All Pet's Life is reader-supported. When buying products through links on the site, we may earn a commission (at no extra cost to you).

8 Best Dog Food for Pitbulls to Gain Muscle [2023]

Pitbulls are best known for their awesome muscular strength not only in terms of tricks but also in protecting our citizens against crime and whatnot. Most often, Pitbulls are best used as guard dogs by police, other than those bomb-sniffing dogs, usually due to their high energy and capability to become lean and mean against wrongdoers. To make those muscles grow you need the best dog food for Pitbulls.

best dog food for pitbulls

However, for a pitbull to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle, it can sometimes be necessary for them to gain muscle so that they can become stronger and able to protect their owners at all costs. This is why you may be looking for the best dog food for Pitbulls to gain muscle.

A pitbull who has more muscle gain could become stronger and fit for succeeding physical activities, whether they are guarding the house or competing in dog shows. In this article, we check out some tips on why Pitbulls may gain from certain dog food and what brands are available for your dog. Here’s the list if you want to get straight to the products:

  1. Wilderness Blue Buffalo High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food
  2. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grillers Grain-Free Natural Adult Wet Dog Food
  3. Dogswell Happy Hips Grain-Free Lamb and Sweet Potato Recipe
  4. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
  5. Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food
  6. Royal Canin Breed Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food
  7. Wellness Core Dry Dog Food Small Bregooged
  8. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet

pitbull running

Top 8 Best Dog Food for Pitbulls

Pit bulls are best known for being energetic and active. They may be aggressive too, but they make lovable pets when adopted to domestic life.

The pit bulls need high-quality foods, and for that, I have made a list of the eight best dog foods for Pit bulls;

1. Wilderness Blue Buffalo High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food

blue buffalo wilderness high protein natural adult dry dog food 1The primary sources of protein are chicken meal, deboned duck, and turkey meal. Peas and potatoes provide carbohydrates. In addition to this, it contains a healthy mix of fruits and vegetables.

The unique LifeSource bits from Blue Buffalo ensure that the dog gets antioxidants and healthy doses of nutrients.

Things we liked

  • Antioxidant-rich blend
  • Made with no byproducts
  • grain-free dry dog formula

Things we didn’t like

  • Can be a little bit expensive

amazon button yellow

 

2. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grillers Grain-Free Natural Adult Wet Dog Food

blue buffalo freedom grain free natural adult wet dog foodFor pitties in need of wet food, a great choice is Blue Buffalo’s Grain-Free Freedom Grillers. Its ingredients are beef, beef broth, wholesome vegetables, minerals, and vitamins. It does not have any artificial flavors or preservatives.

Things we liked

  • Delicious, protein-rich Beef
  • 100% grain-free
  • Contains the finest natural ingredients
  • NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals
  • NO artificial preservatives, colors, flavors or corn, wheat, or soy

Things we didn’t like

  • It’s a brand best suited for adult dogs

amazon button yellow

 

3. Dogswell Happy Hips Grain-Free Lamb and Sweet Potato Recipe

dogswell happy hips lamb and sweet stew recipe grain free canned dog foodThe primary proteins in it come from beef, lamb, and salmon. It has veggies and fruits but lacks grains. The formula also has glucosamine and chondroitin, which help improve the health of your pitty’s hips and joints.

Things we liked

  • High moisture content
  • High quality ingredients
  • Affordable as it is priced below the average market price for wet dog food
  • Free of potentially harmful ingredients and additives

Things we didn’t like

  • High in carbohydrates

4. Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food

taste of the wild dry dog foodRoasted bison and venison in Taste of the Wild provide the primary sources of protein in this option, in addition to fish and lamb meals. Various fruits and veggies supplement the proteins. Some of the ingredients have antioxidants that help with immune health. The Taste of the Wild recipe provides full nutrition and helps maintain the sleek condition of good health of your adult dog.

Things we liked

  • Taste of the Wild has high meat content
  • Low in carbohydrates
  • High in proteins and fats
  • Taste of the Wild is affordable

Things we didn’t like

  • Low in plant-sourced nutrients

amazon button yellow

 

5. Bully Max High-Performance Supbully max high performance super premium dog food for all ages for puppies adult dogs 535 calories per cup for muscle size growth and weighter Premium Dog Food

Dog food that is made specifically for Pitbulls, this high-protein formula contains a ratio of protein and fat at 30/20 and it is ideal for Pitbulls of all life stages.

