How to Choose the Best Dog Food for American Pit Bull Terrier Puppies
The American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is a flurry of activity. Devilishly handsome and possessing a body of impressive musculature, this cheerful pup is ready for any adventure its owner has in mind. A product of England in the 1800s, this dog breed’s original purpose was to participate in the popular sports of bear and bull baiting. When these activities became illegal, the American Pit Bull Terrier was then put to work in fighting pits, a practice that is now banned today.
Loyal, loving, and affectionate with people, the American Pit Bull Terrier displays a game spirit in athletic pursuits and can also be prone to small animal and dog aggression though this trait should never be exhibited towards human beings. As a result, the American Pit Bull Terrier may not be able to live peaceably in a multi-pet home.
For those wishing to add this breed to a family with existing household pets, it is best to purchase an American Pit Bull Terrier as a puppy to allow the pup to grow up with siblings, and thus, come to love them. This does not mean that this breed will not display aggressive tendencies towards animals outside its home.
The American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is a busy little chap, requiring regular exercise on a daily basis to remain physically and mentally content. The breed is highly intelligent and motivated to please its owner, making training exercises lots of fun for both parties. However, as a typical terrier, the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy can be prone to distraction and disinterest; treats and praise are the way to encourage participation in this pup.
Because of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy’s natural athleticism and high drive, the breed should be kept securely contained when outdoors. The breed can and will jump fences if possible, and thus, careful supervision is important. The American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is not prone to becoming overweight; however, this breed loves to eat. Free feeding is strongly discouraged.
As with all breeds, there are a number of health conditions the American Pit Bull Terrier may be predisposed to developing during its lifetime. These include allergies, cardiomyopathy, demodectic mange, hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, and cancerous tumors. Diet alone cannot prevent genetic health problems, but it can lay an important foundation for wellness. The best dog foods for American Pit Bull Terrier puppies include supplements to assist with overall joint, eye, heart, and skin health.
The ideal diet for an American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is well-balanced nutritionally and contains approximately 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat. In addition to this, the appropriate rate of growth is vitally important in medium size active puppies. To assist with this, owners should look for a diet that contains the correct rate of calcium to phosphorus; rated as 1.2 parts of calcium for each part of phosphorus.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for American Pit Bull Terrier Puppies
The American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is a true athlete. To help this pup grow at an appropriate rate, it is vital that it be fed a high quality puppy food during the first 12 months of its life. This type of diet should take a lean, meat-based protein as its foundation and should contain the proper amount of calcium in relation to phosphorus to support healthy growth.
Trying to determine how much of a diet to feed a puppy is a process that involves some trial and error. Thankfully, the best dog foods for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy include suggested serving sizes on the side of their packaging. These amounts are based on a puppy’s age and weight and can be adjusted incrementally until the correct meal portion is found.
The American Pit Bull Terrier puppy loves to eat. Because it is a highly active breed, it is unlikely this pup will easily become overweight. However, free feeding is still strongly discouraged. Since the breed is predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia as well as patellar luxation, maintaining a healthy body weight is of the utmost importance.
Dietary Requirements for American Pit Bull Terrier Puppy Foods
The best dog foods for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy base their foundation on lean meat-based proteins. Whole meats or a meat meal are the very best option, providing a powerhouse punch of the amino acids this active pup needs to develop strong and healthy muscles. Of lesser quality are by-products, a meat ingredient that is a cheap source of protein and that can be more difficult for puppies to digest. Diets containing these ingredients are best avoided.
Many commercial diets utilize plant proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat in their recipes. Inexpensive but lacking in nutritional quality, these ingredients are also common allergens for many dogs including the sensitive American Pit Bull Terrier pup. Other ingredients best avoided are chemicals, additives, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. These items have no nutritional value.
Carbohydrates play an important part of any healthy diet for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy, contributing the antioxidants and dietary fiber required for good digestion and a healthy immune system. These carbohydrates can come from fruits, vegetables, or whole grains. Puppies with sensitivities to grains may do best on a grain-free diet.
From healthy fats, the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy gains many benefits including good coat and skin quality, support for optimal brain and eye development, and strong reserves of energy. The best sources for these fats are found in foods such as chicken fat and oily fish. Alternatively, some plant-based oils provide all of the essential fatty acids this breed needs to thrive.
All diets can benefit from the addition of supplements to provide further health benefits to the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy. The ideal supplements for this lively, athletic breed are glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine,] prebiotics, and probiotics.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Foods for American Pit Bull Terrier Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for an American Pit Bull Terrier puppy:
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Lean, meat-based proteins listed at the beginning of the ingredients list
The American Pit Bull Terrier puppy requires a diet based on a lean meat to achieve optimal health and wellness. Whole meats or meat meals are the ideal option. By-products and plant proteins are lacking in the nutritional quality this breed requires as it grows.
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Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
All items introduced into a food formulation should add nutritional value. Chemicals, flavorings, fillers, and mystery ingredients do not add anything positive to the American Pit Bull Terrier’s diet. In fact, many of these ingredients can trigger allergic reactions in this sometimes skin and stomach sensitive pup.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
All diets can benefit from the addition of supplements to boost the overall nutrition contained in the food. The best supplements for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy are taurine, glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
The AAFCO seal of approval should accompany any food considered for the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy. This designation indicates a food has been assessed and found to be complete and properly balanced.