10 Best Dog Foods for Pit Bulls in 2024

Wondering what the best dog foods for Pit Bulls are? You aren’t alone. Pit Bulls have become some of the most beloved dogs in America, accounting for approximately 20 percent of the U.S. dog population. These “bully” breeds—which include the American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier—are muscular, athletic, and high energy. Ensuring they receive proper nutrition is key to giving them the best lives possible.

We take a closer look at the nutritional needs of bully breeds and share some of our top picks for the best dog foods for Pit Bulls. 

Our Top Pit Bull Food Picks

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Best Overall Pit Bull Dog Food: Bully Max 30/20 Dry Dog Food
• Best Dry Pit Bull Dog Food: Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food
• Best Air-Dried Dog Food for Pit Bulls: The Pets Table
• Best Wet Pit Bull Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Wet Dog Food Plus Wholesome Grains
• Best Fresh Food for Pit Bulls: Spot & Tango
• Best Human-Grade Subscription Dog Food for Pit Bulls: Sundays Food for Dogs
• Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls with Skin Allergies: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipes
• Best Affordable Pit Bull Dog Food: Natural Balance Limited-Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe
• Best Pit Bull Dog Food for Puppies: Diamond Puppy Complete Formula
• Best Pit Bull Dog Food for Seniors: Royal Canin Large Aging 8+ Dry Dog Food

10 Best Dog Foods for Pit Bulls of 2024

When choosing the best Pit Bull dog food, remember to take your dog’s breed size, age, and overall health status into account. Here are some of our favorite options to consider for Pitties:

Best Overall Pit Bull Dog Food

Our Pick: Bully Max 30/20 Dry Dog Food

Bully Max’s mission is to provide specialized nutrition for performance-oriented dogs. Their 30/20 dry blend is high in protein and calories, making this an ideal choice for active dogs. It features high-quality ingredients, including chicken meal, dried plain beet pulp, whole ground flaxseed, menhaden fish oil, and probiotics. Potential perks reported by pet parents include improved digestion, higher energy levels, and shinier fur. 

Highlights

• Contains 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat
• Formulated to boost energy and build muscle
• Designed for all breeds and ages (dogs 4 weeks and older), but works exceptionally well for working breeds like Bully breeds 
• Contains high-quality ingredients that are clearly stated on the label
• No corn, wheat, soy or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Made in the USA 

Things to Consider

• Be careful of overfeeding. Your dog will eat less food per meal since it is calorically dense at 535 calories per cup. The brand website says that many dog owners find that a 15-pound bag of Bully Max lasts just as long as a 30-pound bag of their previous food.
• Bull Max site sells a wide range of quantities, from 5 to 80 pounds of food, but Amazon only offers 5-, 15- or 40-pound options

Best Dry Pit Bull Dog Food

Our Pick: Taste of the Wild Ancient Prairie Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild purports to help “nourish your pet’s wild side,” and is anchored in recipes featuring real meat. Their Ancient Prairie dry dog food could be a good option for Pit Bulls who would benefit from a novel protein diet. The recipe features roasted bison and roasted venison, plus protein- and fiber-rich ancient grains, such as grain sorghum, millet, quinoa, and chia seeds. It also contains probiotics for dogs to support healthy digestive and immune systems, plus omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health.

Highlights

• Real meat as the first ingredient
• Available in variety of other proteins, including smoked salmon, roasted fowl, and roasted lamb
• Recipe contains 32 percent protein, 18 percent fat, and 445 calories per cup
• Rich in probiotics and omega fatty acids
• Suitable for all life stages
• Available in 5-, 14-, or 28-pound bags
• Family-owned brand, made in the USA

Things to Consider

• Price point is a little higher for a dry dog food
• They also sell grain-free adult and puppy options, so be mindful when making a selection

Best Air-Dried Dog Food for Pit Bulls

Our Pick: The Pets Table

Touted as a healthy alternative to feeding your dog kibble, The Pets Table offers shelf-stable air-dried dog food that is affordably priced. Air-dried food undergoes minimal processing using low heat. In doing so, all the nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants are maintained. Since the process of air drying takes time, your Pit Bull’s food will be palatable and appetizing with each meal.

There are no unnecessary additives or preservatives added since air drying reduces moisture and enables a natural preservation. Most amazingly, each package is shelf stable so pet parents need not worry about the food going bad. Because it is affordably priced and travels well, you can take it with you for road trips, vacations, and getaways.

Highlights

• Each recipe is packed with fruits, vegetables, meat, or poultry
• Shelf-stable and baked at low temperatures to keep nutrients intact
• Two varieties available: Chicken and sweet potato and beef and berries
• Can be mixed with The Pets Table Fresh Plan for complete variety
• Ongoing, cancel-at-anytime subscription ensures your dog never misses a meal
• Helpful feeding guide is included in every box
•  Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages
• No prep time required, just open and serve

Things to Consider

• Some dogs may be sensitive to chicken or beef
• Must be stored in a cool, dark place
• There may be some digestive upset when transitioning your Pit Bull to a new food, so transition slowly over 10 days to 2 weeks’ time

Best Wet Pit Bull Dog Food

Our Pick: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Wet Dog Food Plus Wholesome Grains

Blue Buffalo’s BLUE Wilderness line of wet dog food aims to satisfy a dog’s natural craving for meaty goodness. If your Pittie prefers wet dog food, these protein-rich recipes are tasty options to consider. They feature real meats like chicken and turkey as the first ingredients, carbohydrates that are easy to digest, and flaxseed as a rich source of omega-3s and fiber.

