what to feed a pitbull puppy

The moisture unfolds all the aromas in the food, making wet food extremely palatable for most dogs. In other words, while my dogs are 65 lbs and 68lbs in peak condition their proper walking around weight is a few lbs heavier.You learn this information through trial and error.IMPORTANT: Two things you should do before you start getting your dog in shape. As stated above, a solid schedule is necessary when it comes to properly feeding your American Pit Bull Terrier. A changeover of Pit Bull's dog food should be done over the course of 7-10 days. So you recently purchased your new puppy and you can’t seem to find what to feed your new fur ball. And let’s not forget the most important thing. Your email address will not be published. Check if your puppy has any other symptoms, such as: Then, give your vet a call to discuss whether an emergency visit is warranted. al., 2006, “Human Health Implications of Salmonella-Contaminated Natural Pet Treats and Raw Pet Food,” Clinical Infectious Diseases, Freeman, L.M., et al., 2013, “Current Knowledge About the Risks and Benefits of Raw Meat-Based Diets for Dogs and Cats,” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Gawor, J.P., et al., 2006, “Influence of Diet on Oral Health in Cats and Dogs,” The Journal of Nutrition, Greco, D.S., 2014, “Pediatric Nutrition,” Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, Hawthorne, A.J., et al., 2004, “Body-Weight Changes during Growth in Puppies of Different Breeds,” The Journal of Nutrition, “The Healthy Dog Weight and Body Condition,” Purina, Huber, T.L., et al., 1986, “Variations in Digestibility of Dry Foods With Identical Label Guaranteed Analysis,” The Journal of The American Animal Hospital Association, Kölle, P. and Schmidt, M., 2015, “Raw-Meat-Based Diets (RMBD) as a Feeding Principle for Dogs,” Tierarztl Prax Ausg K Kleintiere Heimtiere, Joffe, D.J. You can choose a commercial dog food (kibble, wet food, or both) or you can prepare your puppy’s meals yourself (either cooked or raw). The keys to a healthy and happy Pit Bull include a balanced diet and plenty of exercise. The hard chunks of dried food allow for the removal of the soft food particles that wind up between the dog's teeth. Set up three times a day to feed your pup … It’s never too early for good weight control. If you think that the amount on the packaging is too much or not enough, double-check with your vet. To make sure your puppy has all the nutrients it needs to grow up healthy, choose a kibble designed specifically for medium-sized puppies to large breeds. To find out more about what to feed your Pitbull puppy, keep reading. Four feedings a day are usually adequate to meet nutritional demands. Another problem associated with "free feeding" is that the dog will try to eat after it has been out for a run or other type of exercise. Puppy foods are formulated with a balance of nutrients to help puppies grow up healthy and happy. Your Pitbull puppy is expected to reach her adult weight at around 13 or 14 months of age. Our second choice for the best food for Pitbull puppies is the Merrick Grain-Free Beef puppy food. Look for protein-rich formulas to support their growing muscles. It’s certainly a good idea to keep children away from your puppy’s food bowl at meal times, anyway. When you bring your Pitbull puppy home, make sure that you know exactly what the breeder (or shelter) was feeding her. This will give your puppy time to get settled into her new home. Pitbulls should be eating food with protein content of between 25 and 40% and it should be supplemented with raw meat. The body condition score is a hands-on way to determine how much “fluff” is on your puppy. At this stage, it’s time to switch to a food for adult dogs. Ideally, you will start him on ¼ new dog food brand, mixed with ¾ … Are you thinking about buying a Pitbull puppy? Food quality is an important factor as is the amounts of food the dog is given. Let’s see the various types of puppy food in detail. The best food for a pitbull puppy is one full of high-quality protein from such sources as muscle meats and eggs. Feeding adult food will rob your puppy of important nutrients. Puppies need puppy food. Another good thing you can do for your Pitbull puppy’s digestion is adding probiotics to the food once daily. Avoid overfeeding your pooch, and you’ll be just fine. Mix the “new” and “old” food together, slowly increasing the amount of the adult dog food over the course of one week. However, we recommend only using wet food as an occasional treat or to mix it together with kibble. Since American Bullies need to pack on a lot of muscle within the first few months of their lives, opt for a high-quality dog … Senior Pitbull’s diet is … Feeding adult food will rob your puppy of important nutrients. Feeding puppies a complete and balanced puppy food ensures they get the proper nutrition to develop and grow into healthy adult dogs. The extra nutrients found in carrot shavings, diced potatoes and raw egg improve the shine of the