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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.
- Is your pitbull a puppy… or an adult?
- 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.
Best Dog Food for Pitbulls November 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Pitbulls for November 2024.
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1. Best Overall Dog Food for Pitbulls: Ollie Chicken Dish with Carrots
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
Things we like
- Lean protein source
- Chelated minerals
- Taurine included
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...
Read more buyer reviews at MyOllie.com"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!"
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2. Best Fresh Dog Food for Pitbulls: The Farmer's Dog Pork recipe
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
Things we like
- Novel protein source
- Rich in omega 3 fish oil
- Supports skin health
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...
Read more buyer reviews at TheFarmersDog.com"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!"
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3. Best Dry Dog Food for Pitbulls: Annamaet Ultra
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
Things we like
- Made in the U.S.
- Includes omega 3 fatty acids
- Pre and probiotics
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...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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!"
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4. Best Wet Dog Food for Pitbulls: Weruva Bed & Breakfast
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
Things we like
- High protein
- Minimal carbs
- Added vitamins and minerals
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...
Read more buyer reviews"This is the only dog food that doesn’t upset Sherlock’s stomach he love it"
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5. Best Dog Food for Pitbulls with Allergies: Nom Nom Turkey Fare
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
Things we like
- Lean protein source
- Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
- Human-grade ingredients
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...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Our veterinarian has said she has never seen such healthy fur on a dog. This dog food is worth every penny."
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6. Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Food for Pitbulls: Dr. Tim's Kinesis
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
Things we like
- High protein level
- Metabolically balanced
- Probiotic
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...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Great dog food. Both dogs full of energy, shiny soft coat and they love it!!!"
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7. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Pitbulls: Crave Premium
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
Things we like
- High quality animal protein
- No by product meal
- Free from corn, wheat and soy
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...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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!!"
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8. Best Affordable Dog Food for Pitbulls: Taste of the Wild Wetlands
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
Things we like
- Contains real fruit and superfoods
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Family-owned brand
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...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"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."
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9. Best Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies: Nulo Freestyle Puppy Salmon and Peas
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
Things we like
- Low glycemic index ingredients
- DHA from real salmon
- Added calcium and phosphorus
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...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My puppy was getting diarrhea from a variety of other brands. She is having a good stools now and loves it."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Final word
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