It is a combination of chicken meal where its real meat is the first ingredient for a high dose of protein. Each bag contains 15 lbs. but you can also order a bigger bag of 40 lbs.

For sporting dogs, this high-calorie and high-protein dog food may be an ideal staple food. It contains no fillers, such as corn, soy, and wheat so it can be easy to digest for most dogs.

Things We Liked

  • Grain-free dry dog food product
  • 2 sizes available
  • 30/20 protein-to-fat ratio
  • Best for sporting Pitbulls
  • Real meat is the first ingredient

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Can be a bit more expensive than other dry dog food for pit bulls

amazon button yellow

 

6. Royal Canin Breed Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food

royal canin bulldog adult breedAlso specifically formulated for Pitbulls or bulldogs, this adult dry dog food for pit bulls can be consumed by dogs that are 12 months or older.

It comes with highly digestible protein content as well as fiber so it can be friendly towards your pitbull’s tummy.

We also liked that it has 3 sizes to choose from depending on how much your dog regularly consumes (or how many Pitbulls you own).

With 22% protein and 12% fat, this dog food can also be ideal for building your dog’s muscles and gaining weight.

It even has 10% moisture to balance your dog’s diet and 4.1% fiber to maintain healthy digestion.

EPA and DHA are also in the formula for your dog’s joint and bone health. The kibble even has fun and exciting shapes, which can make feeding time awesome.

Things We Liked

  • Specially formulated for Pitbulls/bulldogs
  • Good protein and fat content
  • This dry dog food contains digestible fiber
  • 3 sizes available
  • Contains EPA and DHA for joint and bone health

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Some bags could be a bit damaged

7. Wellness Core Dry Dog Food Small Bregooged

wellness core grain free small breed turkey chicken recipe dry dog foodThis dog food is also free from grains, making it easy on your dog’s tummy, especially if they are not very good with digestive upsets.

It is made only with turkey and chicken so it can be rich in protein for Pitbulls that want to build muscle. The dog food even has glucosamine hydrochloride which can help with your pitbull’s joint health.

Each bag comes at 12 lbs. but you can also order a 4-lb. a bag that’s smaller. The protein is measured just right for dogs of small breed, such as the pitbull, so not much measuring is needed.

It is also free from preservatives and artificial flavors so your dog only gets raw protein.

Things We Liked

  • Just-right protein for small breeds
  • Grain-free dry dog food
  • 2 sizes available
  • Free from preservatives
  • Chicken meal and turkey proteins

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Some batches could be a bit damaged

8. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet

blue buffalo basics limited ingredient dietAs a limited-ingredient diet, this can ensure that your pit bull doesn’t get any unnecessary fillers.

It has no by-product meals from chicken and only contains single-animal protein, in this case, deboned turkey. It also has pumpkin and pea fiber for easier digestion and for a balanced and complete meal.

For pit bulls that need quality carbohydrates, this one has peas and potatoes as sources of it.

Omega 3 and 6 are also present to help with their coat health and their heart health. Each bag contains 11 lbs. of dog food. For added nutrients, it even has fish oil and brown rice.

Things We Liked

  • Contains sufficient protein sources
  • Single-animal protein
  • No fillers added in this dry dog food
  • Has omega 3 and 6
  • Also a good source of carbohydrates for energy

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Some dogs could be turned off by the smell

Things to Consider Before You Buy

Here are things you may want to know first before buying the best dog food for Pitbulls to gain muscle:

Why should I buy the best dog food for Pitbulls to gain muscle?

Buying protein-rich dog foods for your pit can give them the following benefits:

Increased strength. Any dog food that is packed with proteins can help your pitbull to gain more strength due to their muscle build-up. Humans can have muscle gains if they work out every single day and also take protein supplements or food – the same is true with your pitbull. Look for a dog food that has rich protein sources that you know are from quality meat.

More energy. If your dog gets more protein, they may have more energy to perform tasks throughout the day. This can be true for dogs that are often working in the industry or are competing in dog shows. Pitbulls that often play with their owners may also spend more time in the backyard and get tired less often if they have more muscle mass.

Better tricks. Any pit bull that usually competes in dog shows or at least does tricks requires a lot of protein for them. Your dog can easily accomplish any task that you give to them if they don’t get tired too much and your training will definitely pay off if they are fed with quality sources of protein.

