Pitbulls descended from bulldogs and terriers. In the United States “pit bull” is a general term used to refer to American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, English bull terriers, and mixed breeds who exhibit characteristics of these breeds. Despite their savage history—Pitbulls were first bred for bull-baiting and dog fighting—they are extremely gentle, loving, and loyal dogs when trained appropriately. 

The following foods have received our approval for the best dog food for pitbulls.

Our overall top pick for best adult dog food for pitbulls:

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

We chose this as the best dog food for pitbulls because this food contains no corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meals, and this adult dry dog food contains 24 percent protein and 14 percent fat to fuel your pit bull’s muscle development and active life.

The added calcium and phosphorus in this dog food are essential for your pit bull’s strong bones and teeth, and glucosamine for joint health and mobility.

WHAT WE LIKE: The first ingredient is boneless chicken, as well as flaxseed as a source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE: Fillers such as chicken meal and pea starch are high on the ingredient list.

Our second pick for best adult dog food for pitbulls:

American Journey Active Life Formula Salmon, Brown Rice, and Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food

American Journey Active Formula provides a balanced diet, starting with real protein and vegetables to deliver the appropriate nutrients for your pitbull.

No wheat, corn, soy, poultry by-product meals, or artificial colors, or preservatives are in this adult dry dog food. The protein contribution is 25 percent, providing a high-quality protein source for your active pit bull.

WHAT WE LIKE:  The first ingredient is boneless salmon, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes and carrots provide nutrients and antioxidants.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:  Some reviewers of this dog food formula complained that their dog would not eat the food. 

Our third pick for best adult dog food for pitbulls:

Diamond Naturals Chicken and Rice Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food

This Diamond Naturals dry dog food uses cage-free chicken and other whole foods to contribute to your pit bull’s lean muscle development.

Providing 26 percent protein and 16 percent fat, this food provides sufficient nutrients to fuel your active pit bull.

WHAT WE LIKE:  The first ingredient in this food is chicken, providing a high-quality protein for your pit bull’s lean muscle development. Fruits and vegetables including kale, blueberries, and coconut provide powerful antioxidants and vitamins.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:  Not all dogs liked the flavor of this Diamond Naturals formulation.

Our top pick for best puppy dog food for pitbulls:

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dog Food

This puppy food is specifically for large-breed puppies with pasture-raised lamb and other whole foods to help support your pitbull puppy’s developing muscles. The recipe is nutrient-rich and highly digestible and contains no corn, wheat, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

This large-breed puppy food provides 27 percent protein, 15 percent fat, and 1.2 percent calcium, to ensure your pitbull puppy receives adequate nutrition but does not grow too fast, to prevent hip dysplasia. 

WHAT WE LIKE:  The first ingredients in this food are lamb and lamb meals, which offer high-quality protein for your growing pitbull puppy. Real fruits and vegetables provide necessary vitamins and antioxidants, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support joint and skin health.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:  According to some dog food reviews, this food upset some puppies’ stomachs, so do not feed this product to your pitbull puppy if they have a sensitive stomach.

Our top pick for best senior dog food for pitbulls:

Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Senior Chicken Dinner with Garden Vegetables Canned Dog Food

Blue Buffalo uses high-quality protein such as chicken and chicken livers to support healthy muscle maintenance in your senior pittie. There are also many fruits and vegetables, to provide a balanced vitamin and mineral profile.

Blue Buffalo does not use any by-products meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives in this canned dog food. Glucosamine and chondroitin are added to support your senior pitbull’s joint health and mobility.

WHAT WE LIKE:  Blue Buffalo uses high-quality protein sources that provide your senior pit bull with the nutrients necessary for continued activity as they age. The glucosamine and chondroitin help maintain your senior pit bull’s joint health.

WHAT WE DON’T LIKE:  Some senior dogs did not like the flavor of this Blue Buffalo food.

Pitbull-specific dietary concerns

If you own a pitbull, you likely are aware that they are prone to certain health conditions. These conditions should be considered when choosing an appropriate food. So we include pit bull-specific ingredients that should be included in your loyal companion’s dog food.

Pitbulls are stocky, muscular dogs who typically lead an active lifestyle. They need a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat in their diet—with most requiring more—to meet their high energy level needs. Other conditions that should be considered when searching for the best dog food for pitbulls include:

• Hip dysplasia — Pitties are prone to this hip joint malformation. Too much calcium and vitamin D in your dog’s diet, especially when they are a puppy, can disrupt bone and cartilage development. Typically, your pit bull’s food should contain 1 to 1.5 percent calcium. The supplement glucosamine improves joint health.
• Heart conditions — Although rare, pitbulls can develop aortic stenosis, a type of heart disease. Since grain-free diets may lead to heart conditions in dogs. You should talk to your veterinarian before starting your pit bull on foods labeled grain-free.
• Allergies — Pitbulls are prone to allergies, which can cause distressing skin reactions. But which can be mitigated by fatty acids in their diet. If your pit bull suffers from allergies, a grain-free food may benefit them. But first consult your veterinarian for their best food choice.
• Hypothyroidism — Pitbulls are prone to thyroid gland dysfunction, which can be managed by keeping them at a healthy weight. Dogs affected by hypothyroidism require foods that contain balanced levels of amino acids, iodine, probiotics for gut health, antioxidants, and an appropriate calorie amount for a healthy weight. Wet foods are typically recommended for hypothyroid pitbulls.

Feeding your pitbull: FAQs

Question: How much dog food should I feed my pitbull?

Answer: Your pitbull is fed based on their age, weight, and activity level. Each bag of food should have a detailed food guide to help you determine the best amount to feed your pitbull.

Question: How should I switch my pitbull to new dog food?

Answer: Never switch your pit bull’s food without consulting your veterinarian. If your veterinarian has approved a food switch, this should be done gradually over 7 to 10 days. This gives your pit bull’s digestive system a chance to adjust.

• Days 1 and 2 —  Feed your pit bull three-quarters of the amount of their old food, and one-quarter new food.
• 3rd and 4th days — Feed 50 percent of the new diet and 50 percent of the old diet.
• Days 5 to 7 — Feed 75 percent of the new diet and 25 percent of the old diet
• 7th to 10th days — Continue transitioning until your pit bull is eating 100 percent of the new food.

Question: How do I know whether the food I am feeding my pitbull is good-quality?

Answer: Ensure that the first ingredient is a high-quality meat protein. Also, limit the number of carbohydrates in your pitbull’s diet. Their food should have at least 18 percent protein, healthy fats, and a complete and balanced vitamin and mineral profile.

Feeding your pit bull a healthy, balanced diet is important to safeguard their overall well-being. These reviews are not meant to be a substitute for veterinary guidance. You should always consult your veterinarian if you decide to change your pitbull dog’s food.