Edited by: Mike Powell
Reviewed by: Abby TexasLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall for Pitbulls: Canidae Grain Free Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
“This limited ingredient dog food has premium ingredients loaded with probiotics and antioxidants. It’s rich in Zinc and comes in different flavours, with added supplements to keep your Pitbull strong and healthy.”
Best For Picky Eater Pitbulls: ACANA Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
“Pitbulls typically have sensitive stomachs and a limited ingredient diet like this recipe range from Acana gives them proper nourishment while avoiding common allergens and providing a wide range of flavor to choose from.”
Best For Pitbull Seniors: Nulo Grain Free Senior Recipe Dry Dog Food
“This senior-specific recipe has lower fat content for less active pitbulls and high protein count to maintain muscle mass. It’s packed with probiotics and joint-fortifying supplements – essential nutrients for an aging pitbull.”
Pitbulls are strong, muscular dogs. They have a good bone structure that supports their muscular build. They are a generally healthy and tough breed but they’re not entirely free from health risks.
Just like every other dog, they’re at risk of common diseases like parvo, hip dysplasia, allergies, and more. But Pitbulls are particularly susceptible to a skin infection caused by zinc deficiency. The best dog food for pitbulls contains zinc in a recommended amount on top of their high protein diet which supports their muscular structure.
Table of Contents
- The Rundown
- Best Dog Food For Pitbulls
- 1. Canidae Grain Free Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 2. ACANA Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 3. Nulo Grain Free Senior Recipe Dry Dog Food
- 4. Venture Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 5. Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
- 6. Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food
- 7. Wellness Core Rawrev Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- 8. Orijen Biologically Appropriate Dry Dog Food
- 9. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dog Food
- 10. Dr. Tim’s Kinesis Dry Dog Food
- 1. Canidae Grain Free Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Basic Nutritional Requirements of Pitbulls
- Common Health Conditions that Pitbulls Suffer From
- Questions & Answers
Best Dog Food For Pitbulls
Here are our top recommendations for the best dog food for pitbulls:
- Best Overall for Pitbulls: Canidae Grain Free Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best for Picky Eater Pitbulls: ACANA Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- Best for Senior Pitbulls: Nulo Grain Free Senior Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Best for Heart Support: Venture Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best for Pitbull Puppies: Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
- Best Value for Money: Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food
- Best for Weight Management: Wellness Core Rawrev Grain Free Dry Dog Food
- Best Flavor Range: Orijen Biologically Appropriate Dry Dog Food
- Best for Easy Digestion: Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dog Food
- Best for All Life Stages: Dr. Tim’s Kinesis Dry Dog Food
1. Canidae Grain Free Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best Overall for Pitbulls: Contains good amount of Zinc Proteinate to prevent or correct your Pittie’s zinc deficiency
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PROS
- Contains Zinc proteinate and zinc sulfate in recommended amounts to prevent zinc deficiency and boost immune system
- Various recipes available, making it super easy to avoid problem ingredients
- Limited ingredient – each formula contains 10 or fewer ingredients
- Added probiotics and antioxidants for an extra health boost
CONS
- Slightly pricey for a dog food for pitbulls
The Canidae PURE Grain Free Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food ensures superior quality of what goes into each recipe. With 10 or fewer wholesome, real food ingredients that promote good health and a strong immune system, you can guarantee that your pitbull is getting the nourishment he needs while avoiding problem ingredients that trigger allergies.
In addition to the amazing flavour variety, this grain free dog food is packed full of nutrition and hits all the right numbers for a Pitbull. The quality is consistent throughout the flavor range with slight variations in nutrient profiles to cater to every single Pitbull’s nutritional requirement.
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Its protein count ranges from 25-32%. The fat counts range from 14 to 19%, which would suit most Pitbulls quite well. Zinc proteinate and Zinc sulfate are present in recommended amounts. These added supplements make this the best dog food for pitbulls as it prevents zinc deficiency which causes skin infections that pitties are susceptible to.
Every flavor has high levels of Omegas which will benefit your Pitbull by keeping their coat and skin soft and supple, as well as decent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to help those joints support their muscular bodies.