Pit Bull's coat and builds healthier muscle mass. In general, two times the Resting Energy Requirement (RER) for your dog’s current weight is a safe bet. If you’re feeding your dog a homemade or raw diet, recalculate nutrients and portion sizes accordingly. Many people are concerned with raw diets because they involve eating bones, and bone fragments. It includes real cage-free chicken as the first ingredient and real fruits and vegetables including kale, blueberries and coconut. From the time a Pit Bull is weened to its senior years, its dietary needs fluctuate as its needs fluctuate as well. With the right amount of patience, careful observation and keeping track of portions, keeping your Pitbull nourished can work out. Should your Pitbull pup miss more than two meals—or go without food for more than 12 hours—it might be a cause for concern. If that still doesn’t help, you could try some treats in between meals. and Schlesinger, D.P., 2002, “Preliminary Assessment of the Risk of Salmonella Infection in Dogs Fed Raw Chicken Diets,” The Canadian Veterinary Journal, “Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals,” Merck Manual Veterinary Manual, Picco, F., et al., 2008, “A Prospective Study on Canine Atopic Dermatitis and Food-Induced Allergic Dermatitis in Switzerland,” Veterinary Dermatology. Ideally, stick with the same brand. What about feeding your dog home-cooked meals? They might not get the best rap, but Pitbulls are loving and lovable family dogs, if raised right. Raw feeding, although a debatable practice among various dog owners, offers further nutrition and variation to your Pit Bull's diet. Establishing Rules will Eliminate 90% of the Problems New Pit Bull Owners Face. Raw feeding, not to be confused with giving your pet table scraps, involves the incorporation of fresh diced vegetables and meats with high quality dog food. Also consider this if there are immuno-compromised individuals or small children in your household that are in danger of meat-borne pathogen infections. Does the dog in your life have a cat in theirs? They haven’t been able to refute it either, though. Baby Pitbulls have a fast metabolism, which then slows down as they grow up. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best puppy foods for Pitbulls, the ideal amount of daily feedings, how much to feed and more. A dog a little further along in life might need considerable less, say, about 875 calories. If you choose the latter option, it will be your own responsibility to put together a complete and well-balanced meal plan. Your pup is growing fast and needs the extra nutrition in the ‘puppy’ varieties of food. And at four weeks old, you can start introducing them to some high-quality puppy food, in addition to their mother’s milk. At this point, you should feed your dog about 4 times per day to space it out. Changes need to be made gradually, and the number of meals each day needs to reflect their age. The slow food change will prevent your pup’s stomach from getting upset. Try to avoid ingredients like corn, soy, wheat, and fructose or glucose syrups. Your pooch no longer needs the higher protein amount provided in puppy foods. Soon thereafter, you can feed your puppy 3 meals per day. Some pet owners choose to "free feed" their pets, which involves keeping a bowl of food filled for the pet's convenience. “American Staffordshire Terrier,” The American Kennel Club, “American Pitbull Terrier,” UK Kennel Club, “Basic Calorie Calculator,” The Ohio State University, “The Business of Pet Food,” Association of American Food Control Officials, Finley, R., et. Four feedings a day are usually adequate to meet nutritional demands. The result is a Pitbull puppy diet that supports healthy growth, and avoids dreaded Pitbull allergies and sensitive tummy. Maybe your pup is just too overwhelmed from learning, playing and all the new experiences to get hungry. Try to avoid ingredients like corn, soy, wheat, and fructose or glucose syrups. Dog food should include protein, amino acids, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and many other nutrients that … This theory has absolutely no scientific truth to it. Don’t be put off by the Pitbull’s bad reputation and potentially sensitive stomach. Studies haven’t been able to conclusively prove that raw feeding is better than commercial diets. Weigh your dog often and adjust accordingly. Studies have shown that more expensive kibble is often more easily digestible. Not only is scheduling and serving size important in feeding a Pit Bull, the quality of ingredients in your dog's food is just as important in maintaining a healthy and happy pet. The veterinary community is still rather divided on this subject. Pitbull Puppy Nutrients. Then, when you want to transition to your new chosen puppy food, start slowly. 