10 Best Dog Food for Pitbulls 2023: Top Meals for Strong Pups

Navigating the maze of dog food options for your Pitbull might seem daunting. If you're on the hunt for nutrient-rich meals that boost muscle health and energy, your search doesn't have to be tough. Dive into my top picks for the best dog food for Pitbulls available this year. Discover the secret to ensuring your 4-legged friend thrives with vigor and vitality for the long haul.

Having sifted through numerous options, I've handpicked the top picks for this year. It's essential to understand that not every dog food out there offers the same high standards as those I've highlighted. Each entry today offers top-tier, human-grade ingredients, all of which comply with AAFCO guidelines. And yes, they're all protein-packed.

Overall, The Farmer's Dog tops my list this year. Its turkey recipe boasts an impressive minimum crude protein of 8%. Beyond that, it's enriched with powerhouse ingredients like chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, and spinach. Though The Farmer’s Dog is the best, every choice mentioned here will cater to your unique Pitbull.

The Best Dog Food for Pitbulls Reviewed

1. The Farmer’s Dog – Best Overall Pitbull Food

The Farmer's Dog offers meals containing 8 to 11% minimum crude protein.This level of protein is beneficial for Pitbulls. These dogs have a natural muscular physique, and adequate protein intake ensures they maintain, or even gain, muscle throughout their lives, be it as puppies or adults.

Its pet food stands out for being GMO- and gluten-free. The emphasis is on the quality of the ingredients used. I like that all the meals are of human-grade quality. This assures you that when you're feeding your Pitbull The Farmer’s Dog's food, you're offering top-tier nutrition. Learn more about it in our full The Farmer’s Dog review.

Turkey, Chicken, Beef, and Pork are among the meal options available. These recipes, apart from being favorites among many dogs, come with well-balanced macronutrient profiles. So, whether your Pitbull has a preference for beef or turkey, you're ensured a nutritious meal each time.

Personalized meal plans are a specialty of the company. Recognizing that every dog, especially breeds like Pitbulls, can have varying dietary needs, it provides a tailored meal plan that emphasizes macronutrient balance for optimal health.

Upon signing up, a detailed questionnaire awaits you. It dives into specifics like your dog's age, weight, activity level, and overall health. The intent is to ensure the meal plan crafted is just right for your Pitbull.

Superior-quality ingredients such as chickpeas and lentils are prominent in the meals. Ingredients like carrots, sweet potatoes, and green beans ensure that your Pitbull gets a balanced diet with each meal. It’s nice to know that your dog is getting not only protein but also essential vitamins and minerals.

The Farmer’s Dog prioritizes sourcing ingredients sustainably and ethically. Local farmers and suppliers are the mainstay, emphasizing both quality and environmental responsibility. So, while your Pitbull enjoys a hearty meal, you can be at peace knowing you’re also helping the planet.

Food delivery occurs every 3 weeks. It's not just the ingredients that are environmentally friendly. The packaging reflects a commitment to sustainability too. And if for any reason the food doesn't sit well with your Pitbull or you, there's a 2-week trial with a full refund option. The only condition is that the remaining food gets donated to a local animal shelter.

Pricing for The Farmer’s Dog starts at $2/day. Offering such quality at competitive prices ensures that your Pitbull receives the best, and it doesn't strain your wallet.

2. Ollie – Best Fresh Food for Pitbulls

I find that Ollie offers up an impressively wide array of meal choices for your Pitbull. With options ranging from fresh meals like beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and pork to baked kibble meals such as beef and chicken, your pup is getting a varied diet. The fresh food has an average minimum crude protein content of around 8 to 10%, while the kibble offers 22 to 23%.

Ollie also offers meal plans tailored to your dog. These ensure you receive the right food for your pup. It personalizes meals so that your canine companion receives optimum nutrition tailored just for them. Learn more in our detailed Ollie review.

The sign-up process is designed with your pet's health in mind. When you decide to embark on this culinary journey with Ollie, you'll be prompted to answer questions about your Pitbull. This includes breed, age, size, weight, activity level, and any potential food intolerances.

