Pitbulls are a strong, energetic and athletic dog breed that require a nutritionally balanced dog food diet. The breed has a huge appetite and can consume a large amount of kibble in a very short amount of time. It’s important to control your Pitbull’s calorie intake and keep feedings on a strict schedule.
By weight, the National Research Council of the National Academies recommends an average daily caloric intake between 922 and 1740 calories for an active adult Pitbull weighing between 30-70 pounds. In addition to a high caloric intake, Pitbulls need a complete and balanced diet that is packed with rich proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy animal fats.
Finding a nutritionally optimum dog food brand for your Pitbull is no easy task. There’s thousands of dog food brands all claiming to be the best for a Pitbull.
So what is the best dog food for a Pitbull? Our team of dog food nutritionists researched and analyzed over 1800 brands of dog food for the very best based off the nutritional needs of a Pitbull. Here are the best dog food brands for a Pitbull for 2024.
To qualify each dog food brand must meet the following requirements:
- Real Meat is the #1 Ingredient
- High Protein Level (25.0% min)
- High Fat Level (12.0% min)
- Protein and Fat Level Balance
- No Corn, Wheat or Soy
- No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives
- Exceeds AAFCO Standards
Taste of the Wild® High Prairie Dry Dog Food
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food meets all requirements of a perfect dry dog food for a Pitbull. Real buffalo is the #1 ingredient found in High Prairie. Buffalo is protein rich along with additional ingredients including; lamb meal, chicken meal, venison, beef and bison.
Packed with real meat and wholesome vegetables, this diet mimics that of the Pitbull’s ancestral generation. Additionally, Taste of the Wild High Prairie delivers rich antioxidants like tomatoes, blueberries and raspberries that help deliver a healthy immune system as well. Made in the USA, Taste of the Wild is manufactured and sold by Diamond Pet Food. Taste of the Wild is one of the most popular among Pitbull owners.
Ingredients: Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, egg product, roasted bison, roasted venison, beef, natural flavor, tomato pomace, potato protein, pea protein, ocean fish meal, salt, choline chloride, dried chicory root, tomatoes, blueberries, raspberries, yucca schidigera extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus reuteri fermentation product, vitamin E supplement, iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin D supplement, folic acid. Contains a source of live, naturally occurring microorganisms.
Caloric Content: 3,719 kcal/kg, 370 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 32.0 % min |
| CRUDE FAT | 18.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| ZINC | 150 mg/kg min |
| SELENIUM | 0.35 mg/kg min |
| VITAMIN E | 150 IU/kg min min |
| TAURINE | 0.12% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.8% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.3% min |
| TOTAL MICRORGANISMS | 80,000,000 CFU/lb |
Orijen® Original Dry Dog Food
If you are looking to feed your Pitbull a meat based, protein-rich dog food that mimics a biologically appropriate diet, Orijen Original Dry Dog Food is the answer.The ingredient list is packed with over 16 animal ingredients and contains 3 times the meat of most conventional dry dog food brands.
2/3 of the meats in this formula is raw or fresh and never processed. The high quality fresh meats give ORIJEN Original an outstanding 38.0% min protein level, which is perfect for Pitbulls. In addition to a variety of healthy meats, 15% of the formula is balanced with wholesome vegetables and rich antioxidant fruits.
Ingredients: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, whole atlantic mackerel, chicken liver, turkey liver, chicken heart, turkey heart, whole atlantic herring, dehydrated chicken, dehydrated turkey, dehydrated mackerel, dehydrated chicken liver, dehydrated turkey liver, whole green peas, whole navy beans, red lentils, chicken necks, chicken kidney, pinto beans, chickpeas, green lentils, alfalfa, chicken fat, natural chicken flavor, herring oil, ground chicken bone, chicken cartilage, turkey cartilage, dried kelp, freeze-dried chicken liver, freeze-dried turkey liver, whole pumpkin, whole butternut squash, kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, whole carrots, apples, pears, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, zinc proteinate, mixed tocopherols (preservative), chicory root, turmeric, sarsaparilla root, althea root, rosehips, juniper berries, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried bifidobacterium animalis fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product.
Caloric Content: 3940 kcal/kg, 394 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 38.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 18.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 12.0% max |
| DHA | 0.2 min |
| EPA | 0.2 min |
| CALCIUM | 1.4 min |
| PHOSPHORUS | 1% min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 3% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.8% min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 600mg/kg |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 600mg/kg |
| TOTAL MICROORGANISMS | 100MM CFU/lb min |
Chicken Soup for the Soul® Adult Dry Dog Food
If you are looking for a premium dry dog food brand for your Pitbull but you’re on a budget, check out Chicken Soup for the Soul Adult Dry Dog Food. This protein packed formula is made with chicken, turkey, chicken meal and turkey meal.
