Best Dog Food for Pitbulls in 2024

The dog food you feed your pitbull matters. It can mean the difference between a happy, healthy dog that’s full of energy and vitality…and a skinny, lethargic dog that secretly wonders why his food tastes like cardboard.

But with all the different brands and marketing out there, how are you supposed to know what’s the best dog food for pitbulls?

We know it’s confusing, and that’s why we wrote this article. We’re going to cover some of the most important elements of pitbull nutrition, explain some things to keep in mind when feeding your dog, then dive into a comparison of some of the best dog foods for pitbulls in 2024.

Ready? Then let’s get started!

Pitbull Nutrition 101

It pays to start by understanding a little pitbull nutrition. What sort of nutrients and ingredients should you make sure your dog is getting? What kind of things should you be looking at when you evaluate a new pitbull dog food?

Here are some of the main things to keep in mind to help find which dog food will provide the best value for your pet.

Label Ingredients

The first thing you want to do when evaluating a dog food is to read the ingredients on the label. Ignore all the marketing-speak on the website and the front and sides of the label; the ingredients list is the only place where you can really, truly get the real measure of what’s in this dog food. And remember that ingredients are listed in order by weight, so the first ingredient is the one that’s present in the highest amount.

Protein

Your pitbull is primarily carnivorous, which means they need a lot of protein to build muscles so they can stay active. The best source of protein, not surprisingly, is real meat. And for dry foods, we highly recommend looking for a “meat meal” as the first ingredient on the label. Find out why meat meal is actually the best protein source for dry dog food

Natural Fat

After protein, the next most important nutrient to look for is fat. Fat gets a bad reputation, but it’s a vital nutrient for dogs and people alike. Unfortunately, some dog foods use cheap vegetable oils. Instead, you want to look for an all-natural fat like chicken fat as a healthier choice.

High-Quality Nutrients

Your dog also needs vitamins and minerals, just like people, so scan the label for some of these too. Sometimes they can be hard to pinpoint because they often have scientific-sounding names like “ascorbic acid” for vitamin C or “niacin,” “thiamin,” and “biotin” for vitamin B, and so on.

Avoid Fillers and Questionable Proteins

Keep an eye out for common dog food “tricks,” like calling attention to a handful of healthy ingredients while ignoring the other filler ingredients. You also want to make sure your dog’s protein comes from real meat sources, and preferably from a “meat meal.” Keep an eye out for substandard proteins, like Pea Protein.

Avoid Overfeeding

This is an important point that many owners miss: you shouldn’t just feed your dog as much food as they want, or they’ll gain weight and develop joint problems. Instead, it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re feeding your dog the right amount of food for their breed, age, and size.
 
Most dog foods include a helpful table telling you how much food to give your dog based on their weight—but it’s also smart to check this for yourself to make sure. For more help, check out this weight chart to determine your dog’s ideal weight.

Health Problems

Certain ingredients can exacerbate health issues in dogs. Here are some of the most common problems and their offending ingredients:

Allergies

You might think only humans get allergies, but nope—dogs do too! And just as humans are allergic to some foods, dogs can also have a reaction to certain ingredients in their food. Not surprisingly, the best dog food for pitbulls with allergies is one filled with all-natural ingredients and lots of real meat. Fillers like corn, wheat, and soy, along with artificial flavors and preservatives, can wreak havoc on some dog’s allergies.

Bloating

Bloating isn’t just an inconvenience. Gastric torsion can actually be fatal to pitbulls! That’s why it’s important for dogs to separate their meals and stick to foods that are high in meat-based proteins.

Joint Problems

Pitbulls are an active breed, which means joint problems can often rear their head (especially as your dog gets older)—but a high-quality food with all-natural ingredients can really help. For more details, read about some common areas of joint pain in dogs.

Best Dog Food for Pitbulls

1. Bully Max 30/20 High Performance Dog Food

Simply put, Bully Max 30/20 High-Performance Dog Food is the best dog food for pitbulls on the market. We pack it full of 100% natural ingredients and no fluff, resulting in the highest calorie density you’ll ever see for a dog food this healthy and delicious.
And we’re not the only ones who think so! Ours is the only performance dog food with a 5/5 rating from DogFoodAdvisor, and it’s also been rated the best dog food for pitbulls by Spruce Pets!