Longer lifespan. Your pitbull can also gain from a longer lifespan if they take protein-rich food. After all, most dog food that has quality sources of protein (e.g. chicken as the first ingredient) usually have more nutritious ingredients other than meat. For instance, it even has a balanced blend of peas, lentils, and other veggies that your dog can take.

Healthier well-being. A healthy dog can mean that you are such a good owner for keeping their health a priority. By consuming quality food, your canine friend can be less likely a target for most diseases that some dogs gain from eating too much cheap food that have a lot of preservatives.

Fewer crooks sneaking in your backyard. Many owners do get a pitbull to act as a warning sign against crooks who might steal or do something bad in their house or property. A properly-nourished pitbull can be leaner and stronger to ward off and chase those robbers away from your house to keep you and your family (and belongings) safe and sound.

pitbull standing on the grass

How do I choose the best dog food for Pitbulls to gain muscle?

To choose an ideal muscle-gaining dog food for your pitbull, you may want to consider the following:

Protein content. Consider a high protein content from your dog food. A good percentage is about 22% or making sure that a large percentage of dog food comes from real animal sources and not just random by-products. The label must indicate what animals have been used (e.g. chicken and turkey). Other protein content sources include venison, bison, and salmon (which is even rich in omega fatty acids for heart health).

Single-animal protein. Know if the dog food clearly states that it is from certain animals, such as turkey, chicken, bison, and the like. Don’t buy dog food that contains by-products as they are not worthy sources of protein since you may not know where they came from. High protein content comes from real meat from animals. Look for the label “first ingredient” when buying any dog food with chicken or any lean meat.

Fat content. Sometimes, to build muscles, fat content can be important, especially if your dog is too thin and wants to gain some weight. However, make sure that the fat content is still in a decent quality as advised by your vet to avoid dog obesity.

Carbohydrate content. As a pitbull is a high-energy dog, do consider options that have carbohydrates in their formulation. Any mix that has potatoes or sweet potatoes will do, as long as your dog will be able to digest them just fine. Know if your dog does have any allergies to such before you buy them.

No fillers or grains. One common problem with dogs that get digestive problems is that they consume food that has too much grain or fillers, which may disrupt their healthy tummy. To avoid this, consider lean meat dog food products that have no fillers or grains. You may also even want to avoid corn, soy, and wheat since most of these are simple carbohydrates or grains that may not be that ideal for dogs.

Developed for small breeds. It can be hard to determine whether the protein content is too much or too little for your dog breed. When in doubt, consider a dog food that is designed specifically for small breeds, since pit bulls are such. This can help ensure that the protein that they get is just right for their breed size and not too much or too little.

How do I feed dog food for Pitbulls to gain muscle?

To feed your pitbull, you should do the following:

  1. Follow the instruction manual of the dog food
  2. Know the feeding schedule of your pitbull
  3. Get a recommendation from your vet on protein intake
  4. Try mixing other ingredients or dog food for a balanced meal
  5. Don’t forget to add hydration (water, sauces) to the mix

Frequently Asked Questions:

What should pit bulls eat?

Pitbulls are strong and agile; hence they need a high-protein diet to remain healthy. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which can be worsened by obesity. A healthy diet will go a long way to preventing obesity and improving the health of your pitbull. The foods to be chosen should be primarily meat and no meat by-products or grains. Dry foods are healthier than most foods, which have higher amounts of fats and calories.

The refrigerated meat-based foods are excellent alternatives for those who are too busy to make a homemade diet but still need the benefits of homemade food; giving dogs raw bones is also suitable for pitbulls. However, it is prudent to be knowledgeable before proceeding with the raw diet since it is more than just giving your pitbull raw bones and meat. For those choosing to make their dog meat, make sure that you check with your veterinarian to ensure that the food is balanced and complete.

Now find out can dogs eat watermelon and other stuff from your table.

What foods are bad for pitbulls?

Pit bulls have highly sensitive stomachs that any wrong food will react to their health stability; thus, ensuring your dog has the right foods is essential. Some foods are toxic or poisonous and will only lead to stomach upsets to your pitbull when you let it feed on them.

Some of the dangerous foods to a pit bull are: chocolate -which is one of the most contaminated food -due to theobromine content, especially in the black chocolate.

