American Pit Bull Terrier: tips on feeding and keeping

Nuances of diet planning

When preparing a diet, you need to know what diseases the breed is prone to. Pit bulls often have heart problems. To prevent them, fatty foods, such as pork and lamb, are excluded from the menu. Dogs should not be given sweets or confectionery. Fresh fruit, but not a piece of sugar, will do as a reward when training a wave.

Pit Bull Terriers are not considered giant breeds, but the animals can still develop joint diseases, usually the hip. For prevention, it is necessary to give the dog bones from tendons, pig ears, and chondroprotectors.

Due to the characteristics of the skin and coat, the breed, like, for example, bull terriers, has a tendency to form lipomas (lipomas). For prevention, it is necessary to maintain the dog’s weight at a normal level, avoiding obesity. The diet should not contain excess protein, but vitamins and minerals should be present.

The breed has a tendency to allergies. If you notice a negative reaction to a certain product in your puppy, you should exclude it from the menu. The most common allergens are cereals, milk, and eggs.

It is recommended to brush your pit bull's teeth once a day, but this is not always possible, so once a week is enough. To prevent plaque and stone, fresh vegetables and fruits are introduced into the diet. Toys made from veins are useful.

Pit bull terrier puppies grow actively until 7-8 months, then the process slows down and stops at 1.5 years. After 8 months, the dog begins to gain muscle mass. It is important not to overfeed your pet so that instead of muscles it gains fat.

Orijen Adult Dog Freeze-dried food 0.45 kg

Belongs to the super premium class. Freeze-dried food, it can be given to dogs of all ages and breeds. Contains 80% meat and fish. The remaining percentages: eggs, legumes, liver, fruits, vegetables, herbs, microelements, lactobacilli. Does not contain preservatives, dyes, flavors, GMOs. Produced fresh, without freezing ingredients.

pros

• Balanced and natural composition;
• Does not contain grains;
• Does not cause allergies;
• Contains fiber;
• Improves appetite, digestion;
• It is used economically.
• They are produced using a technology where, due to exposure to low temperatures, only moisture is removed from the ingredients of the composition. All nutrients and beneficial substances are preserved.
• When consumed as food, the appearance and health of pets improves.

Minuses

• Increases feces and their output;
• Increases gas production in dogs;
• Not available in all stores;
• Sometimes rancid and burnt pellets with a bad odor are encountered.

Permitted and prohibited products

The basis of the pit bull terrier's diet is animal protein. Beef is more suitable for meat, but some breeders believe that it is not as valuable as offal. They contain more nutrients necessary for a strong, healthy dog. Pets are given beef, turkey or chicken liver, heart, and lungs. Fatty meat - pork, lamb - is prohibited.

The second part of the diet is vegetables. You can experiment with different fruits and determine those that your pet likes best. Often owners choose the following vegetables:

• White cabbage;
• broccoli;
• cauliflower;
• zucchini;
• pumpkin;
• carrot;
• beet;
• turnip;
• bell pepper;
• tomatoes.

Vegetables are given raw - chopped on a coarse grater and mixed with the meat part of the menu. It is useful to add 1 tbsp to the “dish”. vegetable oil. Olive is ideal, but sunflower is also allowed.

Fruits and berries are given as sweet rewards during training. The following fruits are suitable in fresh, not canned form:

Porridge, which often becomes the second component of any dog’s diet, is not advisable to give to pit bulls. Grains quickly make your pet gain weight, which causes illness. Bread, crackers and other flour products are also prohibited. Porridge can only be given to puppies during the growing period, but adult dogs are switched to vegetables.

You can and even need to give your pet boiled chicken eggs - 1 piece 3-4 times a week. If your pet tolerates fish well, you can sometimes replace offal with it. Just don’t do this too often, since meat still contains more nutrients. It is better to choose sea fish; it is given raw, cleaned of bones. She is replaced with meat products if the pet begins to recover. When your weight returns to normal, you can return to your previous diet.

You should not feed your Pit Bull Terrier the following foods:

• animal fats;
• grape;
• mushrooms;
• bakery;
• sugar and its substitutes;
• potato;
• milk;
• sweets and confectionery;
• sausages, sausages.

Once a day, pit bulls are given fermented milk products, but only separately from meat and vegetables, for example, as a light snack. Cottage cheese is good (50-70 g per day). Sometimes they give you cheese. It is especially beneficial for puppies and young dogs.

Diseases and health problems from food

Owners of bull terriers, bulldogs, basset hounds and retrievers often face the problem of excess weight in their animals. Obesity develops due to little physical activity and a lack of fresh, unprocessed plant foods in the diet. Due to an increase in body weight due to adipose tissue, pathologies develop:

• Increased glucose levels and metabolic disorders;
• Congestive heart failure;
• Violation of the rhythm and depth of breathing, lack of air;
• Arthrosis;
• Arthritis;
• Hemarthrosis;
• Hip dysplasia;
• Synovitis;
• Osteoarthritis.

