WHAT'S THE BEST DOG FOOD FOR A PIT BULL?

Pit Bull: Specific Dietary Needs

What can we say? This is an imposing dog breed! And for good reason: Pits can reach a height of 50cm and weight of 30kg in adulthood. Pit Bulls are athletic and energetic dogs with a powerful body and well-developed musculature. They have a healthy appetite without being greedy and require a diet that satisfies their energy needs. Consider the following when choosing the right dog food for your Pit Bull:

• This is a muscular, athletic breed that needs lots of exercise. The ideal dog food for a Pit Bull should therefore be rich, comprehensive, and balanced to provide them with all the energy necessary for their daily level of physical exertion.

• These doggies do not like cold weather or high temperatures. Their short coat does not provide them with sufficient protection against extreme temperatures, which can put an added strain on their skin. A balanced diet of dog food enriched with vitamins and Omega-3 essential fatty acids can help to prevent possible skin diseases.

• The Pit Bull’s growth period is long and tricky and feeding your pup needs to be monitored closely. Puppies grow rapidly up to the age of six months, then more slowly between 6 and 12 months as their musculature develops. Diet plays a crucial role during this time.

What Type of Dog Food Should I Feed My Pit Bull?

Now that you know all about your dog’s nutritional needs, you might be wondering how to be sure that you're choosing the right dog food for your Pit. First of all, you need to learn how to decipher product labels and avoid dog food with poor composition, e.g. a high level of carbohydrates or added preservatives. The simpler and healthier, the better! 

It's easier than it looks if you keep the following in mind:

• Look for dry dog food with a healthy and balanced composition: Your dog’s food should provide them with all the energy they need throughout the day. For a healthy adult dog, this means it should contain around 25% high-quality animal protein, between 8 and 16% carbohydrates, and approximately 10% fat. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, found in quality fish oil, are also essential to the wellbeing of your dog.

• Opt for dry dog food that caters to sensitive skin: To take care of your dog’s skin, group B vitamins, in particular B2 and B6, are ideal. These are often found in the composition of dry dog food itself but you can also choose to supplement your dog’s food with food supplements.

When and How Should I Feed My Pit Bull?

Once you’ve chosen the ideal food for your Pit Bull, you'll also need to learn when and how to feed them. Don't panic: meals are usually a pleasurable time for dogs! It's all about giving your pooch the right amount of dog food, in the right way, at the right time. Here are some tips to help you:

• Calculate the correct daily amount of dog food for your Pit Bull: The amount of food required is different for each dog, even if they're the same breed. This will depend on different factors, such as your dog's age, weight, activity level (normal or sustained), and reported illnesses. Your vet or an animal nutritionist specialist can help you determine the appropriate amount of food for your dog.

• We recommend that you split your dog’s daily food ration into two or three small meals: The idea is to distribute their food throughout the day, so as not to overload their digestive capacities.

• Try to always give your dog their meals at the same time each day and, if possible, in the same quiet place: It's very important that your Pit eats in a calm environment, free from stress and the hustle and bustle of your home. The Pit Bull has protective instincts and the last thing you want is for them to start protectively guarding their bowl.

• Finally, remember that hydration is a key and integral part of your dog's diet, especially if you’re only feeding them dry dog food. There should always be one or more bowls of fresh water available to your dog both in the house and outside if they go out.