  • Onions,
  • leeks,
  • chives, and
  • garlic

are harmful to the pit bull as they might damage red blood cells and are more dangerous since the effects are seen after some days. Other hazardous foods to your pit bull are: avocado, cooked bones, grapes, macadamia nuts, coconuts, and its products in excess, alcoholic products, yeast dough, coffee, tea, and poorly cooked meat and eggs.

These foods are mainly likely to harm the pit bull in high amounts, but it advisable to avoid any contact to reduce the possibility of the poor health of your dog.

pitbull standing

Is grain-free dog food good for pit bulls?

The quality and contents of grain-free dog food determine whether it is good or bad for a pit bull. Some of the grain-free foods are similar to the grain-containing ones in chemical components, while others are unfriendly to the health of your dog.

Best grain-free foods contain high meat and protein contents and not unnecessary components like potatoes and starch since dogs are primarily dependent on meat products. Moisture-rich foods are also recommended for high-quality grain-free dog foods. These foods can also be fed to the Teacup Micro Bully.

However, some grain-free dog foods are not suitable for your pitbull as they might be low quality or unhealthy. Meat and bone meal is a meal product of lower rate compared to the real meat, starches like potatoes are non-essential to a dog as dogs are carnivorous, and they will develop obesity to your pit bull. Also, avoid foods containing soy products, preservatives, and carrageenan to keep your pit bull healthy and on an essential diet. Conclusively, grain-free dog foods are good but only when the primary components are beneficial and valuable to your pit bull.

What’s the best dog food at PetSmart?

PetSmart is an established pet food selling retailer in the USA and Canada. PetSmart supplies a lot of high-quality dog foods with different specifications and rates depending on the food contents.

Some foods are:

Nature’s Variety Instinct Original has high levels of Omega Fatty Acids good for heart disease protection and maintaining a good skin outlook. Fish ingredients like herring and menhaden, and vegetables are also components of Nature’s Variety Instinct.

Other good choices are:

  • Crave containing beef.
  • Nulo containing fish and meat.
  • Merrick consisting of chicken and sweet potatoes and is grain-free.
  • Wellness Core with high fish components.
  • Wild Frontier with beef and wild boar as ingredients.
  • Solid Gold with quail, turkey, and pork as ingredients.

What raw meat is good for pitbulls?

Raw meat is recommended for feeding dogs with claims that dogs were used to it before domestication happened. Although some oppose raw dog foods, help your pit bull attain; healthy skins, clean teeth, enhanced energy levels, shiny coat, and heightened energy levels. It is good to ensure the meat is certified for the pit bull before feeding.

The best raw meat for your pit bull is muscle meat still on bone is highly recommended for feeding. Raw internal organs like the liver and kidneys have significant advantages on the dog, and giving them to your pit bull is a healthy action for it. Bones are also recommended to include in the diet of a pit bull either ground or as a whole are good, but cooked bones are not advisable as they can be harmful to the physical health if a dog swallows a cracked piece.

two pitbulls playing with each other

Conclusion

To wrap it up, our top pick for the best dog food for Pitbulls to gain muscle is the Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food due to being a grain-free product with 2 sizes available. It also has a good 30/20 protein-to-fat ratio, which can be beneficial for building muscles in your dog.

It is also generally best for sporting pit bulls due to the said protein content. As a matter of fact, real meat is the first ingredient. While it can be a bit more expensive, you get what you pay for due to the pure meat ingredient in the dog food.

This Post Has 3 Comments

  1. Ashley

    We’ve always used Royal Canin, both for our dachshund and pit. The price is more than decent and if you supplement with salmon oil and Glyco Flex for joints you have a full, complete diet. Also, we had zero issues of allergies. Once a day they get a snack, oven-roasted or boiled meat, beef or turkey.

  2. Brianna

    Mid-july last year I decided to adopt a pitty, best decision ever! The thing is we still couldn’t find some dry food that won’t upset her stomach. RC and TOFW were huge fails and waste of money, so I will try your other suggestions and see where we’re at.

  3. Riley

    My boy gobbles down happy hips like there’s no tomorrow. We mix it with his own homemade food – which is rice with a source of protein plus peas, spinach and carrots. He’s happy, healthy and always waiting for feeding time haha.

Leave a Reply