Owning a Pitbull and another bully-type dog comes with its own unique set of challenges. One of the things you shouldn’t have holding you back from giving your dog the best life possible is choosing the right food. Pitbulls can be prone to obesity and are strong, muscular dogs that need to be fed a proper diet to maintain their muscular physique and avoid weight problems. To make it easier for you, we’ve found and reviewed the 10 best foods for Pitbulls. This will provide you with a solid starting point to choosing the best food for your dog, and maybe ruling out some diets you don’t feel will work for them.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine Fresh Dog Food
Produced in human grade facility
Made without preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors
Essential minerals and vitamins
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Best Value
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula
Best value
26% protein, 16% fat, and 4% fiber
Poultry free
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Nom Nom Beef Mash
Slow-cooked to retain nutrients
Ideal for pups with poultry allergies or sensitivities
Made with USDA grade A beef
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Purina Pro Plan Puppy Lamb & Rice
Best pick for puppies 28% protein
18% fat, and 3% fiber
Good source of DHA for brain and eye development
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Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support
Aids in weight loss and management
Maintains satiety and fullness with a special fiber blend
28% protein, up to 11.5% fat, and up to 18.8% fiber
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The 12 Best Dog Foods for Pitbulls
1. Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine Fresh Dog Food Subscription Service – Best Overall
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Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 8.5% min
Fat Content: 6% min
Fiber Content: 1% max
Several fresh food companies have recently entered the pet food industry, but Nom Nom has provided its customers with premium meals since 2015. Nom Nom offers four meals for dogs, but our 1st best overall choice is the Chicken Cuisine. It has large chunks of diced chicken, eggs, carrots, peas, and potatoes and does not contain preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors. It’s balanced with essential minerals and vitamins and delivered to your home in the perfect portion size for your canine. Chicken Cuisine is a human-grade meal that drives dogs wild.
Pros
Produced in a human-grade facility
Chicken is the primary protein
Made without preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors
Balanced with essential minerals and vitamins
Cons
Slightly more fat than other recipes
The best dog food for Pitbulls for the money is the Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula, which supports the special needs of dogs with food sensitivities, which Pitbulls can be prone to. This food contains 26% protein, 16% fat, and 4% fiber, and it is free of poultry, although it does contain beef.
Produced in a human-grade facility
Chicken is the primary protein
Made without preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors
Balanced with essential minerals and vitamins
- Produced in a human-grade facility
- Chicken is the primary protein
- Made without preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors
- Balanced with essential minerals and vitamins
Slightly more fat than other recipes
- Slightly more fat than other recipes
Primary Protein: Salmon
Protein Content: 26%
Fat Content: 16%
Fiber Content: 4%
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It’s high in omega fatty acids to support joint, skin, and coat health, and vitamin A, which also supports skin and coat health. Probiotics and prebiotic fiber support gastrointestinal health and can help soothe stomach upset with meals. It’s free of corn, wheat, and soy and contains nutrient-dense oatmeal to further support your dog’s health without causing stomach upset.
Pros
Best value
26% protein, 16% fat, and 4% fiber
Poultry free
High in omega fatty acids and vitamin A
Probiotics and prebiotic fiber support gastrointestinal health
Free of corn, wheat, and soy
Cons
Contains beef
3. Nom Nom Beef Mash
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Primary Protein: Beef
Protein Content: 8% min
Fat Content: 4% min
Fiber Content: 1% max
Unlike corporate pet food producers, Nom Nom cooks their meals in small batches and does not use blazing ovens that cook out the nutrients. Their slow-cooked recipes are ideal for picky dogs, and the Beef Mash tops the list of Nom Nom’s premium meals.
Best value
26% protein, 16% fat, and 4% fiber
Poultry free
High in omega fatty acids and vitamin A
Probiotics and prebiotic fiber support gastrointestinal health
Free of corn, wheat, and soy
- Best value
- 26% protein, 16% fat, and 4% fiber
- Poultry free
- High in omega fatty acids and vitamin A
- Probiotics and prebiotic fiber support gastrointestinal health
- Free of corn, wheat, and soy
Contains beef
- Contains beef
Dogs who are sensitive to chicken or turkey meat will love the USDA Grade A beef and fresh vegetables sourced from local farms. Nom Nom includes vital minerals and vitamins in its recipe, including vitamin E, vitamin B12, niacin, and manganese. It also adds sunflower oil and fish oil to keep your dog’s coat shiny and healthy. After tasting Beef Mash, your pup will likely turn its head when presented with other brands.