2. ACANA Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
Best for Picky Eater Pitbulls: Amazing flavor range with rich inclusions of quality ingredients, avoiding common allergens
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PROS
- A variety of nutritious recipes with different flavor combinations that a picky eater Pittie will love
- Grain free formula intended for dogs with food allergies
- Contains DHA, EPA, and glucosamine for immune and joint support
- Biologically appropriate nutrition with botanical inclusions for extra health benefits
CONS
- Pricey dog food for pitbulls
Pitbulls are notorious for their sensitive stomachs, and an easy way to combat that is to put your pooch on a diet that reduces the chances of allergies. A limited ingredient diet is perfect for dogs that are prone to allergies – it uses just a few ingredients, avoids most of the common allergens, artificial stuff, and grains.
And when it comes to limited ingredient dog foods, this recipe range from Acana comes highly recommended. Each recipe has a great protein and fat content that meets every Pitbull’s dietary requirements. They’re full of great ingredients, supplements for joints, skin, and coat, and also contain brain and eye supplements. You won’t find a more well-rounded limited ingredient out there.
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Limited ingredient diets often are also limited in terms of flavors, but that’s not the case here. Your pitbull can enjoy beef & pumpkin, turkey & greens, duck & pear, pork & squash, and lamb & apple flavor combinations.
Each flavor contains 31% protein and 17% fat, as well as DHA and EPA (unusual in an adult food but great to see), and glucosamine and chondroitin.
Each contains a single protein source and a few well-selected vegetables. If your pup is allergic to anything specific, it’s quite simple to avoid that ingredient while still providing your pup a couple of flavor options.
3. Nulo Grain Free Senior Recipe Dry Dog Food
Best For Pitbull Seniors: Loaded with joint supplements and added probiotics that an aging Pitbull needs
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PROS
- Avoids chicken and beef, which is great for pups who have allergies or suffer from hypothyroidism
- Lower in fat for less active, older Pitbulls, but retains a high protein count to maintain muscle mass
- Contains good levels of joint supplements for aging joints
- Contains L-carnitine, which is helpful for energy regulation and metabolism
CONS
- Doesn’t contain DHA, which many senior foods do
- Slightly pricey dog food for pit bulls
The Nulo Grain Free Senior Recipe Dry Dog Food will keep your senior’s taste buds, muscles, and joints happy. Dog’s tummies can become more sensitive as they age, even more so for Pitbulls who are naturally disposed towards allergies. This food is grain-free and also avoids chicken and beef, which are common allergens, making it ideal for older pups.
It has a lower fat content (12%) which is adjusted for Pitbulls who are generally less active as they age. It still has a high protein content (30%) to maintain muscle mass. This grain free dog food also has glucosamine and chondroitin to keep aging joints tough and supportive, proprietary probiotics to aid in digestion, L-carnitine for metabolism and energy regulation, and great levels of Omega fatty acids to keep their coat and skin as youthful as possible.
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Health-Promoting Ingredients
Deboned trout, turkey meal, salmon meal, and turkey make up the protein count in this dog food, which is ideal for both Pitbulls with allergies as well as those who suffer from hypothyroidism.
The carbs come in the form of peas, sweet potato, lentils, dried carrots, dried apples, and dried blueberries. These provide great sustained energy while also adding a good amount of antioxidants. The drying of the vegetables also helps preserve them without compromising the nutritional value.
4. Venture Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best for Heart Support: Taurine-rich limited ingredient dog food that nourishes your Pitbull while protecting him from cardiovascular diseases
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PROS
- Limited ingredient formula enriched with Taurine to keep your Pitbull’s heart strong and healthy
- Delicious range of unique flavors, none of which contain chicken or beef
- Gluten-free, grain-free, egg-free, potato-free – great for allergies
- All flavors contain great levels of Omegas to keep your pup’s coat and skin health
CONS
- Uses only meat meal, not whole meat unlike other dog food for pit bulls
This specific grain free recipe from Earthborn Holistic is a high-quality, all-natural option that contains 95% protein-rich ingredients coming from turkey, chickpeas, and butternut squash. These locally sourced ingredients, enriched with a good amount of taurine that supports heart health, provide amazing nourishment for your little pittie.
There are other flavor options in this recipe range with nutrient values that vary by protein source, ranging from pollock (26% protein) to squid (34% protein). The fat counts are pretty similar across the board, and each contains leading levels of Omega fatty acids. They’re also all fairly low in calories compared to other dog food products.
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This potato-free dog food is amazing for allergy-prone dogs like Pitbulls, as they can easily avoid allergens while still having a few flavor options they can choose from.
Environment-conscious dog parents will also love their sustainable packaging policy that prioritizes recyclable and sustainable materials.
