DogExpress
With most products going on sale during this season, you are bound to discover great deals on dog food. But how do you ensure that the pet food brand you choose has your dog’s interest at heart?
It is no secret that most pet food companies are all about sales. So it is up to you, the pet parent, to be vigilant about what ingredients go into your dog’s meal. When it comes to an adult or puppy Pitbull, the stakes are definitely higher.
How to Properly Feed The Pit Bull?
So what is the best Pitbull diet in the world?
Pitbulls are large muscular dog breeds with high energy levels. Their diet will be a lot different from that of toy breeds or low-energy breeds. You must map out your bully’s diet right from when they are puppies.
A healthy diet that is filled with nutrients not only makes your puppy Pitbull stronger but also protects them from common health issues that face dogs on poor diets.
Without further ado, here is what you need to know before planning your red nose or blue nose pit bull’s diet.
Things to consider when planning your Pitbull’s diet
Whether you are buying commercial dog food or formulating a homemade diet for your puppy Pitbull, these are the rules you should always follow.
Proteins
Animal protein is the best source of protein for pit bulls. It packs the full amino acids required by your puppy pit bull to build healthy muscle mass.
Plant-based proteins are still an option but they do not carry the full amino acids required. Fortunately, there are ways to supplement the missing proteins and ensure your pitbull puppy enjoys full health.
The best meat for a pit bull dog should have high amounts of amino acids which is its biological value. Here is a pitbull feeding chart on various meats and their biological value.
| Meat | Biological Value |
| Beef | 75 |
| Fish | 76 |
| Chicken | 79 |
| Eggs | 100 |
The higher the biological value, the more nutritious the meat is to your dog. We look at these sources of meat further.
Beef
This is one of the most affordable sources of meat for your puppy pit bull. Beef is rich in protein, B vitamins (B3, B6, and B12), iron, selenium, and zinc. The only downside of beef is that it can be really fatty.
Always opt for leaner options of beef to prevent unnecessary weight gain in your pit bull terrier. Moreover, this is not a globally available meet. Some countries don’t allow sales of products that have beef in them.
Fish
Fresh fish like salmon, trout, and tuna not only contain high amounts of amino acids but are also rich in vitamins and minerals.
Also, fish contains copious amounts of essential fatty oils, which are Omega 3 and Omega 6. All these nutrients combined facilitate the growth of muscle and bones as well as promote healthy skin and coats in your pitbull.
While considering a fish for dogs, try and avoid large fish like marlin and swordfish. Such fish contain high amounts of mercury which can harm your pup.
Chicken
Chicken is as affordable as beef and globally available. It packs plenty of vitamins B3 and B6. Also, chicken is rich in minerals such as phosphorus and selenium. But, chicken carries a lot of fat, especially on the skin. If possible, take the skin off before feeding your puppy pit bull.
Lamb
Lamb is another great source of high protein for your bluenose or red nose XL pit bull. This meat option packs plenty of vitamins B3 and B12. Also, lamb meat is a rich source of essential fatty oils; Omega 3 and Omega 6.
Pork
Pork meat contains plenty of quality proteins and vitamin B. Your pitbull terrier also benefits from the minerals phosphorus, selenium, zinc, and iron packed in pork.
But pork has plenty of saturated fats too. Try and feed small portions of this meat to avoid obesity in your puppy pit bull.
Organ meat for dogs
Organ meat, or offals, comprises of liver, spleen, or kidneys. Organ meat packs lots of natural nutrients that can help with muscle growth and healthy weight gain.
Ensure organ meat is screened for parasites before buying it. Also, buy organ meat from animals that your dog loves to eat, for example, beef or lamb. This helps prevent any digestive problems or pet diarrhea.
Fruits and veggies for pit bulldogs
Fruits and veggies are necessary for your adult or puppy pit bull’s diet. They are a rich source of fiber that helps with digestion. Fruits and veggies are also beneficial because;
- They pack probiotics that promote a healthy gut
- They are rich in vitamins that boost your pup’s immune system
- They promote healthy skin and coat
- They ensure your dog always has a balanced diet
Some of the tasty veggies you should be feeding your pit bull terrier include;
- Sweet potato
- Spinach
- Pumpkin
- Kale
- Green beans
- Parsley
- Mushroom
- Broccoli
- Carrots
You could always use veggie options like pumpkin to make healthy pet treats for your adult or puppy pit bull. Another great ingredient for doggy treats is sweet potatoes.
For fruits, consider healthy options such as:
- Berries eg blueberry, cranberry, strawberry, and blackberries
- Pomegranates
- Cantaloupe
- Oranges
- Apples
- Kiwi fruit
Not all fruits are healthy for your pet bulldogs. Fruits like Cherries contain traces of cyanide which can be harmful to your dog’s respiratory system. Also, avoid feeding your dog raisins or grapes because they can cause damage to your dog’s kidneys.
Putting everything together
The best pitbull diet should contain lots of proteins, fruits, and veggies. Other things to consider when feeding your pitbull are:
Age
A puppy pitbull will require a high-quality diet to help them grow into strong and healthy individuals. Also, a pit bull puppy will need to eat at least three times a day to fuel its energetic life. If you are rearing XL or XXL red nose or blue nose pitbull puppies, the amount may be even higher.
As the puppy grows older, continue feeding them thrice a day until they are at least 18 months old. Once they become adults, you can reduce their ratio to two servings a day. Older dogs can do with one or two servings a day.
Meat Quality
Fatty meat portions are ideal for a puppy pitbull that wants to gain weight fast. Chicken is a great option for a puppy that wants to add weight and muscle. Fish is the best in this case but it can be costly stocking up on salmon and tuna each week. A cost-effective approach to fattening your puppy pitbull is occasionally switching between fish and chicken.
Allergies
Some pit bulldogs develop allergies to certain proteins. This often happens when switching your dog to a different meat protein. Common symptoms of protein allergies are itching, vomiting, and diarrhea. If any of these symptoms occur, stop the new diet immediately and consult with your pup’s vet. A professional vet should be able to formulate a bland diet that will help with your dog’s recovery process.
Healthy Oils
Unfortunately, you can only get healthy essential oils from fish like salmon and tuna which can be expensive to buy. Most pet parents opt to supplement their pit bull’s diet with Omega 3 and Omega 6 supplements.
As we get into the heart of winter, this is the best time to supplement your dog’s diet with essential fatty oils. It helps your dog gain healthy fats in his coat which can help with insulation against the coat. Especially for standard and XL pitbull puppies who both have short-haired coats.
Plant vs Meat Protein Diet
Between plant-based and meat-based proteins, which are best for your dog? The answer is both protein options are great for your dog. In fact, some dogs live entirely on a vegan diet and still get their supply of proteins.
The biggest difference between these two diets is that meat-based proteins pack all the 22 amino acids required by both humans and animals. Plant-based proteins carry fewer amino acids but you can always make up for the gap with healthy pet supplements.
Supplements like Bullyade carry all the required amino acids as well as vitamins and minerals that will help with your dog’s growth. Also, these supplements contain electrolytes that help with your body temperature regulation in your puppy pit bull.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are feeding your pitbull dog commercial or homemade food, you should always ensure they are getting the most in terms of nutrients. This article covers all the important ingredients that should go into your pit bull’s diet.
What other healthy food options are you feeding your adult or puppy pitbull this season?
in Chandigarh, India. 
