Best Dog Food for Pitbulls: 10 High-Protein Picks for Strong, Healthy Pups
By roscoenstella / April 17, 2025 / No Comments / Dog Blog
Want to make sure your Pitbull gets the best? Pitbulls are famously strong, muscular dogs, and the best way to power those muscles and keep them in shape is with the right food.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about the best dog food for Pitbulls, followed by our top product picks for different needs and preferences. If you’re reading this in preparation for life with a new Pit, check out our list of the 100 best dog names for Pitbulls, too!
Nutritional Needs of Pitbulls
Pitbulls are a medium-sized breed with a stocky, strong build that requires a high-protein (18-22%) and low-fat (around 5%) diet to maintain lean muscles, a healthy weight, and sustained energy levels.
Adult Pitties should eat 2-3 cups of food per day split between two meals, whilst young pups should eat smaller more frequent meals, and seniors should eat less as they slow down. Age-tailored nutrition is also important.
Every dog should eat complete and balanced foods with essential vitamins and minerals powered by real, natural ingredients like high-quality meat, fish, grains, fruits, and vegetables, without the use of additives or fillers.
However, certain nutrients are more important for maintaining good health in Pitbulls. Omega fatty acids and minerals like chondroitin and glucosamine, for example, can help to keep their joints strong, which is key with age due to their heavy, muscular builds. Omegas, zinc, biotin, and vitamin E are also crucial for healthy skin, something Pitbulls tend to struggle with.
Whilst Pits don’t tend to be sensitive or picky eaters, some are. Foods with higher moisture content, as well as fresh and slow-cooked or freeze-dried foods are best for enticing fussy pups, whilst grain-free formulas, hypoallergenic recipes, and high-fiber foods with added probiotics are best for sensitive Pits and Pitties with allergies.
Top Picks
Best Air Dried – Sundays For Dogs Turkey Recipe
Best Slow-Cooked – ButcherBox For Pets Premium Slow-Cooked Fresh Dog Food
Best Freeze-Dried – Dr Marty’s Dog Food Nature’s Blend
Best Raw – We Feed Raw
Best Budget Raw – RawPawsPetFood
Best Subscription Dog Food Delivery Service – Ollie
Best High-Protein – Raised Right Human-Grade Dog Food
Best Kibble – Bully Max 30/20 Adult High-Protein & Fat Chicken Dry Dog Food
Best Canned Food – Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Lamb Recipe
Best Budget Pick – The Pet’s Table
Best Air Dried: Sundays For Dogs Turkey Recipe
Sundays For Dogs Turkey Recipe is our top air-dried pick. It comes in three flavors, but the Turkey recipe is our favorite for Pitbulls as it’s great for dogs with skin allergies and sensitivities, but it also comes in beef and chicken flavors.
Key features:
Created by vets
Natural and human-grade
83-91% meat recipes
With fruits, veggies, seeds, and grains
Complete and balanced nutrition
Noticeably improves health
Picky-eater approved
Easy to store and serve
Free from fillers and synthetics
36% cheaper
Made in the USA
Subscription service
What we like:
Founded by vets using all-natural, human-grade ingredients, it contains over 80% meat with real fruits, veggies, seeds, and whole grains for whole nutrition and no fillers or synthetics. It also comes picky-eater-approved according to the brand; with customer research finding that dogs were 40% more excited to eat this food, winning a third-party taste test 39-0.
It’s made in the USA for ensured quality and it’s easy to store and serve. The brand’s customer survey also found that dogs who ate their food regularly saw improved overall health and well-being, including better digestion, softer coat, more energy, and improved weight.
What to consider:
It’s a subscription-only service, which won’t suit everyone. However, they offer customized plans at 36% cheaper than similar competitors.
Sundays for Dogs Vet-Created Premium Dog Food
Sundays for Dogs is an air-dried, human-grade dog food made with real beef and superfoods. It’s grain-free, chicken-free, and perfect for picky eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs.Save 50% with code BING50!