Features

• Top-Rated: The only performance dog food with a stellar 5/5 rating from DogFoodAdvisor and veterinareans.com with a 9.4-star rating.

• Maximum Value: Priced at $44.99 for 15 lbs. Save 10% with our subscribe & save option. Given its calorie richness (535 calories per cup), you feed less daily, making it last longer than competitors.

• Unbeatable Quality: Crafted with only natural, premium ingredients. No fillers, no substandard proteins. Our primary ingredient? Nutrient-rich chicken meal.

• Nutrient-Packed: High protein, healthy fats, and carbs sourced from flaxseed, fish meal, brown rice, beet pulp, dried kelp, and more.

• For All Life Stages: Perfect for both puppies and adult dogs.

• Rave Reviews Everywhere: Whether it's BullyMax.com, Amazon, Sears, Google, or VitaminsForPitBulls.com, our satisfied customers speak volumes.

• Exclusive Offer: Enjoy free shipping on all orders above $100.

2. Bully Max PRO Series 31/25 High Calorie Dog Food

Features

• Professional Development: Crafted with insights from professionals to ensure unparalleled efficiency and results.

• Unmatched Nutrition: With 600 calories per cup, it's the most calorie-dense dog food ever. A meat-based formula with 31% protein, 25% fat, heart-healthy flaxseed, and 19 essential vitamins & minerals. Simply put, it's nutrition maxed out.

• Maximum Value: Priced at $76.99 for 16 lbs. With its calorie density (600 calories per cup), you feed less each day, ensuring the Pro Series bag outlasts other brands.

• Long-Lasting: Due to high-calorie density, you can feed up to 60% less than other brands. One bag lasts 2x longer, saving you time and money.

• Digestive Comfort: Say goodbye to fillers and bloating. Our high-calorie content ensures your dog gets all nutrients without overeating.

• Perfect for Performance: Ideal for active dogs or those needing to gain a healthy weight.

3. Bully Max 24/14 High Protein & Growth Puppy Food

Features

• Top-Rated Excellence: A stellar 4.9-star rating from 500+ reviews.

• Optimal Growth Formula: A perfect fusion of protein, calories, vitamins, and nutrients to ensure robust growth and health.

• Gut Health & Immunity: Fortified with TruMune®, a potent postbiotic that nurtures a healthier gut and microbiome, backed by extensive research.

• Premium Ingredients: Led by real lamb and pork, ensuring a wholesome, meaty formula. No artificial colors, flavors, by-products, corn, wheat, or soy. Only the best for your puppy.

• Energy-Packed: A whopping 419 calories per cup, fueling your pitbull puppy's active days.

• Subscribe & Save: Enjoy a 10% discount at $40.49 for 15 lbs.

• One-Time Purchase: Priced at $44.99 for 15 lbs.

4. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Recipe with Roasted Bison & Roasted Venison

Features

• Unique Flavor Profile: Roasted bison and roasted venison offer a distinctive taste that's hard to find elsewhere.

• High Protein Content: 32% of this recipe is protein, ensuring your dog gets the digestible energy they need to stay active.

• Rich in Antioxidants: Vegetables, legumes, and fruits, including sweet potatoes, peas, tomatoes, blueberries, and raspberries, provide vital nutrients for overall well-being.

• Complete Nutrition: Designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult dogs, ensuring they maintain a sleek and healthy condition.

• Species-Specific Probiotics: Proprietary K9 Strain Probiotics developed for dogs, added post-cooking to ensure viability. Each pound offers 80 million live, active cultures for digestive and immune health.

• Dried Chicory Root: A prebiotic fiber source that fuels beneficial probiotic bacteria in the digestive system.

• Immune System Support: Guaranteed levels of zinc, selenium, and vitamin E to bolster the immune system.

• Priced at $38.99 for 14 lbs.

5. Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat All Life Stages Dog Salmon & Potato Formula

Features

• USA-Made Quality: Produced by a family-owned company in the USA, using top-notch ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources.

