Feeding Instructions for Pit Bulls

It's important to feed your pit bull quality food in the right portions to keep it healthy, but feeding time can also provide structure and teach it that you're in charge. This breed has a big heart and an appetite to match, and satisfying that appetite is your responsibility as a pit-bull owner. A pit bull does best with a strong leader, and controlling meal time is a good way to show your dog that you control the resources in your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Anti-gulp food bowl
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a dog food that is high in meat content and low in carbohydrates. Pit bulls are large and muscular and need high-quality protein. Because meat-based protein is more easily digested than grain, it's more easily turned into energy.

    • 2

      Prepare your dog's food in bowl designed to slow down its eating. There are bowls with raised sections inside; the sections force your dog to eat around them, preventing it from gulping down all its food at once. Pit bulls have large mouths and can swallow a meal in just a few bites, which can lead to stomach upset.

    • 3

      Adjust the quantity of food you give at each meal based on your dog's body condition. Each dog has a unique metabolism and energy requirements, so the amount listed on the food bag may not be correct for your pit bull. If your dog looks as though it's gaining weight, reduce the amount of food you're giving, and vice versa.

    • 4

      Feed your pit bull twice a day and don't leave the food bowl down all day. Large breeds of dog need large amounts of food, and dividing the amount in half is less likely to upset your dog's stomach. Keeping feeding times on your schedule maintains your leadership position, which is important with a strong-willed breed like the pit bull.