Dog food for baby pitbulls
Best Dog Food For Pitbull Puppies
The best dog food for Pitbull puppies will provide all of the nutrition your developing canine friend needs. But it should also be one he enjoys!
Pitbull puppies have unique dietary needs. So you need to make sure you feed your puppy a homemade or commercial diet that has all the nutrition he will need at this crucial life stage.
As your puppy ages, you will need to change the quantity and type of food you feed your dog. But this should be done gradually and thoughtfully.
Here are some tips on how to find the best dog food for Pitbull puppies.
What is the Best Puppy Food for Pitbulls?
If you are thinking about raising a Pitbull puppy, you should know that these dogs are some of the friendliest and most loving dogs around. Despite the poor stereotypes that sometimes surround them.
They are prone to some health issues, such as food allergies. But these can easily be treated by finding the best dog food for your Pitbull puppy’s unique dietary needs.
The phrase “Pitbull” can refer to several types of breeds. But this article will tell you everything you need to know in order to feed a majority of the popular Pitbull breeds.
When you bring your puppy home, make sure you know exactly what the shelter or breeder was feeding him. For the first couple weeks you have your puppy, the best dog food for Pitbull puppies will be whatever they were originally fed. This will allow your puppy plenty of time to get settled into his new home.
Once you are ready to transition into a new Pitbull puppy food, you should do so slowly. You can combine ten percent of the new food with ninety percent of the old on the first day, and then gradually increase the new food over the course of a week. This way, your Pitbull won’t experience any digestive upset as a result.
Best Diet for Pitbull Puppy
You should always consult your vet about the best dog food for Pitbull puppies. But if you’re just getting started, there are some basic recommendations you should keep in mind.
Good puppy food for Pitbulls will contain at least 22.5 percent high quality protein. This is usually based on dry matter. But, the rest of the food matters too. Specifically how the proteins are put together and whether there are nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, or magnesium present.
Your Pitbull puppy can’t thrive on protein alone. Too much protein and your puppy can struggle from joint problems and obesity. So, it is important that you avoid overfeeding your dog and that you adjust him to a high-quality, varied diet.
The best dog food for Pitbull puppies will provide this variety of nutrients.
Best Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies
There are lots of dog foods out there for you to choose from when it comes to selecting the best dog food for Pitbull puppies. You can select a commercial kibble or wet food. Or you can prepare your own raw or cooked foods for your Pitbull puppy.
The most important thing is that you find a dog food that meets the AAFCO requirements for growing puppies.
But, the best dog food for Pitbull puppies will vary depending on your individual pup. If he has a food allergy or a sensitive stomach, you may need to be more careful about the ingredients in your puppy’s food.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science has several formulas of dry dog food. But the Hill’s Science Diet puppy blend is perhaps the best dog food for Pitbull puppies if you want a nice, balanced combination of ingredients.
This food comes with ideal levels of calcium and other minerals to help support your pup’s bone development. It also has DHA from fish oil to support eye and brain development, along with plenty of lean protein to help your dog build muscle.
Best Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies to Gain Weight
If your puppy started out as a small dog or dealt with a health condition that left him underweight, you may want food for your Pitbull puppy to gain weight. These foods tend to be higher in protein and calories. So you will need less food to provide your Pitbull puppy with additional calories.
IMPORTANT: Always consult your vet first if you suspect your puppy is underweight, or needs help gaining weight.
Bully Max High Performance Super Premium Dog Food
There are a lot of things we like about the Bully Max Dog Food. It uses real meat as the primary ingredient and has a whopping 535 calories per cup. This is much more calories than you will find in practically any other dog food. This dog food has never been recalled as it is triple-checked before it leaves the facility.
This dog food should not be fed to very young puppies. But is a great option for older puppies and can even be fed to adult dogs. It can even be fed to pregnant or nursing dogs, so it will be a suitable choice for your pup in all stages of his or her life.
Diamond Premium Dry Dog Food for Growing Puppies
The Diamond Premium Recipe is perfect as a dog food for Pitbull puppies. It has optimal levels of fat and protein to support your puppy, along with DHA from salmon oil to encourage brain and eye development.
This kibble has 31 percent protein with 20 percent fat. Plus, fiber and other essential nutrients.
The ingredients are sourced sustainably from all around the world to help make a difference in this best dog food for Pitbull puppies.
Best Dry Food for Pitbull Puppies
Kibble, or dry food, is one of the most popular and most convenient types of dog food. Generally it is easy to store and can be fed on the go. Kibble comes in all kinds of flavors and is easily digestible. Try to avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and fructose whenever possible.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Protein Grain Free Puppy Food
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness dry dog food is a great choice for Pitbulls. Not only is it loaded with real chicken to satisfy your Pitbull puppy’s cravings for meat, it also contains lots of protein to encourage early muscle growth and development.