5 Best Dog Food for Pitbull Puppies to Gain Muscles [What to Feed a Pitbull Puppy] September 25, 2020 September 29, 2020 By Lynn You are now a proud pet parent to a pitbull puppy… ORIJEN Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Biologically Appropriate & Grain Free - The Best High Protein Food for … Also, there might be an underlying reason why your pooch is not gaining weight like she should. By the time your puppy is a year old, he should be eating two meals per day and you can switch him to a full adult diet. Puppies require more frequent chances to eat, as they are constantly growing and burning calories with their heightened energy. The term “Pitbull” can actually refer to one of several Pitbull breeds. What if your puppy is always begging for food? First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, brown… At four weeks, your puppy will have more balance and mobility. First off, make sure your pup is not underweight and is getting the right amount of calories. Before we choose the perfect food for your Pitbull puppy, let’s have a look at the nutritional needs of a growing Pitbull. So any of the foods above can be mixed with raw meat in order to ensure your Pitbull is getting the nutrients they need. Pitbulls also have a high incidence of food-related allergies that manifest as skin problems. Mother's milk is high in protein, fat, and sugar, all of which your little pup needs for proper growth. As a pet owner, a dog lover, or a canine enthusiast, you can learn a thing or two while reading further as we share more convenient ways to feed your pitbull. It’s easy to store, can be used as treats or fed on the go, and it comes in all sorts of different flavors. The first nutrition rule for puppies is to feed them puppy formula, not an adult recipe. It’s too early to wean the puppy from their mother or introduce dog food. These diets contain mostly raw meats, bones, and some vegetables and fruits. The … One last important thing to pay attention to when feeding a raw diet is hygiene. To learn how you can support this site and the information we freely share, visit our Support page. Find it on Amazon ($51.99) Find … You should begin reading up on training … Your dog will not become “blood-thirsty” because of a BARF diet. Look for a minimum of 18% but ideally upwards of 25% for adult … We hope we’ve given you all the info you need to choose the perfect food for your Pitbull puppy. “Resting Energy Requirement (RER),” The Foundation for Service Dog Support, Inc. You might think being a bit too “fluffy” won’t harm your Pitbull puppy. Large breeds … Pick a feeding schedule that corresponds with your own to make it easier to get your dog on a feeding routine. When switching from puppy to adult food, make the transition the same way you originally made the switch to your chosen puppy food. Here’s a general rule of thumb for the amount of daily feedings required: Now that we’ve seen the nutritional needs of a Pitbull puppy, let’s have a look at how to meet them. If you prepare a raw meal for your dog, make sure to get natural ingredients from a reputable butcher to ensure that they're free of contaminants. During the first four-to-six weeks of life, your little pit bull puppy needs to feed on his mother to get the nutrition and antibodies he needs to stay healthy. The American Pit Bull Terrier, throughout all of its life stages, requires structure and repetition especially when it comes to diet and exercise. Orijen Senior Grain-Free Food. Very young puppies need food every couple of hours, or else their blood sugar can drop dangerously. If you are feeding your pup a raw or home-cooked diet, calculate the daily calorie need yourself. If raw feeding isn’t for you, cooking for your pup can be an option. Growing puppies need food with at least 22.5 percent of high-quality protein (based on dry matter). The amino acid profile (how the proteins are put together) matters too, as do other nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus or magnesium. The amount of calories your Pitbull pup needs depends on her age and weight. Additionally, there is no mechanical abrasion of your puppy’s teeth, so there is no “teeth-cleaning effect” as there is when feeding kibble. Free feeding a puppy is bad news and without this set schedule of feeding potty training will be a lot harder. And make sure you take a look at this guide for more information on bathing your new puppy! If you’re feeding your puppy a commercial diet, this question is easily answered. I Love PitBulls. Required fields are marked *. As your puppy grows, she can also go longer without food, so you can get by with fewer feedings. Show your support by linking to PitBulls.org. This involves preparing your dog’s food at home, often with raw meat, to achieve a natural diet similar to that of wild dogs or wolves. It is recommended that your puppy dog food should have more fat and protein in than dog food for adult Pitbulls. We suggest working closely with an experienced vet or canine nutritionist to put together a complete and well-balanced meal plan. Do not leave the bowl of uneaten food available to be eaten at your dog's leisure. What happens if your puppy is too skinny? Yes, it’s possible to feed a puppy only on wet food, as long as the packaging says “complete” food (and not “complementary”). Mix in 10 percent of the new food with 90 percent of the “old” food on day one. Here are some things to look for in a good Pitbull dog food: Rich in animal protein. They might react to certain ingredients, so searching for the food your Pitbull puppy thrives on can require a bit of experimentation. Are you looking for information on feeding your Pitbull puppy? If your pit bull is super, super active (or if he’s a workin’ dog), he’ll of course need a lot more: up to 1,700 calories for very active dogs. This food is great, because it does not have any of the ingredients that are common allergens, including not … Pitbull puppies need dog food that is specifically designed for puppies. 