If you suspect one of the diseases, exclude food with high calorie content from the diet, do not feed fatty meat and baked goods. Replace high-calorie foods with natural feed mixtures with a reduced amount of fat. Switching to lightweight granules will burn extra calories while retaining all the beneficial substances in the body.

Often counterfeit food does not contain meat products and necessary elements, but cereals and stabilizers. Due to the poor quality of this food, the animal may develop:

• Allergic reaction;
• Inflammatory-dystrophic changes in the gastric mucosa;
• Esophagitis of the esophagus;
• Inflammatory process in the pancreas;
• Manifestation of urolithiasis;
• Frequent bowel movements with the release of liquid stool.

If signs of pathologies appear, the animal must be urgently transferred to holistic food and plenty of fluids with the addition of rehydron.

Feeding pregnant dogs

After a successful mating, the bitch’s body changes, adapting to future babies. Natural reflexes and instincts work in the interests of the dog's health. Unpleasant exceptions often occur. If there is a lack of necessary elements in the body, the bitch aborts.

In the last days of pregnancy, babies take away all the beneficial substances from their mother. This leads to bad consequences in the bitch’s body after giving birth. The main danger is calcium deficiency. A lack of the substance in a pregnant bitch can cause a severe form of gestosis. Due to an imbalance of potassium-calcium balance, the animal’s blood pressure increases greatly, leading to a risk of pregnancy. Along with calcium, a pregnant pet needs magnesium, which is involved in the functioning of the central nervous system.

The bitch's diet when carrying puppies must be of good quality. Proper feeding during the entire period of pregnancy greatly influences its progress and the development of the fetus. Add chicken yolks mashed with cottage cheese to your pet’s diet 2 times a week. When carrying puppies, you need proteins that will help the babies develop properly.

Until five weeks of pregnancy, the animal does not need additional nutrients. If the dog is given more food during this period, it will gain weight, but the risk of complications during childbirth will increase. She should be switched to an enhanced diet on day 35. There is no need to be alarmed if your pet doesn’t eat more. When carrying one or two fruits, she does not need to increase the dose of food. She needs to be given vitamins.

Feeding scheme

An adult dog is fed once a day in the hot season, and twice a day in the cold season. It is important to train your pit bull to eat at the same time so that his digestive system works smoothly.

You cannot overfeed your dog, but there should be enough food for the pet to grow healthy and active. Sometimes he can be capricious and try to beg from the owner what he thinks is more delicious food. In this case, it is worth showing character. At most, the pit bull will starve for a couple of days, but then begin to eat what is given to him.

Food should be warm - not hot and not cold. You need to buy 1 bowl for food and 1 for water. It is advisable that they be on a stand with adjustable height so that the pet does not spoil the posture. The water must be changed every day.

After a month of life, puppies stop receiving milk from their mother. During this period it is necessary to feed them with cow's milk. Up to 2 months, pit bull puppies need to be fed 5 times a day. Approximate daily diet:

1. Warm cow's milk with the addition of 1 raw chicken egg yolk and 1 tsp. honey
2. Cottage cheese or cheese mixed with kefir.
3. Milk porridge (rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, millet).
4. Salad of fresh, grated cabbage, beets, carrots, pumpkin and apple with 1 tsp. vegetable oil.
5. Meat or offal.

From 2 to 4 months, puppies are fed 4 times a day. Milk is excluded from the diet, but the rest of the food range remains unchanged. Sample daily menu:

1. Cottage cheese mixed with kefir.
2. Milk porridge, pieces of meat or offal.
3. Salad of vegetables and fruits with vegetable oil.
4. Meat or offal.

From 4 to 8 months, the number of feedings is reduced to 3. The set of products remains unchanged, but it is necessary to give your pet porridge less often. Sample daily menu:

1. Cottage cheese with kefir.
2. Alternating milk porridge with meat and fruit and vegetable salad.
3. Meat or offal.

After 8 months, the pet is transferred to two meals a day. Both in the morning and in the evening they give meat or offal with vegetables. In the middle of the day, you can give your pit bull fermented milk products in small quantities.

It is better to reduce the number of feedings during the period when the dog itself refuses the next meal. The amount of food is regulated in practice - the pet must eat everything that is given to it. If there is something left in the bowl, give a smaller portion the next day. Pit bull terriers are not prone to gluttony, so this should not be a problem.

Grandorf Duck with sweet potato all breeds 12 kg

The product belongs to the super premium class. It has the following ingredients in its balanced composition: duck, turkey, sweet potato, dried herbs, fruits and vegetables. Made using technology that preserves all the properties of the ingredients.

pros

• Made from natural ingredients;
• Has good taste, smell, color;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Contains a digestive bioregulator;
• Does not contain preservatives, GMOs, artificial colors;
• Well absorbed by the body;
• Economical consumption;
• Has a good effect on the pet's health;
• The food has a balanced composition and is suitable for daily nutrition of dogs of all breeds;
• Can completely replace the dog’s need for meat food;
• Ideal for pets with severe allergic sensitivities.

