Best Dog Food for Pitbulls

Mike Sagman  Julia Ogden

By

Mike Sagman
Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman

Founder

Dr Mike Sagman is the creator of the Dog Food Advisor. He founded the website in 2008, after his unquestioning trust in commercial dog food led to the tragic death of his dog Penny.

Read more
&
Julia Ogden
Julia Ogden

Julia Ogden

Content Director

Julia is the content director at the Dog Food Advisor and responsible for the overall strategy of the website.

Read more

Updated: October 7, 2024

Verified by Laura Ward

Laura Ward

Laura Ward

Pet Nutritionist

Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.

Read more

Laura Ward

DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how


All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.

What’s the Best Dog Food for a Pitbull?

Choosing the best dog food for your pitbull depends on how you answer 2 critical questions.

  1. Is your pitbull a puppy… or an adult?
  2. Are you feeding a large breed pitbull… or a medium breed?

That’s because some pitbulls are genetically related to large breed dogs… while others are related to medium breeds.

What’s more…

Medium breed pitbull puppies don’t stop growing and become adults until they’re 12 to 14 months old… whereas large breed pitbulls may not reach adulthood until as late as 24 months.1

Unfortunately…

Choosing a dog food that’s not right for the age and breed type of your pitbull could cause a crippling form of hip dysplasia… especially if you’re feeding a pitbull puppy.2

The dog foods listed below were each selected by our editors because they meet AAFCO3 nutrient guidelines for all adult pitbulls.

And where indicated… all pitbull puppies, too.

Buying Tip: We’ve intentionally included a few 4-star selections. That’s because many are superior to 5-star brands when you also consider the companies that design and produce them… as well as their cost savings.

The Dog Food Advisor - Editor's choice

Best Dog Food for Pitbulls October 2024

Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Pitbulls for October 2024.

  • 1. Best Overall Dog Food for Pitbulls: Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots

    Rating:
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    Chicken is one of five fresh recipes evaluated in our review of the Ollie product line.

    Ollie uses human-grade, minimally processed ingredients, which makes this food easier to digest. Pitbulls can sometimes have sensitive stomachs, so the quality of the ingredients helps avoid digestive issues.

    This fresh-cooked recipe draws most of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37% protein, 11% fat and 44% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 30%.

    Read our review of the full Ollie Dog Food (Fresh) range here

    Main Ingredients Chicken, carrots, peas, rice, chicken liver
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-inclusive
    Protein Percentage 37%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For All puppies including large breeds

    Sample buyer review...

    "Bama loves his Ollie food, & won't eat anything else now! We've tried all 4 flavors. He LOVES the Jerky treats too! Which really surprised me because he usually won't eat dog treats!"

    Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com
  • 2. Best Fresh Dog Food for Pitbulls: The Farmer's Dog Pork recipe

    Rating:
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    Fresh Pork is one of four fresh recipes evaluated in our review of The Farmer’s Dog product line.

    This particular recipe acquires the majority of its animal protein from fresh pork, a less commonly used protein in dog foods, which can be beneficial for Pitbulls with food sensitivities or allergies to more common proteins like chicken or beef.

    Dry matter label analysis confirms the recipe contains 36% protein, 28% fat and 28% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 78%.

    Read our review of the full The Farmer’s Dog range here

    Main Ingredients USDA Pork, sweet potato, potato, green beans, cauliflower
    Texture Wet
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 36%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Puppies and adults (including large breeds)

    Sample buyer review...

    "With TFD, my dog’s fur is shinier, he has more energy, he licks the bowl clean, his digestion has greatly improved, and no more wind!"

    Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com
  • 3. Best Dry Dog Food for Pitbulls: Annamaet Ultra

    Rating:
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    Annamaet Ultra is one of eight recipes included in our review of Annamaet dog food.

    This formula is made with protein, primarily from chicken meal and herring meal, which is ideal for active and muscular breeds like Pitbulls. The high protein helps maintain muscle mass and supports repair after exercise.

    Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 22% fat and 34% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 63%.

    Read our review of the full Annamaet Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, chicken fat, whole dry eggs, herring meal
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-inclusive
    Protein Percentage 36%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adult Pitbulls and all puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "I switched my 9 year old pittie to this food and she loves it. It was a little too dry for her so i add a tiny bit of chicken broth and it fixed the issue. Her allergies have gotten better on this food, her coat is so shiny and soft, and she has so much more energy. People can’t believe she’s 9 years old because of how active she is!"

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • 4. Best Wet Dog Food for Pitbulls: Weruva Bed & Breakfast

    Rating:
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    Bed and Breakfast is one of 14 canned recipes included in our review of the Weruva product line.

    While it’s not as high in calories as performance-oriented dry foods, Weruva Bed & Breakfast is good for Pitbulls that may not be as active or those prone to weight gain. It provides the nutrients they need without excess calories, helping with weight management.

