First let’s discuss the top dog food brands for Pitbulls

Blue Buffalo is one of the higher quality dog food brands and is also one of the pricier brands. However, you should not focus solely on how much it costs because if it a quality product and it works for your pooch then the price is well worth it! Besides, if you choose something that is dirt cheap, then you are potentially subjecting your furry family member to paying the price with his health and happiness.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food promises that their formula is only made with the best ingredients which exclude meat and poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy, as well as artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Based on what we know so far with the Blue Buffalo brand compared to what we know that our canines require, it seems that Blue Buffalo is a quality product to consider!

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food has been formulated to address potential medical issues including muscle development, lack of energy, bone, and teeth development, joint health, skin and coat issues, as well as immune system health.

These problems care very common in adult dogs and only worsen as they age. By offering your adult pooch the Blue Buffalo Brand, you may be combating the problems or preventing these problems altogether. As far as nutritional percentages go, Blue Buffalo provides above average protein, fat, and other nutrients in their Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food

Dog owners who have switched their dogs to Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Adult Dog Food have noticed a positive change in their furry family members. These pros include healthy coat, healthy teeth, and gums, healthy weight, and healthy stool, clearer and less itchy skin.

Remember earlier in the article when we discussed looking at the ingredients list and that the first few ingredients were the ones with the greatest weight? Well, Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diet: Sweet Potato and Venison contains sweet potato and venison as the first two ingredients meaning they hold the most weight. This is vital to the health of our canine companions.

This means that Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diet: Sweet Potato and Venison has included a high amount of protein (the venison) in combination with healthy carbohydrates and other essential vitamins (the sweet potato). They have also added a slight amount of Omega 6 Fatty Acids and Omega 3 Fatty Acids which will contribute to healthy coats and skin as well as various other health benefits.

Do your research about where the ingredients and other components are coming from. If they are listed from China, then it is advised to stay away from the brand unless otherwise specified by a canine professional such as a veterinarian.

However, if the ingredients are from the United States of America, then they are likely safe for your furry family member. However, it is wise to consult your veterinarian or another animal professional before purchasing.

The Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food also has listed meat and sweet potato as their ingredients with the highest weight in the formula. However, instead of venison, they have used deboned beef. Again, this tells us that the main components in the formula are a proper protein source (deboned beef) and healthy carbohydrates and other essential vitamins (the sweet potato) both of which are key to canine health.

Many dog owner consumers of the Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food have reported beneficial changes in their pooches. In fact, they say that their canine companions have healthier coats and happier tummies compared to previously tried and failed brands. In addition, the reports from canine owners using this brand state that their dogs have enjoyed the Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food established a healthier weight and produced healthier stool.

However, it is critical to the health of your furry family member that you do your research on the brands to see updated information. This is due to dog food companies changing their formulas over the years, and some changes may be for the better, others may not be. Discuss this with your veterinarian or another animal expert to find out what your particular pet needs to be healthy and happy.

Muscle Bully Gains for Bullies is a product formulated to assist in the production of weight, mass and muscle to dogs that are underweight or small in size. This supplement is a nutritional additive that is developed for those dogs that need help packing on the pounds.

The nutritional aspect of the Muscle Bully Grains for Bullies supplement includes crude protein and crude fat. Both of which should be safe to offer to your pooch. However, before you purchase or provide this product or any supplement to your dog, consult with a veterinarian to make sure that your individual pup does not suffer from a health condition that could be made worse by this supplement.

You should also be sure that your dog actually requires the help adding weight and that it is not something that you can fix with more frequent meals or other solutions.

A strong dog is great; a healthy dog is better, and if the Muscle Bully Grains for Bullies nutritional supplement is given the green light by the veterinarian or another canine health expert, then it should be okay to provide it to your dog. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging and avoid offering your dog more than the recommended amount. It is also wise to ask your veterinarian about the serving quantity and frequency before beginning use.

Various dog owners who have tried this product have had great results with it! They are finding that their pooch is able to build healthy muscles as well as enjoy activities outdoors for a longer period of time than before trying the product.

Why choose the best dog food for Pitbulls?

By providing a quality dog food for your Pitbull that meets his daily requirements, you are taking the first step towards ensuring his life is long and happy. Taking the time to pick a quality dog food for your Pitbull can significantly impact him. Generally, the right dog food for your pooch will be a formula that is developed for his size, weight, breed, and current health condition.