Additionally, Chicken Soup for the Soul adds healthy carbohydrates, antioxidant rich fruits and wholesome vegetables for nutritionally balanced dry dog food brand. The holistic, nutritious kibble is also made L-Carnitine which helps boost metabolism and helps burn fat in overweight Pitbulls.
Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley, whole grain brown rice, peas, oatmeal, white rice, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), potatoes, natural flavor, tomato pomace, ocean fish meal, flaxseed, duck, salmon, egg product, salt, potassium chloride, choline chloride, dried chicory root, dried kelp, carrots, apples, tomatoes, blueberries, spinach, cranberries, rosemary extract, parsley flake, vitamin E supplement, zinc oxide, thiamine mononitrate, yucca schidigera extract, zinc proteinate, L-Carnitine, ferrous sulfate, manganous oxide, vitamin A supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, copper sulfate, manganese proteinate, niacin supplement, calcium iodate, riboflavin supplement, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, copper proteinate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, sodium selenite, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, cobalt carbonate.
Caloric Content: 3,560 kcal/kg; 350 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 26.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 14.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| ZINC | 180 mg/kg min |
| SELENIUM | 0.3 mg/kg min |
| VITAMIN E | 150 IU/kg min |
| OMEGA-6 FATTY ACIDS | 2.5% min |
| OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS | 0.4% min |
CANIDAE® All Life Stages Formula Dry Dog Food
If you own multiple dog breeds, you may want to consider a universal dog food for all breeds. CANIDAE All-Life Stages Formula Dry Dog Food is a perfect fit for your big dog family. CANIDAE scientifically designed a nutrient rich formula that fits perfecting into a Pitbull’s diet.
Protein-rich chicken meal, turkey meal and lamb meal are the first 3 ingredients followed by complex carbohydrates from rice, peas, potatoes, oatmeal and barley as well. To help with proper digestion the formula includes probiotics and is free of corn, wheat and soy.
Ingredients: Chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, brown rice, white rice, rice bran, peas, potatoes, oatmeal, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat, millet, tomato pomace, natural flavor, flaxseed, oceanfish meal, choline chloride, suncured alfalfa, inulin (from chicory root), lecithin, sage extract, cranberries, beta-carotene, rosemary extract, sunflower oil, yucca schidigera extract, dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A supplement, biotin, niacin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), vitamin B12 supplement, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), minerals (iron proteinate, zinc proteinate, copper proteinate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, potassium iodide, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, manganese sulfate, sodium selenite), mixed tocopherols (a preservative), papaya, pineapple.
Caloric Content: 3,600 kcal/kg, 3.6 kcal/g, 1,636 kcal/lb, 468 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 24.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 14.5% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 4.0% max |
| MOISTURE | 10.0% max |
| LINOLEIC ACID (OMEGA-6) | 3.7% min |
| ALPHA LINOLENIC ACID (OMEGA-3) | 0.5% min |
| VITAMIN E | 200 IU/kg min |
| ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C) | 50 mg/kg min |
| GLUCOSAMINE | 700 mg/kg min |
| CHONDROITIN SULFATE | 250 mg/kg min |
| LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS | 100,000,000 CFU/lb min |
| CELLULASE | 100 CMCU/kg min |
Whole Earth Farms® Pork, Beef and Lamb Dry Dog Food
Whole Earth Farms Pork, Beef & Lamb Dry Dog Food is a holistic recipe made with the highest quality ingredients for a Pitbull. Per ingredient list, the recipe contains a healthy mix of pork meal, beef, lamb, peas and potatoes. Additional blueberries, rosemary safe and thyme are added for flavor and antioxidant rich supplement.
Made in the USA, the poultry-free recipe is grain-free and contains no by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
Ingredients: Pork Meal, Dried Potatoes, Peas, Dried Sweet Potatoes, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Pork, Beef, Lamb, Dried Yeast Culture, Organic Dried Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Salmon Oil, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Niacin, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate), Minerals (Zinc Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite), Dried Blueberries, Choline Chloride, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product
Caloric Content: 3,478 kcal/kg, 348 kcal/cup
| Guaranteed Analysis | |
|---|---|
| CRUDE PROTEIN | 26.0% min |
| CRUDE FAT | 13.0% min |
| CRUDE FIBER | 3.5% max |
| MOISTURE | 11.0% max |