PetSmart offers a comprehensive list of goods and services to pet owners living all over the map. With locations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada, PetSmart continues to grow, catering to the needs of exotic to domesticated house pets.
If you have a Pit Bull breed in your home and PetSmart nearby, you might wonder if you can take care of all their needs in one stop. So, for your convenience, we rounded up seven of the best dog food recipes for Pit Bulls that PetSmart carries in their inventory. Here are our reviews.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Antioxidant-rich life source bits
Great for everyday nutrition
Easily digestible grains
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Best Value
Purina ONE SmartBlend Dog Food
Affordable
Savory recipe
Sufficient moisture content
Check Price
Freshpet Vital Balanced Nutrition
Fresh, whole protein
Easily digestible ingredients
Gently cooked
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Purina ProPlan Classic Puppy
Added DHA, vitamins, and minerals
Aids in development
Easy to digest formula for puppies
Check Price
Best Grain-Free Choice
Simply Nourish Grain-Free Adult Dog Food
Grain-free
Whole ingredients
Appetite-inducing
Check Price
The 7 Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls at PetSmart
Our favorite overall was the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula over all the other excellent options. We think it would meet the needs of most adult canines, providing an all-natural, carefully crafted recipe your pup can enjoy day after day. It should meet the needs of most healthy adults.
Brand: Blue Buffalo
Type: Dry kibble
Calories: 377
Protein: 24%
Fat: 14%
Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 10%
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This particular Blue Buffalo recipe is dry kibble, which cleans the teeth to rid plaque buildup. This recipe also contains Blue’s famous LifeSource Bits, which are soft, meaty antioxidant-packed morsels your dog can enjoy.
In this recipe, there are 377 calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 24% crude protein, 14% crude fat, 5% crude fiber, and 10% moisture. There are a ton of terrific ingredients in this recipe with no fillers, artificial flavors, or byproducts.
This recipe contains grain, but rather than using potentially irritating ingredients, there are easy-to-digest grains like barley and oatmeal. We can only say that the kibble is a bit crummy—but we think that’s hardly a downfall.
Pros
Antioxidant-rich life source bits
Great for everyday nutrition
Easily digestible grains
Cons
A bit crummy
If you want to serve your dog quality wet food at a modest price, try out Purina ONE SmartBlend Dog Food. Your dog will love the flavors, and buying repeatedly won’t break the bank. We think it is the best dog food at PetSmart for the money.
Antioxidant-rich life source bits
Great for everyday nutrition
Easily digestible grains
- Antioxidant-rich life source bits
- Great for everyday nutrition
- Easily digestible grains
A bit crummy
- A bit crummy
Brand: Purina
Type: Wet
Calories: 425
Protein: 8%
Fat: 7%
Fiber: 1.5%
Moisture: 78%
This particular recipe featured classic ground beef and brown rice. In each serving, there are calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 8% crude protein, 7% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 78% crude moisture.
SmartBlend aims to provide your pooch with natural nutrition, adding adequate vitamins and minerals. This recipe has no poultry byproducts, and beef is the number one ingredient. We loved this aspect, ensuring your dog is getting chunks of real meat.
Pit Bulls are large dogs, and some can get massive. Serving wet food as a standalone diet might get expensive. However, a combination diet might stretch far for your dollar.
Pros
Affordable
Savory recipe
Sufficient moisture content
Cons
Might get expensive for dogs with larger appetites
- Freshpet Vital Balanced Nutrition
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Brand: Freshpet
Type: Fresh
Calories: 300
Protein: 9%
Fat: 7%
Fiber: 15%
Moisture: 76%
We won’t lie to you—Freshpet Vital Balanced Nutrition is excellent dog food, but it is pretty expensive. However, each recipe contains healthy, fresh ingredients that will nourish your Pit’s whole body, making it well worth the added dollars. If it’s within your budget, we highly suggest trying it.
