10 Best Dog Food Brands For Pitbulls To Gain Weight For 2021
We may earn a commission if you click on a link, but at no extra cost to you. Read our disclosure policy for information.
Pitbulls have unique characteristics, which makes it advisable to consider other aspects of their diet which are not relevant to other breeds and that’s why the best dog food for Pitbulls to gain weight may be a good idea.
These characteristics are similar to other breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier (which has a common origin) or the Staffordshire bull-terrier (originally from the UK, smaller than above) so, that the main principle to follow is the same.
As the pitbull is a dog that needs a robust conformation and good muscle development, it requires higher protein levels than other breeds.
Also, their diet must contain the necessary components to prevent joint problems.
Pitbulls are naturally athletic and muscular dogs that need a special diet to gain and maintain their weight.
Finally, it’s recommended that before starting any new diet for your pitbull, you should go to a veterinarian to rule out any possible pathologies that could be causing loss or lack of weight gain.
Table of Contents
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR FAVORITE PICKS…
Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Dog Food Brands For Pitbulls To Gain Weight
Here is our list of best dog food for Pitbulls to gain weight without neglecting their health.
1. Bully Max High-Performance Super Premium Dog Food For All Ages
- OPTIMAL MUSCLE & WEIGHT GAIN: Bully Max 30/20 High Protein Dog Food, the ONLY 5-star rated performance dog food by...
- HIGH PROTEIN, BALANCED DIET: Bully Max 30/20, with its unique meat-based formula, is rich in Chicken Meal and Brown...
- ENHANCED CALORIC DENSITY: Bully Max High Performance Dog Food leads its class with 535 calories per cup, making it...
- COMPREHENSIVE NUTRITION FOR ALL DOG BREEDS AND AGES: Designed to cater to every dog, Bully Max 30/20 High...
- UNMATCHED BULLY MAX QUALITY: Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients, Bully Max upholds exceptional...
Last update on 2024-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The prestigious brand Bully Max has created its food specifically with Pitbulls and other high-performance dog breeds in mind.
After hard research and testing work, it has been possible to develop a successful formula that is ideal for dog breeds such as Pitbulls to gain weight quickly.
Its caloric content is well above average than other dog’s food; with 535 calories per serving cup, make it ideal for dogs with high energy demands.
All its formula contains natural ingredients of human quality, and it has 20% fat and 30% protein, which provides satiety for the dog.
Their average kibble size is perfect for general consumption by dogs of all ages, including lactating puppies.
It does not contain unnecessary fillers that could affect the dog’s health, such as wheat, soy, and corn.
Bully Max is one of the fewest dog food brand registered in the AAFCO, and It’s a 100% developed in the US soil.
Pros & Benefits:
- 30% of protein and 20% of healthy fat
- Formula developed with an optimal supply of vitamins and minerals
- Doesn’t have cereals or artificial fillers that are difficult to digest
- The recipe explicitly created for the breed
- 535 calories per serving cup
2. No products found.
Many American Pit Bull owners who have used this brand of food say that it’s not only one of the most cost-effective formulas on the market, but also one of the tastiest.
The brand highlights the wide use of animal protein to develop its formula (60% of the total weight), which significantly favors Pitbulls’ muscle development.
Acana Heritage explains that they developed their product thinking about Pitbulls’ evolutionary needs and speculating on their ideal foods if they lived freely in the wild.
Its formula contains beef, pork, and lamb and a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are easy for American Pitbulls to digest.
Like other brands, it does not have difficult-to-digest fillers, so it is subtle enough to be used at any stage of your pet’s development.
Its formula has a generous patented vitamin package, whose unique combination of vitamin B, vitamin E, taurine and choline, promotes the optimal development of the nervous and circulatory system, to guarantee the maximum performance of your pet.
Pros & Benefits:
- 60% of its weight comes from animal ingredients
- Good price/quality ratio
- 32% of protein and 18% of healthy fat
- Doesn’t have cereals or artificial fillers that are difficult to digest
- Ideal for all ages
No products found.