6 – 12 weeks – You’ll want to start feeding your dog puppy food. In fact, over-feeding your Pit Bull, or other dog breed, of canned food can result in premature tooth decay as well as irritable bowels. Pitbull puppies might sometimes have a “sensitive stomach.”. Could you feed your Pitbull puppy only on wet food, in spite of this? At three weeks, your Pitbull will remain close to their mother and will continue relying on her milk. Regardless of the age of your American Pit Bull Terrier, introducing raw foods to their diets makes for a healthy improvement on the quality of its life. The biologically appropriate raw foods (BARF) takes a different approach: It tries to mimic what your dog’s wild ancestors eat. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. Being underweight can interfere with your pup’s healthy growth. by Earthborn Holistic. "Free feeding," however, creates problems such as overeating. It’s not advisable to just give your puppy treats whenever she is begging. But make your puppy work for them. Commercial puppy foods come with empirically determined daily amounts—just check the packaging. Don't miss out on the perfect companion to life with a purrfect friend. The older your puppy gets, the fewer calories she requires per pound of body weight. Don’t forget to account for treats. Transitioning a grown Pit Bull that is accustomed to "free feeding" requires patience and determination as the dog may refuse to eat when the food is placed in front of it. A quarter of a cup of puppy food, administered up to six times a day, keeps your American Pit Bull Terrier puppy healthy and well fed without overfeeding it. And let’s not forget the most important thing. Too much protein and too many “bone building blocks” can cause your puppy to grow too quickly and develop joint problems later in life. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your puppy’s body condition score. Knowing how much to feed a Pitbull puppy supports steady growth and sets them up for a healthy adulthood.. A Pitbull puppy’s daily calories can be calculated based on their exact age, but since all puppies are unique, it’s equally important to continually monitor their body condition score. Your email address will not be published. Human Health Implications of Salmonella-Contaminated Natural Pet Treats and Raw Pet Food, Current Knowledge About the Risks and Benefits of Raw Meat-Based Diets for Dogs and Cats, Influence of Diet on Oral Health in Cats and Dogs, Body-Weight Changes during Growth in Puppies of Different Breeds, The Healthy Dog Weight and Body Condition, Variations in Digestibility of Dry Foods With Identical Label Guaranteed Analysis, Raw-Meat-Based Diets (RMBD) as a Feeding Principle for Dogs, Preliminary Assessment of the Risk of Salmonella Infection in Dogs Fed Raw Chicken Diets, Nutritional Requirements and Related Diseases of Small Animals, A Prospective Study on Canine Atopic Dermatitis and Food-Induced Allergic Dermatitis in Switzerland, Dachshund Gifts: Unique Gift Ideas For Lovers Of Dachshund Dogs, German Shepherd Mix: 25 Popular Mix Breed Dogs (And 6 Unusual Ones), Puppies younger than four months: Four meals daily, Puppies between four and six months: Three meals daily, Puppies over six months: Two to three meals daily. Then increase the “new” food slowly over the course of at least a week. And remember, feeding a pit bull puppy is very different, so different rules apply. Instead, offer it to the dog three hours later to begin the schedule. Their legs will start to stretch, and they will begin to explore. Because puppies don't digest protein as well as adult dogs, look for dog food that is 34 to 40% high-quality protein. The most important thing to pay attention to if you want your Pitbull pup to thrive on a raw diet is meeting the AAFCO nutrient requirements. Training Your Pitbull Puppy Start training your puppy early. The difference from kibble is that wet food contains about 75 percent water. This teaches your pup really quickly that the begging eyes work, and you won’t get another quiet minute. Because of that, they have specific nutritional needs that are different from fully grown Pitbulls. Best for Puppies: Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. 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