Highlights

• Real meats as the first ingredients
• Available in a variety of flavors, such as turkey & chicken, beef & chicken, and salmon & chicken
• High-protein wet formulas (10 percent minimum crude protein)
• Can be fed as a complete and balanced meal or as a complementary topper to dry foods
• Relatively lower cost wet dog food option
• No poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives
• Come in 12.5-ounce cans

Things to Consider

• These formulas include wholesome grains, but they offer grain-free versions also
• Not ideal for dogs with sensitivities to chicken, since all recipes contain this protein
• Calories per can vary depending on the flavor you choose  
• Refrigerate unused portion

Best Fresh Food for Pit Bulls

Our Pick: Spot & Tango

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Pit Bull parents who prefer fresh meals sent to their doorstep should consider Spot & Tango’s Fresh Food formulas. Each ingredient in their recipes are cooked separately, mixed together, and flash frozen to lock in optimal freshness. Choose from Turkey and Red Quinoa, Beef and Millet, or Lamb and Brown Rice selections. Sign up starts with a brief quiz and registration is a breeze.

Highlights

• No additives, fillers, artificial preservatives, hormones, or GMOs
• Cooked in small batches in a USDA kitchen
• Complete and balanced for puppies and adults per AAFCO’s nutritional standards
• Can be stored in your freezer and fed within six months
• Personalize your dog’s meal plan with home delivery
• Packaging and containers are 100 percent recyclable

Things to Consider

• Must be used within four days once defrosted
• A bit pricier compared to kibble or wet food
• Three varieties available at this time

Best Human-Grade Subscription Dog Food for Pit Bulls

Our Pick: Sundays Food for Dogs

If you prefer the convenience of a subscription service that offers human-grade, USA-made, air-dried food for your Pit Bull, Sundays Food For Dogs has you covered. Available in beef, chicken, or turkey, there is zero prep work required. Their air-drying method combines gentle dehydration which preserves nutrients while killing any germs.

Highlights

• Made in a USDA-monitored kitchen
• 100 percent human-grade food, meeting the FDA’s safety standard of fit for human consumption
• Contains no synthetic ingredients nor DCM-linked ingredients
• Contains 90 percent meat
• Available in three varieties
• Convenient home delivery subscription service so your Pit Bull never runs out of food
• Veterinarian-created

Things to Consider

• Limited protein options
• May become costly in multi-dog households

Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls with Skin Allergies

Our Pick: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipes

If your beloved Pit Bull is suffering from skin issues or a sensitive stomach, Hill’s Science Diet recipes are a tasty solution. Their dry food features highly digestible ingredients, nourishing prebiotic fiber (beet pulp), and vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat support.

Highlights

• Specifically formulated for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin issues
• Veterinarian recommended
• Choose from chicken & barley (25 percent protein, 394 calories per cup) or grain-free chicken & potatoes (24.9 percent protein, 405 calories per cup)
• Made in the USA
• No synthetic colors, artificial preservatives, or artificial flavors
• Comes in 4-, 15, or 30-pound bags

Things to Consider

• For dogs with higher protein needs, pet parents may want to supplement with protein-rich toppers or treats
• Depending on the size of your Pit Bull, you might want to consider the Large Breed version of this formula 
• Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs; Hill’s offers puppy formulas that would be more suitable 

Best Affordable Pit Bull Dog Food 

Our Pick: Natural Balance Limited-Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe

If you’re seeking a limited-ingredient dog food that won’t hurt your wallet, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb & Brown Rice recipe is a popular option. Lamb is the only protein source used in the recipe, making this ideal for Pit Bulls with sensitive stomachs or skin problems. It also contains fiber-rich whole grain brown rice and brewers rice for digestive health and omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat. If your Pit Bull is on the larger side, Natural Balance offers a version crafted specifically for large breeds, with kibble shaped to fit larger jaws and teeth.

Highlights

• Lamb is the first ingredient
• Single-animal protein source
• Added taurine for heart health
• Contains 22 percent protein and 370 calories per cup
• Available in other proteins, such as beef, chicken, duck, lamb, or salmon
• Available in 4-, 12-, and 24-pound bags

Things to Consider

• If your dog prefers wet food, Natural Balance offers this recipe in a canned format
• If your dog has a food allergy, your vet will likely recommend a prescription limited-ingredient diet instead of over-the-counter options

Best Pit Bull Dog Food for Puppies

Our Pick: Diamond Puppy Complete Formula

Rapidly growing puppies have specific nutritional needs. Feeding your puppy too much food or the wrong diet can increase your puppy’s risk of joint issues, like hip or elbow dysplasia. You’ll need to choose a food with the right balance of protein, fat, and other essential nutrients to help your Pit Bull puppy thrive and grow at a healthy, steady rate. This puppy formula from Diamond features probiotics to support your pup’s digestive and immune systems, plus omega fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coat. In addition, salmon oil provides DHA, which is essential for brain and vision development in puppies.

