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When they first see an American Bully dog, many people believe they’re looking at a Pitbull! That’s because there are some similarities between the American Bully and Pitbull dog breeds. However, the American Bully dog is a completely separate breed from Pitbulls.
The American Bully is becoming more popular, even though this is a newer breed. If you’re the new pet parent to an American Bully dog, then you may be wondering how to care for and feed your fur baby! If so, then we have information to help you find the best food for your American Bully!
Nutritional Requirements of the American Bully
Before we get into the best food for your dog, it’s important that you know the nutritional requirements for your canine companion. In this article, we’ll take a look at the nutritional needs of an adult dog.
Adult American Bully dogs between the age of 12-18 months usually do best on adult kibble dog foods. However, no matter what type of dog food you choose, it should provide at least 18% protein. Keep in mind that American Bullies have plenty of muscle mass. So, the optimal amount of protein for an adult dog is about 23%.
When it comes to calories, the American Bully requires somewhere between 900 to 1,300 calories. However, the calories your dog needs will depend on his weight and on how active he is. Dogs that lead a more sedentary lifestyle will require fewer calories, while very active dogs will need a higher number of calories. If you’re in doubt about how many calories your dog should eat, then be sure to ask the veterinarian. They’ll be the best source of guidance about exactly how many calories your fur baby needs each day.
In addition to protein, an American Bully also requires omega fatty acids. This is because this dog breed tends to suffer from various skin issues.
The nutritional requirements will be slightly different if you have a senior American Bully dog. The definition of a senior American Bully is one that is about eight years or more. As a dog ages, their body undergoes changes, just like humans. For instance, some dogs may become frail, and they’re not as energetic.
For this reason, a senior American Bully dog requires senior kibble, which is easier to eat. Senior kibble provides high amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin, which help a dog’s aging joints. Dog food for seniors also contains lower amounts of fat. However, older American Bully dogs still require plenty of omega fatty acids, along with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, to stay healthy and boost their immune system.
High-Quality Dog Foods vs. Low-Quality Dog Foods
When it comes to your fur baby’s nutrition, you want to focus on a high-quality diet. Why? Because your dog’s health depends on his diet. A dog’s diet provides the energy and nutrients needed throughout the day. The dog food you choose for your canine companion can also determine how long your dog lives and more. Dog food is also extremely important for your dog’s appearance and behavior.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSo, is it OK to feed your dog low-quality dog food?
Many pet parents choose cheaper dog food because of the reasonable, affordable cost. That’s OK. But it’s essential your fur baby’s diet contains the nutrients he needs each day. Many low-quality dog foods simply don’t offer the right nutrition or the right mix of nutrients to keep your American Bully healthy and happy.
Low-quality dog food is often made with ingredients that could even be harmful to your dog. These foods may contain harmful preservatives, waste products, chemicals, pesticides, toxins, and more. Harmful ingredients will feed your dog, but they could make him very sick.
This is why it’s imperative to buy high-quality dog food for your American Bully. Excellent dog foods have everything your fur baby needs to stay healthy and happy for many years to come. They provide a balanced diet that helps your dog look and feel good while boosting his immune system. What’s more, your dog will have plenty of energy with the right dog food!
The Specific Nutrients Needed by an American Bully Dog
In the last section, we looked at what an American Bully requires to be healthy. Now, we’ll take a look at the specific nutrients that your canine friend needs to stay healthy and happy!
Protein
Your dog’s protein needs to come from meat. Meat contains essential amino acids that help build up and make muscles healthy. The protein can come from animal sources such as beef, poultry, and fish. You may find high-quality dog foods that use the protein from the heart, liver, kidneys, and spleen. Some dog foods may also use the intestines (after they’re emptied and cleaned).
When reading the ingredient label on any dog food, you should see meat listed as the very first ingredient. The protein should be from a natural source.
Fat
Next up on the nutrient requirements for a Bully dog is fat. Yes, you read that correctly! Most people believe fat is a bad thing. However, fat is needed in any healthy diet, whether that be for a dog or a human! Fat is needed to help the body absorb vitamins to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Fats in premium dog food usually are sourced from poultry, fish, vegetable, or soybeans. Dog food for an American Bully should contain 10% to 15% fat, which is the right amount to keep a Bully dog healthy. More fat than this is not healthy in dog food.
Carbohydrates
This is another nutrient that many people consider to be unhealthy; however, carbohydrates (carbs) are needed in a dog’s (and human’s) balanced diet. Carbs are important for a Bully’s health; the dog’s body turns carbs into sugars (glucose). Cells require glucose to function correctly and are needed to support the brain and the nervous system.
Carbs found in dog food usually come from wheat, oats, rice, corn, and barley. Some of these ingredients also provide the fiber your Bully dog needs!
Fiber usually comes from oats, brown rice, beet pulp, pectin, and other sources. A dog food label should include “whole” grain fiber, which indicates the ingredients include the nutrients and fiber needed to keep your dog regular (pooping) and healthy.
The Best Dog Foods for American Bully Dogs
OK, with all of that information out the way, we’re ready to review some of the best dog foods for your American Bully dog! Let’s get started!
