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Home > Dogs > 7 Best Dog Foods for Pit Bulls at PetSmart in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

7 Best Dog Foods for Pit Bulls at PetSmart in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

pitbull eating

PetSmart offers a comprehensive list of goods and services to pet owners living all over the map. With locations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada, PetSmart continues to grow, catering to the needs of exotic to domesticated house pets.

If you have a Pit Bull breed in your home and PetSmart nearby, you might wonder if you can take care of all their needs in one stop. So, for your convenience, we rounded up seven of the best dog food recipes for Pit Bulls that PetSmart carries in their inventory. Here are our reviews.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024 Update)

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
  • Antioxidant-rich life source bits
  • Great for everyday nutrition
  • Easily digestible grains
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Purina ONE SmartBlend Dog Food Purina ONE SmartBlend Dog Food
  • Affordable
  • Savory recipe
  • Sufficient moisture content
  • Third place
    Freshpet Vital Balanced Nutrition Freshpet Vital Balanced Nutrition
  • Fresh, whole protein
  • Easily digestible ingredients
  • Gently cooked
  • Best for Puppies
    Purina ProPlan Classic Puppy Purina ProPlan Classic Puppy
  • Added DHA, vitamins, and minerals
  • Aids in development
  • Easy to digest formula for puppies
  • Best Grain-Free Choice
    Simply Nourish Grain-Free Adult Dog Food Simply Nourish Grain-Free Adult Dog Food
  • Grain-free
  • Whole ingredients
  • Appetite-inducing
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    The 7 Best Dog Foods for Pit Bulls at PetSmart

    1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food – Best Overall

    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

    Brand: Blue Buffalo
    Type: Dry kibble
    Calories: 377
    Protein: 24%
    Fat: 14%
    Fiber: 5%
    Moisture: 10%

    Our favorite overall was the Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula over all the other excellent options. We think it would meet the needs of most adult canines, providing an all-natural, carefully crafted recipe your pup can enjoy day after day. It should meet the needs of most healthy adults.

    This particular Blue Buffalo recipe is dry kibble, which cleans the teeth to rid plaque buildup. This recipe also contains Blue’s famous LifeSource Bits, which are soft, meaty, antioxidant-packed morsels your dog can enjoy.

    In this recipe, there are 377 calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 24% crude protein, 14% crude fat, 5% crude fiber, and 10% moisture. There are a lot of terrific ingredients in this recipe, with no fillers, artificial flavors, or byproducts.

    This recipe contains grain, but rather than using potentially irritating ingredients, there are easy-to-digest grains like barley and oatmeal. We can only say that the kibble is a bit crumby—but we think that’s hardly a downfall.

    Pros
    • Antioxidant-rich life source bits
    • Great for everyday nutrition
    • Easily digestible grains
    Cons
    • A bit crumby

    2. Purina ONE SmartBlend Dog Food – Best Value

    Purina ONE SmartBlend Dog Food

    Brand: Purina
    Type: Wet
    Calories: 425
    Protein: 8%
    Fat: 7%
    Fiber: 1.5%
    Moisture: 78%

    If you want to serve your dog quality wet food at a modest price, try out Purina ONE SmartBlend Dog Food. Your dog will love the flavors, and buying repeatedly won’t break the bank. We think it is the best dog food at PetSmart for the money.

    This particular recipe featured classic ground beef and brown rice. In each serving, there are calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 8% crude protein, 7% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 78% crude moisture.

    SmartBlend aims to provide your pooch with natural nutrition, adding adequate vitamins and minerals. This recipe has no poultry byproducts, and beef is the number one ingredient. We loved this aspect, ensuring your dog is getting chunks of real meat.

    Pit Bulls are large dogs, and some can get massive. Serving wet food as a standalone diet might get expensive. However, a combination diet might stretch far for your dollar.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Savory recipe
    • Sufficient moisture content
    Cons
    • Might get expensive for dogs with larger appetites

    3. Freshpet Vital Balanced Nutrition

    Fresh Pet Vital Balanced Diet Wet Dog Food

    Brand: Freshpet
    Type: Fresh
    Calories: 300
    Protein: 9%
    Fat: 7%
    Fiber: 15%
    Moisture: 76%

    We won’t lie to you—Freshpet Vital Balanced Nutrition is excellent dog food, but it is pretty expensive. However, each recipe contains healthy, fresh ingredients that will nourish your Pit’s whole body, making it well worth the added dollars. If it’s within your budget, we highly suggest trying it.