This food also contains the fatty acids that are in a mother’s milk, such as DHA and ARA, to help support the retinal health and cognitive development of your Pitbull puppy.
It does not contain fillers like corn, soy, wheat, or preservatives.
Keep in mind that this is a dog food you will want to store in a cool, dry setting. Although it is not a wet food that spoils easily, it can go bad outside or in a hot garage.
Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Lamb & Rice
Eukanuba makes many different flavors of dry dog food for young puppies, but the Eukanuba Lamb and Rice formula is one of the most popular. Lamb is the first ingredient in this food, which can be fed to puppies until they reach 54 lbs.
This food provides your puppies with all the energy they need from carbohydrates, fat, and of course, protein. It has very small kibbles that are easy for your Pitbull puppy to digest.
Best Wet Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies
Wet dog food is another popular choice for feeding Pitbull puppies. Wet food contains about 75 percent water, and it makes it aromatic and flavorful for your Pitbull puppy to enjoy. Unfortunately, it spoils more easily, and it does not offer the same teeth-cleaning effect as dry kibble.
If you are feeding wet food, make sure you only feed wet food exclusively if the product says it may be fed this way. Otherwise, a Pitbull puppy that is fed only wet food may develop diarrhea.
Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food Variety Packs
If you have a picky eater on your hands, the Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food Variety Packs might be a good option. There are plenty of flavors to choose from in these wet trays, including filet mignon and rotisserie chicken.
These wet foods are made without grains. They can be fed to adult and puppies alike but you will not want to give your puppy a full tray. Only about half or a quarter of a tray mixed with some dry puppy food to help clean his teeth and prevent diarrhea.
Nutro Puppy Wet Dog Food
Another good dog food for Pitbull puppies is the Nutro Puppy Wet Dog Food. This food comes in multiple different flavors, such as lamb and potatoes. Meat is always the first ingredient in these wet foods, and they are always grain-free to help encourage rapid growth.
These wet dog foods are made with non-GMO ingredients and have the perfect amount of protein to help your puppy develop healthy muscles, bones, and joints. You can get it as a chunk formula or pate formula depending on which style your puppy prefers.
Raw Puppy Food for Pitbulls
A raw diet is also appropriate in some cases. There is not much evidence proving that a raw food diet is superior to a commercial diet. But there are arguments supporting both sides. Proponents of raw food diets believe that the raw foods make their dogs healthier and happier. Others argue that a raw food diet won’t provide all the nutrients your dog needs.
Either way, if you choose to feed a Pitbull puppy a raw food diet, ask you vet to help plan a diet which meets all their nutrient requirements. A raw diet will include basic foods like meat, seafood, and vegetables. But you will need to prepare these yourself.
If you decide to feed a raw diet to your Pitbull puppy, know that it will not make your dog more “blood-thirsty,” as many opponents of a raw-food diet argue.
However, you do need to pay attention to hygiene. Just as bacteria in raw meat can make you sick, it can also make your Pitbull puppy ill, too.
How Much Dog Food For Puppy Pitbulls?
Many people assume that as their Pitbull puppy gets older, they can feed it more food. This is often not the case. The older your puppy gets, the fewer calories per pound of body weight he will require. He can also go longer between feedings.
This is because young puppies need lots of calories to fuel their rapid growth. As their growth slows down and eventually stops, they no longer need these calories.
If you are feeding a puppy younger than four months, you should provide him with four meals daily. This will shrink to two meals daily once your puppy is a full-grown dog.
In terms of the quantity, make sure you check the packaging on a commercial food. A commercial wet or dry food will tell you exactly how much you need to feed your dog. If you think the packaging may not be providing you with accurate estimates in terms of how much to feed, just check with your vet.
In general, you should feed your puppy twice the Resting Energy Requirement for his or her current weight. You will need to weigh your puppy regularly in order to figure this out.
What is the Best Puppy Food for Pitbull Puppies?
A Pitbull puppy is technically considered a puppy until about fourteen months of age. After this time, you may be able to switch to a food for adult dogs. Your puppy is all grown up and no longer needs the high protein provided in puppy foods.
Don’t stress about trying to find the best food for bully puppy feedings. You can easily figure out the best food to give a Pitbull puppy by observing his or her unique behaviors, preferences, and health.
Hopefully, we have given you all the information you need to find the top dog food for Pitbull puppies.
What do you believe to be a good puppy food for Pitbulls? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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References and Resources:
- “AAFCO Methods for Substantiating Nutritional Adequacy of Dog and Cat Foods.
” Association of American Feed Control Officials. 2015. - “Choosing a Pet Food.” University of Florida Small Animal Hospital College of Veterinary Medicine.