Pros
Made with USDA grade A beef
Slow-cooked to retain nutrients
Fish oil and sunflower support healthy coats
Ideal for pups with poultry allergies or sensitivities
Cons
Not for dogs sensitive to potatoes
The Purina Pro Plan Puppy Lamb & Rice is the top food pick for your Pitbull puppy. This food contains 28% protein, 18% fat, and 3% fiber, and it features lamb as the first ingredient. It’s specifically formulated with the needs of growing puppies in mind.
Made with USDA grade A beef
Slow-cooked to retain nutrients
Fish oil and sunflower support healthy coats
Ideal for pups with poultry allergies or sensitivities
- Made with USDA grade A beef
- Slow-cooked to retain nutrients
- Fish oil and sunflower support healthy coats
- Ideal for pups with poultry allergies or sensitivities
Not for dogs sensitive to potatoes
- Not for dogs sensitive to potatoes
Primary Protein: Lamb
Protein Content: 28%
Fat Content: 18%
Fiber Content: 3%
This food is a good source of DHA, which is an omega fatty acid that supports the growth and development of the brain and eyes, among other things. It’s free of artificial colors and flavors, and this formula contains bioavailable nutrients for maximum absorption. It’s fortified with probiotics to support digestive health in your growing puppy. It is not formulated for dogs over a year old.
Pros
Best pick for puppies
28% protein, 18% fat, and 3% fiber
Good source of DHA for brain and eye development
Free of artificial colors and flavors
Contains bioavailable nutrients for maximum nutrient absorption
Fortified with probiotics for digestive health
Cons
Not appropriate for dogs older than a year
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Satiety Support food offers weight loss and management benefits without sacrificing satiety. This food is specially formulated for dogs who are obese or prone to obesity, so it’s not the best pick for all Pitbulls across the board. It features 28% protein, up to 11.5% fat, and up to 18.8% fiber.
Best pick for puppies
28% protein, 18% fat, and 3% fiber
Good source of DHA for brain and eye development
Free of artificial colors and flavors
Contains bioavailable nutrients for maximum nutrient absorption
Fortified with probiotics for digestive health
- Best pick for puppies
- 28% protein, 18% fat, and 3% fiber
- Good source of DHA for brain and eye development
- Free of artificial colors and flavors
- Contains bioavailable nutrients for maximum nutrient absorption
- Fortified with probiotics for digestive health
Not appropriate for dogs older than a year
- Not appropriate for dogs older than a year
Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 28%
Fat Content: 5–11.5%
Fiber Content: 8–18.8%
This prescription-only diet is packed with a special fiber blend that improves feelings of satiety and fullness with fewer calories. It will help decrease your dog’s urge to beg, and it contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health. The protein content ensures lean muscle mass stays intact, even if your dog is losing weight.
Pros
Aids in weight loss and management
Maintains satiety and fullness with a special fiber blend
28% protein, up to 11.5% fat, and up to 18.8% fiber
May decrease begging between meals
Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health
Maintains muscle mass
Cons
Not formulated for dogs that are not overweight or prone to obesity
Prescription-only
The Orijen Six Fish Grain-Free dog food is a great choice for food for your Pitbull. This food features six whole fishes, including mackerel and herring, and contains 38% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber. It is free of grains, so make sure to talk to your vet before switching to this food, as grain-free foods are not appropriate for all dogs.