1). Orijen Tundra Dog Food Goat Venison Bison
Orijen’s is famous for their slogan “biologically appropriate” food. Their food is based on the ancestral foods of wolves, which are the ancestors of all domesticated dog breeds. Orijen’s food is not highly processed or filled with nothing but carbs and starches. What you find here is a dog food that provides the complete nutrition that your evolved (descended from wolves) dog requires.
Tundra dog food is made with fresh meat from wild-caught whole fish, beef, wild boar, bison, lamb, pork, goat, venison, and free-run poultry. You’ll find this kibble also makes use of these animals’ organ meat, cartilage, and bone, which is what a wild wolf would also eat.
What’s more, this dog food also contains vegetables and grains, including whole red lentils, green lentils, green peas, chickpeas, yellow peas, pinto beans, duck fat, apples, parsnips, and so much more.
In addition, this dog food offers more calories from fat and protein, with fewer coming from carbs. Your dog will have all the nutrients he needs with this dog food!
2). Maximum Bully Elite K9 Nutrition and Pork Dog Food
This dog food is made by Replenish Pet, which makes dog food, especially for Bully breeds. Their formula is packed with 32% protein and 22% fat. It also contains yeast protein, which is helpful for building strong muscles and ensuring your fur baby is very healthy!
Maximum Bully also contains all the nutrients a dog needs and is a great choice for all life stages. The ingredients in this dog food come from real chicken, pork and also includes oatmeal, cranberry, probiotics, and pumpkin. All of these ingredients mean your dog will be happy, healthy, and strong! He’ll also have plenty of energy!
3). Taste of the Wild Dry Dog Food Roasted Bison & Venison Grain-Free
Here’s another dog food that has plenty of protein from natural sources! The protein ingredients for this dog food are sourced from bison and venison, which help to support and maintain strong, lean muscles.
Taste of the Wild also includes vitamins and minerals from other sources, including eggs, tomatoes, peas, blueberries, raspberries, yucca, and more. It also contains plenty of probiotics to ensure your dog’s gut stays healthy!
What’s more, Taste of the Wild also provides your Bully dog with the right amount of carbs and fat. So, you know he’ll receive a healthy, balanced diet with this dog food!
One more note—Taste of the Wild also has a climate-friendly pledge. They are dedicated to using sustainable sources for their products and ensuring their dog food is friendly to the environment.
4). Natural Balance Beef Formula
Natural Balance Beef formula is another high-quality dog food, which keeps their ingredient list limited. The protein in this dog food comes from beef, and you’ll find this is the first ingredient on the label. Other ingredients include peas, chickpeas, canola oil, flaxseed, and plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Natural Balance provides all the nutrients your dog needs, including the right amount of protein, carbs, and fats (including omega 3 and 6 fatty acids).
5). Victor Select – Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula
Victor Select is manufactured by Victor, who has a slogan that says, “Proven nutrition. Fueled by passion.” They have made sure this is a premium dog food that offers all the nutrition your American Bully needs to be healthy, happy, and strong.
This dog food is for all life stages and provides protein from high-quality beef. The food supports a dog’s metabolic function and immune system. It also helps keep a dog’s coat and skin healthy and shiny. The dog food is also easy to digest.
You’ll find the ingredients in this dog food include beef, whole grain brown rice, chicken fat, yeast, carrots, tomatoes, dried seaweed, and probiotics. It’s also fortified with all the essential vitamins and minerals needed to keep an American Bully dog healthy and happy.
6). Solid Gold High Protein Dry Dog Food: Barking at the Moon Grain Free with Real Beef
This dog food, made by Solid Gold, is packed with all the nutrition a Bully dog needs. This dog food is grain-free and a holistic, natural formula that keeps your Bully’s health and his muscles lean and strong. It’s great for all life stages.
Your Bully will love this dog food as it’s high in protein, has low carbs, and contains real meat! The ingredients in this formula include USA-sourced beef (as the first ingredient), along with ocean fish to give your dog the protein he needs.
This dog food is also grain-free and gluten-free, which makes it the perfect choice for dogs who have allergies. It’s also packed with omega fatty acids, which ensure your dog’s skin and coat are healthy and shiny. What’s more, this is a food that provides all the nutrients your American Bully needs!
7). Crave Grain Free High Protein Adult Dry Dog Food, Beef & Chicken
Crave Pet Foods ensures their dog foods support the dog’s natural diet. It contains the right amount of protein for a Bully, too!
The number one ingredient on the label is chicken; however, you don’t need to worry about any other chicken parts in this dry dog food. That’s because no chicken by-products are used in this food. You also won’t find corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives!
What’s more, Crave contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which makes it a great choice for American Bully dogs. This is a dog food that has all the right nutrients in the right balance. This is complete, healthy dog food for your fur baby!
Summing It Up
As you can see, there are some great choices when it comes to your dog’s food. Each of the dog foods included in this post is perfect for the American Bully.
Remember to always check the dog food’s label before you buy! And if you’re not sure how much food your dog needs each day, check with the vet. They’ll know how much dog food your American Bully needs to stay happy and healthy for plenty of energy and lean, strong muscles!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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