    Vital comes in a tube of soft dog food with all sorts of healthy ingredients like whole protein, eggs, carrots, brown rice, and rice bran. Since these grains are easy to digest and the moisture content is higher than traditional commercial foods, they get the most out of each vitamin and mineral.

    In one serving of this dog food, there are 300 calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 9% crude protein, 7% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 76% moisture. There are also added omega fatty acids to improve skin and coat.

    This product is gently cooked, meaning it was cooked at a very low temperature to preserve all nutrients therein. All additives are non-GMO, it’s packed with protein, and it has high fiber content. We really think it would nourish your Pit Bull’s overall health.

    Pros
    • Fresh, whole protein
    • Easily digestible ingredients
    • Gently cooked
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Purina ProPlan Classic Puppy – Best for Puppies

    Purina Pro Plan Focus Puppy Food

    Brand: Purina
    Type: Wet
    Calories: 475
    Protein: 10%
    Fat: 7%
    Fiber: 1.5%
    Moisture: 76%

    Nutrition during the puppy years is incredibly important, especially for larger, muscular breeds like Pits. Getting a puppy chow that will support their quickly developing bones, muscles, and organs is a must for all owners. We personally love the Purina ProPlan Classic Puppy.

    The chicken and brown rice recipe boosts protein and aids in digestion, ensuring your pup’s entire body is getting the attention they deserve. It contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals in all. The added moisture and savory flavors of wet food have their benefits, too.

    In one serving of this wet food, there are 475 calories. The guaranteed analysis of the product includes 10% crude protein, 7% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 76% moisture. It also contains DHA, which aids in your puppy’s brain development.

    The only downfall we can see is that standalone wet food diets can cause plaque buildup on the teeth. If you use wet food only, make sure to brush your pup’s teeth daily.

    Pros
    • Added DHA, vitamins, and minerals
    • Aids in development
    • Easy-to-digest formula for puppies
    Cons
    • Can cause plaque buildup

    5. Simply Nourish Grain-Free Adult Wet Dog Food — Best Grain-Free Choice

    Simply Nourish Grain-Free Adult Wet Dog Food

    Brand: Simply Nourish
    Type: Wet
    Calories: 221
    Protein: 10%
    Fat: 1.4%
    Fiber: 1%
    Moisture: 83%

    If you have a grain-sensitive dog, they might love the fresh down-home tastes of Simply Nourish Grain-Free Adult Wet Dog Food. This particular formula features tuna and salmon, creating a robust, aromatic recipe that is sure to draw in your canine’s nose.

    This wet food has whole ingredients you can see, so you know your dog is getting what is on the label. This recipe has tuna, tuna broth, salmon, potatoes, peas, and carrots to give your Pit a punch of wholesome nutrition.

    In one serving, there are 221 calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 10% crude protein, 1.4% crude fat, 1% crude fiber, and 83% moisture.

    If you’re sensitive to strong smells, the aroma might bother you.

    Pros
    • Grain-free
    • Whole ingredients
    • Appetite-inducing
    Cons
    • Strong smell

    6. Authority Adult Large Breed

    Authority Large Breed Adult Dog Food

    Brand: Authority
    Type: Kibble
    Calories: 371
    Protein: 25%
    Fat: 12%
    Fiber: 4%
    Moisture: 10%

    If your Pittie is large and stocky like most, Authority Adult Large Breed will give them the balanced nutrition their bodies will need. It is perfect for everyday health, serving up an easy-to-digest meal that your dog will crave.

    This recipe contains real deboned chicken as the first ingredient, so you know your dog is getting a whole protein source. Even though most ingredients are completely healthy, this recipe does contain corn—which some Pits can be allergic to.

    In one cup of this dry kibble, there are 371 calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 25% crude protein, 12% crude fat, and 4% crude fiber. It also contains live prebiotics for gut health.