Affordable
Savory recipe
Sufficient moisture content
- Affordable
- Savory recipe
- Sufficient moisture content
Might get expensive for dogs with larger appetites
- Might get expensive for dogs with larger appetites
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Brand: Freshpet
Type: Fresh
Calories: 300
Protein: 9%
Fat: 7%
Fiber: 15%
Moisture: 76%
Check Price on Chewy
Vital comes in a tube of soft dog food with all sorts of healthy ingredients like whole protein, eggs, carrots, brown rice, and rice bran. Since these grains are easy to digest and the moisture content is higher than traditional commercial foods, they get the most out of each vitamin and mineral.
In one serving of this dog food, there are 300 calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 9% crude protein, 7% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 76% moisture. There are also added omega fatty acids to improve skin and coat.
This product is gently cooked, meaning it was cooked at a very low temperature to preserve all nutrients therein. All additives are non-GMO, it’s packed with protein, and it has high fiber content. We really think it would nourish your Pit Bull’s overall health.
Pros
Fresh, whole protein
Easily digestible ingredients
Gently cooked
Cons
Expensive
Nutrition during the puppy years is incredibly important, especially for larger, muscular breeds like Pits. Getting a puppy chow that will support their quickly developing bones, muscles, and organs is a must for all owners. We personally love the Purina ProPlan Classic Puppy.
Fresh, whole protein
Easily digestible ingredients
Gently cooked
- Fresh, whole protein
- Easily digestible ingredients
- Gently cooked
Expensive
- Expensive
Brand: Purina
Type: Wet
Calories: 475
Protein: 10%
Fat: 7%
Fiber: 1.5%
Moisture: 76%
The chicken and brown rice recipe boosts protein and aids in digestion, ensuring your pup’s entire body is getting the attention they deserve. It contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals in all. The added moisture and savory flavors of wet food have their benefits, too.
IN one serving of this wet food, there are 475 calories. The guaranteed analysis of the product includes 10% crude protein, 7% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 76% moisture. It also contains DHA, which aids in your puppy’s brain development.
The only downfall we can see is that standalone wet food diets can cause plaque buildup on the teeth. If you use wet food only, make sure to brush your pup’s teeth daily.
Pros
Added DHA, vitamins, and minerals
Aids in development
Easy-to-digest formula for puppies
Cons
Can cause plaque buildup
If you have a grain-sensitive dog, they might love the fresh down-home tastes of Simply Nourish Grain-Free Adult Wet Dog Food. This particular formula features tuna and salmon, creating a robust, aromatic recipe that is sure to draw in your canine’s nose.
Added DHA, vitamins, and minerals
Aids in development
Easy-to-digest formula for puppies
- Added DHA, vitamins, and minerals
- Aids in development
- Easy-to-digest formula for puppies
Can cause plaque buildup
- Can cause plaque buildup
Brand: Simply Nourish
Type: Wet
Calories: 221
Protein: 10%
Fat: 1.4%
Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 83%
This wet food has whole ingredients you can see so you know your dog is getting what is on the label. This recipe has tuna, tuna broth, salmon, potatoes, peas, and carrots to give your Pit a punch of wholesome nutrition.
In one serving, there are 221 calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 10% crude protein, 1.4% crude fat, 1% crude finer, and 83% moisture.
If you’re sensitive to strong smells, the aroma might bother you.
Pros
Grain-free
Whole ingredients
Appetite-inducing
Cons
Strong smell
- Authority Adult Large Breed
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Brand: Authority
Type: Kibble
Calories: 371
Protein: 25%
Fat: 12%
Fiber: 4%
Moisture: 10%
If your Pittie is large and stocky like most, Authority Adult Large Breed will give them the balanced nutrition their bodies will need. It is perfect for everyday health, serving up an easy-to-digest meal that your dog will crave.
Grain-free
Whole ingredients
Appetite-inducing
- Grain-free
- Whole ingredients
- Appetite-inducing
Strong smell
- Strong smell
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Brand: Authority
Type: Kibble
Calories: 371
Protein: 25%
Fat: 12%
Fiber: 4%
Moisture: 10%
This recipe contains real deboned chicken as the first ingredient, so you know your dog is getting a whole protein source. Even though most ingredients are completely healthy, this recipe does contain corn—which some Pits can be allergic to.
In one cup of this dry kibble, there are 371 calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 25% crude protein, 12% crude fat, and 4% crude fiber. It also contains live prebiotics for gut health.