For example, if you have a Pitbull Puppy, you would choose a puppy formula that provides a feeding chart based on size and weight as well as discusses whether or not it is appropriate for big dog breeds. Puppies do not usually have health conditions yet, and therefore you may not find a puppy food on the market that is specific to a health issue. However, if you have an adult Pitbull with knee or hip dysplasia, then you may want to choose an adult dog food, developed for large breeds with joint health issues.

These are factors that you should consider when selecting a dog kibble. These particular dog foods are formulated to assist your dog with their health needs at their specific stage of life. This is one of the major reasons why you need to take the time to research and choose the best dog food for your Pitbull.

What ingredients should the right dog food contain?

You should also be aware that pet food companies will try to sell you on the “fact” that corn is a healthy benefit to your furry family member. This is not the case. It is misleading as well as a misrepresentation of the truth

So, what should you be looking for on the ingredients list that proves it is a worthy bag of kibble? The number one ingredient in a dog food formula should be protein. The ingredients on the back of a pet food package are listed in order of weight.

This tells us that the first ingredient on the list is the main component of the formula. This will also indicate how beneficial it is for your fur baby. For example, if the first ingredient is soybeans, corn meal, or anything other than an animal based protein then it is not a quality dog food, and you should move on.

Lamb, chicken, beef, turkey, etc. are examples of animal based proteins. If a dog food has one of these ingredients listed as the number one ingredient, then you may be holding a quality pet food. Another piece of information to keep in mind is in regards to a meat meal.

Meat meal is not descriptive. You are not being informed as to what type of meat has been included, merely that some kind of meat has been. Pet food packages with this ingredient should also be avoided. Instead, look for more descriptive ingredients such as chicken meal or beef meal. These ingredients are telling you which animal was the source of the meat that was included.

As you look at the first few ingredients on the package, you may notice that it lists an animal protein meal alongside a fresh meat ingredient such as chicken or beef. For example, it may contain chicken meal and then fresh chicken as the first two components.

This is a positive pairing because it tells us that the kibble company took the time and expense to produce a quality food from the very beginning. Further down the list, you may find whole vegetables, fruits or grains.

The more fresh or whole foods that are included in the formula, the more natural it is and the healthier it is. However, you may see a food such as rice bran on the list. Rice bran is considered to be a by-product or a fraction of whole rice. This is not necessarily a deal breaker for the pet food unless there are multiple by-products throughout the list or if they are near the top of the list.

Side note: check out the expiration date or the “best by” date. You should choose a pet food that has a “best by” date that is at least ten months away. If the “best by” date is a year or two away, then it means that the kibble contains preservatives such as BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.

The problem with most dog foods:

Most dog foods that are cheap or slightly affordable usually contain cheap ingredients such as corn or by-products. If the manufacturer did not spend a lot of money to make the product, then they are likely not going to charge a lot for it.

This is not to say that all affordable dog food brands are garbage. Any pet food company that has included a generic fat source, by-products, or any of the other ingredients that are not valuable to our furry family members, have created a Frankenstein product. Regardless of how much it costs in the pet store, it is not worth the price your pet will pay for it.

Another problem that you may come across with some pet food brands is that they do include the ingredients you are looking for. However, there’s a catch! They are listed near the bottom of the ingredients list. What this means is that the fresh meat, whole vegetables, or other beneficial ingredients are not main components and do not hold much “weight” in the formula. Some brands may also include artificial ingredients, flavors, or preservatives.

Be aware of these additives and look for them. Finally, some brands will falsely advertise their kibble as being natural or organic. Check the ingredients list and do your homework before falling for false advertisements.

Suggestions for dogs with allergies:

Before you bring home your Pitbull puppy, ask the breeder about the Pitbull parents. Ask about their medical history. These questions can help you to understand your puppy at a deeper level, and their answers can help you decide if this puppy is right for you.

The puppies in the litter could have inherited a medical condition from one of their parents. Allergies are just one of the many possible genetic conditions. Unlike many of the other inheritable conditions, allergies can develop on their own later in life without a genetic past. Therefore, if your dog is born with allergies or develops them later in life, then they can be treated and managed.

Pitbulls are particularly prone to allergies. The reason behind this is not exclusively known. It is important to mention that owning a dog with allergies is not the end of the world nor is it uncommon. A good majority of domesticated dogs have diagnosed allergies.

In fact, about ten percent of all dogs with allergies are actually allergic to their kibble! If your pooch has been diagnosed with food allergies or you, suspect that he may be suffering from food allergies, then continue reading and find out why choosing the right dog food for your Pitbull with food allergies is so important.