3. Taste of the Wild High Protein Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie with ROASTED BISON and VENISON dry dog food; REAL MEAT is the #1 ingredient;...
- Nutrient-rich and provides the energy to thrive; vitamins and minerals from FRUITS and SUPERFOODS; omega fatty...
- Each serving includes species-specific K9 Strain PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS - plus antioxidants and prebiotics - to...
- FAMILY-OWNED and MADE in the USA using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources
Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As its name indicates, Taste of the Wild offers a 100% natural and balanced formula that provides the dog the type of food that it could usually find in nature.
This premium food provides an irresistible flavor and the number of nutrients that your pet could need.
Its wide range of meat flavors, ranging from bison to wild birds, are mixed with real vegetables and roasted fruits.
The use of natural meats and fruits provide the amount of protein and fat necessary for the animal’s development, maintaining its weight and gaining muscle.
Its formula has been developed with vitamins and antioxidants, which strength the dog’s immune system and help them look better.
Also, it contains Omega 6 and Omega 3 fatty acids that support the maintenance of healthy skin and radiant hair.
Taste of the Wild doesn’t have unnecessary fillers, making it perfect for dogs who suffer from certain foods allergies.
Its high protein of 32% and fat content of 18% provide satiety to Pitbulls, which means that they don’t need to eat as much food.
Despite being an excellent product, some customer reviews explain that it can occasionally cause vomiting episodes and diarrhea in some Pitbulls.
Pros & Benefits:
- Wide range of proteins and flavors available
- 32% of protein and 18% of healthy fat
- Created with authentic natural ingredients (meats, fruits, and vegetables)
- Doesn’t have cereals or artificial fillers that are difficult to digest
- Formula with a good pack of vitamins and antioxidants
4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
- GRAIN-FREE RECIPE: Made with complex carbohydrates like potatoes and sweet potatoes, and none of the grains some...
- PACKED WITH REAL CHICKEN: Starts with real chicken to satisfy your dog’s cravings, part of a high-protein diet
- BALANCED DIET: A perfect balance of protein, fats, and complex carbohydrates support your adult dog’s active life
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS: BLUE foods are made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and...
- ADDITIONAL FORMULAS: In addition to grain-free, BLUE Wilderness also comes in recipes with wholesome grains to meet...
Last update on 2024-08-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This food features a good recipe for antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to satisfy the meat’s pitbull’s natural taste.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness highlights its high protein content of 34% using chicken as its primary source of protein, which, like many other brands, helps your pet maintain its weight and develop muscle mass.
Regardless of not having a higher fat percentage than other brands (15%), it’s still within the acceptable range of a demanding diet for Pitbulls.
Its advanced multivitamin formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which promotes optimal joint health and prevents the early problems of arthritis.
As is customary in high-performance dog food, the food does not contain grains or artificial ingredients, and its carbohydrates correspond to natural vegetables and fruits.
Despite being an excellent product, the presence of chicken (allergenic) causes some mistrust in pitbull owners, which is why it’s not so widely accepted in the market.
Pros & Benefits:
- A patented multivitamin formula that supports the immune system
- 34% of protein and 15% of healthy fat
- 409 calories per serving cup
- Doesn’t have cereals or artificial fillers that are difficult to digest
- It has glucosamine and omega 3, which promotes the joint health of the dog
5. Purina Pro Plan Sport, Energy & Vitality Support, High Protein Dry Dog Food
- Concentrated nutrition optimizes oxygen metabolism (VO2 MAX) for increased endurance
- High protein formula, with real chicken as the first ingredient
- Used to be known as SPORT Performance 30/20 Formula
- Amino acids nourish muscles, including the crucial time after exercise
- 30 percent protein and 20 percent fat fuel metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle
Last update on 2024-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The best product for weight gain developed by Purina, it’s a favorite of many of the world’s show dog breeders.