It also uses the sous vide cooking method. Renowned for its ability to retain flavors, juices, and crucial nutrients, sous vide is usually reserved for gourmet dishes in high-end restaurants. With Ollie, your Pitbull gets this premium culinary treatment right in their bowl.

You won't find any artificial nasties in Ollie's meals. It commits to quality, ensuring that all meals and treats are devoid of artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products. When you choose Ollie, you're selecting top-tier ingredients for your Pitbull.

Superfood ingredients are a staple in Ollie's meals. Your dog deserves the best, and with ingredients such as sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, rice, blueberries, and squash, as well as a wide selection of vegetables, they'll get a meal rich in antioxidants and vital micronutrients.

Flexibility is key with Ollie's meal plan options. Understandably, every dog owner has their own preferences and budget constraints. It offers Full Fresh, Half Fresh, and Mixed Bowl plans, allowing you to find the ideal fit for your Pitbull and wallet.

Ollie collaborates with veterinary nutrition experts. Ensuring that meals are not just delicious but also nutritious, it crafts its meal plans under the watchful eye of experts. 

To help you gauge the best fit for your Pitbull, Ollie offers a 2-week starter box priced according to dog size, giving you a taste of its commitment to excellence. Pricing starts at $4-$8 per day for small breeds and increases for larger breeds like Pitbulls.

3. We Feed Raw – Best Raw Food for Pitbulls

We Feed Raw’s lamb patty recipe is a great option for Pitbulls. It boasts a minimum of 13.9% crude protein. This range, between 12 to 14% minimum crude protein, is precisely what your Pitbull requires for a strong and healthy physique.

Other meal options feature a variety of proteins. These include chicken, beef, duck, venison, and lamb. It also tends to add ingredients to boost the nutritional value of each meal. Examples include flaxseed and organ meats, which ensure your Pitbull receives a balanced and healthy meal.

Its meals are crafted with human-grade ingredients. You'll be pleased to know that these meals are free from fillers, preservatives, and synthetic flavors. This means your Pitbull gets the purest and most natural diet possible. Check out our We Feed Raw review for more information.

Personalized meal plans are a hallmark of We Feed Raw’s offerings. It creates a meal plan just for them. Meal plans are based on a questionnaire about your dog’s specifics, such as age, weight, activity level, and health concerns.

All its offerings align with AAFCO guidelines. This ensures that the meals not only satisfy but also excel in meeting the nutritional requirements of pets like Pitbulls. And it serves meat-only meals. For those seeking the inclusion of veggies in their Pitbull’s diet, you may need to explore other options.

Nutritionists and veterinarians stand by these meat-only formulas. Even without vegetables, you can trust that the meals are balanced, ensuring your Pitbull receives everything it needs for a wholesome diet.

Your first order is set as a 2-week trial. After that, expect deliveries every 2-8 weeks, depending on the size of your dog. Prices begin at $6.59/lb for smaller breeds. However, as you might expect, the cost for a large dog, especially active ones like Pitbulls, will be higher.

4. Nom Nom – Best Superfood Ingredients 

Nom Nom offers 4 diverse fresh food recipes. For Pitbulls demanding high protein, Turkey Fare leads the pack with 10%, while the other 3 recipes, Pork Potluck, Chicken Cuisine, and Beef Mash, provide an average of 9% minimum crude protein.

Gut health remains a core focus of Nom Nom. It understands the importance of digestion in dogs and, therefore, offers a microbiome testing kit. This kit helps you monitor your dog's digestion, allowing adjustments in nutritional intake based on stool consistency.

The service features 2 probiotic options. Alongside the testing kit, you can select from full-spectrum and GI-targeted probiotics, making sure the meals benefit overall health.

A personalized approach is at the heart of Nom Nom. Once you register, a detailed questionnaire about your dog’s age, weight, and activity level awaits you. Based on this information, it creates a meal plan addressing your Pitbull's exact nutritional requirements.

Every meal boasts fresh, wholesome ingredients. You won't find artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers in them. Such high-quality ingredients make for a healthier diet than many store-bought foods. Find out more about its ingredients in our Nom Nom review.

Nom Nom boasts in-house veterinary nutrition expertise. Meals aren't just thrown together; they're crafted by its board-certified veterinary nutritionists. This designation, though rare, ensures that the food meets the highest nutritional standards.