5. Merrick Grain Free Dry Puppy Food
Best For Pitbull Puppies: Grain free nutrition that avoids gluten ingredients to ensure easier digestibility for growing pitbull puppies
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PROS
- Contains high quality proteins providing healthy energy and helping build muscle mass for growing pups
- High levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to support hip and joint development
- Good amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin
- High quality inclusions that provide probiotics and antioxidants for immune boost
CONS
- Slightly pricey dog food option for a pit bull
- Some pit bulls may have a problem with potatoes (beef flavour)
This puppy-specific dog food is formulated to contain optimal protein and fat levels according to the dietary requirement of a growing pitbull puppy. Aside from essential nutrients, it also contains supplements for brain and eye development, bone growth, and muscle development.
The calcium/phosphorus ratio is on point for healthy bone growth. It works beautifully with the protein content that is enough to support muscle growth and development. Added glucosamine and chondroitin helps develop strong joints to support your pitbull’s muscular frame as he grows.
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It’s so important to feed puppies the right stuff from the beginning, and this food starts them off the right way. The available flavors are packed with wholesome, real food stuff, including whole proteins that are rich in amino acids, slow-burning vegetables for sustained energy, and fruits that contain vitamins and antioxidants.
For puppies who may already be showing signs of allergies, they offer a chicken flavor (which allows for avoiding beef) and a beef flavor (which contain no poultry products).
6. Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food
Best Value For Money: Nutrient-dense, affordable dog food made with adult Pitbull’s specific nutrient needs in mind
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PROS
- Premium quality dog food for an extremely affordable price
- Contains added vitamins, minerals, Omega fatty acids to keep your pup’s exposed skin nourished and healthy
- Contains some superfood carb ingredients, including kelp which helps prevent or manage hypothyroidism (which is common in Pitties)
- Highly concentrated amino acid profile from premium quality animal source for muscle maintenance
CONS
- Might be slightly less protein than some pit bulls would need
- Contains only meat meal, no whole meat sources
Budget-conscious Pitbull parents will appreciate the quality they get from Diamond Naturals Adult Dry Dog Food for an incredibly affordable price. It contains one premium quality protein source, a host of nutritious superfoods, and healthy, easily digestible grains that boost your dog’s immune system.
It also contains all of the joint-fortifying supplements, great Omegas, added vitamins, and chelated minerals to make the whole digestion process go by more smoothly.
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Nutritional Value
It has a protein count of 25% which is more than enough to maintain muscle mass for adult pitbulls. It provides enough highly accessible energy that fuels your pitbulls in his day to day fun and play. The amount of omega fatty acids found in this dog food guarantees that your dog’s skin and coat stays healthy.
Ingredients such as kale, chia seeds, blueberries, quinoa, and kelp add nutrients that other dog foods don’t have. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are abundant in these fruits and vegetables, which are fantastic additions to a dog food product.
Kelp is also a great ingredient to include in a dog food for Pitbulls as it stimulates the thyroid, which helps ether prevent or manage hypothyroidism.
7. Wellness Core Rawrev Grain Free Dry Dog Food
Best For Weight Management: Keeps your Pittie’s weight in check while providing all the essential nutrients he needs
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PROS
- Loaded with whole foods, premium quality ingredients filled with fiber and antioxidants
- Contains raw meat bits for added protein, taste, and texture
- Lower fat content to regulate your Pitbull’s weight
- Also a great option for transitioning to a raw diet
CONS
- Not suitable for pit bulls sensitive to chicken
- Slightly expensive food for pit bulls
Pitbulls who are less active than normal needs a lower fat dog food to prevent the accumulation of unused fat in your dog’s body. Wellness Core Rawrev Grain Free Dry Dog Food provides just the right amount of fat, as well as other essential nutrients that keep your pitbull healthy while avoiding unnecessary weight gain.
It contains a bunch of premium proteins, and antioxidant-rich veggies and fruits. It’s also sprinkled with freeze-dried raw bits of turkey, which does not only add concentrated amino acids but also improves the taste and texture of your dog’s food.
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A weight management dog food is helpful for pups who need to lower or manage their weight. At 10% fat content, it has less fat than most dog food products on the market. If your pup isn’t getting exercise due to illness or injury, the easily metabolisable energy that fat provides won’t go to waste (or be stored as fat).
For a dog who is active but simply needs to get down to their goal weight, this dog food is highly recommended until your dog’s weight goes back to normal.