    This recipe gets the bulk of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 57% protein, 10% fat and 25% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 18%.

    Read our review of the full Weruva Dog Food (Canned) range here

    Main Ingredients Chicken, water, egg, pumpkin, sweet potato
    Texture Wet
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 57%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adult dogs and puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "This is the only dog food that doesn’t upset Sherlock’s stomach he love it"

    Read more buyer reviews
  • 5. Best Dog Food for Pitbulls with Allergies: Nom Nom Turkey Fare

    Rating:
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    Turkey Fare is one of four fresh human-grade recipes included in our review of Nom Nom dog food.

    This recipe contains turkey fat, sunflower oil, and fish oil, which are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These fats support skin and coat health, which is important for Pitbulls since they can be prone to skin irritations or allergies.

    This recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from fresh ground turkey. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 18% fat and 39% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.

    Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here

    Main Ingredients Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach
    Texture Wet
    Type Grain-inclusive
    Protein Percentage 36%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adult Pitbulls and all puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "Our veterinarian has said she has never seen such healthy fur on a dog. This dog food is worth every penny."

    Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com
  • 6. Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Food for Pitbulls: Dr. Tim's Kinesis

    Rating:
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    Dr. Tim’s Kinesis formula is one of nine recipes included in our review of Dr. Tim’s dog food.

    This recipe contains brown rice, whole oats, and barley, which are good sources of fiber and provide a steady release of energy. These whole grains are more easily digestible and contribute to overall digestive health, while vegetables like carrots and spinach provide additional vitamins and minerals.

    The bulk of its animal protein comes from chicken meal and dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 18% fat and 45% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 62%.

    Read our review of the full Dr. Tim’s Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, pearled barley, whole oat groats, chicken fat
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-inclusive
    Protein Percentage 29%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adult Pitbulls and all puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "Great dog food. Both dogs full of energy, shiny soft coat and they love it!!!"

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • 7. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Pitbulls: Crave Premium

    Rating:
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    High-Protein Adult Chicken is one of four dry recipes included in our item-by-item review of Crave Dog Food.

    Crave Adult Chicken derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 19% fat and 35% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 50%.

    With its high protein and fat content, Crave is tailored for dogs with higher energy needs. This makes it particularly good for active Pitbulls that require more calories and nutrients to fuel their daily activities and exercise.

    Read our review of the full Crave Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, split peas, lentils, pork meal
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 38%
    AAFCO Standards Maintenance
    Best For Adult Pitbulls only (not for puppies)

    Sample buyer review...

    "I believe my dog is the pickiest fussiest dog in the world.. After approximately $2000.00 and 4 years later, I have found a dog food he will now eat!! Crave, yes, Crave.. My dog was so sick for so long until he started eating, Crave!! No more vet bills and a very healthy, happy and content, dog.. Crave, I am forever indebted to you!!"

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • 8. Best Affordable Dog Food for Pitbulls: Taste of the Wild Wetlands

    Rating:
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    Taste of the Wild Wetlands recipe is one of nine recipes included in our review of Taste of the Wild dog food.

    This recipe derives most of its animal protein from duck, as well as duck, chicken and roasted quail. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 56%.

    It is a good choice for Pitbulls with grain sensitivities; instead, using sweet potatoes and peas, which provide easily digestible carbohydrates for sustained energy without triggering allergies.

    Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Duck, duck meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 36%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adult Pitbulls and all puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "Getting my dog to eat her kibble playing without any treats or food put in her kibble has been such a hard thing for us to do as a family. This dog food gets my puppy excited to eat kibble again would highly recommend."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
  • 9. Best Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies: Nulo Freestyle Puppy Salmon and Peas

    Rating:
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    Nulo Freestyle Puppy Salmon and Pea is one of nine recipes included in our review of Nulo Freestyle dog food.

    This is one of two recipes in the range formulated especially for puppies. It derives most of its animal protein from deboned salmon and turkey meal. Label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein,19% fat and 40% estimated carbs… with a fat-to-protein ratio of 57%.

    Nulo includes DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid found in salmon, which supports cognitive development and vision health in puppies. This is crucial during the early stages of life to ensure your Pitbull puppy develops strong mental faculties and healthy eyes.

    Read our review of the full Nulo FreeStyle Dog Food (Dry) range here

    Main Ingredients Deboned salmon, turkey meal, menhaden fish meal, whole peas, chicken fat
    Texture Dry
    Type Grain-free
    Protein Percentage 33%
    AAFCO Standards All Life Stages
    Best For Adults and puppies

    Sample buyer review...

    "My puppy was getting diarrhea from a variety of other brands. She is having a good stools now and loves it."

    Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com

Final word

The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

Sources


2: Hazewinkel HAW. Nutrition in relation to skeletal growth deformities. J Sm Anim Practice. 1989; 30:525-630

3: AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles, Association of American Feed Control Officials, 2018 Official Publication, pages 155-159.

Share via
Copy link