Minuses

• Difficult to find in veterinary stores;
• Has a laxative effect on the pet.

Above are ten of the best dry foods for medium dogs. Choosing the right food for dogs is important; it takes into account the health characteristics of the pet and its preferences. Each of them is good, but out of all of them I will single out only two that are at the top positions of the rating and deserve increased attention: Acana Adult Dog Heritag and Go Fit + Free salmon, duck, turkey, chicken.

They both belong to the holistic class, are suitable for everyday nutrition, and have few disadvantages. The composition does not contain grains or products that contribute to the occurrence of an allergic reaction, which is often found among medium-sized dogs.

They contain a rich vitamin and mineral complex. By consuming these products, your pet will receive the necessary substances and will enjoy good health and longevity. These 2 high-quality products fully meet your pet's need for a healthy and balanced diet. Those who give these brands of food to animals are happy and do not want to look for new food.

Vitamins

Ready-made premium and super-premium dry food already contains all the necessary vitamin and mineral supplements. If you feed your pet natural food, you will have to add useful ingredients to it manually.

Pit bulls benefit from the following vitamins:

1. Vitamin A – for proper growth, shiny coat and good vision. Especially useful during pregnancy and lactation.
2. Vitamin B – for good appetite, a strong nervous system and beautiful appearance.
3. Vitamin C – for protection against infections and recovery from illnesses.
4. Vitamin D is essential and affects muscle tone and teeth strength. To be well absorbed, the correct balance of phosphorus and calcium is necessary.
5. Vitamin E – for proper functioning of muscles and heart.

The dog receives some vitamins from vegetables and fruits, but it is necessary to supplement the supply of nutrients with veterinary complexes. The most popular is Gendevit. The puppy is given 1 tablet every other day for 2 weeks, then take a break for the same period, after which the course is continued for another 2 weeks (and so on up to 3 times).

In winter, it is recommended to give your dog additional vitamins A and D.

What is the best food for pit bulls?

Best Pitbulls Dog Food June 2022

• Annamaet Ultra 32% dry dog ​​food.
• Bully Max High Performance for pitbulls.
• Doctor …
• Crave Premium Adult Chicken.
• Taste of the Wild Wild Wetlands Dry Dog Food.
• Diamond Naturals Dog Food for All Life Stages.
• Wellness Complete Health Boneless Chicken and Oatmeal for Adults.

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Reviews

Sergey, 28 years old, Irkutsk

“My pet is already 3 years old, I don’t skimp on his health - I feed only natural food. I give raw chicken bones (wings, necks, backs), because only boiled and fried ones are harmful. A dog is a predator, so it simply needs such food. In all this time, I have never had any problems with this. The basis of the diet is beef, sometimes skinless chicken. Sometimes I give porridge, but more often I stew vegetables without oil.”

Polina, 31 years old, Moscow

“I feed my girl Flatazor food. I tried different brands, gave her natural food, but she likes this food the most. Pitas are not known for being gluttonous, so I bought an automatic feeder and completely trust my girl. She has no problems with excess weight, her appearance is standard.”

Timur, 24 years old, Saratov

“I’ve been keeping pit bulls for several years now. Now I have 3 dogs - 9, 6 and 5 years old. I feed everyone natural food. Of course, you have to spend time on this, but I read that because of feed, even super-premium food, life expectancy is reduced. I give my strong guys beef offal and cook porridge with milk. All three are crazy about apples and fish.”

Feeding dry food

The advantage is that you can feed your dog ready-made food from the age of three months.

Important! Do not give dry food to a one-month-old puppy.

Dry food contains all the substances and vitamins necessary for a dog’s complete nutrition. There is a lot of food on the market, there are even special ones for dogs prone to allergies. Pit bull terriers often suffer from allergies. However, dry food must be chosen correctly.

Premium and super premium food is suitable for feeding this breed.

Premium and super premium food is suitable for pit bull terriers.

Don't save money. Economy class food will not benefit your dog. But they will only lead to health problems.

Read the ingredients of the food on the packaging. Pit bull is a large breed. Therefore, the protein content of the feed should not exceed 25 percent.

Super premium class is the ideal choice. It is well balanced, contains quality meat and does not include harmful additives. However, it is quite expensive.

Sometimes you can use canned dog food instead of dry food. They are usually given in the morning. You should not replace dry food or natural food with canned food.

There are gourmet and complete wet food.

It is worth understanding that canned food is more expensive than dry food. Choose premium and super-premium canned goods.

Wet food is a variety of fresh meats to suit every taste: horse meat, beef, venison, rabbit and others. This is a kind of “yummy” for your pet. However, do not get carried away with wet food - the dog will simply get used to it and refuse to eat the main food.

You should not feed dogs only canned food. Canned food is a delicacy for dogs.

Suitable for a pit bull: Almo Nature, Bozita, Caesar, Kennels Favorite.

Pit bull feeding rules

The breeder always has a choice: to feed a puppy (one month old or more) natural or dry food. But more on that a little later.

