, avoid dog foods that contain artificial preservatives and colors. Preservatives such as ethoxyquin have been linked to various health problems in dogs, including allergies and digestive issues. Open Farm dog foods use natural preservatives, such as mixed tocopherols or vitamin E, to ensure our food is safe yet shelf stable.
Supplements for Pit Bulls
Pit bulls are prone to joint conditions such as hip dysplasia and bone diseases like degenerative myelopathy. While a well-balanced diet can help keep your pittie active and healthy, they may need a supplement to support joint mobility and bone density.
Try Open Farm Hip & Joint supplements that include ParActin, a plant-based extract that can improve skeletal muscle strength and reduce inflammation. Our supplements include collagen and omega-3 from seafood sources like Green Lipped Mussels. Omega-3 is a powerful antioxidant that can eliminate free radical damage and oxidative stress in the joints for enhanced mobility. Other marine ingredients like kelp can reduce joint inflammation and the severity of skin issues due to t allergies.
Choose Open Farm Dog Food for Your Pit Bull
Pit bulls need the right balance of protein and carbohydrates to maintain lean muscle mass and provide ample energy throughout the day. Open Farm dog foods are crafted from premium, human-grade ingredients that are ethically sourced and fully traceable, so you know you are giving your pup the best nutrition possible. Explore the full selection of wet, dry and freeze dried dog foods available.
Disclaimer: This article is meant only as an example meal with fully balanced nutrition, please reach out to our customer experience team if you have any questions about your pet's own unique circumstances! To ensure these products are a good fit for your pup, we also recommend consulting your pup's vet about any new supplement or diet changes, especially if there is a medical concern. They should be able to help as you and your vet know your pup's medical history best!