What is the difference between food allergies and food intolerance?

Food allergies will show the physical characteristics of allergies such as itching and dermatological problems. Food intolerance will not cause itching but rather vomiting and diarrhea.

What ingredients in dog food cause an allergic reaction?

There are quite a number of components that are included in most brands of pet food that can cause your pet to have an allergic reaction. The best way to know which ingredient to avoid is to ask your veterinarian for an allergy test. His should at least narrow down the culprits. The most common allergic reactions are to:

• Beef
• Dairy products
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Fish
• Chicken Eggs
• Corn
• Wheat
• Soy

By reading this list, you should recognize many of these items from earlier in the article. You would be correct! That is because many of the items that can cause an allergic reaction in your dog are the exact same ingredients that dogs require as part of their daily nutritional diet.

What are the symptoms?

Primarily, your pooch will experience itchy skin. The feet, face, forelegs, ears, armpits and anal area are the major points on the body that are affected by the food allergy. If you notice your furry family member excessively scratching any of these regions; make an appointment to see the veterinarian and request an allergy test or a food trial. Other symptoms associated with an allergic reaction include:

• Chronic or reoccurring ear infections
• Hair loss
• Hot spots
• Skin infections
• Excessive scratching
• Increased bowel movements

So, my Pitbull has a food allergy, what do I do now?

Bloat (gastric dilation volvulus) is a very common medical condition in dogs of every breed, size, and age. This condition is caused by the dog ingesting their kibble quickly with significant amounts of air. In other words, the dog is nearly inhaling their food. This action of eating quickly dates back to their wolf ancestors. Wolves had to devour their kill to avoid the meat from going bad or being eaten by something else. Bloat is the second highest cause of mortality in canines, second only to cancer.

What happens to the dog during bloat?

What is happening is the dog’s stomach is twisting or turning in on itself, causing the blood supply to be interrupted. This lack of blood supply and twisting can cause severe damage to the internal organs thus leading to death.

What are the symptoms?

Pitbulls are prone to bloat, and the reason is not entirely known. One theory suggests it is because of their large muzzles and chests. While dogs with broad chests are more likely to experience bloat, any size dog can suffer from it. Dogs with large muzzles are capable of eating a higher quantity of kibble in a single sitting than dogs with smaller muzzles. There are a few signs of bloat that you, as the owner, should be aware of and look for when owning a Pitbull. These symptoms include:

• A tight and distended stomach
• Vomiting attempts
• Stress
• Gagging
• Licking the air
• Foamy mouth
• Drawn up torso
• Hiding
• Salivating
• Heavy panting

How can I prevent my Pitbull from experiencing bloat?

The best way to avoid this unfortunate condition is to control their feeding. Purchase a stand for their bowls to sit on to elevate them off of the floor. Although this prevention method is controversial in that, some experts believe it could actually increase the risk of bloat. You may also try feeding your pooch from several smaller dishes rather than a single large dish. This would force your dog to consume their entire meal at a slower pace.

There are various ways to help prevent your Pitbull from experiencing bloat. However, one of the best resolutions is to feed him a smaller quantity of kibble more frequently. For example, instead of providing him an entire serving at one time, divide the meal in half or so, and provide each portion separately in two or more meals per day. You should also avoid exercising your Pitbull after feeding time. If you believe your pooch is experiencing bloat, take him to the veterinarian immediately!

Bloat is not necessarily a problem caused by the type of kibble you provide but rather a problem caused by the quantity in a single sitting. Your Pitbull cannot control how much he is fed, and he will likely gobble up any amount you offer him. It is your job as his human to take caution and only provide small amounts of food more frequently. Remember, bloat is not a condition that can be fixed with a home remedy and the situation should be addressed by a professional!

Why do Pitbulls need macronutrients?

Pitbulls and Pitbull puppies are a high energy, muscular group of dogs. They require certain nutritional standards in order to support their active and growing bodies. Macronutrients are defined as substances that are needed in large amounts. For Pitbulls and many other canine breeds, the required macronutrients include:

Most other nutrients are unnecessary for their overall health and wellness. For example, canines do not need fruits in their diet like humans do. However, some fruits may serve as a healthy treat and will not cause your dog harm. Do your research or speak to a veterinarian before offering fruit to your dog.

What are the nutritional requirements of carbohydrates for my Pitbull?