There are general rules for compiling the daily diet of a dog of this breed. In an effort to satiate a pet, an inexperienced owner runs the risk of overfeeding it. This cannot be done in any way, since the dog can gain excess weight, which is dangerous for health, and also become lazy and inactive. However, underfeeding is fraught with changes in behavior - the animal can become restless and irritable. Food from your table is not suitable for your pet. Food should not be too cold or too hot.

A pet may sometimes try to ignore food offered in hopes of waiting for a more tasty food. After fasting for 1-2 days, the animal will understand that it needs to eat the food offered by the owner. It is important for a pit bull to have the opportunity to rest 30 minutes before eating and for another half hour after the process, as this has a beneficial effect on digestion. In the morning, dogs are given light food, and in the evening they are offered more nutritious foods.

There are also recommendations for creating a diet according to the age of the pit bull puppy. So, in the first month of a baby’s life, you need to feed up to 6 times, at the age of 2.5–3 months – up to 5 times, 4–5 months – 4 times, a six-month-old pet needs food 3 times a day. And when the puppy grows up and turns 8 months old, you can switch your pet to two meals a day. The serving size should gradually increase.

Proper feeding of puppies

With the correct diet, the puppy will be strong, his immunity will resist any diseases. In order for the anatomical and functional systems to form correctly, the pet needs high-quality products and a complex of vitamins.

A selection of nutrients and microelements is contained in dry food. At the same time, up to six months, puppies of medium breeds can be given balanced food for small breeds. After six months - dry food for large dogs.

For puppies from 3 months old, super premium food is suitable. Grain-free food contains fresh and boiled meat, fruits and vegetables. This diet does not contain hormonal drugs or by-products.

For puppies suffering from allergies or gastrointestinal disorders, select holistic-grade food. Complete dry food will ensure the safety of digestion and the balance of the puppy’s intestinal microflora. Satisfies the high energy needs of medium breed babies during a short period of their growth.

For two-week-old puppies, you can add porridge to their diet. From one and a half months, feed dry croquettes with a high calorie content. For the first few days, soak the granules in milk or warm water. Start switching to this food with 12-16 grains per day. Monitor the condition of the puppy, and in case of a negative reaction, stop feeding granules. If your puppy's skin regularly scratches and peels after eating kibble, give your baby water to drink frequently.

Necessary foods in a pit bull's diet

Each puppy must receive about 100 grams of quality meat daily, eat chicken or veal heart, healthy chicken or beef liver, and beef lung 2 times a week. The animal should eat up to 50 grams of fresh cottage cheese per day with no more than 4% fat content. The daily diet must include 100 ml of milk, up to 150 grams of grated vegetables - such as zucchini, turnips, pumpkin, carrots. It is recommended to give 1 boiled chicken egg twice a week. Porridges cooked with milk are also very healthy. Cereals such as rice, millet, buckwheat, and rolled oats are perfect.

What foods are bad for pit bulls?

Can my dog ​​eat this? List of human foods that dogs can and cannot eat

• Carrots: you can eat them. Both raw and cooked carrots are safe for your dog. ...
• Grapes and raisins: not to be eaten. ...
• Salt: Limit. ...
• Peanut butter: edible. ...
• Eggs: ok to eat. ...
• Salmon: you can eat it. ...
• Chocolate: I can't eat it. ...
• Cheese: Limit.

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14.12.2017

Features of feeding with prepared food

The owner (or mistress) feeding the puppy must take into account the fact that dry food cannot be offered to him until he is 3 months old. For pit bull terriers, it is recommended to choose super-premium and premium dry food. You should not save on the health of a full-fledged family member and purchase economy-class food for him. Read the composition carefully: in any food the amount of protein should not be more than 25% of the total number of components.

Among the expensive but high-quality super-premium foods, it is worth highlighting Go, Savara, and Monge brand products. When purchasing premium food, you should opt for “Pro Plane”, “Probalance”, “Hilse”, “Royal Canina”. Canned dog food belonging to the premium and super-premium class also enjoys well-deserved respect from breeders. “Caesar”, “Almo Nature”, “Bozita”, “Kennels Favorite” are perfect for your pet.

Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dermatosis 12 kg

Premium class dietary food. Used when the dog shows intolerance to something. This is often manifested by hair loss, areas of dermatitis, and digestive disorders. It contains fish extract, flour, beet pulp, potatoes, vitamins, and minerals.

pros

• Medicinal food;
• Does not contain allergens;
• Contains natural fiber;
• Suitable for pets who are intolerant to beef or chicken;
• Improves the health and appearance of dogs;
• Does not contain preservatives, dyes, flavors;
• Convenient packaging for storage and use;
• Medicinal food that should be given to dogs with hypersensitivity to allergens.

Minuses

• Strong fishy smell;
• Do not use if the dog has hypersensitivity to fish and potatoes;
• Animals experience an increase in thirst;
• Overcharge.
• If your dog has recovered, then you need to switch it to another food and monitor its health.

