Food & Vitamins for Pitbulls

Pit bulls are a very divisive breed. While some people believe them to be dangerous and intimidating, others are deeply dedicated to the dogs, who can be loyal, affectionate and strongly attached to family members. For anyone who keeps a pit bull as a pet or working dog, one of the biggest responsibilities is to keep it healthy through adequate nutrition.

  1. The Facts--Pitbulls

    • American pit bull terriers, specialized in breeds like Staffordshire terriers, are passionate, powerful dogs that can be loyal and affectionate if they are raised correctly, according to DogBreedInfoCenter.com. Their personalities are wired to please people, which has led to these dogs finding themselves in some sticky social situations. According to the American Pitt Bull Registry, pit bulls may be descended from bull dogs, which were bred for fighting and bear baiting in Victorian England.

    Features

    • Pit bulls can weigh anywhere from 22 to 110 pounds. They usually stand around 20 inches in height. These dogs have uniformly solid, muscular bodies. They were originally bred for active lifestyles of fighting, so they require plenty of exercise, along with a lot of personal attention.

    Dietary Needs

    • Because pit bulls are large, energetic dogs, they require good nutrition with plenty of carbohydrates, fat and protein to maintain their muscular bodies, according to PitBullLovers.com. The best source of protein is meat, which should be provided through a pit bull's food. It's important for owners to check the ingredients of any dog food to make sure that a good source of protein like lamb, chicken or beef tops the list.

    Vitamins and Fats

    • Vitamins and fat should also make up a large part of a pit bull's diet, so that the dog has plenty of energy and nutrition for activity and growth. Most necessary vitamins and fats will be included in a high-quality dog food. Feed pit bulls large-breed dog foods to ensure that they're getting adequate amounts of each nutrient. Supplementation is not usually recommended, unless it's prescribed by a vet for a medical condition.

    Considerations

    • Many dog food companies substitute cheaper ingredients into their dry dog food to make it easier and less expensive to produce. Although some grains, like rice and potatoes, are beneficial in food, pit bulls should not be fed cheap foods that contain flour, brans, glutens, corn or pure grain. These items do not provide healthy proteins, carbs or fats and would not be part of a dog's diet in the wild. Too much exposure to grains can cause a pit bull to develop grain allergy.