- “Complete and Balanced Pet Food.” Food and Drug Administration. 2018.
- Freeman, L. et al. “Current knowledge about the risks and benefits of raw meat–based diets for dogs and cats.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2013.
- Gawor, J. et al. “Influence of Diet on Oral Health in Cats and Dogs.” The Journal of Nutrition. 2006.
- “Myths and Misconceptions Surrounding Pet Foods.” The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.
- “Questions You Should be Asking About Your Pet’s Food.” Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. 2016.
- Dahms, I. et al. “Safety of a novel feed ingredient, Algal Oil containing EPA and DHA, in a gestation lactation-growth feeding study in Beagle dogs.” PLOS One. 2019.
- “What every pet owner should know about food allergies.
” Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. 2017.
8 Best Dog Foods for Pitbull Puppies in 2023 - Reviews & Top Picks
Pitbulls tend to have big appetites to match their big personalities. And this beautiful dog breed will eat just about anything you put in front of it. If you’re like most new Pitbull puppy owners, you are probably wondering what kind of food you should be feeding your pooch to ensure that they grow strong and healthy as they age into adulthood. There are many interesting options available on the market, each claiming to provide optimal nutrition for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds.
But no two dog food brands are created equally. A package may say that food includes complete nutrition, but that doesn’t mean that it will provide your Pitbull pup with all the vitamins, minerals, and protein they need to thrive. We know how tough it can be to figure out what kind of quality food to feed a Pitbull puppy, so we’ve taken the time to review several brands to see which come out on top and which should be skipped.
Following are reviews for our eight favorite types of dog food for Pitbull puppies.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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| Best Overall | The Farmer's Dog Fresh Beef Recipe |
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| Best Value | Rachael Ray Nutrish |
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| Taste of the Wild |
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| Hill’s Science Diet |
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| Blue Buffalo |
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The 8 Best Dog Foods for Pitbull Puppies
1.
The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe Fresh Dog Food Subscription — Best OverallClick Here to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping with The Farmer's Dog
Our first choice for the best dog food for pitbull puppies is The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe. This recipe includes USDA beef, USDA beef liver, sweet potatoes, lentils, carrots, sunflower oil, kale, fish oil, and a special The Farmer’s Dog nutrient blend. It is also packed with the vitamins and essential growing pitbull puppies need to be healthy and strong. You’ll also find that Pepe’s Beef meets all the requirements and nutritional levels set forth by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages. These standards by the AAFCO include larger-sized dog breeds such as Pitbulls.
The only true downside we found with The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe is the fact that it must be kept frozen and requires thawing in the fridge the day prior. While this isn’t normally an issue, if a busy pet parent forgets, their pups may need to depend on another food option for the following day.
All in all, we think The Farmer’s Dog is the best dog food you can find on the market today for Pitbull puppies
- Features USDA beef and beef liver
- Meets AAFCO standards for all life stages
- Includes essential vitamins and minerals for healthy growth
- Ideal for large dog breeds
- Requires thawing if stored frozen
2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Bright Puppy Food — Best Value
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This high-quality puppy food features pasture-raised chicken grown in the United States that is slow-roasted to lock in all the juices and flavors — your Pitbull puppy won’t be able to resist it. In addition to the tasty chicken that will provide your pooch with all the protein they need to grow strong, Rachael Ray Nutrish dry puppy food includes a variety of fresh fruits and veggies that will support optimal health as your pup learns to be an adult.
Thought of as one of the best dog foods for Pitbull puppies for the money, this formula even includes cranberries to ensure that your pup will get all the vitamin C they need to properly absorb all the other nutrients they’re getting.
This food does contain a significant amount of rice, though, so if you want to feed your Pitbull pup a grain-free diet, this isn’t the option for you.
- Made with high-quality protein sourced in the United States
- Offers complete nutrition for all stages of puppyhood
- Features a natural source of vitamin C
- Contains a high amount of grains, which can cause digestion problems for some Pitbull puppies
3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Food — Premium Choice
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As the name suggests, Taste of the Wild High Prairie puppy food is designed to provide your pooch with a balanced diet sourced from nature. Instead of beef or chicken, this dog food features fresh buffalo and bison that will indulge your pooch’s wild instincts. This is a high-quality food free of grains and filled with veggies like chicory root to support a healthy digestive system and essential minerals for strong bones.
But you can expect to pay more for this puppy food than you will for the first choices on this review list. You may also find that your puppy doesn’t like the wild taste of bison and buffalo if they’re used to eating chicken or beef.
- Made with ingredients dogs would find in the wild
- Supports a healthy digestive system
- More expensive than similar options on the market
4. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Canned Dog Food
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This is a wet dog food that’s formulated to promote optimal immunity, which is important for curious puppies that like to explore outside, where viruses and other dangers might be lurking. If your Pitbull puppy has a problem digesting dry food, they may have better luck with this option because it’s designed to support gentle digestion.