What you should absolutely not give to a pit bull

Wishing the pet well and health, a caring owner will not feed it from his table. The animal’s diet should also not contain foods such as bread, buns, sweets, potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, grapes, fatty meat (for example, pork), fried and salty foods. It is not recommended to give your dog bones, since chewing them can lead to damage to the oral cavity, broken teeth, and getting into the esophagus, trachea, or stomach.

It is not recommended to give milk to an old pit bull that already has any diseases. Otherwise, problems with the digestive system are possible. It is better to increase the amount of fruits in your diet, which contain vitamin C, and treat a family member to an apple or a piece of cheese.

Barking Heads with lamb and rice Dreams of lamb 12kg

The food belongs to the premium class. Contains organic lamb meat, which was raised on natural products, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. Veterinarians recommend food for small and medium breeds. Ingredients: freeze-dried lamb meat - 20%, fresh meat - 30%, oats, rice, trout, potatoes, animal fats, a mixture of medicinal herbs, algae, vitamins, minerals.

pros

• Made from natural ingredients;
• Hypoallergenic;
• Improves the condition of the skin, coat and joints;
• Strengthens the immune system.
• It has a good taste and smell.
• Suitable for pets with sensitivity to allergens.

Video “What to feed a dog”

In this video, an expert will tell you what you can and cannot feed your dog.

To stay in “athletic” shape, a pit bull needs to eat a balanced diet. It is not recommended to feed this breed with cereals - they provoke excess weight gain. In addition, animals are prone to allergic reactions, so not all types of food are suitable for them.

A properly designed menu will help you control your pet’s diet and avoid many health problems.

Go Fit + Free salmon, duck, turkey, chicken 2.72 kg

Holistic food without gluten. It contains more than 70% meat: turkey, chicken, duck, salmon fillet. Does not cause allergies. It is universal and designed for dogs of all breeds and ages.

pros

• Does not cause an allergic reaction;
• Natural ingredients;
• Enriched with nutrients, microelements, vitamins, oils, lactobacilli;
• Available in different packages;
• The package indicates the daily intake;
• Optimal ratio of price and quality;
• Does not contain by-products;

Minuses

• Poorly stored;
• When opened, it becomes weathered and loses its beneficial substances and properties. For long-term storage, pour into a closed container;
• Metabolism and the release of digestive products are enhanced.
• Increases fecal mass.

Basic diet for a pit bull

The diet of a pit bull should consist of protein foods of animal origin:

• lean meat - beef, rabbit, turkey;
• offal – heart, tripe, liver, udder.

Protein is one of the most important nutrients for animals. Its deficiency is fraught with stunting and exhaustion of the pit bull, disruption of vital functions in the body, and deterioration of the condition of the skin and coat.

However, excess protein is harmful because it creates additional stress on the kidneys and liver and leads to allergic reactions. Food of animal origin must be supplemented with other healthy products.

If the pit bull's diet is balanced and varied, the dog will have excellent health.

Need for vitamins

Medium-sized dogs cover many breeds, from basset hounds to huskies. By their nature, they can be characterized by low mobility or be active. Pets of these species need vitamins in addition to their diet.

The daily need for supplements is determined by gender and age characteristics. It depends on the weight, breed, physical development, air temperature during maintenance. Organic substances are needed for normal growth and development, viable offspring, and good health. When starting to introduce elements into the diet, take into account the weight of the pet.

It is important to worry about the intake of vitamins into the body of animals when eating natural food or when consuming economy-class feed. To improve your pet's health, you will need prolonged courses of supplements once a month. Medium breed dogs kept on dry food should take a vitamin course at least once every six months. For aging animals, it is enough to take the course once a year, provided they are fed with food and natural food.

Pet health items:

1. Retinoids, including: vitamin A, vitamin A2, retinol and retinoic acid. Needed to reproduce healthy offspring. Without these vitamins, animals do not develop normal bone tissue, cartilage, and epithelium. Retinal is involved in the functioning of the visual organs. The element is needed to produce light-sensitive pigments for vision in the dark. When it is deficient, dogs develop “night blindness.”
2. Thiamine (B1). A necessary element for the normal functioning of the nervous system. With a sufficient level of the substance, the pet will be balanced and calm. Supplements with it are needed for pets that are severely exhausted or stressed. A lack of the element thiamine causes disorders of the animal's digestive tract. Its deficiency leads to weight loss and lack of appetite. The element helps puppies grow, providing them with energy and vigor.
3. Riboflabin (B2). The condition of the coat and skin depends on the normal concentration of the substance in the body. The vitamin strengthens the animal’s immunity and defense mechanisms, helps neutralize inflammatory processes. Vitamin B2 deficiency in a dog's body can cause muscle weakness, mucosal lesions, and conjunctivitis.
4. Niacin (B3). The vitamin fights animal “bad” cholesterol, increases hemoglobin, and normalizes the metabolism of proteins and fats. After feeding the pet, nicotinic acid stimulates gastric juice and enzymes. Saturates the body with energy, helps to absorb protein from vegetables introduced into the diet. It is impossible to give vitamin B3 to an animal often. Its excess will cause disruption of the endocrine system and hair loss.