Canines of any age do not have the enzyme, Amylase in their saliva. Amylase is an enzyme needed to digest carbohydrates. Dogs and puppies do have the enzyme but, it is located in their pancreas and is not nearly as effective as it is in human saliva. Without this enzyme or a high level of it, carbohydrates are incredibly difficult to properly digest and therefore can cause your pooch to become ill.

For this reason, a Pitbull puppy’s diet should not contain more than 30% carbohydrates. You may think that this is easy to avoid. Unfortunately, the truth is that many dog food companies do not adhere to this rule and will add up to 60% carbohydrates in dog and puppy food. Food that contains high amounts of carbohydrates is extremely difficult for a Pitbull puppy or any puppy to digest and therefore will cause the pup to experience vomiting, diarrhea and possibly severe weight loss.

Take caution when picking food for your pooch. Read the ingredients label as well as other nutritional information on the package. If there are more than 30% carbohydrates in the formula, then avoid it!

Avoiding carbohydrates all together will be nearly impossible. Dog food companies need to add carbohydrates in their formula to serve as a binding agent and produce the solid pieces that you see. Without carbohydrates, dog food would likely not exist.

What are the nutritional requirements of fats for my Pitbull?

Fat content and protein content are in fact, different in spite of what many people believe. This is particularly the case for our furry family members. Large breed puppies can be prone to skeletal disease if they consume excessive fat content. This is due to the fact that fat weighs about nine calories per gram.

Higher fat diets are higher in calories thus increasing growth rate and potentially causing skeletal deformities. Now, with this information you may be thinking that the answer is to provide your Pitbull puppy with a low-calorie, low-fat diet. This is certainly not the case! It is true that dog food with a lower fat content will not increase growth rate or cause skeletal deformities. However, low levels of fat will likely stunt your puppy’s growth and cause issues as well.

So, what should you do? You should consider looking for a puppy chow that contains about 15% to 17% fat. Also, the fat in the formula should be from quality animal fats. For example, quality fat sources include naturally preserved chicken fat, or even salmon oil are both excellent options.

What are the nutritional requirements for proteins for my Pitbull?

Proteins were once believed to be a contributing factor to skeletal disease. Luckily, we now realize that this is not the case. However, many dog food companies choose to reduce the amount of fat and protein in their food formula and increase the amount of carbohydrates. By doing this they reduce the amount of money, it takes to produce the food, and they can therefore make a profit off of it.

The added carbohydrates are very unhealthy for canines and are unnecessary fillers. Your pooch requires high levels of high-quality proteins in order to grow, develop healthy bones, as well as having a robust immune system. When you are attempting to choose a food for your pooch, consider looking for formulas that contain 35% to 40% quality protein. If you have a Pitbull puppy, then you should know that he cannot utilize the proteins as well as adult Pitbulls can.

Therefore, it is essential that the source of protein in puppy food should be of high-quality only! These proteins may include muscle meats and eggs both of which are over 90% digestible. Digestibility is vital in a puppy’s diet. If puppies are fed anything less, they will only be able to utilize about half of the protein as a result of it being low-quality and likely from grain sources or by-products. Examples of quality protein sources include:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Turkey
• Chicken Eggs
• Fish

Nutritional Requirements for Pitbulls and Pitbull puppies summary:

• Carbohydrates: 30% or less
• Fats: 15% to 17% (from high-quality animal sources)
• Proteins: 35% to 40% (from high-quality animal sources)

If you are unsure about the quality, need more information or would like a more concrete recommendation, then please see your veterinarian. She will be able to explain what stage of life your particular pooch is in and what his specific nutritional requirements are.

Final thoughts to sum up:

In summary, our Pitbulls deserve the best! Their happiness and their health depend on it. Be a knowledgeable Pitbull owner and do your research on dog food brands, ingredients, source of ingredients, as well as what your dog breed truly requires in his diet.

Avoid dog food brands that import their ingredients from overseas such as China. Buying products made right here at home can give you peace of mind as you are providing local ingredients to your pooch. Discuss any potential changes with your veterinarian. Good changes and bad changes. If your Pitbull has a health condition or is prone to allergies, do your very best to correct it. Choose the best dog food brand for your Adult Pitbull or Pitbull Puppy.

The “best choice” will greatly depend on your individual dog so do your homework. However, follow the guidelines discussed above to help you understand what it is that you are looking for in a dog food as well as what is recommended for their daily diet.