Puppies tend to love wet food over dry because it’s easier to chew and eat. But you may have to brush your dog’s teeth often between meals because this feed tends to get stuck between teeth.
It also costs more than dry dog food, so you may find that it’s expensive to keep up with your Pitbull pup’s diet needs as they grow bigger.
- Promotes gentle digestion for active puppies
- Supports an optimal immunity system
- More expensive than dry food
- Can get stuck between teeth and cause dental problems
5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Food
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection puppy formula is specially made to help your Pitbull puppy grow big and strong. This food features plenty of clean protein and a multitude of vitamins and nutrients that your pooch will need as their bones and muscles grow. In addition to the real meat, your pup will chow down on whole grains that are good for their heart, vegetables that will help keep them healthy, and fruits for the extra energy they need while playing and growing.
An added dose of calcium and phosphorous is added to support strong bones, especially when your Pitbull starts getting big and putting on more weight.
There are eye and brain support via added DHA and AHA. Essential fatty acids are also included, which will help keep your puppy satiated between meals and keep their coats nice and soft. One downside is that puppies tend to get diarrhea when switching to this food. But luckily, this side effect is temporary.
- High-quality blend free of corn and other fillers
- Small pieces of kibble are easy for puppies to chew and digest
- Easy-to-read ingredients list
- Some puppies experience diarrhea for a few days after being introduced to this food
6. American Journey Puppy Dry Dog Food
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The American Journey team knows how important puppy nutrition is to you, as well as important taste is to your Pitbull puppy. This food is specially formulated to taste great without sacrificing vital nutrition. Whole chicken and chicken meal are the first ingredients, and antioxidants are added to ensure exceptional immune health through adulthood.
What this food lacks are artificial colors and flavors.
One major downside, however, is that the kibble pieces are large and can be tough for young puppies to chew before swallowing, which may lead to poor digestion. This product does contain a prominent amount of brown rice, so if you’re transitioning your Pitbull pup from a non-grain diet, you should do so gradually over a couple of weeks to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal upset.
- Made with added antioxidants for intense immune support
- Great flavor that most puppies love
- Larger kibble size can be a turnoff for younger Pitbull pups
7. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food
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This puppy food does contain grains, but it’s not just the typical rice or corn that you might expect. It’s formulated with ancient grains, such as quinoa, to provide wholesome nutrition that your Pitbull puppy might find in nature.
It also includes de-boned chicken, beef, or seafood, depending on the formula you choose to make sure all your pup’s protein needs are covered.
You’ll find that this brand is quite pricey compared to some higher-quality options, which can add up over a year. The kibble pieces are larger than many other options too, which is fine for older Pitbull puppies but can be troublesome for pups new to eating dry food. It may have to be soaked in water or broth before serving.
- Choose from meat, fish, and poultry options to keep things exciting for your puppy
- Includes fruits and vegetables for whole food nutrition
- Larger kibble pieces may need to be soaked until the puppy molars grow in
- More expensive than some brands that are of higher quality
8. Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Dry Dog Food
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The number-one ingredient in Purina Pro Plan Focus puppy food is pure chicken.
It also contains essential omega fatty acids that will help keep your puppy’s skin and coat soft and healthy. Featuring DHA, Purina Pro Plan supports healthy cognitive performance.
This is a budget-friendly option manufactured in the United States that won’t leave your Pitbull pup lacking in nutrition. However, while this complete dog food does not contain any artificial colors or preservatives, it does contain animal by-products and other fillers.
- Budget-friendly option is ideal for those feeding multiple puppies
- Contains all nutrients that puppies need to thrive
- Contains fillers like animal by-products
- Doesn’t contain as many whole-food nutrients as more expensive options
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Food for Puppy Pitbulls
So what’s the best food for a Pitbull puppy? Even once you have identified the quality puppy food options that would best suit your Pitbull pup, it can be tough to decide which one to choose that will give you peace of mind and provide your dog with additional flavor as they age into adulthood.
The first thing to consider is what your puppy’s mom was eating while nursing and what the pup has been eating since being weaned by their parent.
Has your Pitbull pooch been drinking milk from a mom that eats a high-protein or high-grain diet? What kind of puppy food have they been eating up until now? If they’ve been on a high-grain diet, it’s a good idea to choose a new puppy food that includes brown rice, quinoa, or even barley. A puppy that’s been eating a high-protein diet made up of mostly meat should get food that is free of grains, if possible.
Reading the Ingredients List
Even if a puppy food claims to include whole meats in its formula, it doesn’t mean that by-products and meals aren’t present. It’s important to avoid animal meals and by-products because they don’t offer as high-quality protein as whole meats do. Just because no artificial colors are included doesn’t mean that artificial flavors are excluded. You should always take time to read the ingredients list before deciding whether to invest in a particular puppy food.