Aids in weight loss and management
Maintains satiety and fullness with a special fiber blend
28% protein, up to 11.5% fat, and up to 18.8% fiber
May decrease begging between meals
Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health
Maintains muscle mass
- Aids in weight loss and management
- Maintains satiety and fullness with a special fiber blend
- 28% protein, up to 11.5% fat, and up to 18.8% fiber
- May decrease begging between meals
- Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health
- Maintains muscle mass
Not formulated for dogs that are not overweight or prone to obesity
Prescription-only
- Not formulated for dogs that are not overweight or prone to obesity
- Prescription-only
Primary Protein: Mackerel
Protein Content: 38%
Fat Content: 18%
Fiber Content: 4%
Up to 85% of this food consists of fish ingredients and it is free of poultry, beef, and other non-fish animal proteins. It’s nutrient-dense and has a freeze-dried raw coating on each kibble to enhance the palatability and nutrient density of the food. It’s free of corn, soy, and wheat, and is a good source of omega fatty acids for joint, skin, and coat health.
Pros
Includes multiple whole fishes
38% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber
Up to 85% of this recipe is fish-based
Free of poultry, beef, lamb, pork, corn, soy, and wheat
Freeze-dried raw coating to enhance palatability and nutrition
Good source of omega fatty acids
Cons
Premium price
Grain-free
The Almo Nature HQS Natural Chicken & Tuna with Vegetables is a wet food with a stew-like consistency. It contains 82% protein and 2.6% fiber but only 2.6% fat. This food only has six ingredients, and chicken and tuna both account for 31% of the recipe each.
Includes multiple whole fishes
38% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber
Up to 85% of this recipe is fish-based
Free of poultry, beef, lamb, pork, corn, soy, and wheat
Freeze-dried raw coating to enhance palatability and nutrition
Good source of omega fatty acids
- Includes multiple whole fishes
- 38% protein, 18% fat, and 4% fiber
- Up to 85% of this recipe is fish-based
- Free of poultry, beef, lamb, pork, corn, soy, and wheat
- Freeze-dried raw coating to enhance palatability and nutrition
- Good source of omega fatty acids
Premium price
Grain-free
- Premium price
- Grain-free
Primary Protein: Chicken and tuna
Protein Content: 82%
Fat Content: 6%
Fiber Content: 6%
It’s made with meats that were originally intended for human consumption, so you know the quality is high. It’s free of artificial colors and preservatives, by-products, and fillers. This food is a good source of omega fatty acids and lean, high-quality protein. It can be rotated with other foods from the HQS line, ensuring dietary variety without leading to stomach upset. This food retails for a premium price if you are feeding it as the primary diet.
Pros
82% protein, 2.6% fat, and 2.6% fiber
Limited ingredients with whole proteins making up over 60% of the recipe
Made with human food quality ingredients
Free of artificial colors and preservatives, byproducts, and fillers
Good source of omega fatty acids
Can be rotated with other foods from the HQS line
Cons
Premium price
The Inukshuk Professional Dry Dog Food 32/32 is a great option for very active and working dogs. It contains 32% protein, 32% fat, and 3% fiber. This food is not a good option for dogs who are overweight, sedentary or have a history of medical conditions that may be exacerbated by a high-fat diet, like pancreatitis.
82% protein, 2.6% fat, and 2.6% fiber
Limited ingredients with whole proteins making up over 60% of the recipe
Made with human food quality ingredients
Free of artificial colors and preservatives, byproducts, and fillers
Good source of omega fatty acids
Can be rotated with other foods from the HQS line
- 82% protein, 2.6% fat, and 2.6% fiber
- Limited ingredients with whole proteins making up over 60% of the recipe
- Made with human food quality ingredients
- Free of artificial colors and preservatives, byproducts, and fillers
- Good source of omega fatty acids
- Can be rotated with other foods from the HQS line
Premium price
- Premium price
Primary Protein: Chicken
Protein Content: 32%
Fat Content: 32%
Fiber Content: 3%
It’s a good source of omega fatty acids to promote skin, coat, and joint health in your active dog. It contains probiotics to support digestive health, and this food is a concentrated formula, which requires less feeding and less poop cleanup. It’s highly digestible and nutrient-dense, making it ideal for the active dog in your life. This food sells for a premium price, although this is somewhat canceled out by it being concentrated.
Pros
Great option for highly active dogs
32% protein and 3% fiber
Good source of omega fatty acids
Probiotics support digestive health
Concentrated formula reduces feeding amount and waste output
Cons
Very high in fat
Premium price
The Instinct Be Natural Real Salmon & Brown Rice Freeze-Dried Raw-Coated Food is a great pick if you’re interested in a partially raw diet without eliminating grains. It contains 25% protein, 14% fat, and 4.5% fiber, as well as salmon as the first ingredient.