8. Orijen Biologically Appropriate Dry Dog Food
Best Flavor Range: High-protein recipe range with eight exciting flavors that cater to your Pitbull’s every need
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PROS
- Packed with great quality, biologically appropriate ingredients in 8 delicious flavor options
- Contains good levels of glucosamine & chondroitin to keep joints strong
- Contains DHA and EPA, which supports healthy brain and vision development
- High in protein and fat which is ideal for active Pitbulls
CONS
- May not be suitable for pit bulls who have trouble with poultry
- Somewhat pricey option for pit bulls
This biologically appropriate dog food from Orijen is a high-protein recipe that is ideal for Pitbulls who lead an active lifestyle.
38% protein and 18% fat content is more than enough to power your pup throughout the day and keep their muscles strong and lean. It has joint-strengthening supplements and added Omegas for improved skin and coat health.
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Biologically Appropriate Nutrition
“Biologically appropriate” means that it’s loaded with ingredients that your pup would typically eat in the wild. It has the same natural ingredients that provide your dog proper nourishment without any artificial ingredients that they may be sensitive to.
9. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Best for Easy Digestion: Limited ingredient dog food with single animal protein source and highly digestible carbohydrates
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PROS
- Loaded with easy to digest carbs and probiotics rich food to aid in digestion
- Lower protein content for dogs with kidney or liver problems
- Contains no chicken or beef, which is great for dogs with allergies
- Good levels of Omegas plus vitamin E for healthy skin
CONS
- Contains carrageenan, which is considered a low-quality filler that a pit bull may be allergic to
- Contains potatoes, which some pit bulls can be allergic to
- “Fish oil” is a little vague
With 22% protein, Blue Buffalo Basics Grain Free Limited Ingredient Dog Food contains slightly lesser protein than the average dog food which is perfect for dogs who are recommended a low-protein diet.
The fat content is within average so you can be confident your dog is getting enough energy to fuel him through the day. The Omega levels are enough to nourish your dog’s skin and coat. It also contains a good amount of glucosamine and chondroitin so their hip and joints can still get the support they need.
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A low-protein dog food is often recommended for dogs who have kidney or liver problems. Reducing the amount of protein in their diet helps manage symptoms as it takes some pressure off the kidney or liver when it comes to metabolizing the proteins.
A limited ingredient dog food is great for dog breeds who are prone to allergies. Aside from avoiding common allergens, it also helps relieve some strain on the body in terms of digestion.
10. Dr. Tim’s Kinesis Dry Dog Food
Best for All Life stages: Well-balanced dog food meets the specific needs of a sedentary to moderately active Pitbull
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PROS
- Well-rounded dog food with moderate protein and fat counts to accommodate Pitbulls of all life stages
- Good levels of DHA and EPA for brain and vision support
- Added probiotics for digestive support
- With great fatty acids content from fish oil to promote healthy skin and a lustrous coat
CONS
- No glucosamine or chondroitin which is necessary for an aging pit bull who needs extra joint support
Dr. Tim's Kinesis Dry Dog Food provides everything a pitbull needs no matter his age. The protein sits at 26%, which is great for moderately active adult Pitties, seniors who are slowing down, and puppies who aren’t ridiculously bouncy.
It’s been formulated by a qualified veterinarian who has experience in competitive dog sports, so you know it’s highly nutritious, and promotes good health, energy, and immune system function.
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Moderate Protein and Fats
Although very active Pitbulls should get upwards of 30% protein, this one contains 26% which is perfect for adults who get some decent exercise but aren’t excessively energetic. If you feel your pooch isn’t getting enough protein from this food, you can add a couple of high-protein treats in between meals.
16% fat is good for dogs with energy and should see your Pitbull through their day quite well. This dog food does contain grains, but they’re the healthy kind – brown rice, barley, and oatmeal. They’ll provide some good energy as well as a nice dose of fiber.
DHA and EPA make this quite suitable for puppies and helpful for seniors, as well as giving adults a bit of a boost. You’ll also find good Omega levels in this dog food for keeping those short coats sleek and skin supple. Added probiotics will help digestion, too.
Basic Nutritional Requirements of Pitbulls
Many dog foods sit right in the moderate nutrition zone that AAFCO suggests, which is 18% protein and 5% fat for adults, and 22% protein and 8% fat for puppies.
Pitbulls, however, need a bit more than this. They’re one of the more muscular dogs out there, and so they need at least 25% protein, and active dogs can make good use of 30% and above.