Pre-portioned meals eliminate guesswork. Nom Nom provides both full meal plans and half portions. If you're uncertain, the half-portion option lets your Pitbull sample the food, which can help him or her decide if he or she likes it before committing to a larger order.

You can start with a 2-week trial. Determining the right food for your Pitbull might feel daunting, but this trial, priced based on your dog's size, allows for an easy introduction. Moreover, attractive discount options are available for those who decide to continue.

Prices start at $2.40 for small breeds, making it a competitive option in the market of premium dog foods. For larger breeds like Pitbulls, pricing will be slightly higher, depending on your dog’s exact stats.

5. Spot & Tango – Best High-Protein Food

Spot & Tango offers Fresh and UnKibble dog foods. The fresh type is pre-portioned, ensuring your Pitbull gets the right amount every meal. Meanwhile, the UnKibble variant includes a personalized food scoop, guaranteeing you serve your Pitbull pal the exact quantity required.

The Turkey recipe boasts a high crude protein content of 13.69%. It's an excellent option for Pitbulls with a preference for turkey. Additionally, there are 2 other fresh food recipes, Lamb + Brown Rice and Beef + Millet, both of which contain a minimum of 11.8% crude protein. Find out more about its recipes in our Spot & Tango review.

UnKibble is a nutrient-rich dried food alternative. This product is the result of transforming fresh food into dried form, retaining the vital nutrients, without resorting to fillers or preservatives. It's a powerhouse blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, perfect for the active nature of Pitbulls.

Every dog receives a specialized meal plan from Spot & Tango. Tailoring is achieved by assessing your dog's specific needs through a questionnaire, which considers factors like age, activity level, and body composition. This customization ensures your Pitbull is getting a diet that aligns with its unique requirements.

Quality is at the forefront of Spot & Tango's offerings. Its food is devoid of preservatives, additives, and fillers. It's also been carefully crafted by veterinarians and adheres to the AAFCO feeding guidelines. When you choose Spot & Tango, you're making sure your Pitbull consumes a meal that’s held to the highest standards.

Spot & Tango provides an array of meal choices. With proteins such as turkey, beef, and lamb combined with fresh fruits and vegetables, it offers meals like Turkey + Red Quinoa, Beef + Millet, and Lamb + Brown Rice. These combinations cater to the diverse palates of Pitbulls, allowing them to enjoy both nutrition and taste.

You have the freedom to choose your order type with Spot & Tango. Whether it's a full order or a topper-only plan, you can decide what suits your Pitbull's current diet. The topper-only plan, in particular, allows you to blend wet food with your Pitbull’s existing dry food. This is a great way to transition them without breaking the bank.

Beyond main meals, Spot & Tango has a range of treats. High-quality snacks such as Sweet Potato Bites, Chicken Bites, and Bison Bites are available. 

Spot & Tango guarantees satisfaction with its ordering and refund policy. You can start with options like a 2-week UnKibble trial, a full fresh plan, or a fresh topper plan. If, for any reason, your Pitbull doesn't relish the food, the company offers a full refund for the trial order.

The price point for Spot & Tango starts at $7 per week for small dogs. This pricing ensures even small Pitbull breeds can enjoy the premium quality and nutritional benefits that Spot & Tango offers without stretching your budget.

6. The Honest Kitchen – Best Overall Variety of Dog Food

The grain-free chicken clusters recipe is ideal for Pitbulls with a preference for dry food. While turkey often provides high crude protein essential for muscular breeds like Pitbulls, this chicken recipe offers an impressive 26% min. crude protein. It serves as an ideal alternative for those dogs that aren't fans of turkey.

The Honest Kitchen offers an impressive array of products. With more than 30 varieties, including clusters, dehydrated food, wet food, treats, toppers, supplements, and broths, this brand doesn’t let you down if you’re looking for a wide selection. Your Pitbull is sure to enjoy something from this range.

It prioritizes quality ingredients in every meal. Knowing what goes into your dog's food is crucial. This brand sticks to whole-food, human-grade ingredients, steering clear of additives and preservatives. This commitment ensures your Pitbull consumes only the best.