• Real Salmon First: Real salmon is the #1 ingredient, ensuring a protein-rich, flavorful formula that dogs adore.

• All Life Stages Nutrition: Tailored to meet the needs of dogs from puppies to seniors, ensuring comprehensive care throughout their life.

• Skin & Coat Focus: Specifically designed to promote healthy skin and coat, so your furry friend looks and feels their best.

• Natural & Wholesome: Free from corn, wheat, artificial flavors, and colors, ensuring a natural meal for your pet.

• Omega Fatty Acids: Essential for maintaining radiant skin and a glossy coat.

• Probiotic & Prebiotic Boost: Contains species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics for optimal digestion and overall wellness.

• Complete Nutrition: A balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients ensures your dog gets everything they need in every bite.

• Price for 15-lb bag is $43.95.

6. Diamond Naturals Senior Dog Chicken, Egg & Oatmeal Formula

Features

• Tailored Nutrition: Specifically formulated with balanced protein and fat to cater to the unique needs of aging dogs.

• Digestive Health: Contains guaranteed probiotics and fiber to ensure ease of digestion for senior dogs.

• Joint Support: Enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health, crucial for older dogs.

• Antioxidant Boost: Superfoods, selenium, and vitamin E provide essential antioxidants for overall well-being.

• Quality Assurance: Made in the USA by a family-owned company, ensuring top-notch ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources.

• Real Chicken: Cage-free chicken is the #1 ingredient, offering a rich source of protein.

• Holistic Ingredients: Contains superfood fruits like blueberries and oranges, providing vitamins and minerals.

• Probiotic & Prebiotic Boost: Features species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics for optimal digestion and overall wellness.

• Natural & Wholesome: Free from corn, wheat, artificial flavors, and colors, ensuring a natural meal for your senior pet.

• Priced at $21.24 for an 18-lb bag.

7. Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal

Features

• Whole-Body Support: Specially formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support, ensuring your dog's overall wellbeing.

• Premium Quality: Crafted using carefully chosen ingredients, including premium proteins and wholesome grains.

• Natural & Pure: Developed without GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives, ensuring only the best for your pet.

• Nutrient-Rich: Boosted with omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine for comprehensive health benefits.

• Made in the USA: Produced using the finest globally sourced ingredients, ensuring top-notch quality and safety.

• Pricing is $34.99 for a 15-lb bag.

8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness with Wholesome Grains

Features

• Nature-Inspired: Satisfies the wild spirit of your canine, providing the meaty delight they inherently crave.

• High-Quality Protein: Starts with delicious, protein-rich turkey and chicken, ensuring your dog gets the best in every bite.

• Wholesome Grains: Features complex carbohydrates from wholesome grains, supporting your dog's energy needs.

• Complete Nutrition: Enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals, this formula ensures comprehensive health benefits.

• Pure & Natural: Made without chicken by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.

• Real Turkey & Chicken: A recipe crafted to satiate your dog's love for meat, providing them with high-quality protein.

• Versatile Feeding: Can be used as a treat, mixed with dry food, or served as a standalone meal, offering variety to mealtime.

• Pack Details: Contains twelve 12.5-oz cans of Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Natural Adult Wet Dog Food with Wholesome Grains, Turkey & Chicken Grill.

• Priced at $39.00 for a Pack of 12 (12.5-oz cans):

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there’s no “right” or “wrong” dog food for your pitbull. The best dog food for pitbulls is going to be a nutritious food whose taste your dog enjoys. That said, you definitely want to make sure to choose a healthy dog food that delivers enough high-quality protein from meat sources.
 
Keep a lookout for tricks like using non-meat meals and adding pea protein to inflate the protein count, and remember that the total price tag doesn’t tell the full picture. Only by factoring in the calories/cup can you really find out how much you’re really paying to feed your dog each day.
 
Of course we’re biased, but we hope you’ll consider our Bully Max 30/20 High-Performance Dog Food. It’s the top-ranked food by many other dog food experts, and if you give it a try, we’re confident you’ll find out why.