What type of food to choose

There are 2 approaches to feeding pit bulls at home: natural products and ready-made food. Each of them has its supporters.

Important. It is undesirable to mix different types of food - this is fraught with disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract. In an emergency, you can give your pit bull dry kibble at one feeding and “natural” kibble at another.

Ready-made dog food

Pit bulls are suitable for premium and super premium food or holistic food containing 25% protein. They have a balanced composition and fully satisfy the needs of the dog’s body.

Feeding a pit bull with economy-class products sold in any supermarket is extremely undesirable. Such foods do not contain natural meat, but contain harmful flavoring and aromatic additives.

Food for a pit bull is chosen in accordance with the age and characteristics of a particular pet. Manufacturers produce separate lines for puppies, sick, elderly, and sterilized dogs.

The following brands of food are suitable for pit bulls:

• ProPac;
• Royal Canin;
• Monge;
• 1st Choice;
• Hills;
• Bosch;
• Advance;
• Orijen;
• Acana;
• Pro Plan;
• GO! NATURAL Holistic;
• Happy Dog.

You can periodically treat your pit bull with canned food from the same manufacturer as dry food. This will add variety to the daily menu.

Natural products

Some owners feed their pets exclusively home-cooked natural food, which guarantees its freshness and quality.

Porridge is given only to puppies during the period of active growth.

Grains contain a lot of carbohydrates, which cause your pit bull to gain weight quickly. Dog experts advise replacing them with vegetables and dairy products.

Vegetables are rich in nutrients and dietary fiber.

You can feed a pit bull:

Beets are given in small portions as they can cause diarrhea. White cabbage is pre-stewed or boiled - in its raw form it provokes bloating.

Vegetables are chopped, seasoned with sour cream or vegetable oil - you get a real vitamin cocktail. It is allowed to give them along with meat.

Fruits are used as a reward. A pit bull will not refuse a tasty piece of apple, pear, banana or peach.

Every day dogs are fed fermented milk products with low fat content:

• kefir;
• curdled milk;
• unsweetened yogurt;
• bifidocom;
• cottage cheese.

3-4 times a week the pit bull is fed boiled chicken or quail eggs. These are sources of protein, folic acid, amino acids and minerals.

If there is no allergy, the pit bull is given fillets of sea fish - mackerel, pollock, flounder, capelin - once a week. If the dog has gained excess weight, this product is used to replace meat. The dog is kept on a diet until its condition returns to normal.

For your information. After eating, the animal should not actively move. In order for food to be well digested, the pit bull needs to rest for 30-40 minutes.

Acana Adult Dog Heritag 17 kg

Holistic class food without grains, allergic substances. Contains different types of meat, fish - 55%. It contains eggs, medicinal herbs, vegetables, fruits, fermentation products, vitamin and mineral supplements. Does not contain GMOs.

• Suitable for any dogs;
• It has useful composition and properties;
• Natural ingredients;
• Rich in fiber;
• Has good taste;
• Has a low glycemic index;
• Economical.
• When eating, there are no problems with the skin, vision, joints, or gastrointestinal tract.

Source

What not to feed

Pit bulls are predisposed to cardiovascular diseases, so they should not be fed any fatty and fried foods, sweets and fast food.

These products provoke the formation of plaques on the walls of the arteries, which leads to impaired blood circulation and heart rhythm disturbances.

It is also prohibited to feed pit bulls the following foods:

• sausages and smoked meats;
• river fish;
• tubular bones;
• bakery products;
• semi-finished products;
• raisins, grapes, mushrooms, potatoes, citrus fruits;
• spicy and salty dishes.

How many times a day to feed

With moderate physical activity, adult pit bulls are fed once a day in the summer, 2 times a day in the winter. During the cold season, the dog spends a lot of energy to keep warm, so it needs additional calories.

The feeding pattern of puppies is completely different. Babies grow quickly, so they are fed much more often:

• up to 2 months – 6-7 times a day;
• from 2 to 4 months – 5 times a day;
• from 4 to six months – 4 times a day;
• from 6 to 8 months – 3 times a day.

At 9 months, pit bulls are switched to two meals a day. After a year, you can limit yourself to one feeding.

On a note. The pit bull is fed at the same time - then the dog’s digestive system will work like clockwork.

What to feed a pit bull

Errors in feeding lead to digestive disorders, decreased activity, dull hair and many chronic diseases.

The period up to a year is especially important. At this time, eating habits and the basis for the harmonious development of the pit bull are laid.

1-2 month

The puppies are breastfed for the first month of life. Mother's milk fully covers the nutritional needs of the baby's body.

Then small pit bulls begin to be fed with cow's or goat's milk. Other products are gradually being introduced:

After moving to a new home, the pit bull puppy is fed the same foods that it is accustomed to eating from the breeder.

Approximate diet for a 2 month old baby:

• whole milk with egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of honey;
• dairy products;
• rice, buckwheat or oatmeal with milk;
• vegetable salad;
• pieces of meat or cooked offal.