The Product is developed in the US’s Pro Plan facilities following the rigorous quality controls that characterize the brand, to bring the best food solutions for your dog.
Features real chicken meat as their number one ingredient.
Its superior formula comes with 30% of protein and 20% of fat, making it ideal for dogs with high energy demand, promoting their performance.
Approved by the AAFCO, the Sport Formula food by Purina Pro Plan guarantees a superior and optimal recipe for the dog’s growth during each stage of its life.
Its great package of vitamins and antioxidants helps strengthen your pet’s immune system and promote joint health.
Despite having an unconventional recipe for pit bulls (it contains cereals and other filler products), many professionals assure that the results correspond to a portion of food with superior performance.
Pros & Benefits:
- Formula approved by the AAFCO, which endorses it as a high standard food
- 30% of protein and 20% of healthy fat
- 475 calories per serving cup
- Offers a suitable package of vitamins and antioxidants that help optimize the dog’s health
- It has glucosamine and omega 3, which promotes the joint health of the dog
6. Earthborn Holistic Puppy Vantage Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Formulated without grain, gluten or potato, this special formula is ideal as a high-protein, grain-free alternative...
- Premium protein sources, such as chicken meal and whitefish meal, support the development of strong, lean muscles...
- Contains DHA, a type of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acid that is vital for healthy brain and eye development and...
- Balanced Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in establishing the lipid barrier of the skin,...
- Packaging is BPA-free, resealable, and 100% recyclable through the Earthborn ReBorn Program.
Last update on 2024-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As its name implies, Great Plains Feast is a grain-free dog food that comes at a more affordable price than other brands.
The use of bison and lamb meal in their formula offers a reliable source of protein for your pitbull, supporting their muscle development.
In turn, egg protein is used, which further strengthens the protein contribution to the formula and provides ample nutrition in amino acids that promotes your pet’s health.
A kibble composition that is free of unnecessary grains and fillers, which makes them easy to digest and ideals for pets with food allergies or sensitive digestive systems.
Formulated with an appropriate combination of vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help optimize your pet’s immune system.
Despite having tapioca as one of its ingredients (allergenic potential), many owners express satisfaction with its use and emphasize that its high protein content causes satiety in their Pitbulls, which means that they need to consume less food.
Pros & Benefits:
- 32% of protein and 18% of healthy fat
- 400 calories per serving cup
- Doesn’t have cereals or artificial fillers that are difficult to digest
- Amino acids rich formula
- Contains egg protein, which promotes the growth of muscle
7. Maximum Bully Elite K9 Nutrition Chicken And Pork Dog Food
- Maximum Bully **Five Star** Dog Food
- Built With Multiple Protein Sources, Amino Acids, Vitamins And Nutrients
- Promotes A Healthy Digestive System
- Calories: 481 Kcal Per Cup
- Protein: 32% Fat: 22%
Last update on 2024-08-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Elite K9 is one of the best options available to make your pitbull gain weight.
Their formula is designed explicitly for muscular dogs, packed with vitamins and amino acids to keep them in great shape.
It presents chicken and pork as its two primary sources of animal protein, thus guaranteeing a powerful source of energy that, in turn, will promote the growth and maintenance of muscle mass in your pitbull.
The Food recipe comes with a delicious meaty flavor made from pork and chicken.
It was developed for high-performance dogs offering 481 calories per serving.
Its protein content per serving cup is at 32% and healthy fat at 22%, making it one of the best in protein and fat ratio.
Despite being low in carbohydrates, it’s still within the minimum range necessary to keep your pitbull full of energy.
It is important to note that, despite being an excellent food for weight gain, it is made from chicken (allergenic) and has a varied amount of cereals in its composition, which could be a problem for pets with sensitive digestive systems.
