Whether you are the proud owner of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, an American Staffordshire Terrier, or an American Pit Bull Terrier, there is no doubt that you love your “Pit bull” with all of your heart. In order to ensure your canine companion lives a long and healthy life, you have to feed him a healthy and well-balanced diet that meets his specific dietary needs.
Diet and Nutrition Needs for Pit Bulls
Pit bulls typically weigh between 30 and 70 pounds. They are strong, muscular, stocky and agile dogs and are considered a medium-sized breed.
Pit bulls often have issues with allergies, particularly those who have pink skin and white fur. These allergies are commonly related to food, so you should avoid feeding your pup food that contains common food irritants, like soy, corn and wheat. Additionally, “bullies” enjoy eating, perhaps a little too much, which is why it’s important to keep tabs on how much your four-legged family member is eating. If they are allowed to overindulge, they risk gaining excessive weight, which can lead to serious health problems later in life.
The average, active, adult pit bull weight between 30 and 70 pounds needs to consume anywhere from 922 to 1,740 calories a day. Older pups, those that are less active, and those who have been spayed or neutered should consume fewer calories. Puppies need to consume more calories daily, due to their high energy levels. To find out how many calories your pit bull should be eating each day, consult your veterinarian.
Pit bulls, like all dogs, require a diet that is comprised of high-quality protein. A diet that contains 22 percent protein is recommended for growing puppies, and adults should consume 18 percent protein. Fat is another important component in a pit bull’s diet, as it is a good energy source. The diet of pit bull puppies should contain at least 8 percent fat, and the diet of adults should contain about 5 percent fat. Since pit bulls are prone to joint problems, such as arthritis and hip and elbow dysplasia, ensuring they receive an adequate amount of calcium in their diet is important.
Feeding Your Pit Bull
Pit bulls usually love to eat, which means that they often eat whenever food is available to them. To avoid excessive eating and weight gain, avoid leaving a constant supply of food out for your bully. Instead, feed your pup two times a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. Measure the amount of food you put in the dish. You can find out how much food you should be feeding your dog at each meal by speaking to your veterinarian.
The Best Food for Pit Bulls
There are several manufactured foods that are good choices for your pit bull. The following foods are formulated to meet the specific dietary needs of a bully, as they contain a healthy amount of protein and fat, and they are free from allergens that commonly effect these dogs.
Orijen Adult Dog Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This food contains high amounts of protein that comes from quality sources, is allergy-inducing grains, and boasts tons of essential vitamins and minerals for optimum health.
Generally, the average pit bull should eat about 2 cups, or a pound, of this food each day. Based on the amount of food in a bag of Orijen Adult Dog Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, it should last you approximately a month.
Taste of the Wild Wetlands Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This dog food is also free of allergy-causing irritants, like corn and soy, which makes it a good choice for pups who are prone to skin allergies, as well as stomach issues. It also contains a high concentration of protein and fat, which comes from high-quality sources (chicken, beef and lamb, for example.)
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet Dry Dog Food
Free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, this dog food is another excellent choice for pit bulls. It provides the perfect balance of proteins and fats, will maintain your pup’s digestive health, and support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
Feeding your pit bull any of these foods will ensure that he remains receives the proper amount of protein and fat to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. They will also prevent the development of allergies, which are common in bullies.