Great option for highly active dogs
32% protein and 3% fiber
Good source of omega fatty acids
Probiotics support digestive health
Concentrated formula reduces feeding amount and waste output
- Great option for highly active dogs
- 32% protein and 3% fiber
- Good source of omega fatty acids
- Probiotics support digestive health
- Concentrated formula reduces feeding amount and waste output
Very high in fat
Premium price
- Very high in fat
- Premium price
Primary Protein: Salmon
Protein Content: 25%
Fat Content: 14%
Fiber Content: 5%
This food supports lean muscle mass, and it’s free of fillers, corn, soy, wheat, by-product meals, and artificial colors and preservatives. Each piece of kibble is coated with freeze-dried raw food to enhance palatability and nutrient density. It’s free of poultry and is made with bioavailable nutrients for maximum nutrient absorption. It sells for a premium price, and some people report their picky dogs not finding this food as appealing as some other options.
Pros
25% protein, 14% fat, and 4.5% fiber
Supports lean muscle mass
Free of fillers, corn, soy, poultry, wheat, by-product meals, and artificial colors and preservatives
Coated with freeze-dried raw food to enhance palatability and nutrient density
Bioavailable nutrients maximum nutrient absorption
Cons
Premium price
May not be a good option for picky eaters
Farmina N&D Ocean Salmon & Cod is a canned food with salmon, cod, and herring as the first three ingredients. It contains 55.3% protein, 23.7% fat, and 3.2% fiber on a dry matter basis. This is not a good food option for Pitbulls who need low to moderate fat diets.
25% protein, 14% fat, and 4.5% fiber
Supports lean muscle mass
Free of fillers, corn, soy, poultry, wheat, by-product meals, and artificial colors and preservatives
Coated with freeze-dried raw food to enhance palatability and nutrient density
Bioavailable nutrients maximum nutrient absorption
- 25% protein, 14% fat, and 4.5% fiber
- Supports lean muscle mass
- Free of fillers, corn, soy, poultry, wheat, by-product meals, and artificial colors and preservatives
- Coated with freeze-dried raw food to enhance palatability and nutrient density
- Bioavailable nutrients maximum nutrient absorption
Premium price
May not be a good option for picky eaters
- Premium price
- May not be a good option for picky eaters
Primary Protein: Salmon
Protein Content: 3%
Fat Content: 7%
Fiber Content: 2%
It’s free of legumes, thickeners, and added water or broth, and the food is steamed right in the can for maximum freshness. It’s a good source of omega fatty acids for skin, coat, and joint health, and it’s made to be dense in bioavailable nutrients for maximum absorption. If feeding this food as the primary diet source, it is a premium-priced option. This is a grain-free dog food.
Pros
Salmon, cod, and herring are the first ingredients
3% protein and 3.2% fiber
Free of legumes, thickeners, added water, and broth
Steamed in the can
Good source of omega fatty acids and bioavailable nutrients
Cons
High in fat
Premium price
Grain-free
The Merrick Back Country Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe is a nice pick for dogs with food sensitivities because it is free of poultry. It contains 38% protein, 17% fat, and 3.5% fiber. This food is designed to be highly digestible and nutrient-dense.
Salmon, cod, and herring are the first ingredients
3% protein and 3.2% fiber
Free of legumes, thickeners, added water, and broth
Steamed in the can
Good source of omega fatty acids and bioavailable nutrients
- Salmon, cod, and herring are the first ingredients
- 3% protein and 3.2% fiber
- Free of legumes, thickeners, added water, and broth
- Steamed in the can
- Good source of omega fatty acids and bioavailable nutrients
High in fat
Premium price
Grain-free
- High in fat
- Premium price
- Grain-free
Primary Protein: Beef
Protein Content: 38%
Fat Content: 17%
Fiber Content: 5%
These kibbles are coated in freeze-dried raw food to enhance nutrient density and palatability. It’s free of corn, wheat, and soy. This is a grain-free food that sells for a premium price. It’s intended to help your dog maintain energy levels throughout the day and supports lean muscle mass. There are chunks of freeze-dried meats mixed in with the kibble, and some people report their dogs picking out the freeze-dried pieces to eat them instead of the kibble itself.