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Best Slow-Cooked: ButcherBox For Pets Premium Slow-Cooked Fresh Dog Food
For home-cooked style meals, check out ButcherBox For Pets Premium Slow-Cooked Fresh Dog Food. They’re a subscription service that tailors your dog’s meal plans to their needs, offering slow-cooked food, dry food, supplements, toys, and more.
Key features:
Chicken and grass-fed beef recipes
Slow-cooked to lock in flavor and nutrition
All natural and certified organic
50% meat 50% superfoods
Fruits, veggies, oats, and more
Enhanced with pre and post-biotics
Developed and tested by vets
Sustainably sourced
Gluten-free
Hormone and antibiotic-free meat
No artificial additives or fillers
Variety packs available
Customized meal plan subscriptions
Made in the USA
What we like:
It comes in two flavors, organic chicken and grass-fed beef, but they also sell variety packs for dogs who get bored easily. All of the ingredients are natural, certified organic, sustainably sourced, and slow-cooked to lock in taste and nutrition.
It’s developed and tested by vets with 50% hormone/antibiotic-free meat and 50% superfoods like oats, dried kelp, blueberries, and sweet potato for whole-body health and happiness. Their recipes are also free from gluten, fillers, and additives, and enhanced with pre and post-biotics for optimal digestion.
What to consider:
They contain oats, which aren’t suitable for grain intolerances.
ButcherBox for Pets Premium Dog Food Subscription
ButcherBox for Pets offers humanely raised, high-quality meat-based dog food made with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s grain-free, filler-free, and crafted to support your dog’s overall health and vitality.
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Best Freeze-Dried: Dr Marty’s Dog Food Nature’s Blend
Dr Marty’s Dog Food Nature’s Blend is an all-natural blend of turkey, beef, salmon, and duck. It’s suitable for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes and you can make a one-off purchase or sign up for a discounted subscription.
Key features:
Freeze-dried raw food
100% natural ingredients
Ranch-raised meats
Turkey, beef, salmon, and duck
Premium quality superfoods
Promotes healthy energy and digestion
Supports healthy joints, teeth, and skin
Suitable for all adult dogs
No fillers or synthetics
Trial-sized bags available
Discounted subscriptions
90-day money-back guarantee
What we like:
Their protein-packed formula contains four types of meat including ranch-raised beef and duck, with premium-quality organ meats, fruits, veggies, and seeds like liver, pumpkin seed, carrots, and apples. The superfood-rich recipe promotes youthful energy levels, easy digestion, and healthy teeth and skin, as well as good mobility and long lifespan without fillers or additives.
What to consider:
It’s on the pricey side, but it also comes in trial-sized bags so that you can try it before committing to a bigger purchase, and they offer a 90-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy.
Dr. Marty Nature s Blend Freeze-Dried Dog Food
This formula combines premium-quality raw meat with hand-selected fruits and vegetables — to give your dog the nutrition they need to live a full, healthy life. Because of its unique freeze-drying process, Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend is the most effective formula for canine longevity.
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Best Raw: We Feed Raw
If you’re looking to go raw, we highly recommend We Feed Raw. They’re the #1 pre-made raw dog food delivery company in the US and tailor your dog’s meal plan according to their breed, age, and more, so you can get just what you need for your Pittie!
Key features:
#1 pre-made raw dog food delivery company
100% raw and minimally processed
Tailored meal plans
Six protein source options
Human-grade meats
Cold-pressed to eliminate bacteria
Formulated by PhD animal nutritionist
Nutritionally complete and balanced
Optimal protein and essential nutrients
Improves whole body health
Highly digestible
No fillers or additives
Safely prepared, packaged, and shipped
AAFCO and USDA-compliant
Biodegradable packaging
Subscription service
Free cold-shipping nationwide
What we like:
All of their meals are 100% raw and minimally processed with no cooking for maximum digestibility, just a cold pressure treatment to remove any harmful bacteria and keep your family safe. In fact, they’re the most minimally processed foods of their kind on the market, with no fillers or additives, and more variety than any of their competitors.