Highlights: 

• Ingredients include chicken by-product meal, chicken fat, dried beet pulp, flaxseed, fish meal, and salmon oil
• Features probiotics, which help aid digestion and prevent potential GI issues
• Contains 31 percent protein, 20 percent fat, and 441 calories per cup
• Suitable for puppies and pregnant or nursing adult dogs
• Complete and balanced for all life stages, including growth of large size dogs 
• Made in the USA

Things to Consider: 

• If you have a large breed Pit Bull, your vet may recommend a puppy food that is specifically formulated for large breeds

Best Pit Bull Dog Food for Seniors

Our pick: Royal Canin Large Aging 8+ Dry Dog Food

If you have a large breed Pit Bull who is entering their golden years, you may be hunting for a quality option that caters to big senior dogs. Royal Canin’s Large Aging 8+ Dry Dog Food is specifically geared toward dogs 8 years and older who weigh 56 to 100 pounds. It features proteins that are easy to digest, ample fiber to promote digestive health, and glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for bone and joint health support. Knowing senior dogs may be picky eaters, Royal Canin took a variety of factors into account when crafting this kibble, including smell, taste, size, shape, and texture.

Highlights

• Ingredients include chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, chicken fat, brown rice, dried plain beet pulp, and fish oil
• Contains 25 percent protein, 15 percent fat, and 308 calories per cup
• Kibble is rehydratable and easy to chew for senior dogs with sensitive teeth and jaws
• Comes in 30-pound bag

Things to Consider

• How much you feed will depend on your dog’s weight and activity level
• If your dog needs to be enticed to eat, you may want to consider rehydrating the food with a liquid topper like chicken broth
• There is also a version for large adult dogs ages 5 and up

Pit Bull Dog Food: Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Bully Breeds

Pit Bulls have unique nutritional needs, and it’s important to understand those needs when seeking out the best food options for bully breeds. 

“Pit Bulls are known for having a higher risk of several diseases that can be more easily managed and often at least partially treated with targeted nutrition,” says Dr. Natalie Marks, DVM, CVJ at VCA Blum Animal Hospital. “Many of these dogs are predisposed to allergies, both environmental and food, and demodicosis, a disease where a microscopic mite buries into hair follicles and causes generalized hair loss across the body.”

For these cases, Dr. Marks suggests dog foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and exploring limited-ingredient diets. 

Dr. Marks also notes that younger Pit Bulls can be at risk of developing gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. To help combat potential GI issues, Dr. Marks recommends a diet rich in probiotics. “I like diets that include probiotics, are lower in fat to help prevent diarrhea and malabsorption, as well as those that have an easily digestible fiber like beet pulp,” she says. 

While many pet parents may assume by default that Pit Bulls require a diet high in protein due to their muscular build, the reality is that the protein needs of Pit Bulls will vary greatly from dog to dog. “This really depends on the individual dog and any underlying diseases, sensitivities or allergies, as well as daily exercise and other behaviors,” says Dr. Marks. “In general, a diet with moderate quantity and high quality of protein is recommended.”

Other potential issues to be on the lookout for with Pit Bulls include potential heart disease (in some rare cases) and joint issues, which can be mitigated with proper nutrition and avoiding overfeeding. 

Pit Bull Dog Food: Buyer’s Guide

With so many options to choose from, finding the right dog food for Pit Bulls can seem like a daunting task. But there are some tips that can ease the shopping process. 

First, it’s helpful to select a food based on your dog’s breed size, life stage, and overall health instead of seeking foods marketed toward a specific breed. Pit Bulls generally fall into the medium to large range. “There are some brands that target breeds, but in general [Pit Bulls] should be fed medium to large breed diets,” says Dr. Marks. Your dog’s age will also play a role in the decision making process. For instance, a growing Pit Bull puppy will require a different balance of essential nutrients than a less active, aging Pit Bull. 

If your Pit Bull has allergies or a sensitive stomach, take a closer look at what is included on the ingredient list. Your veterinarian may recommend a limited-ingredient dog food with a single source of animal protein as opposed to an option with multiple sources of animal protein. You can also look for sources of fiber that are easy to digest, like beet pulp, flaxseed, and brown rice.

Since Pit Bulls fall on the list of dog breeds with higher rates of cardiac disease, Dr. Marks recommends avoiding grain-free diets. This is due to the possible connection between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs.

Lastly, as you would for any dog breed, Pit Bull parents should keep in mind factors like daily caloric needs, cost, food storage requirements, and individual preferences.