For now, it is enough to give the puppy 100 grams of meat per day.

2-4 month

Milk is gradually removed from the diet, since with age dogs stop absorbing it. At 3 months old, your puppy can already be given fish - it is an easily digestible source of nutrients.

• dairy products;
• porridge with meat/fish;
• vegetable salad;
• meat/offal.

In order for the puppy to develop properly, vitamin and mineral complexes are introduced into the diet, which are chosen together with the veterinarian.

For your information. Puppies older than 4 months can be switched to ready-made food. The transition should be smooth: first, a quarter of the portion is replaced with new food, after a few days a third, etc.

6 months and older

Puppies continue to actively develop - portions should grow with them. But the amount of porridge is kept to a minimum so that the pit bull does not become overweight.

• dairy products;
• meat porridge/vegetables and fruits;
• meat with vegetables.

At 8 months, the puppy stops stretching and begins to actively gain muscle mass. Now porridge can be completely eliminated - the dog no longer needs extra carbohydrates.

At this age, a pit bull should be given about 600-700 grams of meat products per day. When growth stops, the norm is reduced to 450 grams per day.

Adult dog

Adult pit bulls are fed all approved foods. However, the breed has characteristics that need to be taken into account when preparing the diet.

Pit bulls are often diagnosed with hip dysplasia. To prevent the onset of the disease, dogs’ diets include foods rich in collagen and calcium:

From time to time, dogs are given chondoprotectors - drugs that protect joints. They contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates, which have a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system.

The dog shouldn't get fat. Excess weight not only puts stress on the skeleton and internal organs, but is also one of the reasons for the appearance of lipomas (lipomas). This is a benign tumor, which is an overgrown fatty tissue. Under unfavorable conditions, it can degenerate into malignant.

Don't follow your dog's lead and feed him only the food he wants. If the pit bull refuses food, the bowl is removed and taken out again after a couple of hours. Most likely, a hungry dog ​​will eat everything that is offered to him.

At most, the animal is naughty for a couple of days - there is nothing wrong with that.

Important. Light foods are best given in the morning, and more nutritious and satisfying foods in the evening.

Is it possible

• Raw

It is not only possible, but also necessary - feeding raw meat is the best thing you can imagine. Moreover, it is precisely this that should form the basis of the “meat” part of the diet. But at the same time, the meat must be of high quality and fresh. If there are concerns, then meat products can be doused with boiling water.

• Pork

Why can't you feed your animal pork? In fact, contrary to the stereotype, dogs can eat pork. Of course, it is wiser to refuse meat from freshly killed wild boar, but a lean piece of high-quality meat will only benefit the dog:

1. Do not give your dog raw pork - it may be infected with parasites. The same goes for offal.
2. It’s better to give boiled lean pork: boiled pork heart, lung, etc.
3. Strong freezing of meat does not guarantee its safety - and this applies not only to pork. Try to choose meat that has undergone a sanitary inspection to ensure the absence of parasites.

• Boiled

Which is better: raw or cooked meat? Raw meat is digestible better than boiled meat, it is healthier for dogs and, of course, it should be preferred over boiled meat.

What to feed during pregnancy and after childbirth?

The diet of a pregnant female is changed starting from 4 weeks - until this point, physiological changes in the body are insignificant.

When the fruits increase in size, the portions are slightly reduced, and the number of meals is increased to 3 times a day. The dog is given more meat, fish and cottage cheese.

Be sure to include feed additives containing vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus.

After the 7th week, the pit bull is fed 4 times a day. But the dog should not overeat. Excess weight is fraught with complications during childbirth.

For your information. Bones and tendons are excluded from the diet because they cause constipation.

A couple of days before giving birth, the dog may refuse to eat. But they still place a bowl of food next to her so that she can eat at any time.

After the birth of pit bull terrier puppies, they continue to feed them intensively 5-6 times a day. When babies begin to be fed, the amount of food is gradually reduced. By the end of lactation, the normal diet is returned.

Features and diet

As a rule, purchased puppies continue to be fed the same food that they ate from their previous owners. Puppies grow very quickly and already reach the size of an adult animal at eight months.

As soon as the baby is weaned from its mother, it begins to be fed with cow's milk five times a day. Try to follow a feeding schedule at certain times

. The diet of a one-month-old puppy must include cottage cheese and milk formula, and from the third month of life it is transferred to a full diet, which must be selected as follows:

• One hundred grams of fresh vegetables.
• Oatmeal and buckwheat porridge with milk.
• Fifty grams of low-fat cottage cheese.
• Fifty grams of fresh meat or boiled offal.
• Vitamins and minerals.
• A teaspoon of sunflower or olive oil.
• Fish fat.

Starting from two months, puppies are switched to dry food. Its daily norm should be one hundred and twenty grams. They get used to it gradually, starting with a few granules. At first it is given exclusively soaked in milk, and later - in its usual form. Don't give up fish food completely, use it in small quantities and remember to have clean, accessible water.