Pros
Good option for dogs with food sensitivities
38% protein, 17% fat, and 3.5% fiber
Designed to be highly digestible, nutrient-dense, and palatable
Free of poultry, corn, wheat, and soy
Maintains healthy energy levels and lean muscle mass
Cons
Grain-free food
Premium price
Some dogs prefer the freeze-dried meat pieces over the kibble
The Essence Limited Ingredient Ranch Recipe is a wet food pick that is suitable for Pitbulls with sensitivities to poultry and fish. This food contains 50% protein, 34% fat, and 6.8% fiber on a dry matter basis. This is not a good option for dogs that cannot tolerate a high-fat diet.
Good option for dogs with food sensitivities
38% protein, 17% fat, and 3.5% fiber
Designed to be highly digestible, nutrient-dense, and palatable
Free of poultry, corn, wheat, and soy
Maintains healthy energy levels and lean muscle mass
- Good option for dogs with food sensitivities
- 38% protein, 17% fat, and 3.5% fiber
- Designed to be highly digestible, nutrient-dense, and palatable
- Free of poultry, corn, wheat, and soy
- Maintains healthy energy levels and lean muscle mass
Grain-free food
Premium price
Some dogs prefer the freeze-dried meat pieces over the kibble
- Grain-free food
- Premium price
- Some dogs prefer the freeze-dried meat pieces over the kibble
Primary Protein: Lamb
Protein Content: 50%
Fat Content: 34%
Fiber Content: 8%
It’s free of legumes, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy but contains fiber-rich ingredients like pumpkin and quinoa. The fiber content can aid in satiety and prevent hunger between meals when fed as directed. This food has dogs with sensitive stomachs in mind and is highly digestible and gentle on the stomach. When fed as the primary diet source, this food can get expensive.
Pros
Suitable for dogs with food sensitivities
50% protein and 6.8% fiber
Free of legumes, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy
Fiber-rich ingredients support satiety
Cons
Very high in fat
Premium price
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Food for Pitbulls
Should I Choose a Grain-Free Diet for My Pitbull?
Currently, veterinary and scientific communities haven’t come to a consensus on this one. However, some studies have indicated that grain-free diets may be linked to the development of serious cardiac problems in dogs. Pitbulls are not at particularly high risk for these disorders, but since it’s unknown if the grain-free diets are the cause, most vets will recommend you avoid a grain-free diet for now. Always talk to your vet before starting your dog on a grain-free diet so you can talk through the pros and cons with them.
Suitable for dogs with food sensitivities
50% protein and 6.8% fiber
Free of legumes, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy
Fiber-rich ingredients support satiety
- Suitable for dogs with food sensitivities
- 50% protein and 6.8% fiber
- Free of legumes, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy
- Fiber-rich ingredients support satiety
Another theory related to grain-free diets and the development of cardiac diseases is that it isn’t the lack of grains in the food that is the problem. Rather, the ingredients that are added to the food to replace the grains may be the issue. These are usually legumes, like lentils and peas, and potatoes. The diets that have been linked to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy are often called “BEG” diets, which stands for “boutique companies, exotic ingredients, and grain-free diets.” Other diets that have shown potential links include vegetarian, vegan, and homemade diets.
Final Thoughts
After reading these reviews, we hope you’ve found a great starting point to finding the best diet for your Pitbull. The best overall pick is Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine which is a fresh dog food that supports fullness and can aid in weight loss. For tighter budgets, a big bag of Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula won’t break the bank and will meet the nutritional needs of your Pitbull. If you’re feeding a Pitbull puppy, the top pick is the Nom Nom beef mash, which is formulated with the nutritional needs of dogs.
Related Read:
- Pitbull Ear Cropping: Why Is It Done and Is It Cruel?
- 10 Best Dog Foods for Pitbulls at Walmart
- 10 Best Dog Treats for Large Dogs in – Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: Roberto Cabrera Castro, Shutterstock