Dehydrated food from The Honest Kitchen brings dual benefits. If you’re seeking the nourishment of fresh food without the hassle, its unique take on dehydrated food retains most nutrients while being easy to store. It’s a win-win for you and your Pitbull. Learn more about this unique blend of food in our full review.

Menu diversity is a hallmark of The Honest Kitchen. From Grain-Free Chicken Clusters to eclectic options like Pumpkin & Cinnamon Goat’s Milk N’ Cookies, Simmered Salmon & Chicken One-Pot Stew, and Instant Turkey Bone Broth with Turmeric, there's something for every Pitbull palate.

Customization options also exist for tailored meals. With filters based on protein type as well as dietary options like Low Carb and Low Sodium, you can tailor your selections. For those specifically seeking pork or turkey recipes, you won’t find this on The Honest Kitchen’s menu. Consider checking out Nom Nom.

High-quality sourcing sets The Honest Kitchen apart. Premium ingredients like free-range chicken, wild-caught fish, and organic fruits and vegetables make up its offerings. Plus, you can rest easy knowing its food is non-GMO and devoid of common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.

Purchasing flexibility enhances your shopping experience. Whether you're looking for a one-time purchase or wish to set up a recurring shipment for your Pitbull's sustenance, there's no minimum order. Subscription options range from every 2 to 12 weeks, granting you the liberty to decide what's best.

Pricing for The Honest Kitchen caters to various budgets. Prices start at $5.99 for dry food for small dogs, but increase slightly for larger breeds like the Pitbull.

7. Open Farm – Best for Traceable Ingredients

Open Farm offers a diverse range of food options for your Pitbull. It provides high-quality, human-grade choices, including dry and wet food, freeze-dried raw, and RawMix. The dry food averages around 25 to 30% minimum crude protein. Meanwhile, the wet variants fall within the 7 to 9% range.

You can trace each ingredient in Open Farm's products. With its unique system, by just checking the lot code on the packaging, you can verify the source of every ingredient. This level of transparency provides peace of mind, knowing you're feeding your Pitbull nothing but the best.

This brand is unmatched in its transparency. The ingredient traceability feature sets it apart. No other competitor provides such an in-depth view into their products' sources. Learn more about ingredient traceability in our Open Farm review.

Ethical sourcing is a top priority for Open Farm. It utilizes ethically raised meats, wild-caught fish, and organic fruits and vegetables. For Pitbulls with specific dietary needs, it offers limited-ingredient diets and grain-free options.

Open Farm is committed to environmental responsibility. Sourcing includes grass-fed beef from family-run farms in North America and sustainably caught salmon from the Pacific Northwest. When choosing this brand, you're supporting eco-friendly practices that benefit both your Pitbull and the planet.

The meals are rich in nutrients and protein. The Grass-Fed Beef Recipe, for instance, is a standout choice. It's laden with vitamins, minerals, and a considerable protein content that's perfect for the active Pitbull.

Beyond main meals, Open Farm provides a variety of other products. Its lineup includes dehydrated treats, probiotics, and different bone broth varieties. These additions can further enhance your Pitbull's diet, offering both variety and nutrition.

There's flexibility in ordering from Open Farm. You have the freedom to choose between one-off purchases or autoship options. These range from 1 to 16 weeks, and the pricing varies based on your dog's size.

Pricing is clear and straightforward and starts at $7/lb without auto-shipment for small dogs. You’ll likely find the prices to be slightly higher for larger breeds like Pitbulls. Regardless of your budget, you can find a suitable option for your Pitbull's nutritional needs.

8. Just Food For Dogs – Best DIY Pitbull Meals

Just Food For Dogs provides a variety of meal options. From its Fresh Frozen menu, the Chicken & White Rice stands out. The Pantry Fresh menu offers Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni. It also has treats, supplements, and bundles tailored for Pitbulls.

DIY Meal Kits are available for hands-on owners. If you enjoy making your dog's food, these kits enhance the nutritional value of homemade dog food with vital macronutrients. This is 1 of the features I like most about Just Food For Dogs. Check out our full review if you want to learn more.