Pros & Benefits:
- 32% of protein and 22% of healthy fat
- 481 calories per serving cup
- Affordable price
- A right package of vitamins, amino acids, and nutrients
- Exclusively designed for muscular breeds
8. Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Merrick Premium Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Real Texas Beef And Sweet Potato Recipe. Wholesome And Natural With Added...
- Real deboned beef is always the first ingredient in this premium grain free kibble, made with real food ingredients...
- Features a holistic blend of 63% protein and healthy fat ingredients to maintain lean muscle mass and energy...
- Merrick dog food delivers 64% of protein from animal sources, providing high protein levels, and contains no...
- Wholesome grain free real meat beef dog food contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat, and...
Last update on 2024-09-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Like most of its products, this Merrick recipe is 100% natural and has 65% meat in its composition, which provides an effective protein content to your pitbull’s diet.
The protein present in its formula corresponds to boneless meat and fish, which promote favorable lean muscle development and, in turn, supply essential oils to preserve the health of your dog.
The carbohydrates provided are easily digestible and come from sweet and normal potatoes harvested from local farms.
In turn, the brand emphasizes the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin to take care of your pitbull’s joints and avoid the early development of arthritis.
Also, its formula contains high levels of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that help your pet maintain healthy skin and coat.
Even though the brand has lost popularity due to inconveniences to Purina’s acquisition, there are still owners who feel comfortable using this food, highlighting that it helped their pets recover from allergic problems and improved their appearance and muscle development.
Pros & Benefits:
- 65% of its composition corresponds to animal meat
- 34% of protein and 15% of healthy fat
- Glucosamine and chondroitin, which promotes the joint health of the dog
- Its formula contains high-quality and easy to digest carbohydrates
- Made 100% with natural products from American soil
9. Wellness CORE Natural Dry Dog Food Original Turkey & Chicken
- GRAIN-FREE ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Premium protein from responsibly sourced turkey is expertly balanced with nutrient...
- LEANER BODY MASS AND MUSCLE TONE: Based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs thrive on a natural diet mainly...
- SUPPORTS HEALTHY COAT & DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids from ingredients such as flaxseed...
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Contains only premium, all natural ingredients with no poultry by-products, wheat, wheat...
- MADE IN USA: Using only the finest globally sourced ingredients, we prepare each of our diets in our own state of...
Last update on 2024-08-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wellness CORE is a product made locally in the US using 100% natural ingredients.
Its main source of protein comes from shredded chicken and turkey, which stimulates lean muscle mass growth in your pet.
All their variety of formulas address a specific health condition in dogs, and each of these adheres to the philosophy that a diet based on meat is the best for them.
None of the available formulas contain unnecessary cereals or fillers that could put your pet’s digestive health at risk.
Its formulas contain fresh fruits, and vegetables, which provide many nutrients and antioxidants that strengthen your pitbull’s health.
The presence of salmon and flaxseed in its composition supports the maintenance of healthy skin and hair of your Pitbull with guaranteed levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
With an excellent value for money, many of the users of this brand express their satisfaction with the results obtained in their pets, highlighting the increase in energy levels and growth of lean muscle mass.
However, not all the people who have used this product have obtained satisfying results and have expressed that it has caused eventual deterioration in their pets’ health.
Pros & Benefits:
- Doesn’t have cereals or artificial fillers that are difficult to digest
- 34% of protein and 16% of healthy fat
- 417 calories per serving cup
- Offers a right package of vitamins and antioxidants that help optimize the dog’s health
- Good price/quality ratio
10. CRAVE Grain Free High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food, Beef & Chicken
- Contains one (1) 22 lb. bag of CRAVE Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food with Protein from Beef—for any size dog
- CRAVE recipes are always crafted with real, high-quality animal protein, no grain, and the full meaty flavor that...
- Made with 34% high protein, to support a strong, lean body
- Grain free with carbohydrate sources like peas for energy
- Crafted with quality ingredients: NO chicken by-product meal, NO corn, wheat, or soy protein, and NO artificial...