There are six delicious protein sources to choose from, including chicken, beef, venison, and duck. All of which were formulated to be nutritionally whole by a PhD animal nutritionist with optimal protein levels from human-grade meats.
According to the brand, benefits include more mealtime excitement, better weight control, higher energy levels, and healthier skin and coat, as well as fewer allergy symptoms and improved digestion in dogs with sensitivities. Your dog’s meals will be safely shipped in well-insulated, biodegradable packaging at no extra cost.
What to consider:
If the idea of raw food freaks you out or sounds inconvenient for your kitchen, they’ve also just come out with a freeze-dried range. It’s still raw but freeze-dried for a longer shelf-life with no refrigeration and a crunchy kibble-like texture.
Raw Dog Food Delivery Company | We Feed Raw
Premade raw meals, delivered to your doorstep. A balanced raw diet for dogs can be tailored to your pet’s size, age, and tastes. They’ve made it easy to get started with a raw diet for your dog in just a few clicks.Get 25% off your first box + Free Shipping!
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Best Budget Raw: RawPawsPetFood
If you want raw on a budget, RawPawsPetFood is perfect. They sell raw rolls in two sizes and a variety of flavors, including chicken, beef, and goat tripe for an excellent price. They’re also a family-owned business that supports animal charities, so you can feel extra good about shopping with them.
Key features:
100% raw rolls
Variety of flavors
80% meat, 10% organ, and 10% bone
Free range Indiana sourced meat
Conveniently prepared
Must be refrigerated
Delivered frozen
No hormones, steroids, or antibiotics
No artificial ingredients, additives, or fillers
Available in two sizes
Made in small batches in the USA
Strict quality and safety standards
Charitable family-owned business
What we like:
All of the recipes contain 80% meat, 10% organ, and 10% bone from Indiana-sourced meat, which is raised free-range without the use of hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. There are zero fillers or artificial ingredients and they’re super easy to slice up and portion for your dog’s mealtimes. They’re also made in small batches in a licensed, inspected US facility with strict quality and safety standards.
What to consider:
They must be stored in the fridge, which can be annoying, but they come compactly prepared to take up minimal space.
Raw Paws Signature Blend Pet Food
Consists of a natural blend of 80% muscle, 10% organ, and 10% bone, reflecting a diet similar to wild ancestors, with no artificial ingredients, additives, or fillers. Available in 3 lb rolls, this raw dog food is easy to portion out. Each batch is freshly prepared weekly using locally sourced ingredients from the Midwest. Ethically raised proteins, no antibiotics, steroids, or added hormones.
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Best Subscription Dog Food Delivery Service: Ollie
If you want a subscription service to streamline your dog’s meal times, Ollie is our top pick. They offer a comprehensive service that tailors your pup’s meal plan to improve or maintain their health, according to their needs, breed, age, and more, with a variety of plans including fresh, baked, and mixed plans, plus treats and supplements.
Key features:
Tailored subscription service
Fresh, baked, and mixed plans
Variety of flavor options
Vet-designed formulas
Human-grade ingredients
Responsibly sourced
Minimally processed
Gut health and allergy relief
High energy and weight control
No fillers or additives
No corn, wheat, or soy
Hassle-free packaging
Made in US facilities
Comes with a welcome kit
App management
Free health screening
What we like:
After a simple one-minute quiz, you’ll be sent a starter box containing a two-week supply of food and a welcome kit with a feeding guide, a puptainer, a scoop, and app access for easy account management. Plus a free health screening for personalized advice from their team!
With five fresh and two baked options to choose from, including chicken and beef flavors, your pup will never get bored. All of the recipes are designed by vets and made with human-grade, responsibly sourced ingredients without the use of hormones, fillers, artificial additives, and no common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.
They’re also minimally processed for easy digestion and crafted to improve your pup’s overall health, with better weight control, higher energy levels, and fewer allergy symptoms.
What to consider:
If you like the look of their fresh food but find it too pricey, we recommend taking a look at their mixed plan, which provides half fresh and half baked foods for a fraction of the price of full fresh.