The brand emphasizes human-grade ingredients. No preservatives, fillers, or by-products here. It uses quality proteins, fresh veggies, and brown rice, which are perfect for the robust health needs of a Pitbull.

Tailored meal plans are its specialty. Taking into account factors like age and activity level, it crafts plans suited for your Pitbull. An in-depth questionnaire considers your dog's unique health status.

There's also expert guidance for Pitbull owners. On-staff vets and nutritionists are ready to assist. They offer advice specifically for Pitbull breeds, ensuring your dog gets the best.

Specialized diets cater to specific health issues. If your Pitbull has conditions like kidney or liver disease, it provides prescription diets. It even has meals for diabetes, keeping your canine companion healthy.

Flexible shipping and refund policies stand out. Set up autoshipments from 1 to 8 weeks, or opt for in-store pickups. Not happy with the first order? Receive a full refund, minus shipping and delivery fees.

Pricing starts at $6.45 for small dogs. For Pitbulls, depending on their size, prices may vary. The autoship program might save you some cash on regular orders as well.

9. Raised Right – Best Adult + Puppy Food

Raised Right offers menus for different life stages, including puppies and adult dogs. This flexibility lets you pick according to your Pitbull's unique needs and appetite. I find that you can trust the quality as all ingredients are human-grade. Learn more about ingredient quality in our Raised Right review.

The puppy menu features 3 options, while the adult dog menu presents 8. For older dogs that prefer softer meals, there are 4 pates available. The flavors available are turkey, beef, pork, and chicken. These options typically contain a minimum of 18 to 20% crude protein.

The company also offers a decent range of treats and extras. Among the offerings are Meat Bites and Shake A Flakes, which use beef liver as a primary ingredient. However, I did find the treat selection to be somewhat limited.

Nutritional balance is a priority for Raised Right. It collaborates with veterinarians and nutrition experts. As a result, all recipes and treats have low carbohydrate content and are devoid of fillers.

Pitbulls also tend to benefit from a high protein, low carb diet. Raised Right understands this and formulates its recipes to cater to these needs, promoting overall health for your pet. Most of its meals are higher in protein and lower in carbs overall.

If your Pitbull has a sensitive stomach or allergies, consider Raised Right. It commits to using whole foods and sticks to a single animal protein source in its meals. This approach minimizes potential allergens.

Transparency is a core value of the company. Ingredients are sourced from US farms. Additionally, it manufactures food in a human-grade facility and undertakes rigorous pathogen testing for every batch.

However, there are considerations to bear in mind. Even though Raised Right avoids synthetic additives, its recipes might not suit dogs with conditions like liver disease or pancreatitis because of the same high protein and low carb content. Sometimes, it’s best to evaluate your specific pup’s needs and circumstances.

As for costs, pricing starts at $9.99/bag for small dogs. Prices will naturally fluctuate for larger breeds. If you're interested in making a purchase, you can choose between a one-time buy or the autoship program, which could be more economical in the long run.

10. Jinx – Best Food with Probiotics

The Jinx menu is diverse and varied. It includes dry food, wet food, meal enhancers, dental chews, and snacks tailored to your dog's needs. These offerings not only cater to a broad spectrum of taste preferences but also address different health and nutritional needs your Pitbull might have.

Jinx provides options like Beef & Sweet Potato Kibble. Among its varieties are the Grain-Free Chicken & Sweet Potato Pate Wet Food and Chicken & Pumpkin Topper. Each of these meals is crafted with careful consideration to provide the right mix of nutrients for your Pitbull, ensuring their diet remains balanced and tasty.

Jinx’s Grain-Free Beef & Chicken Homemades is one of my favorite options for Pitbulls. With a high minimum crude protein content of 9%, this particular option is designed to meet the unique dietary requirements of the breed. Protein is vital for muscle development, especially for active breeds like Pitbulls.

The protein sources in Jinx meals are commendable. It uses healthy proteins such as chicken, beef, and salmon. These proteins are complemented with a signature probiotic blend. This blend has over 20 million microorganisms that can promote better gut health for your Pitbull. Learn more about this probiotic blend in our Jinx review.