Last update on 2024-08-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Crave Free Grain is a food with a high protein concentration whose formula was inspired by dogs’ primary ancestor: The Wolf.
The brand developed their recipes thinking about the foods that dogs consume in nature; this means that in addition to meat, they also incorporate fruits and vegetables to create a more natural and friendly food for your pet.
This food comes in 4 different protein presentations (chicken, beef, lamb & venison, and salmon), thus offering a wide range of flavors adapted to your pet’s tastes.
Its formula has 34% of protein and 17% of healthy fat per serving cup and is complemented by a rich source of quality carbohydrates that promote proper food digestion.
Its recipe design allows us to meet the nutritional needs of both large and small adult dogs.
Free of soy, cereals, and other unnecessary and artificial fillers that could affect your pitbull’s health.
Despite being defended by many Pitbull owners, the food does not enjoy a good general reputation because its second source of protein is chicken (allergenic), which generates skepticism since it can induce severe allergic reactions in animals.
Pros & Benefits:
- 34% of protein and 17% of healthy fat
- 463 calories per serving cup
- Doesn’t have cereals or artificial fillers that are difficult to digest
- Its formula contains high-quality and easy to digest carbohydrates
- Whole protein as the first ingredient
Ingredients To Look For In Pitbull Foods
Due to their muscular structure, Pitbulls need high-quality foods.
Cheap food with unnecessary ingredients only hampers the dog’s performance.
They could also lead to irregular weight gain that could affect their health.
Therefore, pit bulls need certain essential macronutrients that every owner should look for.
Protein (25-40%)
While most dog foods contain protein as the first ingredient, it’s important to use quality sources.
Natural sources like chicken, beef, lamb, and fish are ideal.
A pit bull will thrive on a portion of food made up of 40% protein or more.
Therefore, your Pitbull’s food should have at least a minimum of 25% protein to keep the dog healthy.
Natural Fats (15-20%)
Fats are useful for providing energy to Pitbulls while adding flavor to food.
Also, healthy natural fats contain omega fatty acids, which can do wonders for your dog’s skin and coat.
Pitbulls don’t need a lot of fat due to their muscular build; however, a typical amount of natural fat found in the protein source is healthy.
Quality Carbohydrates And Nutrients (max. 30%)
Carbohydrates are often included to make the meal more filling for dogs.
Not much quantity is necessary for the food of your Pitbull, but if these must be of good quality.
High-quality carbohydrates like sweet potatoes are a great option, as they not only make food filling but also add nutrients.
Food formulas with a wide range of natural ingredients like fruits and vegetables will always provide your pet with everything it needs to stay healthy.
Ingredients To Avoid In Pitbull Foods
Many cheap ingredients used to reduce the production costs of dog food can be extremely harmful to Pitbulls.
Some of these are:
Questionable Proteins
Unfortunately, cheaper dog food formulas contain poor sources of protein that do more harm than good.
Corn And Grain
Cheap corn and grains are the most inexpensive food-fillers available in the market, so if one of these lists as the main ingredient of a dog’s food, it’s best to keep looking.
Additives
Color and flavor additives are incorporated to make the food more attractive to dogs; however, these are made with chemicals.
Final Thoughts
These were the best dog food for Pitbulls to gain weight, feed your dog with high-quality food because they deserve it.
Hope that you find yourself better directed towards what would be the best food for your pitbull with this article.
Although if after reading this, you still have doubts about which food is the ideal for your pet, you can investigate more or consult with other owners about the feeding of their Pitbulls.
If after this, you’re still not entirely convinced, you can play it safe and visit a veterinarian to guide you correctly.
Pitbulls come from the crosses between several dog breeds across time, so it is necessary to diagnose possible pathologies present in the animal before starting a new diet.
While these dogs have evolved dramatically throughout history, the only thing that has not changed is their need for high-quality food.
Remember that your pet will spend many years by your side and have a full and healthy life with a lot of love and care.