When it comes to fats, Pitbulls need a moderate to high amount, depending on their level of activity. 15 to 25% is a good number, but it should be lower for pups who are less active. Fat is what your pooch will use as energy, so the less energy they expend, the less fat they will need in their dog food.
The ingredients should be high quality, all-natural, real food ingredients. Nothing artificial should be in there, especially as Pitbulls can be prone to food allergies.
The calorie count your Pitbull will need depends on a few things, including their activity level and whether or not they’ve been spayed or neutered. A 70-pound Pitbull needs around 1700 calories, and this could actually be more or less depending on the dog. You should follow the feeding guidelines on the back of whichever food you choose, and keep an eye on how your pooch responds to that. If they begin to look a little chubby, you may want to down it a little, and if you start to see their ribs, you’ll want to feed them a bit more.
Common Health Conditions that Pitbulls Suffer From
As with all hardworking, hard-playing dogs, the Pitbull tends to have the potential for joint problems such as hip and knee dysplasia. This can lead to arthritis, so it’s best to choose a food that contains ingredients to combat this from early on.
Hypothyroidism is another that is more common than most pet parents realise. This can cause your pup to gain weight and feel terrible (which they can’t tell us they’re feeling), but you can also help prevent or manage this with diet.
Allergies are common in these breeds. Although this can be common with certain food ingredients, they can also be allergic to grass, pollen, fleas, the sun, or other random things they come into contact with. It’s a good idea to feed your Pitty a limited ingredient, grain-free, all-natural, hypoallergenic food to limit the chances of food allergies.
Allergies can also lead to skin infections, because these guys and girls have very thin coats. If allergies are causing them to scratch or develop a rash, you’ll need to try and nip that in the bud before it becomes an open sore. Their sparse coats also mean they are more exposed to the sun, so it’s essential that you make sure your Pitty has shade to lounge around in.
Other things they tend to be prone to include cataracts, heart problems, obesity (if they don’t get enough exercise), and gastric torsion, which is a dangerous condition that Pitbull owners should be aware of.
Questions & Answers
What are the characteristics of a Pitbull?
All dogs under the Pitbull category share common characteristics that make them fairly easily identifiable.
Although visual identification is not always the best way to figure out what your dog is, it can be safely assumed that Pitbulls have large, wide heads, and unusually muscular bodies with a stocky stance.
What dogs fall under the Pitbull category?
The term “Pitbull” is not actually a breed, but rather a dog type, based more on appearance than anything else.
Breeds that fall under this general name include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier (otherwise known as a Staffie). Sometimes the American Bulldog is classed with these, although it is less common as it’s much easier to identify as a specific breed.
Are Pitbulls dangerous?
Pitbulls really have an unlucky and unjust reputation as being dangerous or violent dogs, and this is not necessarily true. Of course, any dog can become aggressive or violent if it has been treated in such a way that causes it to fear humans, whether it’s a Pitbull or a Chihuahua.
Most Bully breed dogs are actually lovable, goofy, family dogs that pose no danger whatsoever. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, studies have not proved this breed or group of breeds to be any more dangerous than other breeds, but the fact that owners of stigmatised dog breeds are more likely to be involved in criminal or violent acts could play a role in the behaviour of many of these dogs. Yes … It’s generally the behaviour of the humans have created this unfair reputation!
In most cases, a pitbull in a loving, playful home will be a big softy and is far more likely to attack you with licks than anything else.
What should I consider when looking for the best dog food for Pitbulls?
To choose the best dog food for Pitbulls, and even other guard dogs, you should pick one with a high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient, easy to digest carbs in the form of fruits and veggies (these also add a great amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants), and no sign of artificial ingredients.
Pitbulls tend to have sensitive tummies, so it’s best to go grain-free. If you would prefer to select a food with grains, they should be gluten-free – avoid wheat, corn, and soy. Oats, rice, millet, sorghum, and quinoa are decent grain sources.
You should also be looking for something that contains glucosamine and chondroitin to strengthen your pup’s joints, good levels of Omega fatty acids to keep their skin nourished (especially as they have a thin coat), and chelated minerals for easier digestion.
Is a raw dog food a good option for a Pitbull?
Pitbulls can deal with a good amount of protein, and the more active ones need upwards of 30% protein in their dog food. With this in mind, a raw diet could be a good thing for a Pitbull, as long as it’s done right.
You can buy raw food products such as Stella & Chewy’s, or choose a dog food that is infused with raw bits to make it easier to transition over to fully raw. You can also make your own raw food at home.