    This recipe specifically targets joint support and mobility maintenance, containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. It also boosts the immune system to keep your dog happy and healthy. So, it is perfect long-term for your larger Pit.

    Pros
    • Easy to digest
    • Whole protein
    • Boosts immunity
    Cons
    • Might cause allergic reactions

    7. Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition

    Pedigree Steak & Vegetable Adult Dog Food

    Brand: Pedigree
    Type: Dry kibble
    Calories: 309
    Protein: 21%
    Fat: 10%
    Fiber: 4%
    Moisture: 12%

    Pedigree Adult Complete Nutrition is a solid pick for your Pit as long as they have no known allergies. While this brand is trusted for pet nutrition, it contains lots of potentially irritating ingredients, which many Pit Bulls can be allergic to.

    In any case, this recipe flavor consists of steak and vegetables, appealing to most dogs’ appetites. It contains whole grains, bone and meat meal, and omega fatty acids for everyday health and overall well-being.

    In one serving, there are 309 calories. The guaranteed analysis of this product includes 21% crude protein, 0% crude fat, 4% crude fiber, and 12% moisture. All recipes are crafted in the USA with traceable ingredients.

    Though this product doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes, or sugar, it might not provide adequate protein, especially for very active dogs.

    Pros
    • Flavorful recipe
    • Well-balanced
    • Crafted in the USA
    Cons
    • Low protein content
    • Potential allergy triggers

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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Food for Pit Bulls

    Pit bull American Staffordshire Terrier with food bowl eating
    Image By: BoJack, Shutterstock

    When you choose a diet plan for your Pit Bull, things might not always work out according to plan. Every dog is different—each has its own taste or texture preferences, health battles, and sensitivities. PetSmart is a company that is dedicated to pet welfare, and they have many food options for Pits.

    Regardless of individual issues, Pit Bulls as a breed require a high protein, nutrient-rich diet that caters to muscle and bone health. These dogs have heavy bodies and deep muscle definition, which they will need to maintain.

    Dog Food Budget

    If you shop at PetSmart, choosing a budget-friendly option is important. If you select a higher-priced item, it might cost even more at locations like PetSmart. Always check in-store prices before you commit to a new diet for your Pit.

    Dog Food Ingredients

    Your Pit is part of the family, and you want to feed them as such—we get it. Ingredients are especially important to this breed for a few reasons. First, they are a muscle-dense breed, needing a protein-rich dog food that can keep up.

    Next, they can be very prone to food-related triggers. While companies tout grain-free recipes, often, it’s protein, dairy, and artificial ingredients that are the culprit.

    Dog Food Flavors

    If your Pittie is anything like ours, they aren’t very picky. In fact, that’s putting it lightly—they’re vacuum cleaners with legs. But some flavors really get their attention. Finding a recipe your Pit enjoys that is still totally healthy for them is crucial.

    Dog Food Life Stage

    During dinner, buying according to the life stage of your Pit should be at the top of your priority list. Puppy, adult, and senior chow have very different formulas to develop, maintain, and enhance their bodies.

    Because your Pit grows semi-slow, stopping growth at 18 months, they need to eat puppy chow until that marker (even though many suggest transitioning at a year.)

    closeup of a puppy pitbull
    Image By: Diego Thomazini, Shutterstock

    Importance of High Protein

    Pit Bulls absolutely require a protein-rich diet from puppyhood to the golden years. The more muscly they are, the higher that requirement. Many lower-quality dog foods have lower-quality protein sources, as a general whole.

    The good news is that you can stay within your budget while providing your dog with adequate protein just from recipes at PetSmart.

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    Conclusion

    Again, our favorite recipe of all was Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula. The cost will fit into most budgets, it’s completely healthy, and it covers all nutritional needs for adult Pit Bulls. Plus, there are antioxidant-packed LifeSource Bits to boost immunity.

    If you want to save money but buy quality, try out Purina ONE SmartBlend Wet Dog Food. It gives your Pit a kick of moisture, and they won’t mind the flavor. We think it is really terrific nutrition for the money.

    Regardless of which of these foods are on your radar, we hope you are ready to purchase—or at least informed about Pit Bulldog food at PetSmart.


    Featured Image Credit: Roberto Cabrera Castro, Shutterstock

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