5 Best Dog Foods For American Staffordshire Terriers

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for American Staffordshire Terriers

The American Staffordshire Terrier is an affectionate, loyal family companion. A breed that is well-renowned for its energy and high drive, the American Staffordshire Terrier, a dog often referred to simply as an Amstaff, possesses an intense prey drive. Because the breed is both athletic and muscular, this dog type is not well suited to first time owners.

American Staffordshire Terriers are considered to be power breeds. They are in possession of extremely strong jaws, and if not sufficiently exercised on a daily basis, they will use their jaws to chew and destroy things throughout their environment. Regular, vigorous exercise is a must for this powerful breed.

The Amstaff enjoys the company of all people; however, can struggle with getting along with other family pets. Early socialization offers the best hope of an American Staffordshire Terrier adapting neatly to a multi-pet home.

Sadly, the breed’s intensity and drive has made it a target for those wishing to exploit these qualities by pitting these dogs against other dogs in fighting rings. Because of this, they have been unfairly labelled dangerous dogs, and in some areas of the world, owning an American Staffordshire Terrier is illegal. The Amstaff is a dog of great heart and passion, bonding deeply to its family and responding to them with tenderness and affection.

American Staffordshire Terriers can be predisposed to food-related allergies. Dogs displaying this tendency may do best on a grain-free diet. To help set the breed up for success, it is also a good idea to avoid foods that contain common allergens such as soy, corn, wheat, by-products, chemicals, fillers, additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, or colors. The best dog foods for American Staffordshire Terriers contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.

Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for American Staffordshire Terriers

Trying to determine the correct amount of food to feed an American Staffordshire Terrier can be a challenge. The breed is athletic and highly active, and thus, needs a premium quality diet to achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness. The best dog foods for American Staffordshire Terriers list suggested serving sizes on their packaging. Experts agree that this is an excellent starting point in finding the correct portion for a dog’s meals.

Adjustments can be made to these suggestions. A dog’s weight, age, activity level, and appetite will all offer helpful hints as to whether not the amount of food should be increased or decreased.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a true athlete, and thus, is not prone to weight gain. However, free feeding this breed is still strongly discouraged. To maintain a good body condition, it is recommended that all intake be measured and monitored daily.

Dietary Requirements for American Staffordshire Terrier Dog Foods

Highly active dogs like the Amstaff require an exceptional and well-balanced food formulation to fuel their busy lifestyle. The best dog foods for American Staffordshire Terriers are based on a lean meat. Whole meats are the ideal choice, but meat meals are equally as good.

By-products and plant-based proteins such as corn, wheat, and soy are common allergens for many dogs and are more difficult on the digestive system. These are best avoided. Other ingredients that offer no nutritional benefit to the American Staffordshire Terrier include chemicals, additives, preservatives fillers, artificial flavors, and colors.

Carbohydrates help the American Staffordshire Terrier to enjoy good digestion and a healthy immune system. Since the breed can be predisposed to allergies, some owners prefer to give their dogs a grain-free formulation. However, dogs that have expressed no allergies to foods can be fed whole grains, fruits, or vegetables with no ill effects.

Healthy fats contribute to excellent coat and skin health and also boost energy reserves in the busy American Staffordshire Terrier. These are best found in animal-based foods and include such ingredients as oily fish and chicken fat. Plant-based oils such as safflower, canola, and coconut also offer ample servings of these important nutrients.

It is always wise to consider a food that includes supplements in its food formulation. The ideal supplements for the American Staffordshire Terrier’s health are glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.

Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for American Staffordshire Terriers

Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for a American Staffordshire Terrier:

• Lean, meat-based proteins heading up the ingredients list

The American Staffordshire Terrier requires a diet based on a meat to thrive. Whole meats or meat meals are the best options. Foods based on by-products or plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, or wheat should be avoided entirely. 

• Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients

Chemicals, fillers, artificial flavorings and colorings, and mystery ingredients provide no nutritional benefit to an American Staffordshire Terrier. Diets containing any of these items are best left on the shelf.  

• Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements

Supplements help a food to work its most effectively. The most beneficial supplements for the American Staffordshire Terrier are glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.

• Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food

All foods appropriate for the American Staffordshire Terrier should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.