Starting from six months, pit bulls' portions increase. It already includes seven hundred grams of meat per day, and milk is completely replaced by broth. Feed bones, cartilage and lean, boneless fish once a week. A puppy's diet at six months is as follows:

• One hundred grams of buckwheat or oatmeal.
• One boiled egg.
• One hundred grams of grated carrots, pumpkin or beets mixed with meat and butter.
• One hundred milliliters of broth.
• Fifty grams of cottage cheese.
• Meat – six hundred grams.

After six months, gradually reduce the daily amount of meat

, and by nine months its norm is four hundred grams per day.

Number of feedings for a pit bull terrier puppy:

• Up to two months - at least six times a day.
• From two to three – five times.
• Up to five months - three times.
• Up to seven months of age - at least three times a day.
• Starting from eight months, dogs are transferred to two meals a day.

Energetic and athletic pit bulls require space. A small apartment is not suitable for such a dog. She must constantly splash out energy, otherwise she will become irritable.

These dogs are playful and adventurous. Many owners characterize them as very affectionate and cheerful dogs. Pitbull needs a lot of toys

so that he does not spoil your things. This is especially true if the dog has to be left alone for a long time.

A dog who lives in a city apartment has to be walked for at least four hours every day.

Even before purchasing a pit bull puppy, take care of the dog's accessories. Necessary things:

• Two stable bowls, preferably aluminum.
• Leash, two and a half meters long.
• Toys, but not squeakers.
• Leather collar.
• Large rug.
• Hygiene products: shampoo and so on. Often sold as a set.
• Dry food and vitamins.
• Essential medicines.

As a rule, the health of dogs of this breed is good, except for the tendency to be overweight and allergies. The most common diseases are cataracts and joint dysplasia.

How many years do pit bulls live? These dogs live for about fifteen years. A dog who has turned seventeen is considered a long-liver. It should be borne in mind that how long pit bulls live at home depends only on care. If you properly care for your dog, you can increase its lifespan by three or four years.

Among the advantages of this breed are unpretentiousness, passion and intelligence.

. They are easy to train and require little care.

The difficulty is that this dog is not suitable for every person. She cannot stand loneliness, because of which her character deteriorates. The upbringing and training of this dog cannot be left to chance. Its owner must have enough free time to pay attention to the pet.

The price of pit bulls ranges from two hundred dollars to two thousand.

There is no need to be afraid of this breed. Over the past decades, breeders have carried out complex and painstaking work to soften the fighting qualities of this dog. Modern American pit bull terriers no longer have the same characteristics that they had not so long ago. The ban on dog fighting, which swept across the planet, forced breeders to reconsider the standards of this breed and make adjustments.

Now this brave and strong-willed dog has become docile and balanced. Work on the breed continues and, as the breeders admit, if it weren’t for the underground clubs where these dogs are used, the process would have been much more successful.

Attention, TODAY only!

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a powerful and athletic dog. This is a good guard and affectionate friend. You have purchased a puppy of a fairly serious breed. This means that they must provide him with good maintenance and proper feeding.

Feed your puppy correctly.

Very young puppies 1-2 months old are fed frequently - approximately 5-6 times a day. Try to give food at regular intervals to help puppies develop a routine. Remember to provide your dog with constant access to water. A puppy at the age of 1 month is still just a baby; his diet should be dominated by dairy products - cottage cheese, various mixtures. They must be given in small portions - approximately 50-100 grams

At the age of 2-4 months, complete complementary foods can be introduced.

An approximate diet for a 2-4 month old puppy should look like this:

• 50-100 grams of meat (every day)
• Beef liver, heart (once or twice a week)
• Dairy products – cottage cheese – 50-70 grams
• Vegetables (beets, carrots) – 100 grams (daily)
• Porridge with milk (oatmeal, buckwheat)
• Vitamins (vitamin complexes can be purchased at a pet store)

Veterinarians advise giving your puppy fish oil.

First, one drop at a time. Look at the reaction - if the dog accepts fish oil normally, increase the dose to three drops.

If you are purchasing a pit bull puppy from a breeder that is over two months old, it is best to inquire about the dog's diet at the kennel. And then stick to the given diet.

Important! Do not switch your puppy to mixed feeding. This can lead to digestive problems.

Feeding a pitbull puppy 6 months of age and older differs more in the amount of food. An adult puppy needs to increase the portions of meat - approximately 700 grams per day. The emphasis is on protein foods. Gradually remove milk from your diet. The puppy will have enough cottage cheese. An adult puppy should be given bones or solid food once or twice a week. Add also fish (not bony, not fatty). It is very healthy for dogs and contains many vitamins.

An adult pit bull is fed twice a day.

What to feed an older dog

To keep an elderly pit bull healthy and vigorous, he is fed according to the following rules:

• daily food volume is reduced to 2.5-3% of the animal’s weight;
• the amount of protein foods is reduced, and the proportion of vegetables is increased;
• food is given 3-4 times a day in small portions to ease the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

When eating ready-made food, the pit bull is transferred to a line for older dogs.