Ollie: Healthier, Custom Human-Grade Dog Food Delivered
Fresh, human-grade food made from real ingredients for a healthier pup today and tomorrow. Recipes made from whole food ingredients, slow cooked for nutrition and flavor and always fresh.Save 60% off your first box
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Best High-Protein: Raised Right Human-Grade Dog Food
If you’ve got a particularly active Pittie, Raised Right Human-Grade Dog Food could be the best option for you. They specialize in high-protein, low-carb meals for active dogs and puppies, plus cats and kittens, so it’s a good pick for puppies and multi-pet homes, too.
Key features:
High-protein low-carb formulas
Vet-designed and lab-tested
Dog, cat, puppy, and kitten recipes
Ground foods and pates
Variety of flavors
Limited ingredients
Human-grade quality
Check Your Pet Food approved
Innovation Award winner
Plastic-neutral certified
Carbonfree® shipping
Sample boxes available
One-off buys and subscription options
What we like:
Their adult food comes in several flavors, including turkey & pumpkin and pork & pumpkin, all gently cooked and frozen to be served fresh. All of their formulas are designed by vets with limited ingredients, like human-grade meats and organ meats, as well as fresh fruit and veggies and superfoods like organic dried kelp.
The brand prides itself on making homemade-style food for pets, with a rich agricultural history you can trust and lab safety-tested meals. They even won the Innovative Veterinary Care Journal’s Innovation Award for Nutrition and were the first company to submit their formula to Check Your Pet Food voluntarily.
They also offer one-off purchases and subscriptions for flexible buying, with sample boxes for new customers and plastic-neutral, carbon-free shipping.
What to consider:
Each of the recipes contains less than 2% carbohydrates, which is good for weight management and reducing inflammation in sick and senior dogs. However, low-carb diets aren’t right for every dog, so check with your vet if you’re unsure.
Raised Right Human Grade Dog Food Recipes
Raised Right works with veterinarian, Dr. Karen Becker to formulate limited ingredient recipes that are high in protein and low in carbs. Most of their recipes have less than 2% carbs because they use ZERO high carb fillers like potato, rice, oats, yam, squash, pasta, barley, parsnips, corn, or wheat.
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Best Kibble: Bully Max 30/20 Adult High-Protein & Fat Chicken Dry Dog Food
The Bully Max 30/20 Adult High-Protein & Fat Chicken Dry Dog Food is our top dry food pick, as it’s specially designed for Bully Breeds like the American Pitbull. It’s suitable for puppies and adult dogs and comes rated 5/5 by Dog Food Advisor.
Key features:
Chicken blend formula
535 calories per cup
30% protein 20% fat
60% smaller meals
TruMune postbiotics
Improves energy, coat, and digestion
Suitable for puppies and adults
Free from fillers and additives
No poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy
Rated 5/5 by Dog Food Advisor
Third-party lab testing
Made in the USA
What we like:
Designed for active, muscular dogs, each cup has 535 calories, which is around 200 calories more than most competitors, for smaller meals, fewer restocks, and higher impact. It contains 30% protein and 20% fat from chicken, fish, eggs, and brown rice, plus nutritious superfoods like organic dried kelp.
90% of customers report better digestion, shinier fur, and more energy thanks to the TruMune postbiotics, which come backed by hundreds of research studies. It’s also free from fillers, artificial additives, and poultry byproducts, as well as corn, wheat, and soy, and it’s manufactured in line with high safety standards using 3rd party lab testing in the USA.
What to consider:
The brand recommends you transition your Pittie to this food gradually as it’s such a rich formula, and be sure to stick to the product’s portion recommendations so you don’t overfeed them.
Bully Max 30/20 Adult High-Protein & Fat Chicken Dry Dog Food
Bully Max 30/20 Adult High-Protein & Fat Chicken Dry Dog Food is packed with protein to help fuel your furbaby’s performance and energy. Chicken meal is the first ingredient, and since this recipe has tons of calories and protein, your pup will need less food during each meal.
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Best Canned Food: Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Real Lamb Recipe
If your Pittie prefers wet food, the Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Real Lamb Recipe is our top pick. It’s especially good for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies due to its limited ingredient grain-free formula.