This recipe specifically targets join support and mobility maintenance, containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. It also boosts the immune system to keep your dog happy and healthy. So, it is perfect long-term for your larger Pit.
Pros
Easy to digest
Whole protein
Boosts immunity
Cons
Might cause allergic reactions
Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition is a solid pick for your Pit as long as they have no known allergies. While this brand is trusted for pet nutrition, it contains lots of potentially irritating ingredients, which many Pit Bulls can be allergic to.
Easy to digest
Whole protein
Boosts immunity
- Easy to digest
- Whole protein
- Boosts immunity
Might cause allergic reactions
- Might cause allergic reactions
Brand: Pedigree
Type: Dry kibble
Calories: 309
Protein: 21%
Fat: 10%
Fiber: 4%
Moisture: 12%
In any case, this recipe flavor consists of steak and vegetables, appealing to most dogs’ appetites. It contains whole grains, bone and meat meal, and omega fatty acids for everyday health and overall wellbeing.
In one serving, there are 309 calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 21% crude protein, 0% crude fat, 4% crude fiber, and 12% moisture. All recipes are crafted in the USA with traceable ingredients.
Though this product doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes, or sugar, it might not provide adequate protein, especially for very active dogs.
Pros
Flavorful recipe
Well-balanced
Crafted in the USA
Cons
Low protein content
Potential allergy triggers
Flavorful recipe
Well-balanced
Crafted in the USA
- Flavorful recipe
- Well-balanced
- Crafted in the USA
Low protein content
Potential allergy triggers
- Low protein content
- Potential allergy triggers
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls
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When you choose a diet plan for your Pit Bull, things might not always work out according to plan. Every dog is different—each has its own taste or texture preferences, health battles, and sensitivities. PetSmart is a company that is dedicated to pet welfare, and they have many food options for Pits.
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Regardless of individual issues, Pit Bulls as a breed require a high protein, nutrient-rich diet that caters to muscle and bone health. These dogs have heavy bodies and deep muscle definition, which they will need to maintain.
Dog Food Budget
If you shop at PetSmart, choosing a budget-friendly option is important. If you select a higher-priced item, it might cost even more at locations like PetSmart. Always check in-store prices before you commit to a new diet for your Pit.
Dog Food Ingredients
Your Pit is part of the family and you want to feed them as such—we get it. Ingredients are especially important to this breed for a few reasons. First, they are a muscle-dense breed, needing a protein-rich dog food that can keep up.
Next, they can be very prone to food-related triggers. While companies tout grain-free recipes, often it’s protein, dairy, and artificial ingredients that are the culprit.
Dog Food Flavors
If your Pittie is anything like ours, they aren’t very picky. In fact, that’s putting it lightly—they’re vacuum cleaners with legs. But some flavors really get their attention. Finding a recipe your Pit enjoys that is still totally healthy for them is crucial.
Dog Food Life Stage
During dinner, buying according to life stage for your Pit should be at the top of your priority list. Puppy, adult, and senior chow have very different formulas to develop, maintain, and enhance their bodies.
Because your Pit grows semi-slow, stopping growth at 18 months, they need to eat puppy chow until that marker (even though many suggest transitioning at a year.)
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Importance of High Protein
Pit Bulls absolutely require a protein-rich diet from puppyhood to the golden years. The more muscly they are, the higher that requirement. Many lower-quality dog foods have lower-quality protein sources, as a general whole.
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The good news is that you can stay within your budget while providing your dog with adequate protein just from recipes at PetSmart.
Conclusion: Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls at PetSmart
Again, our favorite recipe of all was Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula. The cost will fit into most budgets, it’s completely healthy, and it covers all nutritional needs for adult Pit Bulls. Plus, there are antioxidant-packed LifeSource Bits to boost immunity.
If you want to save money but buy quality, try out Purina ONE SmartBlend Wet Dog Food. It gives your Pit a kick of moisture and they won’t mind the flavor. We think it’s really terrific nutrition for the money.
Regardless of which of these foods are on your radar, we hope you are ready to purchase—or at least informed about Pit Bulldog food at PetSmart.
Featured Image Credit: Roberto Cabrera Castro, Shutterstock