When it comes to pit bull nutritional needs, or any dog’s nutritional needs, we tend to want to believe that if a company says that their dry food is nutritionally complete, then it must be so. There are a couple of reasons for this.
First, they couldn’t say it if it wasn’t true, right? And none of us wants to think that we are depriving our dogs of anything less than the best of care. Unfortunately, there are too many popular dry dog foods out there that are far from nutritionally complete, healthy, or even safe for your dog to eat.
Pit Bull Nutritional Needs Explored
Pit bulls are active dogs that need a healthy, balanced diet to replace nutrients lost through exercise. Dogs, in general, are essentially carnivores that require high quality protein as the basis of their diet. Protein can be found in plant sources, but evolution has geared dogs to digest meats more effectively than plants, so plant based dry dog food nutrients are not as assimilable as meat based nutrients might be. The extrusion process that is used to make dry dog food requires a degree of dryness provided by corn or wheat gluten, or bone meal that allows it to function properly.
To get fit and stay healthy, your dog must have the following essential nutrients in the right proportions: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, water vitamins, and minerals. Even though dogs are primarily meat eaters, a pure protein diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, so make sure he gets a balance of these six items daily. One way to insure pit bull nutritional needs is to prepare his meals yourself. This is not as difficult as one might think.
Understanding Labels
Learning how to read labels can help in choosing a healthier product for your pet. There are guidelines followed by pet food companies that can somewhat indicate the quality of a product. A label that describes its contents as 100% must be comprised only of that ingredient and a fraction of others necessary for processing.
A can labeled “dinner” recipe, formula, platter, etc… indicates a product that contains at least 25% of the meat or meats described. Ingredients in a dog food are listed according to weight in descending order. For more information about label guidelines contact the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
Feeding Your Pit Bull Puppy
Are you a new dog owner ? Have other pets but this is your first time owning a pitbull puppy? Feeding time can be a stressful and overwhelming situation if you don’t know what you are doing. The tips outlined below will help you established a proper feeding routine and build a stronger relationship with your pup.
Proper Feeding Routine for Your Pit Bull Puppy
The first step is just that, establishing a feeding routine. If your Pit Bull puppy is 8 weeks or younger, be sure to feed him four times a day, in small amounts. If older than 8 weeks, you should cut down feeding times to just two times a day, gradually increasing the amount of food. Feed your canine at certain times of the day, you being the one who decides when that is. There is no golden rule on specific feeding times, just that you have to feed your dog twice a day.
What Foods are the Best for Feeding Pit Bull Puppy
To be honest, dogs prefer canned food, as it is moist, aromatic, and simply delicious. It just melts in their mouth and slides down their throat. Because they have to chew the dry dog food, and it is less delicious, some dogs will refuse to eat it entirely. You should not choose what to feed your dog simply on taste though.
Dry dog food is beneficial to them because the kibbles work as a natural toothbrush, wiping away the plaque and other gunk on your pitbull’s teeth. The chewing action also helps the pup build a strong jaw, which is crucial to his overall dental health. Some dog owners have opted to mix canned and dry dog food, achieving the “best of both worlds”.
Buy Only Verified Food for Your Pit Bull
Be sure you are using quality dog food, preferably purchased in a store. Believe it or not, I once purchased some “homemade” dog food at a market downtown. The man said he owned a dog shelter and called himself a real canine enthusiast. I thought I was doing the right thing by supporting local business. My pitbull puppy got so sick, he had to stay overnight at the vet’s office. Be sure you know what you getting yourself into. The next day, the man wasn’t there anymore. Nevertheless, I am not making that mistake twice.
In conclusion, remember that dogs are not all the same. You have your favorite foods and so does your pup. Experiment with different formulas until you get a positive reaction. Consult a veterinarian if you have any questions or if any problems arise. They are your friend and there to protect and serve.
Foods To Avoid
Following is a short list of some foods that can harm your dog:
- Avocado can be mildly toxic causing stomach upset.
- Bread dough containing yeast can expand in a dog’s stomach causing a variety of issues.
- Chocolate, depending on type (light or dark) can cause a range of problems from mild stomach upset to death.
- Alcohol will cause intoxication that can lead to death depending on the amount consumed.
- Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, pain, tremors, and fever. Symptoms usually subside in 48 hours.
- Onions and garlic in quantity or in concentrated form causes red blood cell damage that could require transfusions.
- Xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar level and liver failure.
It is pretty easy to keep your pit bull from eating these items in the home, but it’s harder to keep track of everything they pick up outside. Also, it is important not to give in to his begging, or to get into the habit of feeding him leftovers. Pit bull nutritional needs will be easily satisfied through cooperation between you and your pittie.