Key features:
Limited ingredient formula
Single-source protein
Deboned lamb and lamb liver
Fortified with essential nutrients
Free from grains, additives, and poultry
No peas, potatoes, corn, or soy
Convenient pull-tab can
Cooked in the USA
What we like:
It features a high-quality single-source protein, delicious deboned lamb with nutrient-rich lamb liver, which is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It’s also fortified with other important nutrients and free from grains, poultry, and other common allergens like peas, potatoes, corn, and soy, as well as additives and fillers.
The can itself is easy to open with a convenient pull-tab, and the food is developed and cooked in the USA for ensured quality.
What to consider:
Its crude fat content is higher than average at 9%, so we don’t recommend it for senior or sedentary Pitties.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Wet Dog Food Real Lamb Recipe
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Premium Grain Free Wet Dog Food is formulated with a limited number of ingredients for adult dogs with food sensitivities or sensitive stomachs. Each bite starts with real, deboned lamb for the important amino acids, vitamins, and minerals your pal needs to thrive. The sensitive stomach formula features a single source of protein and no peas, grains, potato, corn, or soy.
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Best Budget Pick: The Pet’s Table
The Pet’s Table is our top budget-friendly pick because they offer a range of plans for different budgets. Simply take their quick quiz and get a personalized plan that suits you! They also offer a 2-week trial to make sure you’re on board and a money-back guarantee, just in case.
Key features:
Four plans for different budgets
2-week trial period
Money-back guarantee
Variety of recipes
Developed with vet-nutritionists
Human-grade ingredients
Real meats, grains, fruits, and veggies
Complete and balanced nutrition
High in fiber and vitamin A
Added probiotics
No fillers or additives
Suitable for all life stages
AAFCO compliant
Made in the USA
What we like:
As mentioned above, they offer a range of plans; including air-dried, fresh, mixed, and a minified fresh plan, with 50% of your dog’s daily calories in the form of fresh toppers you can mix with your Pit’s current food.
There are a variety of flavors to choose from, including beef stew with carrots and beef with berries, all made with human-grade ingredients and air-dried or gently cooked and flash-frozen to nutritious, delicious perfection.
Every recipe was developed with vet nutritionists to provide whole nutrition for all life stages in line with AAFCO industry requirements, with fibrous fruits and veggies and probiotics for easy digestion. It’s also a rich source of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for whole-body health and wellness.
What to consider:
Some recipes are grain-inclusive and others are grain-free, so if your dog has a grain intolerance, be sure to choose your meals with care.
The Pets Table | Healthy Dog Food Developed With Vets
Every plan provided by The Pets Table ensures a balanced diet for your dog, packed with ingredients they will adore, all reviewed by their Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist.Save 50% off your first box!
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FAQs
Is wet food or dry food better for Pitbulls?
Dry foods tend to be lower in fat, so they are generally the better choice for such stocky dogs. However, there are some great wet foods out there. It’s all about the quality of the ingredients.
Are Pitbulls prone to food allergies?
Pitbulls can have food allergies, but they’re more prone to skin allergies. However, the right food can help to build up their immune system. If you think your dog has an allergy of any kind, you should look into product changes or elimination diets/allergy tests. Symptoms to look out for include cause changes to skin, coat, mood, and digestion.
Are Pitbulls picky eaters?
Pitties are not known to be picky eaters, but they can be. Either way, they still deserve the best; high-quality formulas, yummy ingredients, and interesting textures.
Do Pitbulls have sensitive stomachs?
Whilst Pitbulls are not especially sensitive, any dog can have a sensitive system depending on their genetics and history. It’s best to stick to complete and balanced foods with clean ingredients and look into high-fiber foods with added probiotics if your pup is sensitive.
Final Thoughts
Those are our best dog foods for Pitbulls! Let us know which one you’re going to try and if you’re drastically changing your Pit’s diet, don’t forget to transition them to their new food gradually. For some hardy Pittie treats, check out our list of the best dog bones for Pitbulls.