Nutritious vegetables are a staple in Jinx meals. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans are among the key ingredients. The dry food packs in 27 to 29% crude protein. On the other hand, wet food ranges from 8 to 10% protein content. Both provide a balanced diet for your Pitbull, giving them the energy they need.

Artificial ingredients are absent in Jinx meals and treats. It strictly avoids artificial preservatives, fillers, and by-products. The treats are crafted with high-quality ingredients such as chicken and beef. This means you're feeding your Pitbull with genuine, wholesome products.

Jinx offers a flexible ordering system. There’s no minimum order, so you can order as per your convenience. If you prefer to subscribe, you can choose to have a delivery every 3-8 weeks. Subscribing can lead to additional savings.

Customer satisfaction is a priority for Jinx. If you're not satisfied with the product, you can get a refund. This applies to any order, showcasing that the company has confidence in the quality of its products.

Pricing with Jinx is clear and transparent and starts at $30/bag for small dogs. Larger breeds, like the Pitbull, might see higher prices.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Choosing the Best Dog Food for Pitbulls

While looking for the best Pitbull food, here’s what I considered. I recommend taking the following points into consideration when making your selection:

• High-protein food: Pitbulls, being muscular and active, require diets rich in protein. It's essential to select food with high-quality animal protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish. A protein content of 25 to 30% is ideal for dry food, or around 8 to 12%+ for fresh or wet food. Ensure the protein is real meat, not meat by-products, to provide your pet with the necessary nutrients. All the services on my list offer high protein food.

• The type of food (dry, wet, fresh, raw): Dry kibble is popular due to its convenience and dental benefits. Wet food can be more palatable and hydrating. Fresh and raw diets are increasingly sought for their natural and unprocessed ingredients. Each type has pros and cons; choose based on your dog's preferences and health needs.

• Pricing and affordability: While premium brands might offer higher-quality ingredients, they can be pricey. Shop around and compare products. Look for brands that provide a good balance between cost and quality. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best in terms of nutrition.

• Convenience of delivery: Many brands now offer direct-to-door delivery. Subscription-based services can be handy, ensuring you never run out of food. Check reviews for delivery reliability and consider using services that allow you to adjust delivery frequency based on your needs.

FAQ

What is the best dog food for a Pitbull?

Pitbulls need a diet rich in protein because of their muscularity and athleticism. High-quality commercial dog foods that list meat (like chicken, beef, or fish) as the primary ingredient are most recommended.

Additionally, whole grains, vegetables, and omega fatty acids can benefit their skin, coat, and overall health. When choosing a brand, consider their activity level and consult with your veterinarian to ensure the nutritional content matches their needs. The Farmer’s Dog is my overall top recommendation for Pitbulls.

What real foods can Pitbulls eat?

Pitbulls can eat a variety of real foods such as lean meats, vegetables, and certain fruits. Some safe options include cooked chicken, beef, turkey, carrots, green beans, and blueberries. Always ensure that any food given is free of seasonings and additives.

Introduce new foods gradually and in moderation to observe for any adverse reactions. It's vital to avoid harmful foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic. If you’re looking for one of the highest-quality dog food delivery services, I highly recommend Ollie.

Should Pitbulls have grain-free food?

Some Pitbulls require grain-free food if they're sensitive, and others don't. Always confer with your veterinarian first before making a dietary change. Grain-free diets have gained popularity in recent years due to concerns about allergies or intolerances.

However, it's essential to differentiate between a genuine grain allergy and other sensitivities. In some cases, a grain-free diet might not be necessary and could even deprive them of beneficial nutrients. If you’re looking for 100% grain-free food, I recommend checking out We Feed Raw, which is 100% based on raw food.

Should Pitbulls eat chicken?

Yes and no, some Pitbulls love chicken while others don't. While many dogs enjoy and benefit from chicken as a protein source, some might be allergic or intolerant to it. Always monitor your dog for any signs of allergies, such as itching, digestive issues, or ear infections, and consult your veterinarian if you're unsure.

If you're going to order dog food online, make sure your chosen service has a refund policy in case your pup doesn't like chicken. For instance, Nom Nom offers refunds within 30 days of receiving your first order.

Best Dog Food for Pitbulls 2023 — Final Score