Look up any ingredients you aren’t familiar with to find out how they will affect your pup’s health over time. Stay away from foods that contain artificial ingredients of any kind. Look for foods that contain healthy fruits and veggies, such as peas, carrots, and beets, to ensure that your puppy gets vitamins and minerals from real food, not just supplements added into the food formula. Make sure that any food you choose meets the nutrition requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). If you can’t tell from the packaging, you can find a contact for the feed control department in your state by clicking here. Your state contact can let you know whether the puppy food you’re considering investing in meets the feed control standards.
Transitioning Your Puppy to a New Food
If your Pitbull puppy doesn’t like the food you choose for them or ends up with digestion problems for some reason, don’t take it away completely and start feeding them new food.
It’s a good idea to slowly transition them to the new food so you and your pup can avoid constipation and diarrhea. Mix the old and new food, and feed the mixture to your pooch for a few days before completely switching over to the new food.
If you want to add wet food to dry food, do so gradually. Start by adding just a tablespoon of wet food to the dry stuff and mixing them. If your pup handles it well, increase the wet food a tablespoon at a time until you’ve found the perfect ratio of wet and dry food for your dog.
Final Verdict
Feeding your Pitbull puppy the right food is one of the most important things you can do for their health and well-being. We hope that our list of reviews has helped to make the job of choosing a new food easier for you. We think our number-one pick, The Farmer’s Dog fresh dog food subscription service, is worth serious consideration for any Pitbull owner. We were also impressed with the performance and results of Rachael Ray’s line of puppy foods.
But we’re sure that you will love all of the options on our reviews list of the best food for Pitbull puppies.
Have you tried any of the puppy foods on our list? If so, what was your experience? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments section below!
See also: 10 Best Dog Food for Pitbulls at PetSmart – Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: Piqsels
What to feed a pit bull puppy and an adult dog: diet
A pit bull is a formidable dog that requires a special approach to education. In addition, these animals also have their own characteristics in terms of nutrition, with which the owners of this breed should be familiarized before acquiring such a pet. What to feed a pit bull so that the dog is full, healthy and cheerful?
Contents
- 1. Features of feeding a pit bull
- 2. Natural products in the diet of a pit bull
- 3. Feeding a pit bull with ready-made food
- 4.
What not to feed a pit bull
Peculiarities of feeding a pit bull
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed prone to allergic reactions, which means that the dog's diet should exclude possible allergens.
The owner of a pit bull always has a choice whether to feed his pet with natural food, or give preference to specialized ready-made foods. Moreover, it is necessary to take into account that it is impossible to feed a pit bull with waste from cooking. Natural food should consist of meat, dog-friendly cereals, and added vegetables and herbs. nine0003
Even in the process of acquiring a four-legged friend, you need to ask what the puppy eats, what food he is used to, and in general, get detailed advice on the correct feeding of dogs of this breed. A baby just weaned from its mother is fed with cow's milk.
American pit bulls grow quite rapidly (you can read up to what age dogs grow). Already by the age of eight months they reach the size of an adult dog.
After that, an intensive set of muscle mass begins. Based on this feature of development, nutrition should be clearly regulated and aimed at maintaining certain physiological characteristics. nine0003
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Pitbuli have special skin and coat, which is developed in the dog, which is developed in the dog. tendency to form subcutaneous wen. Again, this has a direct relationship with the products used. As soon as at least one formation has been discovered, the pet's diet should be completely revised. It is recommended to exclude flour products, sweets from the menu, reduce the consumption of products containing a large amount of animal fats - butter, sour cream, etc.
The basic rules for feeding pit bulls include the following:
- never, under any circumstances, feed your pet food from your own table;
- It is absolutely impossible to overfeed pit bulls, this leads to the fact that the dog begins to be lazy, gaining excess weight;
- starving a dog is also not worth it, when malnourished, it becomes irritable, restless;
- Pit bull food should not be very hot, but it is better not to give these dogs cold; nine0010
- pit bulls, like any other spoiled dog, may refuse food, hoping for better food; in this case, it is necessary to show the pet your character, and give the opportunity to go hungry for a couple of days.
To improve your pet's digestion, you should give him the opportunity to rest for 30 minutes before and after meals. It is best to give your dog lighter meals in the morning, leaving the more nutritious meals for the evening feed.
Natural products in the pit bull diet
Any dog is fed according to its age, the number of feedings of pit bull puppies should be as follows:
In this mode, there is a clear tendency to reduce the number of feedings, and each time the portion should be increased until the puppy approaches the regimen of an adult dog.
Be sure to follow the regime, the water must be changed twice a day. Feeding a pet should be done only by the owners, it is not worth entrusting this matter to other people.
If the pit bull has started the meal, you can not distract him, try to stroke, comb, etc.
Puppies are fed frequently, the food should be of high nutritional value, portions should be small, this facilitates its better absorption. Every day a puppy should eat 100 grams of meat, and once or twice a week a portion of offal - heart (chicken, veal), liver (chicken, beef), or beef lung. nine0003
Every day a puppy needs 40-50 grams of 2-4% fat cottage cheese, 100-150 grams of vegetables (grated carrots, pumpkins, zucchini, turnips), 100 ml of milk. A couple of times a week it is advisable to give one boiled egg.
It is recommended to feed pit bull puppies with cereals boiled in milk. The following cereals are suitable for this:
- Herculean flakes;
- buckwheat;
- rice;
- millet.
A teenage dog (at 7-8 months) needs more meat food than an adult pet - 600 grams per day, later the portion can be reduced to 450 grams. nine0003
Feeding a pit bull ready-made food
Pit bulls can eat ready-made food perfectly.
You can transfer puppies to it from the age of two months. But this must be done with caution, carefully monitoring the condition of the pet.
When choosing the right food, it is best to give preference to premium products and focus on the age of the small pet.
To make things go smoothly, the pet is initially given a few pellets of food as a treat. Then, for two or three days, it is necessary to observe the condition of the dog for manifestations of an allergic reaction or intestinal upset. nine0003
If the puppy feels great, you can start feeding him ready-made food. For a small pet, the daily portion is 110-120 grams, it must be divided into several times. Initially, feed pellets are soaked in boiled water, whole milk, low-fat kefir or yogurt. With this type of diet, it is very important to provide the animal with free access to drinking water.
If we talk about adult American pit bulls, then they also need to choose a quality food that is suitable for feeding large dogs.
There is a special requirement for the composition - the protein content is not higher than 25%. It is extremely important to maintain a balance of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Excess phosphorus in the body of a dog can provoke malfunctions of the nervous system, for example, a pet may suffer from pathological cowardice. Therefore, many breeders of American Pit Bull Terriers do not recommend introducing food into the pet's diet, where the main component is fish. nine0003
Even if the selected food is perfectly balanced, it is still necessary to treat your pet regularly with raw vegetables and cartilaginous bones. This is necessary for the prevention of diseases of the teeth and gums, especially from the formation of tartar.
What not to feed a pit bull
There are many foods that should not be included in a dog's diet:
- Broccoli is toxic, especially if consumed in large quantities.
- Grapes - adversely affects the condition of the pet's kidneys.
nine0010 - Mushrooms - the toxins they contain can affect a dog's health.
- Baking from yeast dough - causes fermentation processes in the intestines, accompanied by the release of alcohol.
- Animal fat - adversely affects the entire digestive tract of the dog.
- Sugar substitute - Helps lower blood sugar levels.
- Potato - in most dogs, including pit bulls, this vegetable can cause diarrhea.
- Milk - it is great for puppies, but it affects adult pets as a laxative. nine0010
- Confectionery - dogs do well without sweets, which provoke problems with their teeth, digestive tract, and cause obesity.
Pit bull terriers do not need an additional source of salt, they get everything they need from food. It is necessary to exclude from the diet of the dog all fatty, fried, flavored with spices. It is also not recommended to give bread to pit bulls, except sometimes, as a treat, offer a rye cracker.
Is it possible to give bones to a pit bull terrier? Definitely not! Gnawing on bones can lead to various negative consequences:
- broken teeth;
- damage to the oral cavity by sharp fragments;
- bones often get stuck between the teeth, causing pain to the dog;
- more severe consequences - bone jamming in the esophagus, trachea, stomach;
- eating bones can cause constipation.
It is not uncommon for bone fragments to remain in the intestines instead of leaving the intestines naturally. This leads to intestinal obstruction. The situation is not easier when the sharp edges of the bone damage the rectum, and the dog begins to bleed. nine0003
Damage to the walls of the stomach or intestines can lead to bacterial infection. The resulting peritonitis can lead to the death of the pet.
Only the owner has the right to decide how to properly and what to feed his beloved pet. But it is still important to consult with a specialist before doing this.
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Categories: Feeding dogs |
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formulating a diet for puppies and adult dogs
Pit bulls need to eat a balanced diet to stay in "sporty" shape. It is not recommended to feed this breed with cereals - they provoke weight gain. In addition, animals are prone to allergic reactions, so not all types of food are suitable for them.
A properly composed menu will help to control the diet and avoid many health problems of the pet.
Pit Bull Diet Base
The pit bull's diet should be dominated by protein foods of animal origin:
- lean meat - beef, rabbit, turkey;
- offal - heart, tripe, liver, udder.
Protein is one of the most important nutrients for animals. Its deficiency is fraught with stunting and exhaustion of the pit bull, disruption of vital functions in the body, deterioration of the skin and coat.
However, excess protein is harmful because it creates an additional burden on the kidneys and liver, leading to allergic reactions. Food of animal origin must be supplemented with other healthy products. nine0003
If the pit bull's diet is balanced and varied, the dog will have excellent health.
Which type of food to choose
There are 2 approaches to feeding pit bulls at home: natural foods and prepared foods.
Each of them has its supporters.
Important. It is undesirable to mix different types of food - this is fraught with disruption of the digestive tract. In an emergency, you can give the pit bull dry pellets in one feeding, and the "natural" in another. nine0032
Prepared dog food
Pit Bulls are suitable for premium and super premium class or holistic food containing 25% protein. They have a balanced composition and fully satisfy the needs of the dog's body.
It is highly undesirable to feed a pit bull with economy class products sold in any supermarket. There is no natural meat in such feeds, but they contain harmful flavoring and aromatic additives.
Pit bull food is selected according to the age and characteristics of a particular pet. Manufacturers produce separate lines for puppies, sick, elderly, sterilized dogs. nine0003
The following brands of food are suitable for pit bulls:
- Pro Pack;
- Royal Canin;
- Monge;
- 1st Choice;
- Hills;
- Bosch;
- Advanced;
- Orijen;
- Acana;
- Pro Plan;
- GO! NATURAL Holistic;
- Happy Dog.
You can occasionally feed your pit bull canned food from the same manufacturer as the dry food. This will add variety to the daily menu. nine0239
With this calculator you can find out the daily amount of food depending on the condition, activity level and weight of your pet. Read more [mask_link href=”https://litbro.ru/kalkulyator-korma-dlya-sobak” target=”_blank”]here[/mask_link].
Natural products
Some owners feed their pets exclusively with homemade natural food, which guarantees its freshness and quality.
Porridge is given only to puppies during the period of active growth. nine0003
Cereals contain a lot of carbohydrates, because of which the pit bull quickly gets fat. Dog handlers are advised to replace them with vegetables and dairy products.
Vegetables are rich in nutrients and dietary fiber.
Pit bull can be fed:
- cauliflower;
- zucchini;
- pumpkin;
- tomatoes;
- carrots.
Beets are given in small doses as they can cause diarrhoea. White cabbage is pre-stewed or boiled - when raw, it provokes bloating. nine0003
Vegetables are cut, seasoned with sour cream or vegetable oil - it turns out a real vitamin cocktail. It is allowed to give them along with meat.
Fruit is used as a reward. A pit bull will not refuse a tasty piece of apple, pear, banana or peach.
Dogs are fed daily low-fat fermented milk products:
- kefir;
- curdled milk;
- unsweetened yogurt;
- bifidocom;
- cottage cheese. nine0010
Pit bulls are fed boiled chicken or quail eggs 3-4 times a week. These are sources of protein, folic acid, amino acids and minerals.
In the absence of allergies, a pit bull is given once a week a fillet of sea fish - mackerel, pollock, flounder, capelin. If the dog has gained excess weight, meat is replaced with this product. The dog is kept on a diet until its condition returns to normal.
For your information. After eating, the animal should not actively move. In order for the food to be well absorbed, the pit bull needs to rest for 30-40 minutes. nine0032
What not to feed
Pit bulls are prone to cardiovascular diseases, so they should not be fed any fatty and fried foods, sweets and fast food.
These foods cause plaque to build up on the walls of the arteries, which leads to impaired blood circulation and irregular heart rhythms.
The following foods are also prohibited for pit bulls:
- sausages and smoked products;
- river fish; nine0009 tubular bones;
Food from the human table is contraindicated for dogs.
Important. The food is neither too hot nor too cold.
A pit bull should always have access to fresh water.
How many times a day to feed
With moderate physical activity, adult pit bulls are fed once a day in summer, 2 times a day in winter. In the cold season, the dog uses a lot of energy to keep warm, so he needs extra calories. nine0003
The puppies' diet is completely different. Babies grow fast, so they are fed much more often:
- up to 2 months - 6-7 times a day;
- from 2 to 4 months - 5 times a day;
- from 4 to six months - 4 times a day;
- from 6 to 8 months - 3 times a day.
At 9 months, pit bulls are switched to two meals a day. After a year, you can limit yourself to one feeding.
Note. The pit bull is fed at the same time - then the dog's digestive system will work like clockwork. nine0032
What to feed a pit bull
Mistakes in feeding lead to indigestion, reduced activity, matting coat and many chronic diseases.
The period up to a year is especially important. At this time, eating habits are laid and the basis for the harmonious development of the pit bull.
1-2 month
Puppies are breastfed for the first month of life. Mother's milk fully covers the nutritional needs of the baby's body. nine0003
Then small pit bulls are fed with cow's or goat's milk. Gradually introduce other products:
- cottage cheese and kefir;
- meat;
- vegetables;
- porridge.
After moving into a new home, the pit bull puppy is fed the same foods that he is used to eating at the breeder.
Approximate diet for a 2-month-old baby:
- whole milk with egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of honey; nine0009 fermented milk products;
- rice, buckwheat or oatmeal with milk;
- vegetable salad;
- pieces of meat or cooked offal.
For now it is enough to give a puppy 100 grams of meat a day.
2-4 month
Milk is gradually removed from the diet, as dogs stop absorbing it with age. At 3 months, the puppy can already be given fish - this is an easily digestible source of nutrients.
Feeding plan:
- fermented milk products; nine0010
- porridge with meat/fish;
- vegetable salad;
- meat/offal.
In order for the puppy to develop properly, vitamin-mineral complexes are introduced into the diet, which are chosen together with the veterinarian.
For your information. Puppies older than 4 months can be switched to ready-made food. The transition should be smooth: first, a quarter of the serving is replaced with a new food, after a few days a third, etc.
6 months and older
Puppies continue to develop actively - portions should grow with them. But the number of cereals is reduced to a minimum so that the pit bull does not acquire excess weight.
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Feeding plan:
- fermented milk products;
- meat porridge/vegetables and fruits;
- meat with vegetables.
At 8 months, the puppy stops stretching and begins to actively gain muscle mass. Now cereals can be completely eliminated - the dog no longer needs extra carbohydrates.
At this age, the pit bull should be given about 600-700 grams of meat products per day. When growth stops, the rate is reduced to 450 grams per day.
nine0002Adult dog
Adult pit bulls are fed all permitted foods. However, the breed has features that must be taken into account when compiling a diet.
Pit bulls are often found to have hip dysplasia. To prevent the onset of the disease, foods rich in collagen and calcium are included in the diet of dogs:
- pig ears;
- tendons;
- cartilage.
Periodically, dogs are given chondoprotectors - preparations that protect the joints.
They contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates, which have a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system. nine0003
The dog must not get fat. Excess weight not only loads the skeleton and internal organs, but is also one of the reasons for the appearance of wen (lipomas). This is a benign tumor, which is an overgrown adipose tissue. Under adverse conditions, it can degenerate into a malignant one.
Don't follow your dog's lead and feed him only the food he wants. If the pit bull refuses food, the bowl is removed and taken out again after a couple of hours. Most likely, a hungry dog will eat everything that was offered to him. nine0003
At most, the animal will show off for a couple of days - there is nothing to worry about.
Important. Light foods are best given in the morning, and more nutritious and satisfying foods in the evening.
What to feed during pregnancy and after childbirth?
The diet of a pregnant female is changed starting from the 4th week - up to this point, physiological changes in the body are insignificant.
When the fruits increase in size, the portions are slightly reduced, and the number of meals is adjusted to 3 times a day. The dog is given more meat, fish and cottage cheese. nine0003
Required to include feed additives containing vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus.
After the 7th week, the pit bull is fed 4 times a day. But the dog should not overeat. Excess weight is fraught with complications during childbirth.
For your information. Bones and tendons are excluded from the diet because they cause constipation.
A couple of days before giving birth, the dog may refuse to eat. But they still put a bowl of food next to her so that she can eat at any time. nine0003
After the birth of pit bull terrier puppies continue to feed intensively 5-6 times a day. When babies begin to feed, the amount of food is gradually reduced. By the end of lactation, the normal diet is returned.
What to feed a dog at the age of
To keep an elderly pit bull healthy and alert, he is fed according to the following rules:
- the daily amount of food is reduced to 2.
5-3% of the animal's weight; - the amount of protein food is reduced, and the proportion of vegetables is increased; nine0010
- food is given 3-4 times a day in small portions to facilitate the work of the digestive tract.
When eating ready-made food, the pit bull is transferred to the line for senior dogs.
Vitamins and mineral supplements
Feed supplements are necessary if the pit bull is on a natural diet. High-quality dry food already contains all the nutrients.
Pit bulls need the following vitamins:
- vitamin A - ensures the harmonious development and good condition of the coat, maintains visual acuity; nine0010
- vitamins of group B - necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain, the correct course of metabolic processes;
- vitamin C - strengthens the immune system and activates the body's defenses;
- vitamin D - responsible for the health of the musculoskeletal system, regulates the balance of phosphorus and calcium;
- vitamin E - is involved in hematopoiesis